Patents by Inventor Michael C. Fryan

Michael C. Fryan 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: 8146180
    Abstract: Devices for dispensing toilet treatment tablets into toilet bowls when a button is actuated are disclosed. In one version, the device includes: (i) a toilet cover; (ii) a dispenser mounted to the cover; (iii) a plurality of solid tablets stored in the dispenser so as to be dispensable therefrom, wherein at least one of the tablets includes a toilet treatment chemical; and (iv) an actuator for moving a tablet from a ready position of the dispenser to a release position. In another version, the invention provides a handheld device including a body having a cover and a hollow wall connected to the cover. The cover and the wall define an interior space in the body, and the cover includes a dispensing slot. The device also includes a removable tablet holder suitable for holding a plurality of solid tablets. A tablet retainer of the tablet holder is located within the cover when the tablet holder is installed within the body. The tablet retainer retains a tablet in a ready position for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Kevin L. Askling
  • Patent number: 8015628
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
  • Patent number: 8006864
    Abstract: Portable wipe dispensers are provided. In one form the wipe dispenser can be used to spray a cleaning liquid onto a wipe being dispensed from the device. Alternatively the outlet may be directed against a surface external to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Fryan, Douglas A. Soller, Rakesh K. Popli, Frank J. Steer, Evan A. Sparks
  • Patent number: 7997449
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first primary fluid, a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the first container, and a pump for drawing the first fluid through the fluid inlet conduit and into a pump chamber. A fluid discharge conduit is located downstream of the pump chamber. The fluid discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and a discharge orifice. The pump discharges the first fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid discharge conduit. The fluid delivery system also includes a second container having a second fluid, that delivers the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The second fluid mixes with the first fluid when the first fluid is discharged into the fluid discharge conduit such that a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is discharged through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 7934271
    Abstract: Toilet bowl treating/cleaning assemblies are provided. In one form the toilet seat lid has mounted on it a dispenser in a fashion so that pivoting of the lid assists in controlling dispensing of a solid pill containing a treating chemical. Also, structures are provided to avoid dispensing when a consumer determines that bowl treatment is not needed, and to facilitate dispensing in response to manual activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Matthew N. Thurin, Kevin L. Askling
  • Publication number: 20100206903
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first primary fluid, a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the first container, and a pump for drawing the first fluid through the fluid inlet conduit and into a pump chamber. A fluid discharge conduit is located downstream of the pump chamber. The fluid discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and a discharge orifice. The pump discharges the first fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid discharge conduit. The fluid delivery system also includes a second container having a second fluid, and means for delivering the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The second fluid mixes with the first fluid when the first fluid is discharged into the fluid discharge conduit such that a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is discharged through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 7775401
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first fluid that dispenses to a fluid discharge orifice via a fluid inlet conduit by a pump and pump chamber. The fluid delivery system includes a second container having a second fluid, with a device for delivering the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The two fluids mix in the fluid discharge conduit prior to dispensation through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 7775458
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a bath and shower enclosure with a cleanser. The sprayer has a housing that can be mounted inside the shower enclosure and that defines a tray in which an inverted bottle of cleanser is stored. The bottom of the tray has a tube extending downwardly along a longitudinal axis through which the cleanser can pass. A motorized head disposed beneath the tube can be rotated about the axis for metering cleanser from the bottle and spraying cleanser outward. The sprayer includes timer circuitry that delays commencement of a spray for a set time and automatically stops spraying after a predetermined period. The sprayer also includes a system for signaling the beginning of a spray cycle including audio and visual alarms. The invention focuses on methods of using such equipment, as well as a container for supplying such equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Linstedt, Keith H. Gausmann, Cathal L. Fahy, Luke C. Stonis, Dale Aberegg, Michael C. Fryan, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Steven A. Zach, Peter M. Neumann, Craig F. Shiesley, Terry M. Kovara
  • Patent number: 7629001
    Abstract: Volatile impregnated substrates, such as wicks and mats, that can be used in a dispensing device that uses a heat source or otherwise uses active means to promote the release of the volatile material from the substrate are disclosed. The preferred substrate has a structure including sand particles adhered together by a binder to form a network of pores and passages. The binder is selected from thermoset polymeric materials and mixtures thereof. A volatile material is disposed in the pores before the substrate is installed in the dispensing device. The impregnated substrate is positioned in the dispensing device on or near the heat source of the dispensing device. The heat source is activated thereby elevating the temperature of the substrate such that volatile material is released from the pores. In one embodiment, the sand particles comprise silica sand and the binder is a cured novolac resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Davis, Robert R. Emmrich, Michael J. Aulozzi, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Michael C. Fryan, Kenneth J. Welch, Stanley J. Flashinski, Debra A. Strasser
  • Patent number: 7625578
    Abstract: Volatile impregnated substrates, such as wicks and mats, that can be used in a dispensing device that uses a heat source or otherwise uses active means to promote the release of the volatile material from the substrate are disclosed. The preferred substrate has a structure including sand particles adhered together by a binder to form a network of pores and passages. The binder is selected from thermoset polymeric materials and mixtures thereof. A volatile material is disposed in the pores before the substrate is installed in the dispensing device. The impregnated substrate is positioned in the dispensing device on or near the heat source of the dispensing device. The heat source is activated thereby elevating the temperature of the substrate such that volatile material is released from the pores. In one embodiment, the sand particles comprise silica sand and the binder is a cured novolac resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Davis, Robert R. Emmrich, Michael J. Aulozzi, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Michael C. Fryan, Kenneth J. Welch, Stanley J. Flashinski, Debra A. Strasser
