Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Cotterman

Ronald L. Cotterman 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: 20220004832
    Abstract: A computing device can facilitate disposal of packaging material. The packaging material can have a product packaged therein. The packaging material includes an identification tag that includes an identifier. A remote computing device reads the identifier from the packaging material and sends a communication that includes the identifier to the computing device. The computing device identifies a location associated with the remote computing device. The computing device determines location-based disposal information for the packaging material that is based at least in part on the location associated with the remote computing device. The computing device send an indication of the location-based disposal information for the packaging material to the remote computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Edward L. Doheny, II, Jason Brummett, Gregory E. McDonald, David Orr, Michael L. Becraft, Christopher Scott, Andreas C. Schmidt, Ronald L. Cotterman
  • Patent number: 8927622
    Abstract: The present application is generally directed to novel compositions and methods used to produce a biodegradable, starch-based, water-resistant article of manufacture. The teachings include a composition comprising a biodegradable fiber component in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 40% on a dry weight basis, starch component in an amount ranging from about 40% to about 94.5% on a dry weight basis, and an additive component in an amount ranging from more than 0% to about 15% on a dry weight basis. The additive component can comprise an epoxidized vegetable oil, a hydrogenated triglyceride, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Chamness Biodegradables, LLC
    Inventors: Drew V. Speer, Ronald L. Cotterman, Dwight W. Schwark, David A. Dellinger
  • Patent number: 7494605
    Abstract: A method includes triggering an oxygen scavenger; and storing the scavenger in a container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The triggered oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, triggered, is also disclosed. A method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing a tubular film at a first location, the film having oxygen barrier and oxygen scavenger layers; triggering the oxygen scavenger; collapsing the film; rolling up the film; transporting the film to a second location; and triggering the oxygen scavenger. Another method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing an oxygen scavenger film at a first location; transporting the film to a second location; triggering the oxygen scavenger; storing the oxygen scavenger film in a container; and transporting the film to a third location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dayrit, Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20090012210
    Abstract: The present application is generally directed to novel compositions and methods used to produce a biodegradable, starch-based, water-resistant article of manufacture. The teachings include a composition comprising a biodegradable fiber component in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 40% on a dry weight basis, starch component in an amount ranging from about 40% to about 94.5% on a dry weight basis, and an additive component in an amount ranging from more than 0% to about 15% on a dry weight basis. The additive component can comprise an epoxidized vegetable oil, a hydrogenated triglyceride, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Drew V. Speer, Ronald L. Cotterman, Dwight W. Schwark, David A. Dellinger
  • Patent number: 7318524
    Abstract: A package includes a non-thermoformed thermoplastic pouch including a first and second panel; and an optical data storage medium disposed in the pouch; wherein the pouch comprises an oxygen barrier material, and an oxygen scavenger. Two methods of making a package include (1) providing a web; providing an optical data storage medium; forming a non-thermoformed pouch from the thermoplastic web, the pouch comprising a first and second panel; placing the optical data storage medium in the pouch; and sealing the pouch; wherein the web includes an oxygen barrier material and an oxygen scavenger; or (2) providing a first and second web; providing an optical data storage medium; forming a non-thermoformed pouch from the webs; placing the optical data storage medium in the pouch; and sealing the pouch; wherein at least one of the webs includes an oxygen barrier material, and at least one of the webs includes an oxygen scavenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Compton, Drew V. Speer, Brian L. Butler, Janet W. Rivett, Scott W. Beckwith, Frank B. Edwards, Thomas D. Kennedy, Ronald L. Cotterman
  • Patent number: 7238300
    Abstract: A method comprises subjecting ant oxygen scavenger to actinic radiation; and then optionally storing the oxygen scavenger in a container, the container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The dosed oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, if stored therein, subjected to a second dose of actinic radiation to trigger the oxygen scavenger, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, untriggered, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: James A. Solis, Richard Dayrit, Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7219362
    Abstract: A package includes a thermoformed web or support member, an optical data storage medium disposed in a cavity of the thermoformed web, or on the support member; and a covering web disposed on the optical data storage medium, and on the thermoformed web or support member, and in sealing relationship to the thermoformed web or support member; where each of the thermoformed web or support member, and the covering web, includes an oxygen barrier; and where at least one of the thermoformed web or support member, and the covering web, includes an oxygen scavenger. Methods of making the package are also disclosed. In addition to, or alternatively to including the oxygen scavenger in at least one of the thermoformed or support member, and the covering web, the oxygen scavenger can be disposed on the optical medium, e.g. in the form of a disc, coating, label, pellet, wafer, or flattened sachet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Frank B. Edwards, Thomas D. Kennedy, Janet W. Rivett, Drew V. Speer
