Patents by Inventor Stephen L. Phelps

Stephen L. Phelps 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: 20100170979
    Abstract: A sheet material dispenser includes a controller for automatically controlling the lengths of sheet materials dispensed from a continuous roll by identifying the type of sheet materials on the roll and dispensing suitable lengths of the identified sheet material. The dispenser desirably has a support for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material carrying identification relating to the type of sheet material on the roll, and an identifier positioned in or adjacent the dispenser for identifying the type of sheet material on the roll. A processor receives data from the identifier, processes the data and generates an output command, and a controller controls the lengths of sheet material dispensed from the roll in response to the output command. In this way, more absorbent products may be dispensed in shorter lengths and less absorbent products may be dispensed in longer lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina, David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, Darrell R. Johnson, Gerald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7726599
    Abstract: A sheet material dispenser includes a controller for automatically controlling the lengths of sheet materials dispensed from a continuous roll by identifying the type of sheet materials on the roll and dispensing suitable lengths of the identified sheet material. The dispenser desirably has a support for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material carrying identification relating to the type of sheet material on the roll, and an identifier positioned in or adjacent the dispenser for identifying the type of sheet material on the roll. A processor receives data from the identifier, processes the data and generates an output command, and a controller controls the lengths of sheet material dispensed from the roll in response to the output command. In this way, more absorbent products may be dispensed in shorter lengths and less absorbent products may be dispensed in longer lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina, David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, Darrell R. Johnson, Gerald L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7374065
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing configured to hold the stack of sheets within an internal storage space. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position wherein access is provided to the storage space, and a closed position wherein the cover defines a front panel of the dispenser. A dispensing opening is provided through which the folded sheets are dispensed when the cover is in its closed position. An overfill prevention device is configured within the housing. This device includes a stop member that is movably configured with a back wall of the housing and is movable between a restricting position when the cover is in its open position, and a relief position when the cover is closed. A latch mechanism is disposed in the housing in a position so as latch the stop member in its restricting position when the cover is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Antwain D. Taylor, Stephen L. Phelps, Debra N. Welchel, Victoria L. Bischoff, Robert C. Ziegenfuss
  • Patent number: 7316369
    Abstract: An adapter for dispensing coreless or solid rolled product from an existing recessed roll product dispenser is disclosed. The adapter also allows for rolled product to be dispensed from the existing recessed dispenser where the rolls being dispensed may have a larger diameter than allowed by the recessed dispenser without the adapter. A system for dispensing coreless or solid rolled product from an existing recessed dispenser is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Phelps
  • Patent number: 7040502
    Abstract: A non-refillable dispenser containing both premoistened and dry sheets is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having a polygonal shape. The housing has a first compartment configured to hold and dispense therefrom a plurality of premoistened sheets, and a second compartment configured to hold and dispense therefrom a plurality of dry sheets. A dispensing opening is defined in each of the first and second compartments for dispensing the sheets therefrom. At least one pair of openings is positioned through at least one of the first and second compartments of the housing. The openings are configured to receive a roll mount of a standard rolled bath tissue fixture therethrough. The dispenser is coupled to the roll mount, which is coupled to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Kinberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Phelps, Debra N. Welchel, Joseph Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6959891
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing rolled sheet material is provided. The dispenser has a housing which holds at least one roll of sheet material therein. The housing has a portion of an outer surface which is positioned against a support surface. The housing also has an opening defined by a perimeter configured to provide two hub positions. The dispenser also has a hub configured to receive at least one roll of sheet material. The hub has a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned to extend through at least a portion of one hub position. The hub has a flange which is positioned radially around at least a portion of the hub near the second end. The flange has a perimeter which is larger than the perimeter of the hub positions, and is supported against the outer surface of the housing. The hub is configured to be positioned to hold one of a jumbo roll, a mid-sized roll, and a stub roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, William G. Haen, Troy E. Westcott, Paul A. Haase
  • Patent number: 6758434
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rolls of sheet material is provided. The dispenser has a housing which holds one or more rolls of sheet material. The housing has an opening which is defined by a perimeter. A hub which is configured to hold a roll of sheet material is positioned to extend at least partially through the opening, and is moveably retained within the perimeter. An arm supports the hub for pivotable movement on a first end thereof. A portion of the arm is pivotably coupled to a portion of the housing. A second end of the arm is also pivotably movable and configured to be releasably locked into one of a plurality of selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, William G. Haen, Troy E. Westcott, Paul A. Haase
  • Publication number: 20040124203
    Abstract: A non-refillable dispenser containing both premoistened and dry sheets is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having a polygonal shape. The housing has a first compartment configured to hold and dispense therefrom a plurality of premoistened sheets, and a second compartment configured to hold and dispense therefrom a plurality of dry sheets. A dispensing opening is defined in each of the first and second compartments for dispensing the sheets therefrom. At least one pair of openings is positioned through at least one of the first and second compartments of the housing. The openings are configured to receive a roll mount of a standard rolled bath tissue fixture therethrough. The dispenser is coupled to the roll mount, which is coupled to the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen L. Phelps, Debra N. Welchel, Joseph Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20040084470
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing configured to hold the stack of sheets within an internal storage space. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position wherein access is provided to the storage space, and a closed position wherein the cover defines a front panel of the dispenser. A dispensing opening is provided through which the folded sheets are dispensed when the cover is in its closed position. An overfill prevention device is configured within the housing. This device includes a stop member that is movably configured with a back wall of the housing and is movable between a restricting position when the cover is in its open position, and a relief position when the cover is closed. A latch mechanism is disposed in the housing in a position so as latch the stop member in its restricting position when the cover is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Antwain D. Taylor, Stephen L. Phelps, Debra N. Welchel, Victoria L. Bischoff, Robert C. Ziegenfuss
  • Publication number: 20040004153
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing rolled sheet material is provided. The dispenser has a housing which holds at least one roll of sheet material therein. The housing has a portion of an outer surface which is positioned against a support surface. The housing also has an opening defined by a perimeter configured to provide two hub positions. The dispenser also has a hub configured to receive at least one roll of sheet material. The hub has a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned to extend through at least a portion of one hub position. The hub has a flange which is positioned radially around at least a portion of the hub near the second end. The flange has a perimeter which is larger than the perimeter of the hub positions, and is supported against the outer surface of the housing. The hub is configured to be positioned to hold one of a jumbo roll, a mid-sized roll, and a stub roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, William G. Haen, Troy E. Westcott, Paul A. Haase
  • Publication number: 20040004152
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rolls of sheet material is provided. The dispenser has a housing which holds one or more rolls of sheet material. The housing has an opening which is defined by a perimeter. A hub which is configured to hold a roll of sheet material is positioned to extend at least partially through the opening, and is moveably retained within the perimeter. An arm supports the hub for pivotable movement on a first end thereof. A portion of the arm is pivotably coupled to a portion of the housing. A second end of the arm is also pivotably movable and configured to be releasably locked into one of a plurality of selected positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, William G. Haen, Troy E. Westcott, Paul A. Haase
  • Publication number: 20040004151
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rolled sheet material has a housing which holds at least one roll of sheet material. The housing has an outer surface positioned against a support surface and the housing also has an opening defined by a perimeter. A first end of a hub is positioned to extend through at least a portion of the opening in the housing. The hub is movably retained within the perimeter and it is configured to hold a roll of sheet material. An arm is coupled to a second end of the hub. The arm supports the hub for movement within the perimeter. The arm has a perimeter which is larger than the perimeter of the opening and the arm is movably supported against the outer surface of the housing. The arm is also configured to be releasably locked into one of a plurality of selected positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Kapiloff, Stephen L. Phelps, William G. Haen, Troy E. Westcott, Paul A. Haase
  • Patent number: 6666364
    Abstract: Opposed cantilevered adapters are provided for supporting a roll of material. The adapters have a roll bearing surface, a projection surface with a first end and a second end such that the first end is coterminous and substantially perpendicular to the roll bearing surface at each point along an interface formed therebetween, and an actuating surface angularly coterminous with the second end of the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Phelps
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030106922
    Abstract: Opposed cantilevered adapters are provided for supporting a roll of material. The adapters have a roll bearing surface, a projection surface with a first end and a second end such that the first end is coterminous and substantially perpendicular to the roll bearing surface at each point along an interface formed therebetween, and an actuating surface angularly coterminous with the second end of the projection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Phelps
  • Patent number: 6520372
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing stacked folded sheets includes a housing defining an internal storage space for a supply of folded sheets, for example folded paper towels or tissues. The housing includes a cover member that is movable between an open position and a closed position. An overfill prevention device is configured within the housing and is actuated by movement of the cover from its closed position to its open position. The overfill prevention device reduces the storage space within the housing upon movement of the cover to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Phelps
  • Patent number: D461984
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Stephen L. Phelps, John A. Clement, D. Scott Rowley, Victoria L. Brackney, Gary E. Torkington, Gary S. Pasternak
  • Patent number: D464514
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Stephen L. Phelps, John A. Clement, D. Scott Rowley, Victoria L. Brackney, Gary E. Torkington, Gary S. Pasternak
  • Patent number: D465953
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, D. Scott Rowley, Stephen L. Phelps, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
  • Patent number: D482221
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Phelps, Donald R. Scuvotti, John W. Fowler, Darrell R. Johnson, David W. Kapiloff, David Nevins, Andrew Clement, Louis Javier Collazo, David Scott Rowley