Abstract: A thinned metal can end having a non-uniform thickness profile is provided. The can end has a central panel having at least a first thickness, a middle portion having at least a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and an end portion having at least a third thickness greater than the first and second thicknesses. The can end is configured to be joined to a can wall by a double seam.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 2017
Date of Patent:
October 1, 2019
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Gerald James Baker, Michael Patrick Moore
Abstract: Induction heating systems for metal food cans configured to deliver sufficient heat into the can to sterilize the food within the can are provided. The heating system includes an induction coil and a control system. The control system is configured to monitor and control heating of sealed food cans during induction heating and to control and/or confirm various aspects of can heating during induction heating.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 9, 2016
Date of Patent:
May 7, 2019
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald Baker
Abstract: A temperature detection system for detecting temperature within a metallic can during heating is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a hermetically sealed can positioned within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil. At least a portion of the sealed can is formed from a metallic material, and the sealed can includes a food product within the can. The magnetic field causes resistive heating of the metallic material of the sealed can. The system includes a temperature sensing element located within the sealed can configured to generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the food product during heating and a memory device communicably coupled to the temperature sensing element configured to store data related to the signal received from the temperature sensing element.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 15, 2013
Date of Patent:
March 19, 2019
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald J. Baker
Abstract: A container configured to be stacked adjacent to a second container is provided. The container includes a sidewall having a first end, an end wall having a peripheral edge, a seam coupling the peripheral edge of the end wall to the first end of the sidewall, and an alignment feature coupled to the seam. The alignment feature includes an inner surface. The alignment feature is positioned relative to the seam such that, when the container is stacked adjacent to the second container, the inner surface of the alignment feature contacts an outer surface of a seam of the second container, the contact resisting lateral movement of the container relative to the second container.
Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for providing a container with a lining are provided. A lining element is displaced into the interior of the container and coupled to the interior surfaces of the container to substantially cover the interior of the container.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 8, 2015
Date of Patent:
November 27, 2018
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Alvin Widitora, Michael Gurka, Michael Richards, Dustin Lobner, Phil Frisella
Abstract: A bottom expansion station is provided. The station provides a blank support, a punch having a central recess configured to punch a blank through the blank support forming a cup, and a pressure exertion medium including a material through which pressure is exerted on a portion the end wall of the cup to increase the area of the end wall. The material is configured to be deformed by the end wall when pressure is exerted through it on the portion of the end wall.
Abstract: A vented metal can end is provided. The can end includes a tab and a tab rivet. The can end includes an outer score and a vent score. The vent score is formed in the end wall and located beneath the nose of the tab. The vent score is positioned such that the tab rivet is located between the vent score and the center point of the end wall and the vent score is also located between the outer score and the tab rivet.
Abstract: A system for formation of embossed indicia on the end wall of a metal food can. The system include a first die portion and second die portion opposing the first die portion. The system includes a first fastener coupled to the first die portion. The first fastener including an outer surface and a raised profile extending from the outer surface corresponding to the embossed indicia to be formed on the wall of the metal food can. The system includes a second fastener coupled to the second die portion. The second fastener includes a head portion including an inner surface and a recess formed in the head portion defined by the inner surface of the head portion. The system includes a pad of polymeric material positioned within the recess and coupled to the inner surface of the head portion.
Abstract: A can end and a tab configured to couple to the can end and a related method are provided. The can end is continuous. The tab is configured to couple to the can end with a post, which couples the tab to the can end without passing through the can end.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 19, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 24, 2018
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Alvin Widitora, Donald M. Gust, Gerald J. Baker
Abstract: An induction heating system configured to sequentially heat a plurality of filled and sealed food containers is provided. The system includes an induction heating coil defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The lumen is configured to receive the containers during heating, and the induction coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field causing resistive heating of the container. The system includes a container moving device configured to move containers into the induction heating coil lumen prior to heating, to move containers while within the induction heating coil lumen and to move containers out of the induction heating coil lumen after heating.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 15, 2013
Date of Patent:
January 30, 2018
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Alvin Widitora, Douglas C. Miller, George Sadler, Jianwen Hu, Gerald J. Baker
Abstract: A trimmer assembly for removing portions of sidewalls of cans is provided. The trimmer assembly includes a chute configured to receive the removed portions of sidewalls of cans. The chute includes an angled extending wall configured to prevent removed portions of sidewalls of cans from travelling past the chute without entering the chute without interfering with motion of the cans.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 19, 2016
Date of Patent:
January 30, 2018
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Gunnar J. Caylor, David S. Revers, Brandon Craig Garfoot, James B. Moses
Abstract: A can end that is attached to a metal can body with a bottom end forming a cavity that may be filled with food, liquid, etc. The can end is made of metal with a bead configuration located in the outer circumference of the can end that increases its resistance to deformation when subjected to high pressure cooking environments and assists in preventing the can end from separating along the frangible score.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 3, 2015
Date of Patent:
January 24, 2017
Assignee:
Silgan Containers LLC
Inventors:
Lynn A. Burleson, Jr., John L. Phillips, Donald M. Gust, Rohm E. Bloedorn