Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Waldrop

Thomas E. Waldrop 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).

  • Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging with preshrinking
    Patent number: 4550548
    Abstract: A method for vacuum shrink packaging a product is provided that includes the steps of placing the product in a heat shrinkable thermoplastic bag; then shrinking the bag in a heated gaseous medium, while partially constricting the mouth of the bag to cause ballooning of the bag, further provided that the constricting is selected such that shrinkage of the bag overcomes the ballooning to collapse the bag onto the product; and then placing the bag in a vacuum chamber followed by vacuumizing and in-chamber sealing, further provided that the rate of vacuumizing is limited to substantially prevent reballooning of the bag. Associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby, Jody W. Rupp, Frederick A. Dobbins, Thomas E. Waldrop
  • Portable mattress support
    Patent number: 4196483
    Abstract: A portable mattress support adapted to be readily installed and removed from a confined space and especially in a tractor cab sleeping quarter area, whereby the support permits the absorption of various forces without imparting the same to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Inventors: Robert J. Lefler, George H. Kahl, Jr., Thomas E. Waldrop