Patents Examined by Chelsea E Stinson
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Patent number: 11388927Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a rod member used to manufacture cigarette filter elements, involve an insertion device for inserting objects into and along the rod member formed from a continuous filter material supply. The insertion device includes an insertion member adjacent to the filter material supply and defining a series of receptacles about a periphery thereof. The insertion member rotates in a first rotational direction to receive the objects in the receptacles at a first rotational position and to insert the objects from the receptacles into the rod member at a second rotational position. A cleaning element is adjacent to the insertion member between the second and first rotational positions in the first rotational direction, and engages each of the receptacles upon rotation of the insertion member between the second and first rotational positions to remove residual material from the receptacles prior to the first rotational position.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANYInventors: Mark F. Harris, Eric S. Welch
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Patent number: 11382625Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
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Patent number: 11382627Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprising an anvil, a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge configured to be operably positioned in the channel, a firing member, and a ramp is disclosed. The channel comprises a base, an elongate internal slot, and a proximal channel opening defined in the base. The elongate internal slot comprises an encased internal passageway. The proximal channel opening is separate from the elongate internal slot. The firing member is movable from a first position to a second position distal to the first position. The firing member comprises a lateral extension configured to be received in the encased internal passageway as the firing member travels through the elongate internal slot during a firing motion. The proximal channel opening is configured to indicate when the firing member is in the first position. The ramp is for guiding the lateral extension into the encased internal passageway during the firing motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Charles J. Scheib, Cortney E. Henderson
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Patent number: 11382628Abstract: An instrument assembly can comprise a shaft comprising a first drive portion of a drive system, an end effector comprising a second drive portion of the drive system, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the articulation joint, wherein the first drive portion is not operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the first position, and operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the second position. The end effector can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position within a closure plane, and wherein the end effector is rotatable within an articulation plane which is co-planar with the closure plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
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Patent number: 11383476Abstract: A manually-operated dunnage conversion apparatus includes a housing, a support mounted in the housing and configured to support a supply of sheet material for dispensing from the dunnage conversion apparatus, and one or both of (a) a guide member mounted in the housing downstream of the support and providing a resilient surface across which the sheet material may be drawn to restrict tearing of the sheet material as it is drawn from the dunnage conversion apparatus, and (b) a tensioning assembly mounted in the housing and configured to apply a compressive force between opposite axial sides of the housing to control the force necessary to dispense the supply of sheet material. Except for the tensioning assembly, the apparatus may be made of paper-based products, making the apparatus recyclable, reusable, and composed of a renewable resource, as well as inexpensive to manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: Dennis J. Wagner, Robert C. Cheich
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Patent number: 11382624Abstract: A surgical staple driver array configured for operable use with a surgical staple cartridge. A distal staple driver is slidably supportable in the surgical staple cartridge and is configured to operably support a distal surgical staple thereon that is oriented in a distal direction. At least one intermediate staple driver is configured to be slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge adjacent the distal staple driver. Each intermediate staple driver is configured to operably support a first surgical staple that is oriented in a first direction, a second surgical staple that is oriented in a second direction and a third surgical staple that is oriented in a third direction. A proximal staple driver is slidably supported adjacent a proximal most one of the intermediate staple drivers. The proximal staple driver is configured to operably support a proximal surgical staple thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III
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Patent number: 11375999Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Matthew A. Wixey, Gary M. Johnson
