Patents by Inventor Jan E. Gates

Jan E. Gates 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: 4571337
    Abstract: A shelf-stable combination of an easily openable bag and a mixture of edible popcorn ingredients is suitable for use in microwave ovens. The bag includes a bottom panel, a top panel, a back panel, and inwardly folded gusseted side panels such that the bag can be flattened along the top edge opposite the bottom panel. The bag is formed by an outer layer of paper and an inner layer of non-wicking material with a coating that is sensitive to a combination of heat and pressure. A peelable seal is formed by the coating along the top edge such that the bag can be opened along that edge by pulling on diagonally opposite corners. The ingredients include corn kernels having a moisture content of about 11.5 percent or more and the peelable seal has sufficent strength to remain closed for at least one-half of the time required to pop substantially all of these kernels. The top edge seal opens before popping is completed to release steam and prevent the popped corn from becoming too chewy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Hunt-Wesson Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Cage, Shanti Kolla, Jan E. Gates