Patents by Inventor Darren K. Robling

Darren K. Robling 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: 8840045
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is disclosed that is capable of producing two distinct spray patterns. The device may include a rotatable hub having a first barrel for producing a first spray pattern and a second barrel for producing a second spray pattern. The barrels may be oriented in different directions with a predetermined angle between directions, such as approximately 180 degrees. A shell may be coupled to and rotatable with the hub. The shell may include a first portion having a first structural feature corresponding to a characteristic of the first spray pattern and a second portion may having a second structural feature corresponding to a characteristic of the second spray pattern. The structural features inform the user of a characteristic of the spray pattern that will be discharged by the device by the associated barrels, thereby permitting the user to intuitively select the desired spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Publication number: 20120312896
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is disclosed that is capable of producing two distinct spray patterns. The device may include a rotatable hub having a first barrel for producing a first spray pattern and a second barrel for producing a second spray pattern. The barrels may be oriented in different directions with a predetermined angle between directions, such as approximately 180 degrees. A shell may be coupled to and rotatable with the hub. The shell may include a first portion having a first structural feature corresponding to a characteristic of the first spray pattern and a second portion may having a second structural feature corresponding to a characteristic of the second spray pattern. The structural features inform the user of a characteristic of the spray pattern that will be discharged by the device by the associated barrels, thereby permitting the user to intuitively select the desired spray pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Publication number: 20120312895
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is provided that is capable of discharging fluid in multiple different directions simultaneously. The device may include a deflector which redirects an initial stream of fluid from the container into multiple sub-streams that are oriented in different directions. The device may create a spray pattern that substantially covers an entire 360 degree area surrounding the device, which may be advantageous for certain applications such as toilet bowl cleaner dispensers. A control valve or flow restrictor may be provided for preventing unintended discharge of fluid when the container is inverted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Ronald H. Spang, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Patent number: 7604378
    Abstract: An outdoor light system comprising a plurality light elements linked to a central controller. Each light element include a translucent shell, plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. A compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A white light source may be provided in each device as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The devices can be used as white light sources, for displaying a coordinated colored light shows, for displaying colored light schemes and for volatile active emission. The devices of disclosed the system may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound shows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Wolf, Scott D. Walter, Scott W. Demarest, Darren K. Robling
  • Patent number: 7503675
    Abstract: A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment, slot or recess for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active insert for enabling the device to emit an insect control material when the insert is secured in the compartment Combinations of one or more of a coiled fluorescent light, a plurality of colored LEDs, and an incandescent light source may also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb that provides insect control in the form of a cartridge, bottle, mat, tube, sheet, patch etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Demarest, Simon M. Conway, Scott D. Walter, Matthew Abbondanzio, Darren K. Robling, Gopal P. Ananth
  • Patent number: 7484860
    Abstract: A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of colored lights positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge for enabling the device to emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A dimmable white light source may also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb and is a combination white light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Demarest, Darren K. Robling, Cory J. Nelson, Jeffrey J. Wolf, Scott D. Walter, Steven B. Mineau, Matthew Abbondanzio
  • Patent number: 7318659
    Abstract: A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A white light source is also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show and for volatile active emission. The volatile active may be emitted continuously when the device is used as either a white light source or for purposes of displaying a colored light show. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb and is a combination white light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Demarest, Simon M. Conway, Matthew Abbondanzio, Darren K Robling, Scott D. Walter, Jose Porchia, Jeffrey J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7195139
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives gas propellant from a portion of the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Nathan R. Westphal, Padma P. Varanasi, Darren K. Robling, Joel E. Adair, Chris A. Kubicek
  • Patent number: 6415957
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a heated gel includes a housing having a recess therein, a coupling assembly disposed in the housing and adapted to retain a pressurized gel container in the recess and a heater assembly disposed in the housing. The heater assembly includes a heater selectively operable to develop heat and a heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the heater and having a chamber for receiving a quantity of gel. The heater assembly further includes a first valve in fluid communication with a first portion of the chamber and operable to expose the chamber to pressurized gel and a second valve in fluid communication with a second portion of the chamber and operable to allow dispensing of gel without substantial foaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Michaels, John A. Heathcock, Edward J. Kunesh, David P. Mather, Scott W. Demarest, Darren K. Robling, Thomas J. Szymczak, Clifford S. Eagleton, Eric B. Gach, Paul J. Golko, Dennis W. Gruber
  • Publication number: 20020074349
    Abstract: A shave gel is disposed within a container having a container body defining a space for storage of the product and a valve in fluid communication with the space. A hollow stem is disposed in fluid communication with the valve and includes an exterior end that has at least one side opening therethrough. The valve is actuable to dispense product through the side opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Michaels, John A. Heathcock, Edward J. Kunesh, David P. Mather, Scott W. Demarest, Darren K. Robling, Thomas J. Szymczak, Clifford S. Eagleton, Eric B. Gach, Paul J. Golko, Dennis W. Gruber
  • Patent number: D668542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Ronald H. Spang, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Patent number: D671412
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Ronald H. Spang, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Patent number: D671422
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal
  • Patent number: D674695
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Darren K. Robling, Linda Moy Madore, Charles P. Althoff, Hideaki Matsui, Brook S. Kennedy, Stian Tesdal