Patents Examined by Thomas M Wittenschlaeger
  • Direct to container system with on-line weight control and associated method
    Patent number: 11655059
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a predetermined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: James D. Evans, Herbert Cary Longest, Tamika S. Murrell, Robert V. Powell, Jr., Jeremy Straight, Jarrod W. Chalkley
  • Bag-making and packaging apparatus
    Patent number: 11649083
    Abstract: A bag-making and packaging apparatus includes a bag-making and packaging unit, a film feeding unit, a splicing device, and a control unit. The control unit allows a bag-making operation to continue by utilizing an auto-feeding function that feeds to the bag-making and packaging unit a film F spliced by the splicing device to take the place of a film F currently being fed to the bag-making and packaging unit. When the control unit judges that at least one of the film feeding unit and the splicing device is malfunctioning in a case where the control unit is utilizing the auto-feeding function, the control unit stops the auto-feeding function and executes a non-auto-feeding mode. The non-auto-feeding mode allows the bag-making operation to be continued by the bag-making and packaging unit and a film roll holding unit that is operable among plural film roll holding units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Yuchuan Tong, Masayuki Yamane, Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Electric handheld working machine
    Patent number: 11648656
    Abstract: An electric handheld working machine includes: a housing including: a motor as a drive source of a working unit; an operating handle; and attaching members provided on an outer surface of the housing and configured to attach a battery to supply electric power to the motor. The attaching members includes: a connecting terminal connected to the battery; a step provided above the connecting terminal and configured to function as a drainage path to drain drops of water to sides; and openings formed in the sides of the attaching members to communicate with the drainage path. The openings communicate with a cooling air flow path configured to allow cooing air to flow through a gap between a back surface of the battery attached to the attaching members and the outer surface between the attaching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: YAMABIKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kunio Shimizu
  • Driving tool
    Patent number: 11648653
    Abstract: When a driving piston starts moving upward toward its top dead center or starts moving downward, a second engaging portion engageable with a second rack of a driver is configured to receive a force. The second engaging portion of a second wheel is provided with high strength and wear resistance. Because of this configuration, a cost of production and maintenance replacement parts can be reduced, in comparison with a case where a total mechanism, including first engaging portions of a first wheel, is provided with high strength and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norikazu Baba
  • Surgical stapling apparatus with tissue pockets
    Patent number: 11642126
    Abstract: An end effector includes a cartridge assembly having a first tissue contact surface, an anvil assembly having a second tissue contact surface, and one or more tissue pockets defined in one of the first or second tissue contact surfaces. The anvil and the cartridge assemblies are moveable between an open position and a closed position to selectively clamp tissue between the first and second tissue contact surfaces. Each tissue pocket is configured to capture tissue therein while the anvil and the cartridge assemblies are disposed in the closed position. Each tissue pocket is configured to prevent the tissue from migrating away from the first and second tissue contact surfaces while the tissue is clamped between the first and second tissue contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: John Beardsley
  • Box erecting method and system
    Patent number: 11642864
    Abstract: A method for producing boxes and a method for erecting a box from a box template (3), a box erecting system and a box production system, wherein said method for erecting boxes comprises the steps of: folding (S1) two first bottom flaps (28) and two second bottom flaps (29) of the box template (3), which first and second bottom flaps (28, 29) will constitute a bottom of the box when it is erected and which two first bottom flaps (28) are opposing each other and which two second bottom flaps (29) are opposing each other in the box when it is erected; attaching (S2) the box template (3) to a frame (5); rotating (S3) the frame (5) for wrapping the box template (3) around the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: PACKSIZE LLC
    Inventors: Niklas Pettersson, Johan Blomberg
  • Percussion boring device and method for reversing a percussion boring device
    Patent number: 11634949
