Patents Examined by James D Sells
  • Patent number: 11813642
    Abstract: A system includes a first structure, wherein the first structure lacks space inversion symmetry, and wherein the first structure includes a first elastic lattice. The system further includes a second structure, wherein the second structure lacks space inversion symmetry, and wherein the second structure includes a second elastic lattice. Additionally, the system includes the first structure coupled to the second structure such that the first structure and the second structure have a mirror symmetry to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Fabio Semperlotti, Ting-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 11772332
    Abstract: The present welding system includes: a transport device that transports a work in a state where a plurality of webs are overlaid on each other; an anvil roller that includes an anvil which intermittently makes contact with the first surface of the work being transported; an ultrasonic horn that is opposite the second surface of the work and that cooperates with the anvil to apply vibration energy to the work so as to intermittently weld the webs; a speed changing device that lowers the transport speed of the work supplied between the horn and the anvil when the welding is performed; and a pressing device that presses the first surface of the work to the anvil when the welding is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ZUIKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Arima
  • Patent number: 11760522
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine includes sealing jaws, a horizontal moving device, a vertical moving device, and a control unit. The sealing jaws perform a transverse sealing operation. The vertical moving device moves the sealing jaws in a vertical direction. The vertical moving device includes a rotating shaft, a motor, and a link mechanism. The link mechanism transmits rotational force of the rotating shaft to the sealing jaws. The control unit performs first control or second control. The first control forwardly rotates and reversely rotates the rotating shaft during a period of time from a start of the transverse sealing operation to a start of a subsequent transverse sealing operation. The second control performs one of the transverse sealing operation and the subsequent transverse sealing operation with a forward rotation of the rotating shaft and the other with a reverse rotation of the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ISHIDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Sasaki, Makoto Ichikawa, Satoshi Hashimoto, Ryota Nagashima, Hiroki Fujihara
  • Patent number: 11759968
    Abstract: Ultrasonic tool and method for machining a workpiece by means of mechanical ultrasonic oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: HERRMANN ULTRASCHALLTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Rosenkranz, Ulrich Vogler
  • Patent number: 11754215
    Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe. the first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of rotational force to the coupler, friction between the first pipe, the second pipe, and the coupler generates heat sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY, SAUDI ARAMCO TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Abderrazak Traidia, Abdullah Al Shahrani, Chris Worrall, Farshad Salamat-Zadeh, Waleed Al Nasser
  • Patent number: 11744744
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure is provided. The apparatus includes an anvil having a face with a first edge and a second edge separated in a cross-machine direction and a first contact surface extending out from the face, the first contact surface including a first notch. The first notch has an interior configured to receive a portion of an elastic thread and a portion of a web layer therein, and the first notch includes a first facing surface and a second facing surface defining at least a portion of the interior. Each of the first facing surface and the second facing surface are in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the first contact surface and angled toward the first edge of the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: CURT G. JOA, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Fritz
  • Patent number: 11737505
    Abstract: Proposed is an apparatus for manufacturing a hair cap. A rubber band mounting unit is formed on one side of the top surface of the workbench. A rubber band conveying unit is formed on the top surface of the workbench and grips the expanded rubber band. A nonwoven fabric cutting unit is formed on the other side of the top surface of the workbench to cut a nonwoven fabric. A nonwoven fabric fusing unit couples the rubber band, conveyed by the rubber band conveying unit, to the nonwoven fabric. A driving unit makes the rubber band conveying unit reciprocate to the rubber band mounting unit or the nonwoven fabric fusing unit. A collecting unit grips and collects the fused hair cap. Processes for placing the rubber band on the peripheral edge of the nonwoven fabric and bonding same are performed rapidly in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Ik Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11724844
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing device including a sonotrode for sealing a packaging material, including a piezoelectric transducer to generate ultrasonic acoustic vibrations for the sealing, a housing, a power circuit connected to the piezoelectric transducer. The power circuit is enclosed in the housing, and an absorbent arranged in the housing to absorb moisture in an atmosphere therein to lower humidity. A method of controlling humidity in an ultrasonic sealing device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Soci, Luca Gentili, Fabrizio Sighinolfi, Massimiliano Barbi
  • Patent number: 11724838
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for extruding into a tube and filling the tube at a high speed and simultaneously sealing the tube. Specifically provided is a method for producing a polymer tube, containing a liquid therein and being sealed at constant intervals, the method including an extrusion step of continuously melt-extruding a polymer material through a die into at least one tube, while feeding a liquid into the tube to obtain at least one liquid-containing tube; and sealing step of discontinuously pressing the at least one liquid-containing tube between a pair of pressurizing members at constant intervals to cause pressure-bonding before the tube solidifies, while continuously taking up the extruded tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Saguchi, Tomoaki Kaji, Masahiko Naruse
  • Patent number: 11724463
