Wall Patents (Class 137/360)
  • Patent number: 11655918
    Abstract: The presently disclosed technology generally provides a modular support system for plumbing connections. In one example, the system includes a frame, a connector that fits entirely in front of a support stud, and an optional housing. The frame includes symmetrical sides, each including a rail assembly. The connector includes first opposed sidewalls, each having a pair of boxways that receive the rails on any side of a frame unit to form a sliding joint between the frame and connector. Second opposed sidewalls include flexible tabs that engage frame corner flanges to prevent rearward disengagement of the connector from the frame. The housing includes structure for connection with the frame. The housing can be rotated for connection with the frame to receive vertical or horizontal plumbing lines. Connectors can connect the frame units in vertical or horizontal relation, or on either side of a building stud, or to brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 11643797
    Abstract: A wall installation connection box unit, including a box housing body having a rear-side base portion and a sleeve portion projecting forward from the base portion, and a connector body disposed on the base portion. The sleeve portion peripherally surrounds an installation component mounting space, which space is accessible via an open front end face of the sleeve portion. The connector body includes an installation component connection contour facing the installation component mounting space and a conduit connection interface structure accessible on an outer side of the box housing body. Illustratively, the sleeve portion and the base portion of the box housing body are integrally formed from a synthetic foamed material, and the connector body is embedded in the synthetic foamed material of the base portion, wherein the conduit connection interface structure and the installation component connection contour are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Jürgen Groß, Joachim Blattner, Günther Lehmann, Jürgen Schorer
  • Patent number: 11547455
    Abstract: Rod link reducer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. The rod link reducer assembly provides a manipulator rod having a first end, a second end, and an elongate body extending along a body axis between the first end and the second end. A post extends outwardly from the rod. A rod manipulating joint comprise an elongate joint rod extending along a joint rod axis, a first coupling clamp disposed along the joint rod, the first coupling clamp releasably connectable to the post, and a second coupling clamp disposed along the joint rod adjacent to and rotatable about the joint rod relative to the first coupling clamp. The second coupling clamp is releasably connectable to a shaft. A biasing member is adapted to bias the second clamp against the first clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Leff, George Yacoub, Khiem Pham, Chad Glerum
  • Patent number: 11356291
    Abstract: A control system for a bathing apparatus includes a pairing station associated with the bathing apparatus and having a pairing interface, and a portable user device arranged to be used to control the bathing apparatus, the portable user device being able to control one or more functions of the bathing apparatus only while it is paired with the pairing station. The portable user device is paired with the pairing station by activation of the pairing interface when the portable user device is in a pairing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Laurence Seymour, Alexander Colin Fagg, Richard Harcourt Burns, Karl Antony Fearnley, Christopher John Duke
  • Patent number: 11306427
    Abstract: A drain box having a housing, a splash containment therein with a lower portion within a housing drain aperture, and a discharge conduit having a lower portion positioned within the splash containment in position above the drain aperture and extending upward through splash containment aperture, and an upper portion extending upward through a housing upper aperture and terminating above the housing upper portion for connection to an appliance discharge conduit. The conduit being attached to the housing to prevent a lower discharge conduit end from moving downward toward the drain aperture to less than a predetermined minimum distance above the housing drain aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Accor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Edward O'Neill, Charlie E. Whitney
  • Patent number: 11299874
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 11136749
    Abstract: A simple installation module for installation on a countertop includes a fixing seat to be fixed in a mounting hole in a countertop, a connecting rod mechanism, and a screw rod. At least one guide rod is connected to the lower portion of the fixing seat, at least one guide part to be matched with the guide rod is arranged on the connecting rod mechanism, and the screw rod is matched and connected with the connecting rod mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Xiamen EASO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianxiong Shen, Zhen Li, Haitao Lu, Ximin Chen
  • Patent number: 11085557
    Abstract: The presently disclosed technology generally provides a modular support system for plumbing connections. In one example, the system includes a frame, a connector that fits entirely in front of a support stud, and an optional housing. The frame includes symmetrical sides, each including a rail assembly. The connector includes first opposed sidewalls, each having a pair of boxways that receive the rails on any side of a frame unit to form a sliding joint between the frame and connector. Second opposed sidewalls include flexible tabs that engage frame corner flanges to prevent rearward disengagement of the connector from the frame. The housing includes structure for connection with the frame. The housing can be rotated for connection with the frame to receive vertical or horizontal plumbing lines. Connectors can connect the frame units in vertical or horizontal relation, or on either side of a building stud, or to brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 11064852
    Abstract: An implement head cleaning system which includes apparatuses and methods of cleaning an implement head. An implement head cleaner including an implement head cleaning base having a base bottom configured for placement on a support surface and having an air flow chamber disposed in a base top covered by an air flow inlet plate which directs an air flow through one or more air inlet aperture elements to egress through an air outlet toward an air flow generator. Materials entrained in material entrainment elements carried by the implement head can be removed by moving the material entrainment elements over the air flow inlet plate through the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: NoCo Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Wood
  • Patent number: 11066815
    Abstract: A utility box for mounting at least in part within a wall for use with a fluid carrying supply pipe, the box comprising, a housing including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, a back wall and a front opening providing access into an interior of the housing defined by the top, bottom, first side, second side and back walls, a bottom wall aperture in the bottom wall sized for extending the pipe through the bottom wall aperture with the pipe terminating in a free end portion positioned within the interior of the housing at a location above the bottom wall, a valve attachable to the free end portion of the pipe, the junction of the valve and the pipe being within the interior of the housing above the bottom wall, and a first seal positioned to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bottom wall and the pipe to prevent fluid within the interior of the housing from passing out of the interior of the housing through the bottom wall aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Accor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Edward O'Neill, Charlie E Whitney
  • Patent number: 11013943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water spray valve set for a nozzle pipe system of a fire-extinguishing installation, having a water spray valve which has a fluid inlet for connection to a water supply, a fluid outlet for connection to the nozzle pipe system, and a closing body arranged between fluid inlet and fluid outlet, wherein the closing body is movable back and forth between a shut-off position and an opened-up position, wherein, in the shut-off position, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are separated from one another and, in an opened-up position, said fluid inlet and fluid outlet are fluidically connected to one another, having a control line which is connected to a control pressure supply, and having at least one first control valve for controlling the control pressure in the control line, wherein the control line is operatively connected to the closing body such that the closing body is held in the shut-off position, or is in an opened-up position, in a manner dependent on an actuation of the con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Capsius
  • Patent number: 10982417
    Abstract: A two-part sillcock includes interior and exterior sillcock members selectively coupled to actuate a valve that controls fluid flow to a faucet. The interior sillcock member includes a flanged housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve with a stem including a coupling at the outlet end. The coupling is supported within the housing by an adapter adjacent the outlet end. The exterior sillcock member includes a flanged faucet including a handle shaft with a coupling at the inlet end. An adapter adjacent the housing outlet supports the valve stem coupling and guides and receives the faucet handle shaft coupling for engagement of the couplings. When the exterior and interior sillcock flanges are connected, the faucet handle shaft coupling is connected with the valve stem coupling, so that movement of the handle controls operation of the valve. A dual two-part sillcock includes two sillcocks connected by a mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 10914404
    Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible tubular member having a medial portion defined between a first end and a second end of the tubular member. The assembly further includes an end cap molded over the first end of the tubular member, such that the end cap seals the first end of the tubular member. The assembly additionally includes a fitting having a first end portion configured to secure to the second end of the tubular member and a bracket attached to the medial portion of the tubular member. The bracket is configured to mount to a structure adapted to secure at least one end of the tubular member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: RELIANCE WORLDWIDE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dixon Thuston, Virgil O'Neil, Larry Brown, Eliana Pippen, Alexander Rycroft
  • Patent number: 10889969
