Patents by Inventor Richard V. Mullen

Richard V. Mullen 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: 6675840
    Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Roy F. Johnson, Richard V. Mullen
  • Publication number: 20030051765
    Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Roy F. Johnson, Richard V. Mullen
  • Patent number: 5967202
    Abstract: An automatic dispensing method and apparatus for transporting separate concentrated chemicals to the site of use and then dispensing the concentrated chemicals into a storage container to create a final or intermediate composition. The automatic dispensing apparatus includes a computer program that calculates the appropriate formulation and then interfaces with a controller to cause the appropriate chemical concentrates and the appropriate volumes of those concentrates to be dispensed. A method of generating a desired formulation is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Mullen, Scott P. Bennett, Steve E. Pasek, Cathy M. Paquette, David R. Strehlow
  • Patent number: 4071195
    Abstract: An improved nozzle apparatus rapidly convertible, while operating, between spray and foam forming modes of operation. An elongate rigid generally cylindrical first conduit member receives surfactant bearing solution at an inlet port thereof and directs the solution under pressure to a spray forming nozzle connected at an outlet port of the first conduit. A second elongate conduit member coaxially slidably overlies the first conduit member and is movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions. When in its retracted position, the second conduit member exposes the spray-forming nozzle, which is then enabled to direct a spray pattern of the solution longitudinally outward from the apparatus. When in its extended position, the second conduit member encompasses the spray-forming nozzle, and aspirates the spray therefrom with air to form foam which is ejected longitudinally outward from the second conduit member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Assignee: Economics Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett D. Kuhns, Norman E. Astorp, Richard V. Mullen, John Ellwood Thomas
  • Patent number: 3961754
    Abstract: An improved nozzle apparatus rapidly convertible, while operating, between spray and foam forming modes of operation. An elongate rigid generally cylindrical first conduit member receives surfactant bearing solution at an inlet port thereof and directs the solution under pressure to a spray forming nozzle connected at an outlet port of the first conduit. A second elongate conduit member coaxially slidably overlies the first conduit member and is movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions. When in its retracted position, the second conduit member exposes the spray-forming nozzle, which is then enabled to direct a spray pattern of the solution longitudinally outward from the apparatus. When in its extended position, the second conduit member encompasses the spray-forming nozzle, and aspirates the spray therefrom with air to form foam which is ejected longitudinally outward from the second conduit member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1976
    Assignee: Economics Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett D. Kuhns, Norman E. Astorp, Richard V. Mullen, John Ellwood Thomas