Patents Examined by Thomas M Wittenschlaeger
  • Patent number: 12384008
    Abstract: A fastening tool includes: a bit holding portion which detachably holds a driver bit and is configured to rotate in a circumferential direction of the driver bit and move in an axial direction of the driver bit; a motor configured to move the bit holding portion along the axial direction; and a control unit configured to control a position of the bit holding portion along the axial direction by the number of rotations of the motor. The control unit is configured to execute an initialization operation of setting a standby position of the bit holding portion along the axial direction, and control a position of the bit holding portion along the axial direction from the standby position by the number of rotations of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2025
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Osawa, Kazuya Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 12365499
    Abstract: A system includes a gantry having an end-of-arm tool (EOAT). The gantry can include a first linear actuator that is configured to axially move the EOAT along a first axis and second linear actuator that is configured to axially move the EOAT along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The system can further include at least one input conveyor. Each input conveyor can have a plurality of pucks that are each configured to receive a prescription container and carry the prescription container to the gantry. The system can further include at least one output conveyor that is configured to receive the prescription container from the gantry. The gantry can be configured to move the prescription containers from the plurality of pucks to the output conveyor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: McKesson Corporation
    Inventors: Cody Small, Brendan Hunt, Kevin Austria, Matthew Collegeman, Allen Sager
  • Patent number: 12343833
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned substantially within the housing, a drive mechanism supported by the housing and coupled to the motor, a battery pack electrically coupled to the motor, and an isolation system. The isolation system includes an interface member positioned substantially within the housing. The interface member receives a portion of the battery pack to electrically couple the battery pack to the motor. The isolation system also includes a plurality of isolators coupled between the housing and the interface member to isolate the battery pack from the housing during operation of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Andrew J. Weber
  • Patent number: 12330285
    Abstract: A method for indicating whether a hand-held power tool has reached a target is disclosed. The hand-held power tool includes a drive motor and the method includes (i) activating a target reached indication mode by way of a control unit, (ii) ascertaining a shutdown reason for the drive motor, and (iii) displaying the reaching of the target by way of a display unit as a function of the shutdown reason.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Hoelscher, Heiko Roehm, Simon Erbele, Tobias Herr
  • Patent number: 12330280
    Abstract: A preceding engaging portion preceding a last engaging portion has a smaller diameter or is positioned further inward than the last engaging portion. Because of this configuration, an engagement of the preceding engaging portion with respect to a last engaged portion becomes more easily disengageable in comparison to the last engaging portions. When the preceding engaging portion disengages from the last engaged portion, the driver moves downward to a standby position. Accordingly, an engagement of the engaging portions with the engaged portions can be properly corrected, such that the last engaging portion engages the last engaged portion at the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norikazu Baba, Shun Kuriki, Kazusa Fukuda, Masaya Nagao
  • Patent number: 12330279
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes an outer cylinder having a cylindrical first end and an opposite, second end, an inner cylinder positioned within the outer cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the inner cylinder, and a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a top-dead-center position and a bottom-dead-center position along a drive axis. The outer cylinder defining a longitudinal axis and a storage chamber configured to be filled with pressurized gas. The inner cylinder being in communication with the pressurized gas within the storage chamber. A frame has first end adjacent the cylindrical first end of the outer cylinder and a second end extending outward from the cylindrical first end of the outer cylinder in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The frame is integrally formed with the outer cylinder as a single piece and a nosepiece supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan C. Ward, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew J. Weber, Marcus Wechselberger, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens
  • Patent number: 12330282
    Abstract: Portable, hand held, battery operated, hydraulic tools are provided with a tool frame and one or more interchangeable working heads. When the working head is connected with the tool frame, a piston actuated by a hydraulic system within the tool frame applies force to the working head to perform a task. The tool includes a sensor for detecting the type of head connected with the tool and a mechanism for adjusting the amount of force applied to the head by the hydraulic system based on the detected head type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John David Lefavour, Daniel Paul Owens
  • Patent number: 12324581
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising an end effector including a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw, and a closure system configured to close the first jaw during a closure stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft, and a firing system operably engaged with the electric motor, wherein the firing member is configured to move through the end effector during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a first rotatable member configured to selectively synchronize the motion of the firing system with the motion of the articulation system and a second rotatable member operably engageable with the articulation system, wherein the closure system is configured to stop the rotation of the second rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 12325546
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a packaging box (8) including the steps of: a) determining minimal packaging box dimensions based on outer dimensions of one or more merchandise articles (19) to be packaged into the packaging box; b) digitally printing an image according to the minimal packaging box dimensions on packaging material (1), such as corrugated card board; and c) cutting and creasing the packaging box from the packaging material according to the minimal packaging box dimensions. A manufacturing line for packaging boxes of different dimensions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: Agfa NV
    Inventors: Johan Van Hunsel, Eddy DeDobbeleer
  • Patent number: 12325112
    Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, an impulse assembly coupled to the motor to receive torque therefrom, the impulse assembly including 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 and engageable with the anvil for transferring rotational impacts to the anvil, the hammer including a through hole, and a valve configured to control flow of the hydraulic fluid through the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hugh A. Dales, Michael A. Verhagen, Troy C. Thorson, Jacob R. Seifert
  • Patent number: 12318904
    Abstract: An outdoor tool includes a powerhead unit and an attachment unit. The powerhead unit includes a motor, a housing assembly housing the motor and including a handle portion, and a first shaft segment supported within the housing assembly and extending along a shaft axis to a first connecting portion. The powerhead unit also includes a first driveshaft segment coupled to the motor and extending within the first shaft segment, a switch supported within the handle portion and operable to activate the motor, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes a trigger configured to selectively actuate the switch, a first lock-off member, and a second lock-off member. The attachment unit is selectively couplable to and powered by the powerhead unit. The attachment unit includes an operational unit configured to be driven by the motor, a second shaft segment, and a second connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Shane McCue, John L. Whealon, Kyle D. Korn
  • Patent number: 12319025
    Abstract: A system includes a supply of an inflatable web (100) and a nozzle (240). The inflatable web includes chambers (116), an inflation channel (112), and cross seals (114) between the inflation channel and the chambers. The inflatable web also includes ports (124) that pass through the cross seals to permit gas to pass from the inflation channel to the chambers. The nozzle has an outlet (242) configured to insert gas into the inflation channel as the inflatable web is moved in a downstream direction. The system is configured to feed the inflatable web along a path from the supply and past the nozzle in the downstream direction. The system is configured to hold the supply of the inflatable web with respect to the nozzle such that the cross seals contact the nozzle and rides along a portion of the nozzle as the inflatable web is moved in the downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Christian Theodore Lomascolo, Ricky D. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 12319451
    Abstract: A system for end-folding a wrapping onto a stack of bags includes a folding machine having a first folding station and a second folding station. The first folding station configured to receive the stack of bags with the wrapping partially covering the stack of bags and defining wrapping flaps, and is further configured to end-fold one or more of the wrapping flaps of the wrapping onto the stack of bags while leaving other flaps unfolded. The second folding station is downstream from the first folding station is configured to receive the stack of bags from the first folding station and further end-fold unfolded wrapping flaps of the wrapping onto the stack of bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: H.G. Weber and Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Christel, Ben Davidson, Pat Kiel, Ryan Thiem
  • Patent number: 12319461
    Abstract: A roll-packing machine (100) is provided with a belt drive mechanism having a closed-loop belt (110). Further, the roll-packing machine (100) is provided with a feed mechanism (130, 140) configured to feed a mattress (10) to the belt (110). The belt drive mechanism is configured to form an inner loop (115) of the belt, to receive the mattress (10) in the inner loop (115), and to roll the mattress (10) by advancing the belt (110) while the mattress (10) is received in the inner loop (115). The inner loop (115) of the belt may thus act as a rolling chamber for the mattress (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: L&P Swiss Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Stjepan Vadlja, Stjepan Kranjcec, Dinko Ursic
  • Patent number: 12319456
    Abstract: A film gripping and releasing device for pallet wrapping machines of the type with a turntable and a fixed frame, comprises a gripper and movement means for the gripper on board the table, and a movable contact element constrained to the frame. The movable contact element can go from a retracted home position to an operating position projecting from the frame, and vice versa. When the contact element projects from the frame interacts with the movement means for the gripper in such a way as to shift the gripper along a guide, on which are arranged opening means and closing means for the gripper which are suitable for making the gripper go from a closed position in which it clamps the film to an open position in which it releases the film, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: C&C GROUP S.R.L.
    Inventor: Claudio Casadei
  • Patent number: 12312114
    Abstract: A device for automated packaging of articles, comprising a conveyor for feeding and transporting into the device a blank of corrugated cardboard, a pair of crease wheels for creating two longitudinal crease lines in the blank, a transversal blade or score applicator for successively creating four transversal crease lines in the blank as the blank is transported into the device, and opposite pressing members such as jaws of a press and/or pressing rollers, arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line of the device, whose lateral position is adjustable for their ends or tips to match the two longitudinal crease lines, and activated in a timely manner as the blank is transported into the device to crush the corrugated cardboard in the top, middle and bottom corners of the blank in order to make it easily foldable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: QUADIENT TECHNOLOGIES FRANCE
    Inventor: Laurent Farlotti
  • Patent number: 12297855
    Abstract: Systems and methods can include stretching a stud of a hammer assembly by tightening, according to a preset amount, a plurality of fasteners, which can extend from a first end surface and/or a second end surface of a first nut threadedly coupled to the stud, against an upper surface of a body of the hammer assembly. The fasteners and the first nut can provide a clamping load for the stud upon completion of the tightening. The systems and methods can also include, after the stretching, tightening a second nut, which can be threadedly connected to the stud, toward a seat formed in the body of the hammer assembly; and further tightening the second nut, against the seat. The systems and methods can further include transferring the clamping load from the fasteners and first nut to the second nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Cody Moore
  • Patent number: 12290908
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, and a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a top-dead-center (TDC) position and a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position. The driver blade including a body and a plurality of teeth extending therefrom. A lifter is operable to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter including a plurality of lugs engageable with the teeth of the driver blade when moving the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The body of the driver blade has a first thickness and at least a first of the teeth has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness and the first tooth has a stepped configuration relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan C. Ward, Jacob N. Zimmerman, Andrew J. Weber, Marcus Wechselberger, Leonard F. Mikat-Stevens
  • Patent number: 12286253
    Abstract: Method of grouping a plurality of objects to be handled includes positioning the objects on a support surface and wrapping the objects and support surface with a tape of non-creped paper material. The tape having an extensibility of at least 6% in the longitudinal direction and 6% in the transverse direction and is maintained before or during the winding of the tape in a state of tension which causes it to extend to a lesser extent than its maximum extensibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Inventor: Giorgio Trani
  • Patent number: 12280461
    Abstract: An electric device in the shape of a machine tool or an energy storage module for the electric power supply of a machine tool. The electric device has a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with an external communication apparatus, which forms part of a vacuum cleaner provided to suction dust generated by the machine tool and with the wireless communication interface being designed to send at least one control command to control the vacuum cleaner as a function of a switching status of the switching element to the external communication apparatus via a wireless control connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Festool GmbH
    Inventor: Moritz Caspar