Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Rufer

Christopher J. Rufer 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: 5802961
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring particulate product contained in a compatible media and then separating or straining the particulate product from the compatible media. A housing is provided for containing the compatible media at an optimum level and includes an inclined portion having a particulate product inlet at a lower end thereof and separate particulate product and compatible media outlets at an upper end thereof. The compatible media outlet is located below the particulate product outlet. The housing contains a particulate product conveyor unit which includes a perforated tube and auger assembly for transferring the particulate product from the particulate product inlet to the particulate product outlet. The particulate product is heated or cooled while it is submerged within the compatible media and cross currents of media are supplied to increase heat transfer and conveyance of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Lloyd F. Hay, Jerry M. Hougland, Christopher J. Rufer
  • Patent number: 5323911
    Abstract: A collapsible, palletized bin container is provided which has separate compartments therewithin. Each compartment is designed to house a separate fluid-filled bag. Dividers are located within the container which form the discrete compartments. Each divider has tabs which are received within notches in sidewalls of the container. The notches allow the sidewalls to bow slightly outward while still maintaining a tight seal with the tabs. The container is collapsible to a substantially smaller volume for transport when empty and a bar, chain and hook assembly is provided for easy removal of the fluid-filled bags when sliding the bags out of the compartments of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: The Morning Star Packing Co.
    Inventors: James B. Johnston, Christopher J. Rufer, Gordon K. Gardner, Jr., Joseph Pimentel, Jr., Verdis Upton, III