Patents Examined by Thanh K Truong
  • Patent number: 11975874
    Abstract: A vacuum sealer for vacuum packing products in plastic vacuum bags includes a sealing bar and a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the sealing bar. In the raised position, the sealing bar is configured to engage and compress the vacuum bag against a compression bar. The vacuum sealer include a vacuum pump that is operated to draw a vacuum in the vacuum bag. The sealing bar includes a heating element that is configured to heat the sealing bar when energized. Once the vacuum is drawn in the vacuum bag, the sealing bar is heated and the heat is applied to the vacuum bag, which seals closed the vacuum bag with the product vacuum packed therein. The lifting mechanism lowers the sealing bar to release the vacuum packed product. The vacuum sealer includes a cooling chamber into which the sealing bar is moved when lowered by the lift mechanism. A cooling fan directs convection air through the cooling chamber and over the sealing bar to cool the sealing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: BLUE SKY INNOVATION GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Gregg Kloeppel, Jeffrey W. Palese
  • Patent number: 11975435
    Abstract: A tool includes a housing, a drive assembly including an output shaft extending from the housing such that a tool element for performing work on a workpiece is attachable to the output shaft, and a bushing disposed within the housing. The bushing rotatably supports the output shaft. The bushing is impregnated with lubricant such that the bushing is self-lubricating, and the bushing has an impregnation ratio between about 5% and about 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Malak, Michael R. Sande, Ryan Allen Dedrickson, Guang Hu, Fan Bin Zeng, Wei Chao Xu, Qiao Cai
  • Patent number: 11975875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic method for loading cases on a packaging line from cases contained in a closed parallelepiped container and wherein it is proceeded with the loading of the packaging line, after opening of the container (Ca) by: /d/ insertion of a first jaw (30) of the clamp between the first face (F1) of the container and the first case (Et1) of the row of cases and, insertion of a second jaw (31) of the clamp between the last case (Etd) of the row of cases and the second face (F2) of the container, and approach of the jaws until seizing up the row of cases, /e/ piloting of the robotic arm so as to extract the row of cases from the container grasped by the motor-driven clamp (3) and load the packaging line (Lg) with the row of cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Velec Systemes
    Inventor: Florian Ghestem
  • Patent number: 11975876
    Abstract: A poly bubble bag filling machine, seal head, bag magazine, and a carton are described. The filling machine includes the bag magazine which is configured to hold and advance a plurality of pre-formed poly bubble bags as they are retrieved for filling. The carton provides simple handling and replacement of bags in the magazine and enables operation of the magazine while the carton is in place. A bag-transfer carriage transfers bags from the magazine to the seal head. The seal head includes suction bars configured to enable application and retention of a sufficient suction force to sides of the bag to open and retain the bag during filling. Sealing bars are positioned near the suction bars and are operable to seal the bag closed via application of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Tension International, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Berkley, Robert Terzini, Anthony R. Barone
  • Patent number: 11975427
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor of a power tool having a receptacle for a tool, at least a current of the electric motor and/or a rotation speed of the electric motor during an impact operating mode of the electric motor being detected as a parameter, a driving time of the electric motor for the impact operating mode being specified as a function of the detected parameter. A method is also described for controlling an electric motor of a power tool having a receptacle for a tool for unscrewing a screw from a mating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Chi Hoe Leong, Ju-Lien Tan, Kah Hooi Tan, Moritz Stiefel, Sim Teik Yeoh
  • Patent number: 11969867
    Abstract: Hand-held power tool having a tool fitting for holding a striking and rotating tool on a working axis, an electric motor, an impact mechanism, which has a striker moved periodically along the working axis, and having a rotary drive, which drives a spindle bearing the tool fitting in a rotating manner about the working axis, the rotary drive having a step-down eccentric gear mechanism, connected to the electric motor, and the spindle being coupled to the eccentric gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maximilian Knyrim, Michael Unsöld
  • Patent number: 11964373
    Abstract: A drive-in tool for driving fasteners into a workpiece, wherein the tool comprises in particular: a safety device for transferring the drive-in tool from a trip-ready state into a secured state after expiry of a delay, wherein the safety device comprises a control volume and an activation element, wherein in the first position of the activation element a charging connection is defined between the control volume and the gas pressure source connection, and wherein in the second position of the activation element a discharging connection is defined between the control volume and a pressure sink, wherein one connection from the charging connection and the discharging connection comprises a smallest cross-sectional flow area which, together with a gas pressure of the gas pressure source, determines the delay time of the safety device. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding method for operating a drive-in tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Olaf Hähndel
