Patents Examined by M. Alexandra Elve
  • Anvil for surgical stapler
    Patent number: 8453913
    Abstract: An anvil assembly for use therewith a surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil plate and an anvil head configured and dimensioned to support the anvil plate. The anvil plate and the anvil head may be formed from different materials. The anvil plate can include a tapered outer side wall allowing the anvil assembly to realize a substantially uniform proximal-most surface upon assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Keith L. Milliman
  • Rock drilling equipment and a method in association with same
    Patent number: 8453756
    Abstract: A rock drilling machine with a first control means (21, 22) within a second piston (6) and acting on a first piston (13) such that it counteracts displacement of the relative positions of a first and a second control device at the moment of contact of the second piston onto the drill rod or onto a part (9) connected to this. Furthermore, a rock drill rig comprising such a rock drilling machine and a method for counteracting the said displacement. Significant improvements in reproducibility for impact mechanism stability over long manufacturing series are achieved through the invention. In the same way, the lifetime of rock drilling devices manufactured according to the invention is extended through the impact mechanism acting in a more stable manner despite wear of component parts. It is furthermore possible to dimension for higher rates of impact without risking the impact mechanism stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Kurt Andersson
  • Center cinch and release of buttress material
    Patent number: 8453909
    Abstract: A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Lee Olson, Ernie Aranyi, Patrick Mozdzierz
  • Method of forming a can end having a moveable portion
    Patent number: 8454292
    Abstract: Methods for producing a can end having a moveable portion disposed beneath a tab are disclosed. In one embodiment, a can end having a center panel may be formed. A moveable portion may be formed in the center panel. The moveable portion may be in a downward position after it is formed. The can end may then be restrained such that a portion of the center panel that is adjacent to the moveable portion is unrestrained. While the can end is restrained, the moveable portion may be moved into an upward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Saucedo, William A. Kirk, Henry S. Chorzempa, Danny L. Fundom
  • Stapling and cutting in resectioning for full thickness resection devices
    Patent number: 8448831
    Abstract: A stapling unit for use with an endoscopic stapling system adapted to be advanced along an endoscope to a predetermined location within a body lumen to staple the portion of tissue, as part of an occlusal or full thickness resectioning procedure. The stapling unit comprises a first casing having a distal end, a proximal end and a stapling device mounted thereto adjacent to a first window extending through a periphery of the first casing. The invention includes methods for the stapling, severing and removal of tissue by using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary McAlister, Robert L. Sakal
  • Variable compression surgical fastener cartridge
    Patent number: 8448832
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Keith L. Milliman
  • Stapling apparatus for performing anastomosis on hollow organs
    Patent number: 8448833
    Abstract: A stapling apparatus for performing anastomosis on hollow organs which includes an adjacent aligned pair of stapling jaws for respectively retaining hollow organ ends together in aligned registration for stapling the ends together to form an anastomosis. Each of the stapling jaws has opposing hinged hemostat jaws operable for clamping respective hollow organ ends therebetween prior to stapling. The hemostat jaws include a stapling mechanism for stapling the retained hollow organ ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Zakease Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Tzakis, James Morelli, Daniel Sadowski
  • Pneumatic staple or nail gun with dual trigger mechanism
    Patent number: 8444035
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for nailing or stapling flooring pneumatically, wherein a pneumatic stapler or nailer is provided with a dual trigger single sequential actuation system by which an operator can reach either trigger with his index finger. In one embodiment, the triggers being interconnected. In a second embodiment, each trigger actuates a valve that communicates with a pneumatic piston which drives the staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Q.E.P. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry D. Coleman, Jr.
  • Apparatus, method and system for deep earth grounding
    Patent number: 8439125
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for deep earth grounding includes positioning a power driver at a site, the power driver comprising a frame and an impact hammer operatively connected to the frame, adjusting placement of the impact hammer, raising the impact hammer, driving 10 foot sectioned grounding rods down into the ground at the site using the hammer, testing resistance, and determining if more additional grounding rods are necessary based on the resistance. A power driver device includes an open frame, guide rails operatively connected to the frame, an impact hammer operatively connected to the guide rails and moveable along the guide rails, and a hand crank assembly operatively connected to the frame and configured for raising the guide rails and the impact hammer up and down along the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Grounding Perfection, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Teebken
  • Surgical stapler with cartridge-adjustable clamp gap
    Patent number: 8439246
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an anvil; a jaw pivotally connected to the anvil; and a first cartridge detachably connected to the anvil, holding staples of a first size; where a first clamp gap between the anvil and first cartridge is set by the connection between the first cartridge and jaw. An exemplary cartridge for a surgical stapler may include a cartridge housing; a plurality of staples held within the cartridge housing; and a sled slidable within, and retained by, the cartridge housing, including a central platform, at least one wedge connected to the central platform, and a knife rotatable relative to the central platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan D. Knodel
  • Product package with auxiliary compartments
    Patent number: 8434288
    Abstract: A package includes a box and a tray. The box includes a rear panel, sidewalls extending around the rear panel, and a front panel and defines a storage compartment between the rear panel and the sidewalls. An opening to the storage compartment is defined opposite the rear panel, the front panel extends over a portion of the opening to the storage compartment, and the front panel includes an aperture. The tray defines an auxiliary chamber and a substantially planar, frame portion extending around the auxiliary chamber. The tray is positioned adjacent the front panel such that the frame portion is maintained between the front panel and the storage compartment and the auxiliary chamber forwardly extends though the aperture of the front panel beyond a surface of the front panel defined opposite the frame portion. Other products, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Laszlo Titkos
  • Welding electrode with contoured face
    Patent number: 8436269
    Abstract: Welding electrodes with a welding face for contact with a metal surface for electrical resistance welding are provided with concentric contoured rings formed into the face. The rings may, for example, be ridges upstanding in the face or grooves depressed into the face. The contoured rings may be radially spaced with relatively flat (depending on the curvature of the face) intervening rings. When the electrode is pressed into contact with the surface of the workpiece for delivery of a welding current, the features of the concentric rings penetrate surface oxides or other conductivity barriers. When ongoing welding operations have eroded the contoured rings they may be rapidly reformed in the weld face in a surface re-dressing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David R. Sigler, Michael J. Karagoulis
  • Sensor for detection of wrapping on bale
    Patent number: 8434289
    Abstract: A baling machine and method for forming a bale is disclosed. A sensor is positioned in the bailing chamber and is positioned to sense an area proximate the perimeter of the bale to determine if material is present, thereby determining if the bale is properly wrapped or not. When the bale is not properly wrapped, material is present in the area proximate the perimeter in which the sensor is active; causing the sensor to send a signal indicating that the bale is not properly wrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Christopher A. Foster, John Posselius
  • Fastening tool
    Patent number: 8434566
    Abstract: A power tool for operating on a workpiece, the power tool having a housing and a motor disposed within the housing. A controller is connected to the motor and receives user inputs for turning on the motor and a power tool battery pack is connected to the controller and the motor. At least one light is connected to the controller for illuminating the workpiece. The controller can turn on the light in a predetermined pattern to alert the user to a tool condition, such as the charge level being below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Forster, Bhanuprasad V. Gorti, Sam Woods, Craig Schell, Nathan Cruise
  • Torch for electric arc welding system
    Patent number: 8431862
    Abstract: A torch for connection to an electric arc welding system having a wire feeder, a power source and a weld process controller for the power source. The torch being connected to the front end of a welding gun, which gun has a rear end with a first unique component of a connector. The welding system has a second component of the connector matching the first component. The gun has a communication channel extending from the torch to the first component for transmitting data to the welding system through the connector. The torch has a memory with an identification code outputted on the communication channel to the first component and the system has a decoder circuit connected to the second component and responsive to a selected identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Kachline
  • Hammer drill
    Patent number: 8430181
    Abstract: A hammer drill having an outer housing defining a handle is disclosed. The tool includes transmission housing including a drive mechanism and a motor, wherein the transmission housing is moveably mounted in the outer housing by arms for movement relative to the outer housing along a non-linear path between a first position, corresponding to no force being applied by a user to the outer housing of the tool, and a second position, corresponding to the user applying a force to the outer housing when the working member of the tool engages a workpiece. Springs bias the transmission housing towards the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Stirm
  • Impact torque adjusting device of hydraulic torque wrench
    Patent number: 8430185
    Abstract: An impact torque adjusting device is constructed by forming an operating fluid channel 11b communicating through the inside of a liner 7 which becomes a high-pressure chamber H and a low-pressure chamber L at the time impact torque is generated. In the operating fluid channel 11b, a valve disc 11d is urged in the direction opening the operating fluid channel 11b. Behind the valve disc 11d, an oil chamber 11e communicates with the inside of the liner 7 which becomes a high-pressure chamber H at the time impact torque is generated, so that the operating fluid channel 11b may be narrowed in proportion to the increase of the operating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Uryu Seisaku Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoji Uemura
  • Stick electrode
    Patent number: 8431865
    Abstract: A welding electrode comprising a metal core and a flux coating at least partially coated on an outer surface of said metal core, and also including a end coating material which at least partially inhibits porosity of a weld bead formed during the welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall M. Burt, Jon P. Chiappone
  • Control mechanism for a power tool
    Patent number: 8430180
    Abstract: A speed adjustment mechanism for a power tool is disclosed. The mechanism includes a support, a first toothed gear for rotation by means of an adjustment dial, and a second toothed gear rotatable by means of the first toothed gear and connected to a potentiometer which is connected to a speed control circuit. Limited movement of the first and second toothed gears relative to each other is possible to reduce transmission of impacts from the adjustment dial to the speed control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Gumpert, Horst Grossman, Bruno Ruethers
  • Packaging apparatus for handling pills and associated method
    Patent number: 8424274
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for depositing pills into a series of containers is provided. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a first axis and comprises radially inward and outward portions, the radially outward portion defining pill apertures for receiving pills therein at a first angular position. A negative pressure system is configured to apply a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein. An ejection device is in communication with the pill apertures at a second angular position of the rotary slat to eject the respective pills outwardly from the pill apertures. A collection mechanism is disposed adjacent to the radially outward portion about the second angular position, and is configured to collect the pills ejected from the pill apertures and to direct the pills toward the series of containers for deposition therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aylward Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Aylward, Dana Waterman