Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Benoit
Thomas A. Benoit 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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Publication number: 20260085707Abstract: A stud-retention assembly for securing a fastener to a stud includes a hinged ring clip and a retainer insert. The retainer insert attaches to the stud and is captured within the hinged ring clip, which allows the insert to move slightly both rotationally and linearly. This design provides compliance to accommodate misaligned studs, permits interchangeable retainer inserts for different stud sizes, and enables easy servicing or replacement without removing the clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2025Publication date: March 26, 2026Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Paul D. Barkauski
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Patent number: 12535094Abstract: Described is a tube fastener for securing at least one tube relative to a component. The tube fastener includes a bridge portion and a fastener portion. The bridge portion is configured to secure the at least one tube relative to one another via at least one tube pocket. Each of the at least one tube pocket comprises a crimp feature configured to provide resistance to slide forces imparted on the at least one tube. The fastener portion defines a central longitudinal axis and is configured to engage the component via an opening. The tube fastener can be fabricated as a unitary structure via an additive manufacturing technique.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2023Date of Patent: January 27, 2026Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Benoit
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Publication number: 20250334143Abstract: Described is a retainer assembly for securing a first component relative to a second component using a fastener. The retainer assembly includes a modular clip with a cylindrical body featuring a through hole for the fastener shank and an arm. A base component with a retainer secures the first component and contains a limiter aperture to accommodate the cylindrical body. Additionally, multiple alignment apertures are arranged around the limiter aperture, each corresponding to a specific orientation and to receive a portion of the arm for secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2025Publication date: October 30, 2025Inventors: Janeth Lideya Guerrero Arellano, Sean M. O’Reilly, Thomas A. Benoit
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Publication number: 20250230829Abstract: Described is a tube retainer for securing at least one tube relative to a component. The tube retainer includes a first wall, a second wall spaced from said first wall, a tube pocket, and a reinforcement brace. The tube pocket is positioned between the first wall and the second wall. The tube pocket receives the tube. The reinforcement brace is formed on the outer surface of said first wall that is opposite the tube pocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2025Publication date: July 17, 2025Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Eric J. Kato, Kileean E. Bell
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Publication number: 20240139861Abstract: Disclosed is a weld pad for an ultrasonic welding system having a sonotrode. For example, a universal weld pad. The weld pad includes a base and a welding component. The base includes an opening to receive an end of the sonotrode. The welding component includes a set of legs and a bridge portion therebetween. The welding component conforms to an outer surface of the weld substrate during a welding operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Kileean E. Bell, Thomas A. Benoit
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Publication number: 20230417265Abstract: Described is a tube fastener for securing at least one tube relative to a component. The tube fastener includes a bridge portion and a fastener portion. The bridge portion is configured to secure the at least one tube relative to one another via at least one tube pocket. Each of the at least one tube pocket comprises a crimp feature configured to provide resistance to slide forces imparted on the at least one tube. The fastener portion defines a central longitudinal axis and is configured to engage the component via an opening. The tube fastener can be fabricated as a unitary structure via an additive manufacturing technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventor: Thomas A. Benoit
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Patent number: 11454263Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Kileean E. Bell
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Publication number: 20200217340Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Kileean E. Bell
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Patent number: 9416896Abstract: A tube clip assembly incorporating a base having at least one tube support cradle and a displaceable lid adapted to be secured in overlying relation to the base to retain a tube in substantially stationary relation within the tube support cradle. Flexible arms are disposed on either side of the tube support cradle. The flexible arms are adapted to compressively engage the tube when the lid is closed such that a portion of the arms may bite into the tube thereby resisting both axial and rotational movement of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric J. Kato, Thomas A. Benoit, Mark O. Lepper
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Patent number: 8430365Abstract: A tube retention block assembly having a support body incorporating one or more tube support passageways of discontinuous character extending across the support body. A displaceable retaining yoke member is adapted for insertion into a slot disposed transverse to the tube support passageways. The retaining yoke member includes one or more engagement cradles adapted to at least partially surround and lock in place tubes extending through the tube support body.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Christopher M. Pangallo, Brian Peek
