Patents by Inventor Jerry M. Reaves

Jerry M. Reaves 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: 10308379
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Bierschenk, Frank M. Brenkus, Jerry M. Reaves, Amelinda Melanson, Leon J. Krause, Ronald M. Gust
  • Patent number: 8656690
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Bierschenk, Frank M. Brenkus, Kevin Cote, Amelinda Melanson, Jerry M. Reaves
  • Publication number: 20140020336
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. BIERSCHENK, Frank M. BRENKUS, Jerry M. REAVES, Amelinda MELANSON, Leon J. KRAUSE, Ronald M. GUST
  • Patent number: 8567165
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Frito-Lay North America, Inc., Douglas Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Bierschenk, Frank M. Brenkus, Jerry M. Reaves, Amelinda Melanson, Leon J. Krause, Ronald M. Gust
  • Publication number: 20110154783
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. BIERSCHENK, Frank M. BRENKUS, Kevin COTE, Amelinda MELANSON, Jerry M. REAVES
  • Publication number: 20110131934
    Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. BIERSCHENK, Frank M. BRENKUS, Jerry M. REAVES, Amelinda MELANSON, Leon J. KRAUSE, Ronald M. GUST
  • Patent number: 4950345
    Abstract: A back-up pad is provided over an anvil surface of a back-up plate, and between the anvil surface and a sealing surface of a sealing die, in an apparatus for forming seals between layers of film material. The back-up pad has a slip surface on one side thereof and a spring surface on an opposite side thereof, the slip surface opposing the sealing face of the die so that the layers of film material pass between the sealing die and the back-up pad during seal formation. The spring surface is comprised of a plurality of outwardly extending resilient spring loops that act against the back-up plate during seal formation, the spring loops resiliently urging the layers of film material against the sealing face to effect seal formation between the film layers while cushioning the film layers to prevent damage to the film layers due to drag between layers and the die face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Frito-Lay, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Kreager, Jr., Jerry M. Reaves, Fredrick J. Priggs