Patents by Inventor Chris Kubicek

Chris Kubicek 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: 10112203
    Abstract: A portable volatile material dispenser includes a housing having a top wall and at least one side wall and an opening formed within the top wall of the housing. A volatile material actuator is disposed within the housing and a manifold is in fluid communication with and extends between the volatile material actuator and the opening to move volatile material in the form of a mist from the volatile material actuator, through the manifold, and out the opening. A container holding a fluid is disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the volatile material actuator. An air flow generator disposed within the housing and positioned to create a flow of air out of the dispenser through the opening for moving the mist from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris A. Kubicek, Scott D. Walter, Alexander S. Park, Sajid Patel, Steven V. Bisbikis
  • Patent number: 10011419
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of the body of a container and a groove configured to receive a portion of a valve stem of the container. The recess includes a tapered upper end configured to fit a neck of the container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed proximate the groove, which defines lateral sidewalls and a rear sidewall and has an open forward end to receive the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20160340108
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of the body of a container and a groove configured to receive a portion of a valve stem of the container. The recess includes a tapered upper end configured to fit a neck of the container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed proximate the groove, which defines lateral sidewalls and a rear sidewall and has an open forward end to receive the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9457951
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of a container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed above the recess and the first compartment and the second compartment are disposed on opposing sides of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9370594
    Abstract: A method of retaining only compatible refills by a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing a dispenser having a housing and at least one movable latch disposed within the housing. The method further includes the steps of providing a compatible refill that includes a container for holding a volatile material and a wick extending from the container and inserting the refill into the housing so that the refill actuates the movable latch into engagement with a structure disposed on a neck of the refill to retain the refill within the housing. The incompatible refills are incapable of actuating the movable latch, and thus, the movable latch does not retain the incompatible refills within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Andrew N. Niemiec, Robert C. Coon, Bjorn Gunderson, Erik J. Moses, Mike O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20150028062
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a recess for receipt of a container. Further, a first compartment for receipt of a first battery and a second compartment for receipt of a second battery are provided. An actuator is disposed above the recess and the first compartment and the second compartment are disposed on opposing sides of the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8887954
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20140312136
    Abstract: A portable volatile material dispenser includes a housing having a top wall and at least one side wall and an opening formed within the top wall of the housing. A volatile material actuator is disposed within the housing and a manifold is in fluid communication with and extends between the volatile material actuator and the opening to move volatile material in the form of a mist from the volatile material actuator, through the manifold, and out the opening. A container holding a fluid is disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the volatile material actuator. An air flow generator disposed within the housing and positioned to create a flow of air out of the dispenser through the opening for moving the mist from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Kubicek, Scott D. Walter, Alexander S. Park, Sajid Patel, Steven V. Bisbikis
  • Patent number: 8678233
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having at least two aerosol containers disposed therein and an actuator arm. The dispensing unit activates in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor. The method also includes the step of selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Nathan R. Westphal, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, M. Scott Carpenter, Michael E. Short
  • Publication number: 20130068787
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein and an actuator arm attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. The automatic discharge device also includes a drive unit for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions and the actuator arm is adapted to spray the contents of the two containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20130026181
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing retaining two containers therein. An actuator arm is attached to the housing and movable between first and second positions. A drive unit is provided for automatically moving the actuator arm into one of the first and second positions in response to a signal from at least one of a timer, a sensor, and a manual switch. The movement of the actuator arm actuates a valve stem of one of the two containers in one of the first and second positions. The actuator arm is adapted to spray fluid disposed in an interior of the two containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8342363
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20120061420
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of providing a power source to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having at least two aerosol containers disposed therein and an actuator arm. The dispensing unit activates in response to a minimum threshold of light being sensed by a light sensor. The method also includes the step of providing a means for selecting a sleep period interval between spray operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Nathan R. Westphal, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, M. Scott Carpenter, Michael E. Short
  • Publication number: 20120012552
    Abstract: A refill for a volatile material dispenser comprises a container having a neck portion. A wick is in contact with a volatile material in the container and extends out of the neck portion. A structure is disposed on an outer surface of the neck portion for attachment of a cap thereto. The structure is also adapted to interact with latches disposed in a volatile material dispenser to retain the refill therein and the container is devoid of an additional retaining structure on the neck portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Chris A. Kubicek, Thomas P. Gasper
  • Publication number: 20120012667
    Abstract: A method of retaining only compatible refills by a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing a dispenser having a housing and at least one movable latch disposed within the housing. The method further includes the steps of providing a compatible refill that includes a container for holding a volatile material and a wick extending from the container and inserting the refill into the housing so that the refill actuates the movable latch into engagement with a structure disposed on a neck of the refill to retain the refill within the housing. The incompatible refills are incapable of actuating the movable latch, and thus, the movable latch does not retain the incompatible refills within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Andrew N. Niemiec, Robert C. Coon, Bjorn Gunderson, Erik J. Moses, Mike O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8091734
    Abstract: A power source is provided to a dispensing unit that includes a housing having an aerosol container disposed therein. A sleep period interval between spray operations is selected and a motion sensor is activated to detect motion within a sensory path of the sensor after completion of the sleep period interval. If no motion is detected by the motion sensor a fluid is automatically discharged from the aerosol container and the sleep interval is reset and if motion is detected by the motion sensor a delay time interval is initiated and fluid is not discharged from the aerosol container. The dispensing unit alternates between activating the sensor to detect motion and resetting the delay time interval until no motion is detected by the motion sensor at the expiration of the delay time interval, which results in the automatic discharge of fluid and a resetting of the sleep period interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Nathan R. Westphal, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, M. Scott Carpenter, Michael E. Short
  • Publication number: 20120000932
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8061562
    Abstract: An automatic discharge device includes a housing having a top portion and a base portion, wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container. At least one gear is disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing. A drive motor is in association with the at least one gear. An actuator arm is also provided. Activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that has a directional component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Carpenter, Paul E. Furner, Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Leon M. Lemon, Brent D. Madsen, Kenneth W. Michaels, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Short, Gene Sipinski, Nathan R. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20110139884
    Abstract: A volatile material refill includes a container with a volatile material disposed therein, a plug assembly disposed within an opening, and a wick retained within the container by the plug assembly. The refill further includes an attachment connected to a top portion of the container for assisting in retaining the refill in at least one volatile material dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: THOMAS P. GASPER, Chris A. Kubicek, Sajid Patel, Kristian Buschmann
  • Patent number: D646573
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Chris A. Kubicek, Kristian Buschmann, Bridget Soldan