Patents by Inventor Clayton C. Garrels

Clayton C. Garrels 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).

  • Patent number: 9848741
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Erich D. Slothower, Mary J. Reid, Clayton C. Garrels
  • Publication number: 20170241118
    Abstract: A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The touchless sensor lacks an optical path to the detection region. In some embodiments, the touchless sensor is a projected capacitive sensor. The processing circuit is configured to activate the motor assembly upon detecting the object and the motor assembly is configured to actuate flushing of the toilet when activated by the processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Peter W. Denzin, Jeffrey C. Hildebrand, Brian D. Renzelman, Clayton C. Garrels, Joseph L. Stauber, Eric M. Plate
  • Publication number: 20170184015
    Abstract: An integrated modular biomass to electric power generation system is disclosed. The system comprises various subsystem modules including components which may be prefabricated and mounted on separate and portable self-supporting liftable platforms in a factory controlled environment. The modules may include biomass to biofuel conversion and refinement process related modules and power generation modules. The modules may be transported from the factory to a power generation site, which in some non-limiting examples may comprise part of an agricultural or farming site that produces animal and/or agricultural wastes which may be converted to biofuel. The modules are positioned on site and fluidly coupled together to form a complete biofuel powered electric generation system. A plurality of standardized size subsystem modules of several different process or electrical capacities may be provided for selection to form the complete system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Travis J. Andren, Manuel Rumao, Eric B. Hudak, Clayton C. Garrels
  • Patent number: 9657471
    Abstract: A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The touchless sensor lacks an optical path to the detection region. In some embodiments, the touchless sensor is a projected capacitive sensor. The processing circuit is configured to activate the motor assembly upon detecting the object and the motor assembly is configured to actuate flushing of the toilet when activated by the processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Peter W. Denzin, Jeffrey C. Hildebrand, Brian D. Renzelman, Clayton C. Garrels, Joseph L. Stauber, Eric M. Plate
  • Patent number: 9605418
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a dual flush toilet that includes a rotatable pivot pin including a body and an extension extending outwardly from the body; a first lever configured to contact the extension after a predetermined rotation of the first lever, such that continued rotation of the first lever rotates the pivot pin a first rotation to actuate the first flush mode; and a second lever configured to contact the extension after a predetermined rotation of the second lever, such that continued rotation of the second lever rotates the pivot pin a second rotation to actuate the second flush mode; wherein the first rotation is different than the second rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Clayton C. Garrels, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun
  • Publication number: 20150376883
    Abstract: A method of flushing a toilet that includes opening a first valve to introduce a first supply of grey water into a passage to prime a siphon; opening a second valve to introduce a second supply of water into a bowl from a tank, the bowl having an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet of the passage; closing the first valve to shut off the first supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowl through an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by the introduction of the first supply of water and the introduction of the second supply of water; and closing the second valve to shut off the second supply of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, William C. Kuru, Randy S. Graskamp
  • Publication number: 20150267389
    Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl having a vertically-elongated jet orifice near a top of the bowl that is designed to introduce flush water into the bowl from an interior water channel through a surface of an inner wall of the bowl, such that the flush water is directed around the inner wall of the bowl to wash the inner wall. The toilet also includes a shelf for directing the flush water. The toilet is a gravity-fed toilet that does not include an overhanging rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Luettgen, Wiliam C. Kuru, Sudip Mukerji, Douglas E. Bogard, Peter W. Swart, Clayton C. Garrels, John F. Emmerling, Kari L. Jaeckels, Michael D. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20150247310
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a dual flush toilet that includes a rotatable pivot pin including a body and an extension extending outwardly from the body; a first lever configured to contact the extension after a predetermined rotation of the first lever, such that continued rotation of the first lever rotates the pivot pin a first rotation to actuate the first flush mode; and a second lever configured to contact the extension after a predetermined rotation of the second lever, such that continued rotation of the second lever rotates the pivot pin a second rotation to actuate the second flush mode; wherein the first rotation is different than the second rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Clayton C. Garrels, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun
  • Patent number: 9032560
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism comprising a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a link arm member provided within the housing and pivotally coupled to the handles, and a moveable stop member provided within the housing. The first handle may be mounted to a first side of a toilet tank, and the second handle may be mounted coaxially relative to the first handle on the first side. The housing may be mounted to a second side of the tank. A rotation of one of the first and second handles results in rotation of the link arm member being limited by the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a first amount. Rotation of both the first and second handles results in movement of the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a second amount greater than the first amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Clayton C. Garrels, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun
  • Publication number: 20140250585
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Erich D. Slothower, Mary J. Reid, Clayton C. Garrels
  • Patent number: 8776283
    Abstract: A movable seat is disclosed which is positionable within a shower stall of a type having at least one rear support element, such as a rear ledge, and at least one frontal support element, such as a lower frontal threshold. The movable seat includes an essentially horizontal support that has a rearward portion that is suitable to be supported on the ledge and a leg that extends downwardly from a forward portion of the support to a foot. The seat is sufficiently flexible such that if a weight load of a human or thereabout is placed on the support, then the foot will flex forwardly in response thereto, thereby jamming the seat in place relative to the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Thomas M. Spankowski, Jason R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140123378
    Abstract: A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The touchless sensor lacks an optical path to the detection region. In some embodiments, the touchless sensor is a projected capacitive sensor. The processing circuit is configured to activate the motor assembly upon detecting the object and the motor assembly is configured to actuate flushing of the toilet when activated by the processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, Peter W. Denzin, Jeffrey C. Hildebrand, Brian D. Renzelman, Clayton C. Garrels, Joseph L. Stauber, Eric M. Plate
  • Publication number: 20140059755
    Abstract: A toilet comprising a tank configured to hold a first supply of water therein; a bowl having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the tank, such that the bowl is configured to receive the first supply of water; and a passage having a first end, a second end, and an inlet opening provided between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the outlet of the bowl, wherein the second end is configured to be in fluid communication with a drain pipe, and wherein the passage is configured to receive a second supply of water through the inlet opening during a flush cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, William C. Kuru, Randy S. Graskamp
  • Patent number: 8523126
    Abstract: Wall mountable accessory assemblies suitable to be mounted in a bathroom are disclosed. As an example, there is a grab bar assembly that has at least one mounting bracket, a grab bar, and a set screw. The bracket includes a rearward portion mountable to the wall and a frontal portion having a first recess which is forwardly open. The bracket also has a side catch groove structure. A projection on the grab bar is laterally slid into the catch groove structure and interfit therewith. The screw is inserted in the first recess so as to thereby drive a portion of the grab bar forward, inhibiting relative movement between the grab bar and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Thomas M. Spankowski
  • Patent number: D703295
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Benjamin B. Fullerton, Jr., Gary N. Clarke
  • Patent number: D711513
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Benjamin B. Fullerton, Jr., Gary N. Clarke
  • Patent number: D711514
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Benjamin B. Fullerton, Jr., Gary N. Clarke
  • Patent number: D737939
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Benjamin B. Fullerton, Jr., Gary N. Clarke
  • Patent number: D751179
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Benjamin B. Fullerton, Jr., Gary N. Clarke
  • Patent number: D773019
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Robin A. Goad