David E Houser

US Patent:

6361752, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

May 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/314805

Inventors:

Scott W. Demarest - Caledonia WI
Imre J. Danes - Greenfield WI
David J. Houser - Racine WI

Assignee:

S. C. Johnson Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

A61L 900

US Classification:

422306, 422307, 310 64, 310254, 16510426, 392395, 392403

Abstract:

An air quality modification apparatus for dispensing a volatile material, such as for scenting the air, controlling pests, allergen control, or the like, includes an electric motor having a rotor and a coil. When electric current is applied, the coil produces both heat and an electromagnetic field that causes rotation of the rotor. A source of the volatile material is located adjacent to the coil so as to be volatilized by the coils heat. An impeller, attached to the rotor, moves air across the volatile material and blows the vapors away from the apparatus. Energy efficiency is provided by employing the electric motor coil as the source of heat to vaporize the volatile material. Also disclosed is a refill supply of a volatile material for use with such an air quality modification apparatus.

US Patent:

6533141, Mar 18, 2003

Filed:

Oct 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/002657

Inventors:

Tor H. Petterson - late of Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Michael G. Knickerbocker - St. George UT
David J. Houser - Racine WI

Assignee:

S. C. Johnson Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01F 1100

US Classification:

222 1, 222645, 22240213

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.

US Patent:

6588627, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

Oct 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/002664

Inventors:

Tor H. Petterson - late of Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Thomas Jaworski - Racine WI
David J. Houser - Racine WI
Michael G. Knickerbocker - Crystal Lake IL

Assignee:

S.C. Johnson Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01F 1100

US Classification:

222 1, 222645, 222649, 22240213

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.

US Patent:

6612464, Sep 2, 2003

Filed:

Nov 13, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/010319

Inventors:

Tor H. Petterson - deceased, late of Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Michael G. Knickerbocker - St. George UT
David J. Houser - Racine WI

Assignee:

S. C. Johnson Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01F 1100

US Classification:

222 1, 222645, 222649, 22240213

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.

US Patent:

6790670, Sep 14, 2004

Filed:

Oct 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/973504

Inventors:

Murthy S. Munagavalasa - Kenosha WI
Stacey L. Forkner - Waterford WI
Stanley J. Flashinski - Racine WI
Adam Hagop Buchaklian - East Troy WI
David J. Houser - Racine WI

Assignee:

S.C. Johnson Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01N 2178

US Classification:

436164, 436166, 422 58, 422 61, 424409, 424411

Abstract:

A time duration of end of product life indicator is disclosed which utilizes a volatile dye coated or impregnated into a substrate or carrier. The dye evaporates as a volatile component of the product evaporates thereby changing the color of the substrate or carrier. The consumer is alerted to the depletion of the volatile component of the product when the substrate or carrier changes from a colored or dyed state to an uncolored state. As a result, a visual time duration or end of product life indicator is provided.

US Patent:

6837396, Jan 4, 2005

Filed:

Dec 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/729173

Inventors:

Thomas Jaworski - Racine WI, US
Donald J. Shanklin - Riverside CA, US
Nathan R. Westphal - Racine WI, US
David J. Houser - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01F 1100

US Classification:

222 1, 222645, 222649, 22240213, 2224022

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 gas propellant from a portion of 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 burst of the main active chemical. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.

US Patent:

6926172, Aug 9, 2005

Filed:

Sep 6, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/236364

Inventors:

Thomas Jaworski - Racine WI, US
Nathan R. Westphal - Racine WI, US
Donald J. Shanklin - Corona CA, US
David J. Houser - Racine WI, US
Grace C. Petterson - Rancho Palos Verdes CA, US

Assignee:

S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

B65D083/14

US Classification:

22215312, 22240213, 22240214, 222649

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.

US Patent:

6978914, Dec 27, 2005

Filed:

Nov 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/496925

Inventors:

Paul E. Furner - Racine WI, US
Kenneth W. Michaels - Spring Grove IL, US
Thomas J. Szymczak - Franksville WI, US
Edward J. Kunesh - Franksville WI, US
David P. Mather - Milwaukee WI, US
David J. Houser - Racine WI, US
William E. McCracken - Elmhurst IL, US

Assignee:

S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

B65D083/00

US Classification:

2224021, 22240222, 22240223

Abstract:

Apparatus for placing contents of a first container in fluid communication with a delivery apparatus includes an actuating element carried by the delivery apparatus and a valve element carried by the first container. At least one of the actuating element and the valve element defines a flow path from the first container to the delivery apparatus when the actuating element and the valve element are engaged with one another. The actuating element is engageable with a circular cylindrical valve of a second container to prevent flow of contents of the second container into the delivery apparatus.