Patents by Inventor Peter Kern

Peter Kern 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).

  • Publication number: 20060264618
    Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for lopinavir having less than 10% cross-reactivity with saquinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, and a murine hybridoma producing said antibodies are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Ina Deras, Gerald Sigler, Raymond Hui, Richard Root, Mitali Ghoshal, Erasmus Huber, Herbert Von Der Eltz, Sigrun Metz, Peter Kern
  • Publication number: 20060249895
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a paper or film web (10). According to said method, the web (10) is first fed underneath a braking element (12), scanned by a reader (15) and subsequently conveyed at varying speeds by a conveyer drive (16). The braking element (12), e.g. a brush (30), exerts a varying braking force on the paper or film web (10), thus holding the web (10) taut and preventing undulations in said web between the braking element (12) and the conveyer drive (16). This improves the legibility of control marks for the reader (15), reduces the load on the conveyer drive (16) and prevents paper-feed malfunctions. The method can be advantageously used to feed a paper or film web (10) in a stop-and-go operation to a cutting device (22), which cuts the web (10) transversally to the direction of transport using a guillotine (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Kern
  • Publication number: 20060064195
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus with thread tension control is provided. Tension in a thread is monitored during stitching apparatus operations, and remedial action is taken in response to the detection of an anomaly in the thread tension profile. The remedial action can include altering a feed rate of the thread in order to adjust the thread tension, and/or repeating a previous operation. Anomaly detection can be performed with respect to stitching or sewing operations, and also with respect to trim operations performed in connection with moving between elements and/or thread color changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicant: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Kern, Joseph Keating, Victor Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6983192
    Abstract: A plurality of stitching machines and a control system used in stitching patterns into a plurality of items is capable of flexible control. The plurality of stitching machines may include one or more clusters of stitching machines, with each cluster able to stitch patterns into items independently of other clusters. Stitching machines within the plurality of stitching machines, or within the clusters of stitching machines, may be set to stitch patterns into items using one of a synchronized mode and an unsynchronized mode. When in the synchronized mode, the stitching machines perform stitching substantially synchronously with other stitching machines, and when in the unsynchronized mode the stitching machines perform stitching independently of the status of other stitching machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: MELCO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Block, Robert Bruce Ton, Peter Kern, Donald Grayson
  • Patent number: 6871605
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dale Alan Zoetewey, Victor Justin Rhodes, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Patent number: 6823807
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dale Alan Zoetewey, Victor Justin Rhodes, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040210336
    Abstract: A plurality of stitching machines and a control system used in stitching patterns into a plurality of items is capable of flexible control. The plurality of stitching machines may include one or more clusters of stitching machines, with each cluster able to stitch patterns into items independently of other clusters. Stitching machines within the plurality of stitching machines, or within the clusters of stitching machines, may be set to stitch patterns into items using one of a synchronized mode and an unsynchronized mode. When in the synchronized mode, the stitching machines perform stitching substantially synchronously with other stitching machines, and when in the unsynchronized mode the stitching machines perform stitching independently of the status of other stitching machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Block, Robert Bruce Ton, Peter Kern, Donald Grayson
  • Publication number: 20040127689
    Abstract: Activated haptens useful for generating immunogens to HIV protease inhibitors, immunogens useful for producing antibodies to HIV protease inhibitors, and antibodies and labeled conjugates useful in immunoassays for HIV protease inhibitors. The novel haptens feature an activated functionality at the central, non-terminal hydroxyl group common to all HIV protease inhibitors, e.g., saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, lopinavir, and atazanavir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald F. Sigler, Raymond A. Hui, Ina Deras, Richard Terry Root, Mitali Ghoshal, Erasmus Huber, Herbert W. Von Der Eltz, Sigrun Metz, Peter Kern
  • Patent number: 6732668
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for indicating stitching position in a stitching machine. The apparatus includes a laser assembly which emits laser light. The laser assembly is mounted to an upper arm assembly of the stitching machine, and is operable to indicate a location of at least a portion of a pattern to be stitched using the stitching machine. The laser assembly is mounted such that the laser light is unobstructed prior to hitting fabric which is to be stitched. The stitching machine may include a user interface which can be used to activate the laser assembly. The stitching machine may also trace an outline of a pattern to be stitched while the laser assembly is activated in order to verify that the pattern does not overlap a hoop which holds the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Patent number: 6729255
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide a plurality of stitching machines which may be synchronized without mechanical coupling of the stitching machines. Each of the plurality of stitching machines are connected to a control, which coordinates operations of the stitching machines, including the download of patterns to be stitched by the stitching machines. A master stitching machine is selected by either the control, or the stitching machines. Each of the stitching machines, during stitching operations transmits a heartbeat signal to the master stitching machine. The heartbeat signal can include information related to stitching operations, which the master can use to determine that each stitching machine is operating properly. Several clusters of stitching machines may also be present, with each cluster having a master stitching machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Ton, Peter Kern, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Publication number: 20030140829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for indicating stitching position in a stitching machine. The apparatus includes a laser assembly which emits laser light. The laser assembly is mounted to an upper arm assembly of the stitching machine, and is operable to indicate a location of at least a portion of a pattern to be stitched using the stitching machine. The laser assembly is mounted such that the laser light is unobstructed prior to hitting fabric which is to be stitched. The stitching machine may include a user interface which can be used to activate the laser assembly. The stitching machine may also trace an outline of a pattern to be stitched while the laser assembly is activated in order to verify that the pattern does not overlap a hoop which holds the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Publication number: 20030140831
