Thomas W Heermans

Thomas W. Heermans is an accomplished inventor based in West Bend, Wisconsin. He is known for his innovative contributions to cooking vessel technology. With a total of 3 patents, Heermans has made significant strides in enhancing the functionality and safety of kitchen appliances.

Latest Patents

One of Heermans' notable inventions is the "Mounting for Audible Signal Valve Knob." This innovative knob serves as a whistle that provides an audible signal when the cooking temperature has been reached. The design includes a valve slide assembly with a separate leaf spring that effectively shuts off the whistle. The inner and outer knob parts are designed to incorporate halves of a resonance chamber, making the knob easy to mold, assemble, clean, and disassemble. The inner knob consists of two parts: a top with a whistle orifice and a base featuring two arc segment portions that extend through the lid of the cooking vessel. This design ensures that the central opening in the cooking vessel top is small enough to prevent users from catching their fingers when disassembling the knob for cleaning. The valve slide is guided and overlaid by a knob cover, while the leaf spring biases the valve slide against the top wall of the resonance chamber, effectively blocking the passage from the resonance chamber to the ambient air when closed.

Career Highlights

Heermans is currently associated with Regal Ware, Inc., where he continues to innovate and develop new products. His work has contributed to the advancement of kitchen technology, making cooking safer and more efficient for users.

Conclusion

Thomas W. Heermans is a notable inventor whose work has significantly impacted the cooking industry. His innovative designs, particularly the audible signal valve knob, showcase his commitment to enhancing kitchen safety and functionality.