Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Gillette

Thomas D. Gillette 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: 20230263196
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a needleless spray nozzle head that injects injectade into food without requiring the head to contact the food. In some cases, the head comprises an elongated needleless spray bar that defines multiple internal fluid channels that extend from a first end to a second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the head comprises a manifold system with a first manifold portion at the first end and a second manifold portion at the second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the first manifold portion directs the injectade towards the second end, and the second manifold portion directs the injectade towards the first end of the elongated needleless spray bar. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Patent number: 11638435
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a needleless spray nozzle head that injects injectade into food without requiring the head to contact the food. In some cases, the head comprises an elongated needleless spray bar that defines multiple internal fluid channels that extend from a first end to a second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the head comprises a manifold system with a first manifold portion at the first end and a second manifold portion at the second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the first manifold portion directs the injectade towards the second end, and the second manifold portion directs the injectade towards the first end of the elongated needleless spray bar. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: S2I, LLC
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Publication number: 20210084945
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a needleless spray nozzle head that injects injectate into food without requiring the head to contact the food. In some cases, the head comprises an elongated needleless spray bar that defines multiple internal fluid channels that extend from a first end to a second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the head comprises a manifold system with a first manifold portion at the first end and a second manifold portion at the second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the first manifold portion directs the injectate towards the second end, and the second manifold portion directs the injectate towards the first end of the elongated needleless spray bar. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth, Jonathan E. Hale, Ray D'Alesandro
  • Patent number: 10806166
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems and methods can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include an injectate reservoir, a filter, a first pump configured to force injectate from the injectate reservoir and through the filter, a nozzle configured to inject injectate into a food product without having the nozzle contact the food, and a valve that is configured to selectively open and close to regulate when and how much of the injectate that passes through the filter is forced out of the nozzle. In some cases, the described systems further include a chiller configured to cool injectate in the reservoir, a sensor configured to determine a distance between the nozzle and food item, an actuator configured to move the nozzle, and/or a computer processor that controls an amount of injectate sprayed from the nozzle. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: S2I, LLC
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Publication number: 20190364934
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a needleless spray nozzle head that injects injectade into food without requiring the head to contact the food. In some cases, the head comprises an elongated needleless spray bar that defines multiple internal fluid channels that extend from a first end to a second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the head comprises a manifold system with a first manifold portion at the first end and a second manifold portion at the second end of the spray bar. In some cases, the first manifold portion directs the injectade towards the second end, and the second manifold portion directs the injectade towards the first end of the elongated needleless spray bar. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Patent number: 10375977
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems and methods can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include an injectade reservoir, a filter, a first pump configured to force injectade from the injectade reservoir and through the filter, a nozzle configured to inject injectade into a food product without having the nozzle contact the food, and a valve that is configured to selectively open and close to regulate when and how much of the injectade that passes through the filter is forced out of the nozzle. In some cases, the described systems further include a chiller configured to cool injectade in the reservoir, a sensor configured to determine a distance between the nozzle and food item, an actuator configured to move the nozzle, and/or a computer processor that controls an amount of injectade sprayed from the nozzle. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: S21, LLC
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Publication number: 20190191746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems and methods can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include an injectate reservoir, a filter, a first pump configured to force injectate from the injectate reservoir and through the filter, a nozzle configured to inject injectate into a food product without having the nozzle contact the food, and a valve that is configured to selectively open and close to regulate when and how much of the injectate that passes through the filter is forced out of the nozzle. In some cases, the described systems further include a chiller configured to cool injectate in the reservoir, a sensor configured to determine a distance between the nozzle and food item, an actuator configured to move the nozzle, and/or a computer processor that controls an amount of injectate sprayed from the nozzle. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Publication number: 20180000135
    Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Specifically, the described methods relate to systems and methods for packaging food products in a manner that increases the products' shelf life. Generally, the methods begin by providing a food product. In some cases, debris is removed from the food product. To kill bacteria and other microbes on the food product, the food product is optionally washed in ozonated water. To deactivate enzymes within the food product, the food product is heated, though not necessarily cooked or blanched. The food product is then typically sealed in a barrier package containing between about 1 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume. In some cases, the sealed package is then heated to between about 165 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit to kill microbes in the sealed package. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20160338392
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing food intervention, pumping up, and tenderization are discussed. While such systems and methods can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include an injectade reservoir, a filter, a first pump configured to force injectade from the injectade reservoir and through the filter, a nozzle configured to inject injectade into a food product without having the nozzle contact the food, and a valve that is configured to selectively open and close to regulate when and how much of the injectade that passes through the filter is forced out of the nozzle. In some cases, the described systems further include a chiller configured to cool injectade in the reservoir, a sensor configured to determine a distance between the nozzle and food item, an actuator configured to move the nozzle, and/or a computer processor that controls an amount of injectade sprayed from the nozzle. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Zane M. Gillette, Thomas D. Gillette, James M. Gillette, C. Brennan Jones, David Haskell, Jared Reid, Victor Rodriguez, Tyler Hepworth
  • Publication number: 20140308173
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20140272042
    Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Specifically, the described methods relate to systems and methods for packaging food products in a manner that increases the products' shelf life. Generally, the methods begin by providing a food product. In some cases, debris is removed from the food product. To kill bacteria and other microbes on the food product, the food product is optionally washed in ozonated water. To deactivate enzymes within the food product, the food product is heated, though not necessarily cooked or blanched. The food product is then typically sealed in a barrier package containing between about 1 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume. In some cases, the sealed package is then heated to between about 165 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit to kill microbes in the sealed package. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20140264966
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ozonated water on demand. In particular, these systems comprise a water source, an ozone source, and a nozzle that mixes ozone and water to form a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution. Instead of requiring the ozonated water to be re-circulated to achieve a desired ozone concentration, the nozzle is configured to form the ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle. Additionally, instead of requiring the ozonated water to be discharged into a pressurized tank to increase ozone absorption, the nozzle allows the ozonated water to be openly discharged. In some cases, the nozzle comprises a venturi with multiple ozone inlets to increase mixing. Additionally, in some cases the nozzle comprises a single pass mixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone to form the high concentrate, ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Patent number: 8696796
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Patent number: 8690078
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ozonated water on demand. In particular, these systems comprise a water source, an ozone source, and a nozzle that mixes ozone and water to form a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution. Instead of requiring the ozonated water to be re-circulated to achieve a desired ozone concentration, the nozzle is configured to form the ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle. Additionally, instead of requiring the ozonated water to be discharged into a pressurized tank to increase ozone absorption, the nozzle allows the ozonated water to be openly discharged. In some cases, the nozzle comprises a venturi with multiple ozone inlets to increase mixing. Additionally, in some cases the nozzle comprises a single pass mixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone to form the high concentrate, ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20130164186
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20130020411
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ozonated water on demand. In particular, these systems comprise a water source, an ozone source, and a nozzle that mixes ozone and water to form a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution. Instead of requiring the ozonated water to be re-circulated to achieve a desired ozone concentration, the nozzle is configured to form the ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle. Additionally, instead of requiring the ozonated water to be discharged into a pressurized tank to increase ozone absorption, the nozzle allows the ozonated water to be openly discharged. In some cases, the nozzle comprises a venturi with multiple ozone inlets to increase mixing. Additionally, in some cases the nozzle comprises a single pass mixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone to form the high concentrate, ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Patent number: 8323380
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Patent number: 8272582
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ozonated water on demand. In particular, these systems comprise a water source, an ozone source, and a nozzle that mixes ozone and water to form a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution. Instead of requiring the ozonated water to be re-circulated to achieve a desired ozone concentration, the nozzle is configured to form the ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle. Additionally, instead of requiring the ozonated water to be discharged into a pressurized tank to increase ozone absorption, the nozzle allows the ozonated water to be openly discharged. In some cases, the nozzle comprises a venturi with multiple ozone inlets to increase mixing. Additionally, in some cases the nozzle comprises a single pass mixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone to form the high concentrate, ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Publication number: 20120230878
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette
  • Patent number: 8147591
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas D. Gillette