Patents by Inventor William M. Dreier

William M. Dreier 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: 4196544
    Abstract: In a chamber for cultivating plant growth, a plurality of light fixtures are employed, each containing a high intensity discharge lamp. The bulb of the lamp serves as an inner transparent wall and a globe functions as an outer transparent wall. In the space between the bulb and globe water is caused to flow in order to remove unwanted radiation and heat generated by each lamp before the radiation is transmitted into the growth chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Davis, Noel B. Davis, William M. Dreier
  • Patent number: 4189868
    Abstract: A package combination for storing and preserving a living plant such as lettuce. A bag, formed of a plastic material, is inflated with a gaseous medium. A living plant having an absorbent block attached to its root system, is placed within the bag in such a manner that the block absorbs moisture which condenses within the bag, and makes it available to the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Tymchuck, Nelson J. Beall, Noel Davis, William M. Dreier
  • Patent number: 4028847
    Abstract: An installation for continuously growing plants which includes one or more growth chambers wherein alternate periods of lightness and darkness are provided, and the environmental conditions are controlled. The plants are individually supported, and transported through the growth chambers in such a manner as to require a minimum amount of handling. A diverging track system is provided in one of the growth chambers for handling the plants in a prescribed manner and guiding them through the chamber. As the plants are moved through such chamber, increased space is automatically provided for plant growth. The installation is well suited for growing plants hydroponically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Davis, William M. Dreier, Stanley C. Rustad