Patents by Inventor Alfred A. Schroeder
Alfred A. Schroeder 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: 7441674Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
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Publication number: 20080223876Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a beverage dispensing head, a first section is molded to include an exit channel and a first portion of a valve bore. A second section is molded to include an entry channel, a passage through the second section, and a second portion of the valve bore. A third section is molded to include a passage through the third section and a third portion of the valve bore. The first section is mated with the second section and the second section is mated with the third section to form a handle including a passageway therethrough. The mating of the first section with the second section and the second section with the third section aligns the first portion with the second portion and the second portion with the third portion to form the valve bore for the passageway. In addition, the entry channel is sealed to form a fluid entry aperture and a fluid entry conduit for the passageway. Further, the exit channel is sealed to form a portion of a fluid exit conduit for the passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
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Publication number: 20080149664Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
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Patent number: 7353849Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
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Patent number: 7334706Abstract: A reconstituting device including a control system reconstitutes product concentrates. The reconstituting device is further able to pre-wet a mixing device of the dispense circuit, dispense the reconstituted product, and rinse the mixing device during a dispense interval without affecting the mix ratio of the reconstituted dispense. Pre-wetting and rinsing of the mixing device of the dispense circuit is accomplished by moving a portion of a concentrate dispense from an earliest and a latest dispense interval to a mid-range dispense interval, thereby flowing reconstituting fluid alone during the earliest and latest dispense intervals. Pre-wetting allows the reconstituting fluid to form a boundary layer on contact surfaces of the mixing device. Rinsing is accomplished by flowing reconstituting fluid through the mixing device after the mixing sequence of the dispense is completed. The control system may conduct the pre-wet or the post-rinse sequence, or may conduct both within a same dispense.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn
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Patent number: 7266974Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
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Patent number: 7168593Abstract: A mixing assembly includes a mixing insert and a mixer housing that form a cavity when mated. The mixing insert includes orifices that penetrate the mixer insert. An inner vessel receives a product concentrate from a product concentrate source and the cavity receives a reconstituting fluid from a source, such that the reconstituting fluid is forced to exit the cavity through the orifices. Upon exiting the orifices, the reconstituting fluid engages the product concentrate stream, thereby reconstituting the product concentrate. The reconstituted product is then dispensed and evacuated from an end of a mixed product outlet tube, typically exterior to a protected environment, such as a chamber of a product dispenser. The mixing assembly includes varying mixing inserts to provide variable forms of engagement techniques.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn
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Publication number: 20060261086Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn, Merrill Good, John Santy, George Hernandez, Ronald Hoch
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Publication number: 20060254674Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn, Merrill Good, John Santy, George Hernandez, Ronald Hoch
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Publication number: 20060254675Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn, Merrill Good, John Santy, George Hernandez, Ronald Hoch
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Publication number: 20060254673Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn, Merrill Good, John Santy, George Hernandez, Ronald Hoch
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Publication number: 20060228240Abstract: A method and accompanying apparatus dispenses product with a non-invasive linear peristaltic pump. The linear peristaltic pump includes a traction plate having a linear portion, a depressor and a driver. The depressor compresses the product tube between the linear portion and the depressor, such that an inner passage of the product tube is substantially sealed. The driver moves the depressor along the linear portion of the traction plate, such that the product tube located between the depressor and the linear portion is compressed along the linear portion. Product in an inner passage of the product tube is thereby moved or dispensed. Another embodiment may include depressors attached to belts, wherein successive depressors may be driven along the linear portion to dispense or move the product. A method for using a linear peristaltic pump and the use of a controller to dispense product is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2005Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn
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Publication number: 20060208002Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pumping and dispensing are provided in which a peristaltic pump (16, 64) pumps liquid from a package (12), and may be integrated in a dispenser (10). The peristaltic pump (64) is adapted for improved accuracy, cleaning, and maintenance. Also provided are improved tubes (18) for peristaltic pumping that are coupled to self-sealing dispensing valves (92, 104, 110, 120).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2005Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Michael Romanyszyn, Basil Girjis, Alfred Schroeder
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Publication number: 20060196574Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn, Merrill Good, John Santy, George Hernandez, Ronald Hoch
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Patent number: 7086428Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
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Publication number: 20060168988Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2006Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventor: Alfred Schroeder
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Publication number: 20060153691Abstract: A peristaltic pump (10) and tube (18) system are provided. The peristaltic pump (10) operates to squeeze the tube (18) and push liquid in the tube (18) in the desired direction. The tube (18) is molded, and thus allows for predictable and consistent flow rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2006Publication date: July 13, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn
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Publication number: 20060131336Abstract: A reconstituting device including a control system reconstitutes product concentrates. The reconstituting device is further able to pre-wet a mixing device of the dispense circuit, dispense the reconstituted product, and rinse the mixing device during a dispense interval without affecting the mix ratio of the reconstituted dispense. Pre-wetting and rinsing of the mixing device of the dispense circuit is accomplished by moving a portion of a concentrate dispense from an earliest and a latest dispense interval to a mid-range dispense interval, thereby flowing reconstituting fluid alone during the earliest and latest dispense intervals. Pre-wetting allows the reconstituting fluid to form a boundary layer on contact surfaces of the mixing device. Rinsing is accomplished by flowing reconstituting fluid through the mixing device after the mixing sequence of the dispense is completed. The control system may conduct the pre-wet or the post-rinse sequence, or may conduct both within a same dispense.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: June 22, 2006Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn
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Patent number: 7021077Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
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Publication number: 20050279765Abstract: A mixing assembly includes a mixing insert and a mixer housing that form a cavity when mated. The mixing insert includes orifices that penetrate the mixer insert. An inner vessel receives a product concentrate from a product concentrate source and the cavity receives a reconstituting fluid from a source, such that the reconstituting fluid is forced to exit the cavity through the orifices. Upon exiting the orifices, the reconstituting fluid engages the product concentrate stream, thereby reconstituting the product concentrate. The reconstituted product is then dispensed and evacuated from an end of a mixed product outlet tube, typically exterior to a protected environment, such as a chamber of a product dispenser. The mixing assembly includes varying mixing inserts to provide variable forms of engagement techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2004Publication date: December 22, 2005Inventors: Alfred Schroeder, Michael Romanyszyn