Patents by Inventor Robert M. Jensen

Robert M. Jensen 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: 20240126308
    Abstract: A sanitaryware system may include sensors to determine a status or condition of one or more sanitaryware fixtures in the sanitaryware system and perform a particular function, such as, for example performing a flush, closing the flush valve and/or angle stop, sending an alert, initiating a service ticket. The sanitaryware system may automatically perform the function. The sanitaryware system may communicate the status or condition to an internet connected device and/or user, the device may perform the function or may instruct the sanitaryware to perform the function. The sensed information, sanitaryware system status or condition, and/or initiated response may be logged and monitored to improve the overall efficiency and operation of the sanitaryware system and the sanitaryware fixtures within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Heydari, Eric B. Soberano, Robert M. Jensen, Verne Myers, Christopher Helmstetter, Mahendra Gunawardena, Claudia Marcela Jovel, Ki Bok Song, Soonjae Kwon, Stanmir Stoynov
  • Patent number: 11886213
    Abstract: A sanitaryware system may include sensors to determine a status or condition of one or more sanitaryware fixtures in the sanitaryware system and perform a particular function, such as, for example performing a flush, closing the flush valve and/or angle stop, sending an alert, initiating a service ticket. The sanitaryware system may automatically perform the function. The sanitaryware system may communicate the status or condition to an internet connected device and/or user, the device may perform the function or may instruct the sanitaryware to perform the function. The sensed information, sanitaryware system status or condition, and/or initiated response may be logged and monitored to improve the overall efficiency and operation of the sanitaryware system and the sanitaryware fixtures within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Heydari, Eric B. Soberano, Robert M. Jensen, Verne Myers, Christopher Helmstetter, Mahendra Gunawardena, Claudia Marcela Jovel, Ki Bok Song, Soonjae Kwon, Stanmir Stoynov
  • Publication number: 20230323649
    Abstract: A toilet assembly, comprising a toilet tank to hold flush water; a flush valve assembly positioned in the toilet tank; a toilet bowl; and a trapway inflow communication with the toilet bowl, wherein, the flush valve assembly comprises a container having an open lower end and a closed upper end; a siphon flush valve positioned in the container upper end; and a conduit positioned in an interior of the container, wherein the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank, the conduit is coupled to the trapway and provides flow communication between the container and the trapway, and the siphon flush valve comprises a tubular core, a head surrounding a top of the core, and a fluid spray initiator coupled to the head, the spray initiator configured to discharge water into the core to induce a siphon flow of surrounding tank water through the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20230264206
    Abstract: A microfluidic oscillator nozzle, comprising a nozzle body comprising an exterior surface; an interior surface defining a three-dimensional space therein; a fluid inlet; and a fluid outlet, wherein the three-dimensional space, the fluid inlet, and the fluid outlet are inflow communication, the three-dimensional space comprises a first fluid interaction region fluidly coupled to a first pair of feedback flow paths, and wherein a largest nozzle dimension is less than about 20.0 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas F. Leavitt, Nitin S. Kolekar, Robert M. Jensen, Walter Pitsch, Emilie Williams, Matthew Kuhns
  • Publication number: 20230228075
    Abstract: A touchless siphon valve assembly for a toilet assembly having a toilet tank, the touchless siphon valve assembly comprising a control assembly and a siphon valve assembly, wherein the control assembly comprises a capacitive sensor, a controller, and a power source, and the siphon valve assembly comprises a tubular core, a head coupled to and surrounding an upper end of the tubular core, a spray initiator positioned in the head and extending into the tubular core, and a solenoid valve fluidly coupled to the spray initiator, the capacitive sensor is configured to detect a user gesture, and to indicate detection of the first gesture to the controller to initiate a flush cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20220389700
    Abstract: An installation tool assembly kit for a toilet, comprising an installation wrench and an installation nut, wherein the wrench is configured to be removably coupled to the nut via an upper aperture of the nut, the nut is configured to be threadingly coupled to a flange bolt via a lower aperture of the nut, and the nut upper aperture and nut lower aperture are concentrically aligned. The toilet may be a concealed trap, skirted toilet and/or a pressure-assist toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: AS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Beda Angelo Pormentilla, Robert M. Jensen, Ali Ekbatani, Antonio Esposito
  • Publication number: 20210157340
    Abstract: A sanitaryware system may include sensors to determine a status or condition of one or more sanitaryware fixtures in the sanitaryware system and perform a particular function, such as, for example performing a flush, closing the flush valve and/or angle stop, sending an alert, initiating a service ticket. The sanitaryware system may automatically perform the function. The sanitaryware system may communicate the status or condition to an internet connected device and/or user, the device may perform the function or may instruct the sanitaryware to perform the function. The sensed information, sanitaryware system status or condition, and/or initiated response may be logged and monitored to improve the overall efficiency and operation of the sanitaryware system and the sanitaryware fixtures within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Behnam Heydari, Eric B. Soberano, Robert M. Jensen, Verne Myers, Christopher Helmstetter, Mahendra Gunawardena, Claudia Marcela Jovel, Ki Bok Song, Soonjae Kwon, Stanmir Stoynov
  • Patent number: 11008743
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: AS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 10221553
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20190032317
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. JENSEN
  • Patent number: 10077549
    Abstract: Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or toilet assembly without tools, and an installed toilet assembly, are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20160102450
