Patents by Inventor John R. Ross
John R. Ross 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: 11970381Abstract: Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
-
Patent number: 11897021Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads. The threads are formed on the metallic container by pressing a neck portion of the metallic container against closure threads of a threaded closure which is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container threads may optionally be formed while the threaded closure is in tension. In this manner, after the container threads are formed, the closure threads can apply a force to the container threads such that the threaded closure is in tension. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads. Novel apparatus and methods of sealing metallic containers and forming threads on the metallic containers are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, Anthony J. Scott, Howard C. Chasteen, Linda A. Hines
-
Patent number: 11891208Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads that are formed after a threaded closure is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, Anthony J. Scott, Howard C. Chasteen, Linda A. Hines
-
Patent number: 11813657Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventor: John R. Ross
-
Publication number: 20220347736Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: BALL CORPORATIONInventor: John R. Ross
-
Publication number: 20220324689Abstract: Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
-
Patent number: 11459223Abstract: Methods of sealing a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods that reduce the amount of force applied to a metallic bottle to seal the metallic bottle with a ROPP closure. The methods include use of a capping apparatus that may include more thread rollers than known capping apparatus. Optionally, the thread rollers may use more forming passes to form threads on the ROPP closure. The capping apparatus may also rotate one or more of the ROPP closure and the metallic container in a closing direction before the metallic container is discharged. In one embodiment, the thread rollers form the closure threads before or after a pilfer roller applies a sideload to the ROPP closure.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
-
Patent number: 11446730Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join a metallic end closure to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventor: John R. Ross
-
Publication number: 20220119164Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for sealing bottles with a Roll-on Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closure and a childproof overcap are provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an overcap that can be placed onto or formed onto the ROPP closure. The overcap has a retainer that secures the overcap to the ROPP closure and allows the overcap to move relative to the ROPP closure in a longitudinal axis. The overcap moves between a first position or mode of operation where the overcap can rotate about the ROPP closure and a second position or mode of operation where the overcap engages the ROPP closure to transmit a twisting or torque force to the ROPP closure and open the bottle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2022Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventor: John R. Ross
-
Publication number: 20220080490Abstract: An apparatus and methods of forming a metallic closure for a metallic bottle are provided. The present disclosure provides a pre-formed metallic closure and apparatus and methods of forming the metallic closure. The metallic closure can be reformed with a peripheral channel before the metallic closure is positioned on a metallic bottle. An inner tool and an outer tool can form the channel in one operation. Optionally, a thread can be formed on a metallic closure prior to use of the metallic closure to seal a metallic bottle. A capping apparatus of the present disclosure uses less force to seal a metallic bottle with a metallic closure of the present disclosure compared to the force required with a prior art ROPP closure. Accordingly, a metallic closure of the present disclosure can seal a metallic bottle formed of less material (such as by being thinner) than prior art metallic bottles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
-
Publication number: 20220009668Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads that are formed after a threaded closure is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, Anthony J. Scott, Howard C. Chasteen, Linda A. Hines
-
Patent number: 11214411Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for sealing bottles with a Roll-on Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closure and a childproof overcap are provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an overcap that can be placed onto or formed onto the ROPP closure. The overcap has a retainer that secures the overcap to the ROPP closure and allows the overcap to move relative to the ROPP closure in a longitudinal axis. The overcap moves between a first position or mode of operation where the overcap can rotate about the ROPP closure and a second position or mode of operation where the overcap engages the ROPP closure to transmit a twisting or torque force to the ROPP closure and open the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Ball CorporationInventor: John R. Ross
-
Patent number: 11185909Abstract: An apparatus and methods of forming a metallic closure for a metallic bottle are provided. The present disclosure provides a pre-formed metallic closure and apparatus and methods of forming the metallic closure. The metallic closure can be reformed with a peripheral channel before the metallic closure is positioned on a metallic bottle. An inner tool and an outer tool can form the channel in one operation. Optionally, a thread can be formed on a metallic closure prior to use of the metallic closure to seal a metallic bottle. A capping apparatus of the present disclosure uses less force to seal a metallic bottle with a metallic closure of the present disclosure compared to the force required with a prior art ROPP closure. Accordingly, a metallic closure of the present disclosure can seal a metallic bottle formed of less material (such as by being thinner) than prior art metallic bottles.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey
-
Patent number: 11130606Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads that are formed after a threaded closure is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, Anthony J. Scott, Howard C. Chasteen, Linda A. Hines
-
Publication number: 20210031973Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to domed metal containers, and more specifically to pressurized metallic food containers with liquid nitrogen wells and various closure mechanisms. In some embodiments, the metallic food containers are thin-walled aluminum and are pressurized using liquid nitrogen to maintain strength and integrity. The container can have a nitrogen well to receive liquid nitrogen and keep the liquid nitrogen away from the food stuff packaged in the container. In various embodiments, the metallic food container comprises a domed bottom portion shaped and sized to nest with a food stuff packaged in the container. In some embodiments, the container is sealed with a tear away lid, a screw-on lid, or a metallic end closure double seamed to the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Jonathan Whitmore, John R. Ross
-
Publication number: 20200406337Abstract: An apparatus and methods of sealing a metallic container with a metallic end closure are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool operable to releasably join the closure to the container. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to form a thread in the closure and the container. The tool may optionally crimp the closure to the container. Once sealed, the container can be opened by rotating the closure in an opening direction. The closure can subsequently re-close the container by rotating the closure in a closing direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventor: John R. Ross
-
Patent number: 10875684Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing a threaded container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ROPP closure with a novel pilfer band that may be used to seal a bottle shaped container without pressing directly against the bottle or deforming the bottle. The bottle includes an annular ring that is novel. Optionally, the annular ring can be formed without die necking or expanding the bottle neck. At least one protrusion which extends inwardly at least partially into the bottle annular ring is formed on the ROPP closure after the ROPP closure is positioned on the bottle neck. In one embodiment, the ROPP closure includes one inwardly oriented protrusion which extends around the circumference of the ROPP closure. The protrusion can be formed by a roller. Optionally, the protrusion has a substantially uniform depth. In another embodiment, the ROPP closure includes a plurality of individuals studs which each extend at least partially into the bottle annular ring.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: BALL CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Ross, David J. Bonfoey, Dean L. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20200339319Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for enclosing containers with a child-resistant overcap and preventing unauthorized access to containers are provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an overcap that can be placed onto a container or end closure, and the overcap may require a combination of forces to be removed from the container or end closure. Embodiments of the overcap can have a deflectable center portion where a force applied to the center portion deflects the center portion and causes snap features to release from a container or end closure. A second opposing force may then remove the overcap from the container or end closure. The forces and combination of features restricts the ability of a child or other to access potentially hazardous contents within the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventor: John R. Ross
-
Publication number: 20200324941Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for sealing bottles with a Roll-on Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closure and a childproof overcap are provided. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an overcap that can be placed onto or formed onto the ROPP closure. The overcap has a retainer that secures the overcap to the ROPP closure and allows the overcap to move relative to the ROPP closure in a longitudinal axis. The overcap moves between a first position or mode of operation where the overcap can rotate about the ROPP closure and a second position or mode of operation where the overcap engages the ROPP closure to transmit a twisting or torque force to the ROPP closure and open the bottle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventor: John R. Ross
-
Patent number: 10660324Abstract: A system is disclosed for keeping rats and similar pests away without trapping or killing them. It provides a long-life battery powered LED light system for deterring rats, mice and other nocturnal animals. Embodiments of the present invention are designed to operate continuously for at least one year between battery changes. Embodiments have been proven to deter rats from invading engine compartments of parked motor vehicles, vegetable gardens, attics, garages and outdoor patios. In preferred embodiments the wavelengths of the LEDs are chosen to correspond to the known wavelength sensitivity peaks of the eyes of rats, mice, and other rodents. This new technology transcends traps.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Inventors: Richard G. Morton, Kenneth Avicola, Curtis Mixon, John R. Ross