Patents by Inventor Jerry Baack

Jerry Baack 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: 9417003
    Abstract: Provided is a single infrared emitter dispenser monitor for refrigeration appliance that includes a dispenser that dispenses at least one of water and ice. A vessel detector includes an infrared emitter, a first infrared detector, and a second infrared detector. The infrared emitter emits radiation having an angle of dispersion such that both of the first and second infrared detectors receive the radiation emitted by the infrared emitter. The first infrared detector is arranged more frontward than the second infrared detector. In further examples, an elapsed time between detection signals is compared to a minimum elapsed time, and a dispensing signal is only sent if the elapsed time is greater than the minimum elapsed time. By this configuration, the number of input/output lines running into a control device is reduced, and it is possible to detect a failed emitter if both detector signals fall to zero at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Jerry Baack
  • Publication number: 20140261879
    Abstract: Provided is a single infrared emitter dispenser monitor for refrigeration appliance that includes a dispenser that dispenses at least one of water and ice. A vessel detector includes an infrared emitter, a first infrared detector, and a second infrared detector. The infrared emitter emits radiation having an angle of dispersion such that both of the first and second infrared detectors receive the radiation emitted by the infrared emitter. The first infrared detector is arranged more frontward than the second infrared detector. In further examples, an elapsed time between detection signals is compared to a minimum elapsed time, and a dispensing signal is only sent if the elapsed time is greater than the minimum elapsed time. By this configuration, the number of input/output lines running into a control device is reduced, and it is possible to detect a failed emitter if both detector signals fall to zero at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jerry Baack
  • Publication number: 20080109113
    Abstract: A vending machine employing an electronic control unit which may be easily programmed initially with predefined angles of a cradle corresponding to existing products or vended items. The control unit has the option of setting custom vending angles with a new, previously unknown product package is to be vended from the machine, allowing a user to rapidly set up the machine for a range of package types. Custom angle settings may be used when needed to avoid loading a new control program whenever a new package type becomes available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Jerry Baack, Talbert Black
  • Patent number: 7289880
    Abstract: A vending machine employing an electronic control unit which may be easily programmed initially with predefined angles of a cradle corresponding to existing products or vended items. The control unit has the option of setting custom vending angles with a new, previously unknown product package is to be vended from the machine, allowing a user to rapidly set up the machine for a range of package types. Custom angle settings may be used when needed to avoid loading a new control program whenever a new package type becomes available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dixie-Narco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Baack, Talbert James Black, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040108327
    Abstract: A vending machine employing an electronic control unit which may be easily programmed initially with predefined angles of a cradle corresponding to existing products or vended items. The control unit has the option of setting custom vending angles with a new, previously unknown product package is to be vended from the machine, allowing a user to rapidly set up the machine for a range of package types. Custom angle settings may be used when needed to avoid loading a new control program whenever a new package type becomes available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Jerry Baack, Talbert James Black