Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Ketzer
Thomas A. Ketzer 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: 10618450Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pneumatic inflator for automatically inflating inflatable articles, such as dunnage bags, to a desired pressure. Generally, once activated, the pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure inflates an inflatable article via a compressed air source until the air pressure inside the inflatable article reaches an operator-selected desired pressure. Thereafter, the pneumatic inflator automatically stops inflating the inflatable article. In various embodiments, the pneumatic inflator also includes a manual shut-off that, when activated while the pneumatic inflator is inflating the inflatable article, causes the pneumatic inflator to stop inflating the inflatable article. The pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure thus enables automatic inflation of inflatable articles to particular, operated-selected desired pressures with limited operator input.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Thomas C. Keenan
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Patent number: 10562436Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable dunnage bag inflator that provides a compact, pressurized source of air and that is easily mounted onto a movable cargo mover (such as a forklift truck or a pallet jack). Generally, the portable dunnage bag inflator includes an impellor-driven blower that, in operation, draws air at atmospheric pressure through an air intake grid or air inlet into the impellor and expels the air through an inflation hose. Since the portable dunnage bag inflator includes an impellor-driven blower, the pressure of the expelled air is higher than atmospheric pressure. This enables dunnage bags to be inflated to the desired specifications at point-of-use (e.g., during or after loading of cargo into a cargo container) and eliminates the need for a compressed air supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Peter P. Petrucci, Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Jeffrey Osisek, Mark J. Caires
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Publication number: 20190113145Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey A. Maness, Thomas A. Ketzer, Anthony K. Beard, James S. Zielinski, Mark Breining
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Patent number: 10161537Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Maness, Thomas A. Ketzer, Anthony K. Beard, James S. Zielinski, Mark Breining
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Publication number: 20180222376Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pneumatic inflator for automatically inflating inflatable articles, such as dunnage bags, to a desired pressure. Generally, once activated, the pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure inflates an inflatable article via a compressed air source until the air pressure inside the inflatable article reaches an operator-selected desired pressure. Thereafter, the pneumatic inflator automatically stops inflating the inflatable article. In various embodiments, the pneumatic inflator also includes a manual shut-off that, when activated while the pneumatic inflator is inflating the inflatable article, causes the pneumatic inflator to stop inflating the inflatable article. The pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure thus enables automatic inflation of inflatable articles to particular, operated-selected desired pressures with limited operator input.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Thomas C. Keenan
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Patent number: 9969315Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pneumatic inflator for automatically inflating inflatable articles, such as dunnage bags, to a desired pressure. Generally, once activated, the pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure inflates an inflatable article via a compressed air source until the air pressure inside the inflatable article reaches an operator-selected desired pressure. Thereafter, the pneumatic inflator automatically stops inflating the inflatable article. In various embodiments, the pneumatic inflator also includes a manual shut-off that, when activated while the pneumatic inflator is inflating the inflatable article, causes the pneumatic inflator to stop inflating the inflatable article. The pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure thus enables automatic inflation of inflatable articles to particular, operated-selected desired pressures with limited operator input.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Thomas C. Keenan
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Publication number: 20180106257Abstract: Various embodiments provide a compact, portable dunnage bag inflation system that provides an air source that is easily carried by a user via a wearable container. Generally, the dunnage bag inflation system includes a portable dunnage bag inflator having an air generator that, in operation, expels air through an outlet. One end of a hose is removably connectable to the air generator to fluidly connect the hose and the outlet. An inflator head that includes a button actuatable to operate the portable dunnage bag inflator is connected to an opposing end of the hose. The dunnage bag inflation system also includes a rechargeable battery electrically connectable to the portable dunnage bag inflator to power the inflator and a charging station to charge the battery. This enables dunnage bags to be inflated to desired specifications at point-of-use and eliminates the need for a compressed air supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Anthony K. Beard, Joseph W. Gault, Thomas A. Ketzer, Thomas C. Keenan
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Publication number: 20170074411Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey A. Maness, Thomas A. Ketzer, Anthony K. Beard, James S. Zielinski, Mark Breining
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Publication number: 20160368410Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable dunnage bag inflator that provides a compact, pressurized source of air and that is easily mounted onto a movable cargo mover (such as a forklift truck or a pallet jack). Generally, the portable dunnage bag inflator includes an impellor-driven blower that, in operation, draws air at atmospheric pressure through an air intake grid or air inlet into the impellor and expels the air through an inflation hose. Since the portable dunnage bag inflator includes an impellor-driven blower, the pressure of the expelled air is higher than atmospheric pressure. This enables dunnage bags to be inflated to the desired specifications at point-of-use (e.g., during or after loading of cargo into a cargo container) and eliminates the need for a compressed air supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Peter P. Petrucci, Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Jeffrey Osisek, Mark J. Caires
