Patents Examined by Robert F Long
  • Patent number: 11926028
    Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Nathan T. Armstrong, Jason D. Thurner, Troy C. Thorson, John S. Scott, Jeremy R. Ebner, Daniel R. Garces, Ryan Allen Dedrickson, Luke J. Skinner, Benjamin R. Suhr
  • Patent number: 11919117
    Abstract: Electronic spindle lock for a power tool. One embodiment provides a power tool including a housing, a bit receiving portion provided on the housing for receiving a power tool bit, a motor within the housing configured to rotate the bit receiving portion, and a controller coupled to the motor. The controller is configured to enter an electronic spindle lock mode, and detect rotation of the bit receiving portion in a first direction. The controller is also configured to control motor to rotate in a second direction in response to detecting rotation of the bit receiving portion in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Gareth Mueckl, Zachary G. Stanke, Jeremy R. Ebner, Timothy R. Obermann, Ryan B. Jipp
  • Patent number: 11918220
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a compensator can be attachable to an anvil of a fastening instrument. The compensator can comprise a support layer configured to be attached to the anvil and a scaffold attached to the support layer. In at least one embodiment, the scaffold can comprise a plurality of scaffold layers comprised of a biocompatible material and a plurality of cavities, wherein the layers and the cavities can define a matrix favorable to tissue and cellular ingrowth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Murty Vyakarnam
  • Patent number: 11911885
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a striking mechanism configured to be actuated by a combustion pressure of a mixed gas of compressed air and fuel, a combustion chamber in which the mixed gas of compressed air and fuel is to be combusted, a valve member configured to open and close communication between the striking mechanism and the combustion chamber, and a valve support member configured to support the valve member. The valve member has a seal part provided on an outer peripheral surface along a moving direction of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Watanabe, Takashi Yuki, Yu Yamamoto, Mitsuhiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 11912467
    Abstract: A system and a method for closing, in an automated way, at least one package having a reversibly closeable interlocking element comprising a first complementary element and a second complementary element extending between two extremities. The system includes a pressing element, configured to press the first complementary element against the second complementary element by sliding between the two extremities, and a counteracting element, configured to stop the second complementary element when the pressing element presses the first complementary element against the second complementary element, in such a way that the first complementary element and the second complementary element interlock with each other along their entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ICA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gino Rapparini, Pietro Crescimbeni
  • Patent number: 11911766
    Abstract: An assembly for storing sample processing consumables that includes a cover and a tray. The cover includes a flexible panel and a cover wall that extends downward from the perimeter of the panel, where the panel and the cover wall define a cavity. The tray has a top surface that defines a plurality of wells and a side surface that extends downward from the perimeter of the top surface. The panel is situated adjacent the top surface of the tray, where a first portion of the tray is received within the cover cavity, such that a press fit is formed between the side surface of the tray and an inner surface of the cover wall, thereby releasably coupling the cover to the tray. At least a portion of the wells contain a sample processing consumable, and the cover is configured to be decoupled from the tray by applying a force to the panel to overcome the press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Byron Knight
  • Patent number: 11905055
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a doser assembly includes a hopper assembly configured to receive plant material, a bracket assembly connected to the hopper assembly, and a roller in a hopper opening defined by the hopper assembly extending through the hopper assembly. An interior surface of the hopper assembly may define the hopper opening. The bracket assembly may include a shaft extending across a portion of the hopper opening. The roller may be in the portion of the hopper opening of the hopper assembly and may extend between a first part and a second part of the interior surface of the hopper assembly. The roller may be connected to the shaft and may be configured to rotate with rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jarrod Wayne Chalkley, Loren Theodore Duvekot
  • Patent number: 11904441
    Abstract: An impact tool includes a controller configured to control power being delivered to the and operable in one of: (a) a normal mode where the controller allows power to be delivered to the motor so that the impact mechanism transitions from operation in the rotary mode to operation in the impacting mode when an output torque exceeds a normal transition torque; and (b) a control mode where the controller controls power being delivered to the motor so that the impact mechanism transitions from operation in the rotary mode to operation in the impacting mode when an output torque exceeds a control transition torque that is greater than the normal transition torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Jason K. Leh, Karim Najjar, Scott M. Rudolph, Daniel White
  • Patent number: 11903583
    Abstract: Stapler cartridges and surgical apparatus that include a stapler cartridge can include a knife that retracts into the stapler cartridge after cutting stapled tissue to prevent an operator being cut by the knife during replacement of the used stapler cartridge with a new stapler cartridge. A stapler cartridge includes a staple pushing shuttle, a knife member slidably coupled with the staple pushing shuttle, and a cartridge body. The staple pushing shuttle is slidably coupled to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a guide track engaged by the knife member and configured so that a cutting blade of the knife member protrudes from the cartridge body during a first portion of a distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle and the cutting blade is retracted into the cartridge body during a second portion of the distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Burbank, Matthew A. Wixey, Nicholas Ragosta
  • Patent number: 11897679
    Abstract: A flexible container carrier and related method for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes a plurality of flexible bands forming an array of container receiving apertures, the array arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks. A series of frangible lines of separation are provided between each container receiving opening so that removing a container from the package results in the separation of the frangible lines of separation defining the respective container receiving opening and thus the container and a respective band of the plurality of bands are removed from the package together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Rachell L. Slovik, Patrick R. Van Tholen, Robert C. Olsen, Christopher J. Samaras
  • Patent number: 11890726
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, and an impulse assembly coupled to the motor to receive torque therefrom. The impulse assembly includes a cylinder at least partially forming a chamber containing a hydraulic fluid, an anvil positioned at least partially within the chamber, and a hammer positioned at least partially within the chamber. The hammer includes a first side facing the anvil and a second side opposite the first side. The impulse assembly further includes a biasing member biasing the hammer towards the anvil, and a valve movable between a first position that permits a first fluid flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the chamber from the second side to the first side, and a second position that permits a second fluid flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the chamber from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathan Bandy, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz
  • Patent number: 11890006
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a fastening device may include a coupling body having (1) a portion configured to couple to a distal end of a medical device, (2) a cartridge holder, and (3) an anvil pivotably coupled to the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder and the anvil may extend distally from the portion and may be configured to extend distally of a distalmost face of the medical device when the portion is coupled to the distal end of the medical device. A flexible member may be configured to extend through a channel of the medical device. A fastener cartridge may be coupled to a distal end of the flexible member, including at least one fastener, and may be configured for releasable coupling to the cartridge holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Smith, Ryan V. Wales, Michael Peachock, Nathan Cummings
  • Patent number: 11890737
    Abstract: The Overhead Drill and Anchor Press is a single mobile mechanism designed for installation of anchors into a construction surface which is overhead and out of reach of the installer. The overhead drill and anchor press may include a mast, a turret assembly, a controller, and at least one drill. The overhead drill and anchor press can execute the anchor installation sequence automatically or manually with a controller by moving the drill position to drill the hole and set the anchor. The controller may be equipped with a digital display of the turret mounted camera for monitoring the process from the ground. The entire assembly may be manually pushed between target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Peter Justin Merello
  • Patent number: 11883024
    Abstract: A method of operating an articulatable surgical instrument. The method includes providing a rotary drive motion to a rotary drive member of a surgical end effector and converting the rotary drive motion to an upper axial motion and a lower axial motion at locations that are distal to the articulation joint. The method further includes applying the upper axial motion to an upper portion of a firing member and applying the lower axial motion to a lower portion of the firing member such that the upper axial motion and lower axial motion drives the firing member distally through the surgical end effector from a starting position to an ending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Darryl A. Parks, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Steven G. Hall, Robert J. Simms, Spencer J. Witte, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Paul Moubarak, William C. Ryle
  • Patent number: 11883917
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle is for use with a power tool having a housing that includes a first notch and a second notch. The auxiliary handle includes a shaft, a first clamp coupled to the shaft and having a first protrusion configured to engage the first notch, and a second clamp arranged on the shaft and having a second protrusion configured to engage the second notch. When the first protrusion of the first clamp engages the first notch, the second clamp is movable along the shaft between a first position, in which the second protrusion engages the second notch, and a second position, in which the second protrusion is disengaged from the second notch. The auxiliary handle also includes a grip coupled to the shaft. When the grip is rotated relative to the second clamp, the second clamp is moved from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION, TECHTRONIC POWER TOOLS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kurt Limberg, Ryan T. Harrison, Mark A. Kubale, Mark D. Hickok
  • Patent number: 11883020
    Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Kevin R. Doll, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Eugene L. Timperman
  • Patent number: 11877744
    Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a loading unit having a staple cartridge having a cartridge distance and a plurality of staples and an anvil to form the plurality of staples upon firing. The surgical stapler also includes a shaft assembly coupled to the load unit. The shaft assembly includes a drive shaft longitudinally movable within the shaft assembly and configured to actuate the loading unit. The surgical stapler further includes a handle assembly having a power source and a motor coupled to the power source and configured to move the drive shaft longitudinally. The handle assembly also includes a distance setting interface including a plurality of switches each of which corresponds to a travel distance that the motor moves the drive shaft, the travel distance corresponding to the cartridge distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: David M. Chowaniec, Xingrui Chen, Drew R. Seils, Thomas S. Wingardner, Andriy Buyda, Jennifer Mccabe
  • Patent number: 11872114
    Abstract: A system and method for folding a discrete absorbent sanitary product includes conveying a product in a machine direction along a main conveyor, folding the product at a first folding station, and later folding the absorbent sanitary product at a second folding station. The product is folded at each of the first and second folding stations by engaging the product with a first drum and rotating the absorbent sanitary product in a first rotational direction, contacting the product with one or more folding fingers traveling in the machine direction, engaging the product with a rotating member adjacent to the first drum and downstream therefrom in the machine direction, the rotating member rotating in the first rotational direction, and folding the product over the one or more folding fingers via rotation of the rotating member in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CURT G. JOA, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary J. Giffey, Scott A. Roehrborn
  • Patent number: 11866224
    Abstract: A standardized shipping tray is disclosed for use in an order fulfillment system. The standardized shipping tray includes a bottom panel that includes raised portions that assist to inhibit rolling on an object within along the bottom panel, and at least two flexible side panels that are adapted to fold inward under a force of a wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Berkshire Grey Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasanna Velagapudi, Christopher Geyer, Benjamin Cohen, Joseph Romano, Matthew T. Mason
  • Patent number: 11858102
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool having a motor-driven impact mechanism and monostable operating button. A locking switch for the monostable operating button has a sliding direction, an actuating knob, a catch and a sliding block, wherein the actuating knob is able to be moved by the user in the sliding direction from a releasing position to a locking position. The catch is pivotable in a pivoting direction perpendicular to the switching direction between a first position and a second position. The catch is disengaged from the operating button 6 in the first position and the catch engages in the operating button in the second position, arresting the operating button in the pressed position. The catch has, on a side facing in the pivoting direction, a slotted-guide face that is inclined with respect to the sliding direction. The sliding block bears on the slotted-guide face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniela Lachica Koch, Markus Sommer, Walter Martinez De Virgala Kalitta, Olaf Koch