Patents by Inventor Steven Kenneth Tucker
Steven Kenneth Tucker 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: 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: 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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Publication number: 20140124400Abstract: A partially metallized packaging film and method of making is disclosed. In one aspect, at least one portion of a vaporized metal stream is shielded from contacting a sheet of packaging film during the metallization process. The shield is a rigid plate and can be shaped to provide a sharp transition from transparent film to opaque film, or it can provide a gradual transition from transparent film to opaque film. The partially metallized packaging film can be used with a form, fill and seal machine or other packaging machine to create a food package with a product viewing window. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Edward Anthony BEZEK, Anthony Robert KNOERZER, Steven Kenneth TUCKER
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Patent number: 8663758Abstract: A partially metallized packaging film and method of making is disclosed. In one aspect, at least one portion of a vaporized metal stream is shielded from contacting a sheet of packaging film during the metallization process. The shield is a rigid plate and can be shaped to provide a sharp transition from transparent film to opaque film, or it can provide a gradual transition from transparent film to opaque film. The partially metallized packaging film can be used with a form, fill and seal machine or other packaging machine to create a food package with a product viewing window. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, 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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Publication number: 20130224446Abstract: A multi-layer packaging film comprising a bio-based layer and method for making the same. An outer layer comprising a bio-based film is adhered to a product side layer comprising a bio-based film having barrier properties. A non-compostable sealant layer is pattern applied to a portion of the product side layer. Because a portion of the bio-based product side layer is exposed, upon opening of the package the product side layer is susceptible to moisture. This allows for subsequent biodegradation or compostability of the films. In another embodiment the sealant layer comprises a water permeable material. Upon opening of the package moisture can subsequently contact the product side layer and initiate biodegradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Todd FAYNE, Kenneth Scott LAVERDURE, Brad Dewayne RODGERS, Steven Kenneth TUCKER
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Patent number: 8132395Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Jay Edward Gehring, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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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: 7686513Abstract: A flexible container with a wall structure comprised of multi-layer, flexible thin films, including a first film layer that is affixed to the wall structure by a releasable adherence and that incorporates a removable piece. The removable piece is incorporated into the first film layer such that, other than at least one continuous cut facilitating removal and any conspicuous printing on the removable portion, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the exterior of the package. The continuous cut allows for full or partial detachment of the removable portion from the first film layer so that only the releasable adherence prevents it from separating from the container. The removable piece is removed by peeling it away from the container, where the initiation of the peeling is facilitated by a smaller peel force adjacent the continuous cut.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Publication number: 20100062196Abstract: A partially metallized packaging film and method of making is disclosed. In one aspect, at least one portion of a vaporized metal stream is shielded from contacting a sheet of packaging film during the metallization process. The shield is a rigid plate and can be shaped to provide a sharp transition from transparent film to opaque film, or it can provide a gradual transition from transparent film to opaque film. The partially metallized packaging film can be used with a form, fill and seal machine or other packaging machine to create a food package with a product viewing window. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Publication number: 20100011711Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jay Edward GEHRING, Anthony Robert KNOERZER, Garrett William KOHL, Steven Kenneth TUCKER
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Patent number: 7552574Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Jay Edward Gehring, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Publication number: 20090162496Abstract: A product and method for producing a string of individual sealed, filled packages separated by perforations. A string of separate packages optionally may be enclosed in a cardboard or other container designed to sit in a pantry or other location for dispensing of individual units. Perforations in the packaging film between separate packages provide a tear point to aid in separating one package from the next. There are several advantages to this format including easy placement of the string of packages into a carton for shipping or dispensing, and the ability to hang a string of packages in locations without the need to attach the packages to a backing strip. The perforations between packages facilitate the packaging and transportation of the entire string or bandolier, and facilitate the removal and use of a separate package.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Eric Thomas Henderson, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Patent number: 7516596Abstract: A product and method for producing a string of individual sealed, filled packages separated by perforations. A string of separate packages optionally may be enclosed in a cardboard or other container designed to sit in a pantry or other location for dispensing of individual units. Perforations in the packaging film between separate packages provide a tear point to aid in separating one package from the next. There are several advantages to this format including easy placement of the string of packages into a carton for shipping or dispensing, and the ability to hang a string of packages in locations without the need to attach the packages to a backing strip. The perforations between packages facilitate the packaging and transportation of the entire string or bandolier, and facilitate the removal and use of a separate package.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Eric Thomas Henderson, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Patent number: 7500340Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Garrett William Kohl, Jerry Mike Reaves, Steven Kenneth Tucker, Jeryl Edwin White
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Publication number: 20090047395Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Brad Dewayne Rodgers, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker, Anthony Robert Knoerzer
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Patent number: 7458195Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Brad Dewayne Rodgers, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Patent number: 7416768Abstract: Slitters cut through a first layer of film immediately prior to lamination of the first layer to a second layer of film to form a strip therebetween. The degree of bonding between the first and second layers is adjusted so that the strip can be removed without harming the rest of the film or destroying any barrier properties. The lamination process can utilize extrusion lamination or adhesive lamination to provide a variety of uses: removable coupons, prize disclosures, stickers, and an adhesive re-close strip.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Steven Kenneth Tucker
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Patent number: 7305805Abstract: A flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The reclose strip comprises a length of tacky two-sided adhesive tape. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a pillow pouch or vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises a release liner on one side after package formation. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises no release liner and is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material such that the reclose strip is disposed in a channel or recess in the fill tube. The reclose strip permits the package to be reclosed after initial opening without folding the package.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Martin Bernhard Dierl, Jay Edward Gehring, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Jerry Mike Reaves, Steven Kenneth Tucker, Jeryl Edwin White
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Patent number: 7299608Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Garrett William Kohl, Jerry Mike Reaves, Steven Kenneth Tucker, Jeryl Edwin White