Patents by Inventor Michael Luettgen

Michael Luettgen 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: 20240117618
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 11920336
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 11913211
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20230265643
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 11674298
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20230075406
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 11542698
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20220127832
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20210388592
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20210355668
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 11105082
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20200407962
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Publication number: 20200002930
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a tank configured to hold water from a water supply; a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water from the water supply; and an actuator configured to control a flush cycle of the toilet upon a first activation, the actuator including at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge an amount of the cleaning compound external to the tank upon at least one of the first activation or a second activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael LUETTGEN, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 10450733
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a water tank having a vent hole; a bowl; and a system having a valve body connecting the tank and a fluid channel; a housing moveable relative to the valve body during a flush cycle to pass water from the tank into the bowl through the fluid channel, the housing having a bore that connects with the fluid channel; a fan in the bore that operates in first and second modes; a motor in the bore for rotating the fan in each mode; and a vent having an inlet fluidly connected with the bore and an outlet fluidly connected with the vent hole. In the first mode, the fan moves air from the bowl to the vent hole through the bore and vent; and in the second mode, the fan moves air from outside the tank to the bowl through the vent hole and bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter Denzin
  • Publication number: 20190063054
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a water tank having a vent hole; a bowl; and a system having a valve body connecting the tank and a fluid channel; a housing moveable relative to the valve body during a flush cycle to pass water from the tank into the bowl through the fluid channel, the housing having a bore that connects with the fluid channel; a fan in the bore that operates in first and second modes; a motor in the bore for rotating the fan in each mode; and a vent having an inlet fluidly connected with the bore and an outlet fluidly connected with the vent hole. In the first mode, the fan moves air from the bowl to the vent hole through the bore and vent; and in the second mode, the fan moves air from outside the tank to the bowl through the vent hole and bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter Denzin
  • Publication number: 20170058500
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a bowl, a tank configured to hold water, and a flush valve within the tank. The flush valve includes a valve body fluidly connecting the tank and the bowl, a float moveable relative to the valve body to open and close the flush valve, and a guide member coupled to the valve body for guiding movement of the float, where the guide member includes a chamber that is configured to hold a cleaning compound including a chemical compound and water. The cleaning compound is configured to be dispensed into the bowl through the valve body with the flush valve open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton Garrels, Michael Luettgen, William Kuru, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 9380918
    Abstract: Various disclosed systems relate to fixtures, such as toilets, that include a lighting mechanism for illuminating portions of the fixture. One embodiment relates to a toilet. The seat assembly of the toilet includes a hinge assembly having a hinge housing and a lighting mechanism. The lighting mechanism is at least partially encapsulated by the hinge housing. The lighting mechanism including a first light source and a power source. The seat assembly further includes a lid pivotally connected to the hinge assembly. The seat assembly includes a ring pivotally connected to the hinge assembly. The lighting mechanism is configured to direct light at the tank and to direct light into the bowl such that light is reflected off of the tank and off of an interior of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Roger W. Murphy, Michael Luettgen, Gary Clarke, Joseph L. Stauber
  • Publication number: 20140250578
    Abstract: Various disclosed systems relate to fixtures, such as toilets, that include a lighting mechanism for illuminating portions of the fixture. One embodiment relates to a toilet. The seat assembly of the toilet includes a hinge assembly having a hinge housing and a lighting mechanism. The lighting mechanism is at least partially encapsulated by the hinge housing. The lighting mechanism including a first light source and a power source. The seat assembly further includes a lid pivotally connected to the hinge assembly. The seat assembly includes a ring pivotally connected to the hinge assembly. The lighting mechanism is configured to direct light at the tank and to direct light into the bowl such that light is reflected off of the tank and off of an interior of the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Roger W. Murphy, Michael Luettgen, Gary Clarke, Joseph L. Stauber
  • Publication number: 20140123378
    Abstract: A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The touchless sensor lacks an optical path to the detection region. In some embodiments, the touchless sensor is a projected capacitive sensor. The processing circuit is configured to activate the motor assembly upon detecting the object and the motor assembly is configured to actuate flushing of the toilet when activated by the processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, Peter W. Denzin, Jeffrey C. Hildebrand, Brian D. Renzelman, Clayton C. Garrels, Joseph L. Stauber, Eric M. Plate
  • Publication number: 20070263374
    Abstract: A motor vehicle instrument cluster comprising an analog indicator assembly having a pointer rotatably coupled to an actuator for a movement by the actuator, and a display assembly including a display screen for displaying information to an occupant of the motor vehicle and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the indicator assembly and the display assembly. In addition, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to an electrical ground and a metal support frame is mounted to the printed circuit board and coupled thereby to the electrical ground. The metal frame includes a support tray spaced apart from the printed circuit board, defining a gap in between. Finally, the display assembly is mounted in thermal communication to the support tray and the frame and the printed circuit board cooperate to define a static discharge path between the display assembly and the electrical ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Luettgen, Paul Weindorf, Brian Schweitzer