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).
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Publication number: 20160130855Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Applicant: CORNELL IRONWORKS ENTERPRISESInventors: Xin Cui, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Michael D. Mankoski, G. Bruce Burwell
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Patent number: 9243448Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: CORNELL IRONWORKS ENTERPRISESInventors: Xin Cui, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Michael D. Mankoski, G. Bruce Burwell
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Patent number: 8667620Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
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Publication number: 20130186001Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: CORNELL IRONWORKS ENTERPRISESInventors: Xin Cui, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Michael D. Mankoski, G. Bruce Burwell
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Publication number: 20120192342Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
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Patent number: 8151379Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
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Patent number: 8061386Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Mario E. Semchuck
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Patent number: 7658202Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
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Publication number: 20080277927Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Mario E. Semchuck
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Publication number: 20080276361Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
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Publication number: 20080277003Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey L. Mueller, Terrence J. Andersen
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Publication number: 20080250795Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Vidyadhar Y. Katdare, Jeffrey L. Mueller
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Patent number: 7076814Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Michael H. Ostrowski, Jeffrey L. Mueller, James R. Lewis, Stanley P. Kaymen, John H. Schott
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Publication number: 20040154094Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Michael H. Ostrowski, Jeffrey L. Mueller, James R. Lewis, Stanley P. Kaymen, John H. Schott
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Patent number: 6725472Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
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Publication number: 20030070223Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
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Patent number: 6484330Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
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Publication number: 20020120984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
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Patent number: 4784527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 1987Date of Patent: November 15, 1988Assignee: Conoco Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Hunter, Wen J. Wang, Jeffrey L. Mueller