Patents Assigned to American Can Company
  • Patent number: 4770944
    Abstract: A polymeric structure having an oxygen barrier layer (e.g., ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) is heated in the presence of moisture to improve its resistance to oxygen and moisture penetration. A drying agent is incorporated in the multi-layer structure to control the rate of water penetration to, and the amount of water in, the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Farrell, Boh Tsai, James A. Wachtel
  • Patent number: 4731268
    Abstract: The invention is an improved multiple layer packaging sheet material which can be formed into closed and sealed packages suitable for holding products containing substantial fractions of cyanoacrylate. The invention depends on the positioning of high density polyethylene in direct contact with the cyanoacrylate-type product, and positioning a primer on the other side of the high density polyethylene. Preferred embodiments of the sheet structure include additional layers to provide barrier and abuse resistance properties, and the necessary adhesive materials to hold the various layers of the structure together with good adhesion. Additional layers are contemplated. The sheet structure can be formed into a package which positions the high density polyethylene adjacent the cyanoacrylate product, and between it and the other layers at all locations of contact between the cyanoacrylate product and the packaging sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Lee J. Murray, Jr., Suzanne E. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4717618
    Abstract: Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is blended with polyetheramide block copolymer to form a novel composition of matter. The blended composition can be extruded and/or coextruded to make packaging films. In the most preferred embodiments, the blend is contained as one layer in a film comprising a multiplicity of layers, and at least the blend layer is molecularly oriented. Methods of making the films are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Samuel W. Tse, George O. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4716829
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for removing dried solids, and substantially preventing the accumulation of dried solids on equipment which is used to transfer liquids having components therein capable of forming a solid phase at conditions of operation. Liquids transferred include inks, adhesives and varnishes. The removal of solids and prevention of their accumulation is effected by applying ultrasonic energy to the transfer surface through the reservoir of liquid being supplied for transfer. Exemplary processes include printing, coating, and painting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventor: Ronald E. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 4712990
    Abstract: Apparatus for unit cavity and multi-cavity, multi-layer injection molding and injection blow-molding machines are provided, which in preferred embodiments, include one or more co-injection nozzle means each having a central channel, at least two passageways having associated orifices which communicate with the central channel and valve means operative in the central channel and movable to block and unblock the orifices. The valve means preferably comprise an elongated sleeve having an axial central passageway and a port in its side wall and an elongated pin axially-reciprocable within the sleeve central passageway. The sleeve and pin are mounted in close tolerance slip fit relationship to prevent significant accumulation of polymer melt material therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Frederick G. Kudert, Maurice G. Latreille, Robert J. McHenry, George F. Nahill, Henry Pfutzenreuter, III, William A. Tennant, Thomas T. Tung, John Vella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4705708
    Abstract: A multi-layer laminate structure comprises a separate layer of scrap produced from the several thermoplastic resins used in making the laminate structure. In a preferred construction, the multi-layer laminate structure comprises an outer thermoplastic polyolefin layer, an inner thermoplastic polyolefin layer and an intermediate oxygen barrier layer preferably made of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. An adhesive layer bonds the barrier layer to the inner polyolefin layer and a separate scrap layer is disposed interiorly of the outer polyolefin layer. A second adhesive layer bonds the scrap layer to the intermediate barrier layer. Containers having excellent oxygen barrier properties and good transparency are made by forming a parison from the multi-layer laminate structure and blow molding the parison to the desired container shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Jerald E. Briggs, Henry Pfutzenreuter
  • Patent number: 4704314
    Abstract: The invention discloses a multiple layer packaging film, packages made therefrom and a method of opening the packages. The invention provides inseparable seal strength and in some cases hermetic seals, in combination with peelable ply separation opening for access to the contents of the package, while at the same time providing excellent barriers to transmission of oxygen and moisture. Certain embodiments provide for improved abuse resistance, excellent graphics, and other improvements. The method of opening the package depends on separating opposing ones of the package sidewalls, forcing the opening tear to be propagated partially through the film to a peelable layer interface, with subsequent ply separation along the interface to effect completion of opening of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hsu, Anthony C. Guckenberger
  • Patent number: 4702966
    Abstract: This disclosure includes an activatable oxygen scavenger used as a part of a packaging structure for comestibles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Farrell, Boh C. Tsai
  • Patent number: 4700531
    Abstract: The invention discloses a multiple layer packaging film, packages made therefrom and a method of opening the packages. The invention provides inseparable seal strength and in some cases hermetic seals, in combination with peelable ply separation opening for access to the contents of the package, while at the same time providing excellent barriers to transmission of oxygen and moisture. Certain embodiments provide for improved abuse resistance, excellent graphics, and other improvements. The method of opening the package depends on separating opposing ones of the package sidewalls, forcing the opening tear to be propagated partially through the film to a peelable layer interface, with subsequent ply separation along the interface to effect completion of opening of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hsu, Anthony C. Guckenberger
  • Patent number: 4698247
    Abstract: The invention is an improved multiple layer packaging sheet material which can be formed into closed and sealed packages suitable for holding products containing substantial fractions of cyanoacrylate. The invention depends on the positioning of high density polyethylene in direct contact with the cyanoacrylate-type product, and positioning a primer on the other side of the high density polyethylene. Preferred embodiments of the sheet structure include additional layers to provide barrier and abuse resistance properties, and the necessary adhesive materials to hold the various layers of the structure together with good adhesion. Additional layers are contemplated. The sheet structure can be formed into a package which positions the high density polyethylene adjacent the cyanoacrylate product, and between it and the other layers at all locations of contact between the cyanoacrylate product and the packaging sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Lee J. Murray, Suzanne E. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4695492
    Abstract: A metal container comprising a seamless body and an end wall integral therewith and having on at least its interior surface a protective coating which consists of a modified butyl stearate utilized as a lubricant in forming the container and an after-applied synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventor: Joseph L. Godar
  • Patent number: 4687688
    Abstract: A three layer oriented film, packages made from the oriented films, and packaging methods using the oriented film. Each layer of the film is molecularly oriented. A first outer layer of the film is nylon 6. The other outer layer of the film is a blend of 50% to 100% linear low density polyethylene and 50% to 0% low density polyethylene. An intermediate adhesive polymer layer has a high fraction of linear low density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Curie, Jerry F. Jesse
  • Patent number: 4685273
    Abstract: A container body made of thermoplastic materials, after being filled with a hot liquid, is then sealed by a flat closure disc adhesively contacting a peripheral lip formed around the top of the body. The bottom of the container body is formed with annular grooves to define a diaphragm which flexes inwardly with the closure disc upon cooling of the hot filled liquid to substantially dissipate the high internal vacuum which is formed on the container head space. The bottom of the container body has a reinforced pedestal base formed with stacking ledges to facilitate nesting of empty bodies for shipment and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Ali R. Caner, Kenneth B. Spencer
  • Patent number: 4685591
    Abstract: The invention is in an improved packaging tube and the packages, containing product, made therefrom. The packaging is suitable for holding products containing substantial fractions of cyanoacrylate-type components. The invention depends on the use of special multiple layer sheet material for the tube sidewall and a covering strip over the inside surface of the tube longtitudinal sideseam. A layer of high density polyethylene is positioned on the inside surface of the tube, such that it is the surface in direct contact with the product. A primer layer having a Lewis base-type component, such as polyethylene imine, is between the surface of the high density polyethylene layer which is disposed away from the product and subsequent layers which may be susceptible to interaction with the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Suzanne E. Schaefer, John P. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 4683170
    Abstract: A novel composition of matter having surprising physical properties when fabricated into multiple layer films is disclosed. The composition is generally a blend of nylon 6 with a nylon copolymer comprised of nylon 6 and a second nylon polymer. The second nylon polymer is 2.5 to 10 mole percent of the overall composition. The remaining 97.5% to 90% of the composition is the nylon 6 and the nylon 6 component of the copolymer. The nylon composition may be comprised entirely of a nylon copolymer having 90% to 97.5% nylon 6 and 10% to 2.5% of a second nylon polymer. The multiple layer films fabricated with the nylon compositions show unexpected range of thermoforming and heat sealing capabilities and good heat resistance, similar to that of nylon 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Samuel W. Tse, Deane E. Galloway
  • Patent number: 4667454
    Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining an acceptable configuration of a thermally processed container packed with food. Improvement in container configuration is attained by proper container design, by maintaining proper headspace of gases in the container during thermal processing, proper pressure outside the container during the cooking cycle and cooling cycle of the process and/or by controlled reforming of the bottom wall of the container. Further improvements are attained by controlling the thermal history of the empty container, such as by pre-shrinking the container before it is filled with food and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Robert J. McHenry, Joseph B. Brito, Wilson T. Piatt, Jr., Robert J. Reed, Krishnaraju Varadarajan, Kenneth B. Spencer, Boh C. Tsai, Mark A. Williams, Donald C. Vosti, James A. Wachtel
  • Patent number: 4665135
    Abstract: A novel composition of matter having surprising physical properties when fabricated into multiple layer films is disclosed. The composition is generally a blend of nylon 6 with a nylon copolymer comprised of nylon 6 and a second nylon polymer. The second nylon polymer is 2.5 to 10 mole percent of the overall composition. The remaining 97.5% to 90% of the composition is the nylon 6 and the nylon 6 component of the copolymer. The nylon composition may be comprised entirely of a nylon copolymer having 90% to 97.5% nylon 6 and 10% to 2.5% of a second nylon polymer. The multiple layer films fabricated with the nylon compositions show unexpected range of thermoforming and heat sealing capabilities and good heat resistance, similar to that of nylon 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Samuel W. Tse, Deane E. Galloway
  • Patent number: 4661414
    Abstract: A flexible, laminated packaging material comprising:(a) an external layer of paper;(b) a first internal layer of polyethylene affixed to the paper layer;(c) a second internal layer of metallic foil affixed to the polyethylene layer; and(d) an external, three component, co-extruded layer affixed to the metallic layer which includes a middle co-extrudate of high density polyethylene between outer co-extrudates formed from a blend of an ionomer resin with ethyl methacylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventor: Gregg D. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 4658979
    Abstract: A non-venting propellant filling and sealing valve is adapted to be seated in a propellant filling hole in a bottom wall of a container and permits pressurization of a container through the hole and thereafter seals the container. The propellant filling and sealing valve includes an umbrella sealing portion, a stem portion and shoulder portions in a collar around the stem portion. The umbrella sealing portion is employed to selectively engage, separate from, and then make a generally annular seal with the interior surface of the bottom wall of the container. The stem portion is used to position the umbrella sealing portion around the filling hole and has axially extending grooves therein for conducting pressurizing fluid to the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventors: Raymond E. Mietz, Harlen E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 4659408
    Abstract: A multi-layer paperless sheet structure having an oriented substructure is provided for making tubular containers for packaging dentrifice and other products. The sheet structure comprises a unique combination of polymer layers, including a uniaxially oriented polymer (polypropylene or high density polyethylene) layer. The sheet structure has two exterior heat sealable surfaces for forming the tubular containers by lap heat seal and the resulting containers exhibit improved strength and deadfold retention properties. A method is also provided for forming the sheet structure with its oriented substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventor: Dwight D. Redding