Patents by Inventor Robin Whitfield
Robin Whitfield 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: 20250187023Abstract: Provided herein is a showerhead that may include inlets, inlet channels, and nozzles. The inlets may provide different media to the showerhead. The inlet channels may be connected to the inlets, such that the media flowing into the inlets flows through the inlet channels. The nozzles may include outlet channels, each of which are operably coupled to one of the inlet channels. As one example, the inlets may provide a first media (air) and a second media (water). When the first media mixes with the second media into an output, the flow rate of the output is greater than the flow rate of the second media. Even when a decreased water flow rate is used, a user perceives a high flow rate due to the introduction of air into the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2025Publication date: June 12, 2025Inventors: Prasanth Jayakumar, Jason Kwacz, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20250161892Abstract: A venturi is provided herein that includes a tubular passageway, a pod, a first entry point, and a second entry point. The pod may be positioned and contained within the tubular passageway. The first entry point may introduce a first media into the venturi, and a second entry point may introduce a second media into the venturi. The first media and second media may be any media, including fluid or gas. The first media may mix with the second media to develop a mixed media, and the mixed media may flow around the pod. The pod may translate axially within the tubular passageway via a translation rod and a spring. The spring may cause the pod to translate axially based on a pressure of the fluid entering the venturi.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2024Publication date: May 22, 2025Inventor: Robin Whitfield
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Patent number: 12297631Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2023Date of Patent: May 13, 2025Assignee: Kohler Mira LimitedInventors: Nigel Sansum, Kevin Peel, Craig Fitton, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20250075475Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Inventors: Nigel Sansum, Kevin Peel, Craig Fitton, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20250019954Abstract: A disinfection system for a toilet includes a toilet tank, a drain opening at a bottom of the toilet tank, at least one disinfection channel extending from the drain opening of the toilet tank to a pedestal for the toilet, and a valve system in the toilet tank, the valve system configured to empty the toilet tank through the drain opening to below a predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2024Publication date: January 16, 2025Inventors: William C. Kuru, Clayton C. Garrels, Jason M. Kwacz, Robin Whitfield, Peter Kajuch
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Patent number: 12180692Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITEDInventors: Nigel Sansum, Kevin Peel, Craig Fitton, Robin Whitfield
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Patent number: 12163319Abstract: A plumbing system is provided with a digital mixer valve providing a principal stream having a controlled temperature and flow rate. A fluid delivery device is also provided downstream of the digital mixer valve, the fluid delivery device having two or more sets of outlets, each of the two or more sets of outlets comprising at least two outlets, and having an outlet operating valve being disposed upstream of each set of outlets and being operable to control fluid flow to the set of outlets downstream thereof. A communication link is also provided between the digital mixer valve and the outlet operating valves. The digital mixer valve is configured, in use, to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the principal stream in dependence upon which set of outlets or combination of sets of outlets is in operation at a given time.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Kohler Mira LimitedInventors: Stuart Banham, Charlie Parker, James Bourne, Robin Whitfield, Craig Fitton
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Publication number: 20240307899Abstract: A showerhead is provided that may include a plurality of nozzle systems (each nozzle system including a first channel and a second channel) and a first and second fluid path. The showerhead may include a first valve which may control a first flow rate of fluid flowing through the first fluid path and a second valve which may control a second flow rate of fluid flowing through the second fluid path. The showerhead may include at least one controller which may control the first and second valves. The first and second channels may be angled such that fluid exiting the first channel impinges on fluid exiting the second channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Robin Whitfield, Craig Fitton, Samuel Mason
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Patent number: 12075953Abstract: A fitting assembly for attaching an elongate member to a surface within a shower or bath area includes a clamp including a collar arranged to receive and abut the elongate member, the collar having an axially extending split, the clamp further including a finger extending outwardly from the collar adjacent one side of the split. A cover includes an aperture arranged to receive the elongate member, the cover arranged to retain the clamp within such that the collar is axially aligned with the aperture. A bracket is arranged to be fixed to the surface and to receive and retain the cover containing the clamp, the bracket comprising a receiving portion arranged to urge the finger so as to compress the collar portion at the split, thereby clamping the elongate member within the collar.