Patents by Inventor Timothy Thorson

Timothy Thorson 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: 11883268
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with front and rear opening features are disclosed. An article may comprise an insert comprising an outer cover, a liner, and a core between the outer cover and liner, a first waist panel coupled to the insert throughout a first attachment region, and a second waist panel coupled to the insert throughout a second attachment region, the second panel being coupled to the first panel proximate a first side edge of the article and the second side edge of the article and further comprising a weakened region. The second attachment may comprise a low-strength attachment zone and a high-strength attachment zone, the high-strength attachment zone disposed proximate the attachment region bottom edge. The low-strength attachment zone may further have a first peel strength and the high-strength attachment zone may have a second peel strength, the second peel strength greater than the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth Johnson, Sarah Kleuskens, James R Niedt, Kyle M Barriger, Marc A Morin, Jr., Thomas A Ray, Timothy A. Thorson, Victor Stevens
  • Patent number: 11672708
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with front and rear opening features are disclosed. An article may comprise an absorbent insert comprising an outer cover, a liner, and an absorbent core between the outer cover and the liner, a first waist panel coupled to the insert and comprising a weakened region and first waist band portion and first chassis portion, the first waist band portion and first chassis portion comprising elastic elements, and a second waist panel. The first waist panel may be bonded to the second along side edges of the article. One of the elastic elements of the first waistband portion may be spaced laterally from a second one forming a waistband non-elasticized region laterally between the first one of the elastic elements and the second one of the elastic elements, and the weakened region may extend at least partially through the waistband non-elasticized region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Beth Johnson, Sarah Kleuskens, James R Niedt, Kyle M Barriger, Timothy A. Thorson, Victor Stevens
  • Patent number: 11648153
    Abstract: Elasticized absorbent articles containing weakened elasticized portions and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A method comprises applying a first amount of adhesive to a first portion of at least one of the first web of material and the elastic strand, applying a second amount of adhesive to a second portion of at least one of the first web of material and the elastic strand, covering the elastic strand with either the first surface of the first web of material or a first surface of a second web of material to form an elasticized web. The elasticized web comprises a heavy bonding region and a light bonding region, wherein the heavy bonding region comprises a greater area density of adhesive than the light bond region. Finally, the method may further comprise partially weakening the waist panel elastic strand at least at one location within the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Timothy A. Thorson, Qingyuan Deng, Gregory J. Rajala, Rae Leonard Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 11585158
    Abstract: An isolated lubrication system for a drill bit is disclosed. The system comprises a body having a cutting arm with a journal and a rotary cutter mounted on the journal. The system also comprises a reservoir in a body to contain a fluid lubricant that isolated from communication outside the body. The system also comprises multiple conduits in communication with the reservoir and with respect to each other. The multiple conduits facilitate lubrication between the journal and the rotary cutter, including the bearings, by means of a gravitational force and/or a centrifugal force acting of the fluid lubricant. Further, the system comprises a sealing system. The sealing system includes a sealing cap provided to the reservoir, a seal provided between the journal and the rotary cutter, and a stepped passageway provided in a clearance between the rotary cutter and a cutting arm of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Swetha Suresh, Brian Stuart Skauge, David Hakes, Chetan Vilas Dahiwal, Timothy A Thorson, Gary Clifford Yerby, Geoffrey Damien Chovanec, Thomas John Yaniak
  • Publication number: 20210363830
    Abstract: An isolated lubrication system for a drill bit is disclosed. The system comprises a body having a cutting arm with a journal and a rotary cutter mounted on the journal. The system also comprises a reservoir in a body to contain a fluid lubricant that isolated from communication outside the body. The system also comprises multiple conduits in communication with the reservoir and with respect to each other. The multiple conduits facilitate lubrication between the journal and the rotary cutter, including the bearings, by means of a gravitational force and/or a centrifugal force acting of the fluid lubricant. Further, the system comprises a sealing system. The sealing system includes a sealing cap provided to the reservoir, a seal provided between the journal and the rotary cutter, and a stepped passageway provided in a clearance between the rotary cutter and a cutting arm of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Swetha Suresh, Brian Stuart Skauge, David Hakes, Chetan Vilas Dahiwal, Timothy A. Thorson, Gary Clifford Yerby, Geoffrey Damien Chovanec, Thomas John Yaniak
  • Patent number: 10746301
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes depositing one or more layers of a first material on a metal base plate of a second material to form a main seal body of the seal. The second material is different from the first material. The method further includes separating the seal from the metal base plate such that the seal includes the main seal body and an outer seal layer retained on the main seal body to form a seal face surface of the seal. The outer seal layer is formed of a portion of the metal base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Timothy A. Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn
  • Publication number: 20190365575
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with front and rear opening features are disclosed. An article may comprise an absorbent insert comprising an outer cover, a liner, and an absorbent core between the outer cover and the liner, a first waist panel coupled to the insert and comprising a weakened region and first waist band portion and first chassis portion, the first waist band portion and first chassis portion comprising elastic elements, and a second waist panel. The first waist panel may be bonded to the second along side edges of the article. One of the elastic elements of the first waistband portion may be spaced laterally from a second one forming a waistband non-elasticized region laterally between the first one of the elastic elements and the second one of the elastic elements, and the weakened region may extend at least partially through the waistband non-elasticized region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Beth Johnson, Sarah Kleuskens, James R Niedt, Kyle M Barriger, Timothy A. Thorson, Victor Stevens
  • Publication number: 20190307613
    Abstract: Elasticized absorbent articles containing weakened elasticized portions and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A method comprises applying a first amount of adhesive to a first portion of at least one of the first web of material and the elastic strand, applying a second amount of adhesive to a second portion of at least one of the first web of material and the elastic strand, covering the elastic strand with either the first surface of the first web of material or a first surface of a second web of material to form an elasticized web. The elasticized web comprises a heavy bonding region and a light bonding region, wherein the heavy bonding region comprises a greater area density of adhesive than the light bond region. Finally, the method may further comprise partially weakening the waist panel elastic strand at least at one location within the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhodes, Timothy A. Thorson, Qingyuan Deng, Gregory J. Rajala, Rae Leonard Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 10393271
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes coating a sealing surface substrate of an annular main seal body of the seal with a layer of Molybdenum, and melting the layer of Molybdenum to fuse the layer of Molybdenum into the sealing surface substrate to form an alloyed outer seal layer. The alloyed outer seal layer forms a sealing surface of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Timothy A. Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn, Zachary Steven Birky
  • Patent number: 10384435
    Abstract: A system and method for Selective Laser Fusing of a 3D part is disclosed. The system may comprise a platform, a gantry, a dispenser, a first press, a laser configured to emit a laser beam onto powdered material, a positive pressure chamber at least partially surrounding the laser, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: (a) receive data that includes a representation of the 3D part sliced into a plurality of layers; (b) rotate on a path about an axis either the platform or simultaneously each of the dispenser, the first press, the positive pressure chamber and the laser; (c) activate the dispenser to deposit the powdered material during (b); (d) activate the laser to emit during (b) the laser beam onto the powdered material to Fuse the powdered material into a layer of the plurality of layers; and (e) repeat (b)-(d) to make the 3D part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thorson, Thierry A. Marchione
  • Patent number: 10352448
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes forming a layer of a hardened metal layer on a metal base plate. Further, the method includes melting the layer of the hardened metal in a nitrogen atmosphere to form a layer of metal nitride. Furthermore, the method includes depositing a plurality of layers of a metal alloy on the layer of metal nitride to form a main seal body portion, wherein the layer of metal nitride and the main seal body portion together correspond to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Timothy A. Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn
  • Publication number: 20190209392
    Abstract: Absorbent articles with front and rear opening features are disclosed. An article may comprise an insert comprising an outer cover, a liner, and a core between the outer cover and liner, a first waist panel coupled to the insert throughout a first attachment region, and a second waist panel coupled to the insert throughout a second attachment region, the second panel being coupled to the first panel proximate a first side edge of the article and the second side edge of the article and further comprising a weakened region. The second attachment may comprise a low-strength attachment zone and a high-strength attachment zone, the high-strength attachment zone disposed proximate the attachment region bottom edge. The low-strength attachment zone may further have a first peel strength and the high-strength attachment zone may have a second peel strength, the second peel strength greater than the first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Beth Johnson, Sarah Kleuskens, James R Niedt, Kyle M Barriger, Marc A Morin, Jr., Thomas A Ray, Timothy A. Thorson, Victor Stevens
