Patents by Inventor David E. McKnight

David E. McKnight 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).

  • Patent number: 6776301
    Abstract: A cap with a way-one valve solves two distinct problems in the field of packaging materials that emit gasses, providing both a means to prevent a package from deforming under pressure built up inside the package, and a means to reseal the package. The cap comprises an inner wall extending downwardly from an inner portion of the top wall to define a cavity. An insert valve is mounted within the cavity, forming a seal with the inside wall. The upper surface of the insert valve, inner wall, and the top wall define a chamber with a gas escape path. A septum is disposed within the chamber, the septum seated on the insert valve and sealing one or more apertures in the insert valve. The septum is capable of at least partially unseating in response to force exerted by increased gas pressure acting through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Birgitt Torres-White, David E. McKnight, Jon Trollen
  • Publication number: 20040131809
    Abstract: Packages and methods for protecting oxygen-sensitive products from damage or degradation due to oxygen contamination are provided. The packages contain at least two oxygen scavenging materials having different oxygen scavenging properties, arranged so that oxygen contamination from different sources is effectively eliminated. Preferred packages contain at least one oxygen scavenging material to effectively absorb head space oxygen, and at least one oxygen scavenging material to effectively absorb ingress oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. McKnight
  • Patent number: 6743492
    Abstract: A laminate for coffee packaging is defined. The laminate includes an inorganic gas barrier layer, a strength layer, and an energy cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for coffee packaging. However, the laminate of the present invention has non-migratory, “reacted-in” slip agents. Further, the new laminate is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bray, David E. McKnight
  • Patent number: 6682791
    Abstract: Packages and methods for protecting oxygen-sensitive products from damage or degradation due to oxygen contamination are provided. The packages contain at least two oxygen scavenging materials having different oxygen scavenging properties, arranged so that oxygen contamination from different sources is effectively eliminated. Preferred packages contain at least one oxygen scavenging material to effectively absorb head space oxygen, and at least one oxygen scavenging material to effectively absorb ingress oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. McKnight
  • Publication number: 20030146216
    Abstract: A cap with a way-one valve solves two distinct problems in the field of packaging materials that emit gasses, providing both a means to prevent a package from deforming under pressure built up inside the package, and a means to reseal the package. The cap comprises an inner wall extending downwardly from an inner portion of the top wall to define a cavity. An insert valve is mounted within the cavity, forming a seal with the inside wall. The upper surface of the insert valve, inner wall, and the top wall define a chamber with a gas escape path. A septum is disposed within the chamber, the septum seated on the insert valve and sealing one or more apertures in the insert valve. The septum is capable of at least partially unseating in response to force exerted by increased gas pressure acting through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Birgitt Torres-White, David E. McKnight, Jon Trollen
  • Publication number: 20030027009
    Abstract: A laminate for coffee packaging is defined. The laminate includes an inorganic gas barrier layer, a strength layer, and an energy cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for coffee packaging. However, the laminate of the present invention has non-migratory, “reacted-in” slip agents. Further, the new laminate is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Marc Bray, David E. McKnight
  • Publication number: 20020155233
    Abstract: Packages and methods for protecting oxygen-sensitive products from damage or degradation due to oxygen contamination are provided. The packages contain at least two oxygen scavenging materials having different oxygen scavenging properties, arranged so that oxygen contamination from different sources is effectively eliminated. Preferred packages contain at least one oxygen scavenging material to effectively absorb head space oxygen, and at least one oxygen scavenging material to effectively absorb ingress oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: David E. McKnight