Patents by Inventor Craig Billman

Craig Billman 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: 11291551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Paul W. Millhouse, Edward Karpowicz, Matthew Hansell, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman
  • Patent number: 11051664
    Abstract: A dispenser for sheet products includes a housing having a space inside for accommodating a stack of sheet products, wherein the housing includes a dispensing opening for dispensing a sheet product from the front of the stack, an electronic controller configured to receive a pull-out signal indicating the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and, upon receiving said pull-out signal, to send out a drive signal to transfer a number of sheet products from the front of the stack into a presentation position, and a pull-out detector for detecting the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and for providing the pull-out signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Boris Allan Elfstrom, Jason Zerweck, Rui Zhang, Kevin Murphy
  • Patent number: 10869766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Paul W. Millhouse, Edward Karpowicz, Matthew Hansell, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman
  • Patent number: 10602890
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet products includes a housing configured to accommodate a stack of the sheet products and defines a dispensing opening, the housing having a housing body and a cover movably attached to the housing body so that the cover can be moved between an open refilling position and a closed use position, a support plate reciprocally movable within the housing body and having a support surface for supporting the stack of sheet products at one of opposite faces of the stack, a stop movable between an active position in which the stop cooperates with the support plate limiting the movability of the support plate within the housing in one direction and an inactive position, and a link movably mounted in the housing body and cooperating with the cover and the stop to move the stop into the active position upon moving the cover into the open refilling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Eric Kemner, Jason Zerweck, Rui Zhang, Kevin Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190350417
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet products includes a housing configured to accommodate a stack of the sheet products and defines a dispensing opening, the housing having a housing body and a cover movably attached to the housing body so that the cover can be moved between an open refilling position and a closed use position, a support plate reciprocally movable within the housing body and having a support surface for supporting the stack of sheet products at one of opposite faces of the stack, a stop movable between an active position in which the stop cooperates with the support plate limiting the movability of the support plate within the housing in one direction and an inactive position, and a link movably mounted in the housing body and cooperating with the cover and the stop to move the stop into the active position upon moving the cover into the open refilling position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Eric Kemner, Jason Zerweck, Rui Zhang, Kevin Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190343344
    Abstract: A dispenser for sheet products includes a housing having a space inside for accommodating a stack of sheet products, wherein the housing includes a dispensing opening for dispensing a sheet product from the front of the stack, an electronic controller configured to receive a pull-out signal indicating the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and, upon receiving said pull-out signal, to send out a drive signal to transfer a number of sheet products from the front of the stack into a presentation position, and a pull-out detector for detecting the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and for providing the pull-out signal to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Boris Allan Elfstrom, Jason Zerweck, Rui Zhang, Kevin Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190167438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Paul W. Millhouse, Edward Karpowicz, Matthew Hansell, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman
  • Patent number: 9499369
    Abstract: A braking assembly used in a dispenser that dispenses a continuous supply of material such as paper. The braking assembly includes a support structure. A first fixed gear is rotatably connected to the support structure. A movable chassis is also connected to the support structure. A second movable gear is held by the chassis and moves with the chassis. Teeth of the first gear and teeth of the second gear intermesh with each other and allow the paper to pass therethrough. The chassis maintains the teeth of the first and second gears in contact with each other while enabling a distance between gears to be adjustable. The assembly further includes a braking mechanism that varies an amount of force required to rotate the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SCA TISSUE NORTH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Jeffrey J. Brickl, Wayne Hansen, Edward A. Raleigh, Rodney Wilson, John W. Grosz
  • Patent number: 9393128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and a gear member. The gear member may be axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member may threadedly engage a threaded portion of the inner member to translate the inner member. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Edward Karpowicz, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman, Paul Millhouse, Matthew Hansell
  • Patent number: 9370284
    Abstract: A retention mechanism in a dispenser for retaining an exchangeable roll of material, the retention mechanism includes a housing including a front wall. An insertion slot for a bearing pin of an end plug of the exchangeable roll extends along the front wall. A cam lock is arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable in a plane which is parallel to the front wall and to the direction of extension of the insertion slot. The cam lock includes a retaining member which is movable between an open position and a locked position by rotating the cam lock. When the retaining member is in the open position, the bearing pin can be inserted into the insertion slot, and when the retaining member is in the closed position, the bearing pin is retained in a locking section of the insertion slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Per Moller, Martin Bonnevier, Joonas Jokitalo, Oskari Jokitalo, Craig Billman, Erik Hjort
  • Patent number: 9326647
    Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet material from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll holder for rotatably supporting said roll, and a roll fill level indicator arrangement. The roll fill level indicator arrangement includes a pivoting arm and a moveable first indicator device. The pivoting arm includes roll engagement device for engagement with an outer peripheral surface of said roll. A position of said first indicator device is continuously responsive to an angular position of said pivoting arm, such that said roll fill level indicator arrangement is able to provide a gradual roll fill level indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Björn Larson, Craig Billman, John S. Formon, Erik Hjort, Per Möller
  • Publication number: 20160051370
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Paul W. Millhouse, Edward Karpowicz, Matthew Hansell, Willam Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman
  • Publication number: 20150209154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and a gear member. The gear member may be axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member may threadedly engage a threaded portion of the inner member to translate the inner member. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Edward Karpowicz, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman, Paul Millhouse, Matthew Hansell
  • Patent number: 9023108
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Edward Karpowicz, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman, Paul Millhouse, Matthew Hansell
  • Publication number: 20150097068
    Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet material from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll holder for rotatably supporting said roll, and a roll fill level indicator arrangement. The roll fill level indicator arrangement includes a pivoting arm and a moveable first indicator device. The pivoting arm includes roll engagement device for engagement with an outer peripheral surface of said roll. A position of said first indicator device is continuously responsive to an angular position of said pivoting arm, such that said roll fill level indicator arrangement is able to provide a gradual roll fill level indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Björn Larson, Craig Billman, John S. Formon, Erik Hjort, Per Möller
  • Publication number: 20140081402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Edward Karpowicz, William Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael Lee Boyer, II, Craig Billman, Paul Millhouse, Matthew Hansell
  • Publication number: 20140061355
    Abstract: A braking assembly used in a dispenser that dispenses a continuous supply of material such as paper. The braking assembly includes a support structure. A first fixed gear is rotatably connected to the support structure. A movable chassis is also connected to the support structure. A second movable gear is held by the chassis and moves with the chassis. Teeth of the first gear and teeth of the second gear intermesh with each other and allow the paper to pass therethrough. The chassis maintains the teeth of the first and second gears in contact with each other while enabling a distance between gears to be adjustable. The assembly further includes a braking mechanism that varies an amount of force required to rotate the gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SCA TISSUE NORTH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Jeffrey J. Brickl, Wayne Hansen, Edward A. Raleigh, Rodney Wilson, John W. Grosz
  • Patent number: 8616486
    Abstract: A braking assembly used in a dispenser that dispenses a continuous supply of material such as paper. The braking assembly includes a support structure. A first fixed gear is rotatably connected to the support structure. A movable chassis is also connected to the support structure. A second movable gear is held by the chassis and moves with the chassis. Teeth of the first gear and teeth of the second gear intermesh with each other and allow the paper to pass therethrough. The chassis maintains the teeth of the first and second gears in contact with each other while enabling a distance between gears to be adjustable. The assembly further includes a braking mechanism that varies an amount of force required to rotate the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Tissue North America LLC
    Inventors: Craig Billman, Jeffrey J. Brickl, Wayne Hansen, Edward A. Raleigh, Rodney Wilson, John W. Grosz
  • Patent number: 8590738
    Abstract: A dispensing system that removes individual napkins from a stack of interfolded napkins in a manner that allows the number of napkins dispensed to be easily counted and controlled so that an appropriate number of napkins are dispensed. The counted napkins are collected in an easily manageable form and presented to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Tissue North America LLC
    Inventors: John S. Formon, Craig Billman, Jeffrey J. Brickl, John W. Grosz, Wayne Hansen, Matthew T. Woerpel, Edward A. Raleigh
  • Patent number: 8337559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, William S Rhoda, Andrew Lee, Michael L. Boyer, II, Paul W. Millhouse, Edward Karpowicz, Matthew Hansell, Craig Billman