Patents by Inventor Tor H. Petterson

Tor H. Petterson 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: 6926172
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically and essentially totally release aerosol content from an aerosol container in a single burst without the use of electric power or constant manual activation. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol chemical from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray of the main active chemical. The diaphragm is held in the open position while there is elevated pressure of active in the can and/or due to a latch that activates as the diaphragm moves to the dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Nathan R. Westphal, Donald J. Shanklin, David J. Houser, Grace C. Petterson, Tor H. Petterson
  • Patent number: 6612464
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves axially, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal an outlet, and thereby initiate a spray burst. A pawl extends from the diaphragm, and engages a retention surface to resist movement of the diaphragm and prolong the accumulation phase. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Patent number: 6588627
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal a valve stem, and thereby initiate a spray burst. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure. A barrier prevents the aerosol container from resupplying the accumulation chamber at a high rate during the spray phase, preferably due to a textured interface between the barrier and a passageway in which it is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Thomas Jaworski, David J. Houser, Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20030106912
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves axially, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal an outlet, and thereby initiate a spray burst. A pawl extends from the diaphragm, and engages a retention surface to resist movement of the diaphragm and prolong the accumulation phase. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Publication number: 20030080144
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically and essentially totally release aerosol content from an aerosol container in a single burst without the use of electric power or constant manual activation. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol chemical from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a seal so as to unseal an outlet channel, and thereby initiate a spray of the main active chemical. The diaphragm is held in the open position while there is elevated pressure of active in the can and/or due to a latch that activates as the diaphragm moves to the dispensing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Nathan R. Westphal, Donald J. Shanklin, David J. Houser, Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson
  • Publication number: 20030080141
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal a valve stem, and thereby initiate a spray burst. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure. A barrier prevents the aerosol container from resupplying the accumulation chamber at a high rate during the spray phase, preferably due to a textured interface between the barrier and a passageway in which it is housed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, Thomas Jaworski, David J. Houser, Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6533141
    Abstract: An valve assembly is provided that automatically dispenses aerosol content from a can at predetermined intervals. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm flexes to initiate a spray phase, during which the aerosol content is delivered from the accumulation chamber to the ambient environment. A rotatable pawl provides resistive pressure and control of diaphragm movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Patent number: 6146040
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article such as a baby bottle includes a handle that is sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and a reservoir defined within the handle for storing a detergent. A push-pull cap is provided on the handle for dispensing detergent from the reservoir when the handle is squeezed. A brush is connected to the handle, and is sized and configured so as to be able to fit into an open end of a baby bottle to scrub the baby bottle during cleaning. The push-pull cap is advantageously located on a portion of the handle member that is remote from the brush member, so that a user will be able to dispense detergent and scrub without putting down the apparatus, and also have the flexibility to scrub without fear of unwanted detergent leaking into the brush, such as during a final rinse. A novel brush configuration is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, William B. Farnham, Tor H. Petterson
  • Patent number: 6125548
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson
  • Patent number: 6038784
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson
  • Patent number: D446826
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Tor H. Petterson, Charles P. Davis
  • Patent number: D342800
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Jean T. McGregor
  • Patent number: D356650
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Jean T. McGregor, Steven A. Johnson
  • Patent number: D378434
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Jean T. McGregor
  • Patent number: D404839
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, William B. Farnham
  • Patent number: RE43349
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, legal representative
  • Patent number: D410557
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Howard Balch
  • Patent number: RE43635
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, legal representative
  • Patent number: D421812
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: James U. Neyer, Tor H. Petterson, Zoltan Pavlakovich, Bret T. Huber, Charles P. Davis
  • Patent number: D433171
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, James U. Neyer, Charles P. Davis