Patents Examined by Michelle López
  • Patent number: 11452528
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft rotatable relative to the handle, and an end effector articulatable relative to the shaft about an articulation joint is disclosed. The shaft comprises a grip and at least one articulation control on the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Cory G. Kimball, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Bret W. Smith, Matthew S. Corbin
  • Patent number: 11454065
    Abstract: A drilling rig mobility system moves a drilling rig or similar structure in an oilfield or similar environment and includes independently controllable positioning shoes attaching to the drilling rig and controllable through separate and coordinated position control commands. Each positioning shoe may be individually addressed to reposition the drilling rig. Each positioning shoe includes a hydraulic actuator and wireless control circuitry. The hydraulic actuator provides vertical and horizontal force in response to wireless control signals for wireless position and control data and instructions with a remote wireless communications device. A cylinder stomper vertically elevates the hydraulic actuator and receives and transfers the vertical force. A foot assembly transfers the horizontal force from the hydraulic actuator. A positioning shoe cylinder stomper and positioning shoe traverse cylinder provide infinitely variable position control. Rotational positioning may be manually or automatically achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventors: Edwin Dixon Conn, III, Justin Michael Jackson, Jason Paul Allen, Jake Dean Martens
  • Patent number: 11446747
    Abstract: A method includes measuring raw sensor information of a tool over a period of time with a sensor tag coupled to an external surface of the tool. The method also includes determining one or more events of the tool based on the raw sensor information and calculating an aggregate time for each type of event from the one or more events determined over the period of time. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting a history of the one or more events from the sensor tag to a remote computing device. The history comprises the aggregate time for each type of event from the one or more types of events over the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marc Vetter
  • Patent number: 11440173
    Abstract: A rotary power tool comprises a drive mechanism including an electric motor and a transmission, a housing enclosing at least a portion of the drive mechanism, a spindle rotatable in response to receiving torque from the drive mechanism, a first ratchet coupled for co-rotation with the spindle, a second ratchet rotationally fixed to the housing, a sleeve bushing on an interior of the housing, and a bearing arranged between the spindle and the sleeve bushing and rotatably supporting the spindle. The bearing has an outer race. The spindle is movable relative to the housing in response to contact with a workpiece, causing the first and second ratchets to engage and the spindle to reciprocate while rotating. The outer race of the bearing moves along the sleeve bushing during reciprocation of the spindle when the first ratchet and second ratchet are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan A. Dedrickson, Ian Allen Duncan, Tian Yu, Jian Wei Li
  • Patent number: 11426852
    Abstract: A hammer drill comprises a drive mechanism including a spindle, a first ratchet coupled for co-rotation with the spindle, a second ratchet rotationally fixed to the housing, and a hammer lockout mechanism adjustable between a first mode and a second mode. The hammer drill further comprises a clutch adjustable between a first mode and a second mode. The hammer drill further comprises a detent radially movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a collar movable between a first rotational position in which the hammer lockout mechanism is in the first mode and a second rotational position in which the hammer lockout mechanism is in the second mode. In the first mode the detent is positioned such that the spindle is moveable relative to the housing. In the second mode the detent is positioned such that the spindle is prevented from moving relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Duncan, Ryan A. Dedrickson
  • Patent number: 11407098
    Abstract: A device for generating a control signal based on the linear movement of a linear member is provided. The device includes a linear member, a rotatable member, a first inertial measurement unit (IMU) coupled to the rotatable member and a second IMU having a fixed position. The device also includes a processing circuit which uses sensing signals from the IMUS to determine an attitude of the first IMU referenced to the second IMU and generate a control signal based on the attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L., STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Marco Bianco, Lorenzo Bracco, Mahesh Chowdhary, Roberto Mura, Stefano Paolo Rivolta, Federico Rizzardini
  • Patent number: 11407097
    Abstract: A drive base module of a modularly constructed multifunctional handheld machine is configured to connect to at least one attachment device. The drive base module includes at least one connection device including at least one drive-technological interface and/or a data-technological interface configured to connect to the at least one attachment device. The drive base module further includes at least one drive unit configured to drive the at least one attachment device in a state in which the at least one attachment device is connected to the at least one connection device. The drive base module further includes at least one rechargeable battery unit; and at least one information output unit configured to output information to an operator acoustically and/or haptically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Czirjak, Dominik Meier, Anne Purper, Laszlo Gergely, Istvan Szell, Thomas Hampel, Aniko Beres, Zoltan Varga, Dennis Garcia-Franco, Guenther Schlachter, Hendrik Hesse, Timo Etzel, Bence Simko, Daniel-Philipp Friedmann
  • Patent number: 11411467
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a battery connection portion supported by the housing, a drive mechanism configured to operate a working element, and a brushless DC motor positioned within the housing and connected to the drive mechanism. The motor includes a rotor, stator surrounding the motor, and an output shaft fixed to the rotor such that movement of the rotor is transmitted to the output shaft. The motor also includes a fan coupled to the output shaft to rotate with the output shaft and the rotor, and a brass bushing fixed to the output shaft to rotate with the rotor and the output shaft relative to the stator. The bushing includes a balancing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, Michael Kolden, Andrew T. Beyerl
  • Patent number: 11399830
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to clamp, staple or cut tissue, a motor configured to drive the end effector, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive information about at least one tissue property and select a tissue management mode based on the at least one tissue property. The control system controls the motor based on the selected tissue management mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David C. Racenet
  • Patent number: 11395655
    Abstract: A handle assembly of a hand-held surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a rack supported in the handle housing and configured to operably couple to a driven member of a surgical end effector, an idler pinion gear operably coupled to the rack, and an output pinion gear drivingly coupled to a motor. The output pinion gear translates the rack via the idler pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David A. Nicholas, Russell V. Pribanic, Anthony D. Calderoni, John M. Pantazis
  • Patent number: 11382626
    Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a surgical end effector, a housing configured to operably interface with a source of rotary input motions, and a first rotary output member operably supported by the housing. The surgical system further comprises a second rotary output member operably supported by the housing, a knife bar supported for rotational and axial travel, and an axially movable closure member configured to apply closure and opening motions to the second jaw. The surgical system further comprises a knife bar interface, a first rotary control interface between the first rotary output member and the knife bar, and a second rotary control interface between the second rotary output member and the knife bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, William B. Weisenburgh, II
  • Patent number: 11382623
    Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device includes a non-sterile power-pack having a drive component(s) including a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom, a main processor configured to control each drive component, a battery configured to power each drive component, an electrical receptacle, and a control interface(s) configured to control a functionality of the drive component. A sterile outer shell housing is configured to removably encase the power-pack to define a sterile barrier thus enabling use in a surgical environment without breaking sterility. The outer shell housing includes a coupler configured to transmit a rotation from the rotatable drive shaft through the outer shell housing, a control button(s) operatively positioned such that actuation of the control button actuates the control interface, and a pass-through connector configured to transmit electrical communications from the electrical receptacle through the outer shell housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth Contini, Kelly Valentine, Thomas Wingardner, David McCuen, Matthew Chowaniec, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Xingrui Chen
  • Patent number: 11364092
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing piece firing device for a dental membrane, the device being capable of firing the fixing piece to fix the dental membrane that covers a graft site after bone graft during implant surgery, and of facilitating access into an oral cavity due to a tip part with a curved front end, thus enabling a quick and easy procedure without using a typical dental drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: MCTBIO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Youn Kim, Jong Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 11364585
    Abstract: An electric tool includes a housing, a motor, a power output assembly, and a switching member. The housing is provided with a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The power output assembly is connected to the motor. The switching member is capable of rotating in the housing, and the switching member is provided with a third air outlet and a fourth air outlet. The switching member is capable of rotating to a first position and a second position in the housing. When the switching member rotates to the first position, the first air outlet is in communication with the third air outlet and the fourth air outlet is closed by the housing. When the switching member rotates to the second position, the second air outlet is in communication with the fourth air outlet and the third air outlet is closed by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiguo Chen, Yanxiao Shao
  • Patent number: 11364028
    Abstract: A surgical instrument equipped with a coupler arrangement for coupling end effectors to an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical instrument. The end effectors may include a pair of jaws in the form of a carrier supporting a surgical staple cartridge and an anvil. The anvil is movable relative to the carrier in opening and closing directions. The end effector may include an articulation joint that facilitates pivotal travel of the carrier and anvil as a unit relative to the elongated shaft assembly in the same directions in which the anvil is opened and closed relative to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11351667
    Abstract: A tool basic module, in particular for a stand-alone use, includes a drive unit, a main output, and a coupling device. The coupling device includes a mechanical interface and an electrical interface. The mechanical interface is configured to establish a mechanical drive connection between the main output and at least one attachment device. The electrical interface transmits at least one of a high power and a high current, and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the at least one attachment device and the main output. The electrical connection is coupled to the mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Junkersdorf, Istvan Szell, Thomas Hampel, Asmir Rojo, Timo Etzel, Juergen Gairing
  • Patent number: 11305393
    Abstract: To provide an improved technique for improving operability in an operation using a power tool with a dust collector attached thereto, a hammer drill to which a dust collector is attached has a body and a handle. The dust collector has a dust collecting part and a male plug. The dust collector is attached to the hammer drill by connecting the male plug to the handle of the hammer drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Machida
  • Patent number: 11292111
    Abstract: An electric power tool for tightening screw joints includes a housing that encloses an electric motor, an angle gear, a back torque transducer, and a front torque transducer. The angle gear includes an input bevel gear drivingly connected to the electric motor and an output bevel gear drivingly connected to an output shaft of the electric power tool. The back torque transducer is arranged to measure a back torque reaction value before the input bevel gear. And the front torque transducer is arranged to measure a front torque reaction value after the output bevel gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: Johan Rönblom, Lisa Erika Larsson, Göran Sivert Lantz, Taru Johanna Nordström
  • Patent number: 11284890
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge including a cartridge body comprising an annular array of staple cavities, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, a firing drive configured to eject the staples from the staple cavities, and a cutting member circumscribed by the staple cavities. The end effector further comprises an anvil including a tissue compression surface, forming surfaces configured to deform the staples and a tissue block for controlling the flow of tissue. The anvil is movable toward the cartridge body to compress tissue between the cartridge body and the tissue block during a closure stroke and the cutting member is configured to incise the tissue and the tissue block during a cutting stroke of the cutting member. The tissue block holds the tissue in position while it is being incised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Anil K. Nalagatla, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11266410
    Abstract: A surgical device for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical device includes an elongate shaft including a first interface, an enclosure, a first control system, a second control system, and a firing system. A loading unit is operably couplable to the first interface. The enclosure includes a second interface that includes a first rotary driven element, a second rotary driven element, and a third rotary driven element. The first control system is configured to effect a first control motion based on rotation of the first rotary driven element. The second control system is configured to effect a second control motion based on rotation of the second rotary driven element. The second control motion includes a decoupling motion. The firing system is configured to provide a firing motion to a firing member of the loading unit based on rotation of the third rotary driven element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan