Patents by Inventor Frank S. Silveira

Frank S. Silveira 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: 20240090086
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Steven Lee Alderman, Grady Lance Dooly, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Quentin Paul Guenther, JR., Stephen Benson Sears, John William Wolber, Michael Laine
  • Patent number: 11871484
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Steven Lee ALderman, Grady Lance Dooly, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr., Stephen Benson Sears, John William Wolber, Michael Laine
  • Publication number: 20230413905
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Robert Alden Metcalfe, John William Wolber
  • Patent number: 11785990
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Robert Alden Metcalfe, John William Wolber
  • Publication number: 20220404343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum stencil printing system for reliably and automatically printing materials on the inside of a concave surface. The drum stencil printing system includes a pliable drum stencil secured in place by a stencil spring. As the printhead applies radial pressure to the drum stencil, the portion of the stencil in contact with the printhead is deflected to make contact with the container sidewall. When the printhead rotates, the portion of the stencil contacting the container sidewall also rotates to match the nozzle of the printhead. After printing is complete, the printhead retracts, and the pliable stencil is returned to its undeflected position, breaking contact between the stencil and the container, and protecting the printed material from being rubbed or worn off of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Smart Cups, LLC
    Inventors: Owen J. Dolan, II, Chris Kanik, John Depiano, Mark Clemons, Gary Ayotte, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Marcoux, Matthew Ebbs, William S. Davidson, III
  • Patent number: 11420461
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum stencil printing system for reliably and automatically printing materials on the inside of a concave surface. The drum stencil printing system includes a pliable drum stencil secured in place by a stencil spring. As the printhead applies radial pressure to the drum stencil, the portion of the stencil in contact with the printhead is deflected to make contact with the container sidewall. When the printhead rotates, the portion of the stencil contacting the container sidewall also rotates to match the nozzle of the printhead. After printing is complete, the printhead retracts, and the pliable stencil is returned to its undeflected position, breaking contact between the stencil and the container, and protecting the printed material from being rubbed or worn off of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SMART CUPS, LLC
    Inventors: Owen J. Dolan, II, Chris Kanik, William F. Davidson, III, John Depiano, Mark Clemons, Gary Ayotte, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Marcoux, Matthew Ebbs
  • Publication number: 20220118201
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices including a cartridge and a control body. The control body may include a coupler and the cartridge may include a base. The base may be configured to releasably engage the cartridge. Further the base and the coupler may include anti-rotation mechanisms configured to prevent rotation of the cartridge relative to the base when engaged with one another. The anti-rotation mechanisms may include alternating protrusions and recesses in some embodiments. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Michael Ryan Galloway, John DePiano, Frank S. Silveira, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Michael Laine, Raymond Charles Henry
  • Publication number: 20220110371
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define contact portions configured to engage heater terminals and a heating portion configured to produce heat. The heating portion may include a variable coil spacing. In other atomizers, the wire may extend at least partially through the liquid transport element proximate the contact portions. Related inputs, cartridges, aerosol production assemblies, and methods of forming atomizers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Jay Smith, Patsy Coppola, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Steven Lee Alderman, James William McClellan, John William Wolber, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Paul A. Brinkley, Grady Lance Dooly
  • Patent number: 11247006
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices including a cartridge and a control body. The control body may include a coupler and the cartridge may include a base. The base may be configured to releasably engage the cartridge. Further the base and the coupler may include anti-rotation mechanisms configured to prevent rotation of the cartridge relative to the base when engaged with one another. The anti-rotation mechanisms may include alternating protrusions and recesses in some embodiments. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Michael Ryan Galloway, John DePiano, Frank S. Silveira, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Michael Laine, Raymond Charles Henry
  • Patent number: 11234463
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define contact portions configured to engage heater terminals and a heating portion configured to produce heat. The heating portion may include a variable coil spacing. In other atomizers, the wire may extend at least partially through the liquid transport element proximate the contact portions. Related inputs, cartridges, aerosol production assemblies, and methods of forming atomizers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Patsy Coppola, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Steven Lee Alderman, James William McClellan, John William Wolber, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Paul A. Brinkley, Grady Lance Dooly
  • Publication number: 20210338949
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Jack Gray Flinchum, JR., Wayne Douglas Brown, Nicholas Harrison Watson, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Paul Andrew Brinkley, James Robert Covino, John DePiano, Edward Louis Dickinson, Eugene R. Harris, Kevin Edward Keough, David Jay Smith, John Hook, Michael LaCourse, Robert Metcalf, Steven Hart, David Pelletier, Marc Bourque, Nathaniel Cambray, John William Wolber, James William McClellan, Steven R. Mongillo, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Quentin Paul Guenther, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210283933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum stencil printing system for reliably and automatically printing materials on the inside of a concave surface. The drum stencil printing system includes a pliable drum stencil secured in place by a stencil spring. As the printhead applies radial pressure to the drum stencil, the portion of the stencil in contact with the printhead is deflected to make contact with the container sidewall. When the printhead rotates, the portion of the stencil contacting the container sidewall also rotates to match the nozzle of the printhead. After printing is complete, the printhead retracts, and the pliable stencil is returned to its undeflected position, breaking contact between the stencil and the container, and protecting the printed material from being rubbed or worn off of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Owen J. Dolan, II, Chris Kanik, William F. Davidson, III, John Depiano, Mark Clemons, Gary Ayotte, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Marcoux, Matthew Ebbs
  • Patent number: 11083857
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Jack Gray Flinchum, Jr., Wayne Douglas Brown, Nicholas Harrison Watson, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Paul Andrew Brinkley, James Robert Covino, John DePiano, Edward Louis Dickinson, Eugene R. Harris, Kevin Edward Keough, David Jay Smith, John Hook, Michael LaCourse, Robert Metcalf, Steven Hart, David Pelletier, Marc Bourque, Nathaniel Cambray, John William Wolber, James William McClellan, Steven R. Mongillo, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210220582
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device including a shell that is divided into a first half and a second half along a longitudinal axis thereof. One or more batteries may be positioned within the shell along with a battery lead that provides an electrical connection to battery terminals. A base unit may be included and may have electrical contacts for matching with a battery terminal and the battery lead. The base unit can include one or both of a printed circuit board (PCB) and a pressure sensor. The shell can attach to a cartridge housing a reservoir for an aerosol-forming composition, a heater; a liquid transport element configured for transport of the aerosol forming composition between the reservoir and the heater; and heater terminals. Such construct can provide for simplified assembly of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Frederic Philippe Ampolini, John DePiano, Matthew C. Ebbs, Frank S. Silveira
  • Publication number: 20210227638
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Steven Lee Alderman, Grady Lance Dooly, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Quentin Paul Guenther, JR., Stephen Benson Sears, John William Wolber, Michael Laine
  • Patent number: 11000075
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Steven Lee Alderman, Grady Lance Dooly, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr., Stephen Benson Sears, John William Wolber, Michael Laine
  • Patent number: 11000069
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device including a shell that is divided into a first half and a second half along a longitudinal axis thereof. One or more batteries may be positioned within the shell along with a battery lead that provides an electrical connection to battery terminals. A base unit may be included and may have electrical contacts for matching with a battery terminal and the battery lead. The base unit can include one or both of a printed circuit board (PCB) and a pressure sensor. The shell can attach to a cartridge housing a reservoir for an aerosol-forming composition, a heater; a liquid transport element configured for transport of the aerosol forming composition between the reservoir and the heater; and heater terminals. Such construct can provide for simplified assembly of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Philippe Ampolini, John DePiano, Matthew C. Ebbs, Frank S. Silveira
  • Patent number: 10856570
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Jack Gray Flinchum, Jr., Wayne Douglas Brown, Nicholas Harrison Watson, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Paul Andrew Brinkley, James Robert Covino, John DePiano, Edward Louis Dickinson, Eugene R. Harris, Kevin Edward Keough, David Jay Smith, John Hook, Michael LaCourse, Robert Metcalf, Steven Hart, David Pelletier, Marc Bourque, Nathaniel Cambray, John William Wolber, James William McClellan, Steven R. Mongillo, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10609961
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Timothy Brian Nestor, Jack Gray Flinchum, Jr., Wayne Douglas Brown, Nicholas Harrison Watson, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Paul Andrew Brinkley, James Robert Covino, John DePiano, Edward Louis Dickinson, Eugene R. Harris, Kevin Edward Keough, David Jay Smith, John Hook, Michael LaCourse, Robert Metcalf, Steven Hart, David Pelletier, Marc Bourque, Nathaniel Cambray, John William Wolber, James William McClellan, Steven R. Mongillo, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10595561
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Robert Alden Metcalfe, John William Wolber