Patents by Inventor Sean T. O'KEEFFE

Sean T. O'KEEFFE 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: 10857592
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: CRUCIBLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LLC.
    Inventors: Adam A. Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W. Stevick
  • Patent number: 10065396
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method comprising overmolding a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy on a preform of another material than the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy to form a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy overmolded preform. Another embodiment relates to an article comprising an overmolded shell comprising the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy on a preform of another material than the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The preform could be made of a crystalline or amorphous metal or alloy such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper or beryllium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam A. Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Glenton R. Jelbert
  • Publication number: 20180207717
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Adam A. Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W. Stevick
  • Patent number: 9925583
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam A Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W Stevick
  • Patent number: 9841237
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for containing the molten materials within a melt zone during melting. The apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein and an induction coil with unevenly spaced turns along its length. Induction coil can have a series of turns acting as a first (e.g., load) induction coil and a series of turns acting as a second (e.g., containment) induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated and contained by the separated turns of the induction coil. A plunger can also assist in containing material during melting. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold using the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam A. Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W. Stevick, Brennan D. Yahata
  • Publication number: 20170167172
    Abstract: Disclosed is a removably interlocking barrel hinge assembly that allows for relative rotation of parts as well as disconnection of the parts. Connectors of the hinge assembly include tabs and recesses that are configured to align and rotate relative to one another. Overlapping of tabs prevents separation in the axial direction, while still allowing for rotation. When disconnection of the parts is desired, the tabs and recesses of the connectors can be aligned, and then pulled apart. The hinge assembly provides in one instance 180 degrees of relative rotation. It may be implemented in a number of devices, including knives and surgical instruments, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Glenton R. Jelbert, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Adam A. Verreault
  • Patent number: 9445459
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned along a horizontal axis and adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. At least one longitudinal slot extends through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam A Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W Stevick
  • Publication number: 20160258688
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for containing the molten materials within a melt zone during melting. The apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein and an induction coil with unevenly spaced turns along its length. Induction coil can have a series of turns acting as a first (e.g., load) induction coil and a series of turns acting as a second (e.g., containment) induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated and contained by the separated turns of the induction coil. A plunger can also assist in containing material during melting. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold using the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Adam A. VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W. STEVICK, Brennan D. YAHATA
  • Patent number: 9346099
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for containing the molten materials within a melt zone during melting. The apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein and an induction coil with unevenly spaced turns along its length. Induction coil can have a series of turns acting as a first (e.g., load) induction coil and a series of turns acting as a second (e.g., containment) induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated and contained by the separated turns of the induction coil. A plunger can also assist in containing material during melting. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold using the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Adam A Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Joseph W Stevick, Brennan D Yahata
  • Publication number: 20150202841
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method comprising overmolding a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy on a preform of another material than the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy to form a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy overmolded preform. Another embodiment relates to an article comprising an overmolded shell comprising the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy on a preform of another material than the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The preform could be made of a crystalline or amorphous metal or alloy such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper or beryllium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A. Verreault, Sean T. O'Keeffe, Glenton R. Jelbert
  • Publication number: 20150013933
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vessel configured to contain a secondary magnetic induction field therein for melting materials, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus having an induction coil positioned along a horizontal axis and adjacent to the vessel. The vessel can have a tubular body configured to substantially surround and receive a plunger tip. At least one longitudinal slot extends through the thickness of the body to allow and/or direct eddy currents into the vessel during application of an RF induction field from the coil. The body also includes temperature regulating lines configured to flow a liquid within. The temperature regulating lines can be provided to run longitudinally within the wall(s) of the body between its inner bore and outer surface(s). A flange may be provided at one end of the body to secure the body within an injection molding apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A. VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W. STEVICK
  • Publication number: 20150013959
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W STEVICK
  • Publication number: 20150013932
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for containing the molten materials within a melt zone during melting. The apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein and an induction coil with unevenly spaced turns along its length. Induction coil can have a series of turns acting as a first (e.g., load) induction coil and a series of turns acting as a second (e.g., containment) induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated and contained by the separated turns of the induction coil. A plunger can also assist in containing material during melting. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold using the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Adam A. VERREAULT, Sean T. O'KEEFFE, Joseph W. STEVICK, Brennan D. YAHATA