Patents by Inventor Thomas N. Potcova

Thomas N. Potcova 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: 6390170
    Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for facilitating, locating and securement of supports or cushioning blocks on a container panel includes a table for receiving the container panel and a bi-directionally, vertically movable frame which receives a template. The frame is raised and lowered by one or more linear actuators which may be double acting, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, ball screw operators or similar devices. The template includes a specific pattern of openings which correspond to the desired locations of supports or cushioning blocks. A container panel is placed on the table, the template is disposed in the frame and the frame is lowered onto the panel. An adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is distributed on the panel through the openings and the supports or cushioning blocks are positioned according to the template on the panel. The frame and template are then lifted off the pad and the completed panel is removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ace Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Bringard, Dennis L. Burke, Thomas N. Potcova
  • Patent number: 6019226
    Abstract: A multi-component demountable palletized container includes a pallet bottom, four sidewall components which may be readily assembled with rods and disassembled and a top. Each of the sidewalls include a pair of horizontal and a pair of vertical members that are overlapped at their ends and are secured together. An inner cardboard panel is secured to the inside of the sidewalls and closes off the space between the members. The vertical members define grooves or channels which receive assembly straps or clips having hooked ends which align to define a corner axis and which receive elongate rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ace Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Zajdlik, Thomas N. Potcova