Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Hankinson

Thomas R. Hankinson 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).

  • System for maintaining fresh quality and safe food attributes of minimally processed produce
    Patent number: 7258882
    Abstract: A system and method of maintaining the integrity of freshly harvested, or freshly cut fruits and vegetables. Specifically, the invention focuses on a distinct series of processes which confer a lower total microbial count, delay browning, improve general organoleptic properties, and decrease the amount of chemical contaminants on the exposed surfaces without the use of preservatives. Examples of such process may be applying a first produce integrity maintenance process, a second produce integrity maintenance process, application of an antibrowning agent to the produce by a produce antibrown agent applicator, exposing the produce to ultraviolet light by an ultraviolet light system, and applying an ozone treatment by an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hankinson, Lisa A. Herickhoff
  • System for maintaining fresh quality and safe food attributes of minimally processed produce
    Publication number: 20030198716
    Abstract: A system and method of maintaining the integrity of freshly harvested, or freshly cut fruits and vegetables. Specifically, the invention focuses on a distinct series of processes which confer a lower total microbial count, delay browning, improve general organoleptic properties, and decrease the amount of chemical contaminants on the exposed surfaces without the use of preservatives. Examples of such process may be applying a first produce integrity maintenance process, a second produce integrity maintenance process, application of an antibrowning agent to the produce by a produce antibrown agent applicator, exposing the produce to ultraviolet light by an ultraviolet light system, and applying an ozone treatment by an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Produce Safety Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hankinson, Lisa A. Herickhoff