Patents by Inventor Scott R. Gardner
Scott R. Gardner 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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Patent number: 11591779Abstract: The disclosure described herein relates to waterway assemblies and manifolds for waterway assemblies for use in water fixtures such as, for example, faucets. Examples of the manifold for a waterway assembly of the present disclosure include an insert with a pair of inlet tubes which are offset from a supply tube. A method of manufacture for the waterway assembly and manifold having the insert with a pair of inlet tubes which are offset from a supply tube is also provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Delta Faucet CompanyInventors: Don Currey, Earl Christian, Scott R. Gardner, Adam DeVries, Jonathan Lester
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Publication number: 20210388582Abstract: The disclosure described herein relates to waterway assemblies and manifolds for waterway assemblies for use in water fixtures such as, for example, faucets. Examples of the manifold for a waterway assembly of the present disclosure include an insert with a pair of inlet tubes which are offset from a supply tube. A method of manufacture for the waterway assembly and manifold having the insert with a pair of inlet tubes which are offset from a supply tube is also provided herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Don Currey, Earl Christian, Scott R. Gardner, Adam DeVries, Jonathan Lester
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Patent number: 10889064Abstract: Examples herein relate generally to methods, and associated components, characterized by the laser welding of crosslinked polyethylene plumbing components so as to create a leak-proof connection with both mechanical and thermal fusion bonds.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Donald Currey, Scott R. Gardner, William Blue
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Patent number: 10760716Abstract: An apparatus and process by which a leak-proof connection with a polymeric tube is described herein. Particular embodiments of the present invention include a leak-proof connection fitting inserted into a bore of a overmolded attachment piece wherein the overmolded attachment piece is overmolded onto the polymeric tube. The leak-proof connection fitting includes multiple surfaces in various configurations. The multiple surfaces include barb(s), raised surface(s), reduced surface(s), and channel(s). O-rings may be further added to the leak-proof connection fitting. In some embodiments, the overmolded attachment piece or the tube itself is secured to the fitting by shape memory.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Donald Currey, Scott R. Gardner, Brock Elsea, Earl Christian, Jr.
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Patent number: 10591103Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a tube connector assembly connectable to a fitting in an installed position. The tube connector assembly includes a tube with a retainer and nut received about the tube for engaging the retainer. The present invention also includes embodiments of a tube having a retainer and embodiments of a nut having a bend relief portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Scott R. Gardner, Donald Currey, Russell Clayton
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Patent number: 10436354Abstract: The invention described herein relates to reservoirs within appliances. The present invention includes a reservoir made of a length of reservoir tubing. In particular embodiments, the length of the reservoir tubing is formed in an overlapping circular portion and conforms to the available space requirements within an appliance. Particular embodiments of the present invention include reservoirs, reservoir systems including a reservoir, processes for forming a reservoir, and processes for forming the aforementioned reservoir systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Donald Currey, Scott R. Gardner, Brock Elsea
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Patent number: 10422574Abstract: The invention described herein relates to reservoirs within appliances. The present invention includes a reservoir having one or more tanks having adaptors and tubing which may be thermally welded, crosslinked, and/or overmolded. Particular embodiments of the present invention include reservoirs, reservoir systems including a reservoir, processes for forming a reservoir, and processes for forming the aforementioned reservoir systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Scott R. Gardner, Donald Currey, Grandin Rushlander
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Patent number: 10288316Abstract: A dip tube for use with a water heater having a pipe nipple, the dip tube including an upper end and a tubular body, where the upper end is located above the tubular body. The upper end has an outer wall, a top portion and bottom portion, and further includes a flange located at the top portion. The flange extends outwardly from the outer wall to retain the dip tube at the pipe nipple. The upper end also includes a reinforced connecting portion located at the bottom portion for connecting the upper end to the tubular body, where a portion of the tubular body is located within the reinforced connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Donald Currey, Scott R. Gardner
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Patent number: 10082232Abstract: A quick-connect fitting includes a polymeric first connector in fluid communication with a first component, and a polymeric second connector in fluid communication with a second component. The first connector is either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting and female fitting is the second connector. The female fitting includes a longitudinal cylindrical cavity having therein a retaining ring retaining an o-ring, and the male fitting includes a cylindrical body and a tubular sealing element extending longitudinally therefrom positionable within the polymeric female fitting and o-ring in sealing engagement. The quick connect fitting includes a clip pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignees: Mercury Plastics LLC, Delta Faucet CompanyInventors: Earl Christian, Jr., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Patent number: 9738018Abstract: A process for providing an overmolded waterway comprising inserting a shaft portion of a sacrificial core into an end of a tube, the shaft portion having a first opening therein, the sacrificial core having a second portion comprising a second opening and a contact surface about the second opening, the second opening in fluid communication with the first opening and the inside of the tube, in a mold cavity inserting a core pin transverse to the tube end, the sacrificial core contact surface engaging a mating surface of the core pin closing the second opening, injection overmolding over a portion of the tube end and core pin forming an overmolded waterway having an outlet portion in fluid communication with the second opening and the inside of the tube, and removing the core pin from the second opening through the outlet portion and removing the overmolded waterway from the mold cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Seman, Earl Christian, Jr., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Publication number: 20160368192Abstract: A process for providing an overmolded waterway comprising inserting a shaft portion of a sacrificial core into an end of a tube, the shaft portion having a first opening therein, the sacrificial core having a second portion comprising a second opening and a contact