Patents by Inventor Cary Longest
Cary Longest 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).
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Patent number: 11958645Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Patent number: 11918028Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
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Publication number: 20230339633Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. EVANS, Herbert Cary LONGEST, Tamika S. MURRELL, Robert V. POWELL, JR., Jeremy STRAIGHT, Jarrod CHALKLEY
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Patent number: 11718429Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Publication number: 20230200431Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. EVANS, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
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Patent number: 11655059Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a predetermined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod W. Chalkley
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Publication number: 20230115614Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, JR., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Patent number: 11596169Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
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Patent number: 11530056Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a predetermined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod W. Chalkley
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Publication number: 20210276741Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. EVANS, Herbert Cary LONGEST, Tamika S. MURRELL, Robert V. POWELL, JR., Jeremy STRAIGHT, Jarrod CHALKLEY
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Publication number: 20210197991Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a predetermined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. EVANS, Herbert Cary LONGEST, Tamika S. MURRELL, Robert V. POWELL JR., Jeremy STRAIGHT, Jarrod W. CHALKLEY
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Patent number: 11021278Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Publication number: 20210112846Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring tobacco for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to continuously communicate a vacuum to the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is configured to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas that overcomes the vacuum when the tube is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Herbert Cary LONGEST, Jarrod W. CHALKLEY, Tamika S. MURRELL, Jeremy J. STRAIGHT, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Leah A. MEYERS, James D. EVANS
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Patent number: 10981682Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Publication number: 20200307836Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. EVANS, Herbert Cary LONGEST, Tamika S. MURRELL, Robert V. POWELL JR., Jeremy STRAIGHT, Jarrod CHALKLEY
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Publication number: 20200214337Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. EVANS, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Herbert Cary LONGEST
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Patent number: 10654597Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Patent number: 10609950Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
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Publication number: 20190193876Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Applicant: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley
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Patent number: 10220969Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod Chalkley