Patents by Inventor Christopher W. Rahn

Christopher W. Rahn 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: 10517420
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a brewing system includes a water delivery system, a cover, and a funnel. The water delivery system supplies water through a spray head of the cover to the funnel. The funnel holds brewing substance to be combined with the water to form a brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, David Trojahn, Brent Friedrich, William Krause
  • Publication number: 20170099979
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a brewing system includes a water delivery system, a cover, and a funnel. The water delivery system supplies water through a spray head of the cover to the funnel. The funnel holds brewing substance to be combined with the water to form a brewed beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, David Trojahn, Brent Friedrich, William Krause
  • Patent number: 8943952
    Abstract: A brewer, system, and method of use for producing and dispensing a beverage. The apparatus, system, and method of use includes a receiver for receiving a brewing substance container. The receiver receives the container, positions it for infusion with heated water, and then positions the container for removal from the receiver. The present apparatus, system, and method minimizes the drive mechanisms associated with the apparatus and improves the control and reliability of the apparatus. The apparatus facilitates collection and dispensing of beverage produced in the receiver and removal of the brewing substance container from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, James I. Miller
  • Patent number: 8448565
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for receiving and containing loose beverage substance with a transfer device such as a scoop or measuring device and transferring it to a corresponding holder for retaining the loose beverage substance during dispensing process. The system and apparatus facilitates orderly transfer of loose beverage substance to the holder for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Rahn
  • Patent number: 8434402
    Abstract: An infusion container (30) for use with a brewer (20). The infusion container (30) includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container. The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder (30). Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder (30). The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Arthur Bunn, John D. Bishop, Randy D. Pope
  • Publication number: 20110111107
    Abstract: A brewer, system, and method of use for producing and dispensing a beverage. The apparatus, system, and method of use includes a receiver for receiving a brewing substance container. The receiver receives the container, positions it for infusion with heated water, and then positions the container for removal from the receiver. The present apparatus, system, and method minimizes the drive mechanisms associated with the apparatus and improves the control and reliability of the apparatus. The apparatus facilitates collection and dispensing of beverage produced in the receiver and removal of the brewing substance container from the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BUNN O MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, James L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7845270
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage brewer for brewing a beverage using a beverage brewing substance pod. The pod may include substances such as coffee for producing a desired brewed beverage. A pod holder, having at least one wall, defining a cavity in the pod holder for retaining the pod for brewing. Water is dispensed into the pod and drained through a drain in the pod holder. The pod holder is removable from the brewer for placing a pod therein. The pod holder is slideably inserted into the brewer for brewing. One or more ramps are provided on the brewer for engagement with corresponding ramps on the pod holder for positioning the holder relative to the sprayhead for infusing the pod retained in the holder. Water is introduced to the pod without piercing the pod. Legs are provided on a portion of the pod holder for positioning the pod holder in an upright position when removed from the brewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, William Thomas
  • Patent number: 7685932
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for increasing the interaction between water and a brewing substance in a brewing apparatus. The structure includes a spray head having a thickness dimension which facilitates the formation and definition of tubes or passages extending therethrough. The passages are directed at an angle so as to provide an extended flow path to and through the brewing substance. The spray head is positioned a dimension above the brewing substance retained in a pod so as to increase the interaction between water dispensed through the spray head and the brewing substance which is infused by the water from the spray head. The use of the angled paths helps to increase the saturation, penetration and agitation of the brewing substance so as to help promote uniformity of extraction of the brewing substance. Additionally, directed flow helps facilitate quicker rate of expansion of the brewing substance within the corresponding chamber thereby helping to improve the overall brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Randy D. Pope
  • Patent number: 7651295
    Abstract: An extension screed is for a paving vehicle screed assembly that includes a main screed. The extension screed includes two base members movably connectable with the main screed and two vertical actuators each extending between the main screed and a separate base member. Each vertical actuator linearly displaces the connected base member with respect to the main screed in opposing vertical directions. A carriage preferably includes an inner frame movably connected with the base members and an outer frame slidably disposed about the inner frame and configured to support a screed plate. The vertical actuators vertically displace the carriage and alternatively pivot the carriage within a vertical plane. Further, a first horizontal actuator displaces the inner frame with respect to the two base members in opposing horizontal directions and a second horizontal actuator displaces the outer fame with respect to the inner frame in opposing horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Michael S. Eppes, Eric Potter, Christopher W. Rahn
  • Patent number: 7591218
