Patents by Inventor Michael J. Schuster

Michael J. Schuster 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: 9765507
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a seal for a closet collar. A sealing assembly is positioned on a closet collar for a drain pipe. The sealing assembly may comprise a portion on which a sealing component is positioned. A toilet is positioned over the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is compressed between the toilet and the closet collar, and a seal for the closet collar is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 9758957
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a seal for a closet collar. A sealing assembly is positioned on a closet collar for a drain pipe. The sealing assembly may comprise a portion on which a sealing component is positioned. A toilet is positioned over the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is compressed between the toilet and the closet collar, and a seal for the closet collar is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 9732504
    Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling the flow of water from a fill valve in a toilet tank to a toilet bowl of a toilet using a bowl fill valve are provided. An inlet of the bowl fill valve is coupled to a bowl fill outlet of the fill valve and the outlet of the bowl fill valve is channeled to the toilet bowl. In illustrative embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of determining when the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water during a flush cycle, and opening the bowl fill valve for a predefined period of time after the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water to fill the toilet bowl of the toilet with water. The predefined period of time is less than a total time of the flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Publication number: 20170130436
    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: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E.A. Stutzman, Doug Saunders
  • Publication number: 20170121956
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a toilet horn receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. A sealing rim is positioned at an upper end of the toilet horn receptacle, and at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the upper end of the toilet horn receptacle towards a center axis of the sealing rim. A funnel extends from the lower end of the toilet horn receptacle, and a channel wall circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle. The channel wall and at least the toilet horn receptacle form a continuous annular receptacle. A foam sealing component is disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle and such that the channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20170114532
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a seal for a closet collar. A sealing assembly is positioned on a closet collar for a drain pipe. The sealing assembly may comprise a portion on which a sealing component is positioned. A toilet is positioned over the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is compressed between the toilet and the closet collar, and a seal for the closet collar is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20170114533
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating the installation of a toilet over a closet collar for a drain pipe. According to various embodiments, a pipe extension for a closet collar adaptation assembly is positioned with the closet collar. The toilet is positioned over the closet collar adaptation assembly. At least one seal is provided between the toilet and the closet collar adaptation assembly to thereby facilitate passage of matter from the toilet through the closet collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 9556600
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Doug Saunders
  • Publication number: 20160369487
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle control. A rotary handle assembly for a dual flush toilet system includes a flush stop, a handle lever, a handle switch, and a restriction arm. The handle switch is configured to extend through a surface of the handle lever from an unextended position to an extended position. The restriction arm is configured to engage the handle switch at a proximal end and control engagement with the flush stop to restrict rotation of the handle lever based upon the position of the handle switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E.A. Stutzman
  • Publication number: 20160369486
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20160340207
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for smart water filter systems. In one example, a smart water filter system includes a solenoid valve (or other electrically operated valve) in a water supply line of a faucet, and a filter bank coupled to the water supply line. Activation of the valve can stop the flow of unfiltered water through the faucet while allowing the flow of filtered water through the faucet. In another example, a smart water filter system includes a three-port solenoid (or electrically operated) valve coupled to a faucet, and a filter bank coupled to the water supply line and to a second inlet port of the three-port solenoid valve. Activation of the three-port valve can stop the flow of unfiltered water through the faucet while allowing the flow of filtered water through the faucet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 9447570
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle control. A rotary handle assembly for a dual flush toilet system includes a flush stop, a handle lever, a handle switch, and a restriction arm. The handle switch is configured to extend through a surface of the handle lever from an unextended position to an extended position. The restriction arm is configured to engage the handle switch at a proximal end and control engagement with the flush stop to restrict rotation of the handle lever based upon the position of the handle switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9447568
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9371639
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for prematurely terminating a flush cycle. A valve stem may be coupled to a cable to move the valve stem in an upward direction to initiate a flush cycle. A buoyant float may be configured to engage the valve stem to prevent the valve stem from moving in a downward direction during the flush cycle, until a water level drops below a predefined level. Finally, a second cable coupled to a valve release assembly may be utilized to release the valve stem from the buoyant float to prematurely terminate the flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20160122988
    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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E.A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20160083946
    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: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E.A. Stutzman, Doug Saunders
  • Patent number: 9273455
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a seal for a closet collar. A sealing assembly is positioned on a closet collar for a drain pipe. The sealing assembly may comprise a portion on which a sealing component is positioned. A toilet is positioned over the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is compressed between the toilet and the closet collar, and a seal for the closet collar is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 9267275
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9228332
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Doug Saunders
  • Patent number: 9228333
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman