Patents by Inventor Brian J. Darby

Brian J. Darby 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).

  • Beverage dispenser and automatic shut-off valve
    Patent number: 6684920
    Abstract: A beverage mixing and dispensing valve, or a beverage dispenser including the valve, includes an automatic shut-off features. A user presses a cup or container against a lever on a soft-drink dispenser. The lever closes a switch to activate the opening of a solenoid-operated valve. At the same time, a detection circuit is monitored to determine whether overflow of drink or foam has occurred. When drink or foam overflows and bridges a gap between two metal conductors on the lever, resistance is lowered and electricity flows in the detection circuit. The valve then automatically shuts off the flow of beverage. Energy is saved in keeping the valve open using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique for voltage to the solenoid, rather than using a steady-state voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest S. Seitz, Philip M. Krebs, Brian J. Darby, Denise K. Myers, John D. Cochran
  • Beverage dispenser and automatic shut-off valve
    Publication number: 20030084957
    Abstract: A beverage mixing and dispensing valve, or a beverage dispenser including the valve, includes an automatic shut-off features. A user presses a cup or container against a lever on a soft-drink dispenser. The lever closes a switch to activate the opening of a solenoid-operated valve. At the same time, a detection circuit is monitored to determine whether overflow of drink or foam has occurred. When drink or foam overflows and bridges a gap between two metal conductors on the lever, resistance is lowered and electricity flows in the detection circuit. The valve then automatically shuts off the flow of beverage. Energy is saved in keeping the valve open using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique for voltage to the solenoid, rather than using a steady-state voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Forrest S. Seitz, Philip M. Krebs, Brian J. Darby, Denise K. Myers, John D. Cochran