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Patent number: 11375669Abstract: A module builder includes a wrap floor system including a wrap floor belt wrapped around a front belt sheave and a first drive system coupled to the wrap floor system. The first drive system includes a main drive belt coupled to a rear belt sheave and the front belt sheave, wherein in an engagement mode of operation the main drive belt is tensioned to rotate the rear belt sheave, and in a disengagement mode of operation the main drive belt loses tension to cease rotation of the rear belt sheave. The builder includes a second drive system coupled to a baler belt to drive the baler belt into a module forming chamber. The first drive system further includes one or more of a rear lower gate roller, friction wheel, wrap box roller, electric clutch, or motor to engage and drive the main drive belt.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Ryan A. Hackert, Jeffrey S. Wigdahl, Scott D. Weber
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Patent number: 11364689Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a bottom-gusseted package, wherein each package includes an inwardly-extending, pleat-like gusset at the bottom of the package. To permit heat-sealing formation of each package, the sleeve from which each gusset is formed comprises a lamination of two differing polymeric materials, a sealant layer and a non-sealant layer, so that only an exterior surface of each sleeve, at which the sealant layer is positioned, exhibits the desired heat-sealing characteristics. To facilitate package formation, the sleeves from which the bottom gussets are formed are maintained in a closed or sealed configuration during package formation by providing a heat-sealed bond at the edge of each sleeve. In one embodiment, portions of the non-sealant layer are vaporized to provide sealable surface regions of the sealant layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Barry-Wehmiller, Inc.Inventors: Scott Romenesko, Thomas McGrane
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Patent number: 11364699Abstract: A machine is configured to transition a blank having a fold line extending therein directly between first and second panels thereof. The machine includes a side support configured to abut an underside of the first panel, and a vacuum gripper including a suction cup that is extendable into suctioning engagement with an underside of the second panel, and that is retractable while maintaining suctioning engagement with the underside of the second panel. The vacuum gripper is configured to pull the second panel downward by retraction of the suction cup while maintaining suctioning engagement with the underside of the second panel and while the side support abuts the first panel, whereby the first panel bends along the fold line upwardly relative to the second panel. A rod is extendable into engagement with the underside of the first panel for further bending of the first panel along the fold line.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: THATBOX DESIGN, LLCInventor: Donn J. Costanzo, Jr.
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Patent number: 11364702Abstract: A straw forming machine includes a feeding device, a pressing device, a sticking device, a conveyor device, and a cutting device. The paper material is stretched from the feeding device to the pressing device which curls the paper material. When the paper material is delivered to the sticking device, the two sides of the paper material are pressed by the sticking device to form the paper pipe, and the press roll of the sticking device rolls and sticks the two abutting portions of the paper pipe. Then, the paper pipe is delivered by the conveyor device to the cutting device which cuts the paper pipe to form drinking straws.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Inventor: Chien-Ming Huang
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Patent number: 11364604Abstract: An electric power tool includes an electrical motor adapted to drive a rotating shaft. The electric motor is adapted to be fed with a pulsed current where the pulsed current includes a main current pulse (A) in a first direction driving the rotating shaft in a first direction and adapted to provide a current (C) in an opposite direction following the main current pulse to retract the electrical power tool. The pulsed current prior to the current (C) in the opposite direction includes a first pre-pulse current pulse (B) in the same direction as the current in the opposite direction and of a magnitude lower than the current (C). The pulsed current prior to the main pulse includes a second pre-pulse current pulse (D) which is in the same direction as the main current pulse and of a magnitude lower than the main current pulse.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE ABInventor: Adam Klotblixt
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Patent number: 11364027Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed which comprises a control screen usable to control the surgical instrument system in real time.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Cilag GmbH InternationalInventors: Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Sarah A. Worthington
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Patent number: 11358745Abstract: A separator assembly for separating adjacent flexible bags in a filling assembly includes a body defining an opening therethough, a surface defined on the body within the opening, a clamp movable in the opening and configured to selectively contact the surface, a separator blade movable within the opening, a rail, and a rail guide configured to slidably engage with the rod. The separator assembly is movable along the rail. Methods of moving the separator assembly are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: LIQUI-BOX CORPORATIONInventors: Tad Menear, John J. Hildebrand
