Patents by Inventor Robert W. Niedheiser

Robert W. Niedheiser 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: 5054654
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing both ice and chilled beverages, and more particularly an improved chilled beverage dispenser which has large ice storage capacity and which incorporates an improved system of dispensing ice. The improved ice storage and dispensing system utilizes a circular rotating tray and an intermediate cone chute to dispense ice efficiently in combination with chilled beverage dispensing and maximizes all available space that can possibly be used to store ice within an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Samuel Durham, Robert W. Niedheiser
  • Patent number: 4982058
    Abstract: An improved safety interlock switch device incorporated onto a machine with internal moving components. The device is mounted adjacent a cover which shields the internal components of the machine when the cover is in a closed position. When the cover breaks contact with the switch, electrical circuit controlling the internal moving components is broken such that movement ceases in the interior of the machine. This type of system protects operators who can be injured by moving internal components while also preventing destruction of the internal components caused by contact with external elements while still in motion. The present invention lengthens the time delay between the break in contact of the cover and the deactivation of the electrical circuit controlling power to the internal movable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Robert W. Niedheiser