Dennis W Gruber

US Patent:

6415957, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Nov 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/722860

Inventors:

Kenneth W. Michaels - Spring Grove IL
John A. Heathcock - Racine WI
Edward J. Kunesh - Franksville WI
David P. Mather - Milwaukee WI
Scott W. Demarest - Caledonia WI
Darren K. Robling - Racine WI
Thomas J. Szymczak - Franksville WI
Clifford S. Eagleton - Chicago IL
Eric B. Gach - Niles IL
Paul J. Golko - Crystal Lake IL
Dennis W. Gruber - Arlington Heights IL

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

B67D 562

US Classification:

2221463, 22240213, 219214

Abstract:

Apparatus for dispensing a heated gel includes a housing having a recess therein, a coupling assembly disposed in the housing and adapted to retain a pressurized gel container in the recess and a heater assembly disposed in the housing. The heater assembly includes a heater selectively operable to develop heat and a heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the heater and having a chamber for receiving a quantity of gel. The heater assembly further includes a first valve in fluid communication with a first portion of the chamber and operable to expose the chamber to pressurized gel and a second valve in fluid communication with a second portion of the chamber and operable to allow dispensing of gel without substantial foaming.

US Patent:

7537647, May 26, 2009

Filed:

May 30, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/442940

Inventors:

Joel E. Adair - Racine WI, US
Rene Maurice Beland - Waterford WI, US
James R. Crapser - Racine WI, US
C. Scott Eagleton - Chicago IL, US
Thomas P. Gasper - Germantown WI, US
Dennis W. Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US
Jeffrey L. Harwig - New Berlin WI, US
Padma Prabodh Varanasi - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

B03C 3/011

US Classification:

96 62, 55434, 55462, 55467, 96 63, 96 97, 96222, 261DIG 88

Abstract:

The present invention is an air purifier including an ionizing assembly that operates to charge particulate material in an air flow passing through the purifier. The charged particulate material is attracted to and retained by a filter element disposed downstream of the ionization assembly and having an electrical charge opposite to the charged particulate material. The purified air passing through the filter is directed out of the device, optionally in conjunction with a fragrance that is added to the purified air flow. The ionizing assembly is formed with a ground member disposed adjacent the ionizing member to keep the electrons generated by the ionizing assembly within the purifier, and thus prevent static discharges from occurring outside of the purifier. The air flow is directed by a fan through the purifier in an angular and substantially laminar manner, such that the efficiency of the purifier is increased.

US Patent:

7589340, Sep 15, 2009

Filed:

Mar 31, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/096920

Inventors:

Imre J. Dancs - Greenfield WI, US
Jeffrey L. Harwig - New Berlin WI, US
John A. Heathcock - Racine WI, US
Dennis W. Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US
Eric B. Gach - Mount Prospect IL, US

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

G01N 15/06
G01F 23/00

US Classification:

250577, 73290 R, 356436

Abstract:

A system for detecting a container or contents of the container. The system includes a diffuser for retaining the container, where the container is configured to hold an active material therein and may include a wick extending therefrom. The system further includes a sensor positioned to detect, for example, the container retained in the diffuser and/or the contents of the container retained in the diffuser.

US Patent:

7824051, Nov 2, 2010

Filed:

Jan 6, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/327167

Inventors:

Scott D. Walter - Twin Lakes WI, US
Kevin Harrity - Oak Creek WI, US
Dennis W. Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

F21V 33/00

US Classification:

362101, 362 96

Abstract:

Illuminated, decorative light objects are disclosed that provide at least one aesthetic lighting display or light show, and to a user interface for the same. A disclosed decorative light object includes a translucent housing. The housing has a bottom opening leading into a cavity. The object also includes a base assembly that covers the bottom opening of the housing. The base assembly includes a user interface. The user interface includes light show circuitry, memory for storing a plurality of light shows, switches or buttons for recalling the light shows from the memory and at least one light group comprising red, green and blue lights. The switches of the user interface are supported in the bottom opening. The light show circuitry, memory and lights are supported within the cavity. Preferably, a translucent light pipe with a roughened lambertian outer surface covers and hides the circuitry and the lights.

US Patent:

7828235, Nov 9, 2010

Filed:

Jul 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/777827

Inventors:

Tai Hoon K. Matlin - Round Lake Beach IL, US
Dipan Pravin Surati - De Plaines IL, US
Dennis W. Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US
Jim Waring - Libertyville IL, US

Assignee:

Fellowes, Inc. - Itasca IL

International Classification:

B02C 4/32
B02C 7/14
B02C 9/04
B02C 11/08

US Classification:

241 34, 241100, 241236

Abstract:

The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

US Patent:

8123152, Feb 28, 2012

Filed:

Nov 8, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/941707

Inventors:

Tai Hoon K. Matlin - Round Lake Beach IL, US
Dipan Pravin Surati - De Plaines IL, US
Dennis W. Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US
Jim Waring - Libertyville IL, US

Assignee:

Fellowes, Inc. - Itasca IL

International Classification:

B02C 25/00

US Classification:

241 30, 241100, 241236, 241224

Abstract:

The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

US Patent:

20090120736, May 14, 2009

Filed:

Jun 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/758583

Inventors:

Daniel J. Masterson - Geneva IL, US
Dennis Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US
Daniel Namie - Elburn IL, US
Dipan Surati - DesPlaines IL, US

International Classification:

B62B 9/08

US Classification:

188 19

Abstract:

The present invention is a manually controlled and propelled wheeled vehicle whose wheels are locked or held in place via a braking mechanism. This invention includes a proximity sensing mechanism that determines when an operator is sufficiently in control of the wheeled vehicle. Upon an operator presence being determined, the proximity sensor calls for the release of the wheel locks and or braking mechanisms. Once the operator is no longer in the proper position, the wheel locks or brakes re-engage.

US Patent:

20090162804, Jun 25, 2009

Filed:

Jun 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/758542

Inventors:

Daniel J. Masterson - Geneva IL, US
Dennis Gruber - Arlington Heights IL, US

International Classification:

F23Q 7/06

US Classification:

431255

Abstract:

The present invention is an apparatus that allows a torch, lantern, or candle user to ignite an actual flame electronically with the turn of a switch. Furthermore, this invention provides the means for the user to remove the flame without the need to blow it out or manually snuff the flame.