Patents by Inventor Richard J. Mehus

Richard J. Mehus 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: 8944286
    Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Mihnea A. Popa
  • Publication number: 20150031764
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Patent number: 8889900
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Patent number: 8833605
    Abstract: A product delivery and monitoring system is provided. The system includes at least one air pump, an air pump sensor for each air pump, at least one diaphragm pump, a diaphragm pump sensor for each diaphragm pump, a controller and an indication system. Each air pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the operation of the air pump. The at least one diaphragm pump is configured and arranged to deliver a product in response to the operation of an associated air pump. Each diaphragm pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the delivery of the product by the diaphragm pump. The controller is in communication with each air pump sensor and each diaphragm pump sensor. The controller is configured to generate at least one control signal based on a comparison of communications from an air pump sensor and an associated diaphragm sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate the indication system with the at least one control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Robert D. Grapes, James Unwin
  • Publication number: 20140144936
    Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Mihnea A. Popa
  • Publication number: 20140109644
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs and/or liquid outputs of a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser. The tool may include any number of flow meters, and may also include a flow meter connected to an outlet of a dispenser (22) for providing flow information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20140034668
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20140017142
    Abstract: Methods of dispensing an ingredient and measuring an amount of the ingredient dispensed, e.g., at a customer's location usually as the ingredient is used by the customer, in order to improve the dispensing process by adjusting future dispense cycles, accurately dispensing the ingredient, predicting an amount of ingredient to be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, John E. Thomas, Thomas J. Batcher, Bryan A. Maser, Michael N. Shulman
  • Publication number: 20140001214
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing a predetermined amount of product from a dispensing system to a given surface area is disclosed. The dispensing system (100) includes a container (102) having a main chamber (106) to hold product and a dosing chamber (108) having an opening (110) in communication with the main chamber (106). The dosing chamber (108) is configured to hold a metered amount of product (112) received from the main chamber (106). A spray head (128) when connected to the container (102) is brought into operable and fluid communication with a dip tube (114), optionally cut to a selected length, which is positioned within the dosing chamber (108) for dispensing by activation of a trigger (136) product (112) to a given surface area or air space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Chernik, Brian Philip Carlson, Richard J. Mehus
  • Patent number: 8602069
    Abstract: A solid chemical product is dispensed to prepare a requested amount of a use solution having a requested concentration of the chemical product. In some examples, a target amount of a diluent and a target amount of the chemical product required to prepare the requested use solution are determined. The target amount of the diluent is dispensed into a container. At least some of the diluent in the container is applied to the solid chemical product to create a resultant use solution, which is directed back into the container. The diluent from the container is applied to the chemical product until the amount of the use solution in the container satisfies the requested amount. In some examples, the target amount of the diluent and the target amount of the chemical product are measured by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mihnea A. Popa, Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Sherri L. Tischler, Blake Roberts Otting
  • Patent number: 8590362
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8444019
    Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided. The product dispensing system includes a dispensing device and a sealing assembly. The dispensing device is configured and arranged to pass product out of a dispensing orifice in the product dispensing system. The sealing assembly is configured and arranged to wipe and seal the dispensing orifice to prevent exposure of unused product with ambient air when the product dispensing system is not dispensing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Lucey, Anthony L. Kramer, Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Sherri L. Tischler, Mihnea A. Popa, Brian P. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120322872
    Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Katherine M. Sanville, Thomas C. Rustad
  • Patent number: 8277745
    Abstract: A mass-based dispensing system includes a set of interchangeable load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies are sized to be interchangeably received into a mass-based product dispenser. Each of the interchangeable load cell assemblies has a maximum rated load that is different from the maximum rated load of the other load cell assemblies. The interchangeable load cell assemblies are substantially modular (i.e., have substantially similar external geometries), thus enabling the product dispenser to interchangeably receive the load cells. The interchangeable load cell assemblies enable a single product dispenser to accommodate a broad range of differently weighted products and/or product containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Henry J. McCarrick, Bruce W. Weber, Ben J. Wiltsie
  • Patent number: 8187540
    Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
  • Publication number: 20120024080
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: HENRY L. CARBONE, II, RICHARD J. MEHUS, KEVIN C. TAUER, ANATOLY SKIRDA, EUGENE TOKHTUEV, WILLIAM M. CHRISTENSEN
  • Publication number: 20120018458
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing a predetermined amount of product from a dispensing system to a given surface area is disclosed. The dispensing system (100) includes a container (102) having a main chamber (106) to hold product and a dosing chamber (108) having an opening (110) in communication with the main chamber (106). The dosing chamber (108) is configured to hold a metered amount of product (112) received from the main chamber (106). A spray head (128) when connected to the container (102) is brought into operable and fluid communication with a dip tube (114), optionally cut to a selected length, which is positioned within the dosing chamber (108) for dispensing by activation of a trigger (136) product (112) to a given surface area or air space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Chernik, Brian P. Carlson, Richard J. Mehus
  • Publication number: 20120018448
    Abstract: A product delivery and monitoring system is provided. The system includes at least one air pump, an air pump sensor for each air pump, at least one diaphragm pump, a diaphragm pump sensor for each diaphragm pump, a controller and an indication system. Each air pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the operation of the air pump. The at least one diaphragm pump is configured and arranged to deliver a product in response to the operation of an associated air pump. Each diaphragm pump sensor is configured and arranged to monitor the delivery of the product by the diaphragm pump. The controller is in communication with each air pump sensor and each diaphragm pump sensor. The controller is configured to generate at least one control signal based on a comparison of communications from an air pump sensor and an associated diaphragm sensor. The controller is configured to manipulate the indication system with the at least one control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Robert D. Grapes, James Unwin
  • Publication number: 20110320133
    Abstract: A concentration monitor for monitoring a concentration of a plurality of use solutions, each of the plurality of use solutions being, at least, a concentrate in a diluent, each of the plurality of use solutions having a resistivity which varies as a function of both temperature and an amount of the concentrate contained in a given amount of the diluent. A resistivity probe is adapted for use with at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the resistivity of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions. A temperature sensor is adapted for use with the at least one of the plurality of use solutions for taking a measurement related to the temperature of the at least one of the plurality of use solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Charles A. Hodge, Quang Van Dao
  • Publication number: 20110284090
    Abstract: A solid chemical product is dispensed to prepare a requested amount of a use solution having a requested concentration of the chemical product. In some examples, a target amount of a diluent and a target amount of the chemical product required to prepare the requested use solution are determined. The target amount of the diluent is dispensed into a container. At least some of the diluent in the container is applied to the solid chemical product to create a resultant use solution, which is directed back into the container. The diluent from the container is applied to the chemical product until the amount of the use solution in the container satisfies the requested amount. In some examples, the target amount of the diluent and the target amount of the chemical product are measured by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mihnea A. Popa, Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Sherri L. Tischler, Blake Roberts Otting