Patents Examined by Joshua G Kotis
  • Patent number: 11351663
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for latching a hammer of an impact tool, the hammer being displaceable along a cam shaft between a latched or retracted position and an impact position at which the hammer impacts an anvil. The apparatus can include one or more latching bodies, a portion of the one or more latching bodies being positioned within the hammer groove when the hammer is at the latched position, and removed from the hammer groove when the hammer is to be released from the latched position. The apparatus can also include an actuator sleeve that is configured to retain at least the portion of the one or more latching bodies within the hammer groove when the actuator sleeve is at the first position, and accommodate removal of the portion of the latching bodies from the hammer groove when the actuator sleeve is at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S., INC.
    Inventors: Mark T. McClung, Warren A. Seith
  • Patent number: 11338423
    Abstract: A cap hammer for driving a staple through a cap into a work surface. The cap hammer includes a staple magazine configured to hold a plurality of staples, a cap magazine disposed beneath the staple magazine and configured to hold a horizontal stack of caps, an internal guide body disposed at a forward end of the cap hammer, a cap driver blade disposed within the internal guide body configured to shear a cap from the stack of caps, a staple driver blade disposed within the internal guide body configured to shear a staple from the plurality of staples, and a work contact element disposed at the forward end of the cap hammer and configured to activate the cap driver blade and the staple driver blade when depressed against a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: PNEUTOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick William Lamb, Sr., Frederick William Lamb, II, Adam Greenawalt
  • Patent number: 11331781
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position to a driven or bottom-dead-center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece and a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The drive unit includes an output shaft. The powered fastener driver also includes a rotary lifter engageable with the driver blade. The lifter is configured to receive torque from the drive unit in a first rotational direction for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The powered fastener driver further includes a kickout arrangement located between the lifter and the output shaft. The kickout arrangement is configured to permit limited rotation of the lifter relative to the output shaft between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Bierdeman, Mackenzie J. Nick, Beth E. Cholst, Troy C. Thorson, Nathan Bandy, Jacob P. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11325730
    Abstract: A winding device for loads includes a reel-holder roll adapted for receiving a reel of an extensible plastic film; a vertical column, along which the reel-holder roll is movable; and a lifting plane adapted to receive a load movable along the column, so that the winding device can be used as both a winder and a lifter for forming the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: ITALDIBIPACKS.PA.
    Inventor: Luciano Butturini
  • Patent number: 11325234
    Abstract: A hammer tacker is provided, including a grip portion and a body portion; a magazine, including a rail, at least partially received in the housing, being movable relative to the housing between a stapling position and a staple-installing position, including an outlet disposed at a front end of the body portion; a biasing mechanism, including a push member movably mounted to the rail and a constant force spring which is rollable, the constant force spring being positionally attached to the rail through a connection portion and located at a front end of the magazine, and the constant force spring being attached to an inner face of the push member, the push member being movable to be correspondingly above or beyond the connection portion; a striking mechanism, mounted to the body portion and configured to strike at least one staple installed in the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: APEX MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Hu
  • Patent number: 11324503
    Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed comprising a firing member comprising a vertically extending body portion comprising two lateral sides, a first jaw engagement member configured to slidably engage a first jaw as the firing member moves through a staple-firing stroke, and a second jaw engagement member extending laterally from each lateral side of the body portion, wherein the second jaw engagement member is configured to slidably engage a second jaw as the firing member moves through the staple-firing stroke. The second jaw engagement member comprises a vertical thickness and a lateral width defined as the distance between the body portion and an outer edge of the second jaw engagement member, wherein the vertical thickness and the lateral width comprise a ratio between about 1:2 and about 1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11319095
