Patents by Inventor William T. Ball
William T. Ball 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: 20240035588Abstract: A utility control system that includes a switch control unit for selectively controlling a utility. The switch control unit may include a visual indicator configured to illuminate a first color when a switch selection mechanism is in a first position to indicate the on state of the utility and a illuminate a second color when the switch selection mechanism is in a second position to indicate the off state of the utility. Control of the utility may be accomplished through generating low-voltage pulses that cause a latching solenoid to latch to a first state or a second state. The utility system may also be provided as a retrofitting kit for a light switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Young, William T. Ball
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Publication number: 20230417031Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventor: William T. Ball
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Publication number: 20230374761Abstract: Provided is an enclosure with an integrated hydrant. The enclosure includes a fluid flow conduit that transfers fluid from a fluid supply tube to a fluid outlet, which may be associated with the backflow preventer. The enclosure has a conduit that carries water from the fluid supply tube to the backflow preventer. Thus, a lower profile, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing enclosure is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Publication number: 20230374788Abstract: A roof equipment support includes a platform, a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform, and a top wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and offset from the platform. The platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall define an interior cavity that extends a length of the support from a first end to a second end. A pair of strut extensions extend above the top wall, and each of the pair of strut extension include a hook at a distal end. The pair of strut extensions and the top wall define a substantially U-shaped channel that extends at least a portion of the length of the support, and the platform, the pair of sidewalls, the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions are unitarily formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Patent number: 11815195Abstract: A utility control system that includes a switch control unit for selectively controlling a utility. The switch control unit may include a visual indicator configured to illuminate a first color when a switch selection mechanism is in a first position to indicate the on state of the utility and a illuminate a second color when the switch selection mechanism is in a second position to indicate the off state of the utility. Control of the utility may be accomplished through generating low-voltage pulses that cause a latching solenoid to latch to a first state or a second state. The utility system may also be provided as a retrofitting kit for a light switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Young, William T. Ball
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Patent number: 11788267Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventor: William T. Ball
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Patent number: 11788264Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Patent number: 11761178Abstract: Provided is an enclosure with an integrated hydrant. The enclosure includes a fluid flow conduit that transfers fluid from a fluid supply tube to a fluid outlet, which may be associated with the backflow preventer. The enclosure has a conduit that carries water from the fluid supply tube to the backflow preventer. Thus, a lower profile, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing enclosure is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Publication number: 20230274111Abstract: A touchless utility controller is provided. In examples, the utility controller comprises a housing encompassing circuitry configured to receive a signal, and based on the received signal, provide an activation signal to a valve control device for a valve. The housing may comprise a face having an illuminated portion to allow for a visual indictor to illuminate the illuminated portion, wherein the face does not include any physically activated interface elements. In addition, the housing may include at least one of an outer side perimeter connected to the face or a back side, wherein at least one of the outer side perimeter or the back side defines at least one through hole for receiving a input power wiring and output transmission wires for connecting to the valve control device for the valve controlling one of gas or water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. BALL, Eric PILARCZYK, Gabriel YOUNG
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Publication number: 20230251673Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing a pulse control to a ball valve to reduce the amount of torque required to adjust the position of the ball valve. In an aspect, the technology relates to a method for reducing resistance of a ball valve. The method includes generating a pulse having a duration and a polarity; providing the pulse to an actuator configured to rotate a ball of the ball valve; and rotating, by the actuator, the ball of the ball valve by an amount based on the duration of the pulse and a direction based on the polarity of the pulse, wherein the ball valve does not change state after rotation of the ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Young, William T. Ball
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Patent number: 11702842Abstract: A roof equipment support includes a platform, a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform, and a top wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and offset from the platform. The platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall define an interior cavity that extends a length of the support from a first end to a second end. A pair of strut extensions extend above the top wall, and each of the pair of strut extension include a hook at a distal end. The pair of strut extensions and the top wall define a substantially U-shaped channel that extends at least a portion of the length of the support, and the platform, the pair of sidewalls, the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions are unitarily formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Patent number: 11639757Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing a pulse control to a ball valve to reduce the amount of torque required to adjust the position of the ball valve. In an aspect, the technology relates to a method for reducing resistance of a ball valve. The method includes generating a pulse having a duration and a polarity; providing the pulse to an actuator configured to rotate a ball of the ball valve; and rotating, by the actuator, the ball of the ball valve by an amount based on the duration of the pulse and a direction based on the polarity of the pulse, wherein the ball valve does not change state after rotation of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Young, William T. Ball
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Publication number: 20230122714Abstract: Shower drain assemblies and their components are disclosed. In examples, a shower drain assembly may include a receptor, a threaded flange, a plate, and a protective cover. The protective cover may protect the plate, the threaded flange, or other components from damage. The protective cover may be installed directly onto the threaded flange or onto the plate when the plate is installed onto the threaded flange. The same protective cover can thus be used to protect shower drain assemblies at different stages of installation—whether or not trim pieces such as the plate have yet been installed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Eric Pilarczyk, William T. Ball
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Patent number: 11608621Abstract: Shower drain assemblies and their components are disclosed. In examples, a shower drain assembly may include a receptor, a threaded flange, an optional hair strainer, a plate, and a protective cover. The receptor may include an upper portion and a lower portion. A portion of a threaded flange is receivable into the upper portion. An internal diameter of the lower portion may be less than any internal diameter of the threaded portion. A membrane may be coupled to an interior cavity of the threaded flange for pressure testing the drain assembly. The threaded flange may also include a tab to facilitate coupling of the threaded flange to the receptor and/or securing of a hair strainer inside the interior cavity of the threaded flange. A top surface of the threaded flange may include an inset to facilitate removal of a plate. The protective cover may protect the plate from damage.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Eric Pilarczyk, William T. Ball
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Publication number: 20230058099Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. BALL, Eric PILARCZYK
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Patent number: 11572694Abstract: A roof equipment support includes a platform, a pair of sidewalls extending from the platform, and a top wall extending between the pair of sidewalls and offset from the platform. The platform, the pair of sidewalls, and the top wall define an interior cavity that extends a length of the support from a first end to a second end. A pair of strut extensions extend above the top wall, and each of the pair of strut extension include a hook at a distal end. The pair of strut extensions and the top wall define a substantially U-shaped channel that extends at least a portion of the length of the support, and the platform, the pair of sidewalls, the top wall, and the pair of strut extensions are unitarily formed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Patent number: 11466438Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Publication number: 20220275883Abstract: A pipe support system includes a pair of leg supports spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of leg supports includes an elongated base and a column. The pipe support system also includes a strut coupled to each column of the pair of leg supports and at a first height above the elongated bases. A support platform coupled to each column of the pair of leg supports and at a second height above the elongated bases. The support platform defines a longitudinal axis, and the second height is different from the first height. The pipe support system further includes one or more rollers coupled to the support platform. The one or more rollers are disposed around the support platform and rotatable around the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Publication number: 20220228352Abstract: Provided is an enclosure with an integrated hydrant. The enclosure includes a fluid flow conduit that transfers fluid from a fluid supply tube to a fluid outlet, which may be associated with the backflow preventer. The enclosure has a conduit that carries water from the fluid supply tube to the backflow preventer. Thus, a lower profile, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing enclosure is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
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Patent number: 11378204Abstract: A pipe support system includes a pair of leg supports spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of leg supports includes an elongated base and a column. The pipe support system also includes a strut coupled to each column of the pair of leg supports and at a first height above the elongated bases. A support platform coupled to each column of the pair of leg supports and at a second height above the elongated bases. The support platform defines a longitudinal axis, and the second height is different from the first height. The pipe support system further includes one or more rollers coupled to the support platform. The one or more rollers are disposed around the support platform and rotatable around the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk