Patents by Inventor John Friend

John Friend 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: 20260198706
    Abstract: In a field-installable refrigerated merchandiser kit, a prefabricated refrigeration system module releasably and operatively connects to a separate cabinet module via mutual connection fittings to form a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser can have multiple refrigeration systems cooling a common refrigerated space inside the cabinet, each with an independent temperature controller. A refrigeration system can be disconnected from the cabinet only by separating releasable fasteners and disconnecting electrical plug-in connections. Each refrigeration system is prefabricated with integrated condensate removal. The refrigeration system mounts entirely above the top wall of the cabinet enabling deployment at zero offset from a backing structure. The refrigerated merchandiser can be deployed to occupy a footprint and have a ratio of shelf space volume to foot print greater than 3.25 ft3/ft2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2026
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fontecchio, John Friend, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Publication number: 20260198707
    Abstract: In a field-installable refrigerated merchandiser kit, a prefabricated refrigeration system module releasably and operatively connects to a separate cabinet module via mutual connection fittings to form a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser can have multiple refrigeration systems cooling a common refrigerated space inside the cabinet, each with an independent temperature controller. A refrigeration system can be disconnected from the cabinet only by separating releasable fasteners and disconnecting electrical plug-in connections. Each refrigeration system is prefabricated with integrated condensate removal. The refrigeration system mounts entirely above the top wall of the cabinet enabling deployment at zero offset from a backing structure. The refrigerated merchandiser can be deployed to occupy a footprint and have a ratio of shelf space volume to foot print greater than 3.25 ft3/ft2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2026
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fontecchio, John Friend, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Publication number: 20260123772
    Abstract: In a field-installable refrigerated merchandiser kit, a prefabricated refrigeration system module releasably and operatively connects to a separate cabinet module via mutual connection fittings to form a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser can have multiple refrigeration systems cooling a common refrigerated space inside the cabinet, each with an independent temperature controller. A refrigeration system can be disconnected from the cabinet only by separating releasable fasteners and disconnecting electrical plug-in connections. Each refrigeration system is prefabricated with integrated condensate removal. The refrigeration system mounts entirely above the top wall of the cabinet enabling deployment at zero offset from a backing structure. The refrigerated merchandiser can be deployed to occupy a footprint and have a ratio of shelf space volume to foot print greater than 3.25 ft3/ft2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2025
    Publication date: May 7, 2026
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fontecchio, John Friend, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Publication number: 20260060452
    Abstract: In a field-installable refrigerated merchandiser kit, a prefabricated refrigeration system module releasably and operatively connects to a separate cabinet module via mutual connection fittings to form a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser can have multiple refrigeration systems cooling a common refrigerated space inside the cabinet, each with an independent temperature controller. A refrigeration system can be disconnected from the cabinet only by separating releasable fasteners and disconnecting electrical plug-in connections. Each refrigeration system is prefabricated with integrated condensate removal. The refrigeration system mounts entirely above the top wall of the cabinet enabling deployment at zero offset from a backing structure. The refrigerated merchandiser can be deployed to occupy a footprint and have a ratio of shelf space volume to foot print greater than 3.25 ft3/ft2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2025
    Publication date: March 5, 2026
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fontecchio, John Friend, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Patent number: 12529509
    Abstract: A gasket for a door of a refrigerated cabinet has a bellows chamber extending backward from a base connected to a door. A magnet chamber is supported on the bellows chamber, and a cantilevered arm extends from the inner side of the magnet chamber. The cantilevered arm includes a proximal middle chamber, a distal sealing bulb chamber, and a partition wall between the middle chamber and the sealing bulb chamber. A condensation shield is outward of an outer bellows chamber wall and extends from the base to the magnet chamber. An inner support chamber is received between the bellows chamber and a profiled section of the door. A wiper extends forward from the inner support chamber. The sealing bulb chamber is configured to be pressed backward against the wiper such that the gasket defines a supplemental chamber when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Christian Pizzi, Christopher Moonier, Brandon Clay, John Friend
  • Patent number: 12239754
    Abstract: A sanitizing cabinet system includes ozone distribution passaging in open fluid communication with a sanitizing compartment inside a cabinet. An ozone generator and a sanitizing air mover are located in the ozone distribution passaging. The sanitizing air mover moves air from the sanitizing compartment across the generator to form ozonated air and moves the ozonated air from the ozone distribution passaging into the sanitizing compartment. A control system controls the ozone generator and air mover based on feedback from an ozone sensor indicating ozone exposure over time. An ozone conversion device is mounted on a dividing wall of the cabinet outside the sanitizing compartment. The dividing wall has inlet and outlet holes, and the ozone conversion device has upstream and downstream chambers in communication with the inlet and outlet holes. Selectively openable dampers separate upstream and downstream chambers from an ozone conversion chamber in which ozone conversion catalyst is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO. INC
    Inventors: Kevin Knatt, John Friend, Edward Hartman, Steven Trulaske
  • Publication number: 20250040730
    Abstract: In a field-installable refrigerated merchandiser kit, a prefabricated refrigeration system module releasably and operatively connects to a separate cabinet module via mutual connection fittings to form a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser can have multiple refrigeration systems cooling a common refrigerated space inside the cabinet, each with an independent temperature controller. A refrigeration system can be disconnected from the cabinet only by separating releasable fasteners and disconnecting electrical plug-in connections. Each refrigeration system is prefabricated with integrated condensate removal. The refrigeration system mounts entirely above the top wall of the cabinet enabling deployment at zero offset from a backing structure. The refrigerated merchandiser can be deployed to occupy a footprint and have a ratio of shelf space volume to foot print greater than 3.25 ft3/ft2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fontecchio, John Friend, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Patent number: 12209789
    Abstract: A refrigerated storage or display device includes a pressure relief valve in an insulated wall of an evaporator enclosure and a frosting chamber between the pressure relief valve and the evaporator assembly. The pressure relief valve is heated so that no frost forms on the valve. The frosting chamber can be defined by a baffle that directs air entering through the pressure relief valve to flow along the evaporator. When outside air enters through the valve, moisture forms as frost on the frosting chamber walls and the evaporator. A defrost heater and condensate removal system can remove the frost during periodic defrost cycles. The pressure relief system can be deployed on individual refrigeration system modules of a modular merchandiser kit so that the required amount of pressure relief capacity is automatically provided during field installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: John Friend, Joseph Fontecchio, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Publication number: 20250027701
    Abstract: A refrigerated storage or display device includes a pressure relief valve in an insulated wall of an evaporator enclosure and a frosting chamber between the pressure relief valve and the evaporator assembly. The pressure relief valve is heated so that no frost forms on the valve. The frosting chamber can be defined by a baffle that directs air entering through the pressure relief valve to flow along the evaporator. When outside air enters through the valve, moisture forms as frost on the frosting chamber walls and the evaporator. A defrost heater and condensate removal system can remove the frost during periodic defrost cycles. The pressure relief system can be deployed on individual refrigeration system modules of a modular merchandiser kit so that the required amount of pressure relief capacity is automatically provided during field installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Friend, Joseph Fontecchio, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Patent number: 12150566
    Abstract: In a field-installable refrigerated merchandiser kit, a prefabricated refrigeration system module releasably and operatively connects to a separate cabinet module via mutual connection fittings to form a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser can have multiple refrigeration systems cooling a common refrigerated space inside the cabinet, each with an independent temperature controller. A refrigeration system can be disconnected from the cabinet only by separating releasable fasteners and disconnecting electrical plug-in connections. Each refrigeration system is prefabricated with integrated condensate removal. The refrigeration system mounts entirely above the top wall of the cabinet enabling deployment at zero offset from a backing structure. The refrigerated merchandiser can be deployed to occupy a footprint and have a ratio of shelf space volume to foot print greater than 3.25 ft3/ft2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Fontecchio, John Friend, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Publication number: 20240219107
    Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet is equipped with a thermal breaker between the cabinet liner and wrapper. The cabinet can operate at the ?10° F. (?23° C.) set point in ambient conditions of at least 90° F. (32° C.) and at least 70% relative humidity without door frame condensation. A cabinet door gasket can have an inner sealing element that seals against the thermal breaker and an outer sealing element that seals seal against the wrapper. The wrapper can have a double return flange nested in an outer interface of the thermal breaker. The thermal breaker can hold a door frame heater inboard of a magnetic contact region with the door gasket. The frame heater can be located so that only plastic material is directly in front of the frame heater. Corner joiner elements can be ultrasonically welded to the thermal breaker to join four thermal breaker pieces together at mitered joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Pizzi, Christopher Moonier, Brandon Clay, John Friend
  • Publication number: 20240219108
    Abstract: A gasket for a door of a refrigerated cabinet has a bellows chamber extending backward from a base connected to a door. A magnet chamber is supported on the bellows chamber, and a cantilevered arm extends from the inner side of the magnet chamber. The cantilevered arm includes a proximal middle chamber, a distal sealing bulb chamber, and a partition wall between the middle chamber and the sealing bulb chamber. A condensation shield is outward of an outer bellows chamber wall and extends from the base to the magnet chamber. An inner support chamber is received between the bellows chamber and a profiled section of the door. A wiper extends forward from the inner support chamber. The sealing bulb chamber is configured to be pressed backward against the wiper such that the gasket defines a supplemental chamber when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Pizzi, Christopher Moonier, Brandon Clay, John Friend
