Patents by Inventor Joseph D. Black

Joseph D. Black 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: 11963691
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Brian D. Black, John E. Brady, Joseph Dennis, Geni M. Giannotti, Bryce L. Heitman, Timothy S. Holland, Joseph E. Hollo, Andrew Kolpitcke, Amy M. Krumm, Jason R. Lesko, Matthew C. Miller, David A. Monroe, Ion V. Nicolaescu, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, Matthew S. Schneider, Richard C. Smith, Shawn C. Snyder, Sarah A. Worthington, Monica L. Rivard, Fajian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11781603
    Abstract: In examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface; and an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface. The inner cone member and outer cone member may be selectively engaged and disengaged from another. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages the second friction surface of the outer cone member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member. The inner cone member includes at least one hole including an inlet near a front edge of the inner cone member and that extends through the inner cone member adjacent to the first friction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 11725699
    Abstract: In some examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member defining a first friction surface; an outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface; and an independent friction member positioned between the first friction surface of the inner cone member and the second friction surface of the outer cone member. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages a third friction surface of the friction member, and the second friction surface of the outer cone member engages a fourth friction surface of the friction member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member via the friction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230204080
    Abstract: In some examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member defining a first friction surface; an outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface; and an independent friction member positioned between the first friction surface of the inner cone member and the second friction surface of the outer cone member. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages a third friction surface of the friction member, and the second friction surface of the outer cone member engages a fourth friction surface of the friction member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member via the friction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230073715
    Abstract: In examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface; and an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface. The inner cone member and outer cone member may be selectively engaged and disengaged from another. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages the second friction surface of the outer cone member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member. The inner cone member includes at least one hole including an inlet near a front edge of the inner cone member and that extends through the inner cone member adjacent to the first friction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Publication number: 20230074560
    Abstract: In some examples, a cone clutch assembly includes an inner cone member rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface, and an outer cone member rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface. The inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engage and disengaged from each other. When the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages the second friction surface of the outer cone member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member. The inner surface of the inner cone member opposing the first friction surface includes at least one groove configured to receive a cooling fluid during operation of the cone clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 11466584
    Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use with a gas turbine engine includes a runner, a seal, and a compliant holder. The runner extends circumferentially about an axis and the compliant holder. The compliant holder engages the runner and is configured to support the runner radially relative to the axis. The seal extends circumferentially around the runner to block fluid flow through the seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 9611602
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first jaw section having an end, a second jaw section having an end, and a tube section. The first jaw section and the second jaw section may be connected to the tube section so that the first jaw section and the second jaw section oppose each other and pivot with respect to the tube section. The apparatus may be configured so that it can be placed in a first state wherein the end of the first jaw section contacts the end of the second jaw section. The apparatus may be configured so that it can be placed in a second state wherein the end of the second jaw section does not contact the end of the first jaw section. The first and second jaw sections may include a first and second chambers, respectively, into which fingers or a thumb are inserted to pivot the jaw sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph D. Black, Andrew J. Mistler, III
  • Patent number: 9386744
    Abstract: A plant trimming apparatus comprising a container having top and bottom end regions and a grate supported therein. A cutting blade and a fan blade are rotatably supported within the container. The fan blade is operative to create an air flow from the top end region to the bottom end region+vortex. The apparatus comprises a blade motor including a shaft, wherein the cutting blade and the fan blade are supported on the shaft. The cutting blade includes a plurality of forward or rear leaning blades that cooperate with the grate openings to cut parts off the plant. The blade has an outer ring extending between each of the plurality of blades. A lid assembly is attached to an upper rim portion of the container and supports an agitator motor that is connected to an agitator arm that is disposed within the container above the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: EASY TRIM, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Black, Michael D. Cross
