Patents by Inventor David C. Sudolcan
David C. Sudolcan 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).
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Patent number: 7813834Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Patent number: 7734373Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein traditional design methodologies directed toward obtaining minimized component costs are largely set aside in favor of mass customization, reduced design and ownership costs, and shorter design cycles. The distributed architecture contemplates widespread distribution of monitoring and control functions for most device-specific hardware under the direction of a CPU module. In implementation of the distributed architecture, various component modules are placed in communication with the CPU module through at least one and preferably multiple communication busses.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Patent number: 7729800Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein traditional design methodologies directed toward obtaining minimized component costs are largely set aside in favor of mass customization, reduced design and ownership costs, and shorter design cycles. The distributed architecture contemplates widespread distribution of monitoring and control functions for most device-specific hardware under the direction of a CPU module. In implementation of the distributed architecture, various component modules are placed in communication with the CPU module through at least one and preferably multiple communication busses.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Publication number: 20100114365Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2001Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Patent number: 7164966Abstract: An intelligent volumetric module for use in metering pressurized syrup to a drink dispenser machine comprises a solenoid driven metering system for controlling liquid flows from a pressurized syrup container and a controller for controlling operation of said solenoid driven metering system according to uniquely addressed instructions received from the drink dispenser's system controller. The controller comprises a self-addressing capability, wherein serial communication to all but one non-addressed volumetric module is disrupted while a first address is assigned to that one module. Communication is the enabled along a serial bus to a next non-addressed module, to which a second address is assigned. The process continues until each volumetric module is assigned a unique address and connected to the serial communication bus.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventor: David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 7156115Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventors: William F. Everett, David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 7092790Abstract: An intelligent volumetric module for use in metering pressurized syrup to a drink dispenser machine comprises a solenoid driven metering system for controlling liquid flows from a pressurized syrup container and a controller for controlling operation of said solenoid driven metering system according to uniquely addressed instructions received from the drink dispenser's system controller. The controller comprises a self-addressing capability, wherein serial communication to all but one non-addressed volumetric module is disrupted while a first address is assigned to that one module. Communication is the enabled along a serial bus to a next non-addressed module, to which a second address is assigned. The process continues until each volumetric module is assigned a unique address and connected to the serial communication bus.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Lancer Partnership Ltd.Inventor: David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 6934602Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Patent number: 6834317Abstract: A network topology for communication within and between food service equipment items generally comprises one or more food service equipment items, each having a controller and at least one functional subsystem configured as a slave to the controller, and a master interface and a bus slave interface associated with each controller. Each master interface is adapted for electrical communication over an intra-equipment communication channel with a slave interface associated with the functional subsystem. Each bus slave interface is adapted for communication, external to the food service equipment item, over an inter-equipment communication channel. Each bus slave interface is substantially electrically identical to each slave interface.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, David C. Sudolcan
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Publication number: 20040239535Abstract: A self-calibrating touch sensor generally includes a dielectric switch pad in electrical communication with a controller. A forcing function waveform is delivered to the dielectric switch pad. The step response waveform of the dielectric switch pad is then monitored by the controller to detect changes in the dielectric properties of the dielectric switch pad. Upon startup of a system in which the self-calibrating touch sensor is embedded or upon detection of an event indicative of a persistent change in the dielectric environment about the dielectric touch pad, the controller processes the step response waveform to determine the time constant of the circuit comprising the dielectric switch pad. The determined time constant is stored as baseline value by the controller. The controller then monitors the step response waveform for temporary changes from the stored value, indicative of a key press event.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: LANCER PARTNERSHIP, LTD.Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 6788218Abstract: A method for monitoring a remotely located industrial process from a central service location generally comprises transmitting, through existing two-way digital paging networks, a monitoring instruction to the remote location, executing an operational command contained in the monitoring instruction on the industrial process, logging the effect of the execution of the command in a history file and transmitting content from the history file back to the central service location. The monitoring instruction may comprise the identification of an operational event for execution by the remotely located industrial process or be adapted for the on demand execution of one or more scripts of operational events.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventor: David C. Sudolcan
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Publication number: 20040144423Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: William F. Everett, David C. Sudolcan
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Publication number: 20040139799Abstract: A sensor for determining flow rate of a fluid includes a thermistor inserted into a volume through which the fluid flows. The thermistor cycles between its zero-power mode and its self-heated mode. In the zero-power mode, the thermistor is used to determine the ambient temperature of the fluid. In the self-heated mode, the thermistor is used to determine the amount of heat removed by the fluid. The ambient temperature of the fluid, the amount of heat removed by the fluid, and the thermal properties of the fluid are then utilized to determine the flow rate of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Publication number: 20040015263Abstract: A network topology for communication within and between food service equipment items generally comprises one or more food service equipment items, each having a controller and at least one functional subsystem configured as a slave to the controller, and a master interface and a bus slave interface associated with each controller. Each master interface is adapted for electrical communication over an intra-equipment communication channel with a slave interface associated with the functional subsystem. Each bus slave interface is adapted for communication, external to the food service equipment item, over an inter-equipment communication channel. Each bus slave interface is substantially electrically identical to each slave interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: NETWORK TOPOLOGY FOR FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT ITEMSInventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, David C. Sudolcan
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Publication number: 20030216832Abstract: An intelligent volumetric module for use in metering pressurized syrup to a drink dispenser machine comprises a solenoid driven metering system for controlling liquid flows from a pressurized syrup container and a controller for controlling operation of said solenoid driven metering system according to uniquely addressed instructions received from the drink dispenser's system controller. The controller comprises a self-addressing capability, wherein serial communication to all but one non-addressed volumetric module is disrupted while a first address is assigned to that one module. Communication is the enabled along a serial bus to a next non-addressed module, to which a second address is assigned. The process continues until each volumetric module is assigned a unique address and connected to the serial communication bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventor: David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 6650962Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Lancer Parternship, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Publication number: 20030208299Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Publication number: 20030192912Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a customer interface and a logic unit for controlling beverage dispenser operations. The customer interface includes a sensor linked with the logic unit. Specifically, the sensor receives an input and outputs a corresponding command signal. The logic unit receives the corresponding command signal from the sensor and thus controls beverage dispenser operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, David C. Sudolcan
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Patent number: 6600968Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell
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Patent number: 6600969Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: David C. Sudolcan, Thomas J. Chadwell