Patents by Inventor Steven R. Christoffersen

Steven R. Christoffersen 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: 7377495
    Abstract: A pressure regulator that regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced to water in a carbonated beverage system based on the temperature of the water. The regulator may be capable of operating in a first mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure varies substantially linearly over a first water temperature range, and a second mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure is substantially constant over a second water temperature range. A first flow path having a relatively small gas flow capacity may serve as a pilot to control the gas flow through a second flow path having a larger gas flow capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Thompson Design Innovation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Scott M. Thompson, Steven R. Christoffersen, Samuel Durham, David E. Green
  • Patent number: 6588727
    Abstract: A dispensing valve includes a platform, a product inlet supported on the platform, and a product outlet supported on the platform. A flow rate controller receives product from the product inlet and communicates product to the product outlet. A paddle arm disposed at an outlet from the flow rate controller moves from a closed position stopping product flow to an open position allowing product flow. The paddle arm includes a base and a seal mounted on the base. The base includes a lever portion, a seal-retaining portion, and a seal retaining support ridge disposed on the lever portion. The seal includes an outer sealing member supported on the base at the seal retaining support ridge and an inner sealing block supported on the seal-retaining portion. An actuator moves the paddle arm to its open position, while a biasing mechanism returns the paddle arm to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christoffersen, Samuel Durham, Richard M. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20030057393
    Abstract: A dispensing valve includes a platform, a product inlet supported on the platform, and a product outlet supported on the platform. A flow rate controller receives product from the product inlet and communicates product to the product outlet. A paddle arm disposed at an outlet from the flow rate controller moves from a closed position stopping product flow to an open position allowing product flow. The paddle arm includes a base and a seal mounted on the base. The base includes a lever portion, a seal-retaining portion, and a seal retaining support ridge disposed on the lever portion. The seal includes an outer sealing member supported on the base at the seal retaining support ridge and an inner sealing block supported on the seal-retaining portion. An actuator moves the paddle arm to its open position, while a biasing mechanism returns the paddle arm to its closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Steven R. Christoffersen, Samuel Durham, Richard M. Boyd