Patents by Inventor Walter P. Pietruch

Walter P. Pietruch 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).

  • Publication number: 20040217116
    Abstract: A metal slide lid for a container which is formed from a metal blank, but in which substantially all of the raw metal edges of the blank are shielded by formed shapes. A pair of rolled rails depend from the top portion, are spaced by a sufficient distance to accept a container on which the lid is to slide, and the rolls are such that the raw metal edge is shielded within the roll. The non-rolled portions of the container, particularly the front edge which can be engaged by the fingers, is formed into a tight safety hemmed edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Offerman, Walter P. Pietruch
  • Patent number: 6648631
    Abstract: A seamless candle can is formed in a blank and draw operation, and includes a complex bottom structure formed at the end of the drawing process. The bottom structure includes an annular base which occupies less than 30% of the area of the bottom surface, and a raised central platform for supporting a wick structure. The platform is raised at least 0.25 inch above the container bottom. A gently sloping surface joins the annular support ring to the central platform. The distance by which the platform is raised and the angle of the connecting surface are adapted to prevent overstretching of the material during the formation of the bottom, so as to prevent the formation of holes in the seamless can which would cause leaks. The central platform serves to support a wick sustainer at a location above the bottom of the can in order to reduce the possibility of flash-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20030113681
    Abstract: A seamless candle can is formed in a blank and draw operation, and includes a complex bottom structure formed at the end of the drawing process. The bottom structure includes an annular base which occupies less than 30% of the area of the bottom surface, and a raised central platform for supporting a wick structure. The platform is raised at least 0.25 inch above the container bottom. A gently sloping surface joins the annular support ring to the central platform. The distance by which the platform is raised and the angle of the connecting surface are adapted to prevent overstretching of the material during the formation of the bottom, so as to prevent the formation of holes in the seamless can which would cause leaks. The central platform serves to support a wick sustainer at a location above the bottom of the can in order to reduce the possibility of flash-over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6543268
    Abstract: A seamless candle can is formed in a blank and draw operation, and includes a complex bottom structure formed at the end of the drawing process. The bottom structure includes an annular base which occupies less than 30% of the area of the bottom surface, and a raised central platform for supporting a wick structure. The platform is raised at least 0.25 inch above the container bottom. A gently sloping surface joins the annular support ring to the central platform. The distance by which the platform is raised and the angle of the connecting surface are adapted to prevent overstretching of the material during the formation of the bottom, so as to prevent the formation of holes in the seamless can which would cause leaks. The central platform serves to support a wick sustainer at a location above the bottom of the can in order to reduce the possibility of flash-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6523239
    Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Peterson, Walter P. Pietruch, Donald Leni, Ewald A. Oppmann
  • Publication number: 20020166863
    Abstract: A seamless candle can is formed in a blank and draw operation, and includes a complex bottom structure formed at the end of the drawing process. The bottom structure includes an annular base which occupies less than 30% of the area of the bottom surface, and a raised central platform for supporting a wick structure. The platform is raised at least 0.25 inch above the container bottom. A gently sloping surface joins the annular support ring to the central platform. The distance by which the platform is raised and the angle of the connecting surface are adapted to prevent overstretching of the material during the formation of the bottom, so as to prevent the formation of holes in the seamless can which would cause leaks. The central platform serves to support a wick sustainer at a location above the bottom of the can in order to reduce the possibility of flash-over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6419184
    Abstract: A wooden spool held together with a novel tie rod assembly and a method of assembly the spool between a pair of dies. The novel tie rod assembly includes elongate tie rods having a bent end or otherwise deformed first end and a plurality of grooveless retaining rings. The tie rods are inserted through the end flanges and the transverse barrel of the of the spool. The retaining rings are pressed axially on the smooth second ends of the tie rods which project axially from one of the flanges. The spool can be assembled between a pair of dies. The base die includes locating recesses to receive the bent ends of the tie rods and the top die includes engaging pins for pressing the retaining rings on the opposite ends of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Ewald A. Oppmann, Richard L. Peterson, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard E. Guzzardo
  • Patent number: 6398544
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a candle can of the type normally filled with an ignitable fuel. The candle can includes an upstanding continuous sidewall that is integrally coupled to a stamp formed candle can bottom structure at an outer periphery of the candle can bottom structure. The integral coupling of the sidewall to the bottom structure establishes a can support ring to engage a support surface. The stamp formed can bottom structure is so formed as to provide within the can an internally upwardly directed dome upon which a candlewick carrying element may be securely located within a dish shaped indentation in an apex region of the dome. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the intersection of the sidewall and the upwardly directed dome of the can bottom structure establishes an annular internal volume of fuel separated by the dome from a candlewick flame near the end of both the candlewick life and the supply of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20010037551
    Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Peterson, Walter P. Pietruch, Donald Leni, Ewald A. Oppmann
  • Publication number: 20010030195
    Abstract: A seamless candle can is formed in a blank and draw operation, and includes a complex bottom structure formed at the end of the drawing process. The bottom structure includes an annular base which occupies less than 30% of the area of the bottom surface, and a raised central platform for supporting a wick structure. The platform is raised at least 0.25 inch above the container bottom. A gently sloping surface joins the annular support ring to the central platform. The distance by which the platform is raised and the angle of the connecting surface are adapted to prevent overstretching of the material during the formation of the bottom, so as to prevent the formation of holes in the seamless can which would cause leaks. The central platform serves to support a wick sustainer at a location above the bottom of the can in order to reduce the possibility of flash-over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20010031439
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a candle can of the type normally filled with an ignitable fuel. The candle can includes an upstanding continuous sidewall that is integrally coupled to a stamp formed candle can bottom structure at an outer periphery of the candle can bottom structure. The integral coupling of the sidewall to the bottom structure establishes a can support ring to engage a support surface. The stamp formed can bottom structure is so formed as to provide within the can an internally upwardly directed dome upon which a candlewick carrying element may be securely located within a dish shaped indentation in an apex region of the dome. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the intersection of the sidewall and the upwardly directed dome of the can bottom structure establishes an annular internal volume of fuel separated by the dome from a candlewick flame near the end of both the candlewick life and the supply of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Chet Wright, Bill Bogard, Walter P. Pietruch, Richard L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6289570
    Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Peterson, Walter P. Pietruch, Donald Leni, Ewald A. Oppmann
  • Patent number: 6267324
    Abstract: A high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. Formed metal curls formed of metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs secure the cylindrical barrel to the flanges and flange hubs. The spool includes a plurality of detents in the tightened curls of the spool. The detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel. The ability to transfer torque increases the applicability of the spool to wire winding and pulling functions. Flattening paste also covers a metal surface in the curl to increase the coefficient of friction therein and further increase the torque transmissibility capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Peterson, Ewald A. Oppmann, Donald Leni, Walter P. Pietruch
  • Patent number: 6155451
    Abstract: A sealed metal container adapted for use with candles. The container is coated with a layer of sealing compound so that the side and bottom seams of the container do not leak flowable material. The container includes a stamp formed base which is characterized by having an internally upwardly directed dome upon which a candle wick carrying element may be securely located on an apex region of the dome. The sealing compound contains a mixture of synthetic wax with sufficient adhesive so that the compound bonds to the surface of the container. Appropriate ratios of synthetic wax and adhesive material are mixed together so that the sealing compound has sufficient flexibility. A method for forming a sealed metal container is also provided in which the sealing compound is melted, pressurized, and sprayed through a nozzle toward the interior surface of the container. The container may be preheated and rotated during spraying to ensure complete coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter P. Pietruch, Glenn S. Ceckowski
  • Patent number: 6036042
    Abstract: A sealed metal container adapted for use with candles. The container is coated with a layer of sealing compound so that the side and bottom seams of the container do not leak flowable material. The sealing compound contains a mixture of synthetic wax with sufficient adhesive so that the compound bonds to the surface of the container. Appropriate ratios of synthetic wax and adhesive material are mixed together so that the sealing compound has sufficient flexibility. A method for forming a sealed metal container is also provided in which the sealing compound is melted, pressurized, and sprayed through a nozzle toward the interior surface of the container. The container may be preheated and rotated during spraying to ensure complete coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: J. L. Clark
    Inventors: Walter P. Pietruch, Glenn S. Ceckowski
  • Patent number: 5829583
    Abstract: A low profile container for packaging a compact disc (CD) and a 3.5" floppy disc. The container has separable container top and bottom. The container bottom has a dish with a depth greater than the combined thickness of the CD and the floppy disc and two separate levels for receiving respectively the CD and the floppy disc. In one embodiment, the dish has a circular depression for receiving the optical disc, and four notches on the wall of the circular depression for receiving the four corners of the floppy disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon E. VerWeyst, Walter P. Pietruch
  • Patent number: D385145
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon E. VerWeyst, Walter P. Pietruch