Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Mueller

Jeffrey L. Mueller 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: 20160130855
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling a door. In various embodiments, exemplary systems may include a controller that may initialize and/or reset a limit count. A controller may initialize and/or reset a limit count in response to detection by a first position sensor of a first target. A controller may further initialize and/or reset a limit count by incrementing the limit count in response to a signal from a gear tooth sensor until a second position sensor detects a second target, whereupon the controller may store the limit count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: CORNELL IRONWORKS ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Xin Cui, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Michael D. Mankoski, G. Bruce Burwell
  • Patent number: 9243448
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling a door. In various embodiments, exemplary systems may include a controller that may initialize and/or reset a limit count. A controller may initialize and/or reset a limit count in response to detection by a first position sensor of a first target. A controller may further initialize and/or reset a limit count by incrementing the limit count in response to a signal from a gear tooth sensor until a second position sensor detects a second target, whereupon the controller may store the limit count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: CORNELL IRONWORKS ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Xin Cui, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Michael D. Mankoski, G. Bruce Burwell
  • Patent number: 8667620
    Abstract: A toilet, comprising a bowl, a rim provided at an upper portion of the bowl, a rim channel disposed in the rim, a rear extension that extends from the rim, and a water distribution structure provided in the rear extension and configured to receive water from a water supply. The rim channel includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening located between the first and second openings, the openings being configured to communicate water to the bowl. The water distribution structure having at least two exit channels configured to communicate water to at least two different locations of the rim channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20130186001
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling a door. In various embodiments, exemplary systems may include a controller that may initialize and/or reset a limit count. A controller may initialize and/or reset a limit count in response to detection by a first position sensor of a first target. A controller may further initialize and/or reset a limit count by incrementing the limit count in response to a signal from a gear tooth sensor until a second position sensor detects a second target, whereupon the controller may store the limit count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CORNELL IRONWORKS ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Xin Cui, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Michael D. Mankoski, G. Bruce Burwell
  • Publication number: 20120192342
    Abstract: A toilet, comprising a bowl, a rim provided at an upper portion of the bowl, a rim channel disposed in the rim, a rear extension that extends from the rim, and a water distribution structure provided in the rear extension and configured to receive water from a water supply. The rim channel includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening located between the first and second openings, the openings being configured to communicate water to the bowl. The water distribution structure having at least two exit channels configured to communicate water to at least two different locations of the rim channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8151379
    Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl having an upper rim channel and a water distribution structure for delivering water from a water supply to the bowl. The water distribution structure has an entry suitable to link with the water supply and at least three exit channels. A first of the exit channels communicates with the rim channel so as to provide at least a counter clockwise flow around a first side of the rim channel. A second of the exit channels communicates with the rim channel so as to provide at least clockwise flow around an opposed side of the rim channel from the first side of the rim channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8061386
    Abstract: A faucet having a swivel joint for adjusting the position of an outlet of the faucet. A flow coupler is fixed to a first faucet tube and a sleeve is removably and pivotally linked to the flow coupler by a fastener. A second faucet tube is then removably linked to the sleeve allowing the second faucet tube and sleeve to pivot about the flow coupler to adjust the outlet of the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Mario E. Semchuck
  • Patent number: 7658202
    Abstract: Disclosed are low-profile valve assemblies for engaging a counter top or other mounting surface having a through opening. A special collar is provided which has a flange facing the outer surface of the mounting surface, and a skirt that extends into the through opening where the inward portion of the skirt connects to the valve body. This insets the valve body. o-ring and recess structures are provided to seal the construction, and a handle has an outer skirt to hide the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20080277927
    Abstract: A faucet having a swivel joint for adjusting the position of an outlet of the faucet. A flow coupler is fixed to a first faucet tube and a sleeve is removably and pivotally linked to the flow coupler by a fastener. A second faucet tube is then removably linked to the sleeve allowing the second faucet tube and sleeve to pivot about the flow coupler to adjust the outlet of the faucet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Mario E. Semchuck
  • Publication number: 20080276361
    Abstract: A toilet is disclosed which has multiple branches of rim flow. The branches each enter the rim at an angle, and then flow varied distances around the rim. The flow preferably has a main path at about the five o'clock/seven o'clock position, a secondary large flow at about the one o'clock/eleven o'clock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20080277003
    Abstract: Disclosed are low-profile valve assemblies for engaging a counter top or other mounting surface having a through opening. A special collar is provided which has a flange facing the outer surface of the mounting surface, and a skirt that extends into the through opening where the inward portion of the skirt connects to the valve body. This insets the valve body. O-ring and recess structures are provided to seal the construction, and a handle has an outer skirt to hide the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20080250795
    Abstract: A system and method for production of gas from a cryogenic fluid using an improved air vaporizer in cyclic production/regeneration modes with a forced air draft and an intermittent heating of ambient air entering the air vaporizer during regeneration mode and/or optionally during the production mode. The system and method may be used in geographical areas where the ambient air temperature can be below freezing. Particularly, the system and method may employ a plurality of these improved air vaporizers for regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG), particularly for continuous production of natural gas in a base-load LNG regasification plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Vidyadhar Y. Katdare, Jeffrey L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7076814
    Abstract: An assembly for rapidly filing bathtubs, whirlpools, spas, washing machine drums and the like includes a basin, water storage tank(s) (such as hot and cold water storage tanks), and a system for controlling the filling of the basin from the tank(s). When it is desired to supply water to the basin, this is expedited by placing the tank(s) above the basin, using connecting piping with extra large area, using a pressure pump, and/or providing extra large delivery ports. The tank(s) are dedicated to the assembly, and preferably are closely adjacent thereto. Controls are provided to avoid excess weight gathering adjacent the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael H. Ostrowski, Jeffrey L. Mueller, James R. Lewis, Stanley P. Kaymen, John H. Schott
  • Publication number: 20040154094
    Abstract: An assembly for rapidly filing bathtubs, whirlpools, spas, washing machine drums and the like includes a basin, water storage tank(s) (such as hot and cold water storage tanks), and a system for controlling the filling of the basin from the tank(s). When it is desired to supply water to the basin, this is expedited by placing the tank(s) above the basin, using connecting piping with extra large area, using a pressure pump, and/or providing extra large delivery ports. The tank(s) are dedicated to the assembly, and preferably are closely adjacent thereto. Controls are provided to avoid excess weight gathering adjacent the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Michael H. Ostrowski, Jeffrey L. Mueller, James R. Lewis, Stanley P. Kaymen, John H. Schott
  • Patent number: 6725472
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Publication number: 20030070223
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6484330
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Publication number: 20020120984
    Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 4784527
    Abstract: A light-weight, modular drilling template. A template is constructed of light-weight tubular steel having ring stiffeners to provide adequate crush resistance to withstand collapse under hydraulic loading provided by water pressure at 1800 feet water depth. The template is constructed as a pod-receiving frame with separable pods that may be installed after the frame has been set on the seafloor and leveled. The individual pods may be fine tune leveled by means of adjustable jacking mechanisms that form part of the latching devices that secure the pods to the frame. A method for installing a foundation template subsequent to installing the drilling template is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Hunter, Wen J. Wang, Jeffrey L. Mueller