Taps Or Cocks Patents (Class 40/332)
  • Patent number: 10994981
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a static and dynamic display dispenser for in-line fluid flow, apparatus, system, and a method of using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses an inventive fluid measuring apparatus having a tap shell housing or handle, a tap head or frame, at least one display screen, a tap stem, and a tap adaptor to connect the tap shell housing or handle to a tap spigot system. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus has at least one means to measure in real-time the fluid or liquid that is being dispensed. The inventive fluid measuring apparatus has at least one means to transmit the collected data to at least one other electronic device via a wired or wireless connection. The invention also allows for the display of at least one image. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive fluid measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: TAP DISPENSARY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Ovid Forest Reichelt, Denis S. Barry
  • Patent number: 9903506
    Abstract: A sanitary water faucet handle has multiple levers, or grasping regions. Each lever includes an associated indicator, identifying whether the particular grasping region is intended for use in turning the faucet's water supply on, or off. The indicator may be in the form of indicia applied to a portion of at least one of the levers, a coloration of at least one of the levers, a variation in the relative length of at least one of the levers, or a variation of the height of at least one of the levers relative to a bottom surface of the handle. The handle is attachable to a conventional water valve, permitting the handle to be retrofitted as a replacement handle in existing faucet systems. A supplemental lever or grasping region may be attachable or releasably attachable to a preexisting lever of a faucet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: RK INVENTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Kole
  • Patent number: 9567202
    Abstract: A system for illuminated tap handles includes at least one tap handle, at least one charging unit, at least one control device (remote control), and a plurality of web enabled computing devices. The at least one tap handle provides illumination through a transparent handle casing, where the illumination is provided by a LED light strip. The LED light strip can be controlled and operated by the plurality of web enabled computing devices and a remote control device. The at least one charging unit provides a wireless internet network for the plurality of web enabled computing devices, and sends out text messages to the plurality of web enabled computing device through the wireless network and a personal-area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ILLUMITAP LLC
    Inventors: Andrew S. Walker, James R. Lester, Brian D. G. Maxfield
  • Patent number: 9079759
    Abstract: An illuminated tap handle comprises a handle casing, a LED light strip, a battery, a charging station, and a remote control. The LED light strip comprises a plurality of LED lights. The plurality of LED lights and the battery are hermetically sealed within the handle casing to prevent damage from corrosive materials and electronically connected to each other. The handle casing design can be easily altered to meet the needs of the consumer. The LED light strip and the battery can be installed in any casing design to better promote the branding. The remote control controls the effects of the plurality of LED lights. An induction charging method is used to charge the illuminated tap handle to prevent any kind of damages that may happen during the charging process. The illuminated tap handle is easily connected to the existing beer towers with a simple screwing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: ILLUMITAP LLC
    Inventors: Andrew S. Walker, James R. Lester, Brian D. G. Maxfield
  • Publication number: 20150052790
    Abstract: The present invention disclosure reveals an easily changed beer font and wine bottle or growler cork system that comprises easily changed standardized faceplates useful for quick identification. A font body is affixed to the industry standard beer tap or cork, a sliding mechanism allows for quick change of a identifying faceplate, and a magnet pair mounted on the faceplate and font body to assist the assembly's rigidity and security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: JAMES MATT LOGUE
  • Patent number: 8678247
    Abstract: A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Haskayne, Robert W. Shettle, Donald W. Smeller, Jarrell L. Jennings, III, Merrill R. Good
  • Patent number: 8522812
    Abstract: A valve handle that operates a valve, and includes permanent, integral labeling. The labeling includes installer information about the installer of the valve handle, including the installer's name and contact information; and the function of the valve operated by said valve handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: John W. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 8276879
    Abstract: A beverage faucet lever comprising: an upper shaft, wherein the upper shaft comprises a tap marker alignment member, and wherein the upper shaft comprises a lip for engaging a tab of a tap marker mounting device, and further wherein the upper shaft is at least partially positionable within a tap marker mounting device; a lower shaft, wherein the lower shaft comprises an actuator and wherein the lower shaft is at least partially positionable within a beverage faucet; and a ball joint positioned between the upper shaft and the lower shaft, wherein the ball joint is at least partially positionable within a beverage faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Dual Gravity, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Lee Erickson, Jason William Spaulding
  • Patent number: 8011123
    Abstract: A handle for a beverage dispensing tap that incorporates a feature that permits a protective cap from the Barnes neck of a malt beverage keg to be attached for the purpose of identifying the beverage being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Marsh Ferris
  • Patent number: 7931382
    Abstract: An illuminated bar gun, having a first housing portion; a second housing portion dimensioned to connect with the first housing portion and form a unitary body; a recess formed in one or both of the first and second housing portions; and an illumination source fitted within the recess. The present invention also provides an illuminated beverage dispensing handle, having a first portion and a second portion; cavities formed in the first portion and a recess formed in said second portion; and an illumination source fitted inside the cavity, the recess, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hecht
  • Publication number: 20110067276
    Abstract: A handle for a beverage dispensing tap that incorporates a feature that permits a protective cap from the Barnes neck of a malt beverage keg to be attached for the purpose of identifying the beverage being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Marsh Ferris
  • Patent number: 7328853
    Abstract: There is provided a turret member for a reversible airless spray tip unit having an easily readable identification device or indicia for the particular turret member imprinted on a tag or label attached to a securing device or attaching ring secured to the handle of the turret member. A plurality of turret members are carried on a keychain by their attachment rings for their ease of accessibility to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: TriTech Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Danuta H. Carey, John Plocic, Christopher M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 7096617
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a draft beverage tap handle. The handle includes a body portion and a handle portion. The body portion includes a battery, a light source, a microprocessor, a motion sensor, and a timer. The microprocessor controls electrical current supplied to the light source from the battery. The motion sensor detects when the beverage tap handle has been moved to dispense a beverage. The timer causes electrical current to be interrupted to the light source from the battery when a predetermined period of time has expired. The handle portion is made from a translucent material having an internal cavity for accepting the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Edward William Bydalek, Walter F. Lewis, Leonard R. Missler
  • Patent number: 6953256
    Abstract: One object of the invention is to provide an illuminated tap handle including a handle with one end capable of being secured to a tap and a threadable and detachable end allowing the placement of a removable energy source into the handle completing a circuit and illuminating a light source connected to a conducting strip inside the handle when the threadable end is substantially threaded onto the handle and a conducting portion on the threadable end touches the conducting strip and energy source. Another object is where the conducting strip is situated within the tap handle such that when the threadable end is partially or completely unthreaded the tension of the conduction strip is released and situated just above and not touching the energy source, but when the threadable end is substantially threaded onto the tap handle, the conducting strip is again pressed onto the energy source completing the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Brent Turner
  • Publication number: 20040163288
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a draft beverage tap handle. The handle includes a body portion and a handle portion. The body portion includes a battery, a light source, a microprocessor, a motion sensor, and a timer. The microprocessor controls electrical current supplied to the light source from the battery. The motion sensor detects when the beverage tap handle has been moved to dispense a beverage. The timer causes electrical current to be interrupted to the light source from the battery when a predetermined period of time has expired. The handle portion is made from a translucent material having an internal cavity for accepting the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Edward William Bydalek, Walter F. Lewis, Leonard R. Missler
  • Patent number: 6470609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for promoting the sale of a showerhead enables a prospective customer to evaluate the showerhead in a relaxed setting and separate from competing showerheads, while at the same time providing in a fixed, permanent, readily viewed location the information necessary to contact the manufacturer or seller of the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dannenbaum
  • Patent number: 6119714
    Abstract: A valve cap for an installation having interior air pressure. The cap includes an upper sleeve portion with a central recess for receiving a pair of pressure indicating inserts. The inserts are received in the recess, and each displays one digit of a desired inflation pressure on its upper surface. The inserts also have a formation thereon which enable them to be snapped snugly in place within the recess. Other embodiments include a tray nesting with the inserts. A single insert is also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Karl G. Otzen
  • Patent number: 6052929
    Abstract: A mnemonic temperature marking system for fluid valves, especially of the type used in bathing vessels such as bathtubs and showers. Any user can easily, quickly, and accurately set the valve so that water of the desired temperature will flow when the valve is adjusted so that the marker is aligned with a pointing arrow on the valve. The marking system comprises a plurality of individual, personalized, or unique markers (16). Users of the bathing vessel adhere the markers to the valve (knob (14) or escutcheon (10)) at respective positions where such users' desired water temperature settings are adjacent the valve's fiducial marker (12). The markers can comprise graphic symbols (16', 26), letters (32), or markers (34) which can have a plurality of letters (for initials of a user) adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Herbert Canadas
  • Patent number: 5887367