  • Patent number: 6942821
    Abstract: A method includes triggering an oxygen scavenger; and storing the scavenger in a container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The triggered oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, triggered, is also disclosed. A method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing a tubular film at a first location, the film having oxygen barrier and oxygen scavenger layers; triggering the oxygen scavenger; collapsing the film; rolling up the film; transporting the film to a second location; and triggering the oxygen scavenger. Another method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing an oxygen scavenger film at a first location; transporting the film to a second location; triggering the oxygen scavenger; storing the oxygen scavenger film in a container; and transporting the film to a third location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dayrit, Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6875400
    Abstract: A method includes providing an article including an oxygen scavenger; forming the article into a container; placing an oxygen sensitive product into the container; and exposing the container to actinic radiation at a dosage effective to sterilize the container, and trigger the oxygen scavenger in the article. Alternative methods are also disclosed. A package includes a container, the container including an activated oxygen scavenger; wherein the container is sterilized; and wherein an oxygen sensitive product is disposed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew V. Speer, Ronald L. Cotterman
  • Publication number: 20040129554
    Abstract: A method comprises subjecting ant oxygen scavenger to actinic radiation; and then optionally storing the oxygen scavenger in a container, the container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The dosed oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, if stored therein, subjected to a second dose of actinic radiation to trigger the oxygen scavenger, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, untriggered, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Solis, Richard Dayrit, Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040081584
    Abstract: A method includes triggering an oxygen scavenger; and storing the scavenger in a container configured such that the oxygen scavenger exhibits no substantial oxygen scavenging activity while inside the container. The triggered oxygen scavenger can later be removed from the container, and used in packaging oxygen sensitive products. A stored oxygen scavenger, triggered, is also disclosed. A method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing a tubular film at a first location, the film having oxygen barrier and oxygen scavenger layers; triggering the oxygen scavenger; collapsing the film; rolling up the film; transporting the film to a second location; and triggering the oxygen scavenger. Another method of distributing an oxygen scavenger film includes providing an oxygen scavenger film at a first location; transporting the film to a second location; triggering the oxygen scavenger; storing the oxygen scavenger film in a container; and transporting the film to a third location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Dayrit, Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040008613
    Abstract: A package includes a thermoformed web or support member, an optical data storage medium disposed in a cavity of the thermoformed web, or on the support member; and a covering web disposed on the optical data storage medium, and on the thermoformed web or support member, and in sealing relationship to the thermoformed web or support member; where each of the thermoformed web or support member, and the covering web, includes an oxygen barrier; and where at least one of the thermoformed web or support member, and the covering web, includes an oxygen scavenger. Methods of making the package are also disclosed. In addition to, or alternatively to including the oxygen scavenger in at least one of the thermoformed or support member, and the covering web, the oxygen scavenger can be disposed on the optical medium, e.g. in the form of a disc, coating, label, pellet, wafer, or flattened sachet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Scott W. Beckwith, Brian L. Butler, Ronald L. Cotterman, Frank B. Edwards, Thomas D. Kennedy, Janet W. Rivett, Drew V. Speer
  • Publication number: 20020142168
    Abstract: A package includes a container, the container including an oxygen scavenger; and an oxygen sensitive product contained in the container; wherein the oxygen scavenger is triggered, and the oxygen sensitive product is pasteurized. A package includes a tray; a lidstock in communication with the tray; and an oxygen sensitive product contained in the tray, and enclosed by the lidstock and the tray; wherein at least one of the lidstock and the tray includes an oxygen scavenger, the oxygen scavenger is triggered, and the oxygen sensitive product is pasteurized. A method includes providing a container containing an oxygen sensitive product, the container including an oxygen scavenger; and exposing the container and the oxygen sensitive product to ionizing radiation at a dosage and energy sufficient to pasteurize the oxygen sensitive product, and trigger the oxygen scavenger of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Drew V. Speer, Thomas D. Kennedy, Ronald L. Cotterman
  • Patent number: 5157183
    Abstract: A catalytic process for converting low molecular weight non-aromatic compounds into higher molecular weight aromatic compounds utilizes a unique zeolite catalyst with improved hydrocarbon conversion. The catalyst is a crystalline aluminosilicate having a SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio greater than 5 and preferably a MFI or MEL zeolite. The zeolite contains a Group VIIIA metal, preferably nickel, and is subjected to thermal or hydrothermal treatments under controlled conditions of temperature, time or steam partial pressure so as to effect a decrease in the amount of carbon deposited as the zeolite catalyst. The catalyst can be used in a process for the conversion of light hydrocarbon feedstocks to improve aromatization activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventors: Ronald L. Cotterman, David M. Chapman