Innovative Manufacturing & Cooperage Solutions from a Proven Inventor
in Louisville, KY

Helping creators, builders, and distillers bring their visions to life through purposeful design and patented solutions.

The Invention

Inside the Barrel: Innovation in Action

First Named inventor

Patented Innovation Driving Today’s Cooperage Technology

1  Mass finishing*

9,017,142

2  Hooper

10,357,895

3 Roll-out / Buffalo

9,919,448

4 Cooperage Production System

11,084,182

5  Slip Roller

11,008,176

6  Deployable factory*

11,767,680

7  Barrel toast

12,072,147

*Owned by Inventor

About the Inventor

From Pac-Man to Patents. A Legacy of Industrial Ingenuity

This Louisville-based inventor began his career designing automated systems for some of the most iconic manufacturing projects in California, from assembling Atari’s Pac-Man cartridges to automating large-scale wall systems and aluminum wheel production. Over the years, he’s planned entire manufacturing plants, transitioned from hand-drafting to advanced CAD and solid modeling, and developed a deep understanding of safety, quality, and efficiency in high-volume environments.

For the past 15 years, his focus has been on the cooperage industry, where he redesigned processes and equipment to improve yield, reduce physical strain, and enhance workplace safety. With seven U.S. patents awarded and a passion for turning good ideas into real, working solutions, he now helps others bring their innovations to life—offering a rare combination of hands-on experience, technical skill, and a human-first approach to invention.

Innovation on Display

Contact

Interested in how I can better assist you in all things industrial?

Call me or fill out a contact form and I will reach out to you.

Contact Information:

Erik van Kleef

Email

erik@catee.org

Phone

(502)468-6876

Address

828 South 17th St 
Louisville, KY 40210