Patents by Inventor Robert L. La Barge

Robert L. La Barge 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: 4991732
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved can end construction for carbonated beverage cans having a score line defined opening panel incorporated in a selectively contoured pouring spout configuration for accommodation of an automatic pressure releasing resealing cap assembly engageable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Thomas P. Grzybek
  • Patent number: 4982862
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved can end construction for carbonated beverage cans having a score line defined opening panel therein for beverage dispensing and, more particularly, to can ends for such type cans wherein said panel is incorporated in a selectively contoured spout configuration for accommodation of a resealing cap assembly engageable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Robert L. La Barge
  • Patent number: 4932555
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved can end construction for carbonated beverage cans having a score line defined opening panel therein for beverage dispensing and, more particularly, to an improved construction for a resealing cap assembly for such type can ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Robert L. La Barge
  • Patent number: 4836705
    Abstract: An assembly of at least two components joined together by at least one mechanical connection formed in sheet-like portions of the components and in an area of faying contact between the components. The assembly includes an integral collar projecting from one of the components and an outer integral collar projecting from the other components circumscribing the first collar. The inner collar has a cylindrical inner surface portion and a wall of varying thickness. At least a portion of this wall increases in thickness toward the outboard end of the collar to lock the collars together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Ronald J. Ewing
  • Patent number: 4688316
    Abstract: A method of joining together two or more pieces of malleable material. The method includes the steps of placing thoroughly cleaned surfaces of the pieces in intimate contact with each other and forming a flanged hole through all of them at the same time. This is accomplished by producing a starting hole and then directing a draw punch against the pieces and directing the same into the opening of a die while the material is compressively stressed to a value substantially equal to the yield strength of the material. The punch provides the completed flanges with an hourglass shape, such shape locking the inner and outer flanges together against axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Ronald J. Ewing
  • Patent number: 4611381
    Abstract: A method of joining together two or more pieces of malleable material. The method includes the steps of placing thoroughly cleaned surfaces of the pieces in intimate contact with each other and forming a flanged hole through all of them at the same time. This is accomplished by directing a draw punch against the pieces and directing the same into the opening of a die while the material is compressively stressed to a value substantially equal to the yield strength of the material. The punch provides the completed flanges with an hourglass shape, such shape locking the inner and outer flanges together against axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Ronald J. Ewing
  • Patent number: 4580692
    Abstract: A snap-type cap for sealing against escape of gases through an opening in an end closure of a container having contents therein which dissociate a gas therefrom. The cap includes a seal portion to engage with a sealing lip around the opening in the container end to provide an initial low pressure seal and a second high pressure seal as progressively higher pressures within the container exceed the sealing limit of the initial low pressure seal. The cap may further include an opening portion adapted for contacting an opening panel in the container end and effecting an opening in the container by applying pressure against the opening panel through the opening portion. An improved easy open container end having a smooth sealing lip for cooperating with the cap for resealing and a method of making such an end are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Robert E. Heffner
  • Patent number: 4526096
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and processing used containers including an enclosure with a rotatable carrier having one or more container receiving stations therein. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container inserted into the receiving station. Means are also provided for crushing a container accepted for processing by the apparatus comprising a fixed crushing jaw and a movable crushing jaw adapted for dual engagement with a container to provide two stages of crushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Thomas W. Scherf, Eric D. Arndt, Jerrold D. Green, Ronald G. Hawkins, Frank J. Horansky, Charles J. Leftault, Jr., Elmer E. Pohlenz
  • Patent number: 4519307
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the insertion of a recyclable container into a container receiving station in a manually operated rotatable carrier normally maintained in a non-rotatable condition; and for analysis and initial acceptance or rejection of the container for recycling without mechanical movement apparent to the user. The apparatus includes detecting means adjacent the receiving station to determine the presence of a container comprised of material acceptable for recycling and scanning means for reading code markings on the container. The information read from the code markings on the container may be recorded for subsequent use in determining amounts of deposits to be paid as well as sources of containers. Releasing means are provided for subsequently permitting movement of said rotatable carrier if said container comprises a material acceptable for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Charles J. Leftault, Jr., Eric D. Arndt, Jerrold D. Green, Ronald G. Hawkins, Frank J. Horansky, Elmer E. Pohlenz, Thomas W. Scherf
  • Patent number: 4512253
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with a first station comprising a pocket in the carrier to receive a container. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container in the pocket and for detecting the type of material comprising the wall of the container. The apparatus also contains latching means to prevent rotation of the rotatable carrier until a container inserted therein has passed all tests performed in the first station. Means are also provided for measuring the weight of the container and for crushing metallic containers having a predetermined acceptable weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Eric D. Arndt, Jerrold D. Green, Ronald G. Hawkins, Frank J. Horansky, Charles J. Leftault, Jr., Elmer E. Pohlenz, Thomas W. Scherf
  • Patent number: 4105133
    Abstract: A sheet metal container wall or end closure is provided which includes a weakening line in the sheet metal and a rib formed across the weakening line to facilitate rupture of the residual metal in the weakening line. Such container wall may also have a hollow button formed in it with the weakening line and rib formed in the button whereby flexing of the button stresses the rib and weakening line to initiate rupture of the residual metal in the weakening line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. La Barge, Robert G. Clawson