Patents by Inventor David Tomkins
David Tomkins 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: 7687744Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Walter, Jeffrey J. Wolf, Jose Porchia, David A. Tomkins, Thomas A. Helf, James R. Crapser, Kelley H. Rich, Barry T. Calpino
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Patent number: 7610118Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Heather R. Schramm, Scott D. Walter, Thomas Jaworski, Thomas A. Helf, Jose Porchia, Edward J. Martens, III, David A. Tomkins
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Publication number: 20060175426Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventors: Heather Schramm, Scott Walter, Thomas Jaworski, Thomas Helf, Jose Porchia, Edward Martens, David Tomkins
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Patent number: 7017829Abstract: A replacement reservoir assembly (30) for an atomizing device (20), which uses a vibratable orifice plate (37) for atomizing liquid, includes a container (31), which contains a liquid to be atomized, and an elongated wick (56) having a lower end which is immersed in the liquid within the container (31) and an upper end located above the container (31). The wick (56) includes a dimensionally stable material having capillary passages for drawing liquid out of the container (31) to the upper end of the wick (56), which is outside the container (31). The upper end of the wick (56) has at least one surface that is configured to provide an unobstructed passage to the atmosphere from a region between a top surface of the wick (56) and a facing surface of the vibratable orifice plate (37) when the replacement reservoir is positioned in the atomizing device (20).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Martens, III, Scott D. Walter, Thomas A. Helf, David A. Tomkins
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Publication number: 20050185392Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: August 25, 2005Inventors: Scott Walter, Jeffrey Wolf, Jose Porchia, David Tomkins, Thomas Helf, James Crapser, Kelley Rich, Barry Calpino
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Patent number: 6843430Abstract: A battery operated atomizer device comprising, in a housing (22), a liquid reservoir (30) from which a capillary type liquid delivery system (38) extends to contact a piezoelectric actuator an atomization plate assembly (34), the assembly (34) being supported by means of wire-like elements (36) in cantilever fashion over the liquid delivery system, the liquid delivery system comprising an outer tubular member (52) and a solid rod (56) which have facing surfaces configured to define between them, longitudinal capillary liquid passages.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: John A. Boticki, James L. Bournoville, Paul J. Larson, Thomas A. Helf, Edward J. Martens, III, David J. Schram, David A. Tomkins, Stephen M. Doerr, Thomas Jaworski
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Publication number: 20040200907Abstract: A replacement reservoir assembly (30) for an atomizing device (20), which uses a vibratable orifice plate (37) for atomizing liquid, includes a container (31), which contains a liquid to be atomized, and an elongated wick (56) having a lower end which is immersed in the liquid within the container (31) and an upper end located above the container (31). The wick (56) includes a dimensionally stable material having capillary passages for drawing liquid out of the container (31) to the upper end of the wick (56), which is outside the container (31). The upper end of the wick (56) has at least one surface that is configured to provide an unobstructed passage to the atmosphere from a region between a top surface of the wick (56) and a facing surface of the vibratable orifice plate (37) when the replacement reservoir is positioned in the atomizing device (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Edward J. Martens, Scott D. Walter, Thomas A. Helf, David A. Tomkins
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Patent number: 6752327Abstract: A vibratory plate liquid atomization device (10) having a tilted orifice plate (34) which is vibrated by a piezoelectric actuator (36); and a novel replaceable liquid reservoir (40) having a vertically extending, dimensionally stable, liquid delivery system (44) with a non-horizontal upper surface (44a).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Martens, III, Thomas A. Helf, David A. Tomkins
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Publication number: 20040074984Abstract: A vibratory plate liquid atomization device (10) having a tilted orifice plate (34) which is vibrated by a piezoelectric actuator (36); and a novel replaceable liquid reservoir (40) having a vertically extending, dimensionally stable, liquid delivery system (44) with a non-horizontal upper surface (44a).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Edward J. Martens, Thomas A. Helf, David A. Tomkins
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Publication number: 20030218077Abstract: A battery operated atomizer device comprising, in a housing (22), a liquid reservoir (30) from which a capillary type liquid delivery system (38) extends to contact a piezoelectric actuator an atomization plate assembly (34), the assembly (34) being supported by means of wire-like elements (36) in cantilever fashion over the liquid delivery system, the liquid delivery system comprising an outer tubular member (52) and a solid rod (56) which have facing surfaces configured to define between them, longitudinal capillary liquid passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: John A. Boticki, James L. Bournoville, Paul J. Larson, Thomas A. Helf, Edward J. Martens, David J. Schram, David A. Tomkins, Stephen M. Doerr, Thomas Jaworski
