Patents by Inventor Mark A. Kappel
Mark A. Kappel 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).
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Patent number: 8534195Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Nordco Inc.Inventors: Donald Christopher Noll, Bill Luoma, Donald M. Treziak, Jr., Mark A. Kappel, Daniel Brook
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Publication number: 20120204753Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Donald Christopher Noll, Bill Luoma, Donald M. Treziak, JR., Mark A. Kappel, Daniel Brook
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Patent number: 8171855Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the rail tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Nordco Inc.Inventors: Donald Christopher Noll, Bill Luoma, Donald M. Treziak, Jr., Mark A. Kappel, Daniel Brook
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Publication number: 20110072998Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Donald Christopher Noll, Bill Luoma, Donald M. Treziak, JR., Mark A. Kappel
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Patent number: 7655915Abstract: A detector assembly 18 for an imaging system 10 is provided comprising a plurality of scintillator elements 50 positioned within a scintillator pack 56. The scintillator pack 56 forms a scintillator pack upper surface 58 and a plurality of scintillator pack walls 60 positioned between the plurality of scintillator elements 50. A plurality of collimator elements 64 are mounted on the scintillator pack upper surface 58. Each of the plurality of collimator elements 64 is comprised of a stack laminated base 66 mounted to the scintillator pack upper surface 58 and a cast upper wall 68 formed on the stack laminated base 66.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Paul Michael Ratzmann, Mark A. Kappel
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Patent number: 7236562Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for assembly of Computed Tomography (CT) Detector electronic circuits. A thermally conductive adhesive is dispensed on a first side of a first circuit board, the first circuit board having a plurality of ball grid arrays and a plurality of thermal sensors attached to the first side of the first circuit board. The thermally conductive adhesive is also dispensed on a first side of a second circuit board, the second circuit board having a plurality of ball grid arrays and a plurality of thermal sensors attached to the first side of the second circuit board. A first heat sink is mounted to the first side of the first circuit board. A second heat sink mounted to the first side of the second circuit board. The adhesive is cured on the first and the second circuit boards. The first circuit board is attached to the second circuit board, wherein the second side of the first circuit board is adjacent to the second side of the second circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ashutosh Joshi, Joe James Lacey, Mark A Kappel, Mayank Gupta
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Publication number: 20070098137Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for assembly of Computed Tomography (CT) Detector electronic circuits. A thermally conductive adhesive is dispensed on a first side of a first circuit board, the first circuit board having a plurality of ball grid arrays and a plurality of thermal sensors attached to the first side of the first circuit board. The thermally conductive adhesive is also dispensed on a first side of a second circuit board, the second circuit board having a plurality of ball grid arrays and a plurality of thermal sensors attached to the first side of the second circuit board. A first heat sink is mounted to the first side of the first circuit board. A second heat sink mounted to the first side of the second circuit board. The adhesive is cured on the first and the second circuit boards. The first circuit board is attached to the second circuit board, wherein the second side of the first circuit board is adjacent to the second side of the second circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: ASHUTOSH JOSHI, JOE LACEY, MARK KAPPEL, MAYANK GUPTA
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Patent number: 7074056Abstract: A connector cap assembly mechanically and electrically couples to the connector back shell that has connector contacts. A boot housing is formed of an electrically charged dissipative material. The housing is sized to receive the connector therein. The boot housing comprises a floor that contacts the connector contacts. A retainer is positioned on the housing and retains a ground wire in contact with the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Mark A. Kappel, Gary Warrichaiet, Gregory Zeman, Joseph J. Lacey
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Patent number: 6902430Abstract: A retainer for retaining a connector to a board is provided. The retainer is positioned between a first carrier board and a second carrier board that is mounted to a circuit board. The retainer body has a middle retainer portion having a hole therethrough. The first retainer side extends from the middle portion. A second retainer side also extends from the middle portion. A first snap is disposed on the first retainer side and a second snap is disposed on the second retainer side. The first snap engages the first carrier board and the second snap engages the second carrier board.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Mark A. Kappel, Joseph J. Lacey
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Publication number: 20040227092Abstract: A detector assembly 18 for an imaging system 20 is provided comprising a plurality of scintillator elements 50 positioned within a scintillator pack 56. The scintillator pack 56 forms a scintillator pack upper surface 58 and a plurality of scintillator pack walls 60 positioned between the plurality of scintillator elements 50. A plurality of collimator elements 64 are mounted on the scintillator pack upper surface 58. Each of the plurality of collimator elements 50 is comprised of a stack laminated base 66 mounted to the scintillator pack upper surface 58 and a cast upper wall 68 formed on the stack laminated base 66.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventors: Paul Michael Ratzmann, Mark A. Kappel
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Patent number: 6779256Abstract: A tool is provided for separating a first circuit board and a second circuit board to prevent the damage thereof. The tool includes a piston assembly and a handle. A first blade and second blade are coupled between the handle and the piston assembly. The first blade and the second blade are normally biased outwardly. The handle has a first position and a second position relative to the piston assembly. In the first position the blades are biased outwardly and in the second position the piston assembly biases the blades inwardly to engage the first circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark A. Kappel, Robert J. Augustyn, Joseph J. Lacey