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Publication number: 20090250559Abstract: A tube retention block assembly having a support body incorporating one or more tube support passageways of discontinuous character extending across the support body. A displaceable retaining yoke member is adapted for insertion into a slot disposed transverse to the tube support passageways. The retaining yoke member includes one or more engagement cradles adapted to at least partially surround and lock in place tubes extending through the tube support body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: THOMAS A. BENOIT, Christopher M. Pangallo, Brian Peek
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Publication number: 20080203245Abstract: A sealing clip assembly is configured to secure at least a fluid-conveying tube to a structure. The sealing clip assembly includes a main body and at least one auxiliary dampening member. The main body includes a first tube support portion connected to a second tube support portion through a hinge. The first tube support portion includes a first tube channel, while the second tube support portion includes a second tube channel. The auxiliary dampening member covers the first and second tube channels, such that the auxiliary dampening member overhangs the main body at ends of the first and second tube channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: SYLVESTER S. CLARK, Thomas A. Benoit, Brian R. Peek, Timothy D. Pearson
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Patent number: 7240880Abstract: A holding clip for tubes, hoses and the like has a pocket and deflectable arms protecting an entrance to the pocket. The arms extend one past another and interdigitate one with another. The arms deflect outwardly in response to force exerted thereagainst from outside of the pocket and interengage one against another to resist force exerted thereagainst from within the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: Thomas A. Benoit, David A. Shereyk
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Patent number: 7189043Abstract: A retainer for holding nuts, bolts and other components includes a pocket configured for retaining a portion of the component and having an entrance opening for insertion of the component into the pocket. A deflectable blocking element is disposed in the opening and yields to insertion pressure, allowing the component to enter the pocket. A tether secured near the distal end of the blocking element resists deflection of the blocking element in response to withdrawal force applied to a component in the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Brian R. Peek
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Patent number: 6926237Abstract: A vibration damping clip of rigid material in which a softer lining is formed on the holding part of the clip including through an aperture in the holding part so that the lining is physically locked thereto. A similar lock is provided at an entrance or lead-in to the substantially annular holding portion of the clip.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: David A. Shereyk, Thomas A. Benoit
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Patent number: 6880789Abstract: A clip device is disclosed for removably securing a tube, such as an air conditioning condenser tube, to a bracket, such as a radiator bracket, which includes a slot. The clip includes an annular body having a first and a second edge, the body defining an opening for the removable reception therein of the condenser tube. The body includes a flexible arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the arm defines a tooth which lockingly cooperates with the slot. The arrangement is such that the condenser tube passes through the opening of the body and then the body is further moved axially along the condenser tube so that the bracket extends through the opening and next, the body is rotated about the condenser tube such that the tooth engages the slot for removably securing the condenser tube to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Mark J. Kwilosz, Gene R. Harris, Brian R. Peek
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Publication number: 20040238698Abstract: A vibration damping clip of rigid material in which a softer lining is formed on the holding part of the clip including through an aperture in the holding part so that the lining is physically locked thereto. A similar lock is provided at an entrance or lead-in to the substantially annular holding portion of the clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: David A. Shereyk, Thomas A. Benoit
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Patent number: 6669150Abstract: A clip assembly configured for attachment to an axially elongated tubular member in a manner limiting movements of said clip assembly relative to the elongated member is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a hollow sleeve configured to fit about and grippingly engage an outer lengthwise portion of the elongated tubular member and a clip having a fastening portion and an attachment portion. The fastening portion of the clip is configured to attach the clip to a support. The attachment portion of the clip includes first and second sections which combine with each other to define an opening for accommodating and compressing the hollow sleeve therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, David A. Shereyk
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Publication number: 20020179780Abstract: A clip assembly configured for attachment to an axially elongated tubular member in a manner limiting movements of said clip assembly relative to the elongated member is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a hollow sleeve configured to fit about and grippingly engage an outer lengthwise portion of the elongated tubular member and a clip having a fastening portion and an attachment portion. The fastening portion of the clip is configured to attach the clip to a support. The attachment portion of the clip includes first and second sections which combine with each other to define an opening for accommodating and compressing the hollow sleeve therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, David A. Shereyk
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Patent number: D915185Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Kileean E. Bell