    Abstract: A stitching apparatus is disclosed which has at least one active thread feeder and is operable to adjust stitching operation based on the condition of a thread being stitched. The active thread feeder is operable to feed thread from a spool to a needle assembly, where the thread is stitched into fabric. The stitching apparatus includes at least one thread sensor. The thread sensor outputs information related to thread tension, which is received at a control which includes a first controller, and the first controller is used for controlling the thread. The control can calculate a thread feed length, and activate the active thread feeder to feed the appropriate amount of thread to the needle assembly. The control can use information from the thread sensor to adjust thread tension by adjusting the active thread feeder. The control can also detect a break in the thread, or a break in an underthread which is located in a lower arm assembly and is used to lock stitches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Zesch, Peter Kern, Michael E. Dickeson, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dale Alan Zoetewey, Victor Justin Rhodes, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Publication number: 20030140832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide a plurality of stitching machines which may be synchronized without mechanical coupling of the stitching machines. Each of the plurality of stitching machines are connected to a control, which coordinates operations of the stitching machines, including the download of patterns to be stitched by the stitching machines. A master stitching machine is selected by either the control, or the stitching machines. Each of the stitching machines, during stitching operations transmits a heartbeat signal to the master stitching machine. The heartbeat signal can include information related to stitching operations, which the master can use to determine that each stitching machine is operating properly. Several clusters of stitching machines may also be present, with each cluster having a master stitching machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Ton, Peter Kern, Jurg Henz, Jeffrey T. Block, Dean Gerald Pearson
  • Patent number: 6445970
    Abstract: Automatic testing and diagnosing a computerized stitching machine of a stitching system is provided. The system includes one or more programs that test operation of stitching machine components and generate specific error or status messages related to such components. Control panel software can be invoked to allow viewing of detailed status information for various components and the operation of specific components individually. Networking software can be enabled to allow this information to be viewed using a screen display and controlled from a location remote from the site of the stitching machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Melco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Hedman, Robert Bruce Ton, Jeffrey T. Block, Dean Gerald Pearson, Peter Kern
  • Patent number: 6322005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shower system with a showerhead (18) which is connected to a mixer faucet (12) for warm and cold water via a water delivery channel (16) and can be operated with various, according to selection, streams. According to the invention, a remote control unit is provided for adjusting the stream of the showerhead in order to enable an easier and more reliable change of the stream. To this end, an actuating element is located at a distance from the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Kern, Rainer Schopp, Wilhelm Bauer, Andreas Frede
  • Patent number: 5253552
    Abstract: A tong-like device for opening jar lids of various sizes, having a retaining handle and an actuating handle that is swivelable on it about a bearing, a drawbar longitudinally adjustable with the retaining handle and having a clamping bracket, and retaining claws provided on the end of the retaining handle; a draw plate (24) is displaceable on the flat drawbar (11) having the clamping bracket (13) and is pressed via a compression spring against a guide wall (22) that is at right angles to the drawbar (11), in such a manner that an impingement region (26) of the draw plate rests against a pressure rib (27) of the actuating handle (1) that is swivelable about a bearing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Dieter Brand, Peter Kern, Johannes G. Solf
  • Patent number: 5251425
    Abstract: A device for feeding and stuffing envelopes opens the flap (2) of the bottom envelope (3) of a stack (1) with a rotating opener claw (5, 6, 7 ). As soon as the flap is sufficiently open, it is seized by two rotating transport elements (8, 9) and pressed against two conveyor rollers (10, 11). The opener claws (5, 6, 7) and the conveyor elements (8, 9) are disposed on the same shaft (4), but are supported and driven independently of each other. The opener claws are only operated from a coupling (12) when a packing operation is to be carried out. The conveyor elements (8, 9) and the conveyor rollers (10, 11) run continuously. Two pairs of conveyor rollers (17, 18, 19, 20) convey the envelope towards a packing trap (13). As soon as the flap (2) of the envelope (3) is positioned below a hold down roller (21), the latter begins to descend. Simultaneously, the packing trap (13) begins to pivot towards the envelope and the envelope (3) is drawn onto the packing trap (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Kern AG
    Inventor: Peter Kern
  • Patent number: 4829858
    Abstract: In order to ergonomically optimize the hand side of combination pliers, whose gripping arms in each case form a mouth jaw on their ends and are in operative connection by means of a joint in such a way that in the case of different activities with the pliers the adaptation of the gripping arms to the anatomy and anthropometry of the human hand is retained, it is proposed that the gripping arms face one another elliptically in the plane thereof and that in the vicinity of the coupling surface to the hand the gripping arms have an elliptical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Kern, Gerhard Bayer, Johannes Solf
  • Patent number: 4748876
    Abstract: Prior universal pliers with two gripping arms (11, 15) and an adjustable jaw have the disadvantage that during adjustment one must change hands while using the pliers which is unfavourable as regards the economic requirements. This disadvantage is obviated by the present invention in that both gripping arms (11, 15) are non-displaceably articulated on one another and one of the two jaws (19) is displaceably mounted with respect to its associated gripping arm (15) at right angles to the jaw opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Johannes Solf, Peter Kern, Gerhard Bayer, Jurgen Reichel
  • Patent number: 4739536
    Abstract: A handle for tools, specifically for screwdrivers, is disclosed. The handle consists of two materials of different hardness, of which the harder material supporting the tool is incompressible under the forces occurring at operational load, whereas the other material permits slight elastic deformations under forces of load. In order to obtain a hand-sympathetic design which nevertheless transmits high torques, the two gripping zones of softer material are situated adjacent to a gripping zone of harder material located between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jan-Eric Bandera, Peter Kern, Roland Schindhelm, Johannes Solf, Karl Lieser