Patents Examined by Nathaniel Chukwurah
  • Patent number: 10046451
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing and a handle having two ends moveably mounted to the housing via respective mountings, at least one mounting comprising a passageway formed in one end of the handle and a rod attached at one end to the housing. The rod's shaft axially slides within the passageway, enabling the handle end to move relative to the housing. A cavity within the handle end adjacent the passageway receives the rod, which has a second end within the cavity. A flange mounted adjacent the rod's other end within the cavity, unable to pass through the passageway, moves within the cavity relative to the passageway as the handle's end moves relative to the housing. A biasing mechanism within the cavity, between an internal wall of the cavity and the second end of the rod, biases the flange towards the passageway, and the handle end away from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Ana-Maria Roberts, Andreas Friedrich
  • Patent number: 10041822
    Abstract: A calibration method for a hand-held surgical instrument is disclosed. The hand-held instrument includes a drive motor, a firing rod controlled by the drive motor and having at least one indicator, and a sensor configured to detect the at least one indicator. A microcontroller includes a pulse modulation algorithm stored therein to control the drive motor. The microcontroller executes a calibration algorithm to adjust at least one program coefficient in the pulse modulation algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Zemlok
  • Patent number: 10035249
    Abstract: A multi-inclined anvil structure for a stapler has a body, an operating portion and a flattening surface. The body has a horizontal imaginary plane. The operating portion is recessed downward in the top of the body and has a projection plane that has a narrow front and a wide rear. The flattening surface is formed in a bottom surface of the operating portion and has two inclined bottom portions. Each inclined bottom portion is inclined and has a high front and a low rear relative to the horizontal imaginary plane. An inclined bottom angle is formed between an extension direction of the inclined bottom portions and the horizontal imaginary plane. When the stapler is applied to staple a few sheets of paper, a staple-sliding problem can be resolved. When the stapler is applied to staple many sheets of paper, a well-clinched quality can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SDI Corporation
    Inventors: Ching-Li Chen, Cheng-Chang Huang, Chyi-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 10035250
    Abstract: Control device of an impact mechanism operable by a pressure media having an element for reversing the axial pressurization of the percussion piston and the return of the medium. In order to achieve a controllability of impact mechanisms by which the energy and the frequency of the moved percussion piston can be adjusted, at least one channel switchable by the reversal as a return line for the medium from the percussion hammer has at least one switchable element for the flow control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: TMT-BBG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Kaindlbauer
  • Patent number: 10028743
    Abstract: An end effector for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The end effector further comprises an implantable layer positioned intermediate the deck and the anvil. The layer comprises a tissue-facing surface, raised portions, and grooves defined intermediate the raised portions, wherein the raised portions apply localized compression to the tissue, and wherein the layer is releasably attached to the cartridge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 10028742
    Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising staples with different unformed heights is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10033308
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a torque limit for a motor, monitoring a torque output of the motor, determining an amplitude and a phase of a torque ripple of the torque output, and determining a compensated torque limit for the motor, the compensated torque limit including a first component at the torque limit and a second component at an adjusted torque limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Chaghajerdi, Pushkar Hingwe
  • Patent number: 10022852
    Abstract: An electrical hammer (100) comprises a main housing (101), a hand grip (500) connected to the main housing (101) via a compression coil spring (321). In the electrical hammer (100), a hammer bit (119) is driven by a first motion converting mechanism (120) and thereby a hammering operation is performed. During the hammering operation, the hand grip (500) is moved against the main housing (101) in a state that biasing force of the compression coil spring (321) is applied on the hand grip (500). Further, the electrical hammer (100) comprises a second motion converting mechanism (220) which drives a counterweight (231).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Ikuta, Yoshitaka Machida, Masanori Furusawa
  • Patent number: 10022851
    Abstract: A bit retention device has an upper support member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A lower support member fixed to the upper support member. A stationary plate is mounted to the inner surface of the upper support member. A clamp plate opposes the stationary plate and is spring biased toward the stationary plate and slidably moveable between the upper support member and the lower support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schaub, James R. Parks, Richard J. Heavel
  • Patent number: 10011383
    Abstract: A method for converting a wrapping machine into a transport condition, said wrapping machine comprising a wrapping machine frame, as well as a circular guide mounted on the frame, whereby, in order to convert the wrapping machine into a transport condition, the circular guide mounted on the wrapping machine frame is tilted with respect to the wrapping machine frame. The invention relates also to such a wrapping machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventors: Yrjo Suolahti, Janne Koskela
  • Patent number: 10004499
    Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing having an actuator, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end cap secured to a distal end of the shaft. The end cap has a bottom side, a top side, a lower distal edge adjacent the bottom side, and an end face that slopes upwardly and proximally from the lower distal edge to the top side of the end cap. A surgical fastener delivery window is formed in the sloping distal end face of the cap for dispensing surgical fasteners. The sloping distal end face extends continuously around the outer perimeter of the surgical fastener delivery window. The cap includes a plurality of gripping posts projecting distally from the sloping distal end face of the distal end cap. The posts are inserted into the pores of a surgical mesh for controlling movement of the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Cardinale, Simon Cohn, Jianxin Guo, Mark D. Kenyon
