Patents by Inventor Richard J. Mehus
Richard J. Mehus 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: 8012421Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
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Patent number: 7954668Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
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Publication number: 20110082595Abstract: Automatic calibration of dispense parameters of a product dispense system is accomplished via electronic communication of product information. A chemical product includes an electronically readable tag or label that stores and communicates chemical product data concerning the chemical product to a chemical product dispenser. The chemical product data may include, for example, the name of the chemical product, the type or class of the chemical product, manufacturing information regarding the chemical product (e.g., manufacturing date, location, serial number, lot number, etc.), concentration of active ingredient(s), weight, volume, viscosity, density, hardness, specific gravity, shape, color, and/or other data concerning the chemical product. A controller within the dispenser automatically calibrates the dispense parameters based on the chemical product data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Brian L. Sholes
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Patent number: 7896198Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate using a diluent to form a use solution. The dispenser (200) includes a housing (201) having a cavity. A product holder (210) is positioned to support the concentrate in the cavity of the housing (201). A load cell housing (207) is operatively supported by the housing. More than one load cell (240) is positioned in the load cell housing (207). The product holder (210) is supported on the more than one load cell (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Thomas J. Batcher, Henry J. McCarrick
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Patent number: 7891523Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher
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Publication number: 20110031275Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided. The product dispensing system includes a dispensing device and a sealing assembly. The dispensing device is configured and arranged to pass product out of a dispensing orifice in the product dispensing system. The sealing assembly is configured and arranged to wipe and seal the dispensing orifice to prevent exposure of unused product with ambient air when the product dispensing system is not dispensing product.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Ryan D. Lucey, Anthony L. Kramer, Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Sherri L. Tischler, Mihnea A. Popa, Brian P. Carlson
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Publication number: 20100147876Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
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Patent number: 7694589Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
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Patent number: 7615122Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for dispensing a liquid concentrate. The source pressure of a liquid diluent is changed by a boost pump (52) to bring the pressure of the diluent to an elevated pressure. The diluent then enters an aspirator assembly (10) wherein the concentrate and diluent are mixed to form a use solution. The dynamic pressure of the diluent entering the aspirator assembly (10) is sufficient so that the amount of concentrate delivered over time is more constant.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge
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Publication number: 20090151474Abstract: A system and method detect when a product container from which a product is dispensed is empty or nearly empty, and provides a notification of the product status. The system includes a load cell that deflects at a first rate of distance per unit load when a load less than a critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell, and a load cell bracket positioned such that the free end of the load cell contacts the load cell bracket when a load substantially equal to or greater than the critical load is positioned to be weighed by the load cell. The load cell bracket may prevent the load cell from further deflection, or it may permit deflection of the load cell at a second rate of distance per unit load when the load cell is in contact with the load cell bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
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Publication number: 20080271928Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Henry J. McCarrick, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
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Patent number: 7410623Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried by a scale (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is concerned. A moveable container holder (215) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing (201) and the container (204). A cover (216) is operatively connected to the container holder (215) at a connection. A cam surface is adjacent the housing (201). The cover (216) has a cam (216d) for contacting the cam surface (201a), wherein when the cover (216) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder (215) and the container (204) which are moved upward lifting the container (204) off of the product holder (210).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Royce D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7201290Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher
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Patent number: 6921252Abstract: A hydraulic pump for injecting a predetermined amount of a fluid product into a line carrying fluid that is subject to cyclic pressure. A chamber has a rigid outer wall adapted to be fluidly coupled to the line. A flexible bladder positioned within the chamber forms a cavity between the bladder and the outer wall of the chamber. The outer wall of the chamber has a first opening and a second opening, both the first opening and the second opening being in fluid communication with the cavity, the first opening adapted to be fluidly coupled to the fluid product, the second opening adapted to be fluidly coupled to the line. The flexible bladder is responsive to fluid pressure in the chamber by moving toward the outer wall of the chamber under a relatively high pressure from the fluid from the line and rebounding to a predetermined position away from the outer wall of the chamber when under a relatively low pressure from the fluid from the line.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas
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Publication number: 20040265174Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
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Publication number: 20040245284Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried by a scale (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is concerned. A moveable container holder (215) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing (201) and the container (204). A cover (216) is operatively connected to the container holder (215) at a connection. A cam surface is adjacent the housing (201). The cover (216) has a cam (216d) for contacting the cam surface (201a), wherein when the cover (216) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder (215) and the container (204) which are moved upward lifting the container (204) off of the product holder (210).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Royce D. Johnson
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Publication number: 20040230339Abstract: Methods of managing items associated with the dispensing of products used at a customer's location by measuring an amount of the product which is actually used at such customer location including accurately billing the customer for the product, managing a flat-fee billing account, tracking usage of the product or performing remote diagnostic and repair on the dispensing apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Bryan Maser, Michael N. Shulman, Richard J. Mehus
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Publication number: 20040226959Abstract: Methods of dispensing an ingredient and measuring an amount of the ingredient dispensed, e.g., at a customer's location usually as the ingredient is used by the customer, in order to improve the dispensing process by adjusting future dispense cycles, accurately dispensing the ingredient, predicting an amount of ingredient to be dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher, Bryan A. Maser, Michael Shulman
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Publication number: 20040226961Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher
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Publication number: 20040184933Abstract: A hydraulic pump for injecting a predetermined amount of a fluid product into a line carrying fluid that is subject to cyclic pressure. A chamber has a rigid outer wall adapted to be fluidly coupled to the line. A flexible bladder positioned within the chamber forms a cavity between the bladder and the outer wall of the chamber. The outer wall of the chamber has a first opening and a second opening, both the first opening and the second opening being in fluid communication with the cavity, the first opening adapted to be fluidly coupled to the fluid product, the second opening adapted to be fluidly coupled to the line. The flexible bladder is responsive to fluid pressure in the chamber by moving toward the outer wall of the chamber under a relatively high pressure from the fluid from the line and rebounding to a predetermined position away from the outer wall of the chamber when under a relatively low pressure from the fluid from the line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas