Wilson G Zeitler

US Patent:

6683975, Jan 27, 2004

Filed:

Jun 18, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/883715

Inventors:

Jianjun Wang - Dublin OH
Randall Edwin Terflinger - Pickerington OH
Wilson G. Zeitler - Westerville OH
David A. Mondiek - Dublin OH

Assignee:

Abbott Laboratories - Abbott Park IL

International Classification:

G06K 900

US Classification:

382141

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the dispersibility grade of particulate material by means of an image processing technique that employs machine vision. In one aspect, this invention provides a method for grading the dispersibility of particulate material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining an image, in digitized form, of a sample comprising reconstituted particulate material; (b) performing a series of image processing steps to determine the presence and magnitude of blobs; (c) performing a blob analysis to obtain data relating to the distribution of the particulate material in the sample; (d) comparing the result of the blob analysis with data in a database; and (e) determining the grade of said particulate material by means of the comparison. The sample of particulate material, which is typically in the form of a powder, is reconstituted preferably by means of agitating a container filled with the sample. The database suitable for use in this invention can be established by recording the results of a large number of tests performed by a powder quality grading authority.

US Patent:

20120000929, Jan 5, 2012

Filed:

Dec 29, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/981136

Inventors:

David Carl Ulstad - Dublin OH, US
Wilson George Zeitler - Westerville OH, US
Dean Maune - Gahanna OH, US
Tobe Cohen - New Albany OH, US
Ilan E. Moyer - Potomac MD, US
Andrew Boyce - Hopkinton MA, US
Philip Charles Walker - Concord MD, US
Allan Lee Cameron - Natick MA, US
Elizabeth M. Kneen - Ottumwa IA, US
Gaurav Rohatgi - Waltham MA, US
Jeffrey Kalman - Cleveland Heights OH, US
Bill Rabbitt - Solon OH, US
Marc Vitantonio - South Russell OH, US
Craig Saunders - Rocky River OH, US
Keith E. Antal - Valatie NY, US
Chad Lagace - Choes NY, US

Assignee:

ABBOTT LABORATORIES - Abbott Park IL

International Classification:

B65D 83/06
B65D 51/20
B65D 88/68
B65D 41/32
B65D 43/10
B65D 88/66
B65D 51/18
B65D 43/18

US Classification:

222 1, 220253, 2202581, 2202591, 220265, 220784, 222166, 222161, 222197, 222325, 222370

Abstract:

Packaging for a powdered beverage includes a container of powdered beverage, and a dispenser secured to the container. The dispenser includes an outer dispensing member having an exit opening, and an inner dispensing member in opposed relationship with the outer dispensing member and in part defining an interior space of the container. The inner dispensing member has at least one dispensing opening. At least one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member is moveable relative to the other one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member between a blocked position and a dispensing position of the dispenser in which the at least one opening of the inner dispensing member is at least in part aligned with the exit opening of the outer member to permit powdered beverage to be dispensed from the packaging.

US Patent:

20120000934, Jan 5, 2012

Filed:

Dec 29, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/981147

Inventors:

David Carl Ulstad - Dublin OH, US
Wilson George Zeitler - Westerville OH, US
Tobe Cohen - New Albany OH, US
Guarav Rohatgi - Waltham MA, US
Ilan E. Moyer - Potomac MD, US
Andrew Boyce - Hopkinton MA, US
Zachary Traina - Hingham MA, US
Philip Charles Walker - Concord MA, US
Allan Lee Cameron - Natick MA, US

Assignee:

ABBOTT LABORATORIES - Abbott Park IL

International Classification:

B67D 7/74
B65B 1/04

US Classification:

2221294, 141 2, 222325

Abstract:

In a dispensing appliance for dispensing a beverage from a powdered beverage container, a cartridge includes a container containing powdered beverage, and a dispenser on the container operable to dispense powdered beverage from the container. The appliance includes a mount for removably supporting the cartridge on the dispensing appliance, and a drive system configured for operative connection with the dispenser upon loading of the cartridge into the mount. The drive system is operable to operate the dispenser to release powdered beverage from the container. The beverage may be dispensed from the appliance in its powder form, or mixed with a liquid and dispensed generally in a liquid form. In a method of refilling a dispensing appliance, an empty cartridge of powdered beverage is replaced with a new, substantially full cartridge of powdered beverage with the cartridge dispenser operatively connected to the drive system of the appliance.

US Patent:

20120002501, Jan 5, 2012

Filed:

Dec 29, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/981158

Inventors:

David Carl Ulstad - Dublin OH, US
Wilson George Zeitler - Westerville OH, US
Jacob Childs - Somerville MA, US
Gaurav Rohatgi - Waltham MA, US
Alan Lee Cameron - Natick MA, US

Assignee:

ABBOTT LABORATORIES - Abbott Park IL

International Classification:

B01F 7/00

US Classification:

366205, 366206

Abstract:

In a mixing system for mixing together a powdered beverage and a liquid in-situ to form a ready-to-drink beverage, a receptacle has an interior space defining a mixing chamber for receiving powdered beverage and liquid therein to be mixed. An agitator is removably disposed in the mixing chamber, the agitator being operable to mix the powdered beverage and liquid within the mixing chamber, said agitator being removable from the receptacle. A retention member is configured to inhibit the agitator against falling out of the receptacle upon substantially inverting the receptacle. A drive system is provided for operating the agitator, with the agitator and drive system being configured for operative coupling therebetween. The mixing system may include a support for supporting the receptacle in an upright orientation. The receptacle may be removable from the support. The agitator may include an anti-vortex member to inhibit formation of a vortex.

US Patent:

20120258209, Oct 11, 2012

Filed:

Apr 5, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/440610

Inventors:

David C. Ulstad - Dublin OH, US
Terrence B. Mazer - New Albany OH, US
Wilson George Zeitler - Westerville OH, US

Assignee:

ABBOTT LABORATORIES - Abbott Park IL

International Classification:

A23C 9/154
B65B 55/14
A23L 2/38

US Classification:

426106, 426590, 426399, 426506, 426580

Abstract:

Disclosed are packaged compositions comprising an aseptically sterilized container and a sterilized, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsion that is aseptically packaged and sealed within the container. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the packaged compositions. In some embodiments, the aseptically packaged, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsions have a desirable flavor and aroma and have increased emulsion stability.

US Patent:

20140044381, Feb 13, 2014

Filed:

Dec 9, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/976309

Inventors:

David C. Ulstad - Dublin OH, US
Terrence B. Mazer - New Albany OH, US
Wilson George Zeitler - Westerville OH, US

Assignee:

ABBOTT LABORATORIES - ABBOTT PARK IL

International Classification:

B65D 75/58

US Classification:

383207

Abstract:

A single-use pouch () for liquid product has a front panel () and a back panel (). The front and back panels at least in part cooperatively define an interior space () of the pouch. The interior space has a total liquid capacity. A volume of liquid product is contained within the interior space. The volume of liquid product is less than about 60% of the total liquid capacity of the pouch.

US Patent:

53033256, Apr 12, 1994

Filed:

Oct 13, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/959576

Inventors:

Timothy J. Pasternak - Lake Villa IL
Wilson G. Zeitler - Westerville OH

Assignee:

Abbott Laboratories - Abbott Park IL

International Classification:

F24H 300

US Classification:

392379

Abstract:

An air heater is used to supply sterile air to an aseptic system for packaging food products. The air heater has an electrical heating element disposed within a tube, and the rate of air flow through the tube is adjustable. The air heater eliminates sources of contamination which are present in prior art air heaters.