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Patent number: 9505334Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Signode Industrial Group LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Maness, Thomas A. Ketzer, Anthony K. Beard, James S. Zielinski, Mark Breining
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Publication number: 20150375670Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pneumatic inflator for automatically inflating inflatable articles, such as dunnage bags, to a desired pressure. Generally, once activated, the pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure inflates an inflatable article via a compressed air source until the air pressure inside the inflatable article reaches an operator-selected desired pressure. Thereafter, the pneumatic inflator automatically stops inflating the inflatable article. In various embodiments, the pneumatic inflator also includes a manual shut-off that, when activated while the pneumatic inflator is inflating the inflatable article, causes the pneumatic inflator to stop inflating the inflatable article. The pneumatic inflator of the present disclosure thus enables automatic inflation of inflatable articles to particular, operated-selected desired pressures with limited operator input.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Thomas C. Keenan
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Publication number: 20150037113Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable valve in which a seal portion is co-molded with and overmolded to the valve stem to provide a secure mechanical bond therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve includes a snap fit between the valve stem and a retaining cap to provide easy assembly of the valve as well as an efficient and compact retention mechanism for a biasing spring and the valve stem in relation to the valve housing. In one embodiment, the valve includes an easy-to-use opening and closing mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user when moving the valve stem to an open position and to a closed position to inflate, deflate, or maintain air or gas pressure in the inflatable article. The present disclosure also provides a dunnage bag with such valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Jeffrey A. Maness, Thomas A. Ketzer, Anthony K. Beard, James S. Zielinski, Mark Breining
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Publication number: 20150034196Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable dunnage bag inflator that provides a compact, pressurized source of air and that is easily mounted onto a movable cargo mover (such as a forklift truck or a pallet jack). Generally, the portable dunnage bag inflator includes an impellor-driven blower that, in operation, draws air at atmospheric pressure through an air intake grid or air inlet into the impellor and expels the air through an inflation hose. Since the portable dunnage bag inflator includes an impellor-driven blower, the pressure of the expelled air is higher than atmospheric pressure. This enables dunnage bags to be inflated to the desired specifications at point-of-use (e.g., during or after loading of cargo into a cargo container) and eliminates the need for a compressed air supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Peter P. Petrucci, Anthony K. Beard, Thomas A. Ketzer, Jeffrey Osisek, Mark J. Caires
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Patent number: 7661579Abstract: A new and improved packaging container, and a method and apparatus for fabricating the same, comprises a laminated structure comprising a plurality of plies formed from suitable paper or similar materials. The plurality of plies, having a predetermined width dimension, are bonded together in a substantially flattened state by glue which is applied in predetermined, axially extending, laterally staggered patterns.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John M. Kruelle, Thomas A. Ketzer, Joseph Manes, Frank Valenzano
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Publication number: 20070063006Abstract: A new and improved packaging container, and a method and apparatus for fabricating the same, comprises a laminated structure comprising a plurality of plies formed from suitable paper or similar materials. The plurality of plies, having a predetermined width dimension, are bonded together in a substantially flattened state by glue which is applied in predetermined, axially extending, laterally staggered patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2005Publication date: March 22, 2007Inventors: John Kruelle, Thomas Ketzer, Joseph Manes, Frank Valenzano
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Patent number: 6583373Abstract: A steering column module includes functional modules arranged adjacent to one another in respective parallel planes along an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of a steering column. Each of the functional modules is associated with a respective plug-and-socket connector. The connectors extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the steering column. The connectors each have first and second parts. The first part of each connector being connected to the respective one of the functional modules. The second part of each connector extending radially out from the respective one of the functional modules. An electronic module extends transversely to the respective parallel planes of the functional modules and are arranged against the functional modules such that the electronic module engages the second part of each of the connectors to connect the functional modules to the electronic module and a vehicle electrical system connected to the electronic module.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Ketzer, Volker Heite, Benno Wessendorf
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Publication number: 20020195810Abstract: A steering column module includes functional modules arranged adjacent to one another in respective parallel planes along an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of a steering column. Each of the functional modules is associated with a respective plug-and-socket connector. The connectors extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the steering column. The connectors each have first and second parts. The first part of each connector being connected to the respective one of the functional modules. The second part of each connector extending radially out from the respective one of the functional modules. An electronic module extends transversely to the respective parallel planes of the functional modules and are arranged against the functional modules such that the electronic module engages the second part of each of the connectors to connect the functional modules to the electronic module and a vehicle electrical system connected to the electronic module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Ketzer, Volker Heite, Benno Wessendorf