Patents by Inventor Verne MYERS

Verne MYERS 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: 12031309
    Abstract: A faucet system comprising a faucet; an electronic valve associated with the faucet; and a faucet controller associated with the electronic valve; wherein the faucet controller is configured to receive a faucet command from a command server; and actuate the electronic valve upon receiving the faucet command; wherein the command server is configured to receive a speech-based command from a natural language processing (NLP) server; generate the faucet command from the speech-based command and transmit the faucet command to the faucet controller; and wherein the NLP server is remote to the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Eric Soberano, Alanna Wing Libbrecht, Verne Myers, Christopher Thomas Buhowski, Noelle Giblin, Behnam Heydari, Benjamin Smith
  • Patent number: 11994235
    Abstract: An automatic angle stop assembly for a urinal or toilet may include an angle stop adjustment device and an angle stop. The automatic angle stop assembly may automatically control flow through the angle stop to a flush valve. The automatic angle stop assembly may include a motor and an adjustment screw. A method for closing the angle stop may include sensing a flow condition, automatically rotating a motor based on the flow condition, and closing the angle stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Soberano, Niloy Talukder, Steven D. Kappus, Verne Myers, Nitin S. Kolekar, Behnam Heydari, Mahendra Gunawardena, Benjamin Smith, Douglas Leavitt
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11873633
    Abstract: A method and system having a water-flush toilet having a toilet bowl that is in fluid communication with a water source and is mounted with a sensor. The sensor includes a transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic signal and a receiver to receive an ultrasonic signal. The sensor may measure a Time of Flight (ToF) of the signal to obtain a ToF measurement. A microcontroller is electrically connected to the sensor and may receive and process the ToF measurement using an algorithm to determine a bowl status. The toilet also includes at least one water valve that is disposed between the bowl and the water source, and that is electrically connected to the microcontroller for instructing the at least one water valve to move from a first position to a second position for a duration of time, wherein the duration of time corresponds to the bowl status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Grover, Mahendra Gunawardena, Chris Helmstetter, Verne Myers
  • Patent number: 11739514
    Abstract: An automated urinal comprising a basin configured to receive a fluid; a wall; a trapway in fluid communication with the basin; a flush valve; and an automatic flush system; wherein, the automatic flush system comprises one or more sensors and a controller; the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of a first sensor coupled to an exterior of the trapway, a second sensor coupled to a rear surface of the wall, and a third sensor coupled to an underside of the basin; the controller is in electrical communication with the one or more sensors and is in electrical communication with the flush valve; and wherein the automatic flush system is configured to detect introduction of fluid into the basin and to send a flush signal to the flush valve to initiate a flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Verne Myers, Behnam Heydari, Niloy Talukder, Nitin S. Kolekar
  • Publication number: 20220331819
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a shower assembly that includes modular components that can be removably attached and may be replaced or interchanged with corresponding components having different form factor or design. In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a diverter unit fluidly coupled to a fluid source and the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct flow of fluid from the fluid source to one or both of a shower head and a hand shower. The shower head includes a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and the shower head is configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the diverter unit. The hand shower includes a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and fluidly coupled by a hose to the diverter unit and the hand shower is configured to be removably attachable to the diverter unit by a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'HENAFF, Walter PITSCH, Verne MYERS, Xiaojing YE, Greg REINECKER, Brian KALEMBER, Gabriela RAVASSA, Emilie WILLIAMS, Alanna Wing LIBBRECHT
  • Publication number: 20220251814
    Abstract: An automated urinal comprising a basin configured to receive a fluid; a wall; a trapway in fluid communication with the basin; a flush valve; and an automatic flush system; wherein, the automatic flush system comprises one or more sensors and a controller; the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of a first sensor coupled to an exterior of the trapway, a second sensor coupled to a rear surface of the wall, and a third sensor coupled to an underside of the basin; the controller is in electrical communication with the one or more sensors and is in electrical communication with the flush valve; and wherein the automatic flush system is configured to detect introduction of fluid into the basin and to send a flush signal to the flush valve to initiate a flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Verne Myers, Behnam Heydari, Niloy Talukder, Nitin S. Kolekar
  • Patent number: 11400462
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a shower assembly that includes modular components that can be removably attached and may be replaced or interchanged with corresponding components having different form factor or design. In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a diverter unit fluidly coupled to a fluid source and the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct flow of fluid from the fluid source to one or both of a shower head and a hand shower. The shower head includes a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and the shower head is configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the diverter unit. The hand shower includes a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and fluidly coupled by a hose to the diverter unit and the hand shower is configured to be removably attachable to the diverter unit by a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, Walter Pitsch, Verne Myers, Xiaojing Ye, Greg Reinecker, Brian Kalember, Gabriela Ravassa, Emilie Williams, Alanna Wing Libbrecht
  • Patent number: 11346090
    Abstract: An automated urinal comprising a basin configured to receive a fluid; a wall; a trapway in fluid communication with the basin; a flush valve; and an automatic flush system; wherein, the automatic flush system comprises one or more sensors and a controller; the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of a first sensor coupled to an exterior of the trapway, a second sensor coupled to a rear surface of the wall, and a third sensor coupled to an underside of the basin; the controller is in electrical communication with the one or more sensors and is in electrical communication with the flush valve; and wherein the automatic flush system is configured to detect introduction of fluid into the basin and to send a flush signal to the flush valve to initiate a flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Verne Myers, Behnam Heydari, Niloy Talukder, Nitin S. Kolekar
  • Publication number: 20210310578
    Abstract: An automatic angle stop assembly for a urinal or toilet may include an angle stop adjustment device and an angle stop. The automatic angle stop assembly may automatically control flow through the angle stop to a flush valve. The automatic angle stop assembly may include a motor and an adjustment screw. A method for closing the angle stop may include sensing a flow condition, automatically rotating a motor based on the flow condition, and closing the angle stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Soberano, Niloy Talukder, Steven D. Kappus, Verne Myers, Nitin S. Kolekar, Behnam Heydari, Mahendra Gunawardena, Benjamin Smith, Douglas Leavitt
  • Publication number: 20210254323
    Abstract: A method and system having a water-flush toilet having a toilet bowl that is in fluid communication with a water source and is mounted with a sensor. The sensor includes a transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic signal and a receiver to receive an ultrasonic signal. The sensor may measure a Time of Flight (ToF) of the signal to obtain a ToF measurement. A microcontroller is electrically connected to the sensor and may receive and process the ToF measurement using an algorithm to determine a bowl status. The toilet also includes at least one water valve that is disposed between the bowl and the water source, and that is electrically connected to the microcontroller for instructing the at least one water valve to move from a first position to a second position for a duration of time, wherein the duration of time corresponds to the bowl status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Grover, Mahendra Gunawardena, Chris Helmstetter, Verne Myers
  • Patent number: 11091903
    Abstract: A method and system having a water-flush toilet having a toilet bowl that is in fluid communication with a water source and is mounted with a sensor. The sensor includes a transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic signal and a receiver to receive an ultrasonic signal. The sensor may measure a Time of Flight (ToF) of the signal to obtain a ToF measurement. A microcontroller is electrically connected to the sensor and may receive and process the ToF measurement using an algorithm to determine a bowl status. The toilet also includes at least one water valve that is disposed between the bowl and the water source, and that is electrically connected to the microcontroller for instructing the at least one water valve to move from a first position to a second position for a duration of time, wherein the duration of time corresponds to the bowl status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: AS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David Grover, Mahendra Gunawardena, Chris Helmstetter, Verne Myers
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20200354932
    Abstract: A faucet system comprising a faucet; an electronic valve associated with the faucet; and a faucet controller associated with the electronic valve; wherein the faucet controller is configured to receive a faucet command from a command server; and actuate the electronic valve upon receiving the faucet command; wherein the command server is configured to receive a speech-based command from a natural language processing (NLP) server; generate the faucet command from the speech-based command and transmit the faucet command to the faucet controller; and wherein the NLP server is remote to the faucet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Eric Soberano, Alanna Wing Libbrecht, Verne Myers, Christopher Thomas Buhowski, Noelle Giblin, Behnam Heydari, Benjamin Smith
  • Publication number: 20200347587
    Abstract: An automated urinal comprising a basin configured to receive a fluid; a wall; a trapway in fluid communication with the basin; a flush valve; and an automatic flush system; wherein, the automatic flush system comprises one or more sensors and a controller; the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of a first sensor coupled to an exterior of the trapway, a second sensor coupled to a rear surface of the wall, and a third sensor coupled to an underside of the basin; the controller is in electrical communication with the one or more sensors and is in electrical communication with the flush valve; and wherein the automatic flush system is configured to detect introduction of fluid into the basin and to send a flush signal to the flush valve to initiate a flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendra Gunawardena, Verne Myers, Behnam Heydari, Niloy Talukder, Nitin S. Kolekar
  • Patent number: 10625279
    Abstract: A shower head includes a fluid inlet configured to connect to a fluid source, a spray face having a plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid flow path from the fluid source to the spray face, and a diverter positioned in the fluid flow path which is configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, the diverter being switchable between different spray configurations associated with different spray modes of the shower head. A user interface for selecting the shower spray mode is positioned on a peripheral portion of the spray face, the user interface including one or more touch-sensitive devices configured to receive one or more touch inputs from a user during operation of the shower head and configured to cause the diverter to switch from one spray configuration to another spray configuration in response to receiving the one or more touch inputs from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, Walter Pitsch, Verne Myers, Xiaojing Ye, Greg Reinecker, Emilie Williams, Alanna Wing Libbrecht, Brian P. Kalember, Gabriela Ravassa, Ki Bok Song
  • Publication number: 20180318886
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for cleaning shower-enclosures are provided. In some embodiments, a shower-cleaning showerhead comprises a diverter housed in the showerhead, wherein the diverter is configured to divert water toward either a shower face of the showerhead or toward a cleaning nozzle of the showerhead. Before being expelled from the cleaning nozzle, water from the water supply may be mixed with cleaning solution, which may be pumped into the water supply or may be drawn in by the Venturi effect. In some embodiments, the showerhead may be configured to direct the flow of water along different flow paths in accordance with a shower mode, a cleaning mode, a rinse mode, and/or a pause mode. In some embodiments, one or more valves of the showerhead may be electronically and/or manually controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: Alanna Wing LIBBRECHT, Verne MYERS, Steven KAPPUS, Douglas LEAVITT, Scott ROTE, Mark KURTH, Nathan WICKER, David WYLEN, Timothy J. PAYNE
  • Publication number: 20180193851
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a shower assembly that includes modular components that can be removably attached and may be replaced or interchanged with corresponding components having different form factor or design. In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a diverter unit fluidly coupled to a fluid source and the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct flow of fluid from the fluid source to one or both of a shower head and a hand shower. The shower head includes a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and the shower head is configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the diverter unit. The hand shower includes a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and fluidly coupled by a hose to the diverter unit and the hand shower is configured to be removably attachable to the diverter unit by a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'HENAFF, Walter PITSCH, Verne MYERS, Xiaojing YE, Greg REINECKER, Brian KALEMBER, Gabriela RAVASSA, Emilie WILLIAMS, Alanna Wing LIBBRECHT
  • Publication number: 20180193852
    Abstract: A shower head includes a fluid inlet configured to connect to a fluid source, a spray face having a plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid flow path from the fluid source to the spray face, and a diverter positioned in the fluid flow path which is configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, the diverter being switchable between different spray configurations associated with different spray modes of the shower head. A user interface for selecting the shower spray mode is positioned on a peripheral portion of the spray face, the user interface including one or more touch-sensitive devices configured to receive one or more touch inputs from a user during operation of the shower head and configured to cause the diverter to switch from one spray configuration to another spray configuration in response to receiving the one or more touch inputs from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'HENAFF, Walter PITSCH, Verne MYERS, Xiaojing YE, Greg REINECKER, Emilie WILLIAMS, Alanna LIBBRECHTA, Brian P. KALEMBER, Gabriela RAVASSA, Kibok SONG