Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Mark W. Croll
  • Rotary damper
    Patent number: 7510062
    Abstract: A rotary damper includes a housing and a rotor rotatable in the housing. A clutch is movable toward and away from the housing when said rotor is rotated in first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin Derr, Chad K. Zeilenga
  • Pipe nipple
    Patent number: 7503588
    Abstract: A pipe nipple has a bore therethrough, with an entrance chamber at one end of the bore having a larger diameter adjacent a drive configuration of narrower diameter for receiving a tool therein to rotate the nipple about its longitudinal axis. The exterior of the nipple has a surface formation as a stop against which a hose can be inserted over the nipple, and a threaded length for attaching the nipple to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Nilsen, Michael E. Ward, Robert E. Brunner, James M. Van Ingen
  • Seat heater with occupant sensor
    Patent number: 7500536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination heater and occupant sensor device that may be used in an automobile seat. The device will heat a seat and sense the mass of an occupant in the seat. The device provides the ability to combine occupant sensors with a seat heater without damaging the sensors or obtaining incorrect sensor readings. The sensor results may be processed and used to control air bag deployment, for example, or to indicate if the seat belt of an occupied seat is not being employed. To provide flexibility of the device during use, the device may be formed on a polymer substrate and configured to include apertures throughout. In addition, in the heating portion of the device, conductive material may be blended in a polymer and the device may be configured to limit conductor cracking after repeated flexing of the device thus extending the life of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Bulgajewski, Michael M. Cubon
  • Retention clip
    Patent number: 7496993
    Abstract: A retention clip includes a generally cylindrical main portion having a leading end configured to pass into a hole of a panel, at least one retaining tab extending from the main portion, and at least one spring member extending from the main portion. The at least one retaining tab and the at least one spring member are configured to compressively sandwich a portion of the panel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Kosidlo, James B. Carrier, Kent S. Gimmy
  • Self-locking wire terminal and shape memory wire termination system
    Patent number: 7491101
    Abstract: A self-locking wire terminal assembly and a shape memory wire termination system includes an electrical terminal constructed with spring legs which provide two opposing points of contact on a mating electrical conductive pin. The points of contact prevent the pin from being removed. The shape memory termination system is formed by electrically coupling a clip assembly to shape memory wire and to an electrical source. In one embodiment, the shape memory wire causes an actuator to activate when the shape memory wire dissipates electrical power. The terminal assemblies may be manufactured by assembling wire with conduction pads onto a continuous reel. The terminal assemblies may be formed from the reel by trimming wire and linkages between the conduction pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Irish, James A. Turek
  • Strand orientation alignment in strand coating systems and methods
    Patent number: 7485187
    Abstract: A strand coating system and method including drawing (710) a strand having major and minor dimensions past an adhesive dispensing nozzle, orienting (720) at least a portion of the strand so that the major dimension of the strand is substantially parallel to a direction in which adhesive is dispensed from the adhesive dispensing nozzle as the portion of the strand is drawn past the adhesive dispensing nozzle, and applying (730) adhesive to the strand as the strand is drawn past the adhesive dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: M. Steve Lessley, Rico R. Valentin, Edward W. Bolyard
  • Fastener assembly
    Patent number: 7484919
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a fastener assembly that includes a grommet and a pin. The grommet may include a collar integrally formed with a plurality of legs, wherein an opening is formed through the collar. The pin is moveable through the opening between pre-driven and driven positions. The pin may include a plurality of flexible pin compression members connected to a ramp. The plurality of flexible pin compression members and the ramp spread the legs open in the driven position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Hansen
  • Side-release buckle assembly
    Patent number: 7464448
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first connection member and a second connection member. The first connection member includes engagement members, such as buttons. The second connection member is configured to connect to the first connection member, and includes openings in which the engagement members are retained when the first connection member is connected to the second connection member. The second connection member also includes release arms configured to be actuated to engage the engagement members in order to disconnect the first connection member from the second connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Kolasa
  • Overmolded adhesive hole plug
    Patent number: 7455192
    Abstract: A plug for closing a hole in a panel includes an enlargement for inserting into the hole and a flange for engaging the panel. Activatable adhesive on the flange adheres the plug to the panel upon activation. Segments of adhesive are applied to the enlargement to wedge the plug in the hole, for holding the plug in position prior to activation of the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: George Siragusa
  • Sensor assembly with insert molded bead
    Patent number: 7451635
    Abstract: A sensor assembly suitable for a vehicle fuel module assembly includes a plastic body defining a bore therethrough and having a barrier with a continuous peripheral edge encapsulated in the body. An aperture extends through the plate. A sensor chip is bonded to the plate over the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Robinson, Ronald M. Smith
  • Vibration dampening clip
    Patent number: 7448579
    Abstract: A vibration dampening clip suitable for securing a tube, such as a brake line, to a motor vehicle frame member includes an anchor portion for connecting the clip to the frame member, a retainer structure for holding the tube and a spring interconnecting the anchor portion and the retainer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Kwilosz, George Siragusa
  • Load bearing surface
    Patent number: 7441758
    Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Joseph D. Ward
  • Hydrometer/fluid level sensor
    Patent number: 7430907
    Abstract: A battery and battery condition indicator are provided with a seal as monolithic structures whereby the indicator is inserted in an opening in the battery and sealed there against via ribs in the battery confronted by a surface of the indicator and/or ribs on the indicator embedded in a surface of the battery defining the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Summer, Martin A. Witt
  • Rotary actuated reed switch control
    Patent number: 7425128
    Abstract: A gas appliance control assembly includes a gas valve and a reed switch operated simultaneously by rotation of a single shaft. The reed switch opens and closes a circuit including an electronic ignition module and a spark igniter so that spark is provided as the gas valve is adjusted to a burner igniting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Gjerde, Robert Dam, Massimo Aleardi
  • Seal assembly for fuel fill pipes
    Patent number: 7415997
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a fill pipe of a vehicle fuel system to provide a pliable seal between an end of the fuel pipe and a refueling nozzle inserted in the fill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Franco A. Cisternino, Bryan K. Happel
  • Crack test for stamped flange
    Patent number: 7412760
    Abstract: A punch is provided with a detection system for evaluating crack defects in waste material removed during a clipping operation. The punch includes a clip ring and a clip insert for shearing excess material from a part processed therein. The excess material is engaged around the clip ring when sheared from the part. Frictional resistance between the waste material and the clip ring is evaluated in determining potential crack defects in the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn G. Heavens, Brian Putetti
  • Cotter pin
    Patent number: 7413391
    Abstract: A cotter pin includes first and second tines having flat confronting surfaces and curved side surfaces with flat outer surfaces substantially parallel to the flat confronting surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome D. Dewitz, Brian Beardsley, Phillip Johnson
  • Strap adjustment device
    Patent number: D575673
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Pontaoe
  • Side release buckle
    Patent number: D576521
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Kolasa, John S. Pontaoe
  • Grommet
    Patent number: D583650
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin H. Moerke