Patents Examined by Huyen Le
  • Patent number: 9963863
    Abstract: Provided is a system, method, and apparatus for preventing repeated use of a restroom appliance with visual feedback. The system includes a valve configured to control flow of a fluid by at least one valve operation, an actuator configured to request a use of the restroom appliance, at least one indicator configured to display at least three different visual states, and at least one controller in communication with the actuator, the valve, and the at least one indicator. The at least one controller is programmed or configured to control the at least one indicator to display a first visual state, receive a plurality of requests to operate the restroom appliance exceeding a maximum number of valve operations, perform a first valve operation in response to receiving a first request, and control the at least one indicator to display a second visual state in response to performing the first valve operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Rock R. Allard, III
  • Patent number: 9949598
    Abstract: A combination bathtub/shower base facility including a bathtub unit, and a shower base, wherein the bathtub unit and the shower base are molded together as one unitary piece. The shower base is positioned downstream of any fluid overflowing from the tub. The facility also includes means for providing easy installation of the facility. The facility provides a shower, a bathtub, a relaxation room, a rainroom, a steam space, and a total immersion bath experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DISTRIBUTION AD WATERS (CAN) INC.
    Inventor: Tony Masecchia
  • Patent number: 9951502
    Abstract: A basin molding (1), for example a kitchen sink, a washbasin or the like, is made of a composite material having a polymerized cured binder (14) and fillers (16). The basin molding (1) has a visible side (34) and a rear side (36), which is located opposite the visible side (34). Unidirectionally oriented fibers (10) are polymerized into the composite material on, or in the vicinity of, the surface of the rear side (36) of the basin molding (1). A method produces such basin molding (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHOCK GMBH
    Inventors: Rudolf Paternoster, Xaver Pledl
  • Patent number: 9938740
    Abstract: A spa comprising a layer of copper-containing material, a layer of a cotton-containing material external to the layer of copper-containing material, wherein the layer of copper-containing material and the layer of cotton-containing material are at least partially located between outer spa frame studs, and a layer of at least one of a polyester or a polypropylene-containing material external to the layer of cotton-containing material. The layers of copper-containing material, cotton containing material, and at least one of a polyester or a polypropylene-containing material are located between a spa basin and a spa cabinet. The spa bottom may also have a layer of copper-containing material affixed thereon. In some embodiments, the spa may further comprise an insulated cover with a layer of copper-containing material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MAAX Spas Industries, Corp.
    Inventors: Emil Nygard, Steven Yializis
  • Patent number: 9938705
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an internally exhausted toilet bowl which employs basic principles of fluid flow to provide reliable, more efficient, and more effective removal of noxious toilet odors while reducing energy consumption when compared to current art. This is accomplished during all conditions of normal operation. In case of toilet overflow or condensate buildup, the impact on the vent exhaust path from these upset conditions can be resolved easily, and normal operation can be restored without damage to any components. Additionally, this invention includes maintenance features that would provide means for back flushing the annulus vent line and orifices if clogging ever were to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne Darnell
  • Patent number: 9938703
    Abstract: A drain valve device based on capacitive sensing for a water tank of a toilet includes a drain valve disposed in the water tank of the toilet to control the water tank to drain water; a capacitive sensing control module that opens the drain valve; and an assembly fixture used to connect the capacitive sensing control module to the drain valve to make the capacitive control module and the drain valve form an integration. The assembly fixture connects the capacitive sensing control module and the drain vale to form the integration, so that during assembly of the drain valve, the capacitive sensing control module is affixed to the toilet water tank at the same time. Thus, assembly is simple and convenient, and there is no need to dispose an assembly hole in the water tank cover so the structure is simpler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Dong Peng, Xingyi Yu
  • Patent number: 9938739
