TMCnet News
U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (Sept. 5)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Minnesota. *** GT Urological Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 4 -- GT Urological, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,429) developed by David W. Anderson, Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Gerald W. Timm, Minneapolis, for a "vessel occlusive device and method of occluding a vessel." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface." The patent application was filed on July 2, 2008 (12/166,664). 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=80,07,429&OS=80,07,429&RS=80,07,429 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** 3M Innovative Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- 3M Innovative Properties, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,118) developed by Mark B. O'Neill, Stillwater, Minn., Carl A. Stover, St. Paul, Minn., and Michael F. Weber, Shoreview, Minn., for a "direct-lit backlight with angle-dependent birefringent diffuser." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A direct-lit backlight includes a diffuse reflector disposed in front of a light source. The diffuse reflector has a continuous phase material and a disperse phase material, at least one of which is birefringent, and the disperse phase material is formed into particles having a transverse dimension less than 1 micrometer for efficient visible light scattering. The continuous and disperse phases have refractive indices tailored so the diffuse reflector transmits light from the light source substantially more strongly for obliquely incident light than for normally incident light to provide bulb-hiding characteristics." The patent application was filed on Aug. 22, 2007 (11/843,178). 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=80,07,118.PN.&OS=PN/80,07,118&RS=PN/80,07,118 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** MetroSpec Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- MetroSpec Technology, Mendota Heights, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,286) developed by Henry V. Holec, Mendota Heights, Minn., and Wm. Todd Crandell, Minnetonka, Minn., for "circuit boards interconnected by overlapping plated through holes portions." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In some embodiments, an interconnectable circuit board may include one or more of the following features: (a) a first electrically conductive pad located on a top of the circuit board, (b) a plated through hole on the conductive pad which passes through the circuit board, (c) a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the plated through hole; the second conductive pad capable of being electrically connected to a third electrically conductive pad attached to a top of a second interconnectable circuit board, (d) cut marks indicating safe locations for separating the circuit board, and (e) a second cut mark adjacent to the first cut mark where the area between the first and second cut mark can be utilized to make a safe cut through the circuit board." The patent application was filed on March 18, 2009 (12/406,761). 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=8,007,286.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,286&RS=PN/8,007,286 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** International Business Machines Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- International Business Machines, Armonk, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,007,291) developed by Don Alan Gilliland, Rochester, Minn., Joseph Kuczynski, Rochester, Minn., and Amanda Elisa Ennis Mikhail, Rochester, Minn., for an "implementing differential signal circuit board electrical contact." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method, and structures are provided for implementing differential signal circuit board electrical contact. A removable member including a pair of independent electrical contacts is removably received within an associated contact-receiving cavity on the circuit board. The contact-receiving cavity includes a mating pair of circuit board pads. A respective dielectric is provided between each of the pair of independent electrical contacts and the mating pair of circuit board pads." The patent application was filed on Oct. 15, 2010 (12/905,215). 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=8,007,291.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,291&RS=PN/8,007,291 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Despatch Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Despatch Industries, Lakeville, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,276) developed by Hans L. Melgaard, North Oaks, Minn., and Michael J. Franklin, Apple Valley, Minn., for a "fiber treatment oven with adjustable gates." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fiber treatment oven having slots for the fibers to pass through and adjustable gates located proximate the slots. The gates may be connected via a linkage that allows movement of many gates at once and may be connected so that individual gates may be adjusted as well." The patent application was filed on April 7, 2008 (12/098,541). 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=8,007,276.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,276&RS=PN/8,007,276 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,247) developed by four co-inventors for an "end of stroke detection for electromagnetic pump." The co-inventors are Scott A. Sarkinen, Greenfield, Minn., James M. Haase, Maplewood, Minn., Ronald L. Mezera, Lake Elmo, Minn., and Christian Michel Peclat, Neuchatel, Switzerland. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Detection of end of stroke for an electromagnetic pump is performed using, for example, a calculated first flux derivative." The patent application was filed on May 22, 2007 (11/805,124). 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=8,007,247.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,247&RS=PN/8,007,247 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** 3M Innovative Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- 3M Innovative Properties, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,008,783) developed by four co-inventors for a "dicing tape and die attach adhesive with patterned backing." The co-inventors are David J. Plaut, Minneapolis, Eric G. Larson, Lake Elmo, Minn., Joel A. Getschel, Osceola, Wis., and Olester Benson Jr., Woodbury, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Provided are a tape, apparatus, and method that relate generally to a single layer adhesive which functions as a dicing tape and also as a die attach adhesive for dicing thinned wafers and subsequent die attach operations of the diced chips in semiconductor device fabrication. The tape, apparatus, and method include a backing with a surface modification that includes a pattern." The patent application was filed on Nov. 15, 2010 (12/946,185). 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=8008783.PN.&OS=PN/8008783&RS=PN/8008783 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,528) developed by four co-inventors for a bifurcated stent. The co-inventors are Amnon Yadin, Kfar Vitkin, Israel, Thomas E. Broome, Prior Lake, Minn., Michael P. Meyer, Richfield, Minn., and Eric Williams, Suisun City, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of interconnected framework members defining a plurality of cells. A portion of the interconnected framework members comprise a side branch structure defining an inner side branch cell that is shaped differently from other cells of the stent. The side branch structure comprises a serpentine ring that extends around the inner side branch cell. The serpentine ring comprises alternating struts and turns. The turns comprise alternating inner turns and outer turns, and the inner turns comprise alternating first inner turns and second inner turns. The second inner turns are located farther away from a side branch center point than the first inner turns." The patent application was filed on May 23, 2007 (11/752,837). 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=8,007,528.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,528&RS=PN/8,007,528 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,530) developed by Timothy R. Ryan, Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Charles P. Tabor, Brooklyn Park, Minn., for a "tool and method for implanting an annuloplasty prosthesis." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue." The patent application was filed on April 26, 2006 (11/411,273). 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=8,007,530.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,530&RS=PN/8,007,530 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** ev3 Peripheral Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- ev3 Peripheral, Plymouth, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,527) developed by Paul J. Thompson, New Hope, Minn., for a "stent with dual support structure." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter." The patent application was filed on Dec. 8, 2009 (12/633,246). 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=8,007,527.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,527&RS=PN/8,007,527 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Epitopix Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Epitopix, Willmar, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,811) developed by four co-inventors for "polypeptides and immunizing compositions containing gram positive polypeptides and methods of use." The co-inventors are Daryll A. Emery, New London, Minn. Darren E. Straub, New London, Minn. Laura Wonderling, Minneapolis, and Lisa L. Herron Olson, Minneapolis. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Staphylococcus spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides." The patent application was filed on Feb. 14, 2006 (11/353,459). 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=8,007,811&OS=8,007,811&RS=8,007,811 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Donaldson Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Donaldson, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,572) developed by six co-inventors for a "filter element, air cleaner, and methods." The co-inventors are Steven Scott Gieseke, Richfield, Minn., William M. Juliar, Coon Rapids, Minn., Edward A. Steinbrueck, Eden Prairie, Minn., Wayne R.W. Bishop, St. Louis Park, Minn., Patrick Golden, Roseville, Minn., and Wayne C. Musselman, Big Lake, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein." The patent application was filed on Nov. 9, 2009 (12/590,609). 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=8,007,572.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,572&RS=PN/8,007,572 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent for Embolic Protection Filtering Device that can be Adapted to be Advanced Over a Guidewire ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,510) developed by five co-inventors for an "embolic protection filtering device that can be adapted to be advanced over a guidewire." The co-inventors are Mel R. Beulke, Bloomington, Minn., Anthony C. Vrba, Maple Grove, Minn., Brian J. Lowe, Zimmerman, Minn., Thomas E. Broome, Shakopee, Minn., and Dennis A. Boismier, Shorewood, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter." The patent application was filed on May 11, 2010 (12/777,813). 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=8,007,510.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,510&RS=PN/8,007,510 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Expert Services Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Expert Services Group, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,747) developed by Gershon Giter, St. Paul, Minn., and Dmitry Volovik, St. Paul, Minn., for an "automated fluid handling cartridge, fluid processing system, and methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to a cartridge, system, and methods that can be used for automated handling of fluids, such as blood. The cartridge can be configured to obtain a fluid sample from a sealed container, e.g., a septum sealed container. The system can be configured to handle the cartridge for operations such as obtaining a sample and/or dispensing the sample from the cartridge into, for example, a microtiter plate. The method of the invention can employ the cartridge or system of the invention." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2008 (12/317,228). 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=8,007,747&OS=8,007,747&RS=8,007,747 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Pfizer Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Pfizer, New York, has been assigned a patent (8,007,800) developed by David L. Shelton, Oakland, Calif., and Patrick William Mantyh, Edina, Minn., for "methods for treating bone cancer pain by administering a nerve growth factor antagonist antibody." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention features methods and compositions for preventing or treating bone cancer pain including cancer pain associated with bone metastasis by administering an antagonist of nerve growth factor (NGF). The NGF antagonist may be an anti-NGF (such as anti-hNGF) antibody that is capable of binding hNGF." The patent application was filed on March 16, 2009 (12/404,759). 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=8,007,800&OS=8,007,800&RS=8,007,800 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Zimmer Spine Assigned Patent for Dynamic