  • Patent number: 10344451
    Abstract: An undercarriage assembly associated with a machine is provided. The undercarriage assembly includes a ground engaging track adapted to crawl on a ground surface. The ground engaging track includes a plurality of track shoes. The ground engaging track also includes a plurality of pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another. Each of the track links includes a body member having a first side surface and a second side surface. The body member also includes a mounting hole defined in the body member. The mounting hole extends angularly with respect to the shoe surface. The ground engaging track further includes a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling member adapted to be received within the mounting hole, and welded to the track shoe to couple each of the plurality of track shoes with the respective track links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Timothy A. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20190063609
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes depositing one or more layers of a first material on a metal base plate of a second material to form a main seal body of the seal. The second material is different from the first material. The method further includes separating the seal from the metal base plate such that the seal includes the main seal body and an outer seal layer retained on the main seal body to form a seal face surface of the seal. The outer seal layer is formed of a portion of the metal base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Timothy A. Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn
  • Publication number: 20190040955
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes forming a layer of a hardened metal layer on a metal base plate. Further, the method includes melting the layer of the hardened metal in a nitrogen atmosphere to form a layer of metal nitride. Furthermore, the method includes depositing a plurality of layers of a metal alloy on the layer of metal nitride to form a main seal body portion, wherein the layer of metal nitride and the main seal body portion together correspond to the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Timothy A. Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn
  • Publication number: 20190003596
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seal is disclosed. The method includes coating a sealing surface substrate of an annular main seal body of the seal with a layer of Molybdenum, and melting the layer of Molybdenum to fuse the layer of Molybdenum into the sealing surface substrate to form an alloyed outer seal layer. The alloyed outer seal layer forms a sealing surface of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Timothy A. Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn, Zachary Steven Birky
  • Publication number: 20180079459
    Abstract: An undercarriage assembly associated with a machine is provided. The undercarriage assembly includes a ground engaging track adapted to crawl on a ground surface. The ground engaging track includes a plurality of track shoes. The ground engaging track also includes a plurality of pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another. Each of the track links includes a body member having a first side surface and a second side surface. The body member also includes a mounting hole defined in the body member. The mounting hole extends angularly with respect to the shoe surface. The ground engaging track further includes a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling member adapted to be received within the mounting hole, and welded to the track shoe to couple each of the plurality of track shoes with the respective track links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Timothy A. Thorson
  • Patent number: 9803801
    Abstract: A system for dispensing lubricant in a stream of cool air to a work piece and a machine tool. A source of lubricant and cool air are coupled to a stationary coupler. A rotating turret includes a plurality of machine tools mounted thereon and the plurality of rotating couplers mounted thereon. Each machine tool is associated with or coupled to one of the rotating couplers. The turret rotates so that a rotating coupler is in abutting engagement with the stationary coupler. Lubricant and cool air pass through the stationary coupler to the rotating coupler, which delivers the lubricant and cool air to a nozzle that is directed at the machine tool associated with the rotating coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: George Mathai, Rohit Bhapkar, Timothy Thorson
  • Publication number: 20170198576
    Abstract: A method of selectively hardfacing a holder of a cutting tool is provided. The method includes creating a groove on an outer surface of the holder. The method also includes applying a wear resistant material within the groove of the holder to form a wear resistant layer. The method includes heat treating the holder having the wear resistant layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Steinmetz, Timothy A. Thorson, Thierry Marchione
  • Patent number: 9701351
    Abstract: A construction machine includes a chassis, at least one continuous track supporting the chassis, at least one rim operatively associated with the continuous track, a shaft rotatably associated with the rim, and a collar operatively associated with the shaft and a guard plate. The collar has a variably angled face interfacing with the rim, and a labyrinth is formed between the collar and the rim via the variably angled face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kaufmann, Eric James Johannsen, Mircea Dumitru, Timothy Thorson, Matthew Trone