Patents by Inventor Laurent Torriani

Laurent Torriani 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: 11919248
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: IKEA Supply AG, WoodWelding SA
    Inventors: Muthumariappan Sankaran, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
  • Patent number: 11911972
    Abstract: A method of mechanically securing a first object including a thermoplastic material in a solid state to a second object with a generally flat sheet portion, with a perforation of the sheet portion, and with the sheet portion having an edge along the perforation is provided, wherein the first object is positioned relative to the second object so that the edge is in contact with the thermoplastic material and wherein mechanical vibration energy is coupled into the assembly including the first and second objects until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material due to friction heat generated between the edge and the thermoplastic material becomes flowable and flows around the edge to at least partially embed the edge in the thermoplastic material. After the mechanical vibration stops, the thermoplastic material is caused to re-solidify, whereby the re-solidified thermoplastic material at least partially embedding the edge anchors the first object in the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Joakim Kvist, Philipp Bernhard, Laurent Torriani, Mario Weiss, Antonino Lanci, Martin Sigrist, Hannes Merz, Samuel Malzach
  • Patent number: 11904551
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a lightweight building element having a first building layer and an interlining layer distally of the first building layer, and possibly a second building layer distally of the interlining layer. For anchoring, the distal end of a connector element is inserted into a mounting hole in the lightweight building element, and also a sleeve including a thermoplastic material is inserted into the mounting hole, the sleeve enclosing the connector element. Then, a distally facing liquefaction face of the sleeve is caused to be in contact with a proximally facing support face of the connector element. Energy impinges to liquefy at least a flow portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve, and the liquefaction face is pressed against the support face to cause at least a fraction of the flow portion to flow radially outward. After the flow portion has re-solidified, it anchors the connector element in the receiving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani, Muthumariappan Sankaran, Joakim Kvist
  • Publication number: 20240041179
    Abstract: A cosmetic item including a reservoir adapted to contain a cosmetic product such as a mascara. A guide tube extends according to a longitudinal direction in the reservoir, and an applicator is mounted in longitudinal translation in the guide tube. The applicator can take on a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the guide tube. The guide tube has a constant inner cross-section, and the applicator has a constant and identical cross-section, except for a functional clearance. The applicator includes a smooth longitudinal first portion and a second portion including a surface suitable adapted to retain the cosmetic product. The cosmetic item according to the invention is aesthetic and simple to use, it protects the cosmetic product from air and enables an accurate metering of the delivered product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE
    Inventors: Nicolas CASTEX, Laurent TORRIANI, Antoine BONADEI, Carole CHAPELAT
  • Publication number: 20230321922
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a lightweight building element having a first building layer and an interlining layer distally of the first building layer, and possibly a second building layer distally of the interlining layer. For anchoring, the distal end of a connector element is inserted into a mounting hole in the lightweight building element, and also a sleeve including a thermoplastic material is inserted into the mounting hole, the sleeve enclosing the connector element. Then, a distally facing liquefaction face of the sleeve is caused to be in contact with a proximally facing support face of the connector element. Energy impinges to liquefy at least a flow portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve, and the liquefaction face is pressed against the support face to cause at least a fraction of the flow portion to flow radially outward. After the flow portion has re-solidified, it anchors the connector element in the receiving object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani, Muthumariappan Sankaran, Joakim Kvist
  • Publication number: 20230301449
    Abstract: A tubular implement, such as a container, in particular a container (pipe for transport) for food or beverages such as a drinking straw, includes a first part having a sheet of wood veneer rolled to form the tubular implement in the form of a cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Laurent Torriani, Carole Chapelat, Bertrand Jaccoud
  • Publication number: 20230250840
    Abstract: A tool presses a joining element against a first object into a first opening of the first object while mechanical vibration energy is coupled into the first object and the joining element. Vibration energy and pressing force make the thermoplastic material of the distal portion of the joining element flowable and interpenetrates structures of the first object to yield, after re-solidification, an anchoring of the distal portion of the joining element in the first object. The second object is placed so that a proximal portion of the joining element is inserted into a second opening, and the first and second objects are pressed against each other while mechanical vibration energy is coupled into one of the first and second objects, until thermoplastic material of the joining element proximal portion is made flowable and interpenetrates structures of the second object to yield, after re-solidification, an anchoring in the second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Laurent Torriani, Mario Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20230234300
    Abstract: A method for joining two objects by anchoring an insert portion provided on one of the objects in an opening provided on the other one of the objects. The anchorage is achieved by liquefaction of a thermoplastic material and interpenetration of the liquefied material and a penetrable material, the two materials being arranged on opposite surfaces of the insert portion and the wall of the opening. Before such liquefaction and interpenetration, an interference fit is established in which such opposite surfaces are pressed against each other, and, for the anchoring, mechanical vibration energy and possibly a shearing force are applied, wherein the shearing force puts a shear stress on the interference fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
  • Patent number: 11707894
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a lightweight building element having a first building layer and an interlining layer distally of the first building layer, and possibly a second building layer distally of the interlining layer. For anchoring, the distal end of a connector element is inserted into a mounting hole in the lightweight building element, and also a sleeve including a thermoplastic material is inserted into the mounting hole, the sleeve enclosing the connector element. Then, a distally facing liquefaction face of the sleeve is caused to be in contact with a proximally facing support face of the connector element. Energy impinges to liquefy at least a flow portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve, and the liquefaction face is pressed against the support face to cause at least a fraction of the flow portion to flow radially outward. After the flow portion has re-solidified, it anchors the connector element in the receiving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani, Muthumariappan Sankaran, Joakim Kvist
  • Publication number: 20230200834
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting tool for use in an ultrasonic instrument, the tool being a blade manufactured from a tubular blank by flattening a section of the blank. The blade includes a flat section designed to be used for cutting, a tubular section, and a transition section joining the flat section to the tubular section. The tubular section is joined to or includes an attachment section for attaching the blade to an ultrasonic generator and serving as a conduit to bring a cooling fluid to the distal end or to suck particles into the hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Loïc Sottas, Laurent Torriani, Marcel Aeschlimann, Antoine Bonadei
  • Publication number: 20230172627
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting tool is designed for use in an ultrasonic instrument. The tool is a blade having a flat section manufactured from at least a first blade layer and second blade layer. The first and second blade layer each being a flat metal plate arranged in parallel to one another and bonded to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Loïc Sottas, Laurent Torriani, Marcel Aeschlimann, Antoine Hirschi
  • Patent number: 11642856
    Abstract: A method for joining two objects by anchoring an insert portion provided on one of the objects in an opening provided on the other one of the objects. The anchorage is achieved by liquefaction of a thermoplastic material and interpenetration of the liquefied material and a penetrable material, the two materials being arranged on opposite surfaces of the insert portion and the wall of the opening. Before such liquefaction and interpenetration, an interference fit is established in which such opposite surfaces are pressed against each other, and, for the anchoring, mechanical vibration energy and possibly a shearing force are applied, wherein the shearing force puts a shear stress on the interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignees: WOODWELDING AG, INTER IKEA SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
  • Publication number: 20230097285
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Muthumariappan SANKARAN, Mario LEHMANN, Laurent TORRIANI
  • Patent number: 11548233
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: IKEA SUPPLY AG, WOODWELDING SA
    Inventors: Muthumariappan Sankaran, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani
  • Patent number: 11399953
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20220234300
    Abstract: A method of mechanically securing a first object including a thermoplastic material in a solid state to a second object with a generally flat sheet portion, with a perforation of the sheet portion, and with the sheet portion having an edge along the perforation is provided, wherein the first object is positioned relative to the second object so that the edge is in contact with the thermoplastic material and wherein mechanical vibration energy is coupled into the assembly including the first and second objects until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material due to friction heat generated between the edge and the thermoplastic material becomes flowable and flows around the edge to at least partially embed the edge in the thermoplastic material. After the mechanical vibration stops, the thermoplastic material is caused to re-solidify, whereby the re-solidified thermoplastic material at least partially embedding the edge anchors the first object in the second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Joakim Kvist, Philipp Bernhard, Laurent Torriani, Mario Weiss, Antonino Lanci, Martin Sigrist, Hannes Merz, Samuel Malzach
  • Publication number: 20220183560
    Abstract: A method for cell stimulation by mechanical energy as well as a method for determining a subject specific set of treatment parameters for acoustic wave stimulation and a method for validating a set of treatment parameters for acoustic wave stimulation. The method for determining a subject specific set of treatment parameters includes generating subject specific data, which includes measuring a geometric property of a body portion, and determining a target field distribution in the body portion. The method for validating a set of treatment parameters for acoustic wave stimulation includes determining a target field distribution of an acoustic field in a body portion, receiving a related set of treatment parameters for at least one transducer, generating a subject specific 3D model of the body portion, and determining a difference between the target field distribution and a field distribution determined in the subject specific 3D model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Carole Chapelat, Naomi Bitmead, Samuel Malzach, Martin Sigrist, Yann Schaeffer, Laurent Torriani, Rafael Luca Zuber, Loïc Sottas
  • Publication number: 20220176164
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of cell stimulation by mechanical energy, in particular by acoustic energy, for example stimulation by ultrasound, such as focused ultrasound (FUS). It relates to treatment devices and components thereof as well as methods for setting up or producing such devices or components. One purpose of the invention is to make devices for cell stimulation by mechanical energy more user friendly and applicable for a wider public and for additional applications. A treatment device for acoustic wave stimulation to a body portion is portable and includes a carrier element, at least one transducer and communication device configured to receive operating parameters for the at least one transducer from a remote computerized device. A method for setting up a treatment device for acoustic wave stimulation includes receiving operating parameters for the at least one transducer from a remote computerized device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Naomi Bitmead, Carole Chapelat, Samuel Malzach, Martin Sigrist, Yann Schaeffer, Laurent Torriani, Loïc Sottas
  • Patent number: 11331862
    Abstract: A method of mechanically securing a first object including a thermoplastic material in a solid state to a second object with a generally flat sheet portion, with a perforation of the sheet portion, and with the sheet portion having an edge along the perforation is provided, wherein the first object is positioned relative to the second object so that the edge is in contact with the thermoplastic material and wherein mechanical vibration energy is coupled into the assembly including the first and second objects until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material due to friction heat generated between the edge and the thermoplastic material becomes flowable and flows around the edge to at least partially embed the edge in the thermoplastic material. After the mechanical vibration stops, the thermoplastic material is caused to re-solidify, whereby the re-solidified thermoplastic material at least partially embedding the edge anchors the first object in the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Joakim Kvist, Philipp Bernhard, Laurent Torriani, Mario Weiss, Antonino Lanci, Martin Sigrist, Hannes Merz, Samuel Malzach
  • Patent number: 11325318
    Abstract: The relates to a method of mechanically securing a first object to a second object and includes the steps of: providing the first object including thermoplastic material in a solid state, providing the second object with a generally flat sheet portion having an edge, positioning the first object relative to the second object and bringing the first object and the second object to a relative movement to each other. The relative movement includes a rotational movement, such that a melting zone including flowable thermoplastic material is formed and such that thermoplastic material of the melting zone flows around the edge to at least partially embed the edge in the thermoplastic material. The invention further concerns a connector that is suitable for being used in a method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Laurent Torriani, Joakim Kvist, Patrick Mooser