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).

  • Patent number: 8333215
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8307594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8104105
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120017363
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8087426
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110225715
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20110167549
    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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders, Duston E. A. Stutzman
  • Patent number: 7926511
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100218308
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7743436
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100122405
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20100095446
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: SUSTAINABLE SOURCE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Patent number: 7650652
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sustainable Source, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Publication number: 20090276947
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Publication number: 20090199911
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MJSI, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 7533688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Schneider
  • Patent number: 7484420
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry Lee Schneider
  • Patent number: 6837264
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6823889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6546568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster