Inventors list |
Assignees list |
Classification tree browser |
Top 100 Inventors |
Top 100 Assignees |
Jablonski, US
Brian Jablonski, Providence, RI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080277413 | Toy Water Gun with Selectable Pulse and Stream Discharge Nozzles - A toy gun is disclosed that may have a pressurized elastomeric supply bladder in fluid communication with an elastomeric pulse bladder via a trigger valve. The pulse bladder may also be in fluid communication with a pulse nozzle via a pulse valve that is operatively connected to the pulse bladder so that the pulse valve moves from a closed position to an open position when the pulse bladder expands. When the supply bladder is filled with pressurized liquid and the trigger valve is opened, pressurized liquid from the supply bladder is forced into the pulse bladder. As the pulse bladder expands, the expansion eventually causes the pulse valve to open and cause a burst of liquid to be discharged from the pulse bladder through the pulse nozzle. As the pulse bladder contracts during the burst of liquid, the pulse valve returns to the closed position so that the pulse bladder can continuously cycle through the sequence of filling with pressurized liquid and opening the pulse valve to release a burst of liquid as long as the trigger valve remains opened and the supply bladder forces pressurized liquid to the pulse bladder. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20110041821 | TOY DART LAUNCHER APPARATUS WITH MOMENTARY LOCK - A launcher apparatus for soft foam toy darts, the apparatus having a lock that operates momentarily during a cock and load cycle of the launcher apparatus to prevent an improper cocking operation. The launcher apparatus includes a barrel, a slide, a firing assembly and the lock. The launcher apparatus also includes three protrusions or surfaces for operative engagement with the lock to partially depress the lock, to fully depress the lock, and to disengage the lock to reset the launcher apparatus for the next cock and load cycle. During operation, one protrusion surface depresses the lock partially and momentarily, a second protrusion or surface fully depresses the lock to enable the lock to be maintained in the depressed state, and a third protrusion or surface causes the lock to be released. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110041824 | TOY EMPLOYING CENTRAL SHAFT COCKING MECHANISM FOR RAPID FIRE PROJECTILE LAUNCHING AND METHOD THEREOF - A toy for launching two or more projectiles employing a central shaft cocking mechanism for rapid fire projectile launching through quick, simple and fun cocking and triggering mechanisms. The toy includes a housing assembly, a projectile device disposed about the housing with two or more projectiles, a piston and cylinder assembly. The piston is secured to the housing in a fixed position and the cylinder is slidably mounted on the piston, a cocking mechanism in mechanical communication with the piston and cylinder assembly including a shaft extending through the projectile device for engagement with the cylinder capable of moving the cylinder to a cocked position. A trigger mechanism is secured to the housing capable of advancing the projectile device to a firing position and capable of releasing the cylinder from a cocked position to advance the cylinder on the fixed piston and discharge a burst of compressed air launching a projectile. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20120037135 | DOUBLE BARREL TOY LAUNCHER APPARATUS - A toy launcher apparatus for discharging soft foam projectiles, the apparatus having a housing and a barrel assembly, including side-by-side barrels, that simulates a real double barrel shotgun. Within the housing are two launching assemblies operatively connected to the barrels, and a trigger assembly for capturing launching tubes of the launching assemblies and for allowing a user to release the launching tubes, and launching springs mounted around the launching tubes to cause the projectiles to be “fired” when the launching tubes are released. Also mounted to the housing and the barrel assembly, and operatively connected to the launching assemblies, is a cocking assembly having an elongated link pivotally connected at one end to the barrel assembly and at an opposite end to a ratchet and compression mechanism. The ratchet and compression mechanism includes a central block with an upward extending arm for engaging the launching tubes to compress the launching springs, and a downward extending arm for engaging a rack connected to an inner frame of the housing to prevent the launching springs, when partially compressed, from snapping to an expanded position should the user fumble the apparatus during a cocking cycle. The barrel assembly is rotatable between a housing aligned position and a housing nonaligned position. The barrel assembly also includes a slide collar for facilitating sliding the barrels between an extended position and a retracted position when the barrel assembly is in the housing aligned position. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120073554 | TOY PROJECTILE LAUNCHER APPARATUS - A toy launcher apparatus for discharging circular projectiles, the apparatus having a housing, lower and upper panels mounted to the housing, supports mounted to the housing, a cocking slide and a slide spring connected to the supports, a projectile receptacle connected to the cocking slide, release levers mounted to the housing, a guide wall mounted to the lower panel, a positioning wheel also mounted to the lower panel, and a trigger mounted to the housing. The lower panel includes a slot positioned parallel to the guide wall but off center relative to a center point of a load projectile. Beneath the lower panel is a rotatable launch arm connected to a torsion spring and a catch structure. The upper and lower panels are parallel to one another and spaced to receive a projectile. The projectile is loaded into the projectile receptacle when the receptacle is exposed during the time the launch arm and torsion spring are cocked by a user pulling rearward on the cocking slide. The launch arm is captured by the catch structure, and the cocking slide and the receptacle are also captured. After loading the projectile, the one of the release levers is activated to snap the cocking slide, the carriage and the loaded projectile to a predetermined launch position. When a user pulls the trigger the launch arm is rapidly rotated by the torsion spring through the slot where the launch arm impacts the loaded and correctly positioned projectile and causes the projectile to be discharge with a spin. | 03-29-2012 |
Brian Jablonski, White Bear Lake, MN US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090036830 | Bifurcation Treatment System and Methods - A catheter assembly configured for treatment of a vessel bifurcation. The catheter assembly includes a catheter shaft and first and second balloons. The second balloon extends radially outward relative to the first balloon when expanded. A valve arrangement controls expansion of the second balloon. Portions of the valve arrangement can be positioned at proximal and distal end portions of the catheter shaft. Typically, the first balloon is expanded followed by expansion of the second balloon. A stent having a lateral branch opening is operatively mounted to the first balloon. The second balloon is configured to extend through the lateral branch opening when the second balloon is expanded. | 02-05-2009 |
Daivd A. Jablonski, Whitman, MA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120126803 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF MATERIALS - Methods and apparatus for characterizing composite materials for manufacturing quality assurance (QA), periodic inspection during the useful life, or for forensic analysis/material testing. System are provided that relate eddy-current sensor responses to the fiber layup of a composite structure, the presence of impact damage on a composite structure with or without a metal liner, volumetric stress within the composite, fiber tow density, and other NDE inspection requirements. Also provided are systems that determine electromagnetic material properties and material dimensions of composite materials from capacitive sensor inspection measurements. These properties are related to the presence of buried defects in non-conductive composite materials, moisture ingress, aging of the material due to service or environmental/thermal exposure, or changes in manufacturing quality. | 05-24-2012 |
Dane Jablonski, Brunswick, OH US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090054714 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HIGH PURITY EXO-ALKENYLNORBORNENE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to methods for producing high purity exo-alkenylnorbornenes from a mixture of conformational isomers thereof. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090118539 | GENERATION OF ENDO- AND/OR EXO-NORBORNENECARBOXALDEHYDE AS AN INTERMEDIATE TO FUNCTIONALIZED NORBORNENES - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for forming essentially pure diastereomers of 5/6-substituted norbornene-type monomers. Further, embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymerizing such diastereomers to form addition or ROMP polymers where a desired exo-/endo-ratio of the diastereomers is provided to the polymerization, such ratio designed to provide a desired ratio of endo-/exo-structured repeating units for a resulting polymer to have desired physical or chemical properties. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20100094030 | Preparation Of Alicyclic Diepoxides - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide alicyclic diepoxide compounds and methods for forming such compounds. Such methods encompass charging a reaction vessel with an appropriate diene and an appropriate dienophile and causing such to react to form and recover a desired alicyclic diepoxide precursor where such precursor is subsequently epoxidized. Such compounds encompass alicyclic diepoxides having purities of at least 95 percent or at least 98 percent with respect non-isomeric residues and are essentially free of any isomeric alicyclic diepoxide residues. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100099906 | GENERATION OF ENDO- AND/OR EXO-NORBORNENECARBOXALDEHYDE AS AN INTERMEDIATE TO FUNCTIONALIZED NORBORNENES - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for forming essentially pure diastereomers of 5/6-substituted norbornene-type monomers. Further, embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymerizing such diastereomers to form addition or ROMP polymers where a desired exo-/endo-ratio of the diastereomers is provided to the polymerization, such ratio designed to provide a desired ratio of endo-/exo-structured repeating units for a resulting polymer to have desired physical or chemical properties. | 04-22-2010 |
David A. Jablonski, Whitman, MA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110054806 | Component Adaptive Life Management - A framework for adaptively managing the life of components. A sensor provides non-destructive test data obtained from inspecting a component. The inspection data may be filtered using reference signatures and by subtracting a baseline. The filtered inspection data and other inspection data for the component is analyzed to locate flaws and estimate the current condition of the component. The current condition may then be used to predict the component's condition at a future time or to predict a future time at which the component's condition will have deteriorated to a certain level. A current condition may be input to a precomputed database to look up the future condition or time. The future condition or time is described by a probability distribution which may be used to assess the risk of component failure. The assessed risk may be used to determine whether the part should continue in service, be replaced or repaired. A hyperlattice database is used with a rapid searching method to estimate at least one material condition and one usage parameter, such as stress level for the component. The hyperlattice is also used to rapidly predict future condition, associated uncertainty and risk of failure. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110060568 | Component Adaptive Life Management - A framework for adaptively managing the life of components. A sensor provides non-destructive test data obtained from inspecting a component. The inspection data may be filtered using reference signatures and by subtracting a baseline. The filtered inspection data and other inspection data for the component is analyzed to locate flaws and estimate the current condition of the component. The current condition may then be used to predict the component's condition at a future time or to predict a future time at which the component's condition will have deteriorated to a certain level. A current condition may be input to a precomputed database to look up the future condition or time. The future condition or time is described by a probability distribution which may be used to assess the risk of component failure. The assessed risk may be used to determine whether the part should continue in service, be replaced or repaired. A hyperlattice database is used with a rapid searching method to estimate at least one material condition and one usage parameter, such as stress level for the component. The hyperlattice is also used to rapidly predict future condition, associated uncertainty and risk of failure. | 03-10-2011 |
David C. Jablonski, Waterford, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100064614 | Re-usable radiative thermal insulation - Commercial metalized plastic film, in the form of discarded containers or container stock, is collected, cleaned, shredded and packaged, to produce an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance, or R-value, no outgassing of volatile compounds at habitable temperatures, and multiple reusability after deployment. Each step in the sequence is designed to minimize unit cost of the process, as well as maximize the thermal resistance of the finished product. The invention largely avoids disintegration of the recycled material, and hence utilizes the embedded energy already present in the construction of the original film. | 03-18-2010 |
Edward Jablonski, Escondido, CA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090176201 | MICROBUBBLES FOR AFFINITY SEPARATION - The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for affinity isolation, affinity purification and affinity assay based on microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Particularly, the invention provides protein microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. In addition, the invention provides glass microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Methods of using the microbubbles of the invention for isolating analytes and cells are specifically provided. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090246781 | Method for early determination of recurrence after therapy for prostate cancer - This invention describes compositions and methods for use in PSA assays having low functional sensitivity which are useful, for example, in the detection of early stage recurrence of prostate disease following treatment and in the determination of whether patients have early stage biochemical reoccurrence (ES-BCR) or stable disease. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20110230644 | MICROBUBBLES FOR AFFINITY SEPARATION - The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for affinity isolation, affinity purification and affinity assay based on microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Particularly, the invention provides protein microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. In addition, the invention provides glass microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Methods of using the microbubbles of the invention for isolating analytes and cells are specifically provided. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110236884 | MICROBUBBLES FOR AFFINITY SEPARATION - The present invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for affinity isolation, affinity purification and affinity assay based on microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Particularly, the invention provides protein microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. In addition, the invention provides glass microbubbles coated with an affinity molecule. Methods of using the microbubbles of the invention for isolating analytes and cells are specifically provided. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20120082988 | HOMOGENEOUS ANALYTE DETECTION - The present invention provides novel binding pair compositions of defined and limited stability comprising nucleic acid detection markers useful for the homogeneous, sensitive detection of analytes. Also provided are methods for the sensitive homogenous detection of analytes, particularly analytes of clinical relevance. Kits for preparing binding pairs of the invention and for performing the methods of the invention are also provided. | 04-05-2012 |
Gary Jablonski, Saline, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120122525 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRIVACY MODE OPERATION IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment an apparatus that includes a communication module is provided. the communication module is configured to enable a driver to control the operation of a portable occupant communication device (OCD) in a hands free mode and to transmit a first command to the portable OCD to disable the hands free mode and to activate a privacy mode for enabling the driver to control the OCD via switches positioned on the OCD. The communication module is further configured to receive a driver performance signal that is indicative of the driver's performance while the privacy mode is active and to transmit a second command to the portable OCD to deactivate the privacy mode and to reactivate the hands free mode based on the driver performance signal. | 05-17-2012 |
Gregory Jablonski, Yardley, PA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100015462 | METALLIC NANOPARTICLE SHIELDING STRUCTURE AND METHODS THEREOF - A metallic nanoparticle shielding structure derived from a substrate having metallic nanoparticles deposited thereon in either a pattern or a coating. The pattern can comprise one or more marks that have a width of 20 to 40 micrometers and that can overlap one another. The metallic nanoparticles can be heated at a temperature less than 110 degrees Celsius for a period of time less than 90 seconds. In some embodiments, the metallic nanoparticle shielding structure can be applied to liquid crystal displays, polyester substrates, polycarbonate substrates, or any other suitable substrate. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100245814 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING ANALYTICAL SUBSTRATES USING METALLIC NANOPARTICLES - An analytical substrate for amplifying Raman signals by a factor greater than 10,000, or by a factor less than 1,000,000. The analytical substrate is fabricated by depositing a film on the substrate and heating the substrate to a temperature less than 100 degrees Celsius for a period of time less than 30 seconds. The film can comprise a metallic nanoparticle dispersion that can further comprise a population of metallic nanoparticles. In some instances, the metallic nanoparticles have an average cross-sectional dimension in a range of about 1 nm to about 100 nm. In other instances each nanoparticle comprises at least one ligand bound to a surface of the nanoparticle, where the ligand comprises a heteroatom head group bound to the nanoparticle surface and a tail bound to the heteroatom head group. | 09-30-2010 |
Gregory A. Jablonski, Yardley, PA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080213609 | SHIELDING BASED ON METALLIC NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS AND DEVICES AND METHODS THEREOF - Disclosed are cohesive metallic structures, comprising sintered metallic nanoparticles, suitable for shielding against electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference. Also disclosed are methods for forming such structures. Devices for shielding electromagnetic radiation and methods of shielding electromagnetic radiation using such devices are also provided. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20110236709 | LOW-TEMPERATURE SINTERABLE METAL NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITION AND ELECTRONIC ARTICLE FORMED USING THE COMPOSITION - [Object] A composition of a metal nanoparticle is provided in which reproducibility in a method of producing a metal film with excellent low-temperature sinterable properties is improved. An article using the metal nanoparticle composition is also provided. | 09-29-2011 |
Jarrod Jablonski, High Springs, FL US
Jason Jablonski, Zimmerman, MN US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090288718 | APPARATUS TO REGULATE FLUID FLOW - Apparatus to regulate fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes an example regulator valve and an example automatically-adjusting or self-adjusting amplifier valve to maintain fluid flow during low downstream demand fluid flow conditions, and to maintain the operational accuracy and stability of the regulator valve during higher downstream demand fluid flow conditions. | 11-26-2009 |
Jason Dirk Jablonski, Zimmerman, MN US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090071548 | MODULAR IN-LINE FLUID REGULATORS - Modular in-line fluid regulators are described. One described example modular fluid regulator apparatus includes a body having a fluid inlet and a threaded outer surface to engage a threaded opening in another fluid regulator to serially fluidly couple first and second fluid regulators. The example fluid regulator apparatus also includes valve to control a flow of fluid through the first fluid regulator, and a pressure sensing member operatively coupled to the valve to control a position of the valve to provide a regulated output pressure at an outlet of the first fluid regulator. The pressure sensing member and the valve are configured to be received in a cavity of the second fluid regulator adjacent the threaded opening. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20100276614 | MODULAR IN-LINE FLUID REGULATORS - Modular in-line fluid regulators are described. An example fluid regulator apparatus includes a fluid regulator comprising a body defining a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet port is configured to interchangeably receive a coupling associated with one-stage fluid regulation or a modular in-line fluid regulator associated with two-stage fluid regulation. The modular in-line fluid regulator is configured to be positioned substantially within the fluid inlet port to change the fluid regulator apparatus from a one-stage fluid regulator to a two-stage fluid regulator. The fluid regulator apparatus includes a diaphragm operatively coupled to a valve assembly to control a flow of fluid through the valve assembly based on a pressure of the fluid outlet. | 11-04-2010 |
Joseph L. Jablonski, Linden, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080196496 | Wheel Balancing Method and Apparatus - A method for balancing a wheel and tire assembly includes providing a wheel and tire assembly characterized by a rotational imbalance, and applying a fluid to the wheel and tire assembly thereby to correct the rotational imbalance. The use of a liquid to correct a rotational imbalance facilitates the automation of a balancing operation. Accordingly, another method is provided that includes determining a quantity of mass to be applied to a wheel and tire assembly to correct a rotational imbalance, and commanding an apparatus to dispense an amount of a fluid having the quantity of mass to be dispensed from a nozzle. A corresponding apparatus is also provided. | 08-21-2008 |
Kevin Jablonski, Scranton, PA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080223102 | SPRING CLAMP FOR A SUPPORT LEG - A detachable support for a workpiece, and in particular a bending brake, includes a workpiece support and a clamp pivotally attached to the workpiece support. The clamp further comprises a lever that pivots about a pivot axis relative to the workpiece support between an unclamped position and a clamped position, the clamp being biased toward the clamped position. In operation, a user pivots the clamp into an unclamped position, places the detachable support structure into positional engagement with the workpiece, and then releases the clamp into clamping engagement with the workpiece. | 09-18-2008 |
Mark Jablonski, Woodridge, IL US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090101550 | DIALYSIS SYSTEM HAVING NON-INVASIVE FLUID VELOCITY SENSING - A dialysis system includes a dialyzer; a blood pump coupled operably to a dialyzer; a dialysate inlet pump couple operably to a dialysate inlet of the dialyzer; a dialysate outlet pump coupled operably to a dialysate outlet of the dialyzer; a first non-invasive fluid velocity sensor positioned to sensor of inlet flowrate of dialysate pumped to the dialysate inlet by the dialysate inlet pump; and a second non-invasive fluid velocity sensor positioned to sense an outlet flowrate of dialysate pumped from the dialysate outlet by the dialysate outlet pump. | 04-23-2009 |
Mark E. Jablonski, Naperville, IL US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090124963 | BALANCED FLOW DIALYSIS MACHINE - A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber. | 05-14-2009 |
Michelle M. Jablonski, Yardley, PA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110246339 | Generating Financial Report Information - In some embodiments, a method for generating financial report information comprises receiving customer information associated with an account portfolio from a customer information database. The account portfolio comprises one or more customer accounts. A change in value for each of the one or more customer accounts is determined over a defined period. The one or more transactions represent asset activity associated with one or more customer accounts. One or more account rates of return are determined for each of the one or more customer accounts over the defined period. A portfolio rate of return is determined for the customer's account portfolio over the defined period. The portfolio rate of return and the one or more account rates of return are communicated to a reporting system. | 10-06-2011 |
Monica M. Jablonski, Memphis, TN US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090060980 | GLYCAN BINDING PROTEINS AS THERAPEUTIC TARGETS FOR RETINAL DISORDERS AND TREATMENT METHODS BASED THEREON - Disclosed are novel methods of treatment for retinal diseases and conditions including age-related macular degeneration, genetic-based retinal degenerations and retinal detachment. A novel glycan binding protein thought to be a cell surface receptor has been discovered in the retina. The retinal glycan binding receptor is shown to play an important role in promoting assembly of outer segment (OS) membranes by the photoreceptor cells of the eye, a process that is essential for vision. Based on the finding that certain sugars can bind with very high affinity to the retinal glycan receptor and stimulate its function, the invention provides novel therapeutic agents for treatment of retinal diseases that are multivalent N-linked glycans. Preferred pharmaceutical compositions in accordance with the present invention comprise active agents having the general formula: (Gal-GlcNAc) | 03-05-2009 |
Ted Jablonski, Palatine, IL US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110316175 | CARBONATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING A CARBONATED BEVERAGE - An inline carbonation apparatus that includes a fluid tube having an inner diameter. At least one water orifice is linked to a water source and is attached to one end of the fluid tube. The water orifice includes a plurality of holes atomizing water that passes therethrough. A carbon dioxide orifice is linked to a carbon dioxide source and is attached to the fluid tube in a spaced relationship from the water orifice. The atomized water has a pressure less than the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water forming carbonated water having a specified volume of carbonation. | 12-29-2011 |
Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Palatine, IL US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080276641 | Cold carbonation and cold syrup system for beverage dispenser with remote tower - A beverage dispensing system is characterized by a beverage dispenser and a beverage dispensing tower located remote from the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser has a cold plate and the tower has a heat exchanger. To deliver chilled beverage components to and for dispensing by the tower, a closed-loop water circulating circuit extends between and includes a fluid chilling circuit of the cold plate and a heat exchange circuit of the heat exchanger. The closed-loop circuit is fluid coupled to a beverage valve of the tower to deliver chilled water to the valve, and a supply of beverage syrup is fluid coupled to the tower valve through a fluid chilling circuit of the heat exchanger for delivery of chilled syrup to the valve for mixing with chilled water in the dispensing of a beverage from the tower valve. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20110049190 | Undercounter ice dispenser - An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110220689 | Ice dispense system and method - An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features. | 09-15-2011 |