Patents by Inventor Travis M. Garthaffner

Travis M. Garthaffner 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: 11930847
    Abstract: A cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a housing assembly and a reservoir cap assembly. The housing assembly is a single piece housing assembly. The reservoir cap assembly includes a reservoir cap having a hole there through and at least one wick extending through an opening in the reservoir cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Travis M. Garthaffner, Peter Lipowicz
  • Patent number: 11918028
    Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: James D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
  • Publication number: 20230397645
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring tobacco for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to continuously communicate a vacuum to the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is configured to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas that overcomes the vacuum when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert C. LONGEST, Jarrod W. CHALKLEY, Tamika S. MURRELL, Jeremy J. STRAIGHT, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Leah A. MEYERS, James D. EVANS
  • Patent number: 11744275
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring tobacco for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to continuously communicate a vacuum to the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is configured to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas that overcomes the vacuum when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert C. Longest, Jarrod W. Chalkley, Tamika S. Murrell, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner, Leah A. Meyers, James D. Evans
  • Publication number: 20230200431
    Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: James D. EVANS, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
  • Patent number: 11596169
    Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: James D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
  • Publication number: 20230053802
    Abstract: An assembler system for manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a rotatable assembly drum including an outer face and a flute in the outer face. The flute is structured and arranged to hold a first section and a second section of the vapor-generating article. The system also includes a first mechanism that translates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The system additionally includes a second mechanism that rotates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The translating and the rotating connect the first section to the second section to form the vapor-generating article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. SWEPSTON, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Christopher R. NEWCOMB, Martin T. GARTHAFFNER
  • Publication number: 20230002087
    Abstract: Systems and methods for metering a granular material for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicants: Altria Client Services LLC, Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Carrington LONGEST, JR., Jarrod W. CHALKLEY, Tamika S. MURRELL, Leah A. MEYERS, Jeremy J. STRAIGHT, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER
  • Publication number: 20220386693
    Abstract: A cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a housing assembly and a reservoir cap assembly. The housing assembly is a single piece housing assembly. The reservoir cap assembly includes a reservoir cap having a hole there through and at least one wick extending through an opening in the reservoir cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Peter LIPOWICZ
  • Patent number: 11490652
    Abstract: An assembler system for manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a rotatable assembly drum including an outer face and a flute in the outer face. The flute is structured and arranged to hold a first section and a second section of the vapor-generating article. The system also includes a first mechanism that translates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The system additionally includes a second mechanism that rotates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The translating and the rotating connect the first section to the second section to form the vapor-generating article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Swepston, Travis M. Garthaffner, Christopher R. Newcomb, Martin T. Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 11447277
    Abstract: Systems and methods for metering a granular material for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Carrington Longest, Jr., Jarrod W. Chalkley, Tamika S. Murrell, Leah A. Meyers, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 11412782
    Abstract: A cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a housing assembly and a reservoir cap assembly. The housing assembly is a single piece housing assembly. The reservoir cap assembly includes a reservoir cap having a hole there through and at least one wick extending through an opening in the reservoir cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Travis M. Garthaffner, Peter Lipowicz
  • Publication number: 20210112846
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring tobacco for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to continuously communicate a vacuum to the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is configured to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas that overcomes the vacuum when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Cary LONGEST, Jarrod W. CHALKLEY, Tamika S. MURRELL, Jeremy J. STRAIGHT, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Leah A. MEYERS, James D. EVANS
  • Patent number: 10888108
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring tobacco for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to continuously communicate a vacuum to the measuring cavity. The measuring system is configured to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is configured to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas that overcomes the vacuum when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert C. Longest, Jarrod W. Chalkley, Tamika S. Murrell, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner, Leah A. Meyers, James D. Evans
  • Publication number: 20200329777
    Abstract: An assembler system for manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a rotatable assembly drum including an outer face and a flute in the outer face. The flute is structured and arranged to hold a first section and a second section of the vapor-generating article. The system also includes a first mechanism that translates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The system additionally includes a second mechanism that rotates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The translating and the rotating connect the first section to the second section to form the vapor-generating article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Swepston, Travis M. Garthaffner, Christopher R. Newcomb, Martin T. Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 10721962
    Abstract: An assembler system for manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a rotatable assembly drum including an outer face and a flute in the outer face. The flute is structured and arranged to hold a first section and a second section of the vapor-generating article. The system also includes a first mechanism that translates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The system additionally includes a second mechanism that rotates the first section relative to the second section while the first section and the second section are in the flute. The translating and the rotating connect the first section to the second section to form the vapor-generating article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Swepston, Travis M. Garthaffner, Christopher R. Newcomb, Martin T. Garthaffner
  • Publication number: 20200214337
    Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: James D. EVANS, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER, Herbert Cary LONGEST
  • Patent number: 10609950
    Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: James D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
  • Publication number: 20190352026
    Abstract: Systems and methods for metering a granular material for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Carrington LONGEST, JR., Jarrod W. CHALKLEY, Tamika S. MURRELL, Leah A. MEYERS, Jeremy J. STRAIGHT, Travis M. GARTHAFFNER
  • Patent number: 10399712
    Abstract: Systems and methods for metering a granular material for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Carrington Longest, Jr., Jarrod W. Chalkley, Tamika S. Murrell, Leah A. Meyers, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner