Patents by Inventor Andrew M. Lockyer

Andrew M. Lockyer 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).

  • Patent number: 4744203
    Abstract: A machine for vacuum-sealing a block of cheese in a tube of heat-sealable plastics material forming the lining of a cheese box mounted on a wheeled dolly, the tubular lining having an open end which projects out of the cheese box. The machine comprises a frame having an upright wall fitted with transverse rails for supporting the dolly carrying the cheese box, a hollow casing open at one end and mounted on the frame for movement between an open position permitting movement of the dolly and cheese box onto the rails and a closed position in which the casing cooperates with the wall to form a chamber enclosing the rails, dolly and cheese box, and means for evacuating air from the chamber. The machine also has gripper mechanism for holding taut the open end of the lining tube, and welding mechanism for sealing the open end of the tube when the chamber is evacuated, the gripper and welding mechanisms being enclosed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Cheese Systems Limited
    Inventors: Ian P. Brockwell, Andrew M. Lockyer