Mark C Kime

US Patent:

7118533, Oct 10, 2006

Filed:

May 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/249762

Inventors:

Mark Chandler Kime - Valparaiso IN, US
Richard Hartley Johnston - Westville IN, US

International Classification:

A61B 8/00

US Classification:

600462, 134170

Abstract:

An apparatus adapted for use with a trans-esophageal probe. The apparatus comprises a disinfecting unit and a storage unit, each of which includes a tubular housing having an interior, upper and lower ends, and an opening at the upper end for access to the interior. The disinfecting unit includes a support above the upper end of its housing for supporting a handle of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. The interior of the disinfecting unit is adapted to contain a fluid, and is equipped with a fluid level indicator and a drain for draining the fluid from the housing. The storage unit includes an enclosure removably mounted to the upper end of its housing for enclosing the handle end of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. Both units further include a support for a connector of a probe placed in the unit.

US Patent:

20040134692, Jul 15, 2004

Filed:

Nov 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/703056

Inventors:

Mark Kime - Valparaiso IN, US
Richard Johnston - Westville IN, US

International Classification:

B62D051/04

US Classification:

180/019100

Abstract:

A freestanding self-propelled device for moving objects. The device includes a chassis having lower frame portions and upright frame portions. A single motor-driven drive wheel is centrally located between the lateral ends of the chassis and coupled to the chassis so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. The drive wheel is located between sets of support wheels coupled to the lower frame portion of the chassis. In combination, the drive wheel and the support wheels result in the device being freestanding. The drive wheel projects below the sets of support wheels so that the device is supported by the drive wheel and by only one of each set of support wheels at any given time, thereby establishing a three-point contact with the surface supporting the device. A tiller equipped with controls is pivotably coupled to the drive wheel for pivoting the drive wheel about its vertical axis.