Location History:
- Darlington, SC (US) (1993 - 1999)
- Hartsville, NC (US) (1998 - 2002)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1993-2002
Title: W Gerald Gainey: Innovator in Tubular Container Manufacturing
Introduction
W Gerald Gainey, based in Hartsville, NC, has made significant contributions to the field of manufacturing with a total of 8 patents. His innovations are particularly focused on the production of multi-ply tubular containers for food products, showcasing the intersection of practical engineering and materials science.
Latest Patents
Gainey’s recent inventions include methods and apparatus for manufacturing tubular containers that enhance efficiency and product integrity. One notable patent details a method involving the application of an aqueous adhesive to a surface of a paperboard body ply. This adhesive is subsequently heated, allowing it to become tacky. The process involves wrapping the body ply around a shaping mandrel to form the desired tubular container, adhering a polymeric liner ply with a moisture barrier layer without the need for additional adhesives. This method not only ensures the structural integrity of the container but also results in a unique wrinkled surface finish due to the circumferential compression of the liner ply during wrapping.
Another innovative patent focuses on the manufacture of tubular containers through the use of an unsupported polymeric liner ply. In this method, the polymeric adhesive is activated through controlled heating, allowing the liner ply and paperboard body ply to bond efficiently as they pass through a nip. This seamless integration of the liner into the container design minimizes the need for separate adhesives, thus streamlining the production process.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Gainey has been associated with prominent companies such as Sonoco Products Company and Sonoco Development Incorporated. His work has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional packaging methodologies, leading to more sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices.
Collaborations
Gainey has collaborated with notable professionals including Glenda J Cahill and Michael T Drummond. These partnerships have undoubtedly contributed to the strengthening of his innovative approaches and facilitated the development of advanced manufacturing techniques in the container industry.
Conclusion
W Gerald Gainey stands out as a prominent inventor whose patents reflect a deep understanding of engineering principles and materials science. His contributions to the manufacturing of tubular containers are a significant part of the ongoing evolution in food packaging technology, showcasing the importance of innovation in maintaining efficiency and sustainability in the industry.