Patents by Inventor Wayne P. Pruett

Wayne P. Pruett 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: 7919129
    Abstract: System and method for applying an antimicrobial agent, such as acidified calcium sulfate (ACS), to unpackaged meat products, in order to eliminate or reduce existing food borne bacterial pathogens and to prevent their growth when the meat products are stored. A conveyor transports unpackaged meat products to a spray chamber having nozzles positioned above and below the conveyor and meat products. The conveyor can be a wire conveyor having wires having a thickness so that they can support the food items, which can be eight to ten pounds, while being small enough so that the they do not block ACS solution sprays from the bottom nozzles, or do so to a negligible degree. The lower nozzles spray ACS solution through apertures of the conveyor and onto at least the bottom surfaces of the unpackaged meat products. The solution is sprayed with a sufficiently high pressure and sufficiently small drop size so that the ACS solution penetrates into tissues of the unpackaged meat products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Pruett, Jr., Kevin G. Mellor, Donald N. Sinnot, Gilbert L. Boldt
  • Patent number: 5554720
    Abstract: This invention relates to polymer compositions containing naphthalenedicarboxylic acid residues and having reduced fluorescence due to the presence of aromatic thioether compounds. More specifically, the polymer compositions contain poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) and 0.1 to 5 mole percent of an aromatic thioether compound. The pollers are useful for packaging applications where clarity and/or aesthetic appeal is important.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, David E. Mills, James Tanner, III, Jean C. Fleischer, Wayne P. Pruett, L. Shane Moody
  • Patent number: 5532332
    Abstract: Provided are light-absorbing polymers useful for imparting color and/or ultraviolet light screening properties to thermoplastic resins. The polymeric colorants or UV absorbers may be added during the formation of the uncolored thermoplastic polymer or melt or solution blended with other thermoplastic polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, James J. Krutak, Clarence A. Coates, Wayne P. Pruett, Samuel D. Hilbert
  • Patent number: 5514403
    Abstract: This invention is a method of substantially reducing and in some cases eliminating hazardous pathogens form the surfaces of food products. This is accomplished by moving the meat products into a treatment area and spraying the same with super heated steam preferably heated to between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 1 to 5 seconds depending on the food product being treated. The surfaces of the food products are then immediately cooled by applying a chilled fluid having a temperature of between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 5 to 10 seconds. Even though the super heated steam substantially reduces or eliminates hazardous pathogens on the surface of the food products, the cooling fluid allows such surface to maintain its natural color or bloom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Neil B. Webb, Jonathan N. Webb, Wayne P. Pruett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5459224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a copolyester having improved weatherability and photostability. The copolyester is useful for producing fibers useful for automobile interior, draperies, outdoor awning, and for polyester sheeting for applications such as glazing, window-well covers, signs, skylights, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Wayne P. Pruett, Samuel D. Hilbert, Max A. Weaver, Louis T. Germinario
  • Patent number: 5442086
    Abstract: Disclosed are certain poly-methine compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is independently selected from cyano; carboxy; alkenyloxycarbonyl; an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted, carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted alkanoyl, cycloalkanoyl or aroyl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted carbamoyl radical; or an unsubstituted or substituted alkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl or arylsulfonyl radical; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from cyano or an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical; each A is independently selected from an unsubstituted or substituted 1,2-phenylene or 1,2-naphthylene radical; each Z is independently selected from --0-- or --S--; and L is an organic linking group bonded by non-oxo carbon atoms to each Z atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: James J. Krutak, Max A. Weaver, Clarence A. Coates, Jr., Samuel D. Hilbert, Terry A. Oldfield, William W. Parham, Wayne P. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5384377
    Abstract: This invention provides certain blue substituted 1,4-bis(2,6-dialkylanilino) anthraquinones in combination with selected red anthraquinone and anthrapyridone (3H-dibenz[f,ij]isoquinoline-2,7-dione) compounds which provide a toner system useful in imparting a desirable neutral to slightly blue hue to polyesters having a yellow appearance. The thermally stable colored compounds can have polyester reactive groups and are preferably incorporated into the polyester polymer structure during polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, Wayne P. Pruett, Gerry Rhodes, Samuel D. Hilbert, William W. Parham
  • Patent number: 5376650
    Abstract: Provided are light-absorbing polymers which contain backbone unsaturations and which are produced by knoevenagel condensation and which are useful for imparting color and/or ultraviolet light screening properties to thermoplastic resins. The polymeric colorants or UV absorbers may be added during the formation of the uncolored thermoplastic polymer or melt or solution blended with other thermoplastic polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, James J. Krutak, Clarence A. Coates, Wayne P. Pruett, Samuel D. Hilbert
  • Patent number: 5374419
    Abstract: Disclosed are sunscreen compositions containing certain poly-methine compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is independently selected from cyano; carboxy; alkenyloxycarbonyl; an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted, carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted alkanoyl, cycloalkanoyl or aroyl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted carbamoyl radical; or an unsubstituted or substituted alkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl or arylsulfonyl radical; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from cyano or an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical; each A is independently selected from an unsubstituted or substituted 1,2-phenylene or 1,2-naphthylene radical; each Z is independently selected from --O-- or --S--; and L is an organic linking group bonded by non-oxo carbon atoms to each Z atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: James J. Krutak, Max A. Weaver, Clarence A. Coates, Jr., Samuel D. Hilbert, Terry A. Oldfield, William W. Parham, Wayne P. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5372864
    Abstract: This invention provides certain blue substituted 1,4-bis(2,6-dialkylanilino) anthraquinones in combination with selected red anthraquinone and anthrapyridone (3H-dibenz[f,ij] isoquinoline-2,7-dione) compounds which provide a toner system useful in imparting a desirable neutral to slightly blue hue to polyesters having a yellow appearance. The thermally stable colored compounds can have polyester reactive groups and are preferably incorporated into the polyester polymer structure during polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, Wayne P. Pruett, Gerry Rhodes, Samuel D. Hilbert, William W. Parham
  • Patent number: 5340910
    Abstract: Provided is an improved process for the synthesis of 1-cyano-3H-dibenz[f,ij] isoquinoline-2,7-dione compounds, and process exhibiting improvements in quality of products, safety, fewer environmental concerns and economics when compared to presently known processes. The compounds are useful as colorants for polyesters, and selected compounds and when combined with small quantities of certain red colorants are particularly efficacious as blue toners for polyesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kim S. Chamberlin, Wayne P. Pruett, Max A. Weaver, Samuel D. Hilbert, Donna R. Quillen, Preston K. Salyer
  • Patent number: 5302740
    Abstract: Disclosed are certain poly-methine compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is independently selected from cyano; carboxy; alkenyloxycarbonyl; an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted, carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted alkanoyl, cycloalkanoyl or aroyl radical; an unsubstituted or substituted carbamoyl radical; or an unsubstituted or substituted alkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylsulfonyl or arylsulfonyl radical; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from cyano or an unsubstituted or substituted alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical; each A is independently selected from an unsubstituted or substituted 1,2-phenylene or 1,2-naphthylene radical; each Z is independently selected from --O-- or --S--; and L is an organic linking group bonded by non-oxo carbon atoms to each Z atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James J. Krutak, Max A. Weaver, Clarence A. Coates, Jr., Samuel D. Hilbert, Terry A. Oldfield, William W. Parham, Wayne P. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5281659
    Abstract: Provided are polyester compositions having thermally stable colorants copolymerized therein, said colorants comprised of at least one electron-rich aromatic moiety attached to a negatively substituted 2,5-dioxypyrrolin-3-yl moiety and containing at least one, and preferably, two polyester reactive groups. Also provided are polyester color concentrates and blends of the colored polyester compositions with other thermoplastic polymers and shaped or formed articles comprised of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, Clarence A. Coates, William W. Parham, Samuel D. Hilbert, James J. Krutak, Wayne P. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5274072
    Abstract: Provided are certain novel substituted 2(5H)furanone compounds which are useful as ultraviolet/visible light absorbing compounds. Also provided are polyester compositions having such compounds copolymerized therein and shaped or formed articles comprised of such polyester compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, James J. Krutak, Clarence A. Coates, Jr., William W. Parham, Wayne P. Pruett, Samuel D. Hilbert
  • Patent number: 5254625
    Abstract: Provided are polymers containing methine linkages. Also provided are shaped or formed articles comprised of the light absorbing polymers either alone or admixed with other thermoplastic polymers to form a light absorbing thermoplastic polymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, James J. Krutak, Clarence A. Coates, Wayne P. Pruett, Samuel D. Hilbert
  • Patent number: 5252699
    Abstract: Provided is an improved process for the synthesis of 1-cyano-3H-dibenz[f,ij] isoquinoline-2,7-dione compounds, and process exhibiting improvements in quality of products, safety, fewer environmental concerns and economics when compared to presently known processes. The compounds are useful as colorants for polyesters, and selected compounds and when combined with small quantities of certain red colorants are particularly efficacious as blue toners for polyesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kim S. Chamberlin, Wayne P. Pruett, Max A. Weaver, Samuel D. Hilbert, Donna R. Quillen, Preston K. Salyer
  • Patent number: 5215876
    Abstract: A radiographic element comprises a polyester support having double sided silver halide emulsion layers. An ultraviolet light absorbing methine compound is copolymerized with the support and is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the average percent transmission of ultraviolet light over the range of wavelength of from about 350 nm to about 395 nm to less than about 25 percent, and whereby the percent transmittance of said element is at least about 55 percent at a wavelength of about 410 nm for an element thickness of about 0.007 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wayne P. Pruett, Max A. Weaver, Elizabeth K. Priebe, Larry K. Maier, Robert E. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 5194463
    Abstract: Provided are novel light-absorbing polyurethane compositions and blends of said polyurethane compositions with other thermoplastic polymers. Also provided are shaped or formed articles comprised of the light-absorbing polyurethane compositions and light-absorbing thermoplastic polymer blends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James J. Krutak, Max A. Weaver, William W. Parham, Wayne P. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5194571
    Abstract: Provided are polyester compositions having thermally stable colorants copolymerized therein, said colorants comprised of at least one electron-rich aromatic moiety attached to a negatively substituted 2,5-dioxypyrrolin-3-yl moiety and containing at least one, and preferably, two polyester reactive groups. Also provided are polyester color concentrates and blends of the colored polyester compositions with other thermoplastic polymers and shaped or formed articles comprised of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Max A. Weaver, Clarence A. Coates, William W. Parham, Samuel D. Hilbert, James J. Krutak, Wayne P. Pruett
  • Patent number: 5124388
    Abstract: Disclosed are films, containers and container liners comprising a copolyester having repeat units from terephthalic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and a hindered phenolic antioxidant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wayne P. Pruett, Charles W. Ramsey, Sarah J. Webb, Joey C. Carico