Erik Ae Brown

US Patent:

8510875, Aug 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 4, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/633073

Inventors:

Thomas Helbig - Russelsheim, DE
Michael L. Higgins - Brea CA, US
Erik Brown - Brea CA, US
Martin Oberlack - Seeheim-Jugenheim, DE
Jorg Schaffner - Darmstadt, DE
Martin Bremerich - Olsberg, DE
Joerg-Michael Fitzke - Brilon, DE

International Classification:

E03D 1/00

US Classification:

4314

Abstract:

An indicator that the cartridge is draining slowly is placed on top of the cartridge. When slow draining causes urine to pool on top of the cartridge, liquid enters a float housing, causing an indicator to change color. The indicator is visible through a lens in a diverter. The indicator may be a disk that undergoes a chemical reaction to change color or a float that flips over to reveal a side having a different color. When the cartridge is operating properly, the float displays a first color. Flipping of the float reveals a second color to the observer. A color change indicates, such as by signaling, that the cartridge needs to be replaced.

US Patent:

20070083989, Apr 19, 2007

Filed:

May 5, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/429425

Inventors:

Michael Higgins - La Habra Heights CA, US
Robert Avetisian - Pico Rivera CA, US
Erik Brown - Brea CA, US

International Classification:

E03D 13/00

US Classification:

004301000

Abstract:

An elastomeric anti-flushing diaphragm () having a cantilevered peripheral rim () is supported by and resides under a diverter () which is placed directly over the main or primary drain opening () in a top wall () of a urinal cartridge (). As liquid passes under the diverter, a negative pressure or suction is created on the underside () of the diaphragm. As the flow of liquid increases, the negative pressure increases to pull down the peripheral edge (rim ) of the diaphragm on the top wall and to constrict the flow of liquid that can pass under it, thus limiting the amount of turbulence in the sealing fluid () within the cartridge and preventing its loss to an external drain tube (). When the liquid flow is sufficient to rise above the diverter, as in the case of a bucket () of water () being poured into the urinal bowl, the water creates a positive pressure above the diaphragm, that is, on its upper side (). This positive pressure, in concert with the negative pressure on the underside of the diaphragm, seals the peripheral edge of the diaphragm to the top of the cartridge, thereby blocking the main drain and diverts the liquid to smaller secondary openings () in the top wall which can operate otherwise as cartridge-removing tool holes and vent holes. The flow through the secondary openings allows slow drainage and no loss of sealant. When the pressure subsides or is reduced, the diaphragm returns to its normal position due to its elastic resiliency, and allows normal operation of the water free urinal without any restriction.

US Patent:

20080028504, Feb 7, 2008

Filed:

Jun 15, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/812242

Inventors:

Michael Higgins - La Habra Heights CA, US
Robert Avetisian - Pico Riviera CA, US
Erik Brown - Brea CA, US
Thomas Helbig - Russelsheim, DE

International Classification:

A47K 11/12

US Classification:

004144100

Abstract:

A cartridge for placement in a urinal includes a chamber having an entry for receiving wastewater (e.g., urine), a quantity of sealant floatable on the wastewater in the chamber for functioning as a barrier to odors that may otherwise emanate from the wastewater in the chamber, a sealant reservoir coupled to the chamber for containing a supply of the sealant, and a closed path sealant dispenser for dispensing the sealant from the sealant reservoir to the chamber for maintaining the sealant modicum atop the wastewater. The sealant dispenser includes a cap having a U-shaped channel, and opening, and an orifice entering into a throat in which the sealant floats. An air vent avoids the buildup of suction in the primary reservoir. A secondary reservoir may be coupled to the sealant reservoir primarily for retaining additional sealant, in addition to any wastewater that might accompany the sealant for conserving sealant, and is particularly useful to avoid the deleterious effects of water being dumped into cartridge, particularly, sealant that is flushed out and into drain through the outlet-to-drain compartment, which flushing has a minimal effect on the sealant in the secondary reservoir. If desired, a water reservoir may be housed within the cartridge.

US Patent:

20130230821, Sep 5, 2013

Filed:

Mar 2, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/410832

Inventors:

Erik Brown - Monrovia CA, US

Assignee:

ORMCO CORPORATION - Orange CA

International Classification:

A61C 5/04

US Classification:

433 29, 433224

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for heating an endodontic instrument by infrared radiation includes a housing defining a chamber. An infrared heating element is positioned within the chamber. The housing includes an aperture and an adjacent holder for holding the endodontic instrument, such as an obturator. The endodontic instrument held by the holder extends through the aperture and into the chamber. The infrared heating element directs infrared radiation toward the endodontic instrument, which heats the endodontic instrument.

US Patent:

20140030677, Jan 30, 2014

Filed:

Sep 30, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/041812

Inventors:

Erik Brown - Monrovia CA, US

Assignee:

ORMCO CORPORATION - Orange CA

International Classification:

A61C 5/04

US Classification:

433224

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for heating an endodontic instrument by infrared radiation includes a housing defining a chamber. An infrared heating element is positioned within the chamber. The housing includes an aperture and an adjacent holder for holding the endodontic instrument, such as an obturator. The endodontic instrument held by the holder extends through the aperture and into the chamber. The infrared heating element directs infrared radiation toward the endodontic instrument, which heats the endodontic instrument.

US Patent:

20170112590, Apr 27, 2017

Filed:

Oct 21, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/331483

Inventors:

Erik Brown - Monrovia CA, US
Brenton C. Lively - Orange CA, US
Steve Jones - Orange CA, US

International Classification:

A61C 1/00
A61C 5/02

Abstract:

Method and apparatuses for powering medical devices on and off. One embodiment provides an apparatus that includes a plurality of medical devices. Each of the plurality of medical devices is configured to be electrically activated and deactivated. A central unit is configured to communicate with each of the plurality of medical devices and to receive a signal indicative of a triggering event. In response to receiving a signal that a first triggering event has occurred, the central unit sends each of the plurality of medical devices a signal to activate at the same time.

US Patent:

20150190210, Jul 9, 2015

Filed:

Mar 20, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/664377

Inventors:

- Orange CA, US
Erik Brown - Monrovia CA, US

International Classification:

A61C 5/04

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for heating an endodontic instrument by infrared radiation includes a housing defining a chamber. An infrared heating element is positioned within the chamber. The housing includes an aperture and an adjacent holder for holding the endodontic instrument, such as an obturator. The endodontic instrument held by the holder extends through the aperture and into the chamber. The infrared heating element directs infrared radiation toward the endodontic instrument, which heats the endodontic instrument.