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Patent number: 6450419Abstract: A liquid atomizer is constructed with a hollow shell-like top cover and a unitary molded main support which snaps into place inside the top cover and divides it into upper and lower regions. The main support includes formations for mounting, on its upper side, a printed circuit board assembly including an electrical oscillator, as well as a piezoelectric actuator and orifice plate pump assembly. The main support also includes formations for removably mounting, on its lower side, a battery and a liquid reservoir. An openable bottom cover closes the bottom of the device and allows access to the battery and to the liquid reservoir for replacement of these elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Martens, III, George A. Clark, Thomas A. Helf, Eric R. Navin, David J. Schram, David A. Tomkins
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Patent number: 6382522Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by means of a battery operated atomizer utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a ceramic piezoelectric element. By use of solder joining to bond the orifice plate to the piezoelectric element, and subsequent repolarization of the piezoelectric element if necessary, superior results are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: David A. Tomkins, George A. Clark, Eric R. Navin, Edward J. Martens, III
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Patent number: 6378780Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by a battery operated dispenser utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a piezoelectric element. By control of the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid to be dispersed, an improved method of dispensing such liquid is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Martens, III, David A. Tomkins
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Patent number: 6341732Abstract: Liquid to be atomized is supplied from a wick to the underside of a vibrating orifice plate which pumps the liquid up through atomizing orifices in the plate and ejects the liquid from is upper side; and liquid which is pumped up through the orifices in an elevated region of the plate, but which has not been ejected, is directed back down through larger openings in a lower region of the plate. The liquid also flows back onto the wick which places the liquid in capillary communication along the underside of the plate with the atomizing orifices for reputing and ejection.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Frederick H. Martin, Thomas A. Helf, David J. Schram, Maryann Jashinske, David A. Tomkins, Edward J. Martens, III
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Publication number: 20010042794Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by means of a battery operated atomizer utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a ceramic piezoelectric element. By use of solder joining to bond the orifice plate to the piezoelectric element, and subsequent repolarization of the piezoelectric element if necessary, superior results are achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2000Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: David A. Tomkins, George A. Clark, Eric R. Navin, Edward J. Martens
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Patent number: 6293474Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric liquid delivery system or atomizer for production of droplets of liquid or liquid suspensions by means of a battery operated continuous action dispenser utilizing an orifice plate in communication with a piezoelectric element. By use of a wick having specified properties and high compliance, superior results are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward J. Martens, III, David A. Tomkins
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Patent number: 5400975Abstract: An actuator for electrically charging an aerosol spray has an inductor located adjacent to the spray nozzle to induce a charge on the atomized fluid. Charge to the inductor is provided by a piezoelectric crystal which is stressed by movement of an operating member to open the spray valve. Inductor charging utilizes negligible electrical power so that additional power sources are not required. The crystal may be stressed continuously such as by squeezing, or intermittently, such as by striking. When an intermittent stressing is utilized, the electrical circuit includes a switch between the crystal and inductor which is opened as the valve is opened to isolate electrically the inductor during spraying.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Ion I. Inculet, David A. Tomkins, Mark E. Wefler
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Patent number: 4668507Abstract: A corrosion resistant insecticidal composition for use in aerosol containers includes an organophosphorous pesticide, an emulsifier, an aerosol propellant, an aqueous carrier and as a corrosion inhibiting system, an organic corrosion inhibitor and an inorganic corrosion inhibitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1985Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: David A. Tomkins, William S. Tait, Donald J. Duda