Patents by Inventor George D. Wofford

George D. Wofford 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: 8409697
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising at least 10 microlayers, each of which has a thickness ranging from about 0.001 to 0.015 mil. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer is at least about 1:2. The film has a total free shrink (ASTM D2732-03) of at least about 10% at 200° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Publication number: 20120270024
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising at least 10 microlayers, each of which has a thickness ranging from about 0.001 to 0.015 mil. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer is at least about 1:2. The film has a total free shrink (ASTM D2732-03) of at least about 10% at 200° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 8241736
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher L. Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Publication number: 20120052277
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 8080310
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Larry Bikle McAllister, Christopher Brown, George D Wofford
  • Publication number: 20110260354
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 8021759
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic film or bag which contains at least one homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. Oriented films made in accordance with the present invention exhibit improved optics and improved impact resistance. A homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin may be present in a monolayer film either alone or in a blend or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Cryovac Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Ahlgren, Robert Babrowicz, Solomon Bekele, Blaine C. Childress, Marvin R. Havens, Vincent W. Herran, Ronald D. Moffitt, Gautam P. Shah, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 8017231
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic film or bag which contains at least one homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer with at least some limited long chain branching. Oriented films made in accordance with the present invention exhibit improved processability as well as improved physical properties such as excellent optics and impact resistance. A homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin with long chain branching may be present in a monolayer film either alone or in a blend or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Ahlgren, Robert Babrowicz, Solomon Bekele, Blaine C. Childress, Marvin R. Havens, Ronald D. Moffitt, Gautam P. Shah, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 8012572
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Publication number: 20100227136
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The ratio of the thickness of any of the microlayers to the thickness of the bulk layer ranges from about 1:2 to about 1:40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Rafizi Ramli, Larry Bikle McAllister, Anton L. Timmons, Bradford E. Webster, John R. Wolf, Christopher Brown, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 7588830
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic film or bag which contains at least one homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. Oriented films made in accordance with the present invention exhibit improved optics and improved impact resistance. A homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin may be present in a monolayer film either alone or in a blend or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Ahlgren, Robert Babrowicz, Solomon Bekele, Blaine C. Childress, Marvin R. Havens, Ronald D. Moffitt, Gautam P. Shah, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 7207157
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane, wherein the second layer has a thickness of from about 10 to 50 percent, based on a total film thickness; (C) a third layer comprising a polyamide having a melting point of 160° C. and below; and (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising polyester. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced orientability of the tape from which the film is formed, thereby providing improved total free shrink and lower shrink temperature. The third layer also provides greater optical clarity and permits the presence of a thicker polyamide layer, thereby increasing impact strength and improving the O2-barrier of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wolf, Ram K. Ramesh, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 7200977
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane; (C) a third layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of amorphous polyester and polyester having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 260° C.; (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide and polyurethane. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced impact strength, optics, grease-resistance, and free-shrink of the film, and renders the tape more easily orientable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram K. Ramesh, John R. Wolf, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 6884480
    Abstract: Film and sheet materials, and articles made therefrom, such as bags, pouches, trays, etc., comprise one or more layers of homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer, preferably an ethylene/styrene copolymer. The alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer has properties which can provide a desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, printability, RF sealability, free shrink, optics, high permeability, etc. The homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer may be present in a monolayer film, either alone or in a blend, or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film. Also included is a multilayer thermoformable article comprising a web having a film of such alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymers thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Bradfute, Blaine C. Childress, Marvin R. Havens, C. Michael Lulham, Ronald D. Moffitt, Martindale Nelson, Lawrence R. Norpoth, William P. Roberts, Gloria G. Toney, George D. Wofford
  • Publication number: 20040065052
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane; (C) a third layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of amorphous polyester and polyester having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 260° C.; (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide and polyurethane. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced impact strength, optics, grease-resistance, and free-shrink of the film, and renders the tape more easily orientable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ram K. Ramesh, John R. Wolf, George D. Wofford
  • Publication number: 20040009314
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic film or bag which contains at least one homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. Oriented films made in accordance with the present invention exhibit improved optics and improved impact resistance. A homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin may be present in a monolayer film either alone or in a blend or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kelly R. Ahlgren, Robert Babrowicz, Solomon Bekele, Blaine C. Childress, Marvin R. Havens, Ronald D. Moffitt, Gautam P. Shah, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 6610392
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane; (C) a third layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of amorphous polyester and polyester having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 260° C.; (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide and polyurethane. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced impact strength, optics, grease-resistance, and free-shrink of the film, and renders the tape more easily orientable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram K. Ramesh, John R. Wolf, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 6514583
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable film containing a homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer has a high impact strength and a high free shrink. The film can be a monolayer film or multilayer film, with the homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer present alone or in a blend, and in one or more film layers. The film is especially suited for use in heat-shrinkable bags, which can be used for the packaging of various products, especially meat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Ahlgren, Robert Babrowicz, Solomon Bekele, Blaine C. Childress, Marvin R. Havens, Vincent W. Herran, Ronald D. Moffitt, Gautam P. Shah, George D. Wofford
  • Publication number: 20030012900
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane, wherein the second layer has a thickness of from about 10 to 50 percent, based on a total film thickness; (C) a third layer comprising a polyamide having a melting point of 160° C. and below; and (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising polyester. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced orientability of the tape from which the film is formed, thereby providing improved total free shrink and lower shrink temperature. The third layer also provides greater optical clarity and permits the presence of a thicker polyamide layer, thereby increasing impact strength and improving the O2-barrier of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: John R. Wolf, Ram K. Ramesh, George D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 6406763
    Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable food packaging film useful for forming a post packaging pasteurization bag. The film includes at least three layers: 1) a first outer layer formed from a resin composition having a Vicat softening point of at least 100° C., 2) a second outer layer having one or more thermoplastic gloss materials of polyester, ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having a melt index of greater than 1 g/10 minutes, styrene/butadiene block copolymer, and ethylene/styrene random copolymer, and 3) one or more inner layers between the first and second outer layers. At least one of the inner layers includes an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The film has a total free shrink of at least 40% at 85° C. If the second outer layer includes polyester, then each of the inner layers of the multilayer film is devoid of a weight amount of polyamide or polyester greater than the weight amount of polyester in the second outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wolf, George D. Wofford, Blaine C. Childress