    Abstract: An infusion container for use with a brewer. The infusion container includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container. The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder. Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder. The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur H. Bunn, John D. Bishop, Christopher W. Rahn, Randy D. Pope
  • Patent number: 7578230
    Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for producing a desired beverage using a heated brewing substance. The apparatus includes a system and method for preventing initiating of a heating cycle when an insufficient amount of water is retained in the apparatus. Additional features of the brewer are provided to facilitate movement of water through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Rahn
  • Publication number: 20090120299
    Abstract: A brewer (20) for brewing a beverage adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a pressurized water line. The brewer includes a tank (70) having a chamber adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the pressurized water line and a spray head (40) in fluid communication with the tank (70). The spray head (40) is adapted to discharge water from the tank (70) for brewing a beverage. A fluid pressure regulator (50) provides a flow of water to the tank (70) and to the spray head (40) at a selected pressure. A dispensing valve (90) is provided in fluid communication with the tank (70) and the spray head (40) for selectively controlling the flow of water from the tank (70) to the spray head (40). A controller (26) is provided for controlling operation of the brewer Water flows through the tank (70) to the spray head (40) under pressure provided by the pressurized water line for brewing a beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Charles H. Clark
  • Patent number: 7503253
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage brewer which produces beverage by delivering brewing water to a quantity of brewing substance. The brewer includes a water source for providing water to the brewer. The water source may be in the form of a reservoir or pressurized waterline. A water supply line is provided in the brewer communicating with the water source and a pump. A control is provided for controlling operation of the brewer. The pump transfers water from the water supply line to a heater assembly for heating prior to use in brewing a beverage. A water delivery line communicates with the heater assembly for delivering heated water to a brewing assembly. Brewing substances retained in the brewing assembly and brewing water is received therein for producing a brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Rahn
  • Patent number: 7261491
    Abstract: An edger assembly is for a paving vehicle screed for forming a paving material mat upon a base surface. The edger assembly includes a support connectable with the screed and an edger member having a contact surface contactable with the base surface. An actuator has an upper end coupled with the edger member and a lower end coupled with the support, the upper end being displaceable with respect to the lower end to vertically displace the edger member relative to the base surface. The actuator preferably includes two threaded blocks coupled with the support and two rotatable rods each coupled with the edger member and engaged with one block. Rotation of the rods vertically displaces the rods with respect to the support to displace the edger member. Preferably, a biasing member is disposed about each rod and biases the edger member in a direction generally toward the base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Blaw-Know Construction Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Michael S. Eppes
  • Publication number: 20020106243
    Abstract: A screed assembly includes a first screed plate having a working surface and an edge. A pivot body connected with the edge of the first plate has an axis and a bearing surface about the axis. A second screed plate has a working surface and an edge slidably disposed against the bearing surface. The second plate is movably connected with the first plate and pivotable about the axis to adjust the second working surface relative to the first working surface. A first hinge member connected with the first plate has an inner surface about the axis and spaced from the bearing surface. A second hinge member connected with the second plate has an inner surface slidably disposed against the bearing surface and an outer surface slidably disposed against the first member surface so as to be retained between the pivot body and the first member, thereby movably connecting the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Brian S. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20020106242
    Abstract: A screed assembly is provided for a paving vehicle for forming a mat of paving material upon a base surface, the vehicle having a longitudinal centerline. The screed assembly includes a frame connectable with the vehicle and a first screed plate movably connected with the frame and rotatable about a first axis extending perpendicular to the vehicle centerline. A second screed plate is movably connected with the first screed plate and is rotatable about a second axis extending perpendicular to the first axis. Further, a connective member has a first end connected with the frame and a second end linearly displaceable with respect to the first end and pivotably connected with the second screed plate. When the first plate displaces about the first axis, the second plate pivotably displaces with respect to the connective member while the distance between the two ends of the connective member remains substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Brian S. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20020061227
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a screed assembly that includes a strike-off. This strike-off is directly connected to a screed plate such that the strike-off is able to bend or twist along with movement of the screed plate which occurs during a paving operation. The strike-off in the screed assembly of the present invention is simpler and less costly to manufacture than corresponding devices in existing screed assemblies. Connecting the strike-off directly to the screed establishes a shearing height prior to mounting the screed assembly to the paving machine in set up of the screed assembly faster and easier to accomplish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Blaw-Knox Construction Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, Brian S. Hawkins