Patents by Inventor Chad J. Cochart

Chad J. Cochart 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).

  • Publication number: 20240052613
    Abstract: A system for converting a mechanical main valve body of a shower assembly to an electromechanical main valve body. The system includes a mechanical valve body that includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a connection interface that interchangeably receives one of the mechanical main valve body or the electromechanical main valve body. The electromechanical main valve body includes a first solenoid valve fluidly coupled to a first outlet that directs the mixed water to a first user device in replacement of a second outlet of the mechanical main valve body, and a second solenoid valve fluidly coupled to a third outlet that directs the mixed water to a second user device in replacement of a fourth outlet of the mechanical main valve body. The first and second solenoid valves selectively permit the mixed water to flow through the first and third outlets, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Chad J. Cochart
  • Publication number: 20240019047
    Abstract: A shower system includes a shower waterway and a fluid control valve. The shower waterway is configured to be coupled to a shower device. The fluid control valve is coupled to the shower waterway and comprises a valve body and a piston. The valve body includes a chamber and a reservoir. The piston is slidably coupled to the valve body and fluidly separates the chamber from the reservoir. The chamber includes a compressible gas. The piston is configured to slidably translate within the valve body to compress the compressible gas in response to a water pressure fluctuation in the shower waterway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 11767930
    Abstract: A shower system includes a shower waterway and a fluid control valve. The shower waterway is configured to be coupled to a shower device. The fluid control valve is coupled to the shower waterway and comprises a valve body and a piston. The valve body includes a chamber and a reservoir. The piston is slidably coupled to the valve body and fluidly separates the chamber from the reservoir. The chamber includes a compressible gas. The piston is configured to slidably translate within the valve body to compress the compressible gas in response to a water pressure fluctuation in the shower waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Publication number: 20220250098
    Abstract: A shower system includes on one or more valves and a plurality of showerheads. The plurality of showerheads are electrically coupled to one another and configured to receive electrical signals from one another. The plurality of showerheads are fluidly coupled to the one or more valves and configured to receive water therefrom. The plurality of showerheads includes a sprayer, one or more sensors, and an integrated user interface. The sprayer is configured to dispense water provided by the one or more valves. The one or more sensors are configured to register motion gestures made by a user. The integrated user interface is configured to control operation of the sprayer. The one or more sensors generates an internal signal to the plurality of showerheads corresponding to the motion gesture. One of the plurality of showerheads is a master showerhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Todd W. Leonhard, Qi Cheng, Douglas J. Brouwer, Keith Ruh, Chad J. Cochart
  • Publication number: 20220235881
    Abstract: A shower system includes a shower waterway and a fluid control valve. The shower waterway is configured to be coupled to a shower device. The fluid control valve is coupled to the shower waterway and comprises a valve body and a piston. The valve body includes a chamber and a reservoir. The piston is slidably coupled to the valve body and fluidly separates the chamber from the reservoir. The chamber includes a compressible gas. The piston is configured to slidably translate within the valve body to compress the compressible gas in response to a water pressure fluctuation in the shower waterway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 11306846
    Abstract: A shower system includes a shower waterway and a fluid control valve. The shower waterway is configured to be coupled to a shower device. The fluid control valve is coupled to the shower waterway and comprises a valve body and a piston. The valve body includes a chamber and a reservoir. The piston is slidably coupled to the valve body and fluidly separates the chamber from the reservoir. The chamber includes a compressible gas. The piston is configured to slidably translate within the valve body to compress the compressible gas in response to a water pressure change in the shower waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Publication number: 20210341077
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an inlet to receive a fluid into the valve assembly, an outlet to discharge the fluid from the valve assembly and a service stop coupled to the inlet or the outlet. The service stop can rotate relative to the inlet or the outlet to control a flow of the fluid through the inlet or the outlet. The service stop can include a first tool interface to receive a first hand tool and transfer a first torque from the first hand tool to the service stop to facilitate rotating the service stop using the first hand tool. The service stop can include a second tool interface to receive a second hand tool different from the first hand tool and configured to transfer a second torque from the second hand tool to the service stop to facilitate rotating the service stop using the second hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: STEVEN D. WILLIAMS, Chad J. Cochart
  • Patent number: 10689837
    Abstract: A flushometer valve includes a hollow body and a piston assembly disposed inside the hollow body for controlling operation of the flushometer valve. The piston assembly and hollow body define an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber and a pressure chamber. The piston assembly includes a flow guide, a piston top, and an insert. The flow guide is movable relative to the hollow body between an open position, in which the outlet chamber is fluidly connected to the inlet chamber, and a closed position, in which the outlet chamber is fluidly disconnected from the inlet chamber. The piston top is coupled to the flow guide, includes a first material, and has a bleed passage that fluidly connects the pressure chamber and the inlet chamber. The insert is disposed within the bleed passage, includes a second material, and has a bore that fluidly connects the bleed passage and the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Evan S. Yee, Chad J. Cochart, Balachander Venugopal
  • Publication number: 20200048877
    Abstract: A shower system includes a shower waterway and a fluid control valve. The shower waterway is configured to be coupled to a shower device. The fluid control valve is coupled to the shower waterway and comprises a valve body and a piston. The valve body includes a chamber and a reservoir. The piston is slidably coupled to the valve body and fluidly separates the chamber from the reservoir. The chamber includes a compressible gas. The piston is configured to slidably translate within the valve body to compress the compressible gas in response to a water pressure change in the shower waterway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: CHAD J. COCHART, Douglas J. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 10260653
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a mechanical valve having an outer member and a valve member, wherein the valve member is configured to move radially relative to the outer member between an open position and a closed position; a ring disposed at least partially around the outer member and configured to move in response to the movement of the valve member; and a switch configured to open and close in response to the movement of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Chad J. Cochart
  • Patent number: 10030782
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device, a battery package for a fluid dispensing device, and a method of assembling a fluid dispensing device. The dispensing device has a housing defining a passage having an outlet, and fluid being dispensed through the passage and out of the outlet. The dispensing device also has a powered component. The battery package has a battery cell and a capacitor operable to power the powered component. The battery cell and the capacitor are encapsulated as a unitary battery package. The unitary battery package is supportable in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Chad J. Cochart, Joel T. Smith, Balachander Venugopal, Ryan F. Leichty
  • Publication number: 20180171613
    Abstract: A flushometer valve includes a hollow body and a piston assembly disposed inside the hollow body for controlling operation of the flushometer valve. The piston assembly and hollow body define an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber and a pressure chamber. The piston assembly includes a flow guide, a piston top, and an insert. The flow guide is movable relative to the hollow body between an open position, in which the outlet chamber is fluidly connected to the inlet chamber, and a closed position, in which the outlet chamber is fluidly disconnected from the inlet chamber. The piston top is coupled to the flow guide, includes a first material, and has a bleed passage that fluidly connects the pressure chamber and the inlet chamber. The insert is disposed within the bleed passage, includes a second material, and has a bore that fluidly connects the bleed passage and the pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Evan S. Yee, Chad J. Cochart, Balachander Venugopal
  • Patent number: 9915367
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having an internal generally cup-shaped bore, a valve control cartridge inserted into the bore and having a rotatable control stem extending upwardly therefrom, and a bonnet nut having a through-bore. The bonnet nut is threaded to the valve housing such that the control stem extends through the through-bore. Flexible fingers are provided along the through-bore to control a level of resistance to a rotation of the rotatable control stem. The stem is positioned to frictionally engage the flexible fingers as the stem is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: David H. Ritter, Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer, Christopher M. Shay, Brian S. Core, Michael W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180038510
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a mechanical valve having an outer member and a valve member, wherein the valve member is configured to move radially relative to the outer member between an open position and a closed position; a ring disposed at least partially around the outer member and configured to move in response to the movement of the valve member; and a switch configured to open and close in response to the movement of the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: JOHN C. ESCHE, Chad J. Cochart
  • Patent number: 9874287
    Abstract: A service valve for a valve body includes a base rotatable between an open orientation and a closed orientation relative to the valve body. When the base is in the open orientation, the service valve allows fluid flow into the valve body through the service valve. When the base is in the closed orientation, the service valve blocks the fluid flow into the valve body through the service valve. The service valve further includes a tab extending from the base. The tab prevents removal of a cover from the valve body when the base is in the open orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Brouwer, Michael W. Smith, Michael A. Niver, Chad J. Cochart
  • Patent number: 9822902
    Abstract: A faucet configured for touchless actuation that includes a spout; a mechanical valve configured to move between an open state and a closed state and having a member radially movable between an open position and a closed position in response to operation of the mechanical valve between the open state and the closed state; an electronic valve configured to move between an open state and a closed state; and a system configured to detect and communicate a state of the faucet in response to the position of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Chad J. Cochart
  • Patent number: 9816637
    Abstract: A testing cap for a valve body includes a base configured to releasably attach to the valve body and to cover an opening in the valve body. The opening is configured to receive a valve cartridge and the base covers the opening in place of the valve cartridge. The testing cap includes a structure extending from the base. The structure is configured to be oriented relative to the valve body in a first orientation and a second orientation. The structure allows fluid to enter the valve body through an inlet port in the valve body and exit the valve body through an outlet port in the valve body when the structure is oriented in the first orientation. The structure covers at least one of the inlet port and the outlet port when the structure is oriented in the second orientation, thereby preventing fluid flow through the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Brouwer, Michael W. Smith, Michael A. Niver, Chad J. Cochart
  • Patent number: 9546474
    Abstract: A system for dispensing or and/or creating a mixture of water and a personal care liquid (PC), such, as soap, shampoo, antibacterial liquids, disinfectant liquids, liquid dishwashing detergents, or other sanitization fluids. The system, in one embodiment, is used in conjunction with a faucet that is mounted adjacent a washbasin to dispense the mixture. In an embodiment, a mixing unit is included in the system that comprises a venturi and a pressure compensating control device. In another embodiment, a pinch valve is utilized to control the introduction of the PCL into the water flow. In yet another embodiment, at least one water pressure actuatable valve is utilized to control the introduction of the PCL into the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Chad J. Cochart
  • Publication number: 20170009901
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having an internal generally cup-shaped bore, a valve control cartridge inserted into the bore and having a rotatable control stem extending upwardly therefrom, and a bonnet nut having a through-bore. The bonnet nut is threaded to the valve housing such that the control stem extends through the through-bore. Flexible fingers are provided along the through-bore to control a level of resistance to a rotation of the rotatable control stem. The stem is positioned to frictionally engage the flexible fingers as the stem is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: David H. Ritter, Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer, Christopher M. Shay, Brian S. Core, Michael W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9476508
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having an internal generally cup-shaped bore, a valve control cartridge inserted into the bore and having a rotatable control stem extending upwardly therefrom, and a bonnet nut having a through-bore. The bonnet nut is threaded to the valve housing such that the control stem extends through the through-bore. Flexible fingers are provided along the through-bore to control a level of resistance to a rotation of the rotatable control stem. The stem is positioned to frictionally engage the flexible fingers as the stem is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: David H. Ritter, Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer, Christopher M. Shay, Brian S. Core, Michael W. Smith