Patents Assigned to Danco, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9809966
    Abstract: An ergonomically designed hygienic sprayer or bidet apparatus for use with pre-existing fixtures. The sprayer includes an angled portion with a sprayer head disposed on an underside of the angled portion, resulting in a flow of water from the sprayer head that is substantially between 30° and 60° relative to a longitudinal axis of a body portion of the sprayer. The sprayer also includes an actuator located on the same side of the sprayer as the sprayer head and slip-resistance surfaces. An optional mounting base for securely holding a hygienic sprayer in a manner that may disguise its presence or be more aesthetically pleasing. The mounting base is substantially the same size as the hygienic sprayer. The mounting base may be mounted or secured to multiple types of surfaces near the fixture with which the hygienic sprayer is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Chad H. Jones, Justin D. Pendleton, Francis L Fave, David C. Singer
  • Patent number: 9803348
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for electrically controlled flush applications. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an activation assembly configured to initiate a flush of a flush assembly based upon a position of the activation assembly. The activation assembly includes a position sensor that senses a transition from a neutral position to a first position and a restraint mechanism that prevents a return to the neutral position for a predefined period of time corresponding to the flush duration. In another embodiment, a flush activation assembly includes an activation control box with a position sensor that provides an indication that a cable anchor has transitioned from a neutral position to a first position to initiate a flush of the flush assembly and a restraint mechanism that prevents the cable anchor from returning to the neutral position in response to the indication from the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 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: 9139993
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a water inlet of a toilet fill valve receives water from a water supply. A tank water outlet of the toilet fill valve provides a first portion of the water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port of the toilet fill valve provides a second portion of the water to a bowl fill restriction that is in direct contact with an extended portion of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill restriction restricts the flow of the second portion of the water. The bowl fill restriction provides the second portion of the water to a tube that is in direct contact with the bowl fill restriction. The tube provides the second portion of the water to a toilet tank overfill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 9103105
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a water inlet of a toilet fill valve receives water from a water supply. A tank water outlet of the toilet fill valve provides a first portion of the water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port of the toilet fill valve provides a second portion of the water to a bowl fill restriction that is in direct contact with an extended portion of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill restriction restricts the flow of the second portion of the water. The bowl fill restriction provides the second portion of the water to a tube that is in direct contact with the bowl fill restriction. The tube provides the second portion of the water to a toilet tank overfill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 9051720
    Abstract: A universal trim kit for tubs or showers and a variety of different OEM valves is disclosed that includes an escutcheon in the form of a decorative outer ring in combination with a plurality of interchangeable inserts and at least two fasteners, typically screws, for releasably attaching the escutcheon and one of the inserts to a valve body. The escutcheon further comprises a generally circular, centrally disposed aperture surrounded by an annular flange that functions as a seating surface for any of a plurality of interchangeable inserts, each insert being attachable to the outer ring and to a valve body disposed behind the ring, each insert also having a differently sized or shaped aperture configured for attachment to the body of a particular OEM valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Jones, Steve L. Fillipp
  • Patent number: 9045889
    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: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8904573
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio