Patents by Inventor Rodney P. Smith

Rodney P. Smith 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: 9169928
    Abstract: A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing. Methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: R.A Jones & Co.
    Inventors: James A. Bloome, Kelly D. Eastman, Rick A. Meeker, Rodney P. Smith
  • Patent number: 8336186
    Abstract: A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Packaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bloome, Kelly D. Eastman, Rick A. Meeker, Rodney P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090173043
    Abstract: A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing. Methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Packaging Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: James A. Bloome, Kelly D. Eastman, Rick A. Meeker, Rodney P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080314256
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely placing a beverage brewing filter into a beverage brew cup. Air pressure and velocity are used to overcome variations in the filter or environment. A hard stop and a filter catch are used to catch a filter at a first position, and to shuttle the filter to a second position to be placed in a brew cup. A shoulder may be provided in the catch to prevent rebound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5247777
    Abstract: In the "undercap" method of, and closure cap crimper-propellant fill head apparatus for, introducing a charge of volatile propellant in its liquid state into an aerosol container containing product to be dispensed, a significant residual amount of the propellant charge remains in the crimper-propellant fill head bell after the closure cap has been secured in place to seal the container. Not all crimper-propellant head machines are equipped with systems for reclaiming residual propellant, and even when so equipped, it is not always practical to reclaim residual propellant since certain products to be dispensed will foul the reclamation equipment. According to this invention a compressed purge gas is injected into the crimper-propellant fill head bell to purge a substantial portion of the residual propellant into the container before it is sealed by crimping its closure cap on the container mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: The Kartridg Pak Co.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Smith, Gregory C. Vens
  • Patent number: 5181366
    Abstract: In the "undercap" method of, and closure cap crimper-propellant fill head apparatus for, introducing a charge of volatile propellant in its liquid state into an aerosol container containing product to be dispensed, a significant residual amount of the propellant charge remains in the crimper-propellant fill head bell after the closure cap has been secured in place to seal the container. Not all crimper-propellant head machines are equipped with systems for reclaiming residual propellant, and even when so equipped, it is not always practical to reclaim residual propellant since certain products to be dispensed will foul the reclamation equipment. According to this invention a compressed purge gas is injected into the crimper-propellant fill head bell to purge a substantial portion of the residual propellant into the container before it is sealed by crimping its closure cap on the container mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: The Kartridg Pak Co.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Smith, Gregory C. Vens
  • Patent number: 4999976
    Abstract: A supply of a propellant gas is maintained at substantially uniform temperature and pressure. Uniform predetermined increments of the propellant gas are withdrawn in rapid succession and rapidly introduced into aerosol containers in which product to be dispensed has already been introduced. Such containers are subjected to ultrasonic frequency agitation during the introduction of the propellant thereby enhancing the speed of introduction. The propellant may be introduced into a container either by the "through-the-valve" method or by the "under-the-cap" method at conventional speeds using known commercial equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Kartridg Pak Co.
    Inventor: Rodney P. Smith
  • Patent number: 4938000
    Abstract: A crimper head for use in introducing a fluid product under pressure into the mouth of a container provided with a closure and thereafter crimping the closure to the container mouth. A container, such as for an aerosol package, with a closure resting freely in the mouth of the container is delivered to the crimper head. The head has a lower bell which forms a seal with the upper end of the container when the head is lowered. While the bell remains stationary, other parts of the head are actuated so that vacuum is applied to the bell and the container while the closure is lifted by vacuum from the mouth. Thereafter, the head is actuated to shut off the vacuum and admit a metered quantity of fluid under pressure, such as aerosol propellant, into the bell and container. When the pressurized fluid is admitted it lifts the closure from the container mouth and also acts to lift as a unit all parts of the head except the bell which remains stationary and engaged with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: The Kartridg Pak Co.
    Inventors: Rodney P. Smith, Donald E. Cohrs