Patents by Inventor Thomas Scott Smeltzer

Thomas Scott Smeltzer 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).

  • Method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a plastic container using induction heating
    Patent number: 8506285
    Abstract: An apparatus (10, 10?) and a machine (100) for reforming a portion of a plastic package (50) using induction heating. The apparatus and machine comprise a frame (20) engaging the plastic package and a workpiece support (40) having an electrically conducting workpiece (44, 48, 102). An induction workhead (62) provides an alternating current power supply to an induction element (60, 104). The induction element is positioned proximate the workpiece of the workpiece support and heats the workpiece via induction. A mechanism (22) positions the plastic package proximate the heated workpiece so that the workpiece transfers heat to the portion of the plastic package thereby softening the portion. A forming die (30) supported on the frame engages the portion to reform the portion. Also provided is a process of using the apparatus and machine to reform a portion of a plastic package using induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Garrett R. Pennington, Thomas Scott Smeltzer, Patrick Matthew Oconnell, David Wayne Cargile, Gregory Duane Taylor
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REFORMING A PORTION OF A PLASTIC CONTAINER USING INDUCTION HEATING
    Publication number: 20110315592
    Abstract: An apparatus (10, 10?) and a machine (100) for reforming a portion of a plastic package (50) using induction heating. The apparatus and machine comprise a frame (20) engaging the plastic package and a workpiece support (40) having an electrically conducting workpiece (44, 48, 102). An induction workhead (62) provides an alternating current power supply to an induction element (60, 104). The induction element is positioned proximate the workpiece of the workpiece support and heats the workpiece via induction. A mechanism (22) positions the plastic package proximate the heated workpiece so that the workpiece transfers heat to the portion of the plastic package thereby softening the portion. A forming die (30) supported on the frame engages the portion to reform the portion. Also provided is a process of using the apparatus and machine to reform a portion of a plastic package using induction heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Garrett R. Pennington, Thomas Scott Smeltzer, Patrick Matthew Oconnell, David Wayne Cargile, Gregory Duane Taylor