Patents by Inventor Andrew L. Johnston

Andrew L. Johnston has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7958806
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a safety system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of the dangerous condition. At least part of the safety system is housed in a removable cartridge substantially sealed against entry of sawdust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7908950
    Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: SD3
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7909836
    Abstract: A single trigger system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Neotract, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt McLean, Floria Cheng, Daniel Merrick, Mitchell C. Barham, Andrew L. Johnston, Joseph Catanese, III, Theodore C. Lamson, Joshua Makower
  • Publication number: 20110061768
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Joel F. Jensen, Anwyl M. McDonald, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110054493
    Abstract: A single trigger system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: NEOTRACT, INC.
    Inventors: Matt McLean, Floria Cheng, Daniel Merrick, Mitchell C. Barham, Andrew L. Johnston, Joseph Catanese, III, Theodore C. Lamson, Joshua Makower
  • Patent number: 7788999
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Joel F. Jensen, Anwyl M. McDonald, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20100192741
    Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Publication number: 20100132523
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a safety system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of the dangerous condition. At least part of the safety system is housed in a removable cartridge substantially sealed against entry of sawdust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20100030262
    Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: NEOTRACT, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew McLean, Mitchell C. Barham, Michael Wei, Floria Cheng, Andrew L. Johnston, Michael Gearhart, Joseph Catanese, III, Theodore C. Lamson, Joshua Makower
  • Patent number: 7640837
    Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7610836
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a safety system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool, and to stop movement of the cutting tool upon detection of the dangerous condition. At least part of the safety system is housed in a removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7509899
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having movable cutting tools for cutting workpieces in a cutting region. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tools, and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system is configured to retract the cutting tool at least partially away from the cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, David S. D'Ascenzo, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20090018553
    Abstract: A single trigger system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: NEOTRACT, INC.
    Inventors: Matt McLean, Floria Cheng, Daniel Merrick, Mitchell C. Barham, Andrew L. Johnston, Joseph Catanese, III, Theodore C. Lamson, Joshua Makower
  • Publication number: 20080184858
    Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7350444
    Abstract: A table saw having an adjustable blade, a detection system to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a brake mechanism to engage and stop the blade upon detection of contact between the person and the blade is disclosed. The saw includes a brake positioning system that adjusts the position of the brake mechanism to maintain the brake mechanism in an operative position relative to the blade as the position of the blade is adjusted. The saw also may include a retraction system that urges the blade downward, away from a user, upon detection of contact between a person and the blade. The retraction system may include a releasable gear. The saw may be constructed so that the blade is adjustable up and down around a pivot point downstream of the blade relative to the feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, Andrew L. Johnston, David S. D'Ascenzo
  • Patent number: 7100483
    Abstract: Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and firing subsystems used in high-speed safety systems, are disclosed. The cutting machines may include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a cutting tool and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action, such as stopping the cutting tool, upon detection of the dangerous condition. A fusible member or explosive may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action. A firing subsystem may be used to fuse the fusible member or fire the explosive upon detection of the dangerous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Andrew L. Johnston, Joel F. Jensen, Sung H. Kim, David A. Fanning, Robert L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 7024975
    Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having cutting tools adapted to cut workpieces. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tool. The machines also include a brake mechanism having one or more braking components adapted to engage and stop the cutting tool in response to the detection of a dangerous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Joel F. Jensen, Anwyl M. McDonald, David S. D'Ascenzo, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6997090
    Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, J. David Fulmer, David S. D'Ascenzo, Jonathan N. Betts-LaCroix, Robert L. Chamberlain, Joel F. Jensen, Andrew L. Johnston, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald, Benjamin B. Schramm
  • Patent number: 6857345
    Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, Andrew L. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20040163514
    Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning, J. David Fulmer, David S. D'Ascenzo, Jonathan N. Betts-LaCroix, Robert L. Chamberlain, Joel F. Jensen, Andrew L. Johnston, Sung H. Kim, Anwyl M. McDonald, Benjamin B. Schramm