Patents by Inventor Robert J. Schaefer

Robert J. Schaefer 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: 9555916
    Abstract: The invention relates to pressed paperboard containers, such as disposable paper plates and bowls, having increased strength and rigidity, and the processes used to form such containers by the formation of non-radial pleats at outer regions of the container. The invention also provides pleats about the outer periphery that are non-linear along the length of the pleat. Such non-radial and non-linear pleats are formed by forming non-radial and non-linear scores in a blank of paperboard converted into the container geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SOLO CUP OPERATING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ayberk Abayhan, Stephen A. Smith, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8733585
    Abstract: A lid can be configured to removably attach to a container. The lid can include multiple lid portions can open independently of each other. A first lid portion can open while a second lid portion remains closed and coupled to the container. Similarly, the second lid portion can open while the first lid portion remains closed and coupled to the container. A junction can joint the first and second lid portions and can enable pivoting of the lid so that the first and second lid portions can hingedly move with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Merrick Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Abdi, Katina C. Brown, Sadollah Vahidy, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20130334241
    Abstract: A lid can be configured to removably attach to a container. The lid can include multiple lid portions can open independently of each other. A first lid portion can open while a second lid portion remains closed and coupled to the container. Similarly, the second lid portion can open while the first lid portion remains closed and coupled to the container. A junction can joint the first and second lid portions and can enable pivoting of the lid so that the first and second lid portions can hingedly move with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Merrick Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Abdi, Katina C. Brown, Sadollah Vahidy, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8214270
    Abstract: The method and system of the present invention provides for data gathering of energy systems, calculation of billing information for the energy systems to include both traditional energy sources and renewable energy sources, and creation of various outputs to include various user interfaces applicable to overall management of the energy systems. The user interfaces can include integrated, real-time billings to a consumer that measure the cost of the primary energy as well as savings provided by renewable energy sources. The present invention also provides predictive analysis for various aspects of energy use in order to better manage particular facilities that may incorporate renewable energy sources. The gathered data and the various user interfaces enables a user to modify or adjust the use of the renewable energy sources at selected sites to maximize their impact on reducing the cost of the primary energy bill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Also Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schaefer, Holden R. Caine
  • Publication number: 20100174643
    Abstract: The method and system of the present invention provides for data gathering of energy systems, calculation of billing information for the energy systems to include both traditional energy sources and renewable energy sources, and creation of various outputs to include various user interfaces applicable to overall management of the energy systems. The user interfaces can include integrated, real-time billings to a consumer that measure the cost of the primary energy as well as savings provided by renewable energy sources. The present invention also provides predictive analysis for various aspects of energy use in order to better manage particular facilities that may incorporate renewable energy sources. The gathered data and the various user interfaces enables a user to modify or adjust the use of the renewable energy sources at selected sites to maximize their impact on reducing the cost of the primary energy bill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. Schaefer, Holden R. Caine
  • Patent number: 7557255
    Abstract: An unleaded reduced emissions gasoline having at least one of an octane less than about 86.7, a sulfur content less than about 40 ppmw sulfur and containing an oxygenate, and having reduced emissions by comparison to a minimum 87 octane gasoline. A method for reducing emissions from an automotive internal combustion engine is provided for a single vehicle and for a fleet. A method for reducing emissions by use of a distribution network is disclosed and a system for reducing emissions by a combination of a refinery and the vehicles is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie R. Wolf, Thomas J. Bond, Gerald S. Lane, James J. Simnick, Douglas N. Rundell, Frank S. Gerry, Robert J. Schaefer, James P. Uihlein, Frank J. Sroka, Allen A. Kozinski, F. Lindsey Scott, Richard A. Kretchmer
  • Patent number: 7195130
    Abstract: Drinking cup lids are especially adapted and configured to afford some measure of protection to the game piece from beverage seepage through a straw opening. Preferably, the cup lid is configured so that a game piece is spaced above the straw opening co-located within a recessed well of the lid thereby allowing beverage seepage to remain physically separated from the game piece. Access to the beverage within the cup is facilitated by providing a cross-cut straw aperture in the game piece which is in substantial alignment to the straw opening formed in the lid. A beveled segment of a raised plateau on which the game piece is affixed allows a tab associated with the game piece to be more easily grasped and removed by a customer to reveal the printed text/indicia of the game piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Pendergrass, Robert J. Schaefer, Joseph M. Neukam, Peter K. Boller
