Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Storm & Hemingway
  • Patent number: 6505499
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the puncture resistance of an aluminum can that has improved repeatability and more accurately simulates end-use punctures. A penetrator that moves in a horizontal direction and is driven by a falling weight impacts a pressurized aluminum can containing liquid. The aluminum can is impacted by a penetrator of the puncture gauge in an area below the liquid level. Various sensors, such as a load cell and a displacement transducer, measure data from the impact and the data is compiled and analyzed by a data acquisition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Metal Container Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hackworth, John W. Cooley, John M. Henshaw, Randy Houchins, Paul Siefken, Dwight Davis
  • 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: 6494064
    Abstract: An enclosed and concealed lock device is disclosed which provides a high degree of security. The device is resistant to tampering and to brute force destruction. One or more latches are engageable with a strike plate in a door jamb or with a strike box, which is also enclosed. A seal trim prevents access to the latch. A slide assembly having a padlock is located within a latch enclosure. An orifice on a pivotal link attaches to the shackle of the padlock. Locking the padlock raises the padlock body into the protective latch box enclosure, and prevents movement of the slide assembly. A first limiter restricts vertical movement of the shackle, allowing the padlock to be engaged by upward movement of the padlock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Penaco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Santiago Pena
  • Patent number: 6485730
    Abstract: A single serving paraffin treatment system and method of application is disclosed which includes the steps of heating a small quantity of paraffin above its melting temperature, applying the paraffin to the hand or foot with a brush. The paraffin is contained in individualized disposable containers which are receivable in a heating unit. The heating unit preferably has at least two temperature settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: E.O.H. Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth Ann Barrick Hickey, Rebecca Phillips Gentry, Royce E. Gentry
  • Patent number: 6474557
    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: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Busch Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Mullins, Donald W. Mills, Jr.
  • 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
  • Patent number: D462412
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Walter Solomon