Stephen W Schmitt

US Patent:

20130082075, Apr 4, 2013

Filed:

Jun 20, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/393422

Inventors:

James A. Trulaske - St. Louis MO, US
Stephen M. Schmitt - Hazelwood MO, US

International Classification:

B67D 1/00

US Classification:

222517

Abstract:

The beverage dispensing system includes a dispensing faucet defining a flow path, a valve head in the flow path movable between a closed position in sealed contact with a valve seat, and an open position. An actuator is manually movable to operate the faucet, and a biasing element is cooperable with the actuator and valve head such that an initial movement of the actuator will automatically cause sufficient energy to be stored or loaded in the biasing element for moving the valve head to the open position but without doing so. Occurrence of a subsequent predetermined event such as a further movement of the actuator will cause the stored energy to be automatically released to rapidly or nearly instantaneously move the valve head to the open position. As a result, no instruction or skill is required to operate the faucet to uniformly dispense pressurized beverages such as draught beer.

US Patent:

20160031693, Feb 4, 2016

Filed:

Jul 30, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/814282

Inventors:

James A. Trulaske - St. Louis MO, US
Stephen M. Schmitt - Hazelwood MO, US

International Classification:

B67D 1/00

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for enhancing presentation of a beverage, particularly adapted for adding a longer lasting, creamy foamed head to a beer or other malt beverage, which enhancing can be done when the beverage is served or later, and separately of dispensing the beverage. The enhancement provided by the creamy foamed head can increase aroma, and customize or change flavor and appearance, including by the addition of design and/or marketing features, to increase perceived value. As another advantage, the apparatus of the invention can be provided in advance of the dispensing of the beverage, and separately, including in a disposable, hand held container.

US Patent:

20140319186, Oct 30, 2014

Filed:

Jul 3, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/323669

Inventors:

James A. Trulaske - St. Louis MO, US
Stephen M. Schmitt - Hazelwood MO, US

International Classification:

B67D 1/00

US Classification:

222517

Abstract:

The beverage dispensing system includes a dispensing faucet defining a flow path, a valve head in the flow path movable between a closed position in sealed contact with a valve seat, and an open position. An actuator is manually movable to operate the faucet, and a biasing element is cooperable with the actuator and valve head such that an initial movement of the actuator will automatically cause sufficient energy to be stored or loaded in the biasing element for moving the valve head to the open position but without doing so. Occurrence of a subsequent predetermined event such as a further movement of the actuator will cause the stored energy to be automatically released to rapidly or nearly instantaneously move the valve head to the open position. As a result, no instruction or skill is required to operate the faucet to uniformly dispense pressurized beverages such as draught beer.

US Patent:

20140182743, Jul 3, 2014

Filed:

Aug 20, 2012

Appl. No.:

14/239517

Inventors:

James A. Trulaske - Town and Country MO, US
Stephen M. Schmitt - Hazelwood MO, US

Assignee:

ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

B67D 1/08

US Classification:

141271

Abstract:

A filter for holding a container in a tilted position for receiving a beverage being dispensed from a dispensing system such as a beer faucet, which holds the container, such as a cup or mug, in an initial highly tilted orientation for receiving the dispensed beverage, and which progressively reduces the degree of tilt as the container fills. The filter can operate in cooperation with the lever or other actuator of a dispenser to automatically be tilted to the initial highly tilted orientation when the actuator is operated to initially dispense, and to automatically operate the actuator to stop the dispensing of the beverage when a final reduced degree of tilt is reached and present the filled container for removal from the filter.