  • Publication number: 20150027096
    Abstract: A plant trimming apparatus comprising a container having top and bottom end regions and a grate supported therein. A cutting blade and a fan blade are rotatably supported within the container. The fan blade is operative to create an air flow from the top end region to the bottom end region+vortex. The apparatus comprises a blade motor including a shaft, wherein the cutting blade and the fan blade are supported on the shaft. The cutting blade includes a plurality of forward or rear leaning blades that cooperate with the grate openings to cut parts off the plant. The blade has an outer ring extending between each of the plurality of blades. A lid assembly is attached to an upper rim portion of the container and supports an agitator motor that is connected to an agitator arm that is disposed within the container above the grate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Easy Trim, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Black, Michael D. Cross
  • Patent number: 8364905
    Abstract: A storage system is disclosed including storage devices configured to store data, and a logical storage volume coupled to the storage devices and configured to store a subset of the data as segments. The storage system also includes a controller including a cache and memory. The memory is configured to include records such that each record corresponds with a segment in the logical storage volume and each record includes information regarding data stored in the corresponding segment. The controller is configured to access the records in response to a cache miss of the cache to determine if requested data from the cache miss is stored and ready for access in the logical storage volume. The controller is also configured to update the subset of data stored in the segments as a function of cache misses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schultz, Chiung-Shang Wu, Rajavel Gnanapragasam, Joseph D. Black, Nhan Q. Vo
  • Publication number: 20120042132
    Abstract: A storage system is disclosed including storage devices configured to store data, and a logical storage volume coupled to the storage devices and configured to store a subset of the data as segments. The storage system also includes a controller including a cache and memory. The memory is configured to include records such that each record corresponds with a segment in the logical storage volume and each record includes information regarding data stored in the corresponding segment. The controller is configured to access the records in response to a cache miss of the cache to determine if requested data from the cache miss is stored and ready for access in the logical storage volume. The controller is also configured to update the subset of data stored in the segments as a function of cache misses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schultz, Chiung-Shang Wu, Rajavel Gnanapragasam, Joseph D. Black, Nhan Q. Vo
  • Patent number: 7976083
    Abstract: An animal waste disposal system, comprising a collection bag having an open end and a closed bottom. A waste removal tool is attached to the closed bottom of the collection bag. The waste removal tool including opposing jaws, with each jaw terminating in a blade portion. The opposing jaws are movable from an open position where the opposing jaws are separated from one another to a closed position where the blade portion of one opposing jaw is in close proximity to the blade portion the other opposing jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph D. Black, Andrew J. Mistler, III
  • Publication number: 20090315349
    Abstract: An animal waste disposal system, comprising a collection bag having an open end and a closed bottom. A waste removal tool is attached to the closed bottom of the collection bag. The waste removal tool including opposing jaws, with each jaw terminating in a blade portion. The opposing jaws are movable from an open position where the opposing jaws are separated from one another to a closed position where the blade portion of one opposing jaw is in close proximity to the blade portion the other opposing jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph D. Black, Andrew J. Mistler, III
  • Patent number: 6546588
    Abstract: A flexible body cleansing brush with angularly-adaptable head is provided having an elongated, tubular body with a rubber handle positioned at one end, and an applicator/cleansing sponge located at an opposite end. A flexible elastomeric tubular coupler flexibly adjoins a primary arm to an extension arm. The flexible elastomeric coupler allows the extension arm to move pivotally, with unlimited angular relation with respect to the primary arm. The applicator/cleansing sponge is fabricated of a polysulfone/polyurethane conjugate foam which allows the sponge to retain dimensional stability when in contact with a cleansing agent, and is also durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: 5813830
    Abstract: A carbon seal contaminant barrier system for a gas turbine engine including a lip seal for wiping the surface of a rotating seal runner, and a baffle spaced from the rotating seal runner to prevent the impingement of the contaminants on the lip seal. The lip seal and the baffle are spaced axially and cooperate to minimize the contaminants passed to a carbon sealing system. The circumferential carbon sealing ring having a plurality of passages therethrough for delivering pressurized gas adjacent the carbon sealing ring. The pressurized gas being utilized to reduce the drag on the lip seal and to reduce the migration of contaminants onto the carbon seal. The barrier system being utilized to reduce the contamination of the carbon seal and prevent the inherent leakages associated therewith and the potential contamination of the environmental system of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Allison Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Smith, Mark E. Bowman, Joseph D. Black
  • Patent number: D386381
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventors: Joseph D. Black, Harold C. McNamara