  • Patent number: 11957336
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, a firing system, and a firing lockout assembly. The end effector is operatively coupled with the shaft assembly. The end effector includes first and second jaws. The first jaw includes an anvil. The second jaw is configured to removably receive an unspent staple cartridge. The firing system extends through at least a portion of the shaft assembly and the end effector. The firing lockout assembly is selectively coupled with the firing system. The firing lockout assembly is disposed proximal to the end effector. The firing lockout assembly is configured to allow actuation of the firing system in an unlocked configuration in response to the unspent staple cartridge being coupled with the second jaw; and inhibit actuation of the firing system in a locked configuration in response to the unspent staple cartridge being absent from the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin M. Fiebig, Adam D. Hensel
  • Patent number: 11944297
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector, a motor, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to activate the motor to distally advance a firing member within a body of the end effector. The processing unit is further configured to detect an initiation condition. In response to detecting the initiation condition, the processing unit is configured to activate an algorithmic bumping mode. The bumping mode includes activating the motor to advance the firing member distally with a first plurality starting and stopping motions at a first rate and a first power level. The bumping mode further includes activating the motor to retract the firing member proximally with a second plurality of starting and stopping motions at a second rate and a second power level. The first rate is different than the second rate. The first power level is different than the second power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin M. Fiebig, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11931039
    Abstract: A surgical stapling system includes a surgical stapling apparatus and a staple cartridge surgical buttress assembly. The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongate tubular body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector extending distally from the elongate tubular body. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge surgical buttress assembly includes a surgical buttress and a leash. The surgical buttress includes a body having an annular configuration and legs extending from the body. The body is positioned against a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly and the legs are positioned against a housing of the staple cartridge assembly. The leash is threaded through at least one of the legs and extends proximally from the surgical buttress towards the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Suresh Kumar Prema Mohanasundaram, Rajesh Palakunnath
  • Patent number: 11931840
    Abstract: A dust collection cup includes a cylindrical attachment to cause a bit to extend through the attachment, a cylindrical dust collector located in front of the attachment to cause the bit to extend through the dust collector, a seal between the attachment and the dust collector and having a through-hole to receive the bit, and a connection port connectable to a dust collection hose and located on an outer circumferential surface of the attachment outward in a radial direction of the bit from the seal and rearward from the seal. The connection port has a distance in the radial direction of the bit from an axis of the attachment to an outermost position longer than a distance in the radial direction of the bit from the axis to a position on the outer circumferential surface of the attachment that is opposite to the outermost position from the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Machida
  • Patent number: 11918209
    Abstract: A surgical system including a surgical instrument, a surgical visualization system, a display, and a feedback controller are presented. The feedback controller is in signal communication with the surgical instrument and the surgical visualization system. The feedback controller is configured to display, on the display, during an operation, live images derived from the surgical visualization system in a first layer and a status of the surgical instrument in a second layer. The status is configured to locate itself in said second layer in relation to a depiction of a feature of the surgical instrument and/or a feature of tissue in the first layer. The surgical instrument can include a surgical stapler, a knife, a robotic surgical instrument, combination thereof, or variation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11905046
    Abstract: Systems and method of wrapping an object are disclosed. An object wrapping system includes a contractible loop, a positioning system, and a wrapping material system. The contractible loop is configured to be deployed in an expanded position and a contracted position. The positioning system is configured to position an object in alignment with an aperture defined by the contractible loop. The wrapping material system is configured to position a wrapping material between the object and the aperture. The positioning system is configured to move the object into the wrapping material and through the aperture when the contractible loop is deployed in the expanded position. The contractible loop is configured to deploy into the contracted position to at least partially close the wrapping material around the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Mt. Adams Orchards Corporation
    Inventors: Don M. Gibson, Doug G. Gibson, Shane C. Dittrich, Kristopher R. Okelberry, Michael P. Baker, Peter O. Ashworth, Mark E. De Kleine, Tyler Dale
  • Patent number: 11908264