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for manufacturing pods (M) for beverage extraction machines is described, comprising: movement means to advance a belt (110) of waterproof material in a predetermined rectilinear direction (A), a plurality of forming plates (125) arranged below the belt and provided with at least one cavity (135), movement means to advance said forming plates in a synchronized manner with the belt, and a plurality of operational devices (165, 200, 300, 400, 500) arranged in succession along the belt; wherein said operational devices comprise for example one device for pressing down a portion of the belt into the cavity of the forming plate, a device for releasing a dose of a powder substance inside a cap (C1), a device for compacting the dose, a device for applying a second cap (C2), a device for sealing the second cap to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: OPEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Binacchi
  • Patent number: 11311974
    Abstract: A method of torque control and a torque control apparatus for a pneumatic torque tool are provided. The method includes: connecting a torque control apparatus between an air supply system and a pneumatic torque tool; under predetermined working and control conditions, driving the pneumatic torque tool at the first and second working air pressures to calibrate output torque, and to obtain maximum and minimum torque values; constructing correspondence relationship between air pressure and torque value based on the first and second working air pressures and the maximum and minimum torque values obtained; entering any target torque value ranging from minimum torque value to maximum torque value of the correspondence relationship to obtain a corresponding working air pressure value and drive the pneumatic torque tool; and verifying whether all working and control conditions are controlled within a predetermined range of variation to control the output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: China Pneumatic Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiu-Feng Chu
  • Patent number: 11312521
    Abstract: A container packaging apparatus includes a retainer for retaining the container; a container supplier for supplying a container to the retainer; a filler for filling contents into the container; and a cleaner for removing deposits on a flange portion of the container filled with the contents from the filler. The cleaner includes a covering member for covering an outer periphery of the flange portion of the container; a lifting device for relatively moving the covering member up and down with respect to the container so that the covering member covers the outer periphery of the flange portion of the container; an ejector for ejecting gas toward the flange portion of the container to blow off deposited matter; and a suction device for removing the deposited matter from inside the covering member after being blown off by the ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: SHIBUYA PACKAGING SYSTEM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Takemoto
  • Patent number: 11305900
    Abstract: A banding machine includes a tube guide adapted to transfer an elastomeric tube from an entry end to an exit end. A frame assembly receives the elastomeric tube from the exit end. A drive assembly is carried by the frame assembly and includes a drive shaft which rotates a drive wheel that advances the elastomeric tube through the frame assembly. A knife guide assembly receives a reciprocating knife to cut the elastomeric tube to form a band. A stretcher assembly with stretcher fingers maintained substantially adjacent one another in a first position receives the band, the stretcher fingers then expand the band to a second position to receive an object upon which the band closes around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignees: Alliance Rubber Company, JMM-585, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Jackson, Gary W. Castleberry, Jordan W. Steinhaus, Brandon R. Hughes, James R. Maynard, Joseph M. Maynard, Zachary D. Zelenka, Cory N. Hatcher
  • Patent number: 11299301
    Abstract: This invention is directed towards the packaging of heavy articles such as floor jacks and similar equipment. The package is adapted to allow a heavy article to be rolled out of the package without lifting. The packaging is designed to engage with temporary handles positioned on the packaged article to make it easier for an end user to maneuver the packaged article and to remove the article from the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Derek Nash, Eian Mathieson, Robert Fox, Matt Larson
  • Patent number: 11298811
    Abstract: A bracket for attachment to an overhead substrate to carry a suspending wire or rod is formed from metal plate or strap stock having a bend connecting a first generally rectangular section of the stock with a second generally rectangular section of the stock. The first generally rectangular section of stock has a dimple formed on one side of the stock with a corresponding bulge protruding from the other side. The bulge protrudes alongside the second generally rectangular section of stock. The bulge has a base and an apex, a generally conical outside surface adjacent to the first u) generally rectangular section of stock and a through aperture at the apex. The bracket is applied with a tool that can be provided with a washer system to accommodate different fastener lengths and a safety to deactivate the triggering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Joe Lin
  • Patent number: 11278284
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a mounting portion, an elongate shaft, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, a closure member, a drive screw, a thrust bearing, a coupling member, and a sled. The closure member is configured to move the second jaw from an open position toward a closed position in response to an output motion. The drive screw is configured to apply a distal force to the coupling member when the drive screw is rotated. The coupling member is configured to engage the second jaw and retain the second jaw at a distance relative to the first jaw during a firing stroke. The sled ejects staples from the staple cartridge when the sled is moved by the coupling member during the firing stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 11273944
