Richard E Kramer

US Patent:

7160023, Jan 9, 2007

Filed:

Mar 25, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/809210

Inventors:

Paul E. Freude - Kenosha WI, US
Richard D. Kramer - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

B01F 13/08

US Classification:

366273

Abstract:

A system for detachably coupling a mixer drive to a mixer in a portable tank, the system comprising a portable tank having a mixer mounted therein and a docking station adapted to receive the tank in an engaged configuration and to have no connection to the tank in a disengaged configuration. The mixer comprises a coupling, such as a magnetic coupling, having a first portion attached to a shaft for driving the mixer, and the docking station comprises a mixer drive having a second portion of the coupling for mating with the first portion. The tank may have one or more components for facilitating and/or maintaining engagement of the tank with the docking station. The docking station may comprise a linkage for converting engagement motion transmitted by the tank in a first direction into engagement motion of the coupling second portion in a second direction.

US Patent:

57719179, Jun 30, 1998

Filed:

Sep 25, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/533612

Inventors:

Michael Carney - Kenosha WI
Richard D. Kramer - Racine WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

B08B 906
B08B 908
F16K 3102

US Classification:

137238

Abstract:

A buffer system for separating an aseptic fluid handling assembly from a drain includes a fluid receiving housing in fluid flow communication with a fluid discharge outlet of the aseptic fluid handling assembly. A trapped fluid discharge opening near the bottom of the housing, includes a tube which extends above the bottom into a baffle container. The baffle container is in the form of an enclosure having openings at the bottom thereof to admit fluids contained in the housing. A discharge conduit is in fluid flow communication with the discharge opening. A first fluid level detector in the housing activates at least one valve in the discharge conduit by a control which opens and closes the valve in response selected fluid levels detected by the fluid level detector. In a preferred embodiment the first fluid level detect detects a fluid level exceeding a preselected depth in the housing and a second fluid level detector detects fluid levels dropping below a second preselected level in the housing. Preferably the second fluid level detector is operatively connected to the valve to cause closing thereof in the event the fluid level drops below the second preselected level.

US Patent:

54271266, Jun 27, 1995

Filed:

Oct 14, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/136772

Inventors:

Michael Carney - Kenosha WI
Richard Kramer - Racine WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

B08B 900

US Classification:

134 981

Abstract:

A cleaning system for cleaning a plurality of service tanks located at different sites spaced widely apart from each other. A set of storage tanks is located at one site, for storing cleaning solutions, each cleaning solution being recirculated through a respective recirculating line from each storage tank. The cleaning system further includes cleaning stations, one for each service tank assembly, each located close to its respective service tank assembly, each cleaning station having a connection to each recirculating line. Each cleaning station includes a wash/motive tank for a washing liquid, a rinse tank for a rinsing liquid, and an outlet line leading from each of the wash/motive tank and the rinse tank. Liquid is conveyed from the outlet lines of the wash/motive tank and rinse tank to the respective service tank assembly via a feed line. A return line is adapted to return liquid from the respective service tank assembly.

US Patent:

55459587, Aug 13, 1996

Filed:

Oct 13, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/323373

Inventors:

Richard H. Kramer - Glendale WI

Assignee:

KCS Industries, Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

A47F 308

US Classification:

318560

Abstract:

A merchandising system for holding items, such as compact discs, is disclosed. The system includes a base on which several item holders are rotatably mounted. Each item holder is configured to receive at least one and preferably a plurality of items arranged vertically. A plurality of motors rotate the items while cooperating sensors provide an output corresponding to the rotational position of the item holder. A controller is coupled between the sensors and motors to maintain alignment of rotation based on the output signals received from the sensors.

US Patent:

53906942, Feb 21, 1995

Filed:

Oct 13, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/136290

Inventors:

Robert D. Zimmerly - Kenosha WI
Richard Kramer - Racine WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

F16K 1120

US Classification:

137240

Abstract:

A fluid flow control assembly for controlling the flow of fluids to and from a number of tanks, and for controlling the communication of that flow. Raw material, product, CIP solution and drain conduits pass near to the tanks. The fluid flow control assembly which is the subject of this invention includes three sets of valves. One set of valves regulates the flow of raw materials from the first conduit into the tanks. Another set of valves regulates the flow of product out of the tanks into the second conduit. A third set of valves regulates the flow of CIP solution out of the tanks into the third conduit. Each set of valves prevents flow of fluid into or out of its respective conduit when desired, such that one of the tanks can be being filled at the same time another of the tanks is being emptied of product and a third one of the tanks is being flushed with CIP solution. The valves are arranged to provide double block and bleed functionality for the fluids not intended to flow to or from the tank at a particular time, with a full bore transparent leak conduit between each pair of blocks.