    Abstract: A self-contained swimming pool for containment of water and generation of water currents therein for exercise, therapy and/or rehabilitation of a user comprising a rigid frame exteriorly located in relation to an inner water containment area. A set of water return channels in communication with the inner water containment area. A propulsion system in communication with the set of water return channels and the inner water containment area. A hydraulic system for driving the propulsion system using a hydraulic fluid to produce a current in the inner water containment area allowing positioning of a user in the current for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation therein and wherein the hydraulic system is self-contained and mounted external of the rigid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: David E. Hall
  • Patent number: 9932746
    Abstract: A utility storage mechanism for an inflatable swimming pool includes a substantially elastic outer wall having a top perimeter, an interior surface of the outer wall defining a fluid-containing interior, the utility storage mechanism comprising a strap adapted to encircle the outer wall proximate the top perimeter, wherein when a tensioning force is placed upon the strap, the strap substantially conforms to elastic movements of the outer wall. At least one bracket is coupled to the strap at a bracket-connection portion, the at least one bracket including a receiving member for receiving at least one pool utility fixture, wherein the bracket is coupled to the bracket-connection portion and is in a substantially abutting relationship with an exterior surface of the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Alan J. Fox
  • Patent number: 9926689
    Abstract: A plumbing fitting for dispensing of hot and cold water or a mixture thereof; said fitting including an elongate spout or spigot and a mounting portion for locating said plumbing fitting at a surface; said elongate spout provided with a dispensing orifice arranged at an underside of said elongate spout and proximate a tip portion of said spout; a passage through said spout communicating with said orifice and an inlet at said mounting portion; said plumbing fitting characterized in further including a pair of partially conjoined, generally globular structures at a base portion of said elongate spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Alberto Arbelaez
  • Patent number: 9924840
    Abstract: A toilet seat sheet capable of being automatically disposed from a toilet seat and causing less discomfort to a user is provided. The toilet seat sheet is provided with a sheet main body 1, an opening 2 formed in a center portion of the sheet main body 1, a hanging part 3 configured to hang down from an inner edge portion 21 of the opening 2. The hanging part 3 is provided with a hanging part connecting part 311 which is connected to the sheet main body 1 at an obliquely right front side or an obliquely left front side of the inner edge portion 21 of the opening 2, and is designed to have a length that allows the hanging part 3 to come into contact with an inner front-side surface of a toilet bowl when the sheet main body 1 is placed on the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9909296
    Abstract: An adjustable-length toilet fastener assembly and method for use wherein the constituent components are cooperatively configured to provide height adjustability without cutting or breaking parts of the assembly for various installation environments and floor configurations when securing a toilet to an underlying support such as a closet collar or other mounting flange. In one embodiment, a tightening tool provided as part of the subject assembly is engageable with and concealed by a low-profile decorative cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Dwayne A. Porter
  • Patent number: 9909685
    Abstract: The bathtub child safety knob cover is a safety device that covers the knob for a water valve associated with a bath tub. The bathtub child safety knob cover fits over the knob in such a manner that the bathtub child safety knob cover will rotate around the knob unless the bathtub child safety knob cover is squeezed while being turned. The bathtub child safety knob cover comprises a shell and one or more decorative elements. The shell encloses the knob. The one or more decorative elements are placed on the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Francisco Flores, Allison Luna
  • Patent number: 9909293
    Abstract: A portable toilet particularly suited to be a roll-out toilet positions a toilet with its holding tank at a rear wall, a sink at an opposed front wall, a urinal on one of the side walls and an access door through the opposing sidewall to provide access to the enclosure formed by the, front, rear and side walls. By connecting the drain from the sink to the urinal so that the water draining from the sink must pass through the urinal and then pass from the urinal to a toilet holding tank via a drain line connecting the urinal to a toilet holding tank the sink drain water is collected and will tend to wash and thereby clean the urinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Ken Winter, Roger Winter
  • Patent number: 9909331