    Abstract: A display apparatus is attachable to a fluid pump filler gun. The display apparatus comprises a first frame member and a second frame member opposite the first frame member, releasably engageable with one another to form a frame on the head portion of the filler gun. The gun head or protective body enclosing the gun head has an upper surface. Each first and second frame member releasably attaches to the gun head or protective body. A frame formed by the first and second frame members holds a replaceable message card between the frame and the upper surface. The first and second frame members can each hold additional replaceable message cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Alvern-Norway A/S
    Inventor: Stein Alvern
  • Patent number: 5651388
    Abstract: A indicating assembly for use with a faucet having a spout having a threaded distal end portion. The assembly comprises an indicating device which has a mounting portion and an indicating portion and a securing mechanism for securing the indicating device adjacent the distal end portion of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: James F. Farnan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5586691
    Abstract: Customer information display apparatus is attached to a beverage dispense tap. In one embodiment the dispense tap handle 18 is formed of or includes light transparent and/or light reflective material, a light generating means 22, 30 is attached to the tap body, or a counter fitting therefor, remote from the tap handle, and means 36, 20 are provided to direct light from the light generating means to the tap handle, whereby, in use, the tap handle can illuminate to display customer information. In another embodiment, a shield 58 is provided on the tap body 10 and/or the tap handle 40 to present an information display surface to face customers and to mask from customer view the pivotal interface 12 between the tap handle and the tap body, at least when the tap handle is in its closed position. The apparatus may be designed for attachment to existing taps with minimal or no modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Alumasc Limited
    Inventors: Henry E. Gotch, Roger J. Hyde
  • Patent number: 5412547
    Abstract: A lightable display device including a base, a handle including a light source for illuminating the display device, a rechargeable battery coupled to the light source for energizing the light source, and means for effecting the recharging of the rechargeable battery in a conventional electrical outlet, and means for removably securing the handle to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: DCI Marketing
    Inventors: Richard P. Hornblad, Kenneth J. Rabas, Michael R. Sturm, Jerome A. Zakrajsek
  • Patent number: 4894647
    Abstract: A handle for operating a beverage tap has an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to it. an electronic control circuit is mounted in the handle and lead wires run out of the handle from said control circuit to a source of electric power. A switch closes when the handle is tilted to activate the control circuit and the control circuit responds by energizing the LEDs and causing them to scintillate in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Everbrite Electric Signs, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Walden, Jr., John P. Glueckstein
  • Patent number: 4261121
    Abstract: A plastic clamping clip is disclosed which not only securely fastens together and hangs documents, garments, film, and fabrics, but also prominently and permanently displays advertising, promotional and labeling information such as firm name, brand name, address, phone number, size, price, etc. The clip has an easily but permanently attachable shaped display member which can be secured in place to display the particular labeling or promotional information desired. The clips can also be manufactured as part of a garment hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Red Wing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Coon
  • Patent number: 4229893
    Abstract: Advertising apparatus with electrically operated attention drawing means conveniently in the form of a lamp or device for emitting an audio signal. The apparatus is for use with a device for dispensing liquids from inverted bottles and has a support bracket, a resilient mounting projecting from the bracket and adapted to locate a liquid metering device and a bottle attached thereto, and a switching circuit for operating the attention-drawing means with the switching circuit being closed by movement of the bottle on the resilient mounting when the liquid metering device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: Optic Ads (Pty.) Limited
    Inventor: Thomas F. Uys Naude
  • Patent number: 4058081
    Abstract: An indicating device for a tank containing a valve having a head for opening and closing the valve that includes a body portion having a top end and spaced apart bottom end with a peripheral surface therebetween, and indicia means on the top end of the body portion. Gripping means on the peripheral surface is provided to facilitate mounting and removal of the body portion from the valve head. Enclosing means extends vertically in the body portion upwardly from the bottom end, with a cavity having a pair of vertically extending spaced apart cavity walls adapted to receive therebetween the valve head, such that vertical mounting and removal of the body portion on the valve head by the gripping means is obtainable. Retaining means is connected to at least one of the cavity walls for releasably securing by frictional engagement the body portion to the valve head thereby requiring a force for mounting and removal of the device from a valve head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Inventor: Maureen Adele Maxfield
  • Patent number: 3977105
    Abstract: A reservoir cap assembly of a vehicle master cylinder includes a cap body detachably mounted on an open end of a reservoir a caution plate on which directions or the like are inscribed, and a rivet having head and leg portions for respectively securing the cap body and the caution plate.The head portion of the rivet is firstly caulked to a bottom surface of the caution plate, and thereafter the leg portion of the head caulked rivet is fixedly secured in the cap body thereby to tightly attaching the caution plate to the cap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1976
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kaoru Tsubouchi