Patents by Inventor Richard P. Lewis

Richard P. Lewis 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: 7527178
    Abstract: An electronic self contained viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is carried by the housing and disposed in liquid communication with the reservoir. The pump mechanism has a delivery end disposed for delivering metered doses of viscous liquid from the reservoir. A mounting assembly is configured for mounting on a supporting wall structure, with the housing being releasably attachable to the mounting assembly. An electronic actuating mechanism is carried by the mounting assembly and includes a motor driven actuator that engages with the pump mechanism upon insertion of the housing into the mounting assembly. A motor and associated power supply circuitry is carried by the mounting assembly, with the motor being in driving engagement with the motor driven actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7523885
    Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of towel material includes a housing having an internal volume so as to retain at least one roll of towel material therein. An electronically powered dispensing mechanism is contained within the housing for dispensing a measured sheet from the roll of towel material upon actuation of the dispensing mechanism. A passive trigger sensor is disposed so as to detect the presence of a user in a first detection zone, and an active dispense sensor is disposed so as to detect the presence of a user in a second detection zone that is different from the first detection zone. For each dispense cycle, the passive trigger sensor senses the presence of a user in the first detection zone prior to the active dispense sensor being enabled to initiate a dispense sequence upon detection of the user in the second detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20090007529
    Abstract: A portable partition system includes an air permeable nonwoven sheet material as the primary isolation material. An elongated support member with an attachment device are used to erect the sheet material. The attachment device includes a head with opposed separable clamping surfaces having a hook material provided thereon. The sheet material is inserted between the clamping surfaces so as to be engaged directly by the hook material on opposite sides of the sheet material upon erecting the system into a portable partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Richard P. Lewis, Jeffrey J. Krueger, Charles H. Goerg, Frances W. Mayfield, Ann L. McCormack, Jacqueline B. Martin, David Lilley
  • Patent number: 7398944
    Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of towel material includes a housing having an internal volume so as to retain at least one roll of towel material therein. An electronically powered dispensing mechanism is contained within the housing for dispensing a measured sheet from the roll of towel material upon actuation of the dispensing mechanism. A sensor is contained within the housing to detect an object placed within a detection zone of the sensor. Control circuitry is configured with the sensor and dispensing mechanism to initiate a dispense cycle upon detection of an object by the sensor. The sensor is disposed relative to the housing such that the detection zone is defined substantially below a bottom surface of the housing requiring that an object must be placed at a location below the housing to be detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Paul F. Tramontina, Geoffrey M. Engelstein, Robert C. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20080100982
    Abstract: An electronic dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of web material includes an antenna in conductive communication with at least one component of the dispenser that stores static charge generated by operation of the dispenser. The antenna is disposed so as to dissipate the static charge through a non-conductive material external to the dispenser housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Paul Tramontina, Leslie Dobbins, Charles A. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20080099595
    Abstract: An electronic dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of web material includes a passive, self-discharging static charge dissipating material configured with at least one component of the dispenser that stores static charge generated by operation of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Paul Tramontina
  • Publication number: 20080100185
    Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of towel material includes a housing having an internal volume so as to retain at least one roll of towel material therein. An electronically powered dispensing mechanism is contained within the housing for dispensing a measured sheet from the roll of towel material upon actuation of the dispensing mechanism. A passive trigger sensor is disposed so as to detect the presence of a user in a first detection zone, and an active dispense sensor is disposed so as to detect the presence of a user in a second detection zone that is different from the first detection zone. For each dispense cycle, the passive trigger sensor senses the presence of a user in the first detection zone prior to the active dispense sensor being enabled to initiate a dispense sequence upon detection of the user in the second detection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7328819
    Abstract: A self-contained viscous liquid dispenser with a spray pump mechanism includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir. A spray pump mechanism is configured with the housing and includes a horizontally disposed pump chamber fitted through an opening in the housing to extend into the reservoir. A pump cylinder is slidably disposed and retained in the chamber. Upon actuation of the pump cylinder, a valve and spray forming mechanism converts a liquid stream expelled from the pump chamber into a spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7066355
    Abstract: A self contained viscous liquid dispenser with a foaming pump mechanism includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir. A foaming pump mechanism is configured with the housing and includes a horizontally disposed pump chamber fitted through an opening in the housing to extend into the reservoir. A pump cylinder is slidably disposed and retained in the chamber. Actuation of the pump cylinder results in a liquid/air mixture within the pump chamber being pressurized and dispensed from the chamber as a foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Victor S. Shoaf, Cleary E. Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 6959635
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material from a cored roll having a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume and an opening, at least one pair of coaxially aligned, opposed plungers mounted on opposite walls within the dispenser, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a blade, a cover for alternately exposing and concealing the blade, and a slidable panel for actuating the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6848349
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material from a cored roll comprises a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume and an opening, at least one pair of coaxially aligned, opposed plungers mounted on opposite walls within the dispenser, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a blade, a cover for alternately exposing and concealing the blade, and a slidable panel for actuating the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6729502
    Abstract: A self-contained viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing defining an internal liquid reservoir, and an opening defined through a front surface of the housing. An insert member is fitted through the opening, extends into the reservoir, and defines an internal pump chamber having a back end open to the reservoir and a front end open to the outside of the housing. A pump cylinder is slidably disposed and retained in the chamber. The pump cylinder is movable within the pump chamber from a rest position to a pressurizing position to pressurize and dispense liquid within the pump chamber through a delivery channel and out a dispensing orifice in the pump cylinder. The pump cylinder may be a multiple component device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 6648179
    Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed in communication with the reservoir and has a delivery end extending from the housing for manual operation by a user. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachably connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. The configuration of the dispenser allows for a significantly increased capacity (volume) without a corresponding increase in the weight of the dispenser materials as compared to conventional dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 6644155
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and cutting measured amounts from a roll of web material includes a roll carrier disposed within a housing. A rotatable drum is disposed proximate to the roll carrier, with the roll carrier being biased towards the drum so that the web material carried by the roll carrier is frictionally engaged against the drum. The drum thus rotates upon a free end of the web material being pulled from the housing. The cutting mechanism is movably mounted within the housing external of the rotatable drum. The cutting mechanism is engaged by the drum along a portion of the rotational arc of the drum and is moved by the drum to a cutting position wherein a blade carried by the cutting mechanism moves across the conveying path of the web material and cuts the web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Phelps, Paul F. Tramontina, Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6607160
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rolled materials wherein the dispenser includes a housing adapted to support a roll of material. A cover is attached to the housing, the cover being pivotable upwardly to an open position and pivotable downwardly to a closed position. A first roller may be attached to the housing and a second roller may be attached to the cover. A dispensing opening is formed between the housing and the cover when the cover is in its closed position, so that the leading portion of a roll of material that is placed within the housing may extend over the first roller. When the cover is moved to its closed position, the leading portion is captured in the nip formed between the first roller and the second roller, thus eliminating the need to feed the leading portion of the rolled material through the nip formed by the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Russell C. Taylor, Paul F. Tramontina
  • Publication number: 20030121379
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material from a cored roll comprises a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume and an opening, at least one pair of coaxially aligned, opposed plungers mounted on opposite walls within the dispenser, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a blade, a cover for alternately exposing and concealing the blade, and a slidable panel for actuating the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Richard P. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20030106398
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material from a cored roll comprises a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume and an opening, at least one pair of coaxially aligned, opposed plungers mounted on opposite walls within the dispenser, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a blade, a cover for alternately exposing and concealing the blade, and a slidable panel for actuating the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Tramontina, Richard P. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6575334
    Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed in communication with the reservoir and has a delivery end extending from the housing for manual operation by a user. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachably connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. The configuration of the dispenser allows for a significantly increased capacity (volume) without a corresponding increase in the weight of the dispenser materials as compared to conventional dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 6575335
    Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed in communication with the reservoir and has a delivery end extending from the housing for manual operation by a user. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachably connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. The configuration of the dispenser allows for a significantly increased capacity (volume) without a corresponding increase in the weight of the dispenser materials as compared to conventional dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark WorldWide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 6543651
    Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed at least partially within the reservoir and has a delivery end extending out of the reservoir. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachable connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. A unique dispensing pump mechanism is also provided for use with any manner of viscous liquid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel