Patents by Inventor Robert L. Ferrante

Robert L. Ferrante 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: 20210284372
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Patent number: 11040793
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Patent number: 11001401
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Publication number: 20200172277
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Publication number: 20200047933
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Patent number: 10336489
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Patent number: 9844911
    Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Corbin, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Michael J. Riccardi, Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 9808989
    Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Corbin, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Michael J. Riccardi, Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Publication number: 20160325866
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Riccardi, Robert S. Galosi, Lawrence Valenti, Larry Chuba, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Jeffrey R. Imboden, David Romo, Mark David Stultz
  • Publication number: 20150144268
    Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas C. Corbin, Donald P. Shook, Robert L. Ferrante, Michael J. Riccardi, Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 8898978
    Abstract: A roof tile installation assembly having a plurality of battens, each having a front end portion and a back end portion, and defining a channel between the front end portion and the back end portion, and at least one roof tile having a front end and a back end, the back end having a downwardly protruding flange. In use, the plurality of battens are preferably arranged parallel to one another on a rooftop so that the front end portion of each batten is toward the eave of the rooftop and the back end portion of each batten is toward the peak of the rooftop, and each roof tile flange is preferably arranged to be received by a batten channel so that the roof tile is substantially constrained from moving forward or backward relative to the batten so that the front end of each roof tile is arranged to be supported by the next adjacent batten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Pat L. Murray, Robert L. Ferrante
  • Publication number: 20140090320
    Abstract: A roof tile installation assembly having a plurality of battens, each having a front end portion and a back end portion, and defining a channel between the front end portion and the back end portion, and at least one roof tile having a front end and a back end, the back end having a downwardly protruding flange. In use, the plurality of battens are preferably arranged parallel to one another on a rooftop so that the front end portion of each batten is toward the eave of the rooftop and the back end portion of each batten is toward the peak of the rooftop, and each roof tile flange is preferably arranged to be received by a batten channel so that the roof tile is substantially constrained from moving forward or backward relative to the batten so that the front end of each roof tile is arranged to be supported by the next adjacent batten.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Pat L. Murray, Robert L. Ferrante
  • Publication number: 20110146199
    Abstract: Methods of attaching roof tiles are disclosed. The methods may be used to attach a new roof or to upgrade an existing roof. The methods include the use of mechanical fasteners and polymer adhesives, including foamable adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert L. Ferrante, David H. Faulkner, E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray
  • Publication number: 20090031660
    Abstract: The present invention is an insulated pitched roof system for a sloped deck in which an insulating component is adhered to the sloped deck and the roof tiles are adhered to the insulating component with an adhesive, preferably a polymer adhesive. The insulating component includes a board or sheet material which is adhered to the roof deck. The insulating component is preferably adhered directly to the roof deck with a polymer adhesive. The insulating component preferably includes interlocking sides for forming a water tight connection between adjacently joined insulating components. Additionally, the insulating components include an end lap portion to form an overlapping portion between adjacent rows of insulating components. In a preferred embodiment, the overlapping portion is adhered together to form a unitary insulative and waterproof layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: David H. Faulkner, Robert L. Ferrante, E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray
  • Patent number: 7316099
    Abstract: The present invention is a spaced sheathing roofing system and method in which roof cladding is placed onto batten strips positioned on roof rafters. The roof cladding is attached using an adhesive. The attachment component is preferably a polymer adhesive, more preferably a polyurethane, for adhering the roof cladding. The adhesive is preferably sprayed onto the lower surface of the placed roof cladding while also being sprayed onto the batten strips and the supporting truss rafters. The sprayed adhesive bonds the adjacent roof cladding together and also bonds the roof cladding to the batten strips to form a monolithic structure. In addition, the sprayed layer of adhesive forms an insulative layer while also forming a waterproof barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Polyfoam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Faulkner, Robert L. Ferrante, E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray
  • Patent number: 7249443
    Abstract: The present invention is an insulated pitched roofing system for a sloped deck in which an insulating sheet is adhered to the sloped deck or to a roofing substrate and the roof tiles are adhered to the insulating sheet with a polymer adhesive. The polymer adhesive is preferably a froth liquid polyurethane foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Polyfoam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Faulkner, Robert L. Ferrante, E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray
  • Patent number: 6793098
    Abstract: A dispensing system for mixing at least first and second components and dispensing an expanding foam is disclosed. The system includes separate vessels, each containing a foam component, and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge assembly mounted on a body assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber and first and second ports, each for supplying a foam component to the mix chamber. A pair of adjusting valves is mounted to the cartridge assembly with each valve operable to adjust the flow of each foam component to the mix chamber. A pair of hoses connects the vessels to the cartridge assembly. Each adjusting valve is a variable orifice device in the cartridge assembly having the capability of varying the flow area of the port. The present invention also includes a method for adjustably controlling, at the dispensing apparatus, the flow of each of the first and second components to the mixing chamber to alter their ratio therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Polyfoam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray, Robert L. Ferrante, Pat Donahue
  • Publication number: 20030150872
    Abstract: A dispensing system for mixing at least first and second components and dispensing an expanding foam is disclosed. The system includes separate vessels, each containing a foam component, and a dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge assembly mounted on a body assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber and first and second ports, each for supplying a foam component to the mix chamber. A pair of adjusting valves is mounted to the cartridge assembly with each valve operable to adjust the flow of each foam component to the mix chamber. A pair of hoses connects the vessels to the cartridge assembly. Each adjusting valve is a variable orifice device in the cartridge assembly having the capability of varying the flow area of the port. The present invention also includes a method for adjustably controlling, at the dispensing apparatus, the flow of each of the first and second components to the mixing chamber to alter their ratio therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray, Robert L. Ferrante, Pat Donahue
  • Publication number: 20030089064
    Abstract: The present invention is a spaced sheathing roofing system and method in which roof cladding is placed onto batten strips positioned on roof rafters. The roof cladding is attached using an adhesive. The attachment component is preferably a polymer adhesive, more preferably a polyurethane, for adhering the roof cladding. The adhesive is preferably sprayed onto the lower surface of the placed roof cladding while also being sprayed onto the batten strips and the supporting truss rafters. The sprayed adhesive bonds the adjacent roof cladding together and also bonds the roof cladding to the batten strips to form a monolithic structure. In addition, the sprayed layer of adhesive forms an insulative layer while also forming a waterproof barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: David H. Faulkner, Robert L. Ferrante, E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray
  • Publication number: 20030089445
    Abstract: The present invention is an insulated pitched roofing system for a sloped deck in which an insulating sheet is adhered to the sloped deck or to a roofing substrate and the roof tiles are adhered to the insulating sheet with a polymer adhesive. The polymer adhesive is preferably a froth liquid polyurethane foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: David H. Faulkner, Robert L. Ferrante, E. Richard Huber, Pat L. Murray