Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Paul V. Storm
  • Patent number: 6702142
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6663006
    Abstract: A financial transaction system that does not require the need for cash, checks or credit cards to carry out financial transactions. In return for prepayment of specified sum, a bar coded wristband is issued to a customer. On issuance of the wristband, a data base record is created that is cross-referenced with the bar code number, as well as an account number, an issue date and a present balance of the account. When the user wishes to purchase goods or services, the bar code of the wristband is scanned, and the amount of the transaction is then placed into the system. The corresponding account is debited. The wristband is constructed so as to be waterproof, and includes an adhesive strip with small tear strips for fastening around the user's wrist. An attempted removal of the wristband is effective to substantially destroy it and render it unusable to other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Busch Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Mullins, Donald W. Mills, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6499622
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate chuckwall extending radially outward from the annular countersink, an arcuate step portion extending radially outward from the arcuate chuckwall, a transitional portion extending radially outward from the arcuate step portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the transitional portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner
  • Patent number: 6405889
    Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher G. Neiner