    Abstract: A percussion boring device comprising a casing, a guide tube fixed to the casing, and a control bushing axially displaceable on the guide tube. An impact piston of the device is axially displaceable on the control bushing and configured to be actuated in a reciprocating manner within the casing such that in a first switching position the impact piston strikes a front impact surface to actuate the percussion boring device in a first movement direction, and in a second switching position a rear impact surface to actuate the percussion boring device in a second movement direction. A pressure increasing means is provided and configured to generate a pressure for reversing the percussion bore device, wherein the generated pressure is higher than a pressure for moving the impact piston. The guide tube and the control bushing are configured to reverse movement directions of the impact piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Völkel, Gerhard Balve
  • Vibration reducing structure of pneumatic hammer
    Patent number: 11628550
    Abstract: A vibration reducing structure of pneumatic hammer includes a handle having a concave room with a bottom wall and an air inlet channel communicating with the concave room. A control valve is disposed in the air inlet channel. A movable inner tube shell is accommodated in an outer tube shell coupled with the concave room and extends a rear bucket portion into the concave room. A movable hammer member, an air inlet valve for activating the hammer member and a hole communicating the air inlet channel to the air inlet valve are disposed in the inner tube shell. An air room is formed between the bottom wall and an end wall of the inner tube shell. A communicating channel communicates the air inlet channel to the air room for air with high pressure entering the air room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: STORM PNEUMATIC TOOL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yung Yung Sun
  • Adjustable bagging tunnel
    Patent number: 11628962
    Abstract: An adjustable tunnel for a bagging machine that enables a variety of bag sizes to be fitted to the tunnel is disclosed. The adjustable tunnel has a height adjustable overhead panel, an adjustable width base, a first and second side panel, a first and second intermediate panel, and a surface tensioning assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SRC Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Methods and a machine for forming a shelf-ready shipper display system
    Patent number: 11628643
    Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank includes a mandrel mounted to a frame. The mandrel includes a first side, an opposite second side, and an external shape complementary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the container. The machine also includes a first presser arm, a folding arm, and a second presser arm each coupled to the frame. The first presser arm is positionable generally proximate the first side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a first portion of the blank about the mandrel. The folding arm is positionable at least generally proximate the second side of the mandrel and is configured to wrap a second portion of the blank about the mandrel. The second presser arm is disposed generally proximate the first presser arm and is configured to wrap a third portion of the blank about the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Couture, Craig W. Buscema, Thomas D. Graham, Robert Bradley Teany, Amer Aganovic
  • Liquid detection vacuum
    Patent number: 11628964
    Abstract: An appliance is provided that is able to vacuum and heat seal plastic bag members containing liquids such as sauces and soups. The appliance may take on a uniquely shaped profile to allow the liquid to sit upright within a bag during the vacuuming process. The appliance also preferably includes a pressure sensor to constantly monitor pressure inside of the bag during the vacuum and sealing process. This may help to prevent liquid from being sucked up and into the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Owens, Chan Wing Cheuk, Poon Chi Kwong
  • Container forming machine having a blank stacker assembly
    Patent number: 11623422
    Abstract: A paperboard blank stacker assembly for supplying a stack of paperboard blanks to a container forming machine includes a stacker. The stacker has multiple blank stops arranged to hold a peripheral edge of a bottom blank of the stack of paperboard blanks, with the multiple blank stops defining an interior region. A blank carrier has at least one suction device moveable into a grasp position, where the suction device applies a suction force to the bottom blank, and a removal position, where the suction device is moved to remove the bottom blank from the stack of paperboard blanks by pulling the bottom blank through the interior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Dart Container Corporation
    Inventor: Luis Enrique Altamirano Paez
  • Power tool having a hammer mechanism and a cooling fan
    Patent number: 11623333
    Abstract: A power tool includes a hammer mechanism, a brushless motor and a cooling fan. The brushless motor includes a rotary member having a motor shaft operably coupled to the hammer mechanism for linearly driving a tool accessory. The cooling fan has a first blade part and is configured to be rotated by the rotary member. The cooling fan includes a polymer portion, which forms at least a portion of the first blade part, and a metal portion disposed in or on the polymer portion. When viewed in a direction parallel to a rotational axis of the cooling fan, the metal member at least partially overlaps the first blade part in a radial direction of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Furusawa, Hajime Takeuchi, Yoji Inoue
