Patents by Inventor Craig McEldowney

Craig McEldowney 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: 8393192
    Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Craig A. McEldowney, Mark R. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120111172
    Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: CRAIG A. MCELDOWNEY, MARK R. MITCHELL
  • Patent number: 8122747
    Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Craig A. McEldowney, Mark R. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100166528
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a flexible tab used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has a plurality of slots provided in about a middle part of the tab between a nose portion and a lift portion on opposing sides of the tab. The slots combine to form a fulcrum that extends generally transverse to an axis that passes along a length of the tab. The fulcrum allows the lift portion to pivot upwards and downwards in relation to the nose portion. The tab also has a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the slots at about the middle part of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the flexible tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the flexible tab is additionally provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Carl McEldowney, Craig McEldowney
  • Patent number: 7703624
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a flexible tab used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has a plurality of slots provided in about a middle part of the tab between a nose portion and a lift portion on opposing sides of the tab. The slots combine to form a fulcrum that extends generally transverse to an axis that passes along a length of the tab. The fulcrum allows the lift portion to pivot upwards and downwards in relation to the nose portion. The tab also has a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the slots at about the middle part of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the flexible tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the flexible tab is additionally provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Carl McEldowney, Craig McEldowney
  • Publication number: 20090293572
    Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Craig A. McEldowney, Mark R. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20070218196
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a spray apparatus and a method useful in the repair of coating adhered to can ends used in the food and beverage packaging industries. The spray apparatus has one or more elongated shafts rotatably coupled to a frame. One or more bearing members are rotatably coupled to the shafts. One or more plates are rotatably coupled to the bearing members. One or more spray guns are coupled to the plates. The spray guns of the spray apparatus are structured to apply fluid to the can end with a solid stream emitted from the spray guns in a circular pattern. A method for the repair of coating adhered on a can end is provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Craig McEldowney, Dennis Stammen
  • Publication number: 20070039961
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a flexible tab used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has a plurality of slots provided in about a middle part of the tab between a nose portion and a lift portion on opposing sides of the tab. The slots combine to form a fulcrum that extends generally transverse to an axis that passes along a length of the tab. The fulcrum allows the lift portion to pivot upwards and downwards in relation to the nose portion. The tab also has a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the slots at about the middle part of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the flexible tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the flexible tab is additionally provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Carl McEldowney, Craig McEldowney
  • Tab
    Patent number: D523332
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Carl McEldowney, Craig McEldowney