  • Patent number: 10004501
    Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes jaw members, at least one of which may be moved to closed positions relative to the other jaw member upon actuation of a closure actuator. Actuation of the closure actuator causes an axially moveable closure member to apply closure motions to at least one of the jaw members. In at least one form, the closure actuator includes a first actuator portion that is configured to move through a first range of axial travel upon actuation of the closure actuator. A second actuator portion interfaces with the axially movable closure member such that upon actuation of said closure actuator, the second actuator portion moves the axially movable closure member through a second range of axial travel that is greater than the first range of axial travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 10004497
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure includes an elongate shaft, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, and a control system. The end effector is articulatable relative to the elongate shaft between a home state position and an articulated position. The control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor to store program instructions. The processor can alert the operator when the end effector reaches the home state position from the articulated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Overmyer, Brett E. Swensgard, Shane R. Adams, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Richard L. Leimbach, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 10005176
    Abstract: A hand-held tool machine has a switchable mechanism having at least two operating positions, which are able to be selected via an adjustable operating element, the operating element being coupled to an adjustable switching element via a coupling element. The coupling element is implemented as bistable coupling spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Heiko Roehm
  • Patent number: 9993246
    Abstract: Medical device bending devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. An embodiment includes a body, a handle in rotatable relationship with the body, and a head that is coupled with the handle in such a way that when the handle is rotated the head is drawn at least partially into the body and towards the handle. A terminal end of the body that is opposite of the handle and the head cooperate as a vise that bends opposing arms of a surgical staple from an inwardly angled configuration to a parallel configuration (or at angles therebetween) when a crown of the surgical staple is clamped in the vise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ENDURE ENTERPRISES, PLLC
    Inventors: Andronica Handie, Daniel Lanois
  • Patent number: 9987737
    Abstract: A machine tool and control method are disclosed. The machine tool has a tool receptacle which supports a chiseling tool so that it is movable along an axis of movement. A magneto-pneumatic striking mechanism has a primary drive, which is arranged around the axis of movement, and has a first magnetic coil and a second magnetic coil. On the axis of movement within the magnetic coils, the striking mechanism has a striker and riveting head. Furthermore, the striking mechanism has a pneumatic spring which acts on the striker. The control method provides for a pressure sensor which measures the prevailing pressure in the pneumatic spring during a movement of the striker in the direction opposite the striking direction. A controller initiates an acceleration phase at the start of a drop in pressure in the pneumatic spring. The primary drive accelerates the striker in the striking direction during the acceleration phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dario Bralla
  • Patent number: 9987000
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can include a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to rotate relative to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further comprise a first articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a first direction and a second articulation actuator for rotating the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuators can be configured to push the end effector. The articulation actuators can assume different configurations depending on whether they are experiencing a compressive load or a tensile load. The articulation joint can comprise an articulation frame which forms a proximal joint with the shaft and a distal joint with the end effector. The joints can comprise fixed axis joints and/or ball-and-socket joints, for example. The articulation joint can comprise links having different sizes to facilitate the articulation of the articulation joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jason L. Harris, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Chester O. Baxter, III
  • Patent number: 9980713
    Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Taylor W. Aronhalt, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher J. Schall, Joseph E. Young, Barry C. Worrell, Jerome R. Morgan, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Emily A. Schellin
  • Patent number: 9974538
    Abstract: A staple cartridge that comprises a cartridge body, wherein a plurality of staple cavities are defined in the cartridge body is disclosed. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples removably positioned in the staple cavities and a compressible layer releasably positioned adjacent to the cartridge body. The compressible layer comprises a plurality of compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Katherine J. Schmid
  • Patent number: 9974529
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an actuation system, a drive system, and a tool head. The drive system is coupled to the actuation system and includes a rotatable shaft which defines a longitudinal axis. The tool head is coupled to the drive system and includes an annular cartridge and a pliable bunchable ring. The annular cartridge includes a plurality of staples. The pliable bunchable ring surrounds the annular cartridge. The surgical instrument is configured to drive the staples through the pliable bunchable ring substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Steven G. Hall, Andrew Yoo, Edward G. Chekan