Patents by Inventor Patrick Joseph Bierschenk
Patrick Joseph Bierschenk 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).
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Patent number: 10960994Abstract: A vertical fill, form and seal (VFFS) apparatus for particulates that facilitates the close-packing (“settling”) of the particulates such that a smaller package is needed to contain a mass of particulates in a charge to the VFFS apparatus. The former of the VFFS apparatus, and an associated film driver, move up and down synchronously and in a controlled manner. A partially formed bag, below the former, containing particulates is shaken up and down as the former moves up and down, while the packaging film travels downward continuously in the apparatus. The shaking causes the particulates to settle, and to increase in bulk density. This allows use of less packaging, and lowers use of transportation fuel. In an embodiment, an actuator is in mechanical communication with the former (and its associated film driver) to apply a vertical reciprocating force to the former.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk
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Patent number: 10759556Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal apparatus, for packaging particulates, includes a package sealing assembly that has opposed sealing jaws operatively coupled to each other by mechanical connection at a common pivot point. A first jaw actuator is mechanically coupled to the opposed sealing jaws to pivot the jaws in a controlled manner about the common pivot point. A second actuator is mechanically coupled to the package sealing assembly and is configured to impart controlled reciprocating motion to the package sealing assembly. A controller is configured to control the first actuator and to control the second actuator thereby causing the jaws to describe a preset locus of travel, allowing flexibility of type of bag being made without change-out of jaws. The packaging film may move continuously, or may optionally be controlled to move intermittently through the VFFS.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignees: Frito-Lay North America, Inc., Douglas Machine, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Frank Mathew Brenkus, Ronald M. Gust
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Publication number: 20190218009Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Patrick Joseph BIERSCHENK, Martin Bernhard DIERL, Chad Arthur HUEBNER, Jerry Mike REAVES
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Patent number: 10308385Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Jerry Mike Reaves
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Patent number: 10287075Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Martin Bernhard Dierl, Chad Arthur Huebner, Jerry Mike Reaves
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Publication number: 20180237173Abstract: A vertical fill, form and seal (VFFS) apparatus for particulates that facilitates the close-packing (“settling”) of the particulates such that a smaller package is needed to contain a mass of particulates in a charge to the VFFS apparatus. The former of the VFFS apparatus, and an associated film driver, move up and down synchronously and in a controlled manner. A partially formed bag, below the former, containing particulates is shaken up and down as the former moves up and down, while the packaging film travels downward continuously in the apparatus. The shaking causes the particulates to settle, and to increase in bulk density. This allows use of less packaging, and lowers use of transportation fuel. In an embodiment, an actuator is in mechanical communication with the former (and its associated film driver) to apply a vertical reciprocating force to the former.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2017Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventor: Patrick Joseph BIERSCHENK
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Publication number: 20180170599Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal apparatus, for packaging particulates, includes a package sealing assembly that has opposed sealing jaws operatively coupled to each other by mechanical connection at a common pivot point. A first jaw actuator is mechanically coupled to the opposed sealing jaws to pivot the jaws in a controlled manner about the common pivot point. A second actuator is mechanically coupled to the package sealing assembly and is configured to impart controlled reciprocating motion to the package sealing assembly. A controller is configured to control the first actuator and to control the second actuator thereby causing the jaws to describe a preset locus of travel, allowing flexibility of type of bag being made without change-out of jaws. The packaging film may move continuously, or may optionally be controlled to move intermittently through the VFFS.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Frank Mathew Brenkus, Ronald M. Gust
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Patent number: 9840346Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package with a desired shape on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a partially formed first package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a flat first side; filling the partially formed first package with product; forming a second end seal on the partially formed first package to form a first package from the partially formed first package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a flat second side, wherein the flattening the first side and the flattening the second side occur on a first machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignees: Frito-Lay North America, Inc., Douglas Machine Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Frank Mathew Brenkus, Ronald M. Gust, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Publication number: 20160159543Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Patrick Joseph BIERSCHENK, Martin Bernhard DIERL, Chad Arthur HUEBNER, Jerry Mike REAVES
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Patent number: 9296171Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Martin Bernhard Dierl, Chad Arthur Huebner, Jerry Mike Reaves
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Publication number: 20150121813Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package with a desired shape on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a partially formed first package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a flat first side; filling the partially formed first package with product; forming a second end seal on the partially formed first package to form a first package from the partially formed first package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a flat second side, wherein the flattening the first side and the flattening the second side occur on a first machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Patrick Joseph BIERSCHENK, Frank Mathew BRENKUS, Ronald M. GUST, Steven Kenneth TUCKER
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Patent number: 8572932Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Martin Bernhard Dierl, Chad Arthur Huebner, Jerry Mike Reaves, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Patent number: 8371094Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Jerry Mike Reaves
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Publication number: 20120055120Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Patrick Joseph BIERSCHENK, Martin Bernhard DIERL, Chad Arthur HUEBNER, Jerry Mike REAVES, Steven Kenneth TUCKER
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Patent number: 8061900Abstract: A semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs, and method for manufacturing same, constructed from a gusseted bag. The invention provides for modifying a gusseted bag, heat sealing the gussets to their respective side walls, loading said gusseted bag with product, and then sealing the open end of the gusseted bag with a single sheet or web. The method of making this package is economical yet provides for a semi-rigid container ideal for use with single-serve pillow bags.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk
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Publication number: 20110280504Abstract: A semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs, and method for manufacturing same, constructed from a gusseted bag. The invention provides for modifying a gusseted bag, heat sealing the gussets to their respective side walls, loading said gusseted bag with product, and then sealing the open end of the gusseted bag with a single sheet or web. The method of making this package is economical yet provides for a semi-rigid container ideal for use with single-serve pillow bags.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk
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Patent number: 8006467Abstract: A semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs, and method for manufacturing same, constructed from a gusseted bag. The invention provides for modifying a gusseted bag, heat sealing the gussets to their respective side walls, loading said gusseted bag with product, and then sealing the open end of the gusseted bag with a single sheet or web. The method of making this package is economical yet provides for a semi-rigid container ideal for use with single-serve pillow bags.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk
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Publication number: 20110094192Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Jerry Mike Reaves
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Publication number: 20090232424Abstract: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, Martin Bernhard Dierl, Chad Arthur Huebner, Jerry Mike Reaves
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Patent number: D599656Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, John Joseph Michels