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a cashbag sealing system. The system comprises a banknote transport mechanism operable to transport a banknote to a storing unit. The storing unit includes a banknote storing bag detachably coupled to the storing unit, and an escrow plate operable to escrow the banknote before the banknote transported to the storing unit is stored in the banknote storing bag, wherein the escrow plate is operable to move from a horizontally extending hold position to a downwardly or obliquely downwardly extending release position, and wherein the banknote transported to the storing unit is escrowed on the escrow plate when the escrow plate is located at the hold position. The system further comprises a sensor configured to detect a presence of the banknote on the escrow plate, and measure a level of banknotes in the banknote storing bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmytro Baydin, Pavlo Tsushko, Yurii Rudenko, Vitaliy Kochubey, David Charles Deaville, Vjatseslav Balovnev
  • Patent number: 11890734
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool that includes a lift mechanism for moving the driver from a driven position to a ready position. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism is mounted to a movable pivot arm, and the pivot arm is slightly rotated to allow the driver to drive a fastener; when the driver is to be lifted in a return stroke, the lifter subassembly is moved back into engagement with the driver, and multiple lifter pins contact protrusions in the driver to lift the driver from the driven position to the ready position. In another embodiment, the pivotable lifter floats along the driver, and “releases” from contact only to prevent a jam or otherwise undesirable operating condition involving the driver; otherwise, the lifter remains nested in the tool's guide body during all operating states. A solenoid-operated latch also is provided to prevent the driver from moving downward (for driving a fastener).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. McCardle, Christopher D. Klein, Anthony D. Kabbes, Donald C. Ries, John T. Burke, Kory A. Gunnerson, Jerome J. Schafer
  • Patent number: 11891206
    Abstract: A system for assembling and filling two groups of electronic cigarettes, includes first and second working stations for assembly/inspection operations on a first group of electronic cigarettes and disposed upstream and downstream of a first conveying path, respectively. Third and fourth working stations perform assembly/inspection operations on a second group of electronic cigarettes and are disposed upstream and downstream of a second conveying path, respectively. A single filling station receives the first group at a first loading zone and the second group at a second loading zone to fill the first group and the second group with a filling product; and releases the first group of filled electronic cigarettes at a first unloading zone and the second group of filled electronic cigarettes at a second unloading zone towards the second working station and towards the fourth working station, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: G.D S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Testoni, Massimo Sartoni, Luca Federici
  • Patent number: 11864756
    Abstract: Surgical instruments that comprise an axially movable firing member that is configured to be driven between a starting position and an ending position within a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument by an upper an upper chain-drive assembly and a lower chain-drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Spencer J. Witte, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Darryl A. Parks
  • Patent number: 11857182
    Abstract: Surgical instruments that have articulation joints that include a distal joint member and a central joint member that is selectively articulatable relative to the central joint member about a distal articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis. The articulation joints may further include a proximal joint member that operably interfaces with the central joint member such that the central joint member is selectively articulatable relative to the proximal joint member about a proximal articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and the distal articulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Spencer J. Witte
  • Patent number: 11827010
    Abstract: Monitoring device (50, 52) for monitoring a plurality of containers (10) which have been printed with at least one first image element (B1-B8) by a direct printing machine (20), having a transport device (40) which supplies and/or discharges the printed containers (10) to be monitored along a predefined transport path, in particular individually and successively, to the monitoring device (50, 52), wherein the monitoring device (50, 52) monitors the printed containers (10) at least with respect to the first image element (B1-B8) applied by the direct printing machine (20), and has a memory device (53) which stores the at least one set of first image elements (B1-B8) to be monitored. According to the invention, for each container (10) to be monitored, the monitoring device (50, 52) carries out monitoring taking into account at least one image element (B1-B8) uniquely assigned to this container (10) to be monitored from the set of first image elements (B1-B8) to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Anton Niedermeier
  • Patent number: 11826013
    Abstract: Surgical end effectors with first and second jaws that are opened and closed with an axially movable firing member. The firing member is configured to apply a first closure motion to the second jaw to move the second jaw from an open position to a closed position as the firing member is moved in a distal direction from a home position to an ending position. The firing member is further configured to move the second jaw towards the first jaw when the firing member is moved in a proximal direction from the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Darryl A. Parks