Patents Examined by Robert Long
  • Patent number: 9693772
    Abstract: A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width. The width of the tail portion is less than the width of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael D. Ingmanson, Sachin Shah, Joseph McNellis, Thomas Casasanta, Jr., Kevin Golebieski
  • Patent number: 9686919
    Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material includes compressing the bale of compressible material to form a compressed bale having a plurality of grooves in at least one side thereof. The grooves are recessed from an outer surface of the compressed bale. The compressed bale is transferred to a flexible container. The container conforms to a shape of the compressed bale such that at least some portions of the flexible container take the shape of the grooves to define container portions recessed from the outer surface of the compressed bale. A containerized bale made by the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Nyckowski, Timothy B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 9689616
    Abstract: A device for supplying a rinsing medium to a tool of a hammer drill and a hammer drill. The device includes at least one of a rotatable and axially displaceable drilling tool holder having at least one supply channel for the rinsing medium, a transfer part interacting with the drilling tool holder, a housing, a feeder structured and shaped essentially in an axially symmetrical manner, and a holding part with a rinsing medium inlet. The feeder and the holding part are arranged as a connected component, and friction bearings are arranged on both sides of the feeder and arranged toward the drilling tool holder. The holding part is structured to be radially displaceable within limits via bending with respect to at least one of the housing and a fixing ring connected to the housing, but positively fixed tangentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TMT-BBG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH
    Inventors: Romain Clesen, Michael Wolfsberger
  • Patent number: 9687230
    Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include a staple cartridge positioned within the end effector and a firing drive operably coupled with a trigger wherein the operation of the trigger can advance and/or retract a firing member of the firing drive relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation drive which is selectively engageable with the firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the firing drive can operate the articulation drive and articulate the end effector. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive, the firing drive can be operated independently of the articulation drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Kevin M. Montgomery, Wendy A. Kerr, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Mark D. Overmyer, Brett E. Swensgard
  • Patent number: 9676073
    Abstract: One embodiment includes display device configured to wirelessly receive a first position status from a positioning device; display a first work-tool working-axis leveling status based on the first position status; receive cut parameters; receive a cut-start indication; determine a first work-tool position status difference based on cut parameters and a second position status; present a position status correction indicator; determine that a third position status is within cut parameters; send a cut-start signal to the positioning device operable to actuate the first work-tool; determine a work-tool cut completion; and send a cut-end signal to the positioning device operable to de-actuate the first work-tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OTL DYNAMICS LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Schubert, Robert P. Donker
  • Patent number: 9676086
    Abstract: A torque tool includes an electrical machine drive system, an electronic controller and a gear system. The drive system includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a pattern of regions of relatively high magnetic permeability interspersed with regions of relatively low magnetic permeability extending generally parallel to the motor shaft such that there is a plurality of magnetic poles distributed circumferentially around the motor shaft. The stator includes electrical windings dispersed in slots disposed around an inner surface of the stator, the slots extending generally parallel to the motor shaft such that, when current flows in the windings, a stator magnetic field generated by the current has the same number of magnetic poles as the rotor. The electronic controller is configured to control the current flow in the stator windings to cause the stator poles to rotate in synchronism with rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Norbar Torque Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Pollock, Helen Pollock
  • Patent number: 9675344
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an implant, a grip, and a pre-set breaking point connecting the implant and the grip. The implant has a joining profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Z-Medical GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Zbigniew Combrowski, Christel Paroth, Alexander Henninger
  • Patent number: 9675372
    Abstract: A motor-driven surgical instrument that may comprise (i) a moveable drive member that is driven in a first direction when the electric motor operates in a first direction and that is driven in a second direction when the electric motor operates in a second direction. Movement of the drive member causes movement of the moveable component of the end effector, and (ii) a motor control circuit connected to the motor for controlling the motor. The motor control circuit may comprise a switching circuit that, upon actuation, reverses the direction of the motor from the first direction to the second direction. The switching circuit may be actuatable separately through each of: (i) actuation of a moveable actuator of the switching circuit through movement of the drive member at least in the first direction; and (ii) manual actuation by a user of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Laurent, Brett E. Swensgard, Bret W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9670044
    Abstract: A rotatable gripper grips and turns a container cap. When locked, a collet clamp engages the cap, and when unlocked, the clamp releases the cap. The collet clamp is elongate with a first and second ends. The first end has a substantially rigid section. The second end has a gripper section with a substantially cylindrical recess that expands in width to hold the cap when the clamp is moved from locked to unlocked. Between the rigid and gripper sections is a clamping section. An outside surface of the clamping section is conical with a width increasing towards the gripper section. Sliding a ring on the conical clamping section deforms it into the locked position, constricting the recess tightly onto a container cap. When unlocked, the recess widens, permitting the cap to be removed from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventor: René Weber
  • Patent number: 9662756
    Abstract: Feed tools and methods of use for initiating a change in a spindle feed direction from an advance direction that moves the spindle towards a workpiece to a retract direction that moves the spindle away from the workpiece. The tool and methods may use a thrust overload force that is generated on one or more of the components to initiate the shift from forward to retract and/or a lift ring that acts on one or more of the components. The tool and methods may also include a two-stage piston to accomplish the shift. The various components may be used independently or in combination within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Watford, Kevin Myhill, Marc Djabri
  • Patent number: 9656380
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing in which a motor is supported and an output shaft coupled to the motor that extends from the housing. A tool holder is secured to the end portion of the output shaft which is configured to releasably retain an accessory tool. The power tool includes an accessory change tool having a driver portion and a handle portion. The driver portion is used to install and remove the accessory change tool from the tool holder. The handle portion and the driver portion are configured to pivot into a folded position at which the handle portion is located adjacent the driver portion. A retainer assembly is incorporated into the housing that is configured to releasably retain the accessory change tool on the housing with the accessory change tool in the folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Agustin Monroy, Jaime Moreno, Edward Pchola, Daniel Shadegg, Saad Alam, Dale Selsor Di lulio
  • Patent number: 9656378
    Abstract: A machine tool is disclosed. The machine tool has a tool receptacle for receiving a tool on a working axis, a housing, and a striking mechanism. An impact stop is provided for a beater or an intermediate beater. An impact absorber has two polymer-based absorber rings that are offset axially to one another and are disposed so that they overlap radially and has two iron-based disks disposed axially between the absorber rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Hartmann, Manfred Ludwig, Franz Moessnang
  • Patent number: 9656775
    Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material without straps or wires includes compressing a quantity of compressible material into a bale and introducing the bale of compressed material into a container in the compressed state. The container can be sealed following receipt of the bale. A baler can be used with a press for compressing the material, and a bagging station can facilitate transfer of the bale to the container without straps or wires securing the bale following compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SIGNODE INDUSTRIAL GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Nyckowski, James A. Haberstroh, Timothy B. Pearson
  • Patent number: 9649113
    Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for in vivo monitoring of preselected physiological parameters associated with acute and/or chronic tissue compromise or failure in one or multiple tissue/organ sites in real time. In one method, a body portion of a surgical stapling device is positioned adjacent a first tissue section, an anvil assembly adapted to engage the body portion is positioned adjacent a second tissue section, and a monitoring device is positioned adjacent the first and/or second tissue sections. The monitoring device includes a sensor adapted to measure a preselected physiological parameter and a transmitter for transmitting signal to an extracorporeal receiving unit. The surgical stapling device is fired to mechanically secure the first and second tissue sections with at least one staple and the preselected physiological parameter is monitored via the information transmitted from the monitoring device to the receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Yong Ma, Nelson Scarborough, Marisha Godek, Rohan Shah, James Power, Nilay Mukherjee, Frank Viola, Edward McKenna, Shannon Campbell
  • Patent number: 9650166
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for compressed pressed bales (25) is designed to apply a bale packaging (32) to the pressed bale (25) and has a transporting device (5), which is designed to remove a compressed pressed bale (25) from a press (3, 3?). The transporting device (5) has a movable bale receptacle (6) for picking up the compressed pressed bale (25) on two opposite sides, wherein the bale receptacle has several elongated support elements (20) arranged at a distance from one another on each of the areas intended to retain the pressed bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: HI TECH TEXTILE HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Falise, Norbert Sauerwein
  • Patent number: 9642642
    Abstract: A guide tip introducer is provided as a compatible attachment for a wide range endoscopic staplers of different makes and models. The guide tip introducer mounts to the anvil of an existing endoscopic stapler in order to facilitate the positioning of the stapler beneath a target structure, reducing the amount tissue needing to be dissected. The guide tip introducer is easy to attach and remove from the anvil tip through its particular shape and through the use of a magnetic attachment strip. The guide tip introducer is constructed from smooth semi-rigid material enabling guidance of the endoscopic stapler while minimizing damage around target structures. The guide tip introducer is fashioned using commonly available material found in most standard operating rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Kok Hoo Lim
  • Patent number: 9643744
    Abstract: A method for packing tubes or cans is proposed which arrive continuously from a production line and are taken over by a transport unit by means of a grouping unit. The transport unit transports the tubes or cans in a desired formation into a retaining hoop of a strapping unit, wherein the retaining hoop is able to grip the formation in a pincer-like movement, whereupon the formation is strapped using a plastic band and transported further. The transport is achieved by means of two spike plates which are used alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TEXA AG
    Inventor: Gottlieb Benz
  • Patent number: 9642620
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft assembly that defines a longitudinal tool axis. An elongated channel of an end effector is movably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis that is transverse to the longitudinal tool axis upon application of articulation motions thereto. The elongated channel may be configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. An anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between open and closed positions about the pivot axis upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. In some implementations, the anvil assembly comprises a two part assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. Baxter, III, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, John R. Dugan
  • Patent number: 9643308
    Abstract: Stapler (1) for driving staples (4) into a workpiece (6), comprising a body (2), an elastic member (7) connected to a driver (9) and an articulated arrangement (12) for tensioning of the member (7) comprising a lever (13) with a long arm (15) and a short arm (16) coupled rotatably to the body by a first coupling shaft (14), an articulated arm (17) coupled rotatably to the body by a second coupling shaft (18) and connected to the member (7) in a force-influencing manner, an intermediate joint (19) with a third coupling shaft (20) assigned rotatably to the short arm (16) at a first distance (a) from the first coupling shaft and assigned rotatably to the articulated arm (17) with a fourth coupling shaft (21) at a second distance (b) from the third coupling shaft (20), the first distance has the distance line (a) and the second distance has the distance line (?), which form the angle (?) between themselves, the member (7) is tensioned in that the lever (13) is rotated (N) about coupling shaft (14) from a starting
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Isaberg Rapid AB
    Inventors: Jan Ebbesson, Robert Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 9637260
    Abstract: There is described a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable food products from a web of packaging material, comprising: an aseptic chamber through which web is fed and within which a sterilizing agent is applied onto web; a station which is arranged downstream from said aseptic chamber and in which a tube formed by web is, in use, fed; and a sealing device which separate chamber and station; packaging machine also comprise a conveyor fluidically connected with station and adapted to convey away residues of sterilizing agent from station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Ghirardello, Danilo Veroni, Massimo Melotti, Cesare Bertacchini, Alessandro Veronesi, Simone Maini, Renzo Bellei