    Abstract: In order to front mount the faucet assembly on the sink, the connectors that are secured to the inlet ports are passed through enlarged openings in the splash board and the body of the faucet assembly is secured to the splash board via brackets. After positioning gaskets in place, the housing is moved over the body and dropped into place with the externally threaded ends of the cylindrical chambers and outlet port protruding through three circular openings in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Components Hardware Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James Rowland, Brion Gompper, Jon Dale Hoppe
  • Patent number: 10865550
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a multi-purpose outlet box with an integrated drainage funnel. In one embodiment, the outlet box can include a housing that includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and an opening providing access to the housing. The outlet box can include a funnel that forms a portion of the back wall and that extends from the bottom wall. The funnel can also include a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a first opening outside of the housing and the second end comprising a removable cover that covers access to a second opening inside of the housing. The top wall includes a drainage opening and the second end of the funnel is proximal to the drainage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Keith Sampson
  • Patent number: 10815651
    Abstract: The present invention is a flange device, system, and method configured to securing and stabilizing a water supply pipe. The system includes a security wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a water supply pipe opening; a water supply pipe traversing through the security wall water supply pipe opening, the water supply pipe having a proximal portion projecting away from the security wall inner surface and a distal portion projecting away from the security wall outer surface; a security flange concentrically disposed around the distal portion of the water supply pipe and abutting against the security wall outer surface; and a system coupling mechanism configured to couple the security flange through the water supply pipe opening to the water supply pipe, the coupling mechanism further configured to hold the security flange in compression against the security wall outer surface and hold the water supply pipe in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Antonio Reyes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10808847
    Abstract: A stop valve having uniquely dimensioned valve inlet shanks and valve outlet shanks, each shank circumscribed by a plurality of concentric flanges adapted to act as barbs for engaging PEX piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Shawn Hart
  • Patent number: 10760839
    Abstract: In an indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus, an air inlet for room air is provided at a position lower than a height position of a drain pan. A partition plate is provided to partition a space below a height position of the drain pan in a housing. A pipe connecting portion connected to a refrigerant pipe of an outdoor unit is provided in one part of the partitioned space and a heat exchanger and a fan are placed in the other part of the partitioned space. At least one communicating path is formed in the partition plate to communicate the two parts of the partitioned space with each other. The indoor unit can include a controller for activating a fan when leakage of refrigerant is detected or for closing the communicating path when leakage of refrigerant is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Makino, Tetsuya Tazawa
  • Patent number: 10745897
    Abstract: A flush-mounted built-in body for a sanitary fitting, having at least one valve for a liquid having a rotatable flow regulator and a threaded shaft, wherein the threaded shaft can be actuated for opening and closing the at least one valve in an axial direction of the at least one valve, having at least one push button for actuating the threaded shaft of the at least one valve in the axial direction, wherein the at least one push button comprises an intermediate part, screwable with the threaded shaft, for setting the at least one push button in the desired position in the axial direction and a cover cap that can be connected nonrotatably to the threaded shaft for securing the intermediate part in the desired position, and having at least one rotating knob for adjusting a flow rate of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Grohe AG
    Inventors: Daniel Berghoff, Yukiko Toyoda
  • Patent number: 10729923
    Abstract: An intumescent fire resistance device for closing breaches in walls or ceilings, contains a plurality of planar carriers which are provided with an intumescent coating on at least one side. The carriers are secured to one another at least partially overlapping in an overlap region such that a strip or ring is produced the length of which is longer than the length of an individual carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Förg, Herbert Münzenberger
  • Patent number: 10724649
    Abstract: In the present invention a mixing valve is provided, comprising a valve seat provided with first and second fluid conduits and a mixed fluid conduit and including a first plug-fit portion and a first mounting portion, and a valve core defining first and second stop surfaces. The valve core comprises a valve housing provided with a second plug-fit portion configured to be mated with the first plug-fit portion, a valve shaft disposed within the valve housing and provided with a valve plate comprising a first regulating aperture and a second regulating aperture, a stop member mounted on the valve shaft, the valve core defining an initial position in which the stop member engages with the first stop surface and a final position in which the stop member engages with the second stop surface, and a valve module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liming Ye, Jianping Zhou, Shuanglin Bai, Lucheng Wang
