Patents by Inventor Christopher T. Schwanz

Christopher T. Schwanz 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).

  • System and method for packaging oriented containers
    Patent number: 6868652
    Abstract: A system and method for packaging oriented containers in a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed into an orienter device for orienting a container in a desired rotational position prior to placement in a container carrier. The orienter device includes a reader for determining an initial orientation of the container; a control system for determining a shortest rotational distance from the initial orientation to the desired rotational position between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and a chuck engaged with the container and in communication with the control system for rotating the container the shortest rotational distance to the desired rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Arends, Lonnie R. Seymour, Kevin Moore, Christopher T. Schwanz, Stanley R. Krogman
  • System and method for packaging oriented containers
    Publication number: 20040003575
    Abstract: A system and method for packaging oriented containers in a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed into an orienter device for orienting a container in a desired rotational position prior to placement in a container carrier. The orienter device includes a reader for determining an initial orientation of the container; a control system for determining a shortest rotational distance from the initial orientation to the desired rotational position between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and a chuck engaged with the container and in communication with the control system for rotating the container the shortest rotational distance to the desired rotational position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Craig W. Arends, Lonnie R. Seymour, Kevin Moore, Christopher T. Schwanz, Stanley R. Krogman