Patents by Inventor Ernest L. Smith

Ernest L. Smith 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).

  • Publication number: 20240093177
    Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for high throughput screening, selecting, and identifying antibodies or antibody-like molecules that bind to a target integral membrane protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Malgorzata Gil-Moore, Maria G.M Scrivens, Renee A. Kirk, Leslie A. Balch, Loretta L. Mueller, Ernest S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6986436
    Abstract: Generally described, a storage container comprising a removable sleeve positively closely positioned around a receptacle is provided. When positioned on the receptacle, the ends of the sleeve overlap, and the outer overlapping portion is bonded or secured to at least one separation section within an inner overlapped portion. The separation section is defined at least partially by a scored line, with the scored line being a cut that penetrates a top portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is removed by pulling the outer edge of the sleeve radially outward thereby separating the top portion of the sleeve at the separation section from the remaining portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040232157
    Abstract: Generally described, a storage container comprising a removable sleeve positively closely positioned around a receptacle is provided. When positioned on the receptacle, the ends of the sleeve overlap, and the outer overlapping portion is bonded or secured to at least one separation section within an inner overlapped portion. The separation section is defined at least partially by a scored line, with the scored line being a cut that penetrates a top portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is removed by pulling the outer edge of the sleeve radially outward thereby separating the top portion of the sleeve at the separation section from the remaining portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Hutamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040026420
    Abstract: A container having a rotatable dispenser closure is disclosed. The container has a body portion and a closure portion. The container body has at its upper end a closure securing section that is folded inwardly and downwardly so that it is in contact with the inner surface of the body sidewall. The closure includes a sidewall having a lower section, an upper section and a first rim. The lower section of the closure sidewall fits snugly against the interior of the body sidewall below the closure securing section, the upper section of the closure sidewall engages the closure securing section, and the first rim of the closure sidewall rests on the top of the closure securing section. In this manner, the closure is coupled to the container body so that the closure is prevented from upward or downward movement but not axial rotation. Both the body sidewall and the closure sidewall contain apertures that are positioned so that they may be aligned when the closure is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030136784
    Abstract: A closure that is designed to make it easier to activate a locking mechanism that holds the closure on a container is provided. The closure includes a lid that is adapted to cover an open end of the container. A skirt is coupled with the lid and has an interior surface with a recess formed therein. The skirt is adapted to fit around the rim when the lid is applied to the container. A detachable lock ring is hingedly coupled with the skirt along a weakened tear line. The lock ring is adapted to be folded inwardly and placed in the recess of the skirt when the lock ring is placed in contact with the lip of the container. The lock ring is adapted to engage the lip of the container rim to lock the lid on the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6375069
    Abstract: A tamper resistant package for foods and other materials includes a container and a plug closure having a side wall and a flange spaced outwardly from the side wall. A detachable tear strip on the upper edge of the container is initially heat sealed to the edge of the flange. When the tear strip is detached, the heat seal ruptures to release the closure. The closure can thereafter be applied to cover the container with the upper edge of the container sandwiched closely between the closure wall and flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5950917
    Abstract: A dual wall container formed of a laminated blank wrapped about the longitudinal axis of the container to define a inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The laminated blank comprises an inner sheet affixed to an outer sheet, wherein expansion joints may be provided on the outer sheet to enable the same to increase in circumference as the container is formed. Preferably, scores are provided within the inner sheet so as to form annular air pockets extending circumferentially around the container between the inner and outer sidewalls for uniform insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5669553
    Abstract: An insulating sleeve, preferably made of plastic, adapted to slidably receive and engage the outer sidewall of a container such as a cup. The sleeve is comprised of a plurality of concentric ring-like bands aligned one above the other and connected so as to form a unitary sleeve by peripheral ridges extending from the bottom edge of one band to the top edge of the next adjacent band. The sleeve is configured such that the top edge of each band rests in abutting engagement or contact with the sidewall when fitted around the container, with the remainder of the band and the associated ridge being located remote from contact with the container sidewall. A circular void or channel is thereby formed around the container between portions of the sleeve and the sidewall within an area defined by the top edges of adjoining bands. Heat or cold emanating from the container is accumulated within these channels and vented out the top of the sleeve via a series of notched vents provided within the top edge of each band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5487491
    Abstract: A dispensing canister for viscous fluids, such as sauces at a fast food outlet. The container includes a peripheral side wall formed of cardboard or other inexpensive material. The side walls are maintained in their proper configuration, and made more rigid, by the use of rigid rings applied to the longitudinal ends thereof. A first end of the container is closed by a plunger which is mounted within the interior of the container side walls and forms the bottom of the container. A trailing edge of the plunger is received within the ring at this first end, to be securely maintained in position. A lid is applied to close the second end of the container. The lid includes a downward depending skirt having a catch portion which engages with the rolled ring at this second end. A dispensing nozzle is formed in the lid. A bag is located within the container with the opening folded over the sidewall beneath cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Sealright Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Joseph A. Pantelleria
  • Patent number: 5407107
    Abstract: A dispensing container for granular or powderous materials, The container body has a circular periphery and an upwardly facing opening with an upper edge which is preferably rolled as is known in the art. After the container has been filled with the appropriate contents a sealing disk is secured to the upper edge of the container side walls. The sealing disk includes several circumferentially spaced openings and has a periphery larger than that of the container body such that a peripheral edge extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the container walls. The openings in the sealing disk are initially covered with adhesive labels to maintain the contents within the container. A selector cap is then applied over the sealing disk simply by downward movement thereover. The selector cap includes a downwardly extending skirt having a detent portion which engages with the outwardly extending outer periphery of the sealing disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5348196
    Abstract: A dispensing canister for viscous fluids, such as sauces at a fast food outlet. The container includes a peripheral side wall formed of cardboard or other inexpensive material. The side walls are maintained in their proper configuration, and made more rigid, by the use of rigid rings applied to the longitudinal ends thereof. A first end of the container is closed by a plunger which is mounted within the interior of the container side walls and forms the bottom of the container. A trailing edge of the plunger is received within the ring at this first end, to be securely maintained in position. The plunger is formed as a monolithic unit and includes projecting ridges which scrape against the interior of the side walls as the plunger is moved towards a second end of the container. A lid is applied to close the second end of the container. The lid includes a downwardly depending skirt having a catch portion which engages with the rolled ring at this second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Joseph A. Panelleria
  • Patent number: 5242077
    Abstract: A removable partition for dividing a container into compartments. In a first embodiment the partition takes the form of an upper paper disk and a lower foam disk. The edges of the partition are bent upwardly such that the edge portion of the foam will contact the interior of the container, providing a much better hold than just paper. In a second embodiment, the partition is formed of upper and lower paper disks. The disks are secured together in an area spaced inwardly from the edges, such that the edges of the disks are not connected. The edges may thus be slightly spaced and provide a wider area of engagement with the inner walls of the container, providing a better hold than a single paper disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Kirk Klemme
  • Patent number: 5133474
    Abstract: A removable partition for dividing a container into compartments. In a first embodiment the partition takes the form of an upper paper disk and a lower foam disk. The edges of the partition are bent upwardly such that the edge portion of the foam will contact the interior of the container, providing a much better hold than just paper. In a second embodiment, the partition is formed of upper and lower paper disks. The disks are secured together in an area spaced inwardly from the edges, such that the edges of the disks are not connected. The edges may thus be slightly spaced and provide a wider area of engagement with the inner walls of the container, providing a better hold than a single paper disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Kirk Klemme
  • Patent number: 5002198
    Abstract: A tamper evident container assembly for packaging of dairy and other food products. A container is provided with a closure comprising an end board, a downwardly extending peripheral skirt along an edge of the end board and an upturned locking ring projecting inwardly from a bottom edge of the skirt. The locking ring engages the container rim and prevents removal of the closure while the locking ring is in place. The skirt and locking ring are integrally molded with the end board being attached to the skirt subsequent to the molding process. The locking ring and a portion of the skirt may be severed from the remainder of the skirt along a score line to permit removal of the closure after initial application to the container. Removal of the locking ring provides a visual indication of possible product tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4934557
    Abstract: A tamper evident food package comprising a container and a removable closure. A plurality of locking members are provided on the closure and engage a downturned lip of the container to prevent removal of the closure while in place. The locking members form part of a detachable tear strip which may be detached to permit removal of the closure. Detachment of the tear strip provides visual indication of unauthorized opening of the food package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Sealright Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4830231
    Abstract: In a cartridge dispenser for dispensing mayonnaise-like food sauces in measured quantities, a laminated end disk which provides valving for the dispensed material. The end disk includes a paperboard layer for stiffness and rigidity, a polyethylene disk on the paperboard for shielding it from oils, a polyester disk beneath the paperboard for providing the valve, and an inner polyethylene disk allowing the composite disk to be secured on the end of the cartridge dispenser with a food grade adhesive. The polyester disk includes three equality spaced valves each formed by crosshair slits which provide vanes that open when material is being dispensed and quickly and cleanly close at the end of each dispensing stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Patent number: D330996
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Sealright Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Fred DeSieghardt
  • Patent number: D336017
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Fred DeSieghardt
  • Patent number: D336018
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Smith, Fred DeSieghardt
  • Patent number: D416796
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith