Patents by Inventor Thomas B. Hunter
Thomas B. Hunter 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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Publication number: 20240148402Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a clamp arm pivotable relative to an ultrasonic blade, an articulation section configured to deflect the end effector, an acoustic waveguide having a distal portion extending along an axis, a clamp arm closure assembly comprising a body configured to actuate in order to drive the pivoting of the clamp arm, and a clamp arm clocking assembly. The clamp arm clocking assembly is capable of driving rotation of the clamp arm about the axis relative to the ultrasonic blade between a first clocked position and a second clocked position. The clamp arm clocking assembly includes a rotating body pivotally coupled with the clamp arm, a translating drive extending through the articulation section, and a rotation driver assembly. The rotation driver is in communication with the translating driver to convert translational motion of the translating driver into rotational motion of the rotating body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2024Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, Morgan R. Hunter, Brian D. Black, Thomas B. Remm
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Patent number: 11911064Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a clamp arm pivotable relative to an ultrasonic blade, an articulation section configured to deflect the end effector, an acoustic waveguide having a distal portion extending along an axis, a clamp arm closure assembly comprising a body configured to actuate in order to drive the pivoting of the clamp arm, and a clamp arm clocking assembly. The clamp arm clocking assembly is capable of driving rotation of the clamp arm about the axis relative to the ultrasonic blade between a first clocked position and a second clocked position. The clamp arm clocking assembly includes a rotating body pivotally coupled with the clamp arm, a translating drive extending through the articulation section, and a rotation driver assembly. The rotation driver is in communication with the translating driver in order to convert translational motion of the translating driver into rotational motion of the rotating body.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, Morgan R. Hunter, Brian D. Black, Thomas B. Remm
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Patent number: 8968629Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John S. Huizinga, John T. Strand, James N. Dobbs, Thomas B. Hunter, William V. Dower, Daniel H. Carlson, Serge Wetzels, Gregory F. King, Olester Benson, Jr., Jeremy K. Larsen, Michael Benton Free, David W. Kuhns
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Patent number: 8297961Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a mash to said elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is supported on a front of the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes an extrusion outlet formed therein. A filling tube is mounted on a rear of the elongated extrusion member and is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a filling to the filling tube. A cutter member has a drivable end and a cutter blade with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the extrusion die. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter blade over and away from the outlet of the extrusion die.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Kerry, Inc.Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
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Patent number: 7931841Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes an opaque web having first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. The first microreplicated structure and the second microreplicated structure retain registration within 100 micrometers.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John S. Huizinga, Vincent W. King, John T. Strand, James N. Dobbs, Thomas B. Hunter, Samuel W. Hunter, Thelma E. Hunter, legal representative, William V. Dower, Daniel H. Carlson, Serge Wetzels, Gregory F. King
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Publication number: 20110081438Abstract: A die and cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having a first, open end and a second, closed end. The first, open end is attachable in fluid communication with a first manifold of the extruder, and the second, closed end is formed by a removable extrusion end cap. An extension is formed on the elongated extrusion member. A filling passageway is formed in a wall of the elongated extrusion member, which is attachable to a second manifold of the extruder. A first filling passageway extension is in communication with and removably mounted to the filling passageway. The first filling passageway extension generally transverse to the filling passageway and extends into the extension of the elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is formed on the extension of the elongated extrusion member. A cutter member has an opened drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an opened cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Kerry, INC.Inventor: Thomas B. HUNTER
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Publication number: 20100285231Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: John S. Huizinga, Vincent W.S. King, John T. Strand, James N. Dobbs, Thomas B. Hunter, Samual W. Hunter, Thelma E. Hunter, William V. Dower, Daniel H. Carlson, Serge Wetzels, Gregory F. King, Oiester Benson, JR., Brian W. Lueck, Haiyan Zhang, Jeremy K. Larsen, M.Benton Free, David W. Kuhns
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Patent number: 7771767Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a manifold of the extruder for supplying a mash thereto. An extrusion die is supported on the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes a plurality of extrusion outlets formed therein. A cutter member cuts extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutter member is slidable on the extrusion member in a direction of elongation of the extrusion member. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die. The shape of the extrusion outlets twist the mash as the mash exits the extrusion die in order to form a twisted food product.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Kerry, Inc.Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
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Patent number: 7767273Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John S. Huizinga, Vincent W. S. King, John T. Strand, James N. Dobbs, Thomas B. Hunter, Samual W. Hunter, legal representative, Thelma E. Hunter, legal representative, William V. Dower, Daniel H. Carlson, Serge Wetzels, Gregory F. King, Olester Benson, Jr., Brian W. Lueck, Haiyan Zhang, Jeremy K. Larsen, M. Benton Free, David W. Kuhns
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Publication number: 20090302491Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a mash thereto. An extrusion die is supported on the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes at least one extrusion outlet formed therein. A cutter member cuts extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The at least one extrusion outlet is shaped to have at least six straight sides, the shape of the at least one extrusion outlet ensuring that the mash exits the extrusion die in a straight orientation in order to form a straight food product.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: KERRY, INC.Inventor: Thomas B. HUNTER
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Publication number: 20090280205Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a mash to said elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is supported on a front of the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes an extrusion outlet formed therein. A filling tube is mounted on a rear of the elongated extrusion member and is attachable in fluid communication with the extruder for supplying a filling to the filling tube. A cutter member has a drivable end and a cutter blade with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the extrusion die. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter blade over and away from the outlet of the extrusion die.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: KERRY, INC.Inventor: Thomas B. HUNTER
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Publication number: 20080241327Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end. The open feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a manifold of the extruder for supplying a mash thereto. An extrusion die is supported on the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die includes a plurality of extrusion outlets formed therein. A cutter member cuts extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutter member is slidable on the extrusion member in a direction of elongation of the extrusion member. The cutter member is operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die. The shape of the extrusion outlets twist the mash as the mash exits the extrusion die in order to form a twisted food product.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: KERRY, INC.Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
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Patent number: 7417798Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Vincent W. King, John S. Huizinga, William V. Dower, David W. Kuhns, Gregory F. King, John T. Strand, Thelma Hunter, legal representative, Samuel Hunter, legal representative, James N. Dobbs, Daniel H. Carlson, Larry D. Humlicek, Thomas B. Hunter
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Publication number: 20080131667Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Vincent W. King, John S. Huizinga, William V. Dower, David W. Kuhns, Gregory F. King, John T. Strand, Thomas B. Hunter, Samuel Hunter, Thelma Hunter, James N. Dobbs, Daniel H. Carlson, Larry D. Humlicek
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Patent number: 7320279Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an opened feed end. The opened feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a first manifold of the extruder. A filling tube extends through the elongated extrusion member, which is attachable to a second manifold of the extruder. An extrusion die is formed in the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die is shaped to the general shape of a natural food piece. A cutter member has an opened drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an opened cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutting surface is shaped to the general shape of the extrusion die. The cutter member is disposed at least partially over and reciprocally slidable on the extrusion wall and operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Kerry, Inc.Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
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Patent number: 7224529Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Vincent W. King, John S. Huizinga, William V. Dower, David W. Kuhns, Gregory F. King, John T. Strand, Samuel Hunter, Thelma Hunter, James N. Dobbs, Daniel H. Carlson, Larry D. Humlicek, Thomas B. Hunter
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Patent number: 7165959Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of a web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll; a second pattered roll; and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 microns, and preferably at least 20 microns.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry D. Humlicek, Daniel H. Carlson, James N. Dobbs, Samuel Hunter, legal representative, Thelma Hunter, legal representative, John T. Strand, Gregory F. King, David W. Kuhns, John S. Huizinga, William V. Dower, Thomas B. Hunter, deceased
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Patent number: 6964562Abstract: A die and cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having a first, open end and a second, closed end. The first, open end is attachable in fluid communication with a first manifold of the extruder, and the second, closed end is formed by a removable extrusion end cap. An extension is formed on the elongated extrusion member. A filling passageway is formed in a wall of the elongated extrusion member, which is attachable to a second manifold of the extruder. A first filling passageway extension is in communication with and removably mounted to the filling passageway. The first filling passageway extension generally transverse to the filling passageway and extends into the extension of the elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is formed on the extension of the elongated extrusion member. A cutter member has an opened drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an opened cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Kerry, Inc.Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
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Publication number: 20040216619Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an opened feed end. The opened feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a first manifold of the extruder. A filling tube extends through the elongated extrusion member, which is attachable to a second manifold of the extruder. An extrusion die is formed in the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die is shaped to the general shape of a natural food piece. A cutter member has an opened drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an opened cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutting surface is shaped to the general shape of the extrusion die. The cutter member is disposed at least partially over and reciprocally slidable on the extrusion wall and operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
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Publication number: 20030228387Abstract: A die and cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having a first, open end and a second, closed end. The first, open end is attachable in fluid communication with a first manifold of the extruder, and the second, closed end is formed by a removable extrusion end cap. An extension is formed on the elongated extrusion member. A filling passageway is formed in a wall of the elongated extrusion member, which is attachable to a second manifold of the extruder. A first filling passageway extension is in communication with and removably mounted to the filling passageway. The first filling passageway extension generally transverse to the filling passageway and extends into the extension of the elongated extrusion member. An extrusion die is formed on the extension of the elongated extrusion member. A cutter member has an opened drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an opened cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter