Patents Examined by Stephen F. Gerrity
  • Patent number: 11964787
    Abstract: A device (5) is provided for the mechanical handling of a flexible bag (6) placed in a holder (7), the bag having a mouth with at least one flap (6a) that can close or open the mouth of the bag. The device comprises a brush wheel (8) that is mounted in rotation about a shaft (9), the brush wheel comprising fins (10) each consisting of a curved flexible portion (11) which extends from the shaft, and a straight end portion (12) which extends in continuation of the curved portion, the set of straight portions substantially forming a rim, and the brush wheel being arranged in such a way that, when it is rotated close to the mouth of the bag, centrifugal force straightens the curved portions, thus increasing the radius of the rim in order to allow the straight portions to rub against the flap of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SOLYSTIC
    Inventors: Eric Moullard, Damien Hughes, Lionel Faivre
  • Patent number: 11958650
    Abstract: A method for producing packagings (12a; 12b), in particular cartons, in which in at least one method step packaging parts (32a; 32b), in particular carton parts, are conveyed by a transport device (14a; 14b) having a planar drive. The packaging parts (32a; 32b) are in each case moved via at least one platform (30a; 30b) of the transport device (14a; 14b) which is movable by the planar drive, and are processed during a movement that is induced by the platform (30a; 30b). At least one processing step for producing a packaging (12a; 12b) from a packaging part (32a; 32b) is realized at least partly by a force generated by the at least one movable platform (30a; 30b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Syntegon Packaging Systems AG
    Inventors: Andreas Baechle, Philipp Kuettel, Roger Meili
  • Patent number: 11958647
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing a prefilled syringe comprises assembling a syringe assembly and performing at least one ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization procedure cycle. The assembling step includes inserting a tip cap at a first end of a plunger, filling a non-glass barrel with sterilization sensitive material at a second end of the barrel, and inserting the plunger into the barrel at a second end to seal the sterilization sensitive material within the barrel. The EtO sterilization procedure cycle comprises undergoing a preprocessing stage, a wash and conditioning stage, an EtO sterilization stage and a wash and post exposure stage. Upon completing the EtO sterilization procedure cycle, a resultant pH of the sterilization-sensitive material does not exceed an acceptable pH range as defined by the United States Pharmacopeia. The disclosure also discusses inserting an assembled prefilled syringe into a procedure tray prior to performing the EtO sterilization procedure cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medline Industries, LP
    Inventors: Kelly Kuehne, Curt Carpenter, Jessica Leginski
  • Patent number: 11957337
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cartridge body having cavities defined therein forming a pattern of openings in the deck of the cartridge body. The pattern can include longitudinally-repeating clusters of cavity ends. The assembly can also include fasteners removably positioned in the cavities. The pattern of openings can comprise openings on a first side of the cartridge body comprising inner openings each defining an inner proximal-to-distal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, outer openings each defining an outer proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an outer angle, and intermediate openings each defining an intermediate proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an intermediate angle, wherein the intermediate angle is different than the outer angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Mark S. Zeiner, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jason L. Harris, Anil K. Nalagatla
  • Patent number: 11957348
    Abstract: An anvil buttress loading system includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress is retainable on each of the anvil buttress loading tool and the anvil buttress, and is transferrable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Pawel Abramek, Kenneth M. Cappola, Matthew J. Chowaniec, Roanit Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11952155
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible container housing a drug substance is disclosed that includes forming a first compartment from a flexible sheet-like material, filling a liquid into the first compartment, sealing the first compartment, forming a second compartment from the flexible sheet-like material, filling a dry drug formulation into the second compartment, and sealing the second compartment. The method further involves lyophilizing the drug formulation inside a tubular cartridge, filling the second compartment by introducing the tubular cartridge through an opening of the second compartment such that an open end of the tubular cartridge is positioned distant from the opening of the second compartment, providing the drug formulation from the open end of the tubular cartridge into the second compartment, and withdrawing the tubular cartridge from the second compartment. The first and second compartments are separated by a frangible seal which opens when the first compartment is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE INC.
