Patents Assigned to Mira Limited
  • Patent number: 12180692
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Nigel Sansum, Kevin Peel, Craig Fitton, Robin Whitfield
  • Patent number: 12173488
    Abstract: A controller is provided for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. The controller includes a base member, an input member, a seal extending between the input member and the base member, and a sealed internal volume defined at least partially by the base member, the input member, and the seal. The input member is moveable relative to the base member between a neutral position and a control position. The seal biases the input member towards the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Harcourt Burns
  • Patent number: 12173487
    Abstract: A flow dispersion device for use with an ablutionary fitting having an outlet providing a water stream includes a coupling mechanism arranged to removably couple the flow dispersion device to the ablutionary fitting such that, when coupled, the flow dispersion device is arranged to disperse the water stream into a water spray. The flow dispersion device further includes a data storage medium arranged to store computer readable information defining one or more spray characteristics, wherein the data storage medium is readable by the ablutionary fitting to control the water spray according to the one or more stored spray characteristics. An ablutionary fitting and a set of dispersion devices is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Mead
  • Patent number: 12163319
    Abstract: A plumbing system is provided with a digital mixer valve providing a principal stream having a controlled temperature and flow rate. A fluid delivery device is also provided downstream of the digital mixer valve, the fluid delivery device having two or more sets of outlets, each of the two or more sets of outlets comprising at least two outlets, and having an outlet operating valve being disposed upstream of each set of outlets and being operable to control fluid flow to the set of outlets downstream thereof. A communication link is also provided between the digital mixer valve and the outlet operating valves. The digital mixer valve is configured, in use, to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the principal stream in dependence upon which set of outlets or combination of sets of outlets is in operation at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Banham, Charlie Parker, James Bourne, Robin Whitfield, Craig Fitton
  • Patent number: 12120955
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering heat in an ablutionary or plumbing system includes first and second pipes for carrying fluids at different temperatures. A first heat transfer element is configured to be thermally coupled to the first pipe and a second heat transfer element configured to be thermally coupled to the second pipe, with each having an elongate portion extending in a direction away from the associated pipe. The elongate portions of the first and second heat transfer elements at least partially overlap. A thermoelectric device is provided that includes one or more thermoelectric elements located between the elongate portions, the thermoelectric element(s) being in thermal communication with the elongate portion of the first heat transfer element and the elongate portion of the second heat transfer element and being arranged to generate electricity from a temperature differential between the elongate portions of the first and second heat transfer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Oliver Jones, Charles Parker
  • Patent number: 12105539
    Abstract: A control system for one or more ablutionary devices includes a valve having one or more valve members, one or more supply inlets, and an output for supplying output water to one or more ablutionary devices downstream of the valve. The control system may include one or more temperature sensors arranged to communicate one or more temperature signals indicative of one or more upstream water supplies to a controller when the ablutionary devices are not in use. The controller may then generate an indicator signal based on a comparison of the one or more temperature signals to one or more thresholds. In response to an indicator signal being generated, the control system may activate the valve to prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage due to severe environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Barry Steven Hobbs, Alexander Colin Fagg, Charles Maxwell Parker
  • Patent number: 12075953
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for attaching an elongate member to a surface within a shower or bath area includes a clamp including a collar arranged to receive and abut the elongate member, the collar having an axially extending split, the clamp further including a finger extending outwardly from the collar adjacent one side of the split. A cover includes an aperture arranged to receive the elongate member, the cover arranged to retain the clamp within such that the collar is axially aligned with the aperture. A bracket is arranged to be fixed to the surface and to receive and retain the cover containing the clamp, the bracket comprising a receiving portion arranged to urge the finger so as to compress the collar portion at the split, thereby clamping the elongate member within the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian Connolly, Richard Mead, Simon Westgate, Adam May, Robin Whitfield
  • Patent number: 12061489
    Abstract: A control system for one or more ablutionary devices includes a mixer valve having a first inlet and a second inlet configured to receive a supply of hot and cold water, and an outlet configured to output cold water, hot water or a mixture thereof as an output stream for suppling water to the one or more ablutionary devices downstream of the mixer valve; and a controller in communication with the mixer valve. The controller is configured to obtain a supply coupling setting that indicates which of the first and second inlets is to receive, or is receiving, hot water during operation of the control system and which of the first and second inlets is to receive, or is receiving, cold water during operation of the control system; and control the mixer valve according to one or more target output water properties and the supply coupling setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Barry Steven Hobbs, Alexander Colin Fagg, Mark Frederick Florencio Barton, Charles Maxwell Parker
  • Patent number: 12043993
    Abstract: A diverter for use in a shower system, the diverter having a diverter inlet and at least two diverter outlets. The diverter inlet is provided with a diverter inlet fitting adapted to be connected to a hose or pipe. The diverter inlet fitting is freely movable about an axis of the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Colin Beattie, Stuart Banham
  • Patent number: 12018769
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is provided, and includes a diaphragm moveable over a range from a first position to a second position, to open and close an outlet. A control bleed hole extends from a first side of the diaphragm to a second side, opposite the first side. A closing member is moveable to open and close the control bleed hole, to modify the pressure on either side of the diaphragm, and to cause the movement the diaphragm over at least part of the range. A mechanical means is arranged to move the closing member to open and close the control bleed hole. The mechanical means is configured to engage the diaphragm and cause movement of the diaphragm over at least part of the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Griffiths, Benjamin Lea, Mitchell Connor Hobbs
  • Patent number: 11773577
    Abstract: A liquid dosing apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a container into a liquid stream of a shower, toilet, or tap includes an adapter, a dosing mechanism, a damping control system, and a dispensing outlet. The adapter is arranged to detachable receive the container. The dosing mechanism includes a dosing chamber and a movable member. The dosing mechanism is arranged to draw a set volume of the liquid into the dosing chamber on activation by moving the moveable member in a first direction. The damping control system is arranged to control a dispensing rate of the set volume of the liquid by controlling return speed of the moveable member. The damping control system is arranged to allow and control adjustment of the dispensing rate. The dispensing outlet is arranged to dispense the liquid into the water stream at the controlled dispensing rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Thompson
  • Patent number: 11746817
    Abstract: A retaining means for retaining a cartridge on a body includes a snap ring having an opening angle of between 130° and 300°, and comprising a first indexing means, the snap ring being arranged to be slideable between a first position with respect to the body in which the retaining means retains the cartridge on the body and a second position with respect to the body in which the cartridge can be removed from the body. The retaining means also includes a cap arranged to be fixedly connected to a housing of the cartridge, and comprising a second indexing means. The first indexing means is arranged to interlock with the second indexing means so as to allow the snap ring to be moved between, and held in each of, the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Sophie Emily Groves, Benjamin Lea
  • Patent number: 11674293
    Abstract: A plumbing fitting includes a housing and a missing valve. The housing includes a first aperture, a second aperture, a third aperture, and a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The mixing valve is disposed within the housing. The mixing valve includes a first flow control valve that is configured to control a first flow of fluid from the first aperture to the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin T. Peel
  • Patent number: 11649905
    Abstract: A faucet includes a body that extends between a first end and a second end, and is arranged to receive a mixing cartridge. A diaphragm valve is provided in the body, and includes a flexible diaphragm having a first side and a second side, the flexible diaphragm being moveable to open and close the diaphragm valve to control a flow of water to an outlet of the faucet. A fluid bypass, separate from the flexible diaphragm, is in fluid communication between the first side and the second side of the flexible diaphragm. A bypass valve member is moveable to open and close the fluid bypass to vary a pressure differential across the flexible diaphragm, to open and close the diaphragm valve. A push operated control member is arranged to move the bypass valve member at the second end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Oliver Jones, Austin Bumpsteed, Karl Fearnley
  • Patent number: 11603700
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly includes a wall channel; an adjustment channel fitting within the wall channel; and a connection means arranged to adjustably connect the adjustment channel to the wall channel. The connection means includes a fixing block, with a first aperture therethrough, arranged to fit within the wall channel and between the wall and adjustment channels, the first aperture arranged to receive a wall fixing member arranged to pass through the base of the wall channel so as to secure the fixing block to the wall channel; and an adjustable fixing member arranged to secure the adjustment channel to the fixing block, a head of the adjustable fixing member being within the adjustment channel in use; wherein movement of the adjustable fixing member is arranged to allow movement of the adjustment channel, and the adjustment channel is arranged to receive a profile strip to cover the adjustable fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Scott Antony Davis
  • Patent number: 11585450
    Abstract: A bar valve includes an elongate housing having a first inlet located towards a first end of the housing, a second inlet located towards a second end of the housing, and an outlet located between the first inlet and the second inlet. A mixing chamber is located within the housing, the mixing chamber being configured to receive first and second input flows from the first inlet and second inlet, respectively. A flow controller is configured to receive a mixed flow from the mixing chamber and controllably output an outlet flow to the outlet. The mixing chamber and flow controller is disposed sequentially in a region of the housing between the first end and the outlet, thereby confining the mixed flow and the outlet flow to the region of the housing between the first end and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Joshua George, Leyton James Iddon
  • Patent number: 11578815
    Abstract: A handwashing valve structure includes a mounting structure, a dispensing structure, and a control structure. The mounting structure is configured to attach to a liquid vessel. The dispensing structure is configured to dispense a liquid from the liquid vessel and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The control structure is configured to move the dispensing structure between the closed position and the open position. The control structure is configured to be moved by pressure from a portion of a user's body to move the dispensing structure from the closed position to the open position. The dispensing structure is configured to automatically move from the open position to the closed position in the absence of any pressure from the portion of the user's body onto the control structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: James Bourne, Robert Caldwell, Thomas Philip Perry, Adam Luke May
  • Patent number: D977063
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: David Pixton
  • Patent number: D976221
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Bradley Edwards
  • Patent number: D998097
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: David Pixton