Patents Assigned to IPS Corporation
  • Patent number: 11592208
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hot water storage tank support system and a water heater pan. In one implementation, the hot water tank support system comprises a water heat pan having a bottom wall, an outer wall extending upwardly from and substantially surrounding the bottom wall, and at least one elevated support feature, and at least one substantially rigid supplemental support component. The at least one elevated support feature is configured to support the hot water storage tank, and the at least one elevated support feature includes at least one supplemental support cavity configured to receive the at least one supplemental support component. In some implementations, the supplemental support component(s) may be insertable and removable from the water heater pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Humber, Gordon L. Zeine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11149428
    Abstract: The present invention provides valve assembly for use in a floor drain. In various embodiments, the valve assembly comprises a substantially cylindrical seal frame, the seal frame defining a seal frame wall and at least one support wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the seal frame, a flexible sealing member located proximate a distal end of the seal frame, and an attachment tab configured to secure the flexible sealing member to the seal frame, wherein the seal frame and the support wall are further configured to create a resting deflection of the flexible sealing member, such that fluid may flow through the valve assembly in one direction, and the flow of gasses through the valve assembly is prevented in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: Julio Filipe Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 10913876
    Abstract: Provided herein are adhesive compositions comprising a polyurea-poly(meth)acrylate interpenetrating polymer network. Further provided are two-part curable adhesive compositions comprising a Part A initiator composition and a Part B activator composition. The Part A initiator composition comprises an organoborane-amine complex and the Part B activator composition comprises an isocyanate that is reactive with the amine portion of the organoborane-amine complex to liberate organoborane from the organoborane-amine complex. Further provided are methods of using an adhesive composition comprising a polyurea-poly(meth)acrylate interpenetrating polymer network, such as, for example, in joining and/or bonding together polyolefin materials (e.g., polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R) pipes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Xie, Andreas Schneider
  • Patent number: 10544572
    Abstract: An overflow assembly including an overflow cap and a locking ring is described that allows liquid (e.g., water) being received or collected in a plumbing fixture (e.g., a bathtub) to flow into an overflow pipe in an effective, aesthetically pleasing manner using components that are easier to install than some conventional solutions. The locking ring has a threaded inner surface that is designed to be threaded onto an externally threaded end of the overflow pipe that is extended through a wall of the plumbing fixture to secure the overflow pipe with respect to the wall. The overflow cap may then be pressed onto the externally threaded end of the overflow pipe, such that it engages the externally threaded end via engagement tabs. The overflow cap can be removed from the end of the overflow pipe by rotating the cap to unthread it from the threaded end of the overflow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Humber, James H. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 9683355
    Abstract: An air admittance valve which when subjected to a negative pressure condition vents a pipe system to an ambient environment. Generally, the air admittance valve includes a housing, a cartridge, and a sealing member. The housing includes one or more vents disposed in its wall and may be engaged with the pipe system at one end. The cartridge may have one or more inlets defining one or more inlet openings, where the one or more inlets are connected to a central chamber that has an opening with a sealing structure. The sealing member interacts with the sealing structure of the cartridge to allow one-way airflow from the central chamber to the pipe system. The cartridge and sealing member may be inserted into the housing such that the one or more inlet openings substantially align with the one or more vents in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Cole
  • Patent number: 9676922
    Abstract: A two part heat and moisture resistant acrylic adhesive composition is provided and includes an initiator part comprising at least one polymer dissolved in a (meth)acrylate monomer and a free radical initiator and an activator part comprising at least one polymer dissolved in a (meth)acrylate monomer, a pyridinic reducing agent, an organometallic curing promoter and a thiourea accelerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: IPS, Corporation—Weld-On Division
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Xie, Andreas Schneider
  • Patent number: 9650766
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9650765
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9518381
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other in an assembly via a bracket. The plumbing outlet boxes may include one or more connectors. The assembly may further include a bracket having a plurality of engaging portions for engaging the connectors of the plumbing outlet boxes. The bracket may engage the plumbing outlet boxes to each other and/or to a stud within a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9488307