  • Publication number: 20240195651
    Abstract: Systems and methods of managing appliances distributed throughout a geographic area enable control of the appliances in response to regionally localized events. An asset management server determines the location of the appliances throughout the geographic area and issues commands to appliances in a specified region which cause the appliances to change local control parameters to address the event. An asset management server also receives operating data from the appliances and uses the operating data to determine when regional events are occurring based on localized anomalies in the operating data. Refrigeration appliances have GPS receivers so that the locations of the appliances in the geographic area can be verified. Further, refrigeration appliances have primary and secondary operating modes. Secondary operating modes may be address certain regional events that can occur from time to time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Knatt, John Friend
  • Patent number: 11936489
    Abstract: Systems and methods of managing appliances distributed throughout a geographic area enable control of the appliances in response to regionally localized events. An asset management server determines the location of the appliances throughout the geographic area and issues commands to appliances in a specified region which cause the appliances to change local control parameters to address the event. An asset management server also receives operating data from the appliances and uses the operating data to determine when regional events are occurring based on localized anomalies in the operating data. Refrigeration appliances have GPS receivers so that the locations of the appliances in the geographic area can be verified. Further, refrigeration appliances have primary and secondary operating modes. Secondary operating modes may be address certain regional events that can occur from time to time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Knatt, John Friend
  • Publication number: 20240035728
    Abstract: A refrigerated storage or display device includes a pressure relief valve in an insulated wall of an evaporator enclosure and a frosting chamber between the pressure relief valve and the evaporator assembly. The pressure relief valve is heated so that no frost forms on the valve. The frosting chamber can be defined by a baffle that directs air entering through the pressure relief valve to flow along the evaporator. When outside air enters through the valve, moisture forms as frost on the frosting chamber walls and the evaporator. A defrost heater and condensate removal system can remove the frost during periodic defrost cycles. The pressure relief system can be deployed on individual refrigeration system modules of a modular merchandiser kit so that the required amount of pressure relief capacity is automatically provided during field installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: John Friend, Joseph Fontecchio, Christian Pizzi, Daniel Pestka
  • Publication number: 20240024303
    Abstract: Methods of treating cancer related conditions using anamorelin are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: William MANN, John FRIEND, William POLVINO, Suzan ALLEN, Ming LU, Elizabeth DUUS, Ruben Giorgino, Enrico Baroni
  • Patent number: 11723902
    Abstract: Methods of treating cancer related conditions using anamorelin are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Helsinn Healthcare SA
    Inventors: William Mann, John Friend, William Polvino, Suzan Allen, Ming Lu, Elizabeth Duus, Ruben Giorgino, Enrico Baroni
  • Patent number: 11694501
    Abstract: A refrigerated vending system can conduct automatic purchase transactions. A refrigerated cooler has a refrigerated compartment with a door. An automatic lock selectively locks and unlocks the door, and a door sensor detects when the door closes. A three-dimensional imaging sensor inside the compartment captures a three-dimensional image of the merchandise. A vending transaction controller detects presentation of a method of payment, unlocks the door, determines from the door sensor that the door has been opened and closed, locks the door when it closes, actuates the three-dimensional imaging sensor to capture an updated three-dimensional image of the merchandise after the door closes, determines based on the updated image what refrigerated merchandise was removed while the door was open, and charges the method of payment for the refrigerated merchandise removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: John Friend
  • Patent number: 11578905
    Abstract: An ice maker includes a prefabricated cabinet with a base that defines a bottom of an ice maker housing. An access side of the cabinet defines a doorway for accessing an ice making device in the housing. A prefabricated door for opening and closing the doorway has a bottom spaced apart above the bottom of the housing. The ice maker can be mounted on a prefabricated receptacle so that the bottom of the housing is flush with a top of the receptacle and the door can clear a protruding dispenser unit as it swings on its hinge. The prefabricated cabinet may include a door mount that couples the door to the cabinet so that the bottom of the door is spaced above the bottom of the ice maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Knatt, John Friend
  • Patent number: 11543161
    Abstract: An ice maker for forming ice having a refrigeration system, a water system, and a control system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an ice formation device, and a condenser fan comprising a fan blade and a condenser fan motor for driving the fan blade. The water system supplies water to the ice formation device. The control system includes a controller adapted to operate the condenser fan motor at a first speed in a forward direction when the ice maker is making ice and adapted to operate the condenser fan motor at a second speed in a reverse direction when the ice maker is not making ice. Operating the condenser fan motor at the second speed in the reverse direction is sufficient to reduce the amount of dirt, lint, grease, dust, and/or other contaminants on or in the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: John Allen Broadbent, John Friend