Patents by Inventor Eugene P. Thomas

Eugene P. Thomas 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: 8237084
    Abstract: A system for laser microperforated fresh produce trays for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored such as by size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system tailors microperforated trays for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the trays using at least some of the following: a conveyor, a thickness measuring devise, a sensor mechanism, and a laser system including optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston, Roland Meijer, Eugene P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7748560
    Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas DaCosta, Elizabeth Varriano-Marston, Eugene P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7748561
    Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Taylor Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston, Eugene P. Thomas, Nicholas DaCosta
  • Publication number: 20080149604
    Abstract: A system for laser microperforated fresh produce trays for use in modifying or controlling the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and/out of a fresh produce container, where the microperforations are specifically tailored such as by size, location and number for the specific produce. The packaging system tailors microperforated trays for particular produce to optimally preserve the produce, using a method of making registered microperforations on the trays using at least some of the following: a conveyor, a thickness measuring devise, a sensor mechanism, and a laser system including optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston
    Inventors: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston, Roland Meijer, Eugene P. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080014383
    Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston, Eugene P. Thomas, Nicholas DaCosta
  • Publication number: 20080011755
    Abstract: An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston, Eugene P. Thomas, Nicholas DaCosta
  • Patent number: 4249079
    Abstract: A spot filmer for a diagnostic X-ray apparatus can be front or back loaded with two standard sizes of X-ray film cassettes. This versatility is achieved by the provision of a pair of cassette holding half trays or frames and a precision drive including stepper motors enabling the cassette frames to be driven in unison longitudinally and transversely and in opposite directions transversely to adjust for cassette sizes and to achieve firm holding of cassettes during transport and radiography. Mechanical stops are not required in the precision drive. A cassette back edge locator bar is connected by a parallel bar linkage to each cassette half tray or frame and the locator bar is advanced and retracted automatically in response to relative lateral movements of the frames by the precision drive. Compactness, strength and durability and high reliability of the mechanism are attained. The precision drive is compatible with computer controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Assignee: CGR Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene P. Thomas