  • Patent number: 7108222
    Abstract: A motion picture reel is provided with releaseably engageable and disengageable components including a pair of identical, laterally confining retaining members and a hub located therebetween. The retaining members and the hub are all separable from each other. Each retaining member has a prong with a catch on it and a latching member with a latch defined on it located diametrically opposite the prong. The latching members each have radially outwardly diverging side walls. The latching members fit snugly into truncated sector-shaped cavities formed between radial spoke partitions between the central core and the rim of the hub. Stiffening webs extended transversely across the hub between some of the spoke partitions and have apertures in them that allow passage of the prongs through the stiffening webs and into engagement with the latching lips of the latching projections beyond. The tips of the prongs are accessible for release through the open bases of the latching members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Circular Motion Products
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6857595
    Abstract: A motion picture reel is comprised of separable components including a hub formed with a hollow central, cylindrical sleeve and a pair of side retainers on opposing sides of the hub that hold the film therebetween. Each of the side retainers is provided with a central core located on its inner surface. Each core has a generally cylindrical configuration. A prong is formed to project longitudinally from each core parallel to and at a spaced distance from the axis of rotation. A corresponding prong receiving socket is defined in the core diametrically opposite the prong. The cores of the side retainers are inserted into the central, tubular sleeve of the hub so that the prong of each core enters the prong receiving socket or cavity of the other core. A slight counterrotation of the side retainers relative to each other latches the hooks on the ends of the prongs into the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20030046862
    Abstract: An unleaded reduced emissions gasoline having at least one of an octane less than about 86.7, a sulfur content less than about 40 ppmw sulfur and containing an oxygenate, and having reduced emissions by comparison to a minimum 87 octane gasoline. A method for reducing emissions from an automotive internal combustion engine is provided for a single vehicle and for a fleet. A method for reducing emissions by use of a distribution network is disclosed and a system for reducing emissions by a combination of a refinery and the vehicles is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Leslie R. Wolf, Thomas J. Bond, Gerald S. Lane, James J. Simnick, Douglas N. Rundell, Frank S. Gerry, Robert J. Schaefer, James P. Uihlein, Frank J. Sroka, Allen A. Kozinski, F. Lindsey Scott, Richard A. Kretchmer
  • Patent number: 6357619
    Abstract: Domed lids for beverage cups include an arcuately convex lower side wall section, and an arcuately convex upper side wall section protruding upwardly from the lower side wall section. Most preferably, each of these upper and lower side wall section is in the form of a respective spherical surface, with the upper side wall section having a lesser radius of curvature as compared to the radius of curvature of the lower side wall section. In particularly preferred forms, cup lids are provided having an arcuately convex lower side wall section establishing a circular base skirt adapted to being attached to an upper lip of a cup; and an arcuately convex upper side wall section. The upper side wall section is joined at a lower edge region thereof to the lower side wall section by means of an annular concavity, and protrudes coaxially upwardly from the lower side wall section to an annular apical edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5799814
    Abstract: A container lid includes a flap region that is selectively displaceable between a static raised position and a static depressed position. A flap is cut out of the flap region and is substantially integral with the flap region when the flap region is in the static raised position. When the flap region is displaced to the static depressed position, the flap separates from the flap region enabling liquid to flow therethrough. When the flap region is returned to the static raised position, the flap is again substantially integral with the flap region to thereby close the lid and prevent liquid from escaping. A knob is provided preferably integral with the flap region to facilitate displacement of the flap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schaefer, William B. Pendergrass
  • Patent number: 5667135
    Abstract: A "honeycombed" insulative sleeve is positionable around a portion of a beverage cup side wall. The sleeve is made from a preform which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart rows of generally longitudinally oriented and off-set slits. The slits thereby allow the sleeve to expand circumferentially when portioned on a portion of the beverage cup side wall and, by virtue of such circumferential expansion, thereby form the insulative honeycomb structure therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: D440155
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: D449986
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: D530602
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Peter K. Boller, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Cup
    Patent number: D484362
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: John M. Harris, Julie O. Kean, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: D383947
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: D701700
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Merrick Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Abdi, Katina C. Brown, Sadollah Vahidy, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Patent number: D741066
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Merrick Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Abdi, Katina C. Brown, Sadollah Vahidy, Robert J. Schaefer