Patents by Inventor James F. Kimball

James F. Kimball 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: 9061821
    Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container that includes a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a resilient retaining structure. The resilient retaining structure is adapted to retain a portion of the container. An electric drive unit is disposed within the housing. The drive unit includes a cam for engaging a portion of the container to actuate the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward L. Paas, Paul E. Furner, Rene Maurice Beland, James F. Kimball
  • Patent number: 8846154
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product may be removed by, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The décor product may also be part of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the décor product to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Clark, James F. Kimball, Ketan N. Shah, Therese A. Rozek, Benjamin A. Bass, Robert Y. Lochhead
  • Patent number: 8746504
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The dispensing system also includes an electro-responsive wire that imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Maurice Beland, Thomas A. Helf, James F. Kimball, Edward L. Paas
  • Patent number: 8747487
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kimball, Ketan N. Shah, Eric J. Minor, Marcia L. Santaga
  • Publication number: 20140042183
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a container having a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The dispensing system also includes an electro-responsive wire that imparts motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Rene Maurice Beland, Thomas A. Helf, James F. Kimball, Edward L. Paas
  • Publication number: 20140008385
    Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container that includes a tilt-activated valve stem. The housing includes a resilient retaining structure. The resilient retaining structure is adapted to retain a portion of the container. An electric drive unit is disposed within the housing. The drive unit includes a cam for engaging a portion of the container to actuate the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward L. Paas, Paul E. Furner, Rene Maurice Beland, James F. Kimball
  • Publication number: 20130337239
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for applying a colorant to a surface. Compositions are formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. The compositions may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of a stain before being affixed to the surface. The compositions are formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. Compositions may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The compositions may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the composition to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball, Marcia L. Santaga, Eric J. Minor, Benjamin A. Bass, Benjamin N. Shiffler
  • Patent number: 8590743
    Abstract: An overcap for a dispenser includes a housing mountable on a container. The container includes a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The discharge end of the valve stem is adapted to be in fluid communication with a discharge orifice of the housing. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a solenoid, a bi-metallic actuator, a piezo-linear motor, or an electro-responsive wire, which is adapted to impart transverse motion to the valve stem to open a valve of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Maurice Beland, Thomas A. Helf, James F. Kimball, Edward L. Paas
  • Patent number: 8557758
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for applying a colorant to a surface. Compositions are formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. The compositions may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of a stain before being affixed to the surface. The compositions are formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. Compositions may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The compositions may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the composition to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball, Marcia L. Santaga, Eric J. Minor, Benjamin A. Bass, Benjamin N. Shiffler
  • Patent number: 8556122
    Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a container, wherein the container includes a tilt-activated valve stem with a discharge end. The discharge end of the valve stem is adapted to be in fluid communication with a discharge orifice of the housing. A drive unit is disposed within the housing, wherein the drive unit includes a bi-metallic actuator, a piezo-linear motor, an electro-responsive wire, or a solenoid, which is adapted to impart transverse motion to a body of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Edward L. Paas, Paul E. Furner, Rene Maurice Beland, James F. Kimball
  • Patent number: 8499689
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. In one embodiment, a kit may include a stencil with a low-slip bottom layer and a colorant composition. Useful compositions include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. A décor product may be removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. Permanent or semi-permanent affixation of the décor product to the surface may be accomplished by applying heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Bass, Benjamin N. Shiffler, Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball
  • Publication number: 20120006213
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. In one embodiment, a kit may include a stencil with a low-slip bottom layer and a colorant composition. Useful compositions include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. A décor product may be removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. Permanent or semi-permanent affixation of the décor product to the surface may be accomplished by applying heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Bass, Benjamin N. Shiffler, Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball
  • Patent number: 8087548
    Abstract: A product is disclosed for inverted spray dispensing of material that comprises at least some particulate matter. The dispensing end of the container is connected to a valve, which includes a valve that moves from a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the product downward through the valve, when the dispensing end of the container is directed downward. An inlet end of the valve is spaced vertically above the dispensing end of the container when the dispensing end of the container is directed downward. The inlet end of the valve or spring cup is connected to a mesh filter having a pore size at least as large as an average diameter of the solid particles. Even when the container and a layer of settled particles forms at the dispensing end of the container, valve and mesh filter are designed so that at a portion of the proximal end of the mesh filter is disposed above the layer of settled particles to prevent clogging of the mesh filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Kimball
  • Patent number: 8061269
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. In one embodiment, a stencil is provided that has an embossed top layer and a low-slip bottom layer that has a static coefficient of friction between about 0.2 to about 1.2 and/or a kinetic coefficient of friction that is between about 0.1 to about 1.1 as measured against another surface having the same bottom surface as the stencil. Compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Bass, Benjamin N. Shiffler, Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball
  • Patent number: 8048517
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kimball, Ketan N. Shah, Eric J. Minor, Marcia L. Santaga
  • Publication number: 20110236587
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product may be removed by, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The décor product may also be part of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the décor product to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Paul A. CLARK, James F. Kimball, Ketan N. Shah, Therese A. Rozek, Benjamin A. Bass, Robert Y. Lochhead
  • Patent number: 7947640
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for neutralizing a stain on a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a composition that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the composition may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of the stain before being affixed to the surface. If a user desires to remove the composition from the surface, the composition is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the composition to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the composition may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball, Marcia L. Santaga, Eric J. Minor
  • Publication number: 20110097506
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for applying a colorant to a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a composition that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the composition may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of the stain before being affixed to the surface. If a user desires to remove the composition from the surface, the composition is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the composition to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the composition may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Ketan N. SHAH, James F. Kimball, Marcia L. Santaga, Eric J. Minor, Benjamin A. Bass, Benjamin N. Shiffler
  • Publication number: 20110038826
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: James F. Kimball, Ketan N. Shah, Eric J. Minor, Marcia L. Santaga
  • Patent number: 7829146
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for neutralizing a stain on a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a composition that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the composition may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of the stain before being affixed to the surface. If a user desires to remove the composition from the surface, the composition is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the composition to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the composition may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, James F. Kimball, Marcia L. Santaga, Eric J. Minor