Patents Examined by Nicholas Ros
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Patent number: 10390665Abstract: A commercial toilet seat for use in public facilities for adults where the improved toilet seat has a stabilizing base section which conforms to the upper rim of a toilet for stability when people, especially large adult people, sit on a toilet. The toilet seat provides a greater surface area of contact between the toilet seat and the rim of the toilet and a greater surface area to sit on. The toilet seat also has downwardly slopping wings that extend from each side of the toilet seat which allow the user to more easily lift the toilet seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: COMFORT PLUS LLCInventors: Aaron H. Lewis, Douglas K. Dungee
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Patent number: 10392787Abstract: A detachment sensor detects attachment and detachment of a water discharger to and from a retainer. An object sensor detects presence of an object. A controller causes water discharge triggered by detection of an object by the object sensor while the water discharger is attached to the retainer and suppresses water discharge triggered by detection of an object by the object sensor while the water discharger is detached from the retainer. The controller suppresses water discharge triggered by detection of an object by the object sensor after attachment of the water discharger to the retainer until a non-detection state of an object by the object sensor continues for a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: LIXIL CORPORATIONInventors: Azumi Kamata, Yuki Shirai, Mamoru Hashimoto
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Patent number: 10190300Abstract: An improved flapper valve has an elastomeric surrounding flapper valve top. A separate inverted dome-like structure, or cone, which is the ballast, is included for insertion into the flapper valve top. The improved flapper valve further includes a ring-like upper structure and a cap-like bottom structure. The ring-like upper “vent band” structure rotates about the cone relative to an air outlet aperture defined in the cone to control air flow from the cone. The bottom cap-like “adjuster” structure also rotates about the bottom of the cone to control water flow into the cone, also via apertures in both structures. Used together, the upper and bottom structures can minimize water consumption by the toilet. Further, the adjuster structure includes means for discretely changing settings with indicia to indicate to the user what the current setting is and means for maintaining that setting as may be desired or required.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.Inventor: Kevin J. Guthrie
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Patent number: 10190302Abstract: Provided is a sanitary cleansing device configured so that user's defecation can be promoted with a comfortable feeling by spraying of cleansing water. The present invention provides a sanitary cleansing device (1) including a nozzle assembly (6) provided with a spray port, a nozzle drive device (12), an operation device (10) operated by a user, and a spray control device (20) configured to actuate the nozzle drive device to execute a massage cleansing mode. The massage cleansing mode is a cleansing mode for repeating a predetermined massage cleansing cycle including a turning movement pattern for turning a water splash point of the cleansing water sprayed from the spray port at the periphery of a private area position of a seated human body and a front-to-back movement pattern for moving the water splash point through the private area position in a substantially front-to-back direction of the human body.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Hashimoto, Junki Hamada, Keisuke Fujita
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Patent number: 10125482Abstract: Provided is a sanitary cleansing device configured to less provide a feeling of insecurity to a user when a cleansing mode for moving a water splash point in at least two directions is used. The present invention provides a sanitary cleansing device (1) including a nozzle assembly (6) provided with a spray port, a nozzle drive device (12), an operation device (10) operated by a user to switch a cleansing mode, and a spray control device (20) configured to switchably execute, a fixed spot cleansing mode in which the spray port is stopped at a predetermined reference private area position and a wide movement cleansing mode for moving a water splash point in at least two directions. When the wide movement cleansing mode begins, the spray port is positioned at the reference private area position, and then, starts movement of the water splash point.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hashimoto, Junki Hamada, Keisuke Fujita
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Patent number: 10119258Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap is configured in size and shape to enable passage of water through the drain when the cap is positioned adjacent the cap. During use, the chain is positioned within a drain and hair gathers on the chain. The chain can then be pulled out of the drain, by the cap, to remove the hair. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs, Jennifer Briggs
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Patent number: 10119257Abstract: Drain chain systems can include a cap connected to a chain with an intermediate segment that is configured to pass between a plug and a surface of a tub or sink. The cap can be connected to a suction cup for attaching the system to the surface of the tub or sink. The intermediate segment is sized and shaped to prevent it from causing any substantial interference with the plug or plug sealing functionality. A ring can also be used, rather than the cap and suction cup, to position a chain within a drain. The ring can be positioned below the plug, so as to not interfere with the plug or plug sealing functionality at all. Small diameter caps and hooks can also be used to secure the chain within a drain, extending down from a drain cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs, Jennifer Briggs
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Patent number: 10072432Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable swimming pool floor system (40). In addition, the invention relates to a swimming pool (5) comprising such an adjustable pool floor system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for installing the hydraulic system (1) in a swimming pool. The invention also relates to a hydraulic system for use in an adjustable swimming pool floor system.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Variopool B.V.Inventors: Theodorus Marcelis Cornelis Weijers, Marco Bernardus Wiebren Coesel
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Patent number: 10066382Abstract: The disclosure provides a urinal screen comprising a flexible screen in a circular configuration having a center portion and a contiguous outer portion encircling the center portion, the outer portion being separated into one or more elongated strips extending outwardly from the center portion, and the center portion having a center hole extending therethrough. When positioned on a surface of a urinal or other fixture, the screen is substantially conformable to the urinal surface without sacrificing the screen objective to keep debris from entering drain. In embodiments, the center portion of the screen can be adjustable in height such that the screen is in a mound- or dome-like configuration and still preventing any debris from entering the drain.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Xela Innovations, LLCInventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
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Patent number: 10030371Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of touch-free devices and systems comprising touch-free devices operating in a concerted effort are disclosed below. An exemplary touch-free device includes a spout, a processor, memory, an object sensor, a communication interface and logic stored on the memory. The logic contains processor readable instructions for causing the touch-free device to communicate with a second touch-free device. Wherein the processor readable instructions coordinate the operation of the touch-free device with respect to the second touch-free device.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty, Jackson W. Wegelin
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Patent number: 10017925Abstract: An overflow pipe assembly of a bathtub includes an overflow pipe having a horizontal fitting end which has outer threads on outside thereof. A flange extends from the outside of the fitting end. A buffering ring is mounted to the fitting end and clamped between the flange and the wall of the bathtub. Two slots are defined axially in the passage of the fitting end. A locking ring is threadedly connected to the outer threads of the overflow pipe. A cap is mounted to the fitting end and has a peripheral wall which includes multiple drain holes. The cap has a tubular portion inserted into the passage. The tubular portion has a central hole which communicates with apertures defined through the wall of the tubular portion. The tubular portion has two protrusion which are engaged with the slots of the fitting end.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignees: Bridging Partners Corporation, JB ProductsInventor: Kuang-Ming Kuo
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Patent number: 9982422Abstract: A dual-purpose fixture for a sink or wash basin, incorporating both a water tap and a hand dryer. The water tap has a spout arranged to project over the basin of the sink, and the hand dryer incorporates two or more hand-dryer nozzles—at least one for each of a user's hands. The left-hand nozzle is located on the left-hand side of the spout and the right-hand nozzle is located on the right-hand side of the spout, specifically so that the spout acts as a dividing partition between the two hand-dryer nozzles. This encourages correct usage of the hand-dryer. The fixture may be fitted to a sink or wall-mounted above the sink.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Patrick Joseph William Moloney, Christopher Lesniowski
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Patent number: 9943198Abstract: A one-touch quick-release device of a toilet cover is provided. One end of a connecting member is installed to the toilet cover through a turning member, and another end of the connecting member is connected with an engaging member. A return elastic member is provided between the engaging member and the connecting member. The connecting member is radially provided with an insertion rod. The retaining member is vertically provided with a support rod. The support rod is formed with a central hole for insertion of the insertion rod. An upper end of the support rod is provided with an annular flange. The engaging member is provided with an annular through trough. The annular flange is inserted through the annular through trough to lean against the connecting member. The insertion rod of the connecting member is inserted into the central hole of the support rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: LOTTERY (XIAMEN) SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Xiwen Yang
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Patent number: 9938708Abstract: A clamp for securing a toilet to a floor that includes a body having a convex outer surface, a floor engagement portion, a toilet engagement portion, and at least one hole for receiving a screw to secure the clamp and toilet to the floor, with the hole angled to draw the clamp downward and towards the toilet.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Inventor: Emory Grant Peacock
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Patent number: 9932728Abstract: A flush valve assembly for use in a toilet tank that has a drain opening, a valve seat at the drain opening, and a valve member movable relative to the valve seat, together acting as a flush valve. The valve member has an internal chamber for containing water to reduce buoyancy of the valve member in water, so that the valve member may descend through water to reach the valve seat for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The valve member has an inlet for admitting water into the chamber, and an outlet for discharging water from the chamber. A toilet flush system includes the toilet tank, a tank refill mechanism for refilling the toilet tank with water, the flush valve assembly in the toilet tank, and an operating unit for operating the flush valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: DEFOND HOLDINGS (H.K.) CO. LIMITEDInventor: Kwok Chiu Yu
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Patent number: 9890547Abstract: Mounting arrangements for pool skimmers, methods for mounting pool skimmers, pool skimmer adapter plates, and pool skimmer installation kits are provided that provide unique opportunities to overcome the limitations of the prior art. Aspects of the invention include an external adapter plate having an internal cavity sized to receive an inlet of a pool skimmer assembly and an internal adapter plate having an internal cavity positioned to at least partially align with an inlet opening of the inlet of the pool skimmer assembly. The use of the adapter plates allows the pool designer and installer broad latitude in selecting a proper skimmer assembly with minimal if any impact upon the design of the pool wall or panel used. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted to panel-type pool construction, but may be adaptable for any pool skimmer installation.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Trojan Leisure Products, LLCInventor: Collin J. Sirco
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Patent number: 9869081Abstract: A toilet flange cover system for temporarily covering a toilet flange and opening during periods of construction and remodeling when the toilet is not installed. A cover is fabricated of a rigid plastic material and formed with a generally circular shape. Diametrically opposed locking posts are integrated into the bottom of the cover having enlarged heads and can be removably received in the bolt slots for coupling the cover to a toilet flange when covering the opening and uncoupling from the toilet flange to facilitate accessing the opening. A handle aids in the coupling and uncoupling of the cover and a gasket is placed between the cover and flange to seal the opening when the cover is coupled to the toilet flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Inventor: John Pardo, Jr.
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Patent number: 9856635Abstract: A faucet structure and method for assembling same is disclosed. The structure includes an outer tube, flow guiding part and cap. The outer tube is provided with an assembling gap. The flow guiding part is provided within the outer tube, and with half shells. The first half shell is provided with supplying manifold passage(s) corresponded to the assembling gap, and a first assembling ramp facing the second half shell. The second half shell is provided with a second assembling ramp facing the first half shell and inclined oppositely to the first assembling ramp, and a first threaded connection portion facing one end opening of outer tube. The cap is in correspondence with the end opening, and provided with a second threaded connection portion corresponded to the first threaded connection portion. These threaded connection portions are engaged by threaded connection, while those half shells are pressed against a tube wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shen-Chen Liu
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Patent number: 9848741Abstract: A shower enclosure comprises a plurality of prefabricated panels that are arranged to at least partially surround a space for bathing. At least one of the panels is a layered structure having a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer forms an interior surface of the shower enclosure exposed to the space for bathing. The third layer is arranged between the first layer and the second layer, and is coupled to the first layer and the second layer. The layered structure is a sandwich structured composite comprising the first layer, second layer, and third layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Erich D. Slothower, Mary J. Reid, Clayton C. Garrels
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Patent number: 9783967Abstract: An accessory system for a sink basin includes a support structure and an accessory. The support structure includes two or more spaced-apart elongated supports. The elongated supports are configured to support the accessory within the basin at different heights above a bottom of the basin.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Anushree Jain, Terrence Mahon, Sarah O'Brien