Patents Assigned to Kraft, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6773181
    Abstract: A die cut printed blank (10) providing a bisectional, continuous printed surface (24) defined by non-magnetic and magnetic sheets (12,14) joined with an adhesion seam (36) is disclosed. The blank (10) broadly includes a printable sheet (12), a magnetic sheet (14) coupled to the printable sheet (12), a coating carrier (16) applied to the magnetic sheet (14), and a plurality of die cuts (18) in the magnetic sheet (14). The coating carrier (16) is a thin solid liner having a relatively low coefficient of friction that is formed by applying a curable liquid to the rear face (34b) of the magnetic layer (34) and then UV curing the liquid to form the solid liner (16). The coating carrier (16) retains the magnetic sheet (14) together after the sheet (14) has been die cut and enables the sheet (14) to be easily and quickly removed from a stack of other similar magnetic sheets without inhibiting the desired magnetic properties of the finished printed blank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ward-Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse D. Crum
  • Patent number: 6743493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite form and a method of printing the form. The composite form has a paper component and a flexible magnetic sheet component that are adhered to one another. The magnetic component is able to adhere to a ferromagnetic surface but does not adhere to other composite forms having a magnetic component through use of a shielding layer when the forms are provided in a stacked configuration for feeding into a printer. The composite form may be fed through a printer without jamming or magnetic attraction to components within the printer. The composite form is constructed to facilitate printing by having a single thickness entering the printer with a small area of overlap between the paper component and magnetic sheet component or the magnetic component may be inlaid into an opening in the paper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Ward-Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Crum, Merl Mercer, Kevin Marquardt
  • Publication number: 20040090061
    Abstract: A business form product (10) broadly including a printable sheet (12), a magnetic sheet (14) aligned edge-to-edge with the printable sheet (12) to define a seam (16), and a heat-resistant tape (18) applied over the seam (16) to retain the sheets (12, 14) in the edge-to-edge relationship is disclosed. The inventive business form product (10, 106) is formed by joining multiple continuous webs (38, 58) edge-to-edge and marrying the webs (38, 58) with a continuous streamer of tape (86) in a press (36). A preferred embodiment of the inventive method of forming the continuous sheet (106) is disclosed wherein at least one rotatable mechanical web guide (72) is used to align the webs (38, 58) in the edge-to-edge relationship, thereby enabling precise alignment not available with existing optic-type web guides. A preferred embodiment of the printable business form product (10) is disclosed wherein heat-resistant tape (18) enables the business form product (10) to be printed in high-heat printing applications (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: WARD-KRAFT, INC.
    Inventor: Jesse D. Crum
  • Publication number: 20040091299
    Abstract: A die cut printed blank (10) providing a bisectional, continuous printed surface (24) defined by non-magnetic and magnetic sheets (12,14) joined with an adhesion seam (36) is disclosed. The blank (10) broadly includes a printable sheet (12), a magnetic sheet (14) coupled to the printable sheet (12), a coating carrier (16) applied to the magnetic sheet (14), and a plurality of die cuts (18) in the magnetic sheet (14). The coating carrier (16) is a thin solid liner having a relatively low coefficient of friction that is formed by applying a curable liquid to the rear face (34b) of the magnetic layer (34) and then UV curing the liquid to form the solid liner (16). The coating carrier (16) retains the magnetic sheet (14) together after the sheet (14) has been die cut and enables the sheet (14) to be easily and quickly removed from a stack of other similar magnetic sheets without inhibiting the desired magnetic properties of the finished printed blank (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Ward-Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse D. Crum
  • Publication number: 20040088228
    Abstract: A system, method, computer program, and business form that may be used to more quickly, accurately, and efficiently label, identify, track, and inventory new and previously-owned vehicles on an auto dealer's lot. Many aspects may also be used to track other objects such as hotel keys. The computer program and method include the steps of: receiving vehicle information for at least one vehicle to be delivered to the auto dealer; storing the vehicle information in a vehicle database accessible by the computer; receiving data obtained from the vehicle when the vehicle is delivered to the auto dealer; comparing the data to the vehicle database to determine if vehicle information has been received for the vehicle; and directing a printer to print at least a portion of the vehicle information on an identifier to be applied to the vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle information in the vehicle database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Ward-Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Merlin F. Mercer, Loyce W. Harman, James P. Harman, Mary Lillian Sisseck, Lance J. Triplett, Duane L. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20040077388
    Abstract: A method and mounting assembly for mounting an electronic communication device having electronic circuitry to a surface is described, wherein the mounting assembly is associated with a back face of the electronic communication device. In a first preferred embodiment, the mounting assembly is a magnetic material associated with the back face of the electronic communication device. The magnetic material is magnetically influenced such that a magnetic field produced by the magnetic material emanates away from the back face of the electronic communication device. In an alternative first preferred embodiment, a synthetic resin laminate shield is intermediately placed between the back surface of the electronic communication device and the magnetic material for further insulating protection from the magnetic field of the magnetic material. In a second preferred embodiment, the back surface of the electronic communication device is provided with a repositionable adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: WARD-KRAFT, INC.
    Inventor: Jesse D. Crum
  • Patent number: 6698116
    Abstract: A combination greeting card carrier and scanable card is provided which permits the scanable card to be pivoted between an initial position where the scanable card is displayed and has a scanable area thereon extending from the perimeter of the card in a first position and a second position where the scanable card is concealed. A hinge member pivotally connects the scanable card to the greeting card carrier. The greeting card carrier may include a recess in a front panel thereof to permit the scanable card to lay flat in its initial presentation. The greeting card carrier may include indicia conveying a preprinted desired sentiment which corresponds to the goods or services made available to the recipient when using the scanable card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ward-Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: William Noland Waldron
  • Patent number: 6368688
    Abstract: A form having a plurality of labels includes a label section having a label ply with at a plurality of discrete labels separated from one another by lines of separation and a release ply having a strip die cut therein. The strip is oriented to connect two or more of the labels and spans the lines of separation. Preferably, two elongated parallel strips are provided each having a transverse line of weakness. The labels may be removed from the form with the strip or strips connecting the labels. The strips may be peeled away from the adhesive covered back of the labels, but because the strips cover only a small portion of the back of each label and are positioned within the borders of the labels, the labels may be applied to a substrate, such as a prescription drug container, with the strips still attached. The strips include transverse lines of weakness which permits some or all of the labels to be separated from one of the labels during removal from the form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ward/Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse D. Crum, Merl Mercer
  • Patent number: 6340512
    Abstract: A business form is provided which provides improved securement of a card inlaid within an opening of a surrounding ply. The card is inlaid within the opening whereby it is substantially coplanar to the ply, providing decreased thickness, and is temporarily held therein by a pair of elongated strips along respective and spaced edges of each opening and borders of each card, and also by patches applied intermittently between said strips and along other borders of each card. The application of the patches provides improved retention of the cards within their openings during processing such as printing, without substantially inhibiting the ability to print indicia on the back side of the cards intermediate the patches and the strips. The application of small, intermittent patches to hold the inlaid cards within the surrounding ply substantially increases the available area on the back side of the card while improving retention of the card during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ward/Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Merl Mercer, Kevin L. Marquardt, Jesse D. Crum
  • Patent number: 6213518
    Abstract: A business form is provided which is particularly useful in shipping products where certain preprinted information can be provided and then individualized information is printed before the form is applied to a substrate. The form includes a face ply which has a pattern of adhesive applied to at least a portion of the inner face, and a release liner which includes a pattern of adhesive which exposes a portion of the release liner to direct adhesive contact to the face ply without intervening release coating to permanently adhere a part of the release liner to the face ply. The release liner has a surrounding protective border provided with release coating on the release face thereof and which is removed prior to application to the substrate, and a slip which remains with the form as applied to the substrate. The face ply includes lines of perforation defining a central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Ward/Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Raming
  • Patent number: 6186554
    Abstract: A business form is provided which is particularly useful in shipping products where certain preprinted information can be provided and then individualized information is printed before the form is applied to a substrate. The form includes a face ply which has a pattern of adhesive applied to at least a portion of the inner face, and a release liner which includes a pattern of adhesive which exposes a portion of the release liner to direct adhesive contact to the face ply without intervening release coating to permanently adhere a part of the release liner to the face ply. The release liner has a surrounding protective border provided with release coating on the release face thereof and which is removed prior to application to the substrate, and a slip which remains with the form as applied to the substrate. The face ply includes lines of perforation defining a central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ward/Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Raming
  • Patent number: 5580640
    Abstract: A business form having an integrated label in its top ply or other sheets advantageously includes a release sheet which is only partially covered with a release coating in order to provide a controlled release. The controlled release is provided by skiving lines which preferably remove a portion of the release coating within a border on the release sheet. The adhesive layer is thereby directly connected to both the label and the release sheet. The release coating is penetrated intermittently by the skiving lines to remove a portion of the release coating. Alternatively, a pattern of release coating of silicone or the like may be printed in a pattern so that the release coating is only intermittently provided in covering relationship over the release sheet. The provision of intermittent direct contact between the adhesive and the release sheet provides improved adhesion of the label to the liner without detracting from the functionality of the form or the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Ward/Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Kraft, Merlin F. Mercer, Roy A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5393264
    Abstract: A business form having a base sheet and a web adhered thereto forming a discrete pocket is provided. The web is applied and adhered to the base sheet whereby the surrounding margin of the web is recessed from the circumscribing edge of the base sheet. The continuous form can be fan-folded without binding or interference as the fold lines of the base sheet are free from interference by the web, The base sheet may be coated with carbonless transfer media as may be an insert ply positioned between the web and the base sheet to permit inscriptions on the base sheet to be transferred to a ply which may be subsequently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Ward/Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Kraft, Merlin F. Mercer, Roy A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4986056
    Abstract: Automatically adjustable lane guide and grid packing systems which provide for automated accommodation of articles of different size in controlling the transport of rows of moving articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil L. Evans, Aldo L. Tombolato, Robert R. Reynolds, Robert J. Meisner
  • Patent number: 4979933
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having an open end with a side margin adjacent the open end, a metal segment in the side margin having ends extending beyond the opening and a sealing tape overlying the metal strip for encapsulation thereof. Apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags includes a continuous webbing of flexible bags joined end-to-end, a continuous roll of metal strip with an arrangement for forming the metal strip into discrete segments. A roll of adhesively coated sealing tape and an arrangement for positioning the sealing tape over a metal strip segment while applying the sealing tape to one end of a flexible bag. A method of forming the reclosable bags includes the steps of providing a serial succession of bags joined end-to-end, stretching a portion of each bag so as to be free of wrinkles, aligning a metal strip segment with the wrinkle-free portion of the bag and sealing the metal strip segment of the bag with a portion of sealing tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz F. Runge
  • Patent number: 4960605
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, Parmesan cheese is grated to provide a particulate Parmesan cheese. The grated Parmesan cheese is dried to a moisture level of from about 19% to about 24% by weight. Either before or after the drying step, disodium phosphate is blended with the grated Parmesan cheese. After a period of time, the disodium phosphate is dissolved into the grated Parmesan cheese. After dissolution of the disodium phosphate, the Parmesan cheese particles remain discrete and the Parmesan cheese particles resist agglomeration and oil-off even at moisture levels of from about 19% to about 24% and at temperatures higher than ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Trecker, Susan P. Monckton
  • Patent number: 4948003
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper-evident closure for a container having a finish opening and including a cap member hingedly connecting to a base member. The base member is threadingly engaged with the bottle finish, and includes an upwardly extending pour spout. A sealing disk is installed in the interior of the pour spout and is secured thereto with a rupturable ring. A pull tab is attached to the sealing disk and, when pulled, causes removal of the sealing disk, threby allowing access to the interior of the bottle container. The cap includes an interior wall which engages the pour spout with a snap fit, providing a liquid-tight and airtight closure therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Munoz
  • Patent number: 4942052
    Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for continuously producing blocks of cheese curd from a sheet of cheese curd. The apparatus may include means for producing the sheet of cheese curd but includes inclined surfaces for guiding the sheet into a conditioning tower. The tower receives the sheet in overlying face-to-face relation. A lower slide gate is disposed at the bottom of the tower to permit build up of a curd mass in the tower. Thereafter, a combination sliding gate and knife blade positioned above the slide gate is closed so as to cut a block of cheese curd above the lower slide gate. A carton may be elevated to telescopically surround a discharge section provided at the bottom of the tower to receive the block. When the knife blade closes, the curd thereabove is supported and the lower slide gate is then opened, allowing the block to descend through the discharge section into the elevated carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Posdal
  • Patent number: 4936817
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having an open end with a side margin adjacent the open end, a metal segment in the side margin having ends extending beyond the opening and a sealing tape overlying the metal strip for encapsulation thereof. Apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags includes a continuous webbing of flexible bags joined end-to-end, a continuous roll of metal strip with an arrangement for forming the metal strip into discrete segments. A roll of adhesively coated sealing tape and an arrangement for positioning the sealing tape over a metal strip segment while applying the sealing tape to one end of a flexible bag. A method of forming the reclosable bags includes the steps of providing a serial succession of bags joined end-to-end, stretching a portion of each bag so as to be free of wrinkles, aligning a metal strip segment with the wrinkle-free portion of the bag and sealing the metal strip segment of the bag with a portion of sealing tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz F. Runge
  • Patent number: D358966
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Kooler Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Ochs