Patents by Inventor Steven Zach

Steven Zach 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: 8015651
    Abstract: A device (20) for cleaning surfaces is provided utilizing a web (94) of a tackified sheet material movably secured between rollers (56, 58) on the device (20) that enable the web (94) to be moved over the surface in opposite directions. The device (20) includes a supply roller (56) and a take-up roller (58) secured to opposed ends of the web (94) of adhesive sheet material, with at least one roller (56, 58) including a biasing mechanism (82) disposed within the roller (56, 58). The web (94) can be engaged with the surface by passing over a number of idler rollers (98) positioned between the supply roller (56) and take-up roller (58). The biasing mechanism (82) is designed to bias the movement of the web (94) onto the take-up roller (58), such that the mechanism (82) can be selectively operated to advance the web (94) from the supply roller (56) to the take-up roller (58) to expose a clean section of the adhesive sheet material (94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven A. Zach, Michael J. Maloney, Jonathan M. Mick, Kevin L. Askling, Thomas A. Sutrina
  • Patent number: 8015628
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
  • Patent number: 7997449
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first primary fluid, a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the first container, and a pump for drawing the first fluid through the fluid inlet conduit and into a pump chamber. A fluid discharge conduit is located downstream of the pump chamber. The fluid discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and a discharge orifice. The pump discharges the first fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid discharge conduit. The fluid delivery system also includes a second container having a second fluid, that delivers the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The second fluid mixes with the first fluid when the first fluid is discharged into the fluid discharge conduit such that a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is discharged through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20110192867
    Abstract: An overcap for a container includes a body having a sidewall. An opening is provided in the sidewall. An actuation mechanism includes an actuator with an elongate button and a manifold. The elongate button extends through the opening in the sidewall. The actuation mechanism is actuable to open a valve of a container by movement of the elongate button in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the overcap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Amie M. Best, Nancy L. Broen, Douglas P. Gundlach, Paul Katz, Brook S. Kennedy, Boris Kontorovich, Hideaki Matsui, Leah Pelowski, Judith A. Rath, Matthew N. Thurin, Richard Whitehall, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20110033224
    Abstract: A device for application of a self-adhesive product, wherein the device operates with at least a first step and a second step. The first step and second step being temporally separate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schultz, Michael E. Klinkhammer, Steven A. Zach, Russell B. Wortley, William J. Rice, Doraiswami Jaichandra, Mark D. Duennes, Keith C. Kristiansen, Jeffrey E. Butler, JR., Thomas Van Dyk, David A. Demar, Roland Charriez, John Kiely, John Anastasiadis
  • Publication number: 20110017406
    Abstract: A device employed by a user for applying a self-adhesive product to a surface may include an outer housing configured for gripping by a single hand of the user, the outer housing having a distal end, and a volume of self-adhesive product disposed within the outer housing. An automatic dispensing mechanism is disposed within the outer housing and operatively coupled to the outer housing and the volume of self-adhesive product, the automatic dispensing mechanism configured to advance at least a portion of the volume of self-adhesive product through the outer housing distal end in response to a manual actuation force applied to the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schultz, Michael E. Klinkhammer, Steven A. Zach, Russell B. Wortley, William J. Rice, Doraiswami Jaichandra, Mark D. Duennes, Keith C. Kristiansen, Jeffrey E. Butler, JR., Thomas Van Dyk, David Demar, Roland Charriez, John Kiely, John Anastasiadis
  • Patent number: 7823244
    Abstract: A fabric cleaning device (20) is disclosed. The fabric cleaning device (20) includes a hand held support (22) having a plurality of loosening projections (50) associated therewith, and a resilient pad (26) comprising a plurality of individual flexible cleaning sheets (60) receiving the loosening projections (50) and having an affinity for debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven A. Zach, Chrissie M. Smits, Douglas P. Gundlach
  • Publication number: 20100264046
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a clog from a drain pipe includes a container comprising a product chamber, a pressurization assembly in fluid communication with the inlet, and a shaft coupled to the container, the shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end. Projections extend outwardly from the shaft. The product chamber is adapted to receive a drain cleaning composition and the product chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The pressurization assembly has a canister of pressurized fluid and an adapter coupled to the container and including a socket defining a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the canister. The shaft has an exterior surface sized for insertion into the drain pipe. The shaft also has a channel that provides fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Julie L. Bates, Steven A. Zach, John C. Taylor, Ronald J. Schmidt, Marc B. Frosch, J. Gabriel Cleek
  • Publication number: 20100251495
    Abstract: A device (20) for cleaning surfaces is provided utilizing a web (94) of a tackified sheet material movably secured between rollers (56, 58) on the device (20) that enable the web (94) to be moved over the surface in opposite directions. The device (20) includes a supply roller (56) and a take-up roller (58) secured to opposed ends of the web (94) of adhesive sheet material, with at least one roller (56, 58) including a biasing mechanism (82) disposed within the roller (56, 58). The web (94) can be engaged with the surface by passing over a number of idler rollers (98) positioned between the supply roller (56) and take-up roller (58). The biasing mechanism (82) is designed to bias the movement of the web (94) onto the take-up roller (58), such that the mechanism (82) can be selectively operated to advance the web (94) from the supply roller (56) to the take-up roller (58) to expose a clean section of the adhesive sheet material (94).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven A. Zach, Michael J. Maloney, Jonathan M. Mick, Kevin L. Askling, Thomas A. Sutrina
  • Patent number: 7793377
    Abstract: A device (20) for cleaning surfaces is provided utilizing a web (94) of a tackified sheet material movably secured between rollers (56, 58) on the device (20) that enable the web (94) to be moved over the surface in opposite directions. The device (20) includes a supply roller (56) and a take-up roller (58) secured to opposed ends of the web (94) of adhesive sheet material, with at least one roller (56, 58) including a biasing mechanism (82) disposed within the roller (56, 58). The web (94) can be engaged with the surface by passing over a number of idler rollers (98) positioned between the supply roller (56) and take-up roller (58). The biasing mechanism (82) is designed to bias the movement of the web (94) onto the take-up roller (58), such that the mechanism (82) can be selectively operated to advance the web (94) from the supply roller (56) to the take-up roller (58) to expose a clean section of the adhesive sheet material (94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven A. Zach, Michael J. Maloney, Jonathan M. Mick, Kevin L. Askling, Thomas A. Sutrina
  • Publication number: 20100206903
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first primary fluid, a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the first container, and a pump for drawing the first fluid through the fluid inlet conduit and into a pump chamber. A fluid discharge conduit is located downstream of the pump chamber. The fluid discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and a discharge orifice. The pump discharges the first fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid discharge conduit. The fluid delivery system also includes a second container having a second fluid, and means for delivering the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The second fluid mixes with the first fluid when the first fluid is discharged into the fluid discharge conduit such that a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is discharged through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 7775458
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a bath and shower enclosure with a cleanser. The sprayer has a housing that can be mounted inside the shower enclosure and that defines a tray in which an inverted bottle of cleanser is stored. The bottom of the tray has a tube extending downwardly along a longitudinal axis through which the cleanser can pass. A motorized head disposed beneath the tube can be rotated about the axis for metering cleanser from the bottle and spraying cleanser outward. The sprayer includes timer circuitry that delays commencement of a spray for a set time and automatically stops spraying after a predetermined period. The sprayer also includes a system for signaling the beginning of a spray cycle including audio and visual alarms. The invention focuses on methods of using such equipment, as well as a container for supplying such equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Linstedt, Keith H. Gausmann, Cathal L. Fahy, Luke C. Stonis, Dale Aberegg, Michael C. Fryan, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Steven A. Zach, Peter M. Neumann, Craig F. Shiesley, Terry M. Kovara
  • Patent number: 7775401
    Abstract: A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first fluid that dispenses to a fluid discharge orifice via a fluid inlet conduit by a pump and pump chamber. The fluid delivery system includes a second container having a second fluid, with a device for delivering the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The two fluids mix in the fluid discharge conduit prior to dispensation through the discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: 7740412
    Abstract: A method of cleaning is disclosed. The method includes providing a cleaning tool having a handle having a top and bottom and an opening allowing access into the bottom from the top and a cleaning pad support pivotally attached to the handle portion. The method further includes the steps of placing a cleaning pad onto the cleaning pad support, inserting a fluid dispenser into the fluid dispenser cradle, positioning the cleaning pad onto a surface to be cleaned and moving the cleaning pad on the surface to be cleaned. Liquid may be selectively applied to either the surface to be cleaned or the cleaning implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Hoadley, Steven A. Zach, Jeffrey S. Kunkler, Tianzhu Wang, Chrissie M. Smits, Scott Massing, Mark M. Gipp
  • Publication number: 20100132101
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a clog from a drain pipe, the apparatus having: (a) a container comprising a product chamber; (b) a pressurization assembly in fluid communication with the inlet; (c) a shaft coupled to the container, the shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and (d) projections extending outwardly from the shaft. The product chamber is adapted to receive a drain cleaning composition and the product chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The pressurization sub-assembly has a canister of pressurized fluid and an adapter coupled to the container and including a socket defining a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the canister. The shaft has an exterior surface sized for insertion into the drain pipe. The shaft also has a channel that provides fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Julie L. Bates, Steven A. Zach, John C. Taylor, Ronald J. Schmidt, Marc B. Frosch, J. Gabriel Cleek
  • Patent number: D613014
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Hoadley, Steven A. Zach, Chrissie M. Smits
  • Patent number: D614373
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller, Jason Billig, Stuart M. Leslie, Taek Kim
  • Patent number: D623071
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Driskell, Matthew J. Forst, Judith A. Rath, Steven A. Sell, David A. Smith, Cynthia A. Stevens, Steven L. Sweeton, Matthew N. Thurin, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: D634194
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: William Driskell, Matthew J. Forst, Judith Rath, Steven Sell, David A. Smith, Cynthia A. Stevens, Steven Sweeton, Matthew N. Thurin, Steven A. Zach
  • Patent number: D645745
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Driskell, Matthew J. Forst, Judith A. Rath, Steven A. Sell, David A. Smith, Cynthia A. Stevens, Steven L. Sweeton, Matthew N. Thurin, Steven A. Zach