Patents by Inventor David B. Spruill

David B. Spruill 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).

  • Device for controlling relative humidity within a substantially sealed container
    Patent number: 5037459
    Abstract: An insert for inclusion in a substantially sealed container to control the relative humidity within the container is provided. The insert is a packet at least part of the surface of which is a membrane capable of passing water vapor and which contains a buffering substance which is a saturated salt solution selected according to the desired relative humidity, and modified by a nonelectrolyte, if necessary, to adjust the relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Philip Morris Management Corp.
    Inventors: David B. Spruill, Joseph L. Banyasz, Thomas V. Van Auken
  • Device for controlling relative humidity within a substantially sealed container
    Patent number: 5035731
    Abstract: An insert for inclusion in a substantially sealed container to control the relative humidity within the container is provided. The insert is a packet at least part of the surface of which is a membrane capable of passing water vapor and which contains a buffering substance which is a saturated salt solution selected according to the desired relative humidity, and modified by a nonelectrolyte, if necessary, to adjust the relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Philip Morris Management Corp.
    Inventors: David B. Spruill, Joseph L. Banyasz, Thomas V. Van Auken
  • Filter cigarette
    Patent number: 4687008
    Abstract: A cigarette is provided having a variable length. A filter or mouthpiece slides within a sleeve attached to the cigarette, or a sleeve attached to the filter or mouthpiece slides over the cigarette. A single band is adhered to one element and a pair of bands is adhered to the other element. The single band is captive between the pair of bands so that the cigarette can be lengthened or shortened within the range allowed by the pair of bands, but the filter or mouthpiece cannot be removed from the cigarette. The variable length mechanism can be made to additionally provide variable dilution or variable flavorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Willie G. Houck, Jr., Francis M. Sprinkel, Jr., Reginald W. Newsome, David B. Spruill, Walter A. Nichols