Patents by Inventor Dave Hoeppner

Dave Hoeppner 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: 10059476
    Abstract: An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianluca Parisini, Glenna Matthews, Davide Ghiretti, Michele Queirollo, Antonio Aldini, Dave Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20140345233
    Abstract: An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gianluca Parisini, Glenna Matthews, Davide Ghiretti, Michele Queirolo, Antonio Aldini, Dave Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 6941986
    Abstract: A device for aseptically filling sterile containers provided with a mouth closed by a frangible membrane, comprising actuators (K) carrying a fill group provided at its distal end with cutting means (T) and valve means and at its proximal end with means (Y) for driving the valve means. The valve means consist of a fill tube (R) closed by a conical bottom (U), externally provided with an elastomeric plug (P), and having one or more lateral slots (A) at the bottom (U), the fill tube (R) being slidably arranged within an external guide tube (E) suitable to abut on the container mouth, upon cutting of the membrane, and with which the plug (P) achieves a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Fmc Technologies Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Dave Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20040200188
    Abstract: A device for aseptically filling sterile containers provided with a mouth closed by a frangible membrane, comprising actuators (K) carrying a fill group provided at its distal end with cutting means (T) and valve means and at its proximal end with means (Y) for driving the valve means. The valve means consist of a fill tube (R) closed by a conical bottom (U), externally provided with an elastomeric plug (P), and having one or more lateral slots (A) at the bottom (U), the fill tube (R) being slidably arranged within an external guide tube (E) suitable to abut on the container mouth, upon cutting of the membrane, and with which the plug (P) achieves a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Dave Hoeppner