    Abstract: A coupler is described that precludes fluid communication between the first and second pipes attached on either side of the coupler. The coupler may be used in installations where a line branches off from a sewer main for future connection to a home or other building. The coupler includes a barrier wall located between first and second portions of the coupler, and the barrier wall precludes fluid communication between the first and second ends of the coupler. Moreover, the second portion defines an area of weakness that is designed to fail (e.g., flex or crack) when a failure force is applied near the second end, such as when an exposed (above-ground) portion of piping connected to the coupler is struck. In this way, the barrier wall and the first portion of the main wall can remain intact and continue to protect against entry of fluids into the sewer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: Bennie W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9422704
    Abstract: The present invention provides a replacement closet flange for installing into an end of a drain pipe having an inner surface and a method of assembling a replacement closet flange. In general, the replacement closet flange includes a main body comprising a substantially cylindrical section and a flange section extending radially outward from and approximately perpendicular to an upper end of the cylindrical section, a flexible seal attached to at least a portion of the cylindrical section proximate a lower end thereof and configured, when the replacement closet flange is installed, to sealingly engage with the inner surface of the drain pipe, and at least one retaining clip attached to a location about an outer periphery of the cylindrical section. The retaining clip includes a retaining tab proximate an end thereof configured, when the replacement closet flange is installed, to fixedly engage with an inner surface of the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 9394674
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9388555
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9371635
    Abstract: In combination a tubular strainer having a wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, and a first flange on the upper end of the wall, a tubular insert having a cylindrical wall sized for reception by the tubular strainer, and a second flange carried by the insert wall, an elastomeric seal having a tubular body fittingly sealingly carried by the insert cylindrical wall, the seal body configured for progressive compressive radial sealing engagement with the strainer wall interior surface when endwise inserted by the insert within said tubular strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Oropallo, Anthony Oropallo
  • Publication number: 20150308090
    Abstract: An air admittance valve which when subjected to a negative pressure condition vents a pipe system to an ambient environment. Generally, the air admittance valve includes a housing, a cartridge, and a sealing member. The housing includes one or more vents disposed in its wall and may be engaged with the pipe system at one end. The cartridge may have one or more inlets defining one or more inlet openings, where the one or more inlets is connected to a central chamber that has an opening with a sealing structure. The sealing member interacts with the sealing structure of the cartridge to allow one-way airflow from the central chamber to the pipe system. The cartridge and sealing member may be inserted into the housing such that the one or more inlet openings substantially align with the one or more vents in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Cole
  • Patent number: 9091046
    Abstract: In combination a tubular strainer having a wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, and a first flange on the upper end of the wall, a tubular insert having a cylindrical wall sized for reception by the tubular strainer, and a second flange carried by the insert wall, an elastomeric seal having a tubular body fittingly sealingly carried by the insert cylindrical wall, the seal body configured for progressive compressive radial sealing engagement with the strainer wall interior surface when endwise inserted by the insert within said tubular strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Oropallo, Anthony Oropallo
  • Publication number: 20150197923
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9068678
    Abstract: The present invention provides a replacement closet flange for installing into an end of a drain pipe having an inner surface and a method of assembling a replacement closet flange. In general, the replacement closet flange includes a main body comprising a substantially cylindrical section and a flange section extending radially outward from and approximately perpendicular to an upper end of the cylindrical section, a flexible seal attached to at least a portion of the cylindrical section proximate a lower end thereof and configured, when the replacement closet flange is installed, to sealingly engage with the inner surface of the drain pipe, and at least one retaining clip attached to a location about an outer periphery of the cylindrical section. The retaining clip includes a retaining tab proximate an end thereof configured, when the replacement closet flange is installed, to fixedly engage with an inner surface of the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 9018326
    Abstract: A two-part acrylic adhesive composition comprising at least one organoborane-amine complex initiator and at least one multifunctional maleimide crosslinker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaoyi Xie
  • Patent number: 8747004
    Abstract: An improved device for use as a lid with integral handle for attachment to a can, the lid portion having two concentric sets of threads to engage a container having one of two spout diameters, an applicator or swab being adapted to extend from the handle in which it is situated, the extension distance of the swab being adjustable within the handle, the swab being useful as an applicator for applying liquid coatings, solvents, adhesives, or other materials. The invention also includes a variety of attachments for use with the lid and handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Terry R. McPherson, Jack D. Roach, Steven R Cole