    Inventors: Carmen Lema Martinez, Joerg Luemkemann, Tobias Werk, Thomas Zumstein, Daniel Kullmann
  • Patent number: 11944301
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument, such as a tissue sealing instrument, with an elongate shaft and first and second jaws movably coupled to the shaft. The second jaw comprises a cavity for receiving a staple cartridge and a substantially longitudinal reinforcing wall extending through the cavity. The instrument further includes a drive member configured to translate through the end effector to close the jaws and to engage a plurality of staples within the staple cartridge to drive the staples into tissue. The reinforcing wall provides additional support for the staple cartridge to inhibit deformation of the staple cartridge during actuation, thereby improving the staple formation in the tissue. This improves the tissue seal provided by the staples without increasing the overall size of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Wixey, Babak Jasemian
  • Patent number: 11945615
    Abstract: A bag applicator assembly for a stationary packer assembly comprising a plurality of filling nozzles for filling valve bags wherein a valve bag comprising a valve selectively movable between a closed and an open configuration; the bag applicator comprising: a bag feeding device comprising a supporting plane configured for receiving a valve bag having the valve in a closed configuration; a valve opening device configured for cyclically moving between a first configuration of keeping the valve bag from the supporting plane and a second configuration of opening the valve and keeping the valve in the open configuration; a bag applicator device configured for picking up the valve bag from the valve opening device, for travelling from the valve opening device to a filling nozzle in a travelling configuration for avoiding bag interference with the filling nozzles and for releasing the bag at the filling nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventor: Sergio Brioschi
  • Patent number: 11945618
    Abstract: A sealing machine is provided for sealing a sealing material by heating a fin of the sealing material wrapped around a product. The sealing machine comprises, in a transport direction of the sealing material, a pair of tracking rollers for tensioning the sealing material and a pair of heating rollers for sealing the sealing material by applying heat to the fin when the fin is moved between the pair of heating rollers. Furthermore, the pair of tracking rollers and the pair of heating rollers are configured to be driven independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carles Colomer, Gerard Maltas, Carles Verdugo
  • Patent number: 11944302
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a staple cartridge for a surgical instrument, such as a tissue sealing instrument. The staple cartridge includes a housing and one or more staple assemblies within the housing. The staple assemblies each include one or more staple pushers and associated staples. The staple pushers and housing include coupling elements configured to cooperate with each other to retain the staple assemblies to the housing prior to use in surgery. The coupling elements, along with other components of the cartridge and instrument, result in a smaller staple cartridge relative to conventional devices, allowing for a more compact and maneuverable surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Wixey, Atal Patel
  • Patent number: 11939092
    Abstract: A device for processing a continuous web includes a feed station for feeding the web in a feed direction towards a cutting station for cutting the web to a cutting length into individual segments of web that are disc-shaped. A further feed station feeds each segment. A first cutting unit cuts the web into the segments and a second cutting unit includes a cutting element configured to sever the web across a full width in a direction transverse to the feed direction. A drive unit is configured to issue a command to move the cutting element from a non-operating position, where the web is fed by the feed station to the first cutting unit through the second cutting unit, to an operating position, where the web is severed by the cutting element to interrupt feeding of the web to the first cutting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Luca Cavazza
  • Patent number: 11939098
    Abstract: A device for post-forming the gable surfaces of packaging with a diagonal gable, including a conveying device with cells secured thereto for receiving the packaging and for transporting the packaging along a transport direction, at least one gable folder for folding a fin seam in the gable region of the packaging, and at least two lug folders for folding lugs in the gable region of the packaging. Both the gable folder and the lug folders are movably mounted relative to the conveyor device and the packaging transported therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SIG Technology AG
    Inventors: Felix Breitmar, Jürgen Richter, Thomas Vetten
  • Patent number: 11939561
    Abstract: A packaging for a flexible container, in particular for a disposable bag for use in a bioreactor, including a bottom part for fixing a first portion of the container, a ceiling part for fixing an opposite second portion of the container, a receiving space which on a first side is defined by the bottom part and on an opposite second side is defined by the ceiling part, and struts arranged between the bottom part and the ceiling part, which fix a defined distance between the bottom part and the ceiling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventor: Diana Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 11939095
