Patents by Inventor M. Stephen Tschanen

M. Stephen Tschanen 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: 6347785
    Abstract: A single-service package coupling and valve includes a fitment having a spout and a sliding tubular valve member mounted therein for receiving a cooperating dispensing connector of a liquid distributing and dispensing system, and an external adapter ring designed to cooperate with the mounting mechanisms of a plurality of conventional commercially available dispensing connectors. An internal adapter sleeve is mounted with in the sliding tubular valve member to provide a tight seal with any of the conventional dispensing connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Donald G. Copp, Samuel N. Davis, James W. Johnson, M. Stephen Tschanen
  • Patent number: 5961001
    Abstract: A spout for dispensing liquid from a closed container has a cap that fits over a fitment or neck on the container, the cap being provided with a sleeve within which a reciprocating barrel may slide from a closed position to an open position. The barrel has a longitudinal vent groove on its upper surface that serves as a passage to admit atmospheric air to equalize internal and external pressure. The cap is provided with a flap that blocks the groove when the internal pressure is close to atmospheric pressure, but opens to admit air when the internal pressure drops significantly below the atmospheric pressure outside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel N. Davis, M. Stephen Tschanen, Douglas E. Lilly
  • Patent number: 5899359
    Abstract: An improved bulk valve for tapping bulk material such as chemicals or foodstuffs is provided. The bulk valve operates with a piston-like action, in which an inner valve cylinder assembly is drawn open to open a path to a discharge port, or driven shut with a locking plunger to create a firm seal. Serrated puncturing teeth are provided to pierce the membrane seal of the bulk container, and light weight and low cost are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, M. Stephen Tschanen
  • Patent number: 5680970
    Abstract: A self-closing dispensing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit with a valve orifice therethrough, a flow control member within the valve body which is displaceable along an axis from a first position in which the flow control member obstructs the flow of fluid through the valve orifice to a second position in which the flow control member does not obstruct the flow of fluid through the valve orifice, and one or more resilient flexible fingers fixed to either the valve housing or the valve member which is deflected when the valve member is displaced to its open position. Preferably the fingers are arranged in pairs oriented parallel to the axis and are deflected toward the axis by a conical camming surface on the valve member when it is displaced from its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, M. Stephen Tschanen
  • Patent number: 5037002
    Abstract: An integral self-supporting and recyclable liquid container is disclosed. The container includes an expandable plastic bag and a reinforced assembly which together define an expandable and self-contained liquid chamber from which the contents can be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Liqui-Box/B-Bar-B Corporation
    Inventor: M. Stephen Tschanen