Patents by Inventor Christopher S. Hoppe

Christopher S. Hoppe 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).

  • Publication number: 20160290776
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a spool, a housing defining an opening, where the spool is rotatably coupled to the housing, and a blade including a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the spool and the second end is movable through the opening between a retracted position and an extended position. The manually retractable tape measure further includes a cleaning assembly positioned within the housing adjacent the opening such that the cleaning assembly is in contact with the blade to push away debris from the blade as the blade moves between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma
  • Publication number: 20160235140
    Abstract: A glove including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the bottom surface is configured to interface with an object being gripped by a user. The glove also includes an index finger portion configured to receive an index finger of the user. The index finger portion includes a knuckle configured to pivot about an axis. The glove further includes a gripping portion coupled to the index finger portion between the top and bottom surfaces. The gripping portion includes a first notch adjacent the top surface and a second notch adjacent the bottom surface. The first notch defines a first angle, and the second notch defines a second angle, wherein the first angle increases and the second angle decreases as the knuckle pivots about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Matthew Vargo, Grant T. Squiers
  • Publication number: 20160096396
    Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Abhijeet A. Khangar, Andrew G. Gongola, Christopher S. Hoppe, Michael S. Steele, Collin J. Nelson, Daniel H. Schneider, Roger D. Neitzell, Steven W. Hyma
  • Publication number: 20160025490
    Abstract: A level is selectively coupled to a work piece and includes a housing, an adjustable clamping mechanism configured to selectively couple the housing to the work piece, a first bubble vial coupled to the housing and operable to indicate a first levelness of the work piece, and a second bubble vial rotatably coupled to the housing about a first axis. The second bubble vial is operable to indicate a second levelness of the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squiers, Roger D. Neitzell, Ryan D. Schwoegler
  • Publication number: 20160023349
    Abstract: Tool storage devices. A tool storage device may include a handle assembly including a support arm connected between a body and a handle portion and having a substantially rectangular cross section oriented with first walls extending transverse to the axis having a greater width than second walls extending parallel to the axis. A width of the handle portion may be at least about 50% of a width of the body. The body may include a frame assembly formed of a rigid material, a wall formed of a flexible material and at least partially defining the storage compartment with an open top, and a cover formed of a rigid material connected to the frame assembly to selectively close the open top. A wheel well portion receives each wheel and may cover the width of the wheel and a portion of the circumference of the wheel. A radial clearance between the wheel and a lower end of the wheel well may be no more than about 0.5 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squiers, Michael Stearns
  • Publication number: 20160028202
    Abstract: A hand tool including a handle and a housing removably coupled to the handle and having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The housing is reversible relative to the handle between a first position in which the first end of the housing is received within the handle and a second position in which the second end of the housing is received within the handle. The hand tool further includes a first tool bit holder proximate the first end that is configured to receive a first tool bit and a second tool bit holder proximate the second end that is configured to receive a second tool bit. The hand tool also includes an impact mechanism within the housing operable to deliver an axial impact to at least one of the first tool bit holder and the second tool bit holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Grant T. Squiers
  • Patent number: 9101676
    Abstract: A method of operating a volatile material dispenser includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser according to a pre-defined algorithm for a first operational cycle. The method further includes the steps of sensing a change in an emission parameter initiated by a user and storing information related to the change in emission parameter. Still further, the method includes the step of operating the volatile material dispenser for a second operational cycle according to a new algorithm, wherein the new algorithm comprises the pre-defined algorithm with modifications according to the change initiated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Maciej K. Tasz
  • Patent number: 9044522
    Abstract: A spray dispenser includes a housing for placement in a space. The housing is adapted to receive at least one container having a material therein for emission into the space in response to at least one of a timer, manual actuation and sensory input. The spray dispenser further includes at least three sensors distributed around a perimeter of the housing for the detection of sensory input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Patent number: 8881945
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in product being released from a first container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the first container. The method further includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing sequence, wherein during the active period at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in fluid being released from a second container, and wherein during a lockout mode fluid is not released from the second container. The expiration of the first timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence, occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory input, and manual input from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Patent number: 8857662
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Thomas P. Gasper, Bhaveshkumar Shah
  • Publication number: 20140166516
    Abstract: A tool storage device and a tool box. The device may include flexible walls cooperating to define a storage area, and a rigid frame supported in the storage area and including a central portion extending in a direction from a bottom wall toward a top wall, one base portion extending from one side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward one side wall, and another base portion extending from an opposite side of the central portion, along the bottom wall and toward an opposite side wall. The tool box may include a body defining a storage compartment; a lid defining a groove in its outer surface to support an elongated work piece; and a handle engageable with a work piece supported in the groove. The lid may be attachable to the top of the body in a closed position and to the bottom in a stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Mark R. Martinez, Joel Allen, Brandon Miller, Whitney M. Moks, Christopher S. Hoppe, Steven W. Hyma, Michael S. Steele, Steven G. Melnyk, Wade F. Burch, Matthew W. Naiva, Eric Mackey
  • Patent number: 8662409
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes a container having a wall that defines an opening into an interior, a first layer of carrier disposed in the interior distal from the opening, and a second layer of carrier disposed between the first layer and the opening, wherein the first layer of carrier isolates the second layer of carrier from the opening. The first layer of carrier has a first characteristic of an active ingredient, and the second layer of carrier has a second characteristic of active ingredient, wherein the first characteristic is different from the second characteristic. A barrier is disposed between the first layer and the second layer to retard or prevent diffusion of the active ingredient of the second layer into the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Maciej K. Tasz, Amelia H. Majerowski, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20130240558
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Thomas P. Gasper, Bhaveshkumar Shah
  • Patent number: 8464905
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of entering a first active state, during which the detection of motion within a sensory path of a sensor of a dispensing unit initiates a first pattern activation sequence to release a volume A and a volume B of material from a fluid container. The method further includes the step of entering a second active state upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, in which the detection of motion in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to release a volume C and a volume D of material from the container if motion is detected before the lapsing of a time period P and initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the motion is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hoppe, Thomas P. Gasper, Bhaveshkumar Shah
  • Publication number: 20130068786
    Abstract: A spray dispenser includes a housing for placement in a space. The housing is adapted to receive at least one container having a material therein for emission into the space in response to at least one of a timer, manual actuation and sensory input. The spray dispenser further includes at least three sensors distributed around a perimeter of the housing for the detection of sensory input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20130068783
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in product being released from a first container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the first container. The method further includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing sequence, wherein during the active period at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in fluid being released from a second container, and wherein during a lockout mode fluid is not released from the second container. The expiration of the first timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence, occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory input, and manual input from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20130068788
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive first and second containers therein and an actuator drive system for selectively releasing product from the first and second containers. The actuator drive system includes first and second armatures for activation of the first and second containers, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, William F. Gordon, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20120217243
    Abstract: A closure member for a shroud includes an annular wall and no more than one raised surface, interior of the annular wall, which extends upwardly beyond any other component of the closure member. The raised surface is configured to inhibit movement of a container both longitudinally and laterally when the annular wall is attached to a shroud with a container disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Erica Eden Cohen, Kevin Harrity, Jonathan N. Mandell, Nicholas Oxley, Thomas A. Renner, Brad P. Baranowski, David R. Carlson, Christopher S. Hoppe
  • Patent number: D667308
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kylie L. Levake, Jason L. Halonen, Anne E. Louly, Christopher S. Hoppe, James C. Pawloski, Felicia N. Vaughn, Kristian Buschmann, Bridget M. Soldan, Steven V. Bisbikis, Ronald M. Llanes, Daniel J. Neidlinger
  • Patent number: D669569
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kylie L. Levake, Christopher S. Hoppe, Jason L. Halonen, James C. Pawloski, Felicia N. Vaughn, Anne E. Louly, Kristian Buschmann, Bridget M. Soldan, Steven V. Bisbikis, Ronald M. Llanes, Daniel J. Neidlinger