Patents by Inventor Robert J. Nestle

Robert J. Nestle 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).

  • Publication number: 20120279981
    Abstract: A process of storing and retrieving recloseable storage bags including the steps of purchasing a package of individualized recloseable storage bags from a retailer, removing the recloseable storage bags from the package, optionally providing the recloseable storage bags in a roll form, inserting the roll of recloseable storage bags into a dispenser having compartments. The dispenser has a lid with access slots juxtaposed over the compartments. The process further includes removing the recloseable storage bags from the dispenser through the one or more access slots. The process may also include providing a merchandiser having different types of bags packaged as refills in flexible bags. Instructions with the merchandiser and/or the storage dispenser may direct consumers to replenish the storage dispenser with different types of bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
    Inventors: Jamie Grace Thomas, William D. Price, Robert J. Nestle, Randall W. Friebe, Katherine N. Bouchey, Jonathan D. Bellante, Kirsten Jane Climer, Charles Paradise, Brook S. Kennedy, Lauren Argo, Phillip Randolph Hartley, Shailesh H. Patel, Gina Reynolds, Erin L. Myers, Jason P. Grochowski
  • Publication number: 20120279037
    Abstract: A process for providing a recloseable storage bag to a consumer. The process the process includes steps of: (a) providing a plurality of recloseable storage bags; and (b) directing consumers to load the plurality of recloseable storage bags into an in-home dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jamie Grace Thomas, William D. Price, Robert J. Nestle, Randall W. Friebe, Katherine N. Bouchey, Jonathan D. Bellante
  • Patent number: 5964688
    Abstract: A seal bar assembly which includes a support structure (21), and at least a first seal bar segment (22) and a second seal bar segment (23) mounted substantially parallel to each other on the support structure. The seal bar segments define a gap (28) therebetween. Each seal bar segment has two ends, with mounting means (26) positioned proximate to each end of both the first and second seal bar segments for mounting the ends of the seal bar segments to the support structure. The mounting means are adapted to permit one or both ends of each seal bar segment to move toward or away from the support structure, but the mounting means do not permit the seal bar segments to significantly move transversely with respect to each other. In this manner, the seal bar segments remain substantially parallel to each other, and the gap between the seal bar segments is maintained substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Clark M. Woody, Robert J. Nestle, Michael J. Staszak
  • Patent number: 5890344
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, folding and transferring a stack of flexible plastic bag products such as a stack of zippered plastic bags. The apparatus can be retrofitted in existing bag sealers used for producing and packaging a stack of plastic bags in order to produce novel shallower plastic bag products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: DowBrands L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Smith, Robert J. Nestle
  • Patent number: 5544471
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, folding and transferring a stack of flexible plastic bag products such as a stack of zippered plastic bags. The apparatus can be retrofitted in existing bag sealers used for producing and packaging a stack of plastic bags in order to produce novel shallower plastic bag products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Dowbrands L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Smith, Robert J. Nestle
  • Patent number: 5302080
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking zippered plastic bags maintains the top bag of the stack in a generally horizontal relationship by controlling the position of a stacking table which supports the stack. At least a portion of the stacking table which supports the stack is gradually pivoted in the area of the bag zippers as a stack forms. Preferably, the stacking table is controlled to also maintain the top of the stack at a generally constant level while the stack is forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Dowbrands L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Smith, Robert J. Nestle
  • Patent number: 5203556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sequential handling and delivery of individual flexible products, such as plastic bags or containers, is provided which enables the use of extended length orbital packer fingers for removing closely spaced flexible products from a transfer drum and delivering them to a stacking table. The apparatus includes a product drum for delivering a series of closely spaced individual flexible products to a transfer point, and a transfer drum positioned at the transfer point for transferring the flexible products to a delivery point while maintaining substantially the same spacing between the products. Adjacent the transfer drum is an orbital packing mechanism including a shaft mounted adjacent the transfer drum for orbital movement and a plurality of packer fingers secured to the shaft and extending into the annular grooves for removing the flexible products sequentially from the transfer drum and delivering them to the delivery point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Dowbrands L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Smith, Robert J. Nestle
  • Patent number: 5185987
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring stacks of flexible products is disclosed including a flat plate base support structure having a top and bottom; at least a first pair of clamping means releasably attached to the top of the support structure for clamping a first stack of flexible products; and an actuating means releasably attached to said first pair of clamping means; said actuating means adapted for substantially simultaneously actuating the at least first pair of clamping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Dowbrands Inc
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Jeffrey S. Hoffman, Robert J. Nestle
  • Patent number: 4915680
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for introducing a gusset into a web of plastic film. The apparatus includes a pneumatically-biased protruding plate which varies the depth of the gusset to maintain a constant protruding plate-film web tension in response to variations in the transverse width of the film web. Further disclosed is a means for holding the zipper laterally stationary and in alignment while the gusset is introduced into the film web by the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Nestle, David A. Barker