Patents by Inventor Richard D. Zenger

Richard D. Zenger 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: 5540352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming the bottom of a container (20) and a container made by that method is disclosed. The container for which this method and apparatus are suitable has an outer annular wall (26); a convex U-shaped portion (28); a preformed bottom wall (30), including a center domed portion (32); and an annular wall (34) joining the domed portion and the convex U-shaped portion. The method comprises supporting the bottom peripheral profile portion and bringing a reforming means (36) into engagement with the annular wall. The reforming means is brought to bear against the annular wall to rework the annular wall. The reforming means can also reform the outer annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Andrew Halasz, Sylvan Praturlon, Paul Azzaline, Christopher Caliendo, Richard D. Zenger
  • Patent number: 5251424
    Abstract: A method of hot filling a plastic container includes the steps of introducing a heated product into the container at a temperature of about 190.degree. F., introducing liquid nitrogen into the container and sealing the container before any significant thermal distortion occurs and cooling the container to room temperature, while maintaining a positive pressure within the cooled container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Zenger, Stephen W. Cornell, E. James Schneiders
  • Patent number: 5033254
    Abstract: A system for introducing liquified gas into filled containers in a continuous container fill line (10), wherein, the dosage of liquified gas dispensed into each container is calibrated to the individual container's particular head-space volume. The system (10) includes measuring the head-space volume of each filled container in-line and communicating that measurement to a controller (28) which can adjust the dosage of liquified gas to be dispensed to each individual container. The system also provides for measuring the internal pressure of each container after sealing, which measurement is also communicated to the controller so that the controller can make additional dosage corrections and can direct the ejectment of improperly pressurized containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Zenger
  • Patent number: 4466553
    Abstract: A container for vacuum packaging of products includes an outer container and an inner liner which conforms generally to the configuration of the outer container and is secured to the upper open end thereof while the remainder of the container and liner are unattached. A vent is provided between the atmosphere and the space between the container and liner so that the liner can expand and collapse as differential pressures are applied to the product sealed in the liner by a plastic film secured open end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: National Can Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Zenger
  • Patent number: 4459793
    Abstract: A container for vacuum packaging of products includes an outer container and an inner liner which conforms generally to the configuration of the outer container and is secured to the upper open end thereof while the remainder of the container and liner are unattached. A vent is provided between the atmosphere and the space between the container and liner so that the liner can expand and collapse as differential pressures are applied to the product sealed in the liner by a plastic film secured open end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: National Can Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Zenger
  • Can
    Patent number: D330676
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Andrew Halasz, Thomas E. Moloney, Nelson N. Chernikoff, Richard D. Zenger
  • Can
    Patent number: D343579
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: Andrew Halasz, Thomas E. Moloney, Nelson N. Chernikoff, Richard D. Zenger, Edward K. Cassidy, John M. Mann