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITEDInventors: Ian Connolly, Richard Mead, Simon Westgate, Adam May, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20240052619Abstract: A toilet flushing assembly includes at least a spiral trapway and a drive mechanism. The spiral trapway includes an upstream portion coupled to a toilet bowl, a curved portion, and a downstream portion coupled to a waste outlet. The drive mechanism is coupled to the spiral trapway and configured to rotate the spiral trapway from a first orientation to a second orientation. The first orientation evacuates contents from the toilet bowl and the second orientation advances the contents from the spiral trapway to the waste outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: William Kuru, Jason Kwacz, Prasanth Jayakumar, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20240018761Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2023Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: Nigel Sansum, Kevin Peel, Craig Fitton, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20230295907Abstract: A plumbing system is provided with a digital mixer valve providing a principal stream having a controlled temperature and flow rate. A fluid delivery device is also provided downstream of the digital mixer valve, the fluid delivery device having two or more sets of outlets, each of the two or more sets of outlets comprising at least two outlets, and having an outlet operating valve being disposed upstream of each set of outlets and being operable to control fluid flow to the set of outlets downstream thereof. A communication link is also provided between the digital mixer valve and the outlet operating valves. The digital mixer valve is configured, in use, to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the principal stream in dependence upon which set of outlets or combination of sets of outlets is in operation at a given time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Stuart Banham, Charlie Parker, James Bourne, Robin Whitfield, Craig Fitton
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Publication number: 20230075110Abstract: A biofilm mitigation apparatus includes a supply container, a disinfectant generator, a power source, and a delivery tube. The supply container is configured to store one or more materials for a formation of a disinfectant. The disinfectant generator is configured to generate the disinfectant from the one or more materials from the supply container. The power source is configured to provide electrical power to the disinfectant generator. The delivery tube is configured to transport the disinfectant from the disinfectant generator to a biofilm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Yachna Garg, Jason Kwacz, Jennifer Tarplee, William Kuru, Peter Denzin, Andrew Smith, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20220002985Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Nigel Sansum, Kevin Peel, Craig Fitton, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20210237102Abstract: A spray head for an ablutionary appliance such as a shower includes a body with a fluid inlet, a spray plate with a plurality of holes, and nozzles of flexible material. Each nozzle has an inlet end for fluid and a discharge end adapted to project through a corresponding hole for discharge of the fluid, and a control member, movement of which is adapted to adjust the angle of the discharge end of at least one nozzle relative to the spray plate and the inlet end of the nozzle, between two end positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Kohler Mira LimitedInventors: Simon Westgate, Adam May, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20210219797Abstract: A fitting assembly for attaching an elongate member to a surface within a shower or bath area includes a clamp including a collar arranged to receive and abut the elongate member, the collar having an axially extending split, the clamp further including a finger extending outwardly from the collar adjacent one side of the split. A cover includes an aperture arranged to receive the elongate member, the cover arranged to retain the clamp within such that the collar is axially aligned with the aperture. A bracket is arranged to be fixed to the surface and to receive and retain the cover containing the clamp, the bracket comprising a receiving portion arranged to urge the finger so as to compress the collar portion at the split, thereby clamping the elongate member within the collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: Kohler Mira LimitedInventors: Ian Connolly, Richard Mead, Simon Westgate, Adam May, Robin Whitfield
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Publication number: 20190249402Abstract: A slide rail mechanism having a chassis for holding a shower head, wherein the chassis is slideable along a slide rail, and includes a holding means for holding the chassis at a position along the slide rail, wherein the holding means is actuated by movement of the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: ROBIN WHITFIELD, Simon Westgate, James Scott, Nic Burridge
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Patent number: 6685042Abstract: A device for use in increasing milk flow from a feeder bottle. The device includes a shaft adapted for entry into a correspondingly shaped hole in the feeder bottle. The device further includes a retention element for retaining the device in the hole and a channel, formed in a wall of the shaft. The shaft is movable such that it can, in a first position, seal the hole closed and, in another position (illustrated), permit airflow into the feeder bottle via the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventors: Robert Dimock McIntyre, Robin Whitfield, Rex Alan Pike
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Publication number: 20030121476Abstract: A device for use in increasing milk flow from a feeder bottle. The device includes a shaft adapted for entry into a correspondingly shaped hole in the feeder bottle. The device further includes a retention element for retaining the device in the hole and a channel, formed in a wall of the shaft. The shaft is movable such that it can, in a first position, seal the hole closed and, in another position (illustrated), permit airflow into the feeder bottle via the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: ROBERT DYMOCK MCINTYREInventors: Robert Dimock McIntyre, Robin Whitfield, Rex Alan Pike
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Patent number: 6543632Abstract: A device (10) for use in increasing milk flow from a feeder bottle (B). The device (10) includes a shaft (11) adapted for entry into a correspondingly shaped hole (H) in the feeder bottle (B). The device further includes a retention element for retaining the device in the hole (H) and a channel element (13), formed in a wall of the shaft (11). The shaft element (11) is movable such that it can, in a first position, seal the hole (H) closed and, in another position (illustrated), permit airflow into the feeder bottle (B) via the channel element (13).Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventors: Robert Dimock McIntyre, Robin Whitfield, Rex Alan Pike