Patents by Inventor Douglas C. Saunders

Douglas C. Saunders 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: 9181687
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability are presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. The dual flush mechanism can include a basket structure. A gasket can be attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket can form a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8943620
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20150013055
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8881319
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for external float extensions. In one embodiment, an external float extension includes an external adjustment rod configured to affix to a quick flush float of a dual flush assembly and an external float configured to be positioned on the external adjustment rod. In another embodiment, a dual flush assembly includes a quick flush float, an external adjustment rod affixed to the quick flush float, and an external float positioned on the external adjustment rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8307594
    Abstract: Disclosed are a toilet flapper and associated methods. In one representative embodiment, a flapper is provided having an upper side and a sealing side, the sealing side including a sealing surface. A dome protrudes from the sealing side at a middle of the sealing surface. Also, an opening of the dome is positioned in the upper side of the flapper. A float is employed with the flapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20120017363
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for offsetting of flush adapters. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an adapter configured to attach to a flush mechanism configured to provide for a predefined flush capability in a toilet, a gasket attached to adapter, the gasket forming a seal between the flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve, where the flush valve is configured to seat a sealing member, and means for securing the gasket in position with respect to the flush orifice of the flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20110225715
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for external float extensions. In one embodiment, an external float extension includes an external adjustment rod configured to affix to a quick flush float of a dual flush assembly and an external float configured to be positioned on the external adjustment rod. In another embodiment, a dual flush assembly includes a quick flush float, an external adjustment rod affixed to the quick flush float, and an external float positioned on the external adjustment rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20110167549
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for dual flush activation. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a handle assembly; and a transfer box configured to detachably connect to an actuation control box of the dual flush toilet system. The transfer box is configured to translate a rotational motion of the handle assembly into a linear motion accepted by the actuation control box to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system. In another embodiment, an assembly includes a dual-input actuation control box configured to detachably connect to a rotary handle assembly and a push button assembly. The dual-input transfer box is configured to translate a rotational motion of the rotary handle assembly and a liner motion of the push button assembly into a linear motion to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Publication number: 20100218308
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20090276947
    Abstract: Disclosed are a toilet flapper and associated methods. In one representative embodiment, a flapper is provided having an upper side and a sealing side, the sealing side including a sealing surface. A dome protrudes from the sealing side at a middle of the sealing surface. Also, an opening of the dome is positioned in the upper side of the flapper. A float is employed with the flapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders