Patents by Inventor Andrew F. Clarke

Andrew F. Clarke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Vent tube for liquid container
    Patent number: 7975884
    Abstract: The present invention provides a can lid having an air passage that focalizes air flow to the pour spout opening during pouring in a manner that provides a laminar flow without substantial surging. More particularly, the present invention provides a container including a can lid, a severable pour spout in the can lid, and at least one air passage integrated into the can lid extending from the severable pour spout by a dimension to provide a focused air flow to an interior of the container to a spout opening when severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Mathabel, Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober, Alejandro J. Santamaria, Andrew F. Clarke
  • Vent tube for liquid container
    Publication number: 20080011786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a can lid having an air passage that focalizes air flow to the pour spout opening during pouring in a manner that provides a laminar flow without substantial surging. More particularly, the present invention provides a container including a can lid, a severable pour spout in the can lid, and at least one air passage integrated into the can lid extending from the severable pour spout by a dimension to provide a focused air flow to an interior of the container to a spout opening when severed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Richard R. Mathabel, Howard C. Chasteen, Mark A. Jacober, Alejandro J. Santamaria, Andrew F. Clarke
  • Easy-open misting container
    Patent number: 6375029
    Abstract: An improved can end, and method for making a can end, for pressurized beverage containers with a stay on tab. The tab incorporates a raised region with a hole. The raised region is positioned to receive the vapor vented from the can upon initial lifting of the tab. The raised region and hole are sized and shaped to discharge the vapor from the region, through the hole, and into the surrounding environment, appearing as a mist or cloud. Among other configurations, the raised region can be shaped as the top half of a bubble or a crescent, and the opening can be circular or elongated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Anthony, Eileen M. Smith, Andrew F. Clarke, George P. Kurzdorfer
  • EASY-OPEN MISTING CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20020014489
    Abstract: An improved can end, and method for making a can end, for pressurized beverage containers with a stay on tab. The tab incorporates a raised region with a hole. The raised region is positioned to receive the vapor vented from the can upon initial lifting of the tab. The raised region and hole are sized and shaped to discharge the vapor from the region, through the hole, and into the surrounding environment, appearing as a mist or cloud. Among other configurations, the raised region can be shaped as the top half of a bubble or a crescent, and the opening can be circular or elongated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. ANTHONY, EILEEN M. SMITH, ANDREW F. CLARKE
  • Method of making bottle-shaped metal cans
    Patent number: 5822843
    Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Hans H. Diekhoff, Andrew F. Clarke
  • Threaded aluminum cans and methods of manufacture
    Patent number: 5718352
    Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Hans H. Diekhoff, Andrew F. Clarke