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Patent number: 6726489Abstract: A connector assembly for a circuit board includes a back shell that has guide channels therein. A housing having guide arms extending therefrom is also provided. The guide arms are sized to be received within the guide channel. Upon the alignment of the guide channels and the guide arms, the housing and the back shell will be aligned to prevent damage to the electrical contacts therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventors: Mark A. Kappel, Joseph J. Lacey, James A. Beacham, Lee F. Wichlacz, Gregory S. Zeman
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Publication number: 20030231475Abstract: A retainer for retaining a connector to a board is provided. The retainer is positioned between a first carrier board and a second carrier board that is mounted to a circuit board. The retainer body has a middle retainer portion having a hole therethrough. The first retainer side extends from the middle portion. A second retainer side also extends from the middle portion. A first snap is disposed on the first retainer side and a second snap is disposed on the second retainer side. The first snap engages the first carrier board and the second snap engages the second carrier board.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Joseph J. Lacey
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Publication number: 20030229979Abstract: A tool is provided for separating a first circuit board and a second circuit board to prevent the damage thereof. In one aspect of the invention the tool includes a piston assembly and a handle. A first blade and second blade are coupled between the handle and the piston assembly. The first blade and the second blade are normally biased outwardly. The handle has a first position and a second position relative to the piston assembly. In the first position the blades are biased outwardly and in the second position the piston assembly biases the blades inwardly to engage the first circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Robert J. Augustyn, Joseph J. Lacey
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Publication number: 20030232526Abstract: A connector cap assembly mechanically and electrically couples to the connector back shell that has connector contacts. A boot housing is formed of an electrically charged dissipative material. The housing is sized to receive the connector therein. The boot housing comprises a floor that contacts the connector contacts. A retainer is positioned on the housing and retains a ground wire in contact with the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Gary Warrichaiet, Gregory Zeman, Joseph J. Lacey
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Publication number: 20030232545Abstract: A connector assembly for a circuit board includes a back shell that has guide channels therein. A housing having guide arms extending therefrom is also provided. The guide arms are sized to be received within the guide channel. Upon the alignment of the guide channels and the guide arms, the housing and the back shell will be aligned to prevent damage to the electrical contacts therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Joseph J. Lacey, James A. Beacham, Lee F. Wichlacz, Gregory S. Zeman
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Publication number: 20030229985Abstract: A tool is provided for removing a first connector portion from a second connector portion. The first connector portion has a retraction feature thereon. The tool has a piston assembly that has a channel therethrough. A cross-member slidably receives the piston assembly. The cross-member has a slot therein. The cross-member has a post head sized to be received within the retraction feature. The pin is positioned within the channel and is slidably received within the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Joseph J. Lacey
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Patent number: 6493202Abstract: An electromagnetic operator includes first and second coils wound coaxially. An armature partially surrounds the coils for channeling flux during energization of the coils. The armature may be formed of a bent plate and secured to a ferromagnetic support. A control circuit applies energizing signals to the coils during operation. Both coils are energized during an initial phase of operation. One of the coils is subsequently released or de-energized automatically. A timing circuit removes current from the second coil after a variable time period. The time period may be a function of the configuration of the timing circuit, such as an RC time constant, and of the energizing signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Richard W. Waltz, Richard G. Smith, Donald F. Swietlik, Raymond H. Hannula, Christopher J. Wieloch, Jeffrey R. Annis
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Patent number: 6431909Abstract: A detachable securement apparatus for a mounting rail, wherein the mounting rail has first and second mounting flanges extending lengthwise along opposite sides of a support section. The apparatus has a body, a securement assembly and a release assembly. Extending from the body, the securement assembly has first and second interface members each including a contact region configured to exert a holding force on the first and second mounting flanges, respectively. The release assembly is configured for removing the holding force on both the first and second mounting flanges to allow vertical removal of the body. The release assembly has an engagement member coupled to the body and to the first and second interface members, and is engagable on a side of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Nolden, Mark A. Kappel, Jeffrey R. Annis, Roy A. Rice, Randall J. Slusar
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Patent number: 6417749Abstract: A unitary housing structure is provided for an electrical switching device such as a three-phase contactor. The housing includes internal partitions for separating an operator section from contact sections, and for isolating phase sections from one another. The partitions are contiguous with one another and with side walls of the housing, inhibiting plasma flow within the housing cavities. The housing is made of a thermoplastic material which is molded as a single piece. The thermoplastic may be partially protected from plasma and arcs by shields within the phase sections, such as splitter plate supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Kappel, Richard G. Smith, Donald F. Swietlik, Raymond H. Hannula, Christopher J. Wieloch