Gilbert T Tso

US Patent:

20090005247, Jan 1, 2009

Filed:

Jun 23, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/144313

Inventors:

Brad A. Spiegel - Lake Forest IL, US
Gilbert Tso - Chicago IL, US
Dan Cotugno - Northbrook IL, US

Assignee:

FLUID MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS, LLC - Wheeling IL

International Classification:

A01N 25/00

US Classification:

5041161

Abstract:

An apparatus for diagnosing a plant ailment and providing a formulation to address the plant ailment is shown and described along with a method of identifying a plant ailment, dispensing a formulation for the ailment and for applying the formulation to the plant are disclosed. The formulation dispenser is a multiple-component liquid and powder material dispenser with multiple pump types and reservoirs or canisters. All of the pumps are controlled by a central controller which also preferably includes substantial memory for a database containing a library of formulations associated with particular plant ailments. Samples of the sick plants may be scanned or digital photographs downloaded into the memory for diagnosis. Experts can be consulted over the internet or telephone for assistance in identifying an appropriate formulation. A limited quantity of the formulation is prepared for a single application and deposited in a recyclable container. The entire formulation is intended to be applied and the container disposed of thereby eliminating the presence of hazardous materials in the consumer's garage or garden shed. The dispensed formulations may be in granular, liquid or concentrate form.

US Patent:

20090285966, Nov 19, 2009

Filed:

Jan 19, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/355968

Inventors:

Gilbert T. Tso - Chicago IL, US
James Martin - Arlington Heights IL, US
John Hsing - Chicago IL, US
Ryan Hanawalt - Cary IL, US
Anton Obrecht - Arlington Heights IL, US

Assignee:

FLUID MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS, LLC - Wheeling IL

International Classification:

A23F 5/46
B67D 5/01
A23L 1/234

US Classification:

426593, 2221293, 222132, 222135, 2221445, 222 1

Abstract:

An improved modular flavor dispenser for dispensing a plurality of different flavors is shown and described. One disclosed modular flavor dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator or interface with a controller associated with the food or beverage dispenser. For example, an automated coffee machine may include its own controller. The controller of the coffee machine communicates with the coordinator or interface of the modular flavor dispenser which, in turn, communicates with the motor control board or controller of the flavor dispenser. The flavor coordinator board may have a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein or that information may be communicated from the controller of the coffee machine. The flavor coordinator board is linked to the motor control board which, in turn, is linked in parallel with the plurality of pumps used to dispense the variety of flavors. In the example of gourmet coffee, four or more pumps may be used: vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon, caramel, chocolate as well as other flavors. Improved techniques for pumping chocolate syrup are also disclosed that involve the use of nutating piston-type pumps.