    Abstract: System for heat shrink sealing open-topped containers wherein the system includes a housing or enclosure wherein a majority of a bulk roll of film material is accessible when the cover is open. The system preferably includes two opposing rollers that are configured to engage the film and cause it to move to a dispensing position. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a movable sealing unit that accommodates use of the lidding system with open ended containers having various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes an indicia generating device operable to label sealed containers and a knife that generates a perforation in the film during sealing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Kimmo Vari
  • Patent number: 11931025
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a closure drive configured to close the end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a lock configured to hold a closure actuator of the closure drive in a partially-closed position. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive operable to rotate the end effector about an articulation joint when the closure drive is in its partially-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11931035
    Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly comprises a shaft, an end effector, and a drive member configured to actuate a function of the end effector. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an articulation member configured to be actuated to articulate the end effector and an articulation region, wherein the articulation member is configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft by way of the articulation region, wherein the drive member extends through the shaft, the articulation region, and the end effector. The articulation region comprises an articulation support pivot positioned within the articulation region, wherein the articulation member is coupled to the articulation support pivot, wherein the articulation member is actuatable to rotate the articulation support pivot, and wherein the drive member extends through the articulation support pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 11931033
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to deploy the staples during a staple firing stroke is disclosed. The staple cartridge further comprises a spent cartridge lock switchable into a locked state during the staple firing stroke. The spent cartridge lock in its locked state prevents the sled from beign returned back into its unspent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11932479
    Abstract: To provide an inorganic solid material that has a hydrogen sulfide sustained releasability at ordinary temperature in the air atmosphere and is capable of being handled safely and a method for producing the same, and a method for generating hydrogen sulfide using the material. A layered double hydroxide having HS? and/or Sk2? (wherein k represents a positive integer) intercalated among layers (sulfide ion-containing LDH) is produced, and the sulfide ion-containing LDH is hermetically housed in a packaging material to provide a package. In generating hydrogen sulfide, the packaging material of the package is opened, and the sulfide ion-containing LDH is exposed to the air atmosphere to sustainably release hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignees: NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE, SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Ishihara, Nobuo Iyi, Daisuke Misho, Noriyuki Hayashizaka
  • Patent number: 11926490
    Abstract: Apparatus extracting, from trays, bottles with mouths facing downwards includes an advancement line stopping the trays at a rest station; a handling organ; and a bottle pickup and transfer mechanism having a suction plate, with suction seats receiving and retaining the bottles internally. A frame with a housing receives and releasably retains the suction plate. The frame rotates about a first axis to a first operating position near the rest station and to a second operating position near the handling organ. Grippers and moving mechanisms pick up and move the suction plate above the tray with the seated bottles, raise the plate with the bottles, and then position the plate at the housing in the first operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.P.A.
    Inventor: Dario Anatrini
  • Patent number: 11919667
    Abstract: A sheet storage apparatus and a sheet handling apparatus that allow attaching or removing of a storage bag with a simple structure and less space are provided. The sheet storage apparatus of the present disclosure includes an attachment unit including an attachment portion to which a storage bag for sheets is attached, a moving unit that moves the sheets toward an inside of the storage bag, and a first slide unit that slides at least any one of the attachment unit and the moving unit such that a relative position between the attachment unit and the moving unit is changed between a first position in which the attachment portion is covered with the moving unit and a second position in which the attachment portion is exposed to allow attaching or removing of the storage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GLORY LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Takemura