Patents by Inventor Kenneth E. Carper

Kenneth E. Carper has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11806772
    Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer, Ian Kenneth Scholey
  • Patent number: 11278166
    Abstract: A dual roll paper towel dispenser, a method of dispensing towel from a dual roll paper towel dispenser, and a method of servicing a dual roll paper towel dispenser are disclosed herein. The dual roll paper towel dispenser can be provided with a dispenser mechanism disposed in a dispenser housing. The dispenser mechanism can include a first drive roller for dispensing paper from an upper first roll of paper and a second drive roller for dispensing paper from a lower second roll of paper. The dispenser mechanism can further include a drive system including a motor for selectively operating the first drive roller and the second drive roller, wherein the drive system powers the motor in a first rotational direction to actuate the first drive roller and powers the motor in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to actuate the second drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Essity Operations Wausau LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Carper, Adam Elliott, Mark Henson, Dan Knight, Steven Roy Streicher
  • Publication number: 20210316353
    Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer, Ian Kenneth Scholey
  • Patent number: 11077478
    Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer, Ian Kenneth Scholey
  • Publication number: 20210068819
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210059665
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210059663
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210059664
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Patent number: 10814376
    Abstract: A can bodymaker ram assembly is provided. The ram assembly includes an elongated, generally hollow ram body and a tension assembly. The ram body includes a proximal end, a medial portion, and a distal end. The tension assembly includes an elongated support member. The tension assembly support member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The tension assembly support member is substantially disposed within the ram body with the tension assembly support member proximal end coupled to the ram body proximal end, and the tension assembly support member distal end coupled to one of the ram body medial portion or the ram body distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
  • Publication number: 20200315614
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200315611
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200315613
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200289110
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Patent number: 10709880
    Abstract: A dilation catheter system is provided to dilate the ostium of a paranasal sinus or some other anatomical passageway (e.g., within the ear, nose, or throat, etc.). The system may include a dilation catheter, a dilator, a guide catheter, and an inflator. The dilation catheter may be positioned between the dilator and the inflator. The guide catheter is configured to guide the dilator into the affected passageway. The inflator may then be actuated to transfer fluid from the inflator, through the dilation catheter, and into the dilator. The transfer of fluid may inflate the dilator to an expanded state to open or dilate the affected passageway. The inflator may include a body, a plunger assembly, and locking features that selectively secure the position of the plunger assembly relative to the body by moving along a path that is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the plunger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Johnson, Emron J. Henry, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Cory G. Kimball, Kenneth E. Carper, Daniel L. Geiger, Kyle A. Lehr, Matthew B. Newell, Luke W. Clauson
  • Patent number: 10352385
    Abstract: A conversion system wherein a crankshaft drives the motion of the tooling assemblies within a number of lanes is provided. The crankshaft is structured to move the tooling assemblies associated with less than the total number of lanes. That is, for example, a four lane conversion press could include two crankshafts each actuating the tooling assemblies of two lanes. In an exemplary embodiment, each lane has a single associated crankshaft. The conversion system includes a multiple press drive assembly with a clutch/brake assembly and a flywheel assembly. The clutch/brake assembly is structured to suspend operation of the press units while the flywheel assembly stores energy in a flywheel. When operation of the press units is restarted, energy from the flywheel aids the motor in bringing the press units to an operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Patrick K. McCarty, Jason A. Davidson, Neil A. Zumberger, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer
  • Publication number: 20190105048
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Publication number: 20190076904
    Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer, Ian Kenneth Scholey
  • Patent number: 10182818
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Adam D. Hensel, Austin E. Wise, Kenneth E. Carper, Lauren S. Weaner, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Josiah J. Brinkerhoff, Daniel V. Jones
  • Patent number: 10137490
    Abstract: A hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly for a can bodymaker is provided. The hydrostatic/hydrodynamic fluid bearing assembly is separate from the ram body. The outboard guide bearing assembly includes a carriage assembly and a number of elongated journals. The carriage assembly includes a ram coupling, a crank coupling, and body defining a number of journal passages. The ram body is coupled to a ram coupling. The crank coupling is structured to be coupled to a crank arm. Each journal extends through a carriage assembly body journal passage. In this configuration, the ram body may form a can body in a traditional manner, but fluid bearing assembly fluid is not applied to the ram body. Instead, the fluid bearing assembly fluid is applied to the journals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Stolle Machinery Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Butcher, Aaron E. Carstens, Kenneth E. Carper, Russell Bauer, Ian Kenneth Scholey
  • Publication number: 20180304056
    Abstract: A dilation catheter system is provided to dilate the ostium of a paranasal sinus or some other anatomical passageway (e.g., within the ear, nose, or throat, etc.). The system may include a dilation catheter, a dilator, a guide catheter, and an inflator. The dilation catheter may be positioned between the dilator and the inflator. The guide catheter is configured to guide the dilator into the affected passageway. The inflator may then be actuated to transfer fluid from the inflator, through the dilation catheter, and into the dilator. The transfer of fluid may inflate the dilator to an expanded state to open or dilate the affected passageway. The inflator may include a body, a plunger assembly, and locking features that selectively secure the position of the plunger assembly relative to the body by moving along a path that is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the plunger assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory W. Johnson, Emron J. Henry, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Cory G. Kimball, Kenneth E. Carper, Daniel L. Geiger, Kyle A. Lehr, Matthew B. Newell, Luke W. Clauson