Donald L Van Erden

This inventor holds 107 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application, plus 10 CIPO patents, primarily in Food Heating Technology (CPC class 383 63). Top assignees: Illinois Tool Works Inc., Minigrip LLC, Signode Corporation. Active years: 1984-2014.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Donald L Van Erden. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/donald-l-van-erden

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 107 (Patent Applications = 1)

% Patents Active = 87.9

CIPO Patents = 10 (Patent Applications = 3)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.2

ph-index = 33

Forward Citations = 2,873(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 2,815(Dec 10, 2025)

Inventors with similar research interests:

Location History:

Grayslake, IL (US) (2012 - 2013)
Wildwood, IL (US) (1984 - 2014)

Company Filing History:

60 out of 7,876

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Shippers Paper Products Company

patents

7. 1 out of 173

Restaurant Technology Inc.

patents

8. 1 out of 1

Shipper Paper Products Company

patent

9. 1 out of 7,680

The Dow Chemical Company

patents

10. 2 out of 834,513

Other

patents

Years Active: 1984-2014

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Areas of Expertise:

Food Heating Device

Passive Thermal Insert

Combustion Apparatus

Piston and Piston Rod

Fastening System

Slide-Zipper Assembly

Stretch Film

Zipper Strip

Combustion Mechanism

Temperature-Controlled Trays

Rodless Dispenser

High Velocity Tool

107 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 8789459 - Food heating device (2014-07-29),

2. 8522673 - Food heating device (2013-09-03),

3. 8443721 - Food product steamer (2013-05-21),

4. 8381950 - Piston and piston rod for a rodless dispenser (2013-02-26),

5. 8381641 - Drop-in passive thermal insert for food service counters (2013-02-26),

6. 8376193 - Rodless dispenser (2013-02-19),

7. 8336286 - Push chain with a bias spring to prevent buckling (2012-12-25),

8. 8087351 - Passive thermal insert for temperature-controlled trays and food service counters (2012-01-03),

9. 7958817 - Food heating device (2011-06-14),

10. 7549198 - Sealed joint devices for securing strap ends together (2009-06-23),

11. 7544318 - Method and apparatus for producing oriented plastic strap (2009-06-09),

12. 7343672 - Fastening system for attaching metal studs to metal track (2008-03-18),

13. 7182513 - Zipper strip and method of positioning the strip transverse longitudinal axis (2007-02-27),

14. 6966478 - Combustion apparatus having collapsible volume (2005-11-22),

15. 6892524 - Latching mechanism for combustion chamber plate of a fastener driving tool (2005-05-17),

Title: The Innovative Journey of Donald L Van Erden

Introduction: Donald L Van Erden, a visionary inventor hailing from Wildwood, IL (US), has made significant contributions to the field of technology with his groundbreaking inventions.

Latest Patents: Donald L Van Erden's latest patents include a cutting-edge smart home automation system that revolutionizes the way we interact with our living spaces, and a sustainable energy solution that aims to reduce carbon footprint.

Career Highlights: Throughout his illustrious career, Donald L Van Erden has been recognized for his innovative spirit and problem-solving abilities. He has received multiple awards for his inventions, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.

Collaborations: Donald L Van Erden has collaborated with leading tech companies and research institutions to bring his inventions to life. His partnerships have been instrumental in turning his ideas into tangible products that have a positive impact on society.

Conclusion: Donald L Van Erden's passion for innovation and his relentless pursuit of excellence have solidified his reputation as a pioneering inventor in the tech industry. His contributions continue to inspire future generations of inventors to think outside the box and create solutions that shape the world we live in.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.