Patents by Inventor Frank-Rainer Schuster

Frank-Rainer Schuster 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: 20070193610
    Abstract: This invention describes a system for semi-automatic line cleaning in a beverage dispensing system, said beverage dispensing system comprising at least one tap (1) connected via at least one beverage line (3) to at least one coupling means (4) for a keg or other beverage container (5), said cleaning system comprising additional cleaning lines (8), a control unit (11) and at least one switching means (14) connected to the control unit (11) for switching between a tapping mode and a cleaning mode of the beverage dispensing system. It is preferred that the switching means (14) is designed as an electronic and/or a mechanical key switch so that the system is operable only by authorized personnel. Further it is preferred that the switching means (14) is additionally provided with an optical status indicator (17). Finally it is provided that, irrespective of the location of the control unit (11), the switching means (14) is positioned next to the beverage tap (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Jorg Emmendorfer, Gerold Carlhoff, Frank-Rainer Schuster
  • Patent number: 6543654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for emptying containers (2) filled with liquids, especially canisters and barrels, with an adapter (5)that can be fixed in a bung hole (3) of the container (2). The adapter (5) is fitted with a suction lance (7) pointing towards the container and has a degassing device. The device has a coupling piece (6) that can be attached to the adapter (5) for connecting a suction device (9). The adapter (5) has a set breaking point (10) surrounding the connection of the suction lance (7) by means of which the suction lance (7) can be pushed into the interior of the container. In a special embodiment, the set breaking point (10) is configured as a series of holes surrounding the central part (5b) connected to the suction lance (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OhG
    Inventors: Stephan Uhl, Wolfgang Huber, Frank Rainer Schuster
  • Patent number: 6237807
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing apparatus with a container having a charging hole for a refill bag with a liquid in the top part, and an outlet in the bottom part. An opening device for the refill bag is fitted above the outlet. A connector leads from the outlet to a downstream pump. A chamber with a level sensor is arranged underneath the reservoir. The reservoir and the chamber are configured so as to be liquid tight, for supplying the liquid without a refill bag. A dosing pump is integrated within the dosing apparatus. A dosing conduit leads from the pump to a point of usage outside the dosing apparatus, and a return conduit leads to the integrated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co.OHG
    Inventors: Stephan Uhl, Frank-Rainer Schuster, Dieter Buhrau, Juergen Kreyer, Heribert Lohwieser