    Abstract: An accelerator used for increasing water circulation velocity through a swimming pool's filtration/heating system. It comprises one or more rigid elongated and open-ended tubular sections; one end formed at a 90-degree angle into a flange inserts into the pool vacuum intake or skimmer port. The other end may be any variety of shapes, with multiple vents or openings. When the flange end is attached to the vacuum intake, the accelerator sits parallel to the pool wall with its base close to the pool bottom. The base may have protrusions perpendicular to the body to act as feet on the wall. The accelerator can be adjusted to variable lengths with sections locking into place with male and female adapters. The accelerator's sections should have small drilled holes at intervals along their length for the safety of pool equipment and swimmers. The lowest portion of the accelerator body has a drainage hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ECO AQUANAUTICS, LLC
    Inventor: George Phillip Bullard
  • Patent number: 9907438
    Abstract: An article for use in a water receiving structure is disclosed. The article is directed to keeping water inside a water receiving member and preventing water splash and water damage to adjacent surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Jessica Ann Ross
  • Patent number: 9895030
    Abstract: A new seat is provided. the seat is lightweight, flexible, and water resistant for use in a bathtub, shower, or other aquatic environment. There are deformable projections on the top and bottom of of the seat that both cushion a user and provide gripping action against a supporting surface. The top and bottom of the seat are substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Bonita K. Curtis
  • Patent number: 9895035
    Abstract: Provided is a toilet seat assembly comprising: a bidet housing for defining the appearance of a bidet; a hinge member which is fixed to the inner side of the bidet housing and is provided with a shaft, wherein the hinge member is provided with a circular ring-shaped coupling groove formed along the outer circumference of the shaft; and a toilet seat connected to the shaft so as to allow rotation thereon, wherein the bidet housing is provided with a coupling protrusion protruding to the inner side so as to be inserted into the coupling groove. Thus, it is possible to prevent moisture from permeating into the inside of the bidet housing, and to facilitate wiring of wires for supplying electricity to a heating device provided in the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: COWAY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hee-Ju Kang, Sung-Worl Jin, Young-Pyo Kim, Da-Woon Jung
  • Patent number: 9890528
    Abstract: An automatic toilet flush device including a weight sensor between a toilet bowl rim and a toilet seat and a capacitive touch plate disposed on the toilet lid, both of which are configured to automatically flush a toilet either when someone sits on the toilet seat or touches the capacitive touch plate, respectively. The weight sensor is in operational communication with a sensing module transmitter which in wireless communication with a flush module receiver in operational communication with a microprocessor disposed within a housing inside the toilet tank. The capacitive touch plate is also in operational communication with the microprocessor, to which a timer is connected to permit flushing after a pre-determined time. When the microprocessor activates the flush module receiver, the flush motor activates an arm on a flush lever which, in turn, controls the flush valve to flush the toilet and to re-fill the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Kendall Ashby
  • Patent number: 9890548
    Abstract: A distribution valve of an in-floor pool cleaning system is provided. The distribution valve includes a housing having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. A turbine within the housing rotates about a shaft in response to fluid flowing through the inlet port. The turbine is releasably coupled to a gear mechanism, and the gear mechanism is releasably coupled to a distribution valve disk, the disk having an aperture therein. As the turbine rotates, the gear mechanism also rotates and drives the rotation of the disk around the shaft. The rotation of the disk sequentially places the aperture over one of the plurality of outlet ports, thus allowing fluid to flow out of the outlet port over which the aperture is positioned, but restricting fluid flow into any of the outlet ports that are covered by the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Blue Square Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Gerald Malinasky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9883775
    Abstract: The beard-grooming clean up sheets involves a sheet member with a domed recess thereon. The domed recess is adapted to be positioned over a faucet of a sink in order to divert hair trimmings associated with personal grooming away from the faucet. Moreover, the domed recess is an adjunct of the sheet member. The sheet member is generally planar, and is adapted to be draped over the sink. Both the domed recess and the sheet member are surrounded with a plurality of sheet armatures that span outwardly with respect to the domed recess and the sheet member. The plurality of sheet armatures are adapted to engage counter surfaces surrounding the faucet and the sink. Moreover, adhering members is provided on a bottom surface of two opposing ones of the plurality of sheet armatures. The adhering members is adapted to temporarily secure the sheet member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Danny Molezion