Patents by Inventor Kirk Charles
Kirk Charles 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).
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Patent number: 11998974Abstract: A casting core used in the manufacture of a cast engine component for a turbine engine, the cast engine component having a first area, a second area, a fluid passage wall separating the first area and the second area, and a connecting fluid passage extending through the fluid passage wall and interconnecting the first area and the second area. The connecting fluid passage having a turn with a radius (R). The casting core having a first core and a second core. The first core and the second core being defined by a set of geometric characteristics having a first minimum equivalent diameter (D1eqmin) of the first core and a second minimum equivalent diameter (D2eqmin) of the second core. A first flexible geometry factor (FGF1) being equal to: ( D ? 1 eq ? min D ? 2 eq ? min ) ? ( R D ? 2 eq ? min ) .Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel Endecott Osgood, Zachary Daniel Webster, Craig Alan Gonyou, Daniel Lee Durstock, Kevin R. Feldmann, Kirk Douglas Gallier, William C. Herman, Nicholas Charles Gentilli
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Patent number: 11993360Abstract: A vehicle has a pod carrier, a pod rotatably connected to the pod carrier, and an energy attenuating system (EAS) disposed between the pod and the pod carrier to attenuate forces associated with a deflection of the pod relative to the pod carrier. A method of operating an energy attenuating system (EAS) is provided for attenuating energy associated with movement between a pod and a pod carrier. The method includes providing a vehicle having a pod carrier and providing the pod carrier with an EAS configured in an undeflected state.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Kirk Landon Groninga, Daniel Bryan Robertson, Matthew Edward Louis, Paul Charles Griffiths
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Publication number: 20240066588Abstract: A casting core used in the manufacture of a cast engine component for a turbine engine, the cast engine component having a first area, a second area, a fluid passage wall separating the first area and the second area, and a connecting fluid passage extending through the fluid passage wall and interconnecting the first area and the second area. The connecting fluid passage having a turn with a radius (R). The casting core having a first core and a second core. The first core and the second core being defined by a set of geometric characteristics having a first minimum equivalent diameter (D1eqmin) of the first core and a second minimum equivalent diameter (D2eqmin) of the second core. A first flexible geometry factor (FGF1) being equal to: ( D ? 1 eq ? min D ? 2 eq ? min ) ? ( R D ? 2 eq ? min ) .Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Daniel Endecott Osgood, Zachary Daniel Webster, Craig Alan Gonyou, Daniel Lee Durstock, Kevin R. Feldmann, Kirk Douglas Gallier, William C. Herman, Nicholas Charles Gentilli
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Publication number: 20210205015Abstract: An ablation probe comprising an elongate body extending a length along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end extending into a housing and the second end comprising an ablation probe tip configured for insertion into a biopsy tract in a patient. In example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe can be inserted into a patient through an existing trocar needle or biopsy access cannula following completion of a biopsy. In other example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe defines a lumen. In one example form, the lumen contains a wire for heating the ablation probe tip, which may be composed of graphite, a resistive metal, or another electrically-resistive material. In another example form, the lumen additionally contains a thermocouple or other temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the ablation probe tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: TRACELESS BIOPSY, LLCInventors: Charles GILLILAND, Parth PATEL, Corey MARPLE, Carolyn DARRELL, Kelly IN, Sumi MARION, Kirk CHARLES, Brian VANHIEL
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Patent number: 10959776Abstract: An ablation probe comprising an elongate body extending a length along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end extending into a housing and the second end comprising an ablation probe tip configured for insertion into a biopsy tract in a patient. In example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe can be inserted into a patient through an existing trocar needle or biopsy access cannula following completion of a biopsy. In other example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe defines a lumen. In one example form, the lumen contains a wire for heating the ablation probe tip, which may be composed of graphite, a resistive metal, or another electrically-resistive material. In another example form, the lumen additionally contains a thermocouple or other temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the ablation probe tip.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: TRACELESS BIOPSY, LLCInventors: Charles Gilliland, Parth Patel, Corey Marple, Carolyn Darrell, Kelly In, Sumi Marion, Kirk Charles, Brian Vanheil
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Patent number: 10722382Abstract: New surgical instruments and methods used to implant elements of a reverse hip prosthesis in a patient are described. The instruments are impactors which are struck with a hammer at their proximal ends after the instrument has been used to position the implant element in the patient. An acetabular cup impactor has inclination and anteversion rods which are used to position the acetabular cup optimally in the acetabulum. An acetabular ball impactor affixes the acetabular ball in the acetabular cup by means of a Morse taper. And a femoral cup impactor affixes the femoral cup in the femoral stem by means of a Morse taper.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: HIP INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Zafer Termanini, Brian Vanhiel, Kirk Charles
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Patent number: 10716683Abstract: New surgical instruments and methods used to implant elements of a reverse hip prosthesis in a patient are described. The instruments are impactors which are struck with a hammer at their proximal ends after the instrument has been used to position the implant element in the patient. An acetabular cup impactor has inclination and anteversion rods which are used to position the acetabular cup optimally in the acetabulum. An acetabular ball impactor affixes the acetabular ball in the acetabular cup by means of a Morse taper. And a femoral cup impactor affixes the femoral cup in the femoral stem by means of a Morse taper.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: HIP INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Zafer Termanini, Brian Vanhiel, Kirk Charles
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Patent number: 10709580Abstract: New surgical instruments and methods used to implant elements of a reverse hip prosthesis in a patient are described. The instruments are impactors which are struck with a hammer at their proximal ends after the instrument has been used to position the implant element in the patient. An acetabular cup impactor has inclination and anteversion rods which are used to position the acetabular cup optimally in the acetabulum. An acetabular ball impactor affixes the acetabular ball in the acetabular cup by means of a Morse taper. And a femoral cup impactor affixes the femoral cup in the femoral stem by means of a Morse taper.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: HIP Innovation Technology, LLCInventors: Zafer Termanini, Brian Vanhiel, Kirk Charles
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Patent number: 10578425Abstract: Embodiments include a system for test fitting fabric, comprising a flat structure comprising a test surface defined by four sidewalls and an interface configured to attach the fabric to the test surface. The four sidewalls include a first sidewall and a second sidewall substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall. The test surface comprises a first adjustable dimension substantially parallel to the second sidewall and a second adjustable dimension substantially parallel to the first sidewall. The system also includes a user interface configured to receive one or more inputs for adjusting the first adjustable dimension and the second adjustable dimension; a first mechanism configured to, in response to the one or more inputs, automatically move the first sidewall to adjust the first adjustable dimension; and a second mechanism configured to, in response to the one or more inputs, automatically move the second sidewall to adjust the second adjustable dimension.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Czarnowski Display Service, Inc.Inventors: Larry Ezzelle, Jay Pryor, Kirk Charles, Craig Cochran, Adam Ambrecht
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Patent number: 10492929Abstract: A surgical tool and method for separating a femoral cup or a femoral ball from an implanted femoral implant without disturbing the femoral implant. The tool is comprised of upper and lower lever arms which turn on an adjustable fulcrum. The upper lever arm has a distal end adapted to engage a femoral cup or a femoral ball and the distal end of the lower lever arm engages the implant. Proximal ends of the lever arms engage a drive assembly which is used to cause the distal ends to move away from one another thereby separating the femoral cup or ball from the femoral implant.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: JOINT INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Zafer Termanini, Brian VanHiel, Kirk Charles, Taylor Davis
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Publication number: 20190212126Abstract: Embodiments include a system for test fitting fabric, comprising a flat structure comprising a test surface defined by four sidewalls and an interface configured to attach the fabric to the test surface. The four sidewalls include a first sidewall and a second sidewall substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall. The test surface comprises a first adjustable dimension substantially parallel to the second sidewall and a second adjustable dimension substantially parallel to the first sidewall. The system also includes a user interface configured to receive one or more inputs for adjusting the first adjustable dimension and the second adjustable dimension; a first mechanism configured to, in response to the one or more inputs, automatically move the first sidewall to adjust the first adjustable dimension; and a second mechanism configured to, in response to the one or more inputs, automatically move the second sidewall to adjust the second adjustable dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Larry Ezzelle, Jay Pryor, Kirk Charles, Craig Cochran, Adam Ambrecht
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Publication number: 20190142608Abstract: A surgical tool and method for separating a femoral cup or a femoral ball from an implanted femoral implant without disturbing the femoral implant. The tool is comprised of upper and lower lever arms which turn on an adjustable fulcrum. The upper lever arm has a distal end adapted to engage a femoral cup or a femoral ball and the distal end of the lower lever arm engages the implant. Proximal ends of the lever arms engage a drive assembly which is used to cause the distal ends to move away from one another thereby separating the femoral cup or ball from the femoral implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Zafer Termanini, Brian VanHiel, Kirk Charles, Taylor Davis
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Publication number: 20190038431Abstract: New surgical instruments and methods used to implant elements of a reverse hip prosthesis in a patient are described. The instruments are impactors which are struck with a hammer at their proximal ends after the instrument has been used to position the implant element in the patient. An acetabular cup impactor has inclination and anteversion rods which are used to position the acetabular cup optimally in the acetabulum. An acetabular ball impactor affixes the acetabular ball in the acetabular cup by means of a Morse taper. And a femoral cup impactor affixes the femoral cup in the femoral stem by means of a Morse taper.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Zafer TERMANINI, Brian VANHIEL, Kirk CHARLES
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Publication number: 20190038432Abstract: New surgical instruments and methods used to implant elements of a reverse hip prosthesis in a patient are described. The instruments are impactors which are struck with a hammer at their proximal ends after the instrument has been used to position the implant element in the patient. An acetabular cup impactor has inclination and anteversion rods which are used to position the acetabular cup optimally in the acetabulum. An acetabular ball impactor affixes the acetabular ball in the acetabular cup by means of a Morse taper. And a femoral cup impactor affixes the femoral cup in the femoral stem by means of a Morse taper.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Zafer TERMANINI, Brian VANHIEL, Kirk CHARLES
