Patents by Inventor Tom Lovelace

Tom Lovelace 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: 9894909
    Abstract: Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: McEntire Produce, Inc.
    Inventors: Carter McEntire, R. C. McEntire, Jr., Tom Lovelace, David Morris
  • Patent number: 9326543
    Abstract: Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventors: R. C. McEntire, Jr., Carter McEntire, Tom Lovelace, David Morris
  • Publication number: 20150157034
    Abstract: Thorough spraying and draining freshly cut produce and the equipment processing it in a one-pass system that uses a dilute solution of chilled ultrapure water and chlorine dioxide or chlorine or both significantly reduces bacterial counts. Raw produce is sprayed as it is conveyed to cutting heads and as the cut pieces fall into a hopper above a conveyor. The conveyed cut produce is vibrated and tumbled while being sprayed from above. At the end of the process, the cut produce is sprayed with potable water and deposited in a dryer basket. Drainage from the equipment is collected and processed through a multi-stage water filtration system to potable quality. The near freezing water temperature, its ultra-purity, and the concentrations of biocides in the sanitizing spray are carefully established, monitored and maintained by a process controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: R.C. McEntire, JR., Carter McEntire, Tom Lovelace, David Morris