Patents Assigned to Unified Brands, Inc.
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Patent number: 10117560Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Cantrell, Mark Churchill
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Patent number: 10028636Abstract: A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, David Robert Gast, Michael P. Licata, Joshua H. Huisenga, John McCreight, Bryon J. London
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Patent number: 9826881Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull pumping system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity of a housing in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. The housing is configured to hold a mass of silverware or other item(s) within the cavity. The pumping system is configured to pump generally an entire volume of fluid is out of the cavity, and to direct the pumped fluid back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity, thereby causing the fluid to flow through the mass of silverware or other item(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Michael Licata, David Gast
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Patent number: 9750388Abstract: A washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upward from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said guide surface. The guide surface includes an expansion structure that is designed to counteract expansion of the guide surface that occurs during operation of the washing machine. In one embodiment the expansion structure is an expansion slot that engages a portion of the guide surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Cantrell W. John, Mark Churchill, David Robert Gast, John N. McCreight, Bryon J. London
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Patent number: 9723864Abstract: An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Michael Licata, David Gast
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Patent number: 9427131Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, David Robert Gast, Michael P. Licata, Joshua H. Huisenga
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Patent number: 9259135Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Cantrell, Mark Churchill
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Patent number: 9027575Abstract: A fluid screen for a washing machine, and a washing machine including a fluid screen, is provided. The fluid screen includes a generally planar member including a first end and a second end extending from the first end. The first end is mounted within the wash tank of the washing machine at a location generally in proximity to an operating fluid level within the wash tank. During operation of the washing machine, fluid circulates within the wash tank to create a rolling wash action and the second end of the fluid screen extends from the first end generally in the direction of fluid flow across the surface of the wash tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill
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Patent number: 9022047Abstract: A rotisserie skewer, basket and parts cleaning assembly is provided. The assembly is located within a wash tank that includes a jet nozzle to expel a stream of fluid into said wash tank. The assembly is rotatably mounted within the wash tank and is capable of holding parts for cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Michael P. Licata, David Gast
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Publication number: 20150013730Abstract: A washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upward from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said guide surface. The guide surface includes an expansion structure that is designed to counteract expansion of the guide surface that occurs during operation of the washing machine. In one embodiment the expansion structure is an expansion slot that engages a portion of the guide surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Cantrell W. John, Mark Churchill, David Robert Gast, John N. McCreight, Bryon J. London
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Patent number: 8893709Abstract: The present invention provides a kitchen ventilation hood for ventilating the area above a cooking area and for exhausting air containing cooking by-products from a cooking station to an external environment through an exhaust duct while using a reduced airflow. The kitchen ventilation hood of the present invention is designed to minimize the required airflow through the hood in order to thoroughly evacuate the cooking by-products. The kitchen ventilation hood of the current invention has a structure incorporating an arched interior hood surface that directs the air to be ventilated through the air intake gap and the grease filter. The more efficient airflow resulting from the arched interior hood surface allows for removal of cooking by-products with a lower airflow than that required by currently available ventilation hoods. As such, the kitchen ventilation hood of the present invention represents a significant improvement over prior ventilation hoods.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Dipak J. Negandhi, Joseph W. Dvorak, James William Ervin, Mark DeLorenzo
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Patent number: 8882929Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. A cavity is filled with fluid, a mass of silverware or other parts is located within the cavity, generally an entire volume of fluid is pumped out of the cavity, and the pumped fluid is directed back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Michael P. Licata, David Gast
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Publication number: 20140318580Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: UNIFIED BRANDS, INC.Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL
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Patent number: 8807987Abstract: A burner and ignition assembly, and method include a burner unit, an air intake, and a fuel supply supplying gas and including an air intake. The amount of air entering the air intake can be controlled by momentarily adjusting a choke that is movable relative to the air intake to cover a portion of an opening of the air intake to reduce an amount of air entering the air intake when a cold start condition exists.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Lon Lehman, Eugene Tippman, Jr.
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Patent number: 8721802Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill
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Patent number: 8685170Abstract: A produce washer and method of washing produce or other items in a continuous motion washing machine is provided. The produce washer includes a basket, or other collector, that is positioned within a portion of the fluid flow path and sized and shaped to intercept items from a the fluid flow path while at the same time allowing the fluid to continue to flow through a perforated wall in the collector generally in the same circulatory flow path created by the washing machine. The method includes placing items within the wash tank; creating a fluid flow within the wash tank; intercepting one or more of the items from the fluid flow path by the collector; and allowing the fluid to continue flow through the perforated wall in the collector.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Cantrell, Mark Churchill
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Patent number: 8450654Abstract: A heating apparatus is disclosed having a first region containing a heat source and a second region that is separate from and thermally coupled with the first region via an interface element. The heating apparatus also includes a convection deflector disposed within the interior of the first region to direct convective heat towards the interface element. The deflector can have a geometric shaped cross-section with a first side oriented towards the heat source and an opposing second side oriented away from the heat source. The first and second sides are adapted to reflect radiant and convective heat.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Lon Lehman, Eugene Tippman, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100095950Abstract: The present invention provides a kitchen ventilation hood for ventilating the area above a cooking area and for exhausting air containing cooking by-products from a cooking station to an external environment through an exhaust duct while using a reduced airflow. The kitchen ventilation hood of the present invention is designed to minimize the required airflow through the hood in order to thoroughly evacuate the cooking by-products. The kitchen ventilation hood of the current invention has a structure incorporating an arched interior hood surface that directs the air to be ventilated through the air intake gap and the grease filter. The more efficient airflow resulting from the arched interior hood surface allows for removal of cooking by-products with a lower airflow than that required by currently available ventilation hoods. As such, the kitchen ventilation hood of the present invention represents a significant improvement over prior ventilation hoods.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: UNIFIED BRANDS, INC.Inventors: Dipak J. Negandhi, Joseph W. Dvorak, James William Ervin, Mark DeLorenzo
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Patent number: 7654258Abstract: The present invention provides a kitchen ventilation hood for ventilating the area above a cooking area and for exhausting air containing cooking by-products from a cooking station to an external environment through an exhaust duct while using a reduced airflow. The kitchen ventilation hood of the present invention is designed to minimize the required airflow through the hood in order to thoroughly evacuate the cooking by-products. The kitchen ventilation hood of the current invention has a structure incorporating an arched interior hood surface that directs the air to be ventilated through the air intake gap and the grease filter. The more efficient airflow resulting from the arched interior hood surface allows for removal of cooking by-products with a lower airflow than that required by currently available ventilation hoods. As such, the kitchen ventilation hood of the present invention represents a significant improvement over prior ventilation hoods.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Dipak J. Negandhi, Joseph W. Dvorak, James William Ervin, Mark DeLorenzo
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Patent number: D796011Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.Inventors: Roger Moore, Calvin M. Sims