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Publication number: 20180168821Abstract: New surgical instruments and methods used to implant elements of a reverse hip prosthesis in a patient are described. The instruments are impactors which are struck with a hammer at their proximal ends after the instrument has been used to position the implant element in the patient. An acetabular cup impactor has inclination and anteversion rods which are used to position the acetabular cup optimally in the acetabulum. An acetabular ball impactor affixes the acetabular ball in the acetabular cup by means of a Morse taper. And a femoral cup impactor affixes the femoral cup in the femoral stem by means of a Morse taper.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Zafer TERMANINI, Brian VANHIEL, Kirk CHARLES
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Publication number: 20180147011Abstract: An ablation probe comprising an elongate body extending a length along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end extending into a housing and the second end comprising an ablation probe tip configured for insertion into a biopsy tract in a patient. In example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe can be inserted into a patient through an existing trocar needle or biopsy access cannula following completion of a biopsy. In other example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe defines a lumen. In one example form, the lumen contains a wire for heating the ablation probe tip, which may be composed of graphite, a resistive metal, or another electrically-resistive material. In another example form, the lumen additionally contains a thermocouple or other temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the ablation probe tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: May 31, 2018Applicant: TRACELESS BIOPSY, LLCInventors: Charles GILLILAND, Parth PATEL, Duane WEBB, Corey MARPLE, Carolyn DARRELL, Kelly IN, Sumi MARION, Kirk CHARLES, Brian VANHEIL
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Patent number: 9577352Abstract: Electrical connectors including a cable clamp (e.g., having a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion, and a hinge coupled to the first and second clamp portions such that the first and second clamp portions are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the first and second clamp portions define a cable passageway), and a piercing conductor configured to place a fixture wire into electrical communication with an electrical cable disposed within the cable passageway. In at least some of these electrical connectors, a longitudinal axis of the cable passageway is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In at least some of these electrical connectors, at least one of the clamp portions comprises a flexible sidewall that at least partially defines the cable passageway.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLPInventors: Michael R. Nelson, Brian VanHiel, Kirk Charles, Adam Ambrecht
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Publication number: 20160226157Abstract: Electrical connectors including a cable clamp (e.g., having a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion, and a hinge coupled to the first and second clamp portions such that the first and second clamp portions are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the first and second clamp portions define a cable passageway), and a piercing conductor configured to place a fixture wire into electrical communication with an electrical cable disposed within the cable passageway. In at least some of these electrical connectors, a longitudinal axis of the cable passageway is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In at least some of these electrical connectors, at least one of the clamp portions comprises a flexible sidewall that at least partially defines the cable passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Michael R. Nelson, Brian VanHiel, Kirk Charles, Adam Ambrecht
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Patent number: 9225078Abstract: Electrical connectors including a cable clamp (e.g., having a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion, and a hinge coupled to the first and second clamp portions such that the first and second clamp portions are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the first and second clamp portions define a cable passageway), and a piercing conductor configured to place a fixture wire into electrical communication with an electrical cable disposed within the cable passageway. In at least some of these electrical connectors, a longitudinal axis of the cable passageway is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cable clamp when the first and second clamp portions are in the closed position. In at least some of these electrical connectors, at least one of the clamp portions comprises a flexible sidewall that at least partially defines the cable passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Homer TLC, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Nelson, Brian VanHiel, Kirk Charles, Adam Ambrecht
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Publication number: 20150216471Abstract: Detection of one or more fronts of saliva advancing simultaneously in multiple directions may be used to determine salivary secretion rate, as may be indicative of state of euhydration or dehydration. An array of electrical contacts may be arranged between a substrate and a liquid collection element, and used to detect saliva migrating through the liquid collection element. A substrate may include a leading edge defining a notch or recess to receive a sublingual frenulum for positioning a liquid collection element proximate to a sublingual salivary duct, or may include a flexible substrate for positioning a liquid collection element in an oral cavity proximate to at least one parotid or minor salivary duct. Sensing of salivary flow rate may be augmented by measuring concentration of at least one analyte in saliva and/or sensing various environmental factors. Groups of electrical contacts may be arranged proximate to different salivary glands or ducts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: HYDRADX INC.Inventors: Andrew S. Goldstein, Kirk Charles Harmon