  • Patent number: 7622134
    Abstract: Volatile impregnated substrates, such as wicks and mats, that can be used in a dispensing device that uses a heat source or otherwise uses active means to promote the release of the volatile material from the substrate are disclosed. The preferred substrate has a structure including sand particles adhered together by a binder to form a network of pores and passages. The binder is selected from thermoset polymeric materials and mixtures thereof. A volatile material is disposed in the pores before the substrate is installed in the dispensing device. The impregnated substrate is positioned in the dispensing device on or near the heat source of the dispensing device. The heat source is activated thereby elevating the temperature of the substrate such that volatile material is released from the pores. In one embodiment, the sand particles comprise silica sand and the binder is a cured novolac resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Davis, Robert R. Emmrich, Michael J. Aulozzi, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Michael C. Fryan, Kenneth J. Welch, Stanley J. Flashinski, Debra A. Strasser
  • Publication number: 20090241247
    Abstract: Devices for dispensing toilet treatment tablets into toilet bowls when a button is actuated are disclosed. In one version, the device includes: (i) a toilet cover; (ii) a dispenser mounted to the cover; (iii) a plurality of solid tablets stored in the dispenser so as to be dispensable therefrom, wherein at least one of the tablets includes a toilet treatment chemical; and (iv) an actuator for moving a tablet from a ready position of the dispenser to a release position. In another version, the invention provides a handheld device including a body having a cover and a hollow wall connected to the cover. The cover and the wall define an interior space in the body, and the cover includes a dispensing slot. The device also includes a removable tablet holder suitable for holding a plurality of solid tablets. A tablet retainer of the tablet holder is located within the cover when the tablet holder is installed within the body. The tablet retainer retains a tablet in a ready position for dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew N. Thurin, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Kevin L. Askling
  • Publication number: 20090178188
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
  • Publication number: 20090056004
    Abstract: Toilet bowl treating/cleaning assemblies are provided. In one form the toilet seat lid has mounted on it a dispenser in a fashion so that pivoting of the lid assists in controlling dispensing of a solid pill containing a treating chemical. Also, structures are provided to avoid dispensing when a consumer determines that bowl treatment is not needed, and to facilitate dispensing in response to manual activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Matthew N. Thurin, Kevin L. Askling
  • Publication number: 20090057331
    Abstract: Portable wipe dispensers are provided. In one form the wipe dispenser can be used to spray a cleaning liquid onto a wipe being dispensed from the device. Alternatively the outlet may be directed against a surface external to the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael C. Fryan, Douglas A. Soller, Rakesh K. Popli, Frank J. Steer, Evan A. Sparks
  • Publication number: 20080314928
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first primary fluid, a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the first container, and a pump for drawing the first fluid through the fluid inlet conduit and into a pump chamber. A fluid discharge conduit is located downstream of the pump chamber. The fluid discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and a discharge orifice. The pump discharges the first fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid discharge conduit. The fluid delivery system also includes a second container having a second fluid, and means for delivering the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The second fluid mixes with the first fluid when the first fluid is discharged into the fluid discharge conduit such that a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is discharged through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 7264414
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a cradle (2) including generally upright sidewalls (4, 6), a handle (40) having a top and a bottom, and a plurality of sheets (30) releasably attached to the bottom of the handle (40), such that the plurality of sheets (30) faces the cradle (2). The cradle (2) can house a reservoir (14) containing a liquid product. The handle (40) is positioned by the upright sidewalls (4, 6) of the cradle (2) and is supported by the cradle (2). The liquid product can be dispensed from the reservoir (14) onto the surface of the outermost sheet (50) of the plurality of sheets (30). That sheet (50) then can be used to apply the liquid product to a surface, and can be removed and discarded after use, revealing a fresh sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent B. McReynolds, Michael C. Fryan, Douglas A. Soller
  • Patent number: 7138130
    Abstract: Volatile impregnated substrates, such as wicks and mats, that can be used in a dispensing device that uses a heat source or otherwise uses active means to promote the release of the volatile material from the substrate are disclosed. The preferred substrate has a structure including sand particles adhered together by a binder to form a network of pores and passages. The binder is selected from thermoset polymeric materials and mixtures thereof. A volatile material is disposed in the pores before the substrate is installed in the dispensing device. The impregnated substrate is positioned in the dispensing device on or near the heat source of the dispensing device. The heat source is activated thereby elevating the temperature of the substrate such that volatile material is released from the pores. In one embodiment, the sand particles comprise silica sand and the binder is a cured novolac resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Davis, Robert R. Emmrich, Michael J. Aulozzi, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Michael C. Fryan, Kenneth J. Welch, Stanley J. Flashinski, Debra A. Strasser
  • Patent number: 7124962
    Abstract: A sprayer is disclosed that may be attached to a garden hose for cleaning exterior surfaces such as windows. By turning a flow selector in a single direction tap water from the hose first flows through the sprayer to rinse the surface to be cleaned. The flow selector can then be set to spray a mixture of cleaner (e.g., one or more surfactants) and surface modifier (e.g., one or more polymers) and water on the surface. The flow selector can then be set to an off position to allow for scrubbing of the surface with a scrubbing tool. The flow selector can then be set to rinse the surface with untreated water, and the flow selector can be turned further to rinse the surface with filtered tap water produced by a filter in the sprayer. Also disclosed are unitary cartridges providing a combined replacement of the cleaning surfactant and a filtering system for deionizing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Fryan, Peter M. Neumann, Evan A. Sparks, Kevin L. Askling, Loretta G. Lynch
  • Patent number: D538392
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Fryan, Peter M. Neumann, Evan A. Sparks, Kevin L. Askling