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: 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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Patent number: 10794694Abstract: A workpiece alignment system is provided has a light emission apparatus that directs a light beam at a plurality of wavelengths along a path at a shallow angle toward a first side of a workpiece plane at a peripheral region. A light receiver apparatus, receives the light beam on a second side opposite the first side. A rotation device selectively rotates a workpiece support. According controller determines a position of the workpiece based on an amount of the light beam received through the workpiece when the workpiece intersects the path. A sensitivity of the light receiver apparatus is controlled based on a transmissivity of the workpiece. A position of the workpiece is determined when the workpiece is rotated based on the rotational position, an amount of the light beam received, the transmissivity of the workpiece, detection of a workpiece edge, and the controlled sensitivity of the light receiver apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John F. Baggett, Billy Thomas Benoit, Joe Ferrara, Brian Terry
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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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Publication number: 20190120617Abstract: A workpiece alignment system is provided has a light emission apparatus that directs a light beam at a plurality of wavelengths along a path at a shallow angle toward a first side of a workpiece plane at a peripheral region. A light receiver apparatus, receives the light beam on a second side opposite the first side. A rotation device selectively rotates a workpiece support. According controller determines a position of the workpiece based on an amount of the light beam received through the workpiece when the workpiece intersects the path. A sensitivity of the light receiver apparatus is controlled based on a transmissivity of the workpiece. A position of the workpiece is determined when the workpiece is rotated based on the rotational position, an amount of the light beam received, the transmissivity of the workpiece, detection of a workpiece edge, and the controlled sensitivity of the light receiver apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: John F. Baggett, Billy Thomas Benoit, Joe Ferrara, Brian Terry
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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: 8629569Abstract: An electromechanical generator for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical generator comprising an electrically conductive coil assembly and a magnet assembly, the magnet assembly comprising at least one magnet and a two-part magnetic core, the two parts of the core being mounted by a biasing device so as to be relatively vibratable at a resonant frequency along an axis about a central position thereby to cause a change of magnetic flux linked with the coil assembly to generate an electrical potential in the coil assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Perpetuum Ltd.Inventors: Stephen Roberts, Adam Wasenczuk, Thomas Benoit Julien Mouille
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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: 20110133488Abstract: An electromechanical generator for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical generator comprising an electrically conductive coil assembly and a magnet assembly, the magnet assembly comprising at least one magnet and a two-part magnetic core, the two parts of the core being mounted by a biasing device so as to be relatively vibratable at a resonant frequency along an axis about a central position thereby to cause a change of magnetic flux linked with the coil assembly to generate an electrical potential in the coil assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Stephen Roberts, Adam Wasenczuk, Thomas Benoit Julien Mouille
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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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Publication number: 20070134073Abstract: A tree-type fastener includes one or more fin stabilizer bases disposed on a shaft of the fastener. When the fastener is subjected to a pull-out force, the fins may be prevented from stacking up, buckling or bending by the fin stabilizer base. The stabilizer base is configured to provide no interference with a work piece when inserted in a work piece aperture. The fastener of the invention provides a high removal force to insertion force ratio and a strong, single piece device. The fastener may also be adapted for modification of new and existing tree-type fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: David Shereyk, Thomas Benoit
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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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Publication number: 20060193710Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2005Publication date: August 31, 2006Inventors: Thomas Benoit, Brian Peek
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Publication number: 20050253025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2004Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: Thomas Benoit, David Shereyk
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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: 20050051675Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: March 10, 2005Inventors: Thomas Benoit, Mark Kwilosz, Gene Harris, Brian Peek
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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