  • Patent number: 10695599
    Abstract: A firestop system for fire stopping a bus duct that passes through an opening in a marine deck or a marine bulkhead includes a boot seal wrapped around the bus duct housing. The boot seal has a top end attached to the bus duct, and a bottom end attached to the division. The boot seal is made of flexible material to allow for movement of the bus duct relative to the division due to vibration. The boot seal may be made of a thermal barrier wrap or other high-temperature insulating mat materials to allow heat generated under normal condition to escape while providing firestopping and temperature resistance under fire exposure conditions. The firestop system may also have a gasket positioned between the bus duct and the boot seal to accommodate irregularities in the outside surface of the bus duct housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIFIED TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James P. Stahl, Jr., Julio Lopes, Paul Gandolfo, William Seeley
  • Patent number: 10668487
    Abstract: A separator device for removing particles from suspension in a fluid includes first and second fluid-carrying portions and a non-fluid-carrying spacer for linking the first and second fluid-carrying portions. Each of the fluid-carrying portions includes a socket for receiving an open end of a pipe and a connector for connection of the filter. The socket of the first fluid-carrying portion has a pipe receiving depth greater than that of the socket of the second fluid-carrying portion. The sockets of the first and second fluid-carrying portions are positioned on a common axis and facing away from each other when the fluid-carrying portions are linked by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ADEY HOLDINGS (2008) LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Adey, Simon Downie, Matthew Taylor
  • Patent number: 10604883
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet and a drawer retractably provided in the cabinet. An accommodation unit is provided at the drawer and defines a space configured to receive washing water. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a guider. The guider includes a first body rotatably coupled to the cabinet, and a second body rotatably coupled to the first body and the drawer and configured to connect the first body to the drawer. A supply unit is connected to a water supply source. A water supply channel is provided along the guider and is configured to supply water between the supply unit and the accommodation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jihong Lee, Kwangchul Heo
  • Patent number: 10604917
    Abstract: A flushing station for a ring-pipe or series-pipe system, comprises a cold water port for connecting a cold-water pipe, a hot water port for connecting a hot water pipe, and a waste water port, wherein the cold-water port and the hot water port are fluidicly coupled to the waste water port. The cold-water port, the hot water port and the waste water port are assigned to a bottom side of the flushing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: UPONOR INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Paul Bartenstein
  • Patent number: 10566776
    Abstract: An outdoor enclosure provides weather protection for electrical equipment. More particularly, an outdoor enclosure having a cover flush with the floor or the ground and an interior space beneath the floor or ground is provided. The interior space is maintained in a water-tight condition when the cover of the enclosure and a door within the cover are closed and a drain is provided in the floor of the interior space to allow water to drain from the interior space if and when such water enters the enclosure. Electrical cables and a receptacle with ground fault protection are stowed within the enclosure and pulled through the door in the cover when a user needs access to electrical power via the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Nelson Bonilla, David L. Lutz
  • Patent number: 10550550
    Abstract: A two-part sillcock includes interior and exterior sillcock members selectively coupled to actuate a valve that controls fluid flow to a faucet. The interior sillcock member includes a flanged housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve with a stem including a coupling at the outlet end. The coupling is supported within the housing by an adapter adjacent the outlet end. The exterior sillcock member includes a flanged faucet including a handle shaft with a coupling at the inlet end. An adapter adjacent the housing outlet supports the valve stem coupling and guides and receives the faucet handle shaft coupling for engagement of the couplings. When the exterior and interior sillcock flanges are connected, the faucet handle shaft coupling is connected with the valve stem coupling, so that movement of the handle controls operation of the valve. A dual two-part sillcock includes two sillcocks connected by a mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 10487484
    Abstract: This invention relates to an encasement (or utility housing) for a plumbing configuration. The encasement comprises a formed enclosure, the enclosure being mountable to a wall or a part of a wall or a support structure. The formed enclosure is a first housing portion, with the first housing portion providing for a cavity space. A second housing portion is receivable by, or co-locatable with, the first housing portion, and the second housing portion is receivable or co-locatable within the cavity space of the first housing portion. At least a part of the second housing portion comprises a plumbing configuration configured to receive, or be in fluid communication with, a flow of fluid and to channel the received flow of fluid to an outlet from the plumbing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lake Products Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes, Gabriel Ioan Giurgiu
