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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (Aug. 9)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Minnesota. *** Medtronic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,988,497) developed by Andrew J. Ries, Lino Lakes, Minn., George Patras, Greenfield, Minn., and Thomas J. Olson, Eagan, Minn., for a "connector assembly with internal seals and manufacturing method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having an inner surface forming a connector bore, a circuit member including a one or more traces extending through the shell; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore and electrically coupled to the traces; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members." The patent application was filed on April 21, 2010 (12/764,740). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,988,497.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,497&RS=PN/7,988,497 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** TCG International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- TCG International, Burnaby, Canada, has been assigned a patent (7,988,533) developed by four co-inventors for a "scratch removal device and method." The co-inventors are Jonathan P. Thomas, Maple Lake, Minn., Keith A. Beveridge, Edina, Minn., Chad James Olson, Blaine, Minn., and David Osland, Minneapolis. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A polishing wheel including a lower polishing surface and defining a different color from a secondary portion of the polishing wheel, so as to indicate wear of the polishing surface. The polishing surface includes a plurality of main radial flutes extending from a central passage to an outer edge. A reduced profile for the main radial flutes is provided adjacent to the outer edge. A plurality of secondary radial flutes is provided extending from the outer edge, but not in communication with either the central passage or the main radial flutes." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2010 (12/860,465). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,988,533.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,533&RS=PN/7,988,533 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Target Brands Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Target Brands, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,987,536) developed by five co-inventors for an animal-themed sleep system. The co-inventors are Michael M. Habig, Minneapolis, Mari L. Anderson, Minneapolis, Elizabeth C. Kern, Minneapolis, Adam D. Hoppus, Minneapolis, and Keegan L. Garvey, Minneapolis. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A sleep system includes a sack and a sleeping bag. The sack includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, a closed end and an open end. The exterior surface of the closed end includes decorative features of an animal head. The sleeping bag is configured to be stored in the sack when not in use. The sleeping bag includes a fastener that detachably connects at least two edges of the sleeping bag and has a fastener pull. The fastener pull includes an animal tail corresponding with the animal head located on the exterior surface of the closed end of the sack." The patent application was filed on Oct. 26, 2010 (12/912,250). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7987536.PN.&OS=PN/7987536&RS=PN/7987536 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** New Technology Resources Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- New Technology Resources, Edina, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,646) developed by six co-inventors for a "polymeric or composite wall and surface veneering products, systems and methods of use thereof." The co-inventors are Robert J. Race, Eagan, Minn., Paul J. Forsberg, Windermere, Fla., Edward Alan Knudson, Annandale, Minn., John Fitzgerald Dolan, Golden Valley, Minn., Daryl Pilarski, East Bethel, Minn., and Joel Forsberg, Shakopee, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to wall and surface veneering products and systems that provide a replica image of a natural surface, such as stone, brick or wood, and is easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and securement design. The present invention further includes systems for attachment of the veneering product to walls or other surfaces and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing arrangements and complete wall coverage. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture, which ensures the natural appearance of stone or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or wood, and preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface." The patent application was filed on Oct. 16, 2007 (11/872,812). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,987,646.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,646&RS=PN/7,987,646 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Adaptsys Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Adaptsys, Hampshire, United Kingdom, has been assigned a patent (7,987,653) developed by Barry L. Gregerson, Deephaven, Minn., and James E. Spitzer, Excelsior, Minn., for a "plastic embossed carrier tape process." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2009 (12/349,034). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,987,653.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,653&RS=PN/7,987,653 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Enclos Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Enclos, Eagan, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,644) developed by John Robert Walker III, Plymouth, Minn., David A. Niemoeller, St. Louis, and Michel Michno, Bloomington, Minn., for a curtainwall system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A modular curtainwall system and a method for forming a curtainwall unit are provided. The modular curtainwall system comprises a unit frame and a cassette. The cassette comprises a subframe and an interior portion. The stick unit frame and cassette may be assembled into a curtainwall unit at an offsite facility." The patent application was filed on Sept. 15, 2006 (11/532,360). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,987,644.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,644&RS=PN/7,987,644 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,500) developed by Michael J. Root, Lino Lakes, Minn., and Nick A. Youker, River Falls, Wis., for a "method and apparatus for flexible battery for implantable device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an apparatus for storing energy, the apparatus having a first portion comprising a flexible substrate containing a polymer electrolyte and a second portion adapted to provide a conformable housing surrounding the first portion; wherein the apparatus is adapted to provide a source of energy to an implantable device. The apparatus defines a flexible implantable device capable of traversing the circulatory system of a body with minimal obstruction of flow within the circulatory system. Further provided is a method of implanting an power source within the circulatory system of a subject's body." The patent application was filed on Dec. 15, 2006 (11/611,649). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,500.PN.&OS=PN/7,985,500&RS=PN/7,985,500 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Minnesota Inventor Develops Patent for Megaphone Popcorn Cup ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Jon A. Richie, Minnetonka, Minn., has developed a patent (7,984,842) for a megaphone popcorn cup. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A megaphone popcorn cup is provided. The cup includes a first end, which is open to an interior of the cup, and a second end, which has a smaller diameter than the first end. The cup has a side wall with overlapping first and second side edges that are attached to one another. An end cap at least partially seals the second end. The end cap is vertically offset from the second end toward the first end and is formed with the side wall as a single, continuous piece of material." The patent application was filed on Feb. 1, 2008 (12/024,385). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,84,842.PN.&OS=PN/79,84,842&RS=PN/79,84,842 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** International Business Machines Assigned Patent for Implementing Enhanced Connector Guide Block Structures for Robust SMT Assembly ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- International Business Machines, Armonk, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (7,985,095) developed by William L. Brodsky, Binghamton, N.Y., John L. Colbert, Byron, Minn., and Mark K. Hoffmeyer, Rochester, Minn., for "implementing enhanced connector guide block structures for robust SMT assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and enhanced connector guide block structures implement robust connector assembly including robust Surface Mount Technology (SMT) connector assembly. A connector guide block includes a printed wiring board (PWB) mating face including at least one mounting screw hole provided within a mounting portion for receiving a mounting screw. The connector guide block is assembled with a printed wiring board (PWB) by inserting a respective non-bonding screw through an aligned opening in the PWB into guide block mounting hole and a gap is defined from an upper surface of the PWB below the guide block mounting portion. The gap is filled with an electrically nonconductive underfill material and cured. Another connector guide block structure includes an upper connector guide block portion and a lower connector guide block portion with a gap between the guide block portions filled with a selected electrically nonconductive underfill material and cured." The patent application was filed on July 9, 2009 (12/499,913). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,85,095.PN.&OS=PN/79,85,095&RS=PN/79,85,095 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Honeywell International Assigned Patent for Combustion Blower Control for Modulating Furnace ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Honeywell International, Morristown, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,985,066) developed by Brent Chian, Plymouth, Minn., and Timothy J. Nordberg, Plymouth, Minn., for a "combustion blower control for modulating furnace." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace." The patent application was filed on June 10, 2008 (12/136,598). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,85,066.PN.&OS=PN/79,85,066&RS=PN/79,85,066 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,063) developed by Scott R.Schewe, Eden Prairie, Minn., and Jeffrey S. Lindquist, Maple Grove, Minn., for "molds and related methods and articles." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Molds and related methods and articles are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an exposed surface of the mold has regions with different coefficients of friction." The patent application was filed on Aug. 2, 2007 (11/832,878). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,85,063.PN.&OS=PN/79,85,063&RS=PN/79,85,063 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,984,717) developed by Yelena G. Tropsha, Plymouth, Minn., and Warren L. Starkebaum, Plymouth, Minn., for "devices for augmentation of lumen walls." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bulking device for implantation into a lumen wall that includes a bulking material that is configured to alter the portion of the lumen into which it is implanted and one or more therapeutic substances in association with the bulking material, wherein the device is configured to alter the portion of the lumen wall into which it is implanted. A method for inserting devices of the invention are also included." The patent application was filed on April 29, 2005 (11/118,628). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,84,717&OS=79,84,717&RS=79,84,717 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Vendor Development Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Vendor Development Group, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,984,709) developed by Terrence P. Byrnes, Mound, Minn., Carlos E. Rodriguez, Woodbury, Minn., and Han Yong Tang, Linhai, China, for a "vent control for grill." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vent control for a grill. The vent control includes a panel and an actuator that is operatively connected to and which is able to move the panel so that it can control the draft of the grill. The operative connection between the panel and the apparatus includes interengagable teeth. The vent control is attached to a grill so that the panel is located adjacent a surface of the grill and the actuator protrudes through a hole in the grill and is manipulable by way of a control knob. In use, the panel is moved by the actuator so that it is able to regulate the draft of the grill. Preferably, the actuator includes a shaft that is provided with a drive member in the form of a toothed gear, while the panel includes a toothed rail or rack that is engagable with the drive member." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2009 (12/568,100). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,84,709&OS=79,84,709&RS=79,84,709 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Primos Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Primos, Flora, Miss., has been assigned a patent (7,984,725) developed by Brooks Johnson, Monticello, Minn., and Keith Beam, Elk River, Minn., for a collapsible blind. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A portable and collapsible blind including a flexible cover mounted on a support structure having a plurality of side walls and a top; wherein at least one side wall includes first and second opposite edges, and the opposite edges cooperatively defining a window; an elongated member extending across the opposite edges; and a selective fastener joined to one edge and adjustably joined to the strap, the fastener selectively being fixedly joinable to the elongated member." The patent application was filed on May 5, 2010 (12/774,596). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,84,725&OS=79,84,725&RS=79,84,725 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hoffman Enclosures Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Hoffman Enclosures, Anoka, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,799) developed by five co-inventors for an adjustable shelf. The co-inventors are Timothy Gordon Lange, Champlin, Minn., Robert M. Kalstabakken, Cambridge, Minn., Brian L. Mordick, Shoreview, Minn., Jeremy Lee Fink, Anoka, Minn., and Trent T. Jones, White Bear Lake, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A shelf includes a first shelf section and a second shelf section that slidingly fits with the first shelf section such that the first shelf section and second shelf section are configured to form a shelf surface having a usable shelf surface area that is variable." The patent application was filed on June 12, 2007 (11/761,931). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,87,799&OS=79,87,799&RS=79,87,799 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,994) developed by Brian J. Lowe, Zimmerman, Minn., and Alan D. Eskuri, Hanover, Minn., for a "flexible tube for cartridge filter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics." The patent application was filed on June 14, 2010 (12/814,698). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,987,994.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,994&RS=PN/7,987,994 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Milestone AV Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Milestone AV Technologies, Savage, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,119) developed by Jay Dittmer, Prior Lake, Minn., and Paul Smith, Savage, Minn., for an adjustable projector mount. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment." The patent application was filed on Jan. 12, 2011 (13/005,380). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988119.PN.&OS=PN/7988119&RS=PN/7988119 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** 3M Innovative Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- 3M Innovative Properties, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,269) developed by Bret W. Ludwig, Oakdale, Minn., for "nonwoven abrasive articles and methods of making the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Lofty open nonwoven abrasive articles, unitized abrasive wheels, and convolute abrasive wheels include a dipodal aminosilane. Methods of making the abrasive articles are also included." The patent application was filed on Dec. 4, 2006 (11/566,426). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,269&OS=7,985,269&RS=7,985,269 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Innovative Tools & Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Innovative Tools & Technologies, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,137) developed by Bryan T. Johnson, Vadnais Heights, Minn., for an adjustable stand. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An adjustable stand for receiving an object, e.g., an automobile panel." The patent application was filed on Oct. 24, 2008 (12/257,615). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988137.PN.&OS=PN/7988137&RS=PN/7988137 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** St. Jude Medical Assigned Patent for Deflectable Catheter with Distal Deflectable Segment ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,215) developed by Xiaoping Guo, Eden Prairie, Minn., Troy T. Tegg, Elk River, Minn., and Richard E. Stehr, Stillwater, Minn., for a "deflectable catheter with distal deflectable segment." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A guidable, or steerable, or deflectable catheter is provided that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion for insertion into a body cavity. A selectively deflectable segment having an anisotropic bending stiffness for deflection in individual planes is incorporated into the distal portion of the catheter shaft. Upon actuation of pull wires, the distal deflectable segment may be deflected to move/sweep the distal catheter tip through a sweeping plane. The anisotropic bending stiffness of the distal deflectable segment permits in-plane movement of the distal catheter tip in the sweeping plane while resisting any out-of-plane movements. In one arrangement, stiffening elements are selectively disposed within the distal deflectable segment such that the out-of-plane bending stiffness is largely increased and greater than the in-plane bending stiffness for deflection in the sweeping plane. In another arrangement, the cross section of a distal deflectable segment is altered to produce anisotropic area inertias of moment about its centroidal axes, and thus anisotropic bending stiffnesses." The patent application was filed on Dec. 28, 2007 (11/966,550). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,215&OS=7,985,215&RS=7,985,215 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** St. Jude Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,232) developed by Daniel J. Potter, Stillwater, Minn., and Richard E. Stehr, Stillwater, Minn., for a "detachable hemostasis valve and splittable sheath assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for connecting a hemostasis valve to a splittable sheath includes an interface formed between a ledge on the proximal end of a cannula portion of the hemostasis valve and an engagement structure aligned with the handles of the splittable sheath. Pulling the handles to split the sheath likewise disengages the ledge from the engagement structure. A snap ring on the cannula portion engages a snap ring in the lumen of a sheath hub formed on the proximal end of the splittable sheath. An O-ring between the cannula portion and the sheath hub provides a fluid-tight seal." The patent application was filed on June 21, 2004 (10/873,705). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,232&OS=7,985,232&RS=7,985,232 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent for Medical Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,234) developed by five co-inventors for a medical device. The co-inventors are Lixiao Wang, Long Lake, Minn., Steve Wu, San Diego, Ronald A. Sahatjian, Lexington, Mass., Albert Chin, Newton, Mass., and Peter Dayton, Brookline, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical device includes an inflatable balloon formed having portions of different materials, and a cutting element carried by the balloon. The materials can have different distensibility and/or compliancy." The patent application was filed on Feb. 27, 2002 (10/083,926). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,234&OS=7,985,234&RS=7,985,234 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,252) developed by four co-inventors for a bioerodible endoprosthesis. The co-inventors are Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Maple Grove, Minn., Chandru Chandrasekaran, Mercer Island, Wash., Scott R. Schewe, Eden Prairie, Minn., and Ken Merdan, Loretto, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An endoprosthesis includes a plurality of struts defining a flow passage. At least one strut includes (a) a body comprising a bioerodible material and having a thickness and (b) a coating overlying the body. The coating includes a plurality of regions that allow physiological fluids to contact a plurality of corresponding areas of the underlying body when the endoprosthesis is implanted in a physiological environment. The plurality of regions are sized and arranged so that the contacted areas of the body erode substantially through the body in the thickness direction while the coating remains on the body when the endoprosthesis is implanted in the physiological environment." The patent application was filed on July 30, 2008 (12/182,768). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,252&OS=7,985,252&RS=7,985,252 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Minnesota Inventor Develops Patent for Restraining Device for Reducing Warp in Lumber During Drying ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Robert W. Erickson, Minneapolis, has developed a patent (7,987,614) for a "restraining device for reducing warp in lumber during drying." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to an apparatus and processing method for drying lumber, for example two-by-four studs in an environment in a kiln in a manner to avoid warping, including crook, bow, cup and twist. The lumber pieces are stacked in a normal manner with stickers for providing air flow between courses of the lumber pieces, and the stack is dried while a horizontal force is provided to the respective courses of lumber in the stack to hold the individual pieces of lumber in edge to edge contact throughout the drying, equalizing, conditioning and cooling process for first drying of lumber, redrying of lumber or in a treatment process for removing warp from previously dried lumber. A vertical force comprising a weight or other force generating device can be also applied to the stack of lumber to augment the overall reduction in warpage if so evidenced." The patent application was filed on April 7, 2005 (11/100,710). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,987,614.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,614&RS=PN/7,987,614 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Walker Digital Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Walker Digital, Stamford, Conn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,044) developed by six co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card." The co-inventors are Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield, Conn., Bruce Schneier, Minneapolis, Magdalena M. Fincham, Ridgefield, Conn., James A. Jorasch, New York, Michael D. Downs, Wilton, Conn., and Robert C. Tedesco, Huntington, Conn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user." The patent application was filed on Oct. 5, 2010 (12/898,273). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988044.PN.&OS=PN/7988044&RS=PN/7988044 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Great River Energy Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Great River Energy, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,613) developed by four co-inventors for a "control system for particulate material drying apparatus and process." The co-inventors are Mark A. Ness, Underwood, N.D., Matthew P. Coughlin, Hibbing, Minn., John M. Wheeldon, Birmingham, Ala., and Adam M. Johnson, Bismarck, N.D. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer." The patent application was filed on Aug. 8, 2005 (11/199,744). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,987,613.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,613&RS=PN/7,987,613 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Parata Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Parata Systems, Durham, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,988,017) developed by four co-inventors for "methods and apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles." The co-inventors are Kurt Kulberg, Hillsborough, N.C., Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Wake Forest, N.C., Richard D. Michelli, Raleigh, N.C., and Stanley R. Buisman, Brooklyn Park, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall. The operator feedback mechanism provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the operator responsive to operation of the input mechanism by the operator to indicate prescribed increments of movement of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall." The patent application was filed on May 16, 2008 (12/121,951). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988017.PN.&OS=PN/7988017&RS=PN/7988017 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Anulex Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Anulex Technologies, Minnetonka, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,257) developed by seven co-inventors for "methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repair." The co-inventors are Joseph C. Cauthen III, Gainesville, Fla., Matthew M. Burns, Orono, Minn., Lawrence W. Wales, Maplewood, Minn., Brian L. Dukart, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Bradley J. Wessman, Wilmington, N.C., Rodney L. Houfburg, Prior Lake, Minn., and Paul Burmeister, Maple Grove, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures." The patent application was filed on Nov. 6, 2006 (11/556,878). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,257&OS=7,985,257&RS=7,985,257 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Loram Maintenance of Way Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Loram Maintenance of Way, Hamel, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,620) developed by David L. Huebner, Mound, Minn., Aaron M. Foster, Robbinsdale, Minn., and John A. Dekarski, Delano, Minn., for a "rotary undercutter for rail line maintenance." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A railroad ballast removal system capable of removing ballast material from below a rail line. The railroad ballast removal system includes at least one rotary cutting wheel having a plurality of individually replaceable cutting attachments positioned about a perimeter of the rotary cutting wheel. Each rotary cutting wheel is attached to an articulated arm capable of adjusting the position of the rotary cutting wheel along varying axis. The articulated arm is mounted to a support structure capable of transporting the rotary cutting wheel to a portion of railway requiring maintenance of the ballast material. The railroad ballast removal system is able to operate at a spot location or in a continuous manner down a length of railroad track. The ability to manipulate the rotary cutting wheel along the various axis allows the rotary cutting wheel to be used for ballast removal in locations wherein adjacent railways limit cutting access." The patent application was filed on Dec. 6, 2010 (12/961,113). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,987,620.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,620&RS=PN/7,987,620 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Alexandria Research Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Alexandria Research Technologies, Plymouth, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,985,225) developed by six co-inventors for an "apparatus and method for sculpting the surface of a joint." The co-inventors are Wesley D. Johnson, Eden Prairie, Minn., Gerard A. Engh, Alexandria, Va., Robert E. Kohler, Lake Elmo, Minn., Aaron J. Bisek, Elk River, Minn., Michael N. Travanty, Minneapolis, and Daryl R. Pilarski, East Bethel, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable portions to vary the force and bone resection depth. Devices can have irrigation ports and plenums to remove bone fragments. Some cutters are dual cutters, adapted to remove bone in two or more regions, such as the knee joint, simultaneously." The patent application was filed on May 1, 2007 (11/742,980). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,225&OS=7,985,225&RS=7,985,225 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Coloplast Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Coloplast, Humlebaek, Denmark, has been assigned a patent (7,985,176) developed by Randy L. Morningstar, Brooklyn Park, Minn., for a "method of implanting a penile prosthesis." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of implanting a penile prosthesis into a patient includes engaging a cap that is attached to a cylinder of the penile prosthesis with a distal end of a tool, and cradling the cylinder of the penile prosthesis between two support arms of the tool. The method additionally includes inserting the two support arms of the tool and the cylinder secured between the two support arms into a corpora cavernosum of the patient." The patent application was filed on May 26, 2010 (12/787,847). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,985,176&OS=7,985,176&RS=7,985,176 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Gauthier Biomedical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Gauthier Biomedical, Grafton, Wis., has been assigned a patent (7,987,745) developed by Michael T. Gauthier, Grafton, Wis., Mara C. Schwartz, Minneapolis, and Steven S. Landowski, Random Lake, Wis., for a "variable gear ratio ratchet." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member and a biasing member. The biasing member urges the locking member into engagement with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. A selector switch is secured to the device over the gear mechanism and is operable to move the locking member into and out of engagement with the planetary gears against the bias of the biasing member to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired." The patent application was filed on Jan. 16, 2009 (12/354,939). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,987,745.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,745&RS=PN/7,987,745 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Rosemount Aerospace Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Rosemount Aerospace, Burnsville, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,712) developed by Douglas C. Myhre, Eden Prairie, Minn., and Joseph R. Michel, St. Paul, Minn., for a "high temperature seal assembly for optical sensor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A seal assembly for an optical sensor employed in a high temperature environment is disclosed which includes an elongated metal guide tube having a distal end portion defining an open distal end and an inner rear wall, a sapphire window disposed within the distal end portion of the metal guide tube, the sapphire window having a rear end surface abutting the inner rear wall of the distal end portion of the metal guide tube, and a platinum mounting sleeve for securing the sapphire window to the metal guide tube, the platinum mounting sleeve having one portion joined to the metal guide tube and another portion joined to the sapphire window." The patent application was filed on Dec. 10, 2008 (12/316,136). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,987,712.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,712&RS=PN/7,987,712 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,987,718) developed by Thomas M. Huber, St. Peter, Minn., James F. Greenleaf, Rochester, Minn., and Mostafa Fatemi-Booshehri, Rochester, Minn., for a "vibroacoustic system for vibration testing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Forces are applied to a device under test and its mechanical response is measured by a laser vibrometer (50). The forces are applied without making physical contact with the device by producing an acoustical force with an ultrasonic beam (54). One embodiment employs two confocal transducers (56, 58) that produce beams that flood the device. Drive signals modulate the ultrasonic beams to produce the desired forces, and the use on a plurality of ultrasonic beams enable selective excitation of different modes of vibration of the object (7)." The patent application was filed on Dec. 16, 2005 (11/721,845). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,987,718.PN.&OS=PN/7,987,718&RS=PN/7,987,718 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Minnesota Inventors Develop Patent for Pet Waste Vacuum System and Apparatus, Disposable Liners Therefor, and a Method of Collecting Pet Waste Using Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Tory Reynolds, Eden Prairie, Minn., and Connor Reynolds, Eden Prairie, Minn., has developed a patent (7,984,530) for a "pet waste vacuum system and apparatus, disposable liners therefor, and a method of collecting pet waste using same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vacuum device for collecting pet waste includes a housing coupled to a vacuum source. The housing is a clam-shell configuration and is configured to receive a disposable liner bag. When closed, the housing holds the liner bag securely therein. A method of using the device provides for placing the liner bag within the housing, feeding a portion of the liner through an inlet tube to the housing, such that the inlet of the housing is insulated from contact with the waste being picked up." The patent application was filed on Feb. 13, 2009 (12/378,307). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7984530.PN.&OS=PN/7984530&RS=PN/7984530 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Target Brands Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 9 -- Target Brands, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,988,000) developed by Jeremy A. Clark, Minneapolis, Michael A. Whittier, Minneapolis, and John Thomas, Eden Prairie, Minn., for a display fixture accessories. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A merchandising system includes a display fixture placed on a floor in a retail environment. The display fixture includes a first end piece resting supported on the floor, a second end piece supported on the floor, a first member, and a second member, each of the first member and the second member being substantially horizontal with the second member extending substantially parallel to, and vertically offset from the first member. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture by receiving the first member in a first bracket of the display fixture accessory and receiving the second member in a second bracket of the display fixture accessory. A display piece is inserted into the display fixture accessory. Additionally, the display piece is maintained with the display fixture accessory in a substantially vertical position with the display fixture accessory extending above the display fixture." The patent application was filed on Sept. 2, 2010 (12/874,542). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988000.PN.&OS=PN/7988000&RS=PN/7988000 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com. -1057116 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |