Patents by Inventor John Kretlow

John Kretlow 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: 5857309
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a container having a spout assembly disposed thereon, the spout assembly comprising a cap disposed on a fitment having an interior portion for disposition toward the container interior and an exterior portion for disposition toward the container exterior. The apparatus comprises a storage bin for storing plural spout assemblies and a guide assembly for guiding the spout assemblies to an output of the guide assembly. A fitment and cap sterilizer accepts the spout assemblies from the output and applies a disinfecting solution to their interior portions. An output guide assembly guides them to a subsequent processing station such as a spout applicator that applies the spout assembly to the container. An intermediate UV station may be used between the fitment and cap sterilizer and the spout applicator. In one embodiment, the fitment and cap sterilizer comprises a track for guiding the spout assemblies along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: John Cicha, Steven Breuer, John Kretlow