Patents by Inventor Alex Hanna

Alex Hanna has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070110886
    Abstract: Confectionary image design system including a graphical user interface through which a user defines a pattern of confectionary pieces to be arranged on a substrate. A computer processor controls the graphical user interface through which the user defines the pattern, and provides instructions for arranging the confectionary pieces in the defined pattern. A container retains the confectionary pieces used to form the defined pattern. A robot receives from the computer processor the instructions for arranging the confectionary pieces, retrieves the confectionary pieces stored in the container, and arranges the pieces on the substrate in the pattern defined by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Alex Hanna, Bruce Keen, Richard Barrett
  • Patent number: 6786987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing packaging material using ultrasonic technology. The method includes the steps of supplying the packaging material to a sealing station that includes an anvil and horn, and sealing the packaging material. The apparatus is a cam-shaped, rotatable anvil where the rate of rotation of the anvil can be changed based upon the speed of an AC Servo driving the anvil and the desired spacing between the seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Keen, Alex Hanna
  • Publication number: 20040040639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing packaging material using ultrasonic technology. The method includes the steps of supplying the packaging material to a sealing station that includes an anvil and horn, and sealing the packaging material. The apparatus is a cam-shaped, rotatable anvil where the rate of rotation of the anvil can be changed based upon the speed of an AC Servo driving the anvil and the desired spacing between the seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce W. Keen, Alex Hanna
  • Publication number: 20030217531
    Abstract: A vertical form, fill, and seal apparatus for making different types of packages is provided. The packaging material travels around the outside, and the product goes through the inside, of the form-and-fill tube. A fin sealing mechanism, pleat sealing mechanism, and horizontal sealing mechanism are used in combination to make the different types of packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce W. Keen, Alex Hanna