Patents by Inventor Warren Vala

Warren Vala 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).

  • Apparatus and method for assembling a plastic container for food products
    Patent number: 6251203
    Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and method for assembling a food container having a body portion with an annular rim configured to be secured to an annular rim of a base portion of the container. The manufacturing apparatus and method includes a container supporting assembly, a tool member, a drive assembly, an oscillator assembly and a suspension assembly. The container supporting assembly supports the body and base portions of the container with the annular rim of the base portion engaging the annular rim of the body portion. The drive assembly moves the tool member along a first axis between a first position, wherein the tool member is engaged with the annular rim of the base portion, and a second position, wherein the tool member is disengaged therefrom. The oscillator assembly oscillates the tool member relative to the container supporting assembly to cause oscillation of the base and body portions relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Vala, Terry Reishus, Thomas Zopf, Hans Konle