Patents by Inventor Gregory P. Shelton

Gregory P. Shelton 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: 11925350
    Abstract: A method of operating a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing the surgical stapling device from operating. The method comprises contacting a first authentication key protruding from a surgical staple cartridge in actuation contact with the lockout in the surgical stapling device to move the lockout into an intermediate position, contacting a second authentication key protruding from the surgical stapling cartridge distal to the first authentication key into other actuation contact with the lockout in the surgical stapling device to move the lockout from the intermediate position into an unlocked position, and operating the surgical stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bakos, Chad P. Boudreaux, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Richard W. Timm
  • Publication number: 20030230211
    Abstract: A single break shell has an elongated body provided with a convexly rounded upper end, a convexly rounded bottom end, and a midportion disposed between the two rounded ends. In a preferred embodiment, the shell is ellipsoidal in shape with the opposite ends having radius of curvature that are identical to one another. Other embodiments include variations on the basic elongated, rounded configuration. The shell is useful in both a self-propelled aerial pyrotechnic device in which the engine travels along with the shell, and an explosive lift charge type device in which the lift charge propels only the shell out of the launch tube after detaching from the lift charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory P. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6508178
    Abstract: The product includes a self-propelled aerial pyrotechnic device and an upright launch tube for the device. The device is closely confined within the launch tube so as to be maintained in an essentially truly vertical orientation in preparation for launch. The device itself comprises a body containing pyrotechnic display material and an engine that serves to propel the body when ignited. A stabilizing base, preferably integrally molded from synthetic resinous material, is attached to the lower end of the body and is in the nature of a framework having a plurality of symmetrically disposed, long legs interconnected at various locations by strut structure. The engine is received within a socket at the upper end of the stabilizing base and is adhered to interior surfaces of the legs to provide a secure connection between the body and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory P. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20020083861
    Abstract: The product includes a self-propelled aerial pyrotechnic device and an upright launch tube for the device. The device is closely confined within the launch tube so as to be maintained in an essentially truly vertical orientation in preparation for launch. The device itself comprises a body containing pyrotechnic display material and an engine that serves to propel the body when ignited. A stabilizing base, preferably integrally molded from synthetic resinous material, is attached to the lower end of the body and is in the nature of a framework having a plurality of symmetrically disposed, long legs interconnected at various locations by strut structure. The engine is received within a socket at the upper end of the stabilizing base and is adhered to interior surfaces of the legs to provide a secure connection between the body and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory P. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6412418
    Abstract: The product includes an upright launch tube adapted to be self-supporting on a horizontal surface and a self-propelled aerial pyrotechnic device adapted to be received within a fairly closely confined relationship within the tube in preparation for launch. In its preferred form, the tube is slightly taller than the aerial device so that the aerial device is fully received within and surrounded by the side wall of the tube in the launch mode, except for a long fuse leading to the engine of the device and hanging out over the open upper edge of the tube. Except for a tapered nose cone, the device is substantially the same cross-sectional width along its entire length, including the lower regions thereof which are occupied by a plurality of stabilizing legs that support the device in an upright condition within the tube and balance the device during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory P. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6386112
    Abstract: An aerial fireworks product has an exploding part that produces desired sights and sounds upon reaching an appropriate height above the ground, and a non-exploding part that returns to earth following the explosion. An air brake as part of the device is integrated into the structure in such a manner that it provides little or no in-flight drag during launching of the device. However, upon explosion, the brake bursts out into petals or flaps that remain secured to the non-exploding part so as to create additional air drag to retard the descent of the non-exploding part. In its preferred form, the brake is in the nature of a paper collar secured to the stabilizing base of the product yet positioned in close proximity to the exploding part so as to burst into the air drag-creating configuration upon denotation of the exploding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory P. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6325689
    Abstract: The pyrotechnic entertainment product has an upright spindle that may be pushed into the ground for support until a coil in the spindle engages the top surface of the ground. The image of an upright dancing bull or other creature is secured to the spindle intermediate its opposite ends and is poised as if he were performing the steps of a Mexican hat dance. A pyrotechnic pinwheel resembling a sombrero is rotatably carried on the upper end of the spindle slightly above the head of the bull. When the pinwheel is ignited, it propels itself about the spindle like a spinning sombrero while emitting a colorful plume of sparks reminiscent of the energy, color, and excitement of the traditional Mexican hat dance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory P. Shelton, Robert J. Garringer