Patents by Inventor Michael J. Schuster
Michael J. Schuster 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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Patent number: 8333215Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
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Patent number: 8307594Abstract: Disclosed are a toilet flapper and associated methods. In one representative embodiment, a flapper is provided having an upper side and a sealing side, the sealing side including a sealing surface. A dome protrudes from the sealing side at a middle of the sealing surface. Also, an opening of the dome is positioned in the upper side of the flapper. A float is employed with the flapper.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
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Patent number: 8104105Abstract: A toilet fill valve, toilet, and associated methods are provided with an adjustable bowl fill flow. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a water inlet and a first water outlet configured to supply water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port extends from a portion of a body of the toilet fill valve, the bowl fill outlet port being operatively coupled to the water inlet. The toilet fill valve includes a bowl fill valve having a bowl fill valve inlet port and a bowl fill valve outlet port, wherein the bowl fill valve inlet port is compatible with the bowl fill outlet port and the bowl fill valve inlet port being coupled to the bowl fill outlet port, the bowl fill valve radially extending from a portion of a body of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill valve is configured to supply an adjustable flow of water out the bowl fill outlet port for filling a toilet bowl during a flush cycle of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
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Publication number: 20120017363Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for offsetting of flush adapters. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an adapter configured to attach to a flush mechanism configured to provide for a predefined flush capability in a toilet, a gasket attached to adapter, the gasket forming a seal between the flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve, where the flush valve is configured to seat a sealing member, and means for securing the gasket in position with respect to the flush orifice of the flush valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: MJSI, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
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Patent number: 8087426Abstract: Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
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Publication number: 20110225715Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for external float extensions. In one embodiment, an external float extension includes an external adjustment rod configured to affix to a quick flush float of a dual flush assembly and an external float configured to be positioned on the external adjustment rod. In another embodiment, a dual flush assembly includes a quick flush float, an external adjustment rod affixed to the quick flush float, and an external float positioned on the external adjustment rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: MJSI, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
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Publication number: 20110167549Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
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Patent number: 7926511Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
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Publication number: 20100218308Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
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Patent number: 7743436Abstract: A toilet fill valve, toilet, and associated methods are provided with an adjustable bowl fill flow. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a water inlet and a first water outlet configured to supply water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port extends from a portion of a body of the toilet fill valve, the bowl fill outlet port being operatively coupled to the water inlet. The toilet fill valve includes a bowl fill valve having a bowl fill valve inlet port and a bowl fill valve outlet port, wherein the bowl fill valve inlet port is compatible with the bowl fill outlet port and the bowl fill valve inlet port being coupled to the bowl fill outlet port, the bowl fill valve radially extending from a portion of a body of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill valve is configured to supply an adjustable flow of water out the bowl fill outlet port for filling a toilet bowl during a flush cycle of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
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Publication number: 20100122405Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a toilet flush handle. In one embodiment, the toilet flush is attached to a lever. At least one receptacle is disposed on the lever, the at least one receptacle being configured to facilitate attachment of a flapper tether to the lever. In one embodiment, the toilet flush handle includes an anti-microbial agent. In another embodiment, an active component is embedded in the toilet flush handle. The active component is configured to generate a user perceivable output in response to a movement of the toilet flush handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: MJSI, INC.Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
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Publication number: 20100095446Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: SUSTAINABLE SOURCE, LLCInventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
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Patent number: 7650652Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Sustainable Source, LLCInventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
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Publication number: 20090276947Abstract: Disclosed are a toilet flapper and associated methods. In one representative embodiment, a flapper is provided having an upper side and a sealing side, the sealing side including a sealing surface. A dome protrudes from the sealing side at a middle of the sealing surface. Also, an opening of the dome is positioned in the upper side of the flapper. A float is employed with the flapper.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: MJSI, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
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Publication number: 20090199911Abstract: Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: MJSI, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
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Patent number: 7533688Abstract: Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
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Patent number: 7484420Abstract: A fastener assembly and method are provided. In one embodiment, the fastener assembly comprises a nut compatible with a threaded shaft. A rotation indicator having at least one indicator extension is attached to the nut. At least one protruding structure extends from the nut. The protruding structure interferes with the indicator extension when the nut is rotated on the threaded shaft and the rotation indicator is compressed between the nut and a surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Lee Schneider
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Patent number: 6837264Abstract: Various toilet valves and methods are described that provide for locking of the toilet filled in a closed state. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve is provided having an actuating arm. The toilet fill valve is closed when the actuating arm is disposed in a first position and is open when the actuating arm is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is attached to the actuating arm. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position. The valve lock fixes the actuating arm in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
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Patent number: 6823889Abstract: A toilet fill valve and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the toilet fill valve includes a water inlet and a first water outlet configured to supply water to a toilet tank. The toilet fill valve further includes a bowl fill valve having a bowl fill valve inlet and a bowl valve outlet, the bowl fill valve inlet being operatively coupled to the water inlet. The bowl fill valve is integrated with a body of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill valve is configured to supply an adjustable flow of water out the bowl fill outlet for filling a toilet bowl during a flush cycle of a toilet.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: MJSI, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
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Patent number: 6546568Abstract: A toilet tank with a sediment removal assembly comprises a flexible tube connected to the upper discharge spout of the intake standpipe in the toilet tank cavity, and a configured length of copper tubing connected to the flexible tube for water to flow therethrough when the float valve is open to flow water into the tank during a flushing operation. The copper tubing has a longitudinal section which extends downwardly and vertically from its connection to the flexible tube, an integrally joined first lateral or horizontal section curved or bent to lie on the bottom wall of the tank adjacent to the rear wall, and an integrally joined second lateral or horizontal section curved or bent to extend substantially normal to the first lateral section and lie on the bottom wall of the tank adjacent to the then facing end wall of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Schuster