    Abstract: A non-destructive, non-invasive method for inspection of bonding patterns of packages for products, such as patches or medicated patches, involves thermally probing the packages and the bonding patterns and retrieving a thermal response thereof. The inspection is based in the analysis of the thermal response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventor: Anselmo Cicchitti
  • Patent number: 11691347
    Abstract: An elastic nonwoven material includes a first non-woven fabric including a plurality of rows. Each row has a plurality of adjacent bonds formed therein. The elastic nonwoven material also includes a first elastic strand entrapped between a first pair of adjacent bonds within a first row of the plurality of rows, and a second elastic strand entrapped between a second pair of adjacent bonds within the first row. A third pair of adjacent bonds within the first row is free of elastic material therebetween and is located between the first pair of adjacent bonds and the second pair of adjacent bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: DUKANE IAS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas David Ehlert, Patrick Sean McNichols, Daniel James Sorensen, Casey John Morin, Brandon Leo Begrow, Michael A Snyder, Thomas Arthur Bett
  • Patent number: 11685144
    Abstract: Multilayer Films have a first skin layer that is prepared from a high density polyethylene and a second skin layer (also referred to as the sealant layer) that is prepared from a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density of from 0.90 to 0.92 g/cc and a Dilution Index, Yd, of greater than 0°. Seals can be prepared by placing two pieces of this film against each other such that the sealant layers are in contact with each other, then applying heat to at least one high density skin layer such that heat is transmitted/conducted through the multilayer film in a sufficient amount to melt the sealant layer and form a seal. The use of LLDPE having a Dilution Index of greater than 0° has been found to improve the sealing performance of multilayer films in comparison to multilayer films where the sealant layer is a conventional LLDPE having a Dilution Index of less than 0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: NOVA Chemicals (International) S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Clare
  • Patent number: 11679413
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an ultrasonic vibration system comprising a sonotrode which has two sonotrode end faces and a circumferentially extending lateral surface connecting the two sonotrode end faces together, wherein the sonotrode has an elongate core element and at least one wing element, wherein core element and wing element respectively extend from the one sonotrode end face to the other sonotrode end face in a longitudinal direction, wherein the wing element has a sealing surface which is provided to come into contact with a material for processing thereof and is connected to the core element by way of a plurality of webs spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the core element, and a converter which is optionally connected to the sonotrode by way of an amplitude transformer. According to the invention it is proposed that the ultrasonic vibration system is connected to a machine stand by way of a mounting connected to the lateral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: HERRMANN ULTRASCHALLTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Vogler
  • Patent number: 11673345
    Abstract: Described is a ultrasonic welding of laminates, more particular to the use of ultrasonic energy to create stable perforations in a laminate, in particular a laminate that includes a silicone gel. Specifically, a perforation element is provided, that is optionally part of array of perforation elements, which perforation element or array of perforation elements is advantageously used in an ultrasonic welding device and in a process for continuously introducing perforations into a laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Mölnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventors: Ulf Johannison, Steen Jörgensen
  • Patent number: 11667086
    Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lohoff, Craig R. Roble, Greg Rajala, Katherine M. Nackers, Kelly D. Farmer, Jason K. Sieck, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11667451
    Abstract: A sealing device generally includes a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface and a heating element disposed about such surface and secured thereto such that the heating element rotates therewith. The heating element is coiled about the outer surface of the cylinder in the form of an overlapping helical pattern. Juxtaposed film plies may be sealed together by bringing the sealing device into rotational contact with the juxtaposed film plies and heating the heating element to a temperature sufficient to cause the film plies to seal together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence Sperry, James Corliss, Jason Lepine, Brian Murch, Eric Kane, Ross Patterson, Mark Salerno
  • Patent number: 11667085
    Abstract: A method for applying a label to an electrical cable having an outermost sheath with convolutions defining alternating peaks and valleys, the method including attaching the label to the sheath. The label includes a label substrate, the label substrate includes an attaching side, the attaching side being attached through an adhesive; and the label attaches to the peaks and spans across the valleys and circumferentially wraps around the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Brooks
  • Patent number: 11660688
    Abstract: In an ultrasonic machining apparatus having leaf springs composed of fiber-reinforced plastic, the leaf springs are provided with a reinforcement in the region of a clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: MS Ultraschall Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Krell
  • Patent number: 11653911
    Abstract: An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Nicholas Maiorino, Timothy Kosa, Mark Buchter, Keith Kroeber, Richard C Hart, Gary Suszynski
  • Patent number: 11648737
    Abstract: A sonotrode includes multiple layers of a material melted to one another to form a structure. The structure provides a base that has an attachment feature that is configured to operatively secure to an ultrasonic converter. The structure includes a shaft that extends from the base to a terminal end that provides a working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece. The structure has at least one shaft that includes a first shaft that extends from the base to a first terminal end that provides a first working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece. The first shaft is integrally formed with the base from the multiple layers to provide an unbroken, monolithic construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: DB SONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Beach, Theodore Robert Brown, David Diegel