  • Motor-driven surgical cutting instrument
    Patent number: 11617576
    Abstract: A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Brett E. Swensgard, Ryan J. Laurent
  • Apparatus for making a multiplicity of packages
    Patent number: 11618598
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a multiplicity of packages including a feeding station, a separation station which is arranged downstream of the feeding station, a single feeding track which carries at least one multiplicity of multiple sheets from the feeding station to the separation station, at least two exit tracks which are arranged downstream of the separation station. Each multiple sheet of the multiplicity of multiple sheets includes at least two portions of sheet lying on a same geometric plane. Each portion of sheet is a single sheet of the package in a flat configuration. Each package of the multiplicity of packages includes at least one product and the single sheet of the package adapted to pass from a flat configuration to a configuration coupled with the at least one product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: OCME S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Domenichini
  • Surgical reloadable cartridge assembly
    Patent number: 11617582
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. An example apparatus includes a lock slider and a blade lock configured to actuate radially between a first position that locks a blade in a secure position and a second position that allows the blade to move longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Lexington Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Marecki, Otto Briner, Leon Amariglio
  • Safety structure used in the anti-auto-firing device of electric nail guns
    Patent number: 11618146
    Abstract: A safety structure used in the anti-auto-firing device of electric nail guns, including a base cover and an anti-auto-firing device. The anti-auto-firing device comprises a safety rack, an adjusting-connecting device, an on-off lever, an inching switch and a return spring. A safety device is fitted over the on-off lever. The safety device comprises a retaining ring, a bearing elastic piece and a locating spacer. A support plate is disposed in the base cover. The support plate is provided with a lever slot, the retaining ring is fixed to the on-off lever. Both ends of bearing elastic piece prop the retaining ring and locating spacer respectively. The locating spacer props the side of support plate. The bearing elastic piece has elastic force keeping the end of on-off lever away from the inching switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Zhejiang Rongpeng Air Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaorong Li, Xiaopeng Li, Zhonghua Jiang
  • Reciprocating impact hammer
    Patent number: 11613869
    Abstract: An impact hammer for breaking a working surface, the hammer including a drive mechanism and a housing with an inner containment surface and a reciprocating hammer weight. A reciprocation cycle of the hammer weight includes an upstroke and a down-stroke, the hammer weight respectively moving upwards and downwards. On the down-stroke the hammer weight impacts a striker pin with a driven end and a working surface impact end. A vacuum chamber in the housing is formed by the containment surface, upper vacuum sealing coupled to the hammer weight and lower vacuum sealing. The hammer weight is driven toward the striker pin by the pressure differential between atmosphere and the vacuum chamber formed on the upstroke. A down-stroke vent permits fluid egress from the vacuum chamber on the down-stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Terminator IP Limited
    Inventor: Angus Robson
  • Bulk feeding apparatus and filling machine and method
    Patent number: 11613389
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers with items includes an item conveyor, and a bulk feeder for feeding items onto the item conveyor. The bulk feeder includes a hopper and a feed assembly, where the feed assembly includes an item collecting compartment for collecting items from the hopper. A pusher is movable through the collecting compartment to push items in the collecting compartment onto the item conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Blue Sky Ventures (Ontario) Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Lebel, Simon Lajoie
  • Apparatus for the provision of packaging material
    Patent number: 11607859
    Abstract: An apparatus for the provision of packaging material includes a forming unit for producing a cushion or tubular-like packaging material from a paper strip and for ejecting the packaging material. A feeding unit draws in the paper strip from a Leporello stack-shaped paper strip supply having two feed rollers opposing each other for driving the paper strip and a motor for operating the feed rollers. A preforming station is positioned upstream the feed unit in paper feed direction for transverse compression of the paper strip. A guiding unit is positioned upstream the preforming station in paper feed direction for aligning the paper strip for the preforming station and a frame, on which the preforming station is pivotably supported between a working position and a loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier- und Wellpappenwerke & Co.
    Inventor: Bastian Schalk