  • Patent number: 10487964
    Abstract: A line penetration is useful for routing lines through a building part. The line penetration includes: a jacket tube, a base part, which is disposed at a first axial end of the jacket tube and has a receiving space, surrounding a routing opening, for a firestop material, an annular, membrane-like sealing element, which is disposed at the first axial end of the jacket tube, and at least one sealing plug, which is disposed at a second end of the jacket tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Chad Stroike, Herbert Muenzenberger
  • Patent number: 10407889
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a spray wand with a disposable wand head tube that can be attached to a toilet water supply that can be used with toilet paper to remove fecal matter material and urine that wiping was not able to remove. A dual shot off valve can be attached to an inlet water line from a wall adjacent to the toilet. A first supply line can pass from one of the valves to the toilet and a second supply line can be attached to the other one of the dual valves, and an opposite end attached to a single valve for the supplying water to the disposable wand head tube. The disposable wand head tube can be formed from a paper straw and a plastic tube, and the like. The disposable wand tubes can have bent end portions and come in packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Allen Z. Osbrach
  • Patent number: 10385554
    Abstract: A utility box for mounting at least in part within a wall for use with a fluid carrying supply pipe, the box comprising, a housing including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, a back wall and a front opening providing access into an interior of the housing defined by the top, bottom, first side, second side and back walls, a bottom wall aperture in the bottom wall sized for extending the pipe through the bottom wall aperture with the pipe terminating in a free end portion positioned within the interior of the housing at a location above the bottom wall, a valve attachable to the free end portion of the pipe, the junction of the valve and the pipe being within the interior of the housing above the bottom wall, and a first seal positioned to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bottom wall and the pipe to prevent fluid within the interior of the housing from passing out of the interior of the housing through the bottom wall aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Accor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Edward O'Neill, Charlie E Whitney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10145091
    Abstract: An easy-to-install tap structure includes a tap body, a pipe joint and a connecting pipe for communicating the tap body with the pipe joint. The connecting pipe is arranged between the tap body and the pipe joint. When the tap structure is used for a wash basin, there is no need to connect a braided hose; in the process of replacing a tap, there is no need to replace the pipe joint and the connecting pipe, so that the pipe joint and the connecting pipe can be used many times; and when the tap is dismounted, the tap body can be directly rotated, and when the tap is mounted, the connecting pipe is directly adjusted to rotate until the water outlet of the tap is arranged in the correct direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Jianhua Xu
  • Patent number: 10053842
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a pipe section which has a valve seat and which receives a valve upper part which bears against the valve seat and which includes a head piece which is traversed centrally by a spindle which is rotatably and/or pivotably mounted in the head piece and via which a control disc can be moved relative to an inlet disc within the head piece, wherein the valve upper part is releasably connected to the pipe section, wherein a device for the defined positioning of the valve upper part within the pipe section in at least two rotary positions offset by an angle of orientation is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Fluehs Drehtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Lange
  • Patent number: 10036146
    Abstract: A control mechanism for manually adjusting a plurality of control parameters, the control mechanism including a mechanical multiple axis handle movable about three axes of rotation for operating an operated device, wherein each of the axes of rotation pass through the handle, and a movement transformation assembly to transform rotational movements of the handle to control commands to the operated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Eran Ben-Dor
  • Patent number: 10014674
    Abstract: A recessed wall mounting apparatus and method are presented. The invention includes a housing unit coupled with a mounting ring. The housing unit has a base wall with a front side having an outwardly extending perimeter wall from each side of the base wall to form a recessed compartment. The perimeter wall terminates in an outer edge that is configured to be flush with a drywall of an architectural structure. The base wall has an access hole configured substantially in alignment with an accessory window in the mounting ring. The mounting ring is configured for removably mounting an accessory device, e.g. light switch, to the accessory window. One or more removable and adjustable wall brackets are coupled to one or more sides of the housing unit for securing the housing unit to the wall of the architectural structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Seeless Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Shalom Illouz
  • Patent number: 9995025
    Abstract: A faucet with sensing activation for blow-drying and discharge of water and liquid soap includes a main body and at least one outlet arm mounted on the main body. The at least one outlet arm has a soap outlet, a water outlet and an air outlet correspondingly mounted thereon, and multiple sensors are mounted on the faucet and are electrically connected with multiple controller for activating the soap outlet, the water outlet and the air outlet to discharge liquid soap and water and blow air. As discharge of water and liquid and blow drying are equipped on the same faucet, the space required for mounting the faucet, mounting holes through the sink and assembly works can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN RUNNER INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun-Sheng Wang, Xi-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 9932732
    Abstract: A grease trap for separating waste from waste water includes a tank, an inlet in the tank for receiving incoming waste water, a pump discharge for discharge of grease from the tank and a cartridge fitting within the tank. The cartridge includes a pump that is housed in a lower portion of the tank for removing grease from the tank, a plumbing disconnect that provides a communication between the cartridge and the pump discharge when the plumbing disconnect is engaged and optionally terminates the communication if the plumbing disconnect is disengaged and a remote pumper interface distally connected to the pump discharge and including a releasable connection for a pumping truck hose. Methods for separating waste from waste water are also shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9903102
    Abstract: A concealed embedded component for a waterway system includes a lower main body with a cool water inlet passage, a hot water inlet passage, a mixing water passage and at least an outlet passage; an embedded box including a box body and a fixing frame covering the box body; a water testing element with the bottom surface disposed with a first passage and a second passage. The lower main body is disposed in the box body, the water testing element is disposed in the box body, the water testing element covers the lower main body to constitute the outlet passage, and the mixing water passage is connected to the cool water inlet passage or the hot water inlet passage. Since the lower main body is disposed in the box body and is separated from concrete, it is convenient to disassemble the concealed embedded component for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Qiang Wang, Shaohui Zhou, Lihong Hu
  • Patent number: 9856633
    Abstract: An anti-freeze faucet contains: a first pipe, a second pipe, a check valve, and a control valve. The first pipe includes a hollow portion, an orifice, an outlet, and an inflow segment having two inlets. The second inserts into the hollow portion and includes a first connection segment, a second connection segment, and an air conduit, wherein the first connection segment has an air hole. The check valve is accommodated in the inflow segment and corresponding to the two inlets. The control valve is housed in the hollow portion and includes a base, a fitting bushing, and a coupling holder, wherein the base has two channels, and between the base and the fitting bushing is defined an accommodation chamber, the coupling holder has a rotation disc with a cold-water vent and a hot-water vent, and the coupling holder has multiple first openings and multiple second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9752731
    Abstract: Systems and related methods for conserving various resources, such as, but not limited to, water, laundry chemicals, natural gas, electricity, linen, labor, and wear on equipment (e.g., a solenoid valve of a commercial washing machine drain line). The inventor has spent the past 14 years in the industrial chemical field, allowing him to access and service commercial washing machines, and has discovered that drain issues relative to such commercial washing machines result in enormous losses to such institutions that process a large volume of laundry. Such typical institutions include, but are not limited to, hotels, hospitals, prisons, universities, colleges, laundries, and nursing homes. By replacing a portion of the opaque drain pipe section between the valve and the floor drain, operators and technicians can quickly determine if a leak is occurring, and take corrective action. An access port may also be provided to test characteristics of discharged wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin C. Goodsell
  • Patent number: 9725892
    Abstract: A plumbing finish panel assembly, for connecting a water supply line in a wall to fixture supply lines, comprises a mounting panel having a supply line opening formed therethrough and a finish ring for presenting a clean finished appearance to the assembly. A supply line connector assembly is securable to the mounting panel through the supply line opening and enables selective orientation of a tailpiece for connection to the supply line. An outlet end of the supply line connector assembly provides a threaded coupling to which a valve or hose may be coupled. The panel assembly may be provided in plate or box configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SIOUX CHIEF MFG. CO., INC.
