Patents Examined by Stephen F. Gerrity
  • Form fill seal system with multiple filling modes
    Patent number: 11565843
    Abstract: A form fill seal apparatus for forming and filling a plurality of bags with a product having a tube formation assembly forming a tubular film, a bag forming assembly configured to form transverse seals and to cut the tubular film to form bags. A product delivery system is provided to deliver product from a positive displacement pump to a product delivery tube. A control system is structurally configured to direct the positive displacement pump to operate in two different modes, a first, continuous operating mode and a second, dosing operating mode. A method of filling is likewise disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: WINPAK LANE, INC.
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Strapping tool
    Patent number: 11560247
    Abstract: A strapping tool is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the strapping tool includes a motive power source and a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a first punch and a die, the first punch and die configured to crimp or cut a notch in a strapping seal member and/or a piece of strapping so as to secure the piece of strapping around a package or bundle of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Golden Bear LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Robert Sikora, Charles Russell Patzer
  • Strapping apparatus
    Patent number: 11560246
    Abstract: A strapping apparatus for strapping articles with a strapping band having a tensioning device for imparting a band tension to a loop of the strapping band, the tensioning device including a driveable tensioning element provided for engaging the strapping band to impart a band tension. The strapping apparatus including a connecting device for generating a permanent connection, in particular a welded connection, at two regions, situated one above the other, of the loop of the strapping band. The strapping apparatus is configured to achieve the release of the tensioning element from the strapping band reliably to avoid or reduce adverse characteristics attributed to the release of the tensioning device from the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLC
    Inventors: Mirco Neeser, Dimitrios Takidis, Andreas Keller
  • Electrically-determining tissue cut with surgical stapling apparatus
    Patent number: 11553913
    Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes an end effector and an electronics assembly, the end effector having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil and cartridge assemblies are positionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively grasp tissue therebetween. The electronics assembly is supported in the end effector and configured to determine a condition of the grasped tissue based on an amount of current in an electrical circuit defined by the anvil and cartridge assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Joseph Eisinger
  • Surgical stapler end effector sled having multiple surface finishes
    Patent number: 11553912
    Abstract: A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a stapling assembly of the surgical stapler. The staple driver actuator also includes at least one rail extending upwardly from the base. The at least one rail includes at least one rail cam surface, and the rail cam surface is inclined relative to the plane. The staple driver actuator further includes a first surface texture on a first portion of the staple driver actuator, and a second surface texture on a second portion of the staple driver actuator. The second surface texture is smoother than the first surface texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Anil K. Nalagatla, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Surgical stapling device with parallel jaw closure
    Patent number: 11553914
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a drive assembly. The tool assembly includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly that define longitudinal axes. The drive assembly is movable from a retracted position to move the tool assembly from an open position in which the longitudinal axes of the anvil and cartridge assemblies define an acute angle, to a partially clamped position in which the longitudinal axes of the anvil and cartridge assemblies are substantially parallel, and to a clamped position in which the longitudinal axes of the anvil and cartridge assemblies are substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Sleeve wrapping device
    Patent number: 11548668
    Abstract: A sleeve wrapping device includes a first fixing base, a second fixing base, a first supporting frame protruded from the first fixing base, a second supporting frame protruded from the second fixing base, a first roller mounted on the first supporting frame, a second roller mounted on the second supporting frame, and a sleeve wrapping film comprising a substrate and a plurality of adhesive layers. The first roller and the second roller move back and forth relative to the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame. The sleeve wrapping device is switched between a first state that the first roller and the second roller are in contact with each other and a second state that the first roller and the second roller are separated. The substrate winds the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TRIPLE WIN TECHNOLOGY(SHENZHEN) CO.LTD.
    Inventors: Zi-Ling Chen, Xiao-Bo Chen
  • Process for making a multi-ply dispersible wipe
    Patent number: 11542664
    Abstract: A process for making a multi-ply dispersible wipe includes providing a first web and a second web, each web comprising cellulose fibers; superposing the first web over the second web; applying an aqueous solution to at least the first web; after the aqueous solution is applied to the first web, crimping the second web to the first web to create a composite web; cutting or perforating the composite web to define a plurality of multi-ply wet wipes; and packaging the composite web/wet wipes into a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: SangSoo Lee, David Andrew Moline, Colin Ackroyd
  • Systems and methods for stacking product
    Patent number: 11542051
    Abstract: A product stacking system may include an open bag detection subsystem and a product stacking subsystem. The open bag detection subsystem may agitate bags to cause product to be displaced out of open bags and determine if a bag is open by comparing a weight of the bag after the agitation to a target threshold. The product stacking subsystem may include a robotic arm and a controller that moves the robotic arm between posts of a bin based on an orientation of the bin. A turntable rotates the bin and can operate as an additional axis of movement of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: House of Design LLC
    Inventors: Shane Christopher Dittrich, Kristopher Ryan Okelberry
  • Surgical stapler end effector sled having cartridge wall support feature
    Patent number: 11540826
    Abstract: A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The staple driver actuator also includes a plurality of rails extending upwardly from the base. Each of the plurality of rails includes at least one cam surface, and each of the cam surfaces is inclined relative to the plane. The plurality of rails includes a laterally-opposed pair of outer rails and a laterally-opposed pair of inner rails. The staple driver actuator further includes a distal nose extending distally from at least a portion of the base and having at least one ledge surface. The ledge surface faces upwardly, is parallel to the plane, and is at least partially positioned distally relative to each of the outer and inner rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Anil K. Nalagatla, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael E. Setser, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Method for operating a round baler and a round baler
    Patent number: 11540446
