Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Gaffney

Thomas E. Gaffney 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).

  • Patent number: 4961443
    Abstract: A handle assembly which is attachable to a conventional valve stem and includes a decorative handle member is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter element has an interior splined surface that mounts on the valve stem. The adapter also includes external splines and an annular flange. The adapter is positioned within a central opening in an escutcheon. A mounting screw fastens the adapter to the valve stem, with the escutcheon trapped beneath the adapter due to the presence of the annular flange. A post member has internal splines which engage the external splines of the adapter so that the parts rotate together. In addition, the post member has external splines which engage a splined opening in a handle. The handle comprises a bottom lever bar and a top lever bar. A strap cap is positioned over the handle and has a threaded hole to receive an upwardly-directed bolt. The bolt presses the handle between the strap cap and the post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Dana F. Buccicone, Thomas E. Gaffney, Clarence E. Klessig, Alan J. Weir
  • Patent number: 4886210
    Abstract: A spout for providing a flow of water in the form of a sheet is disclosed. Water from a supply pipe is diverted orthogonally in two directions as it enters a reservoir inside the spout. Water pooled in the reservoir spills over a weir to form a sheet-shaped flow stream as it flows down the weir. The weir has a raised center section which helps define a flow chamber to promote and develop a stream which maintains a sheet shape even relatively great distances from the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gaffney, Patrick S. Wahlen
  • Patent number: 4823409
    Abstract: A spout for providing a flow of water in the form of a sheet is disclosed. Water from a supply pipe is diverted orthogonally in two directions as it enters a reservoir inside the spout. Water pooled in the reservoir spills over a weir to form a sheet-shaped flow stream as it flows down the weir. The weir has a raised center section which helps define a flow chamber to promote and develop a stream which maintains a sheet shape even relatively great distances from the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gaffney, Patrick S. Wahlen
  • Patent number: 4766642
    Abstract: A decorative handle which is attachable to a rotatable stem and has a decorative insert held therein is disclosed. In one version, the insert member is retained by a retainer assembly which engages the decorative insert. The retainer assembly holds the insert against a narrowed open top of the handle from below. A collar member which is threaded onto the handle from the bottom provides the force to hold the retainer in place. A decorative handle is provided which can be assembled and disassembled without tools, yet is highly aesthetic as the engagement of the component parts is obstructed from view as is a portion of the attachment to the valve assembly. Further, the inserts can be readily changed when the room where the handle is placed is remodeled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gaffney, Alan J. Weir, Brent W. Lillesand, Jeffery E. Collins
  • Patent number: 4589629
    Abstract: A non-rise faucet assembly including a shank having a lower end through which fluid is introduced and also having an upper end with a chamber in fluid communication with the lower end. A removable stem adapted for insertion into the chamber and having a lower end forming a movable valve in the chamber is provided to permit regulated flow of fluid through the faucet assembly. The stem has an axis of rotation about which the valve is movable in response to non-rising rotation of the stem within the chamber in the shank. One of the shank and the stem has a bore arranged generally transversely of the axis of rotation of the stem and the other of the shank and the stem has a pair of diametrically opposed slots in alignment with the bore after the stem has been inserted into the chamber in the shank. The slots and the bore define a continuous passageway through the shank and the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Universal-Rundle Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gaffney, Scott C. Baker