    Inventors: Brian E. Ismert, Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 9650766
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9608422
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrical box cover system and method of installation that covers and protects existing electrical boxes and their electrical components. This invention prevents corrosion and the resulting damage to the mechanical and electrical components of the electrical box while ensuring the electrical box is safe to open and allowing access to the inside of the electrical box. The electrical box cover system includes a cover, fasteners, and a gasket. Generally, to install the cover, the fasteners are drilled through the cover and onto the sides of the damaged electrical box with the gasket, which is placed in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Lee Butin
  • Patent number: 9605424
    Abstract: Transportable unit for forming a straight parallelepiped-shaped residential space, provided with a bottom and a covering, and upright walls extending in between them, which walls can be converted between a—particularly retracted-transport position and a—particularly extended-operational position, in which the unit has a larger height, wherein the unit is equipped as a sanitary unit having a series of toilet bowls, urinals and/or showers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Marcel Adriaan Dirk Bikker
  • Patent number: 9475528
    Abstract: A salt delivery system operates to remotely deliver water softening salt to a salt bin located inside a structure. The salt delivery system is positioned on a vehicle and includes a hopper apparatus for holding salt, a computerized scale system for weighing salt actually delivered to the bin, a salt delivery hose connected between the structure and hopper apparatus, a funnel cone positioned above the remotely located salt bin, and a pipe connected between the salt bin and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Step Saver, Inc.
    Inventors: William F Picard, Charles J Steffl
  • Patent number: 9458641
    Abstract: Ballast systems for, particularly, inflatable decontamination shelters are described. The systems may be integrated into the overall structures of the shelters so as to avoid need for sand bags or other discrete weight-providing objects. They additionally may use liquids (rather than or in addition to solids) for weight-providing purposes, with the liquids including water supplied by the same plumbing system that supplies a shower of a shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Mahlon Harlow
  • Patent number: 9394674
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9388555
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other without the use of separate connectors or mounting brackets. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include receiving features and mounting tabs extending outwardly from the side walls. The receiving features and mounting tabs are arranged such that the plumbing outlet box has rotational symmetry. In this way, receiving features may be engaged with mounting tabs of an adjacent plumbing outlet box regardless of the relative orientation of the mating plumbing outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9383026
    Abstract: In a HVAC service valve comprised of a valve body, the valve body defining a cylindrical cavity for receiving a valve stem, the valve stem being rotatably positioned in the cylindrical cavity of the valve body so as to open and close the service valve when the valve stem is rotated counterclockwise and clockwise respectively, the valve stem having a top portion, the top portion being provided with an O-ring to seal any fluid passageway between the top portion of the valve stem and an inner wall of the cylindrical cavity of the valve body, the valve body further having an upper portion, the upper portion being provided with means for preventing the valve stem from being forced out of the valve body due to refrigerant pressure, the improvement being an elastic seal ring positioned above the top portion of the valve stem and below the means for preventing the valve stem from being forced out of the valve body, the elastic seal ring being sized to fit tightly against the inner wall of the cylindrical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Allen A. Eggleston
  • Patent number: 9366070
    Abstract: A water management system for a fenestration assembly including a sash and a frame having a sill with a sash receiving region. A water collection space may be defined within a hollow portion of the sill. An active water management system may include a pump positioned within the frame of the fenestration assembly, a power source, a water sensor positioned within the hollow portion of the sill, a water intake positioned within the hollow portion of the sill, and a water outlet extending out of the fenestration assembly, with the water inlet and the water outlet in fluid communication with the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MILGARD MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Eric A. Baczuk