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Patent number: 11358362Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material. The conversion machine includes a conversion assembly that draws the sheet stock material therethrough and randomly crumples at least a portion of the sheet stock material. Before severing a discrete dunnage product of a desired length from the substantially continuous length of sheet stock material, the conversion assembly temporarily advances the sheet stock material therethrough while minimizing or eliminating the random crumpling of the sheet stock material in a reduced-crumpling zone, and then cuts the sheet stock material in the reduced-cutting zone to reduce or eliminate the production of scrap shards of sheet stock material.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, Jiri Sip
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Patent number: 11358361Abstract: A supply of single-ply, fan-folded sheet stock material (100) includes a holder that has inclined support surfaces (114, 116, 120, 122) and intersecting support walls (124, 126) that support the support surfaces in their inclined orientations. The holder has a W-shape cross-section, with inclined outer support surfaces (114, 116) and inclined inner support surfaces (120, 122) that may meet in the middle. The inner support surfaces generally are perpendicular to adjacent outer support surfaces to support a generally rectangular stack (102) and sub-stacks (110, 112) of single-ply, fan-folded sheet stock material. A method includes laying open a stack of single-ply fan-folded sheet stock material to form two sub-stacks of sheet stock material and operating a dunnage conversion machine to simultaneously draw sheet stock material from both sub-stacks of sheet stock material, thereby providing a two-ply sheet stock material for conversion into a dunnage product.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, Brian H. Stewartson
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Patent number: 11350915Abstract: A surgical stapler including a shipping lock configured to obstruct movement of a drive member is provided. The surgical stapler includes an elongate body, a tool assembly pivotally secured to the elongate body, a drive member movable within the tool assembly between retracted and advanced positions, and a shipping lock releasably secured to the elongate body. The shipping lock includes a projection. When the shipping lock is secured to the elongate body, the projection obstructs movement of the drive member to its advanced position.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Thomas Casasanta, Jr., Timothy Ebner, Anthony Gaddy
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Patent number: 11345492Abstract: An apparatus and process for packaging a product, such as a waste product, in a sealed tubular plastic container involves providing a source of a sheet of a plastic film and moving a portion of the film away from the source and about an open-ended, vertically-extending tubular pipe. The film is then moved toward an open top end of the pipe to form a second portion of the film into a tubular form around the pipe with the second widthwise end portions overlapping each other. The overlapping portions are sealed and the tubular form of the film is moved into an open top end of the pipe, so that the interior of the tube, formed by the film is open at the top of the pipe to receive the product. The product may then be transported downwardly through the tube, which is then sealed above and below the encapsulated product.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: INGENIEURSBURO J.K. DE HEERInventor: Jan Kees De Heer
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Patent number: 11345499Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging apparatus (1) for combining a plurality of articles (8) an outer package (6) formed from a cardboard blank (3). The packaging apparatus (1) comprises a magazine (2) for cardboard blanks (3), the cardboard blanks (3) being stacked and lying on top of one another within the magazine (2), a removal apparatus (4) for the cardboard blanks (3), and a handling device (5). The removal apparatus (4) is vertically and horizontally movable and comprises at least one suction tool (9) for withdrawing a cardboard blank (3) from the magazine (2). The suction tool (9) arranged pivotally movable within the removal apparatus (4) or on the removal apparatus (4) for executing a compensation movement and aligning the withdrawn cardboard blank (3) in a horizontal plane. The invention also concerns the removal apparatus (4) (3) and a method for withdrawing cardboard blanks (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: KRONES AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christian Canalicchio, Rudolf Schrems, Wolfgang Fechter
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Patent number: 11345563Abstract: A folding machine for folding fiber products and fiber products formed and stacked thereby are disclosed. The folding machine includes two folding devices, each of which includes a cutting device, a delivery wheel, a folding-line wheel, a platen wheel, and a folding wheel. The cutting device cuts the fiber product and transports the cut fiber product to the delivery wheel. The folding-line wheel is adjacent to the delivery wheel for making a first folding line on the fiber product carried by the delivery wheel, and then the platen wheel folds the fiber product along the first folding line. Subsequently, the once-folded fiber product is transported to the folding wheel. The folding wheels of the two folding devices are adjacent to each other and are used to fold the fiber product passing therethrough for a second time, and thus fiber products with three folds are formed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: CHAN LI MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventor: Wen-Cheng Liu