Patents by Inventor Steve D. White

Steve D. White 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).

  • Dispensing apparatus and method of dispensing
    Patent number: 7028448
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Engesser, Andrew A. Peterson, Steve D. White
  • Dispensing apparatus and method of dispensing
    Patent number: 6904737
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Engesser, Andrew A. Peterson, Steve D. White
  • Dispensing apparatus and method of dispensing
    Publication number: 20040020941
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Michael D. Engesser, Andrew A. Peterson, Steve D. White