Patents Represented by Attorney Thomas C. McThenia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6162392
    Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system where, in the first step, the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gerald M. Platz, N. Wayne Walkup, Howard L. Grimmett
  • Patent number: 6012611
    Abstract: A box, and the method for use thereof, for a concentrate bag-in-box package for use with bags having a discharge tube for use with beverage dispensers having peristaltic pumps, the box having a tear flap defining a plurality of different tube opening locations, whereby different size packages can be used even though their center line does not line up with the tube passageway in the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Alfred A. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6004508
    Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system including a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which includes a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gerald M. Platz, N. Wayne Walkup, Howard L. Grimmett
  • Patent number: D412665
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: James W. Smith, Mark W. Holmes, Thomas E. Riley, Jr.
  • Patent number: D419572
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: James R. Bardin, Jason E. Allen
  • Patent number: D422287
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Robert Gibson, Ian W. Cunningham