Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Christopher L. Makay
  • Patent number: 7813834
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
  • Patent number: 7810676
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages includes a touch panel assembly, removable fittings in a carbonator, a carbonator probe, and a carbonator pump assembly removable from a front of the beverage dispenser. The touch panel assembly includes a light source for backlighting a user interface and providing the dispenser with a visual presence. Electrode traces in the touch panel assembly detect interruptions in electrode fields and are accepted as user inputs for dispensing a beverage. A controller conducts the lighting, dispensing, and reconfiguring operations for the flavor selection areas on the user interface. The touch panel assembly further includes provisions for increasing a user interface area to increase visibility of a particular flavor, as well as bonus flavors on a beverage dispenser. The removable fittings each include an orifice for entry of water to be carbonated into the carbonator. The carbonator probe is a single wire probe with timed refill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Adrian M. Romanyszyn, Paul S. Sudolcan, Alfred A. Schroeder, Roberto Rosales
  • Patent number: 7793678
    Abstract: A converter valve allows product dispenser operator to change from a first fluid source to a second fluid source without fluid crossover. The converter valve includes a first port in fluid communication with a dispense point, a second port in fluid communication with a first fluid source having a first fluid, and a third port is in fluid communication with a second fluid source having a second fluid. The converter valve includes a passage between the first and second ports, and a plug in fluid communication with third port. The second and third ports of the converter valve are disposed symmetrically about the first port, and, accordingly, the converter valve is rotatable about the first port. As such, the converter valve delivers the first fluid to the dispense point, and delivers the second fluid through the passage to the dispense point when the converter valve is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Frank Carreño, Michael J. Riley
  • Patent number: 7789156
    Abstract: A downhole valve comprises a body defining a through bore and a valve member for location in the body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve has a first configuration in which the valve member is normally closed, and will hold a pressure differential in a first direction, and a second configuration in which the valve member is closed and will maintain a pressure differential in the first direction and also in an opposite second direction and a third configuration in which the valve member is locked in the open position until it is deliberately closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Renovus Limited
    Inventor: Giancarlo Pietro Tomasso Pia
  • Patent number: 7790774
    Abstract: A continuous process forms liquid or semi-solid suspensions of water-hydratable guar particles in a non-aqueous solvent directly from hydrated guar splits. In particular, guar splits are hydrated, compressed to form wet guar flakes, and then dried. The dried guar flakes are then combined with a non-aqueous carrier fluid. Finally, the guar and carrier fluid mixture is homogenized, and, if desired, the homogenized guar and carrier fluid mixture may be shear milled to further size-reduce the average particle size of the guar particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Benchmark Energy Products, LLC
    Inventors: E. Wayne Kinsey, III, David Nigel Harry, Gordon Randall Dixon, Fati Malekahmadi, Keith Ingram Dismuke
  • Patent number: 7748571
    Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Goff, Adrian M. Romanyszyn, Todd Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7743946
    Abstract: A switch over device provides a product dispenser with the capability to switch from a first diluent flow circuit to a second diluent flow circuit. The switch over device attaches to the dispenser, and includes a manifold having a first diluent inlet and a second diluent inlet in communication with a diluent outlet. The switch over device further includes a first and a second stem assembly, wherein the first and second stem assemblies are biased to a first position that interrupts flow from the first and second diluent inlets to the diluent outlet. In a second position, the stem assemblies permit fluid flow to the diluent outlet. The switch over device further includes actuators that enable an operator to easily switch from the one flow circuit to the other. The product dispenser may switch from virtually any type of diluent, and/or diluent temperatures, including ambient, chilled, and carbonated diluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Mauro C. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7729800
    Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein traditional design methodologies directed toward obtaining minimized component costs are largely set aside in favor of mass customization, reduced design and ownership costs, and shorter design cycles. The distributed architecture contemplates widespread distribution of monitoring and control functions for most device-specific hardware under the direction of a CPU module. In implementation of the distributed architecture, various component modules are placed in communication with the CPU module through at least one and preferably multiple communication busses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.
    Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
  • Patent number: 7671753
    Abstract: System and method are disclosed for monitoring slurry from a central location and replenishing the slurry as needed. The method/system allows a slurry supplier to track various properties of the slurry, as well as monitor various aspects of the slurry storage and delivery system. When the volume of slurry at the remote location falls below a predetermined point, the slurry supplier can schedule both the production of the appropriate slurry and its timely delivery to the customer. Changes in the condition of existing slurry, as well as leaks and other malfunctions in the slurry storage system, may be promptly detected and the slurry supplier immediately notified so that corrective actions may be taken. Multiple slurry storage systems at several remote locations may be monitored simultaneously from the central location. Such an arrangement offers a complete, one-stop solution to customers whose businesses depend on a reliable supply of “field ready” slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Benchmark Research & Technology, LLC
    Inventors: E. Wayne Kinsey, III, Michael Miller, Howard Lee Harry, Gordon Randall Dixon
  • Patent number: 7658006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7641074
    Abstract: A flow circuit connector provides the capability to change the flow paths of a product valve in a beverage dispenser. The flow circuit connector includes a first member that connects two unconnected flow paths, and a second member that stops the flow of fluid within the flow paths not being utilized. In a first embodiment, the flow circuit connector allows an operator to select between two diluent flow paths representing either a chilled diluent or a chilled and carbonated diluent. Configuration may be accomplished on location, and is not a permanent rerouting. In a second embodiment, the beverage dispenser further includes an ambient flow circuit and additional flow circuit connector components as required to complete or cap any exposed flow circuits. In a third embodiment, the beverage dispenser includes at least two product flow circuits representing the delivery of ambient product or a conditioned product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: William A. Edwards, Randeep S. Grewal
  • Patent number: 7631984
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a flashlight head assembly that may be used with either one or two batteries. For use with one battery, a body receives a battery therein and the flashlight head assembly is secured to the body. For use with two batteries, an extension unit is secured to the body and the flashlight head assembly is secured to the extension unit. A switch assembly disposed in the body and electrically connected with the flashlight head assembly controls the delivery of power to the flashlight head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Lightstick Partners, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Martin, Thomas J. Chadwell, Philip W. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7624895
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a tower head disposed atop a tower, and at least one beverage syrup flow path having at least one control module disposed within the tower to regulate the flow of a beverage syrup through the flow path, thereby reducing the size requirements for the tower head. The beverage dispenser may further include additional flow paths to add variable products. The beverage dispenser further includes a control board including at least one input and output device disposed on a top of the beverage dispenser, such that an operator may easily interact with the control board to configure the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may be utilized in a master/slave arrangement, wherein a slave beverage dispenser without a control panel is disposed adjacent to and in communication with the control board of the master beverage dispenser, such that the master beverage dispenser conducts all global and configuration operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Haskayne
  • Patent number: 7603834
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
  • Patent number: 7568305
    Abstract: A floating decoy adapter for land use includes an attachment plate, a vertical support plate and a base section. The attachment plate extends substantially perpendicular from one end of the vertical support and the base section extends substantially perpendicular from the other end of the vertical support. The attachment plate includes a retention slot. The retention slot is sized to receive a projection extending along a length of a floating decoy. The base section preferably includes a portion having the substantial appearance of two webbed feet. At least one spike is inserted through the base section and into the ground to retain the floating decoy in an upright position. The floating decoy adapter is preferably fabricated of a flexible material, such that when the wind blows, the floating decoy will pivot relative to a support surface. However, the floating decoy adapter may also be fabricated from an inflexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Yves Fanfelle
  • Patent number: 7559439
    Abstract: A tool for self-defense and safety includes a body defining a canister compartment and a flashlight compartment. A flashlight head is securable to the body at a first end. A switch assembly is housed by the body and regulates power delivery to the flashlight head from a battery disposed in the flashlight compartment. A nozzle is securable to the body at a second end. Actuation of a trigger assembly ejects spray through the nozzle from a spray canister disposed in the canister compartment. The trigger assembly is mounted on the body proximate to the switch assembly such that either the trigger assembly or the switch assembly may be actuated without changing grip on the body. In addition, a user may strike with the tool without changing grip on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Lightstick Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Vito Cellini, Richard W. Martin, L. David Parker
  • Patent number: 7543410
    Abstract: A simplified pneumatic door control system provides door control operations for opening, closing, stopping and reversing a door. The door control system includes as control inputs a gas source, a pneumatic motor, a first pilot valve, and pressurized manual check valves. The pressurized manually opened check valves may be used to remotely activate the control system. The control system further includes a second pilot valve, limit triggers, and a braking system. A reversing function of the control system provides the ability to reverse the direction of the door should the door encounter an obstruction upon closing. A second embodiment provides a hold to open control scheme, wherein the door travels only while a pressurized check valve is vented. Corresponding methods for controlling the door are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventors: Gary L. Baczewski, Frank Dillingham
  • Patent number: D609526
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Great American Products
    Inventor: Roger Tuttle
  • Patent number: D625417
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: BioMedical Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Casey Fox, Carl A. Rudd, Daniel F. Cheney, David Joseph Pancratz
  • Patent number: D630836
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: J. Powell Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Powell