Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Uptergrove
Ronald L. Uptergrove 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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Publication number: 20240141186Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Patent number: 11866592Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Patent number: 11724519Abstract: A digital printing system includes a track and a plurality of print heads, wherein the system is configured to index a plurality of containers to or through a plurality of process locations. In embodiments, the track is configured to convey a plurality of containers to or through the plurality of process locations, and the plurality of print heads are configured for digital printing on the plurality of containers.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: William P. Young CompanyInventors: Kenneth E. Hill, Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Publication number: 20230083956Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Patent number: 11427717Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: PLASTIPAK PACKAGING, INC.Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Publication number: 20220258919Abstract: A plastic container includes a base portion, a sidewall portion, a neck portion, a barrier coating applied to at least portions of an outer surface of sidewall portion, and a protective layer printed or sprayed on at least portions of the barrier coating. In embodiments, the barrier coating may be applied via dip coating, spray coating, and/or drop on demand ink jetting (e.g., ink jet printing). In embodiments, a protective layer, or protective coating formulation, may be provided as part of a base coat, such as a clear coat, or as an additive in a base coat ink formulation and/or may be part of an ink jet decoration process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventor: Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Publication number: 20200181432Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Publication number: 20200164669Abstract: A digital printing system includes a track and a plurality of print heads, wherein the system is configured to index a plurality of containers to or through a plurality of process locations. In embodiments, the track is configured to convey a plurality of containers to or through the plurality of process locations, and the plurality of print heads are configured for digital printing on the plurality of containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Kenneth E. Hill, Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Patent number: 10400118Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Publication number: 20160222228Abstract: The disclosure relates to ink compositions for digital printing on an external surface of a plastic article. The ink compositions comprise an ink removal-promoting additive. In some aspects, the ink removal-promoting additive can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the article when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Also disclosed are recyclable plastic articles having an external surface with an image printed thereon using the disclosed ink composition and methods for removing cured ink from a plastic container. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Jennifer L. Renner
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Patent number: 9302506Abstract: A method for printing on an article having a non-planar surface in an embodiment includes obtaining coordinates or a geometry for a non-planar surface of an article; determining a tangent orientation for a print head in three dimensions; and using the tangent orientation and positioning the print head relative to the non-planar surface of the article. Embodiments of apparatus for printing on articles having non-planar surfaces are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Manish K. Senta
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Patent number: 9272815Abstract: A plastic container includes a medium applied to a portion of the container. A digital image is applied to a portion of the medium, the digital image being comprised of a plurality of ink droplets. Methods for digital printing on a portion of a medium that is applied to a container are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Patent number: 9150325Abstract: A recyclable article having an external surface with an image printed thereon by droplets of ink is provided. The droplets of ink comprise a composition that includes a hydrophilic component. In embodiments, the hydrophilic component can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the container when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Methods for facilitating recycling of recyclable articles having printed images are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Brent Mrozinski
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Patent number: 9032872Abstract: A system for digitally printing directly on a plurality of containers is provided. In an embodiment, the system includes a device configured to determine an initial position or orientation of an individual container; a plurality of print heads configured to print directly on said containers; and a plurality of container holders configured hold or retain an individual container, to rotate the individual container, and to maintain a rotational position of the individual container relative to at least one print head while printing occurs; and one or more curing devices. The system may be configured such that the plurality of container holders are configured to move along a linear or curved path, and the plurality of container holders may be configured to controllably rotate about a container axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Publication number: 20150053584Abstract: A recyclable article having an external surface with an image printed thereon by droplets of ink is provided. The droplets of ink comprise a composition that includes a hydrophilic component. In embodiments, the hydrophilic component can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the container when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Methods for facilitating recycling of recyclable articles having printed images are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Brent Mrozinski
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Patent number: 8888210Abstract: An ink delivery system includes a first tank including a fill sensor; a second tank including a fill sensor; a pump configured to pump ink from the first tank to the second tank; a third tank including a fill sensor; a print head in fluid communication with the second tank and the third tank. In an embodiment, the third tank is in fluid communication with the first tank and may be configured to provide a closed loop system, the second tank is in fluid communication with the third tank, and a pressure differential across the print head causes ink to flow through the print head. For some embodiments, pumps may be provided to control pressure differentials and print heads may print at one or more angles.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Patent number: 8876979Abstract: A recyclable article having an external surface with an image printed thereon by droplets of ink is provided. The droplets of ink comprise a composition that includes a hydrophilic component. In embodiments, the hydrophilic component can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the container when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Methods for facilitating recycling of recyclable articles having printed images are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Brent Mrozinski
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Patent number: 8864295Abstract: A method of printing including providing an ink delivery system including a print head in fluid communication between a first tank and a second tank; and providing a pressure differential across the print head to cause ink to flow from the print head. With embodiments of the method, ink can be controllably dispensed from the print head at substantially the same velocity irrespective of the orientation of the print head with respect to the direction of the force of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Patent number: 8579402Abstract: A hollow plastic container having a curved external surface and a digital image printed thereon by ink droplets is provided. The ink droplets may vary in diameter from about 10 to about 200 microns and the droplets may range from about 200 to about 1200 drops per inch. Methods for digital printing plastic containers are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Uptergrove
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Publication number: 20130265353Abstract: A method for printing on an article having a non-planar surface in an embodiment includes obtaining coordinates or a geometry for a non-planar surface of an article; determining a tangent orientation for a print head in three dimensions; and using the tangent orientation and positioning the print head relative to the non-planar surface of the article. Embodiments of apparatus for printing on articles having non-planar surfaces are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Ronald L. Uptergrove, Manish K. Senta