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).
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Publication number: 20240126308Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 11886213Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20230323649Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: AS America, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20230264206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: August 24, 2023Applicant: AS America, Inc.Inventors: Douglas F. Leavitt, Nitin S. Kolekar, Robert M. Jensen, Walter Pitsch, Emilie Williams, Matthew Kuhns
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Publication number: 20230228075Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Applicant: AS America, Inc.Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Robert M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20220389700Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2020Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: AS AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Beda Angelo Pormentilla, Robert M. Jensen, Ali Ekbatani, Antonio Esposito
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Publication number: 20210157340Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 11008743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: AS AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 10221553Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: AS IP HOLDCO, LLCInventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20190032317Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: AS IP HOLDCO, LLCInventor: Robert M. JENSEN
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Patent number: 10077549Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: AS IP HOLDCO, LLCInventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
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Publication number: 20160102450Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
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Patent number: 9289103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 9169629Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
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Publication number: 20140215700Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20140090158Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 8266733Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Patent number: 8079095Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBAInventor: Robert M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20110173743Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLCInventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
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Publication number: 20090249537Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: AS IP Holdco, L.L.C.Inventor: Robert M. Jensen