Patents by Inventor Charles R. Kopplin

Charles R. Kopplin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10066380
    Abstract: A valve for a toilet includes an inlet and a gate configured to prevent fluid flow through the inlet. The gate includes an at least partially spherical surface and is configured to pivot eccentrically relative to the spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jorsch, Benjamin W. Marotz, Charles R. Kopplin, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Publication number: 20120278986
    Abstract: A valve for a toilet includes an inlet and a gate configured to prevent fluid flow through the inlet. The gate includes an at least partially spherical surface and is configured to pivot eccentrically relative to the spherical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jorsch, Benjamin W. Marotz, Charles R. Kopplin, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Patent number: 8230533
    Abstract: Disclosed are trap valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit positionable immediately below a toilet bowl discharge outlet. It has a pivotable gate in a form of a spherical segment. The gate has an eccentric pivoting motion so that it can swing from an open position to a blocking/closing position in which it fully contacts a sealing gasket. The spherical segment has a leading edge which is approximately between +40° and ?40° from vertical when the gate is in an open position, to minimize the energy required to close the gate. In another form a ball and socket connection to the gate valve facilitates sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jorsch, Benjamin W. Marotz, Charles R. Kopplin, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Publication number: 20080072372
    Abstract: Disclosed are trap valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit positionable immediately below a toilet bowl discharge outlet. It has a pivotable gate in a form of a spherical segment. The gate has an eccentric pivoting motion so that it can swing from an open position to a blocking/closing position in which it fully contacts a sealing gasket. The spherical segment has a leading edge which is approximately between +40° and ?40° from vertical when the gate is in an open position, to minimize the energy required to close the gate. In another form a ball and socket connection to the gate valve facilitates sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jorsch, Benjamin W. Marotz, Charles R. Kopplin, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Patent number: 7284286
    Abstract: Disclosed are valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit in which a pivotable gate is mounted. The gate can swing from a blocking/closing position to a position in which it is essentially hidden away in a recess out of the main flow path. The surface of the gate facing the bowl is inwardly dished to further facilitate flow optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Charles R. Kopplin, Thomas C. Jorsch, Benjamin W. Marotz