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a round baler. The method comprises providing a nonstop baler type machine; feeding of crop into a prechamber and a main bale forming chamber; and providing, by a binding unit, a binding material to the main bale forming chamber for wrapping a bale formed in the main bale forming chamber, comprising, in a first mode of operation, providing a stretching apparatus in contact with the binding material, thereby, applying a compressive force to the binding material for stretching the binding material; and in a second mode of operation, providing the stretching apparatus free of contact with the binding material. Furthermore, a round baler is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: KVERNELAND GROUP RAVENNA S.R.L
    Inventors: Tim Baker, Seamus Varley
  • Agricultural vehicle with automatic motor-driven component calibration
    Patent number: 11533853
    Abstract: A calibration system for an agricultural vehicle includes: a motor-driven component; a motor coupled to the motor-driven component and configured to move the motor-driven component between a maximum distance position and a home position; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor. The controller is configured to: enter a component calibration mode; output a first movement signal to the motor to cause the motor to carry the motor-driven component toward the maximum distance position; determine that the motor-driven component has reached the maximum distance position; output a second movement signal to the motor to cause the motor to carry the motor-driven component toward the home position; and determine that the motor-driven component has reached the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Simmons, Carl Brewer
  • Compressible non-fibrous adjuncts
    Patent number: 11534169
    Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Michael J. Vendely, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hardik Kabaria, Farhad Javid
  • Gas flush injector
    Patent number: 11530062
    Abstract: Packaging apparatus, such as a tray sealer, with a gas supply arrangement enabling a flushing gas to be conducted between a flushing gas outlet (26) and a flushing gas inlet (14) which are relatively moveable. The flushing gas inlet is positioned above the flushing gas outlet. The gas supply arrangement includes a barrel 15 connected to the inlet (14) and sliding in a sleeve connected to the outlet (26). In a first predetermined relative position of the flushing gas outlet and flushing gas inlet a fluid flow connection is established between the flushing gas outlet and flushing gas inlet. In a second predetermined relative position the flushing gas inlet and flushing gas outlet are disconnected and liquid may drain from the barrel 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Proseal UK Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Glazebrook
  • Actuation unit for a capping head and capping head using it
    Patent number: 11524882
    Abstract: An actuation unit for a capping head for the application of caps on containers or bottles, as well as to a capping head using such a unit, are provided. The actuation unit for a capping head for the application of caps on containers or bottles comprises at least two actuators, of which a first actuator is adapted to impart a translational displacement along a closing axis and a second actuator is adapted to impart a rotational movement about the closing axis, each actuator of the at least two actuators causing the rotation of a first shaft and a second shaft, respectively, both arranged coaxial to the closing axis, and is characterized in that the shafts of the at least two actuators are placed side by side along the axis and are mutually connected by means of at least one rotation decoupling joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: AROL S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Caffa, Marco Cipriani, Marco Forno, Diego Amerio
  • Protective packaging longitudinal heat sealer
    Patent number: 11524475
    Abstract: A protective packaging formation device is provided herein. The device includes an inflation assembly having a fluid conduit that directs fluid between overlapping plies of a polymeric web. The device also includes a driving mechanism that drives the film in a downstream direction. The device also includes a sealing mechanism that includes a thin film heater that heats the plies to create a longitudinal seal that seals the plies of film together. The driving mechanism drives the web such that the web slides across the heating assembly in a downstream direction to trap fluid between the plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Paul F. Ostwald, William J. Watts
  • Automatic filling and packaging device
    Patent number: 11518554
    Abstract: An object is to provide an automatic filling and packaging device which enhances the efficiency of packaging work and which suppresses the occurrence of defective products to achieve satisfactory yield. In an automatic filling and packaging device, a locating means, a pair of upper gusset nails, a pair of intermediate gusset nails, a pair of lower gusset nails, and a blade-equipped sealing device are formed into a unit as a unit main body, and the unit main body and the pusher member are formed to be able to freely move close to and apart from each other. In this way, as compared with a conventional automatic filling and packaging device, it is possible to reduce the total time in which one article to be packaged is filled into one packaging bag and then the opening end portion thereof is sealed, with the result that it is possible to enhance the efficiency of packaging work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ORION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroe Kawashima
  • Contoured staple pusher
    Patent number: 11517305
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly includes a channel member defining a cavity, and a staple cartridge including a cartridge body. A plurality of pushers disposed within the cartridge body, such that each pusher includes a staple supporting surface that defines a first concavity and a second concavity that are separated by a central radiused convexity. Each staple of a plurality of staples is received within one retaining slot of a plurality of retaining slots. Each staple of the plurality of staples includes a back span, wherein the shape of each staple of the plurality staples corresponds to the shape of the staple supporting surface of each of the plurality of pushers. An actuation sled can be moved within the cartridge body, into sequential engagement with the plurality of pushers to urge the plurality of staples through the plurality of retaining slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David E. Valentine, Jr., Joseph T. Eisinger
  • Staple cartridge retainer with retractable authentication key
    Patent number: 11517309
    Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. An authentication key is movably supported on the retainer between an actuation position wherein the actuation key can defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and a retracted position when the retainer is detached from the staple cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Brian D. Schings
  • Surgical instrument with lockout mechanism
    Patent number: 11517312
    Abstract: Locking assemblies for surgical clamping and cutting instruments include a locking member and a switch. A drive member may be configured to releasably engage a knife and/or a shuttle of the surgical instrument for translating the knife and/or shuttle in a distal direction through a firing stroke. The locking member is movable from a first position permitting distal translation of the drive member through the firing stroke, and a second position inhibiting distal translation of the drive member through the firing stroke. A switch, when proximally positioned, releasably engages the locking member to maintain the locking member in the first position. The switch disengages from the locking member when the switch is moved to a distal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Wixey