    Abstract: An adaptive container loading assembly is provided and includes a container forming assembly, a container shuttle assembly, and a product transport assembly. The container forming provides a plurality of varying sized containers. The container shuttle assembly is positioned adjacent to the container forming assembly and includes a linear synchronous motor guideway shaped in an endless loop, and a plurality of transport vehicles moveable about the guideway, each transport vehicle a leading shuttle and a trailing shuttle spaced apart by a determined distance to accommodate and receive the plurality of varying sized containers. The product transport assembly is positioned adjacent the container shuttle assembly and includes a robot arm to position product in the plurality of varying sized containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: JLS Automation
    Inventor: Gary Pickett
  • Patent number: 11272935
    Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing, a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies, and an opening configured to accommodate a curved tip of the end effector when clamping the end effector onto the platform to transfer the buttress assemblies to the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris, Pamela M. Ridgley, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Vendely, Mark S. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 11260998
    Abstract: Disclosed are a vacuum suction nozzle for improving vacuum suction performance and a vacuum suction apparatus including the same. The nozzle includes blade portions extending from both sides thereof so as to reduce a gap occurring between the nozzle and an outer skin material for a vacuum insulation panel (VIP) or other vacuum wrapping paper when the outer skin material or vacuum wrapping paper is sealed, thereby minimizing the occurrence of a leak and thus enabling efficient vacuum suction. Further, the nozzle achieves efficient vacuum suctioning by ensuring a suction channel inside the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) or other vacuum wrapping paper through a protrusion extending to the front of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hae Yong Jung, Seung Hoon Kal, Se Won Yook
  • Patent number: 11247790
    Abstract: According to one embodiment a packaging method is provided in which a tube is supplied in a forward movement direction. The method includes a folding step in which the tube is acted on in a manner that is transverse to the forward movement direction, folding part of the tube in a folding direction, and a sealing and cutting step after which a tube closed at one end and a package closed and separated from the tube are obtained. During the folding step the tube is held transversely, and a tear is generated in the folding direction between the acted on and held parts of the tube. The tube is sealed on both sides of the tear and cut at the height of the tear. Packaging machines for carrying out the method are also disclosed. Suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ULMA Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop.
    Inventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Oier Olalde Arregui, Eneko Izquierdo EreƱo
  • Patent number: 11230395
    Abstract: A device for filling and closing pharmaceutical objects disposed in parallel rows in nests that are removably inserted into a substantially tub-shaped tub requires a conveying device with conveying sections for processing the objects, wherein individual processing stations for the objects are disposed along the conveying sections, a lifting station provided at an inlet of the conveying device for removing the nests from the tub, a removal station for removing an object row from the nest and transferring the object row to the conveying device, and an insertion station. Objects removed from the nest are fed by the conveying device to the individual processing stations for the processing. The objects are returned to the nest, tub or individually removed from the conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: GRONINGER & CO. GMBH
    Inventor: Josef Veile
  • Patent number: 11229434
    Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots, a staple disposed within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body, and a substantially circular buttress. The buttress includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one stiffened region joins the buttress to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The inner portion, the middle portion, the outer portion, and the at least one stiffened region are all formed from a common material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Sally Carter, Gerald Hodgkinson, Richard Stevenson, Arthur Hislop, Ernest Aranyi, Jennifer (Whiffen) Diederich
  • Patent number: 11214390
    Abstract: A stack of products such as pouches are formed in a product bucket, pushed into a stack guide bucket and from there into a carton. A stack tamp descends over the stack, engages and confines it downwardly during stack pushing from product bucket and through stack guide bucket into a carton. Multiple product buckets, stack guide buckets and cartons move downstream during cartoning, and are respectively aligned in a cartoning station. Reciprocal containment blades hold the stack in respective cartons prior to flap closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: R.A Jones & Co.
    Inventors: William E. Engelhardt, Steven C. Hamilton, Eric M. Schaefer