Patents by Inventor Steven L. Schmidt
Steven L. Schmidt 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).
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Patent number: 11932369Abstract: A device for coupling a propulsor to a marine vessel. The device includes a mounting bracket configured for attachment to the marine vessel. A support frame has a carriage and is configured for the propulsor to be coupled thereto, where the carriage is configured to slidably engage with the mounting bracket into a fixed position. A member is manually engageable to prevent the carriage from sliding out of the fixed position. The propulsor is coupled to the marine vessel by sliding the carriage into the fixed position and engaging the member, where the propulsor is operable to propel the marine vessel in water when the carriage is in the fixed position, and where the propulsor is configured for decoupling from the marine vessel by disengaging the member and sliding the carriage out of engagement with the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Andres Perdomo Tornbaum, Tom Geng, Steven Lu, Matthew Z. Seta, Jeremy J. Kraus, Keith W. Schmidt, James E. Erickson, Ronald L. Hall, Derek J. Fletcher
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Patent number: 8309622Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, Sr., Amit S. Agrawal
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Publication number: 20120183709Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.Inventors: Steven L. SCHMIDT, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, SR., Amit S. Agrawal
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Patent number: 8097662Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, Sr., Amit S. Agrawal
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Publication number: 20080153939Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, Amit S. Agrawal
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Publication number: 20040043172Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams,, Amit S. Agrawal
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Multilayer container resistant to elevated temperatures and pressures, and method of making the same
Publication number: 20030186006Abstract: A multilayer plastic container having enhanced strength for high temperature and pressure applications such as the pasteurization of carbonated juice drinks. The container is commercially cost-effective in comparison to prior art pasteurizable glass containers, and provides all of the advantages of plastic over glass, i.e., lightweight, shatter-resistant, etc. In a particular embodiment, the multilayer container includes inner and outer layers of a relatively high IV virgin PET, e.g., 0.85-0.90 dl/g, and a core layer of post-consumer PET having a substantially lower IV. The container has a relatively tall and slender profile, with high orientation levels in the panel and shoulder, and an oriented thick-walled base with feet. The base preferably has a high profile and angled foot pads which are allowed to move outwardly under creep.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar, Wayne N. Collette -
Publication number: 20030138578Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, Amit S. Agrawal
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Patent number: 6586558Abstract: Process for controlling the change of intrinsic viscosity and transesterification during solid stating of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) blend, with an effective amount of an ethylene glycol compound. The process enables the production of a copolymer based on predefined initial and final IV's and final transesterification level, by varying the solid-stating time and/or effective amount of ethylene glycol. In one embodiment, a relatively greater amount of post-consumer PET (e.g., 70%) having an IV of on the order of 0.72-0.73, is incorporated in the blend to provide a final IV on the order of 0.80-0.85, and a moderate, controlled level of transesterification; the blend is used to injection mold a sleeve layer of a preform. In another embodiment, a substantially transparent neck finish for a preform is made from a PEN/PET blend having an amount of ethylene glycol which enables substantial transesterification, without excessive increase in IV.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Amit S. Agrawal
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Multilayer container resistant to elevated temperatures and pressures, and method of making the same
Patent number: 6548133Abstract: A multilayer plastic container having enhanced strength for high temperature and pressure applications such as the pasteurization of carbonated juice drinks. The container is commercially cost-effective in comparison to prior art pasteurizable glass containers, and provides all of the advantages of plastic over glass, i.e., lightweight, shatter-resistant, etc. In a particular embodiment, the multilayer container includes inner and outer layers of a relatively high IV virgin PET, e.g., 0.85-0.90 dl/g, and a core layer of post-consumer PET having a substantially lower IV. The container has a relatively tall and slender profile, with high orientation levels in the panel and shoulder, and an oriented thick-walled base with feet. The base preferably has a high profile and angled foot pads which are allowed to move outwardly under creep.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar, Wayne N. Collette -
Publication number: 20020177686Abstract: Process for controlling the change of intrinsic viscosity and transesterification during solid stating of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) blend, with an effective amount of an ethylene glycol compound. The process enables the production of a copolymer based on predefined initial and final IV's and final transesterification level, by varying the solid-stating time and/or effective amount of ethylene glycol. In one embodiment, a relatively greater amount of post-consumer PET (e.g., 70%) having an IV of on the order of 0.72-0.73, is incorporated in the blend to provide a final IV on the order of 0.80-0.85, and a moderate, controlled level of transesterification; the blend is used to injection mold a sleeve layer of a preform. In another embodiment, a substantially transparent neck finish for a preform is made from a PEN/PET blend having an amount of ethylene glycol which enables substantial transesterification, without excessive increase in IV.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Applicant: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Amit S. Agrawal
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Patent number: 6395865Abstract: Process for controlling the change of intrinsic viscosity and transesterification during solid stating of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) blend, with an effective amount of an ethylene glycol compound. The process enables the production of a copolymer based on predefined initial and final IV's and final transesterification level, by varying the solid-stating time and/or effective amount of ethylene glycol. In one embodiment, a relatively greater amount of post-consumer PET (e.g., 70%) having an IV of on the order of 0.72-0.73, is incorporated in the blend to provide a final IV on the order of 0.80-0.85, and a moderate, controlled level of transesterification; the blend is used to injection mold a sleeve layer of a preform. In another embodiment, a substantially transparent neck finish for a preform is made from a PEN/PET blend having an amount of ethylene glycol which enables substantial transesterification, without excessive increase in IV.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Continental Pet Technologies INCInventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Amit S. Agrawal
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MULTILAYER CONTAINER RESISTANT TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES, AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
Publication number: 20020061371Abstract: A multilayer plastic container having enhanced strength for high temperature and pressure applications such as the pasteurization of carbonated juice drinks. The container is commercially cost-effective in comparison to prior art pasteurizable glass containers, and provides all of the advantages of plastic over glass, i.e., lightweight, shatter-resistant, etc. In a particular embodiment, the multilayer container includes inner and outer layers of a relatively high IV virgin PET, e.g., 0.85-0.90 dl/g, and a core layer of post-consumer PET having a substantially lower IV. The container has a relatively tall and slender profile, with high orientation levels in the panel and shoulder, and an oriented thick-walled base with feet. The base preferably has a high profile and angled foot pads which are allowed to move outwardly under creep.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 1998Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: STEVEN L. SCHMIDT, SUPPAYAN M. KRISHNAKUMAR, WAYNE N. COLLETTE -
Publication number: 20020037377Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2000Publication date: March 28, 2002Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, Amit S. Agrawal
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Publication number: 20020022099Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging polymers and packaging for holding oxygen-sensitive products. A heat treatment process has been found to significantly increase the oxygen-scavenging performance of the polymer. The enhanced scavenging polymer can be effectively incorporated into various packaging, including transparent multilayer containers for beer and juice. In one embodiment, a multilayer package made from the scavenger provides an actual reduction in oxygen content of a contents of the package, over a long period of time (e.g., 24 weeks). The package can be stored unfilled for an extended period (without significant loss of scavenging capability) and will scavenge substantially immediately upon filling with a liquid product. The package may incorporate a relatively low weight percentage of the scavenger, thus providing enhanced scavenging in a cost-effective manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Keith Barker, Ronald Adams, Amit S. Agrawal
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Publication number: 20010009951Abstract: Process for controlling the change of intrinsic viscosity and transesterification during solid stating of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) blend, with an effective amount of an ethylene glycol compound. The process enables the production of a copolymer based on predefined initial and final IV's and final transesterification level, by varying the solid-stating time and/or effective amount of ethylene glycol. In one embodiment, a relatively greater amount of post-consumer PET (e.g., 70%) having an IV of on the order of 0.72-0.73, is incorporated in the blend to provide a final IV on the order of 0.80-0.85, and a moderate, controlled level of transesterification; the blend is used to injection mold a sleeve layer of a preform. In another embodiment, a substantially transparent neck finish for a preform is made from a PEN/PET blend having an amount of ethylene glycol which enables substantial transesterification, without excessive increase in IV.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Amit S. Agrawal
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Patent number: 6194536Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for controlling the change of intrinsic viscosity and transesterification during solid stating of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) blend, with an effective amount of an alkylene glycol compound. The process enables the production of a copolymer based on predefined initial and final IV's and final transesterification level, by varying the solid-stating time and/or effective amount of alkylene glycol. In one embodiment, a relatively greater amount of post-consumer PET (e.g., 70%) having an IV of on the order of 0.72-0.73, is incorporated in the blend to provide a final IV on the order of 0.80-0.85, and a moderate, controlled level of transesterification; the blend is used to injection mold a sleeve layer of a preform.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Brian Lynch, Amit S. Agrawal
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Patent number: 6090460Abstract: A method of forming a multi-layer polyester preform and container, particularly suitable for refillable PET carbonated beverage bottles, having an interior layer of high copolymer polyester material which resists hazing in the preform injection stage, and at least one exterior layer of a polyester to achieve enhanced strain-induced crystallization in the exterior layer during blow molding. The container can withstand higher caustic wash temperatures and exhibits reduced flavor carryover from one product to another.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wayne N. Collette, Steven L. Schmidt, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar
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Patent number: 5976653Abstract: A multilayer preform and container, and method of forming the same, having at least one layer including polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) to provide enhanced oxygen barrier performance and thermal stability. The PEN layer may be a homopolymer, copolymer, or blend of PEN. In a first high-PEN embodiment, the exterior layer contains on the order of 80-100% PEN and 0-20% PET by total weight of the layer, and a core layer of a non-strain hardenable polyester such as PETG. In a second low-PEN embodiment, the exterior layer includes a strain hardenable low-PEN copolymer or blend including on the order of 1-20% PEN and 80-99% PET, and the core layer is a strain-hardenable polyester such as a low-copolymer PET. In a third mid-range PEN embodiment, the exterior wall includes a substantially amorphous PEN copolymer or blend containing on the order of 20-80% PEN and 80-20% of another polyester such as PET, and a strain-hardened core layer of polyester such as a low-copolymer PET.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wayne N. Collette, Steven L. Schmidt, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar
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Patent number: 5952066Abstract: A substantially transparent package or preform made of a polymer composition including an aliphatic polyketone as an oxygen scavenger having the formula ##STR1## where n is the number of repeating units and R is hydrogen, an organic side chain, or a silicon side chain. The aliphatic polyketone may be advantageously combined with other thermoplastic polymers to provide the desired injection molding and stretch blow molding characteristics for making substantially amorphous injection molded preforms and substantially transparent biaxially oriented polyester containers. A multilayer container package may be provided having a core layer of the oxygen scavenging composition, and inner and outer layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The container may further include layers of a high-oxygen barrier polymer such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Schmidt, Wayne N. Collette, Ernest A. Coleman, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar