Patents Assigned to WCM Industries, Inc.
  • Adjustable operating rod for a hydrant
    Patent number: 8844558
    Abstract: An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • STRAINER WITH IMPROVED FLOW
    Publication number: 20140259346
    Abstract: A wastewater strainer is provided that includes a strainer body that has at least one opening that enhances fluid flow through the strainer body and the wastewater plumbing to which it is interconnected. The strainer body includes a flange for engagement to the inner portion of a bathtub and a hub that is spaced from a lower edge of the strainer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Device and method for concealing a flange of a waste water strainer
    Patent number: 8813272
    Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Cable actuated drain
    Patent number: 8806671
    Abstract: A drain actuation system that includes a cable to actuate a drain head or stopper is provided. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Kevin Hogan, Carl Riesco, William L. Carlson
  • Mounting system for hot and cold wall faucets
    Patent number: 8789555
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting a faucet assembly to a wall member is provided that employs a mounting bracket for interconnection to the wall member. The mounting bracket is configured to accommodate various configurations of faucets with any number of fluid delivery tubes. The mounting system provides structural rigidity to the faucet/building interconnection while minimizing occupation of interior wall space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • AUTOMATIC DRAINING BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140202563
    Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Device for concealing a plate associated with overflow plumbing
    Patent number: 8769736
    Abstract: An overflow plate concealing device for bathtubs that is associated with a plate of an overflow system of the bathtub. This aspect of the invention allows the overflow plate to be concealed to allow the user to alter the aesthetic appearance of their bathtub or repair the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • SELECTIVELY SEALABLE PIPE STUB
    Publication number: 20140150531
    Abstract: A pipe stub is provided that includes an elongated cylindrical portion that is selectively sealed on one end. For example, the cylindrical portion may be selectively sealed with a removable diaphragm. In operation, after the pipe stub is interconnected to a plumbing system and a leak test is completed, the plumber severs show otherwise circumvents the diaphragm to open the pipe stub, which can be used to receive additional plumbing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Automatic draining back flow prevention device
    Patent number: 8707980
    Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Cover and Method for Covering the Flange of a Waste Water Strainer
    Publication number: 20140101834
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. BALL
  • DRAIN ASSEMBLY FOR A BATHTUB AND THE LIKE
    Publication number: 20130340163
    Abstract: A drain assembly including a drain pipe with a threaded portion and a nut is provided. The drain pipe includes a first end, an elbow portion, and a second end. The first end includes an annular flange and the threaded portion. To interconnect the drain assembly to a bathtub, the second end of the drain pipe is inserted through a drain port of the tub until the annular flange abuts a bottom wall of the tub. The nut is then threaded onto the threaded portion of the drain pipe to secure the drain pipe to the bathtub. The second end of the drain pipe is then interconnected to drain plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Cover and method for covering the flange of a waste water strainer
    Patent number: 8607376
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Method and associated apparatus for assembling and testing a plumbing system
    Patent number: 8584272
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • OVERFLOW ASSEMBLY FOR BATHTUBS AND THE LIKE
    Publication number: 20130283523
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Hydrant security system
    Patent number: 8561635
    Abstract: A locking system is provided for interconnection to a hydrant. The locking system is generally comprised of a lock body and lock that work in concert to block the operation of hydrant components, namely a control rod and/or a stem screw, that controls fluid flow through the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Pilarczyk, William T. Ball, William L. Carlson
  • Drain closure device
    Patent number: 8528122
    Abstract: A drain closure device that allows a user to selectively open or close the drain closure device to permit or restrict the flow of water therethrough. The drain closure is comprised of a strainer body which houses an insert. The insert has a plurality of openings. A cap is mounted to the insert that has a plurality of openings, which upon rotation of the cap relative to the insert selectively align with the openings on the insert to allow fluid flow from a tub or sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Overflow assembly for bathtubs and the like
    Patent number: 8505132
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Method and Associated Apparatus for Assembling and Testing a Plumbing System
    Publication number: 20130191988
    Abstract: A system is provided for enhancing the interconnectability of a bathtub to a plumbing system. More specifically, provided is a flexible conduit and an overflow assembly that allows for a portion of the overflow assembly to be easily located with the wall of a bathtub. The flexible conduit provided allows for adjustability of the conduit to the openings of the bathtub. In addition, provided are methods and apparatus that facilitate testing of a plumbing assembly. Finally, an apparatus and methods are provided that protect portions of the finished bathtub assembly to decrease in the need for replacing said hardware. It is envisioned that aspects and inventions disclosed herein can be used in conjunction to facilitate the interconnection and protection of hardware associated with a bathtub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • DRAIN ASSEMBLY FOR A BATHTUB AND THE LIKE
    Publication number: 20130180045
    Abstract: A drain assembly including a drain pipe with a threaded portion and a nut is provided. The drain pipe includes a first end, an elbow portion, and a second end. The first end includes an annular flange and the threaded portion. To interconnect the drain assembly to a bathtub, the second end of the drain pipe is inserted through a drain port of the tub until the annular flange abuts a bottom wall of the tub. The nut is then threaded onto the threaded portion of the drain pipe to secure the drain pipe to the bathtub. The second end of the drain pipe is then interconnected to drain plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Round wall-mounted hydrant housing for freezeless wall hydrants
    Patent number: RE45024
    Abstract: A round wall-mounted housing for use with freezeless wall hydrants that provides a housing of a round configuration. The round configuration allows for easy installation of the round wall hydrant housing in existing panels or walls. To install, an access hole may be drilled into the desired wall or wall panel without the need for chiseling or chipping. The present invention also provides a cover that can remain in an upright, open position. The cover pivots on a pin connection securing it to the housing. The cover has guides with extended slots that allow the cover to swing to and then lock in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball