Patents by Inventor Benjamin Marotz
Benjamin Marotz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220376526Abstract: A generator module includes a battery, a charging circuit, an electric power outlet, and an enclosure. The charging circuit is coupled to an output of a generator and configured to charge the battery. The electric power outlet is configured to provide an output from the battery, the generator, or a combination of the battery and the generator. The enclosure includes the battery, the charging circuit, and the electric power outlet such that the enclosure detachable from the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Harrison Chiu
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Patent number: 9816258Abstract: A drain control assembly for moving a drain valve assembly between an open position and a closed position through movement of a cable. The drain control assembly includes a driven member having a pivot end and a distal end that is configured to receive an end of the cable; a driving member defining a longitudinal axis; and a housing having a first cavity for receiving the driving member and a second cavity for receiving the driven member; wherein the driving member is configured to move in one of a linear manner or a rotational manner; and wherein the driven member is configured to rotate about the pivot end if the driving member moves in a linear manner and the driven member is configured to rotate about the pivot end if the driving member moves in a rotational manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Publication number: 20160145843Abstract: A drain control assembly for moving a drain valve assembly between an open position and a closed position through movement of a cable. The drain control assembly includes a driven member having a pivot end and a distal end that is configured to receive an end of the cable; a driving member defining a longitudinal axis; and a housing having a first cavity for receiving the driving member and a second cavity for receiving the driven member; wherein the driving member is configured to move in one of a linear manner or a rotational manner; and wherein the driven member is configured to rotate about the pivot end if the driving member moves in a linear manner and the driven member is configured to rotate about the pivot end if the driving member moves in a rotational manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Patent number: 9260846Abstract: A drain control assembly including a receiving member having a bore and a receiving portion for selectively receiving a first actuator or a second actuator. The drain control assembly also includes a moveable member configured to move between a first position and a second position within the bore of the receiving member to cause a cable to open or close a drain valve assembly. The first actuator comprises a first body portion and is configured to move the moveable member in response to linear movement of the first body portion, and the second actuator includes a second body portion and is configured to move the moveable member in response to rotational movement of the second body portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Patent number: 9181686Abstract: A trim kit for providing improved aesthetics to a bathroom fixture having a first side and a second side with a housing of a device coupled to the first side. The trim kit includes a mounting plate configured to be coupled to the device on the second side of the fixture, and an escutcheon having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface is configured to provide a decorative aesthetic for the trim kit. The mounting plate includes a plurality of tabs. The interior surface of the escutcheon includes a plurality of catches that are each configured to engage with a corresponding catch to allow the escutcheon to be detachably coupled to the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Patent number: 9062441Abstract: A cable overload device for a cable-actuated drain system having a drain valve assembly and a drain control assembly where the cable includes a driving end connected to the control assembly and a driven end. The overload device includes a plunger, a linking member, a sleeve, and an energy absorber. The plunger is configured to be coupled to the driven end of the cable. The linking member is configured to move the drain valve assembly between open and closed positions. The sleeve includes a bore that extends from a first side to a second side of the sleeve, wherein the bore is configured to receive the plunger through the first side and to receive the linking member through the second side. The energy absorber is provided in the bore between the plunger and the linking member to absorb a force imposed into the linking member from the drain valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Patent number: 9045888Abstract: A toilet has an electronic flush assembly operable in either a short or long flush sequence selectable by a user. The long flush sequence includes a pre-rinse cycle and a rinse cycle in which the a supply valve and a flush valve are both opened and closed twice, once each first during the pre-rinse cycle and again during a subsequent rinse cycle. The rim supply valve and the flush valve are opened during the pre-rinse and rinse cycles but are closed at the start and end of each cycle. An electronic control controls operation of the valves as well as water supply control components. Level sensors can also be included to provide feedback to the controller, for example, to prevent overflow conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Joseph Stauber, Peter W. Denzin, Benjamin Marotz
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Publication number: 20140041109Abstract: A toilet has an electronic flush assembly operable in either a short or long flush sequence selectable by a user. The long flush sequence includes a pre-rinse cycle and a rinse cycle in which the a supply valve and a flush valve are both opened and closed twice, once each first during the pre-rinse cycle and again during a subsequent rinse cycle. The rim supply valve and the flush valve are opened during the pre-rinse and rinse cycles but are closed at the start and end of each cycle. An electronic control controls operation of the valves as well as water supply control components. Level sensors can also be included to provide feedback to the controller, for example, to prevent overflow conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Joseph Stauber, Peter W. Denzin, Benjamin Marotz
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Publication number: 20130042406Abstract: A trim kit for providing improved aesthetics to a bathroom fixture having a first side and a second side with a housing of a device coupled to the first side. The trim kit includes a mounting plate configured to be coupled to the device on the second side of the fixture, and an escutcheon having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface is configured to provide a decorative aesthetic for the trim kit. The mounting plate includes a plurality of tabs. The interior surface of the escutcheon includes a plurality of catches that are each configured to engage with a corresponding catch to allow the escutcheon to be detachably coupled to the mounting plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Publication number: 20130042407Abstract: A drain control assembly including a receiving member having a bore and a receiving portion for selectively receiving a first actuator or a second actuator. The drain control assembly also includes a moveable member configured to move between a first position and a second position within the bore of the receiving member to cause a cable to open or close a drain valve assembly. The first actuator comprises a first body portion and is configured to move the moveable member in response to linear movement of the first body portion, and the second actuator includes a second body portion and is configured to move the moveable member in response to rotational movement of the second body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns
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Publication number: 20130042405Abstract: A cable overload device for a cable-actuated drain system having a drain valve assembly and a drain control assembly where the cable includes a driving end connected to the control assembly and a driven end. The overload device includes a plunger, a linking member, a sleeve, and an energy absorber. The plunger is configured to be coupled to the driven end of the cable. The linking member is configured to move the drain valve assembly between open and closed positions. The sleeve includes a bore that extends from a first side to a second side of the sleeve, wherein the bore is configured to receive the plunger through the first side and to receive the linking member through the second side. The energy absorber is provided in the bore between the plunger and the linking member to absorb a force imposed into the linking member from the drain valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Benjamin Marotz, Murali Natarajan, Andrew Stokes, Lisa Burns