Patents by Inventor Dennis J. Kool

Dennis J. Kool 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: 6773587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit (10). The unit (10) includes a filter housing assembly (60) having a filter tank assembly (66) and a closure (64) which utilizes a handle (152) and cammed reciprocating lock blades (146, 150) to secure the closure (64) to the filter tank assembly (66). A UV tank assembly (300) includes a planar baffle plate (322) and a vaned baffle plate (324) to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly (280). The UV lamp assembly (280) is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to UV tank assembly (300) and electrical cap assembly (290) using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly (40) is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly (34). The bi-planar manifold assembly (40) enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, James A. Woodard, Jr., Rick G. Good
  • Patent number: 6716343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Roy M. Taylor, Jr., James A. Woodard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6533930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit (10). The unit (10) includes a filter housing assembly (60) having a filter tank assembly (66) and a closure (64) which utilizes a handle (152) and cammed reciprocating lock blades (146, 150) to secure the closure (64) to the filter tank assembly (66). A UV tank assembly (300) includes a planar baffle plate (322) and a vaned baffle plate (324) to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly (280). The UV lamp assembly (280) is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to UV tank assembly (300) and electrical cap assembly (290) using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly (40) is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly (34). The bi-planar manifold assembly (40) enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Roy M. Taylor, Jr., James A. Woodard, Jr., Dale Aberegg, Greg Snyder, Dan Goetz
  • Publication number: 20030010695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WITS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Alticor Inc. (f/k/a Amway Corporation)
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Roy M. Taylor, James A. Woodard
  • Publication number: 20030000880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Alticor Inc (f/k/a Amway Corporation)
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, James A. Woodard, Rick G. Good
  • Patent number: 6245229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Roy M. Taylor, Jr., James A. Woodard, Jr., Dale Aberegg, Greg Snyder, Dan Goetz
  • Patent number: 5853572
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
  • Patent number: 5698091
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
  • Patent number: 5693226
    Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating a residential point of use water treatment system includes a nipple having a first end and an outlet end, and a tee having an inlet branch, a suction branch, and an outlet branch, where the outlet branch includes structure for receiving the first end of the nipple. A nozzle is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet branch, suction branch, and a first end of the nipple. The apparatus also includes an influent hose for transporting influent to the inlet branch of the tee, a suction hose for transporting contaminant to the suction branch of the tee, and an effluent hose for transporting effluent from the outlet end of the nipple to the water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: 5536395
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
  • Patent number: 5393419
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of potable water having a substantially cylindrical pressure vessel which houses an ultraviolet light. The pressure vessel is in fluid communication with a filter stage which filters the water before treatment by the ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet lamp assembly sealed within a light permeable sleeve and having a single end cap provided with electrical terminals at one end only is disposed in watertight fashion within the pressure vessel. Downstream from an inlet to the pressure vessel is a deflector/baffle assembly provided to regulate the flow pattern and flow rate of the water within the pressure vessel thereby providing a uniform flow rate to achieve optimum kill rates of bacteria and other living organisms by exposure to the ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet lamp assembly is secured within the pressure vessel by a threaded closure nut which is easily secured or removed by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Merlin G. Tiede, Dennis J. Kool, Kenneth E. Lew
  • Patent number: 5347865
    Abstract: A measuring scoop with molded reusable fit clip is disclosed. The measuring scoop includes a bowl with a scraping lip or shoulder used for more effectively lifting product into the bowl, an elongated handle which is integrally mounted on said bowl and a reusable fit clip on the free end of the handle, which clip is used for sealing closed a bag of product. The design of the handle as well as the design of the reusable fit clip extends the life of the molded friction fit clip by improving the clipping force as well as the clip's resistance to deformation from applied stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick E. Mulry, Dennis J. Kool, Mike B. Tyberghein, Donald S. Gura, Jeffrey D. Plyler
  • Patent number: 5344558
    Abstract: A self-contained, disposable water filter cartridge for a water treatment system for treatment of potable water has one-way ball check valves at the water inlet and water outlet to the cartridge. The generally cylindrical water filter cartridge is generally spherical on one end while substantially planar on the other end and is of a welded plastic construction. Asymmetrical lugs radially disposed about the periphery of the planar end are adapted to mate with an apertured deck of a water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: 5128034
    Abstract: A pressure vessel of the type used in domestic water purifying systems for the filtering of potable water, wherein an uncompromised, spherically ended cylindrical pressure vessel housing is provided which is manufactured of a very strong high quality resin and comprises two detachable major sections sealed with an O-ring and secured together through provision of a threaded annular collar; quick connect type plumbing fitments are provided at an inlet port and an outlet port of the pressure vessel housing requiring no tools to facilitate the removal and attachment thereof; a decorative plastic shell manufactured of less expensive resin is provided to encase the pressure vessel to provide structural stability and which can be fabricated to also provide aesthetic flexibility with regard to shape and color and may also provide a compartment for incorporating an electric flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: D297159
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: D331023
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Mulry, Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: D339991
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick E. Mulry, Dennis J. Kool, Mike B. Tyberghein, Donald S. Gura, Jeffrey D. Plyler
  • Patent number: D355700
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: D380524
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis J. Kool
  • Patent number: D414240
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Matthew H. Hess, John M. Stark, Donald J. Staufenberg, Dale Aberegg, Brian S. Bacon