surface about the second opening, the second opening in fluid communication with the first opening and the inside of the tube, in a mold cavity inserting a core pin transverse to the tube end, the sacrificial core contact surface engaging a mating surface of the core pin closing the second opening, injection overmolding over a portion of the tube end and core pin forming an overmolded waterway having an outlet portion in fluid communication with the second opening and the inside of the tube, and removing the core pin from the second opening through the outlet portion and removing the overmolded waterway from the mold cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2015Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Richard F. Seman, Earl Christian, JR., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Patent number: 9297575Abstract: A reservoir for use in a water distribution system within a refrigeration device includes a container having a vessel portion terminating in a neck having an opening, and a cap sealingly engaging the neck. The cap has an internal surface in communication with an interior of the vessel portion, an external surface opposite the internal surface, an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture through the cap in fluid communication with the container opening, and an inlet tube in fluid communication with the inlet aperture extending from the external surface. The cap may sealingly engage the neck by only one seal. The cap may further include an outlet tube in fluid communication with the outlet aperture extending from the external surface. In certain embodiments, a dip tube may be provided in fluid communication with the outlet aperture extending from the internal surface into the vessel portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Scott R. Gardner
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Publication number: 20150338004Abstract: A quick-connect fitting includes a polymeric first connector in fluid communication with a first component, and a polymeric second connector in fluid communication with a second component. The first connector is either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting and female fitting is the second connector. The female fitting includes a longitudinal cylindrical cavity having therein a retaining ring retaining an o-ring, and the male fitting includes a cylindrical body and a tubular sealing element extending longitudinally therefrom positionable within the polymeric female fitting and o-ring in sealing engagement. The quick connect fitting includes a clip pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Earl Christian, JR., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Patent number: 9103478Abstract: A quick-connect fitting includes a polymeric first connector in fluid communication with a first component, and a polymeric second connector in fluid communication with a second component. The first connector is either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting and female fitting is the second connector. The female fitting includes a longitudinal cylindrical cavity having therein a retaining ring retaining an o-ring, and the male fitting includes a cylindrical body and a tubular sealing element extending longitudinally therefrom positionable within the polymeric female fitting and o-ring in sealing engagement. The quick connect fitting includes a clip pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignees: Mercury Plastics, Inc., Masco CorporationInventors: Earl Christian, Jr., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Patent number: 9096002Abstract: A process for providing an overmolded waterway comprising inserting a shaft portion of a sacrificial core into an end of a tube, the shaft portion having a first opening therein, the sacrificial core having a second portion comprising a second opening and a contact surface about the second opening, the second opening in fluid communication with the first opening and the inside of the tube, in a mold cavity inserting a core pin transverse to the tube end, the sacrificial core contact surface engaging a mating surface of the core pin closing the second opening, injection overmolding over a portion of the tube end and core pin forming an overmolded waterway having an outlet portion in fluid communication with the second opening and the inside of the tube, and removing the core pin from the second opening through the outlet portion and removing the overmolded waterway from the mold cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Seman, Sr., Earl Christian, Jr., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Patent number: 8789854Abstract: A flow regulated quick-connect fitting has a polymeric first connector and a polymeric second connector, the first connector being either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting or the female fitting being the second connector. The female fitting has a longitudinal cylindrical cavity therein, and the male fitting has a generally cylindrical body having an end opening. The cylindrical body of the male fitting is positionable within the cylindrical cavity of the female fitting forming the connection. A clip is pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting. A replaceable flow regulator in the male fitting end opening regulates flow through the quick-connect fitting.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Mercury Plastics, Inc., Masco CorporationInventors: Earl Christian, Jr., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler, Matthew L. Kemp, DeWayne Davis
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Publication number: 20140001751Abstract: A flow regulated quick-connect fitting has a polymeric first connector and a polymeric second connector, the first connector being either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting or the female fitting being the second connector. The female fitting has a longitudinal cylindrical cavity therein, and the male fitting has a generally cylindrical body having an end opening. The cylindrical body of the male fitting is positionable within the cylindrical cavity of the female fitting forming the connection. A clip is pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting. A replaceable flow regulator in the male fitting end opening regulates flow through the quick-connect fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Earl Christian, JR., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler, Matthew L. Kemp, DeWayne Davis
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Publication number: 20130147188Abstract: A quick-connect fitting includes a polymeric first connector in fluid communication with a first component, and a polymeric second connector in fluid communication with a second component. The first connector is either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting and female fitting is the second connector. The female fitting includes a longitudinal cylindrical cavity having therein a retaining ring retaining an o-ring, and the male fitting includes a cylindrical body and a tubular sealing element extending longitudinally therefrom positionable within the polymeric female fitting and o-ring in sealing engagement. The quick connect fitting includes a clip pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Earl Christian, JR., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler
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Patent number: D948673Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Scott R. Gardner, Russell Clayton
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Patent number: D961738Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLCInventors: Scott R. Gardner, Russell Clayton