    Abstract: Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or toilet assembly without tools, and an installed toilet assembly, are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9289103
    Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly and method of installing the assembly are described, wherein the assembly includes a hinge body having a seat and a central opening extending longitudinally through the body; a fastening hinge post having a head, a longitudinally extending body and at least one locking pin; a bushing having an upper flange portion and a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinally extending channel therethrough, which body further has at least one transversely extending groove in or on the bushing body; and at least one fastening device for securing the hinge assembly to a toilet. The at least one locking pin locks the assembly by rotation of the fastening hinge post body within the channel in the bushing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9169629
    Abstract: Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or assembly without tools are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt. The kits and assemblies include a flange bolt wherein the bolt head is configured so as to fit through an opening in a flange so that the bolt head contacts the lower surface of the flange and the end portion of the bolt stem extends upwardly; and a bolt locking knob, wherein the interior surface of the knob is configured so that when the end of the bolt stem is placed within the knob, it contacts the bolt stem in locking engagement and the knob can be hand tightened. The bolts size is coordinated with the size of the locking knobs to eliminate the use of tools on installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20140215700
    Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly and method of installing the assembly are described, wherein the assembly includes a hinge body having a seat and a central opening extending longitudinally through the body; a fastening hinge post having a head, a longitudinally extending body and at least one locking pin; a bushing having an upper flange portion and a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinally extending channel therethrough, which body further has at least one transversely extending groove in or on the bushing body; and at least one fastening device for securing the hinge assembly to a toilet. The at least one locking pin locks the assembly by rotation of the fastening hinge post body within the channel in the bushing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140090158
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8266733
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are provided that include a valve body which may have a radiused inlet portion, an upper inlet end having an inlet opening, a lower outlet end having an outlet opening, and a wall extending between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end and having an interior surface defining a flow path that extends generally longitudinally through the valve body from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and that has a generally circular transverse cross-section. A height measured longitudinally through the valve body is greater than a largest diameter of the transverse cross-section of the flow path so as to enable the valve bodies herein to have an elevated wall and head from a toilet tank floor. The assemblies may include a flapper valve cover detachably connected to the flush valve assembly and having a transverse cross-sectional diameter sufficiently large to cover the inlet opening of the valve body, a pivot mechanism and a flapper bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8079095
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly of the present invention includes a body subassembly in operable communication with a movable poppet seal subassembly via a guide rod of a predetermined length. The body subassembly inlet is substantially located above the tank floor, thereby reducing available tank discharge volume. The poppet subassembly includes a float having upper and lower float covers with an annular seal disposed therebetween. The poppet subassembly remains coaxially and slidably mounted with respect to the body subassembly so as to create a valve opening therebetween when the poppet subassembly is removed from its initial closed position to a second open position. Guide structure in the body subassembly accommodates reciprocatable movement of the guide rod and inhibits deviation of the guide rod from a predetermined axial guide path when the poppet subassembly is in use during a flush cycle. An optional valve bracket may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20110173743
    Abstract: Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or assembly without tools are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt. The kits and assemblies include a flange bolt wherein the bolt head is configured so as to fit through an opening in a flange so that the bolt head contacts the lower surface of the flange and the end portion of the bolt stem extends upwardly; and a bolt locking knob, wherein the interior surface of the knob is configured so that when the end of the bolt stem is placed within the knob, it contacts the bolt stem in locking engagement and the knob can be hand tightened. The bolts size is coordinated with the size of the locking knobs to eliminate the use of tools on installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20090249537
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are provided that include a valve body which may have a radiused inlet portion, an upper inlet end having an inlet opening, a lower outlet end having an outlet opening, and a wall extending between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end and having an interior surface defining a flow path that extends generally longitudinally through the valve body from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and that has a generally circular transverse cross-section. A height measured longitudinally through the valve body is greater than a largest diameter of the transverse cross-section of the flow path so as to enable the valve bodies herein to have an elevated wall and head from a toilet tank floor. The assemblies may include a flapper valve cover detachably connected to the flush valve assembly and having a transverse cross-sectional diameter sufficiently large to cover the inlet opening of the valve body, a pivot mechanism and a flapper bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen