Patents by Inventor Douglas C. Saunders

Douglas C. Saunders 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: 11623193
    Abstract: Metastable state spore incubation mixing systems are described. An example system includes a spores container to store spores, a nutrient container to store nutrients, a water supply line, a syringe tank, a syringe pump, an adjustable valve, a heater, and a controller. In a drawing phase of the system, a controller can cause the syringe pump and the adjustable valve to draw into the syringe tank a volume of spores, nutrients, and water to form a mixture. The controller causes the heater to heat the mixture for a period of time. In a dispensing phase of the system, the controller can cause the syringe pump to expel the mixture through the adjustable valve and into a water distribution system. The controller can direct the system through a number of other phases of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: NCH Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders, Jeffrey W. Siegrist, Thomas R. Bajek
  • Patent number: 11274424
    Abstract: A detachable faucet connector can be used with a faucet to allow easy connection of hoses to the faucet. The detachable faucet connector can include an aerator, a funnel, and a hose adapter. The aerator can connect to a faucet to replace the faucet's existing aerator. The funnel can be inserted in to the aerator prior to the installation of the aerator in the faucet. The hose adapter can be connected to the funnel. The hose adapter can be attached to a hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 10730170
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a universal aerator removal and installation tool, which may include a tool for rotationally engaging and turning an aerator coupled to a faucet spout. The tool may include a tool body having a first end and a second end and various keys positioned at the first end of the tool body. Each of the keys may include projections configured to rotationally engage and turn a different type of aerator. One or more aerator wrenches may be positioned at the second end of the tool body, where the aerator wrenches may project from the tool body and be configured to rotationally engage and turn different types of aerators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20200078751
    Abstract: Metastable state spore incubation mixing systems are described. An example system includes a spores container to store spores, a nutrient container to store nutrients, a water supply line, a syringe tank, a syringe pump, an adjustable valve, a heater, and a controller. In a drawing phase of the system, a controller can cause the syringe pump and the adjustable valve to draw into the syringe tank a volume of spores, nutrients, and water to form a mixture. The controller causes the heater to heat the mixture for a period of time. In a dispensing phase of the system, the controller can cause the syringe pump to expel the mixture through the adjustable valve and into a water distribution system. The controller can direct the system through a number of other phases of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders, Jeffrey W. Siegrist, Thomas R. Bajek
  • Publication number: 20190374972
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an applicator configured to receive a stick. In one embodiment, the applicator includes a pad and an adapter. The adapter includes a top side and a bottom side, where the adapter retains the pad on the bottom side. The adapter also includes a retaining cage on the top side. The retaining cage includes a first end and a second end, where the retaining cage extends from the adapter at the first end. The retaining cage comprises an opening at the second end for receiving a stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Thomas R. Bajek, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20190061114
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a universal aerator removal and installation tool, which may include a tool for rotationally engaging and turning an aerator coupled to a faucet spout. The tool may include a tool body having a first end and a second end and various keys positioned at the first end of the tool body. Each of the keys may include projections configured to rotationally engage and turn a different type of aerator. One or more aerator wrenches may be positioned at the second end of the tool body, where the aerator wrenches may project from the tool body and be configured to rotationally engage and turn different types of aerators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20190063050
    Abstract: A detachable faucet connector can be used with a faucet to allow easy connection of hoses to the faucet. The detachable faucet connector can include an aerator, a funnel, and a hose adapter. The aerator can connect to a faucet to replace the faucet's existing aerator. The funnel can be inserted in to the aerator prior to the installation of the aerator in the faucet. The hose adapter can be connected to the funnel. The hose adapter can be attached to a hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 10145095
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards preventing an overflow of a toilet bowl in the event of, for example, a clogged toilet. A toilet flush handle may be in communication with a toilet flush valve. The toilet flush handle may be configured to rotate in a first direction and in a second direction. By rotating in the first direction, the toilet flush handle may initiate a toilet flush. By rotating in the second direction, the toilet flush handle may interrupt the toilet flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 10047509
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for dual flush activation. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a handle assembly; and a transfer box configured to detachably connect to an actuation control box of the dual flush toilet system. The transfer box is configured to translate a rotational motion of the handle assembly into a linear motion accepted by the actuation control box to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system. In another embodiment, an assembly includes a dual-input actuation control box configured to detachably connect to a rotary handle assembly and a push button assembly. The dual-input transfer box is configured to translate a rotational motion of the rotary handle assembly and a liner motion of the push button assembly into a linear motion to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9976292
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for flush activated air freshening. In one embodiment, a method includes sensing the initiation of a flush of a toilet system and discharging aerosol in response to sensing the initiation of the flush. In another embodiment, an air freshener assembly for a toilet system includes a control valve coupled to an aerosol cartridge and a spray control configured to activate the control valve to discharge aerosol from the aerosol cartridge in response to initiation of a flush of the toilet system. In another embodiment, a toilet system includes means for initiating a flush of a toilet, means for sensing initiation of the flush, and means for discharging aerosol in response to sensing the initiation of the flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9938701
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability are presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. The dual flush mechanism can include a basket structure. A gasket can be attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket can form a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 9896830
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9803348
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for electrically controlled flush applications. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an activation assembly configured to initiate a flush of a flush assembly based upon a position of the activation assembly. The activation assembly includes a position sensor that senses a transition from a neutral position to a first position and a restraint mechanism that prevents a return to the neutral position for a predefined period of time corresponding to the flush duration. In another embodiment, a flush activation assembly includes an activation control box with a position sensor that provides an indication that a cable anchor has transitioned from a neutral position to a first position to initiate a flush of the flush assembly and a restraint mechanism that prevents the cable anchor from returning to the neutral position in response to the indication from the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20160369487
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle control. A rotary handle assembly for a dual flush toilet system includes a flush stop, a handle lever, a handle switch, and a restriction arm. The handle switch is configured to extend through a surface of the handle lever from an unextended position to an extended position. The restriction arm is configured to engage the handle switch at a proximal end and control engagement with the flush stop to restrict rotation of the handle lever based upon the position of the handle switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E.A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9447570
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle control. A rotary handle assembly for a dual flush toilet system includes a flush stop, a handle lever, a handle switch, and a restriction arm. The handle switch is configured to extend through a surface of the handle lever from an unextended position to an extended position. The restriction arm is configured to engage the handle switch at a proximal end and control engagement with the flush stop to restrict rotation of the handle lever based upon the position of the handle switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9371639
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for prematurely terminating a flush cycle. A valve stem may be coupled to a cable to move the valve stem in an upward direction to initiate a flush cycle. A buoyant float may be configured to engage the valve stem to prevent the valve stem from moving in a downward direction during the flush cycle, until a water level drops below a predefined level. Finally, a second cable coupled to a valve release assembly may be utilized to release the valve stem from the buoyant float to prematurely terminate the flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20160122988
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability are presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. The dual flush mechanism can include a basket structure. A gasket can be attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket can form a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E.A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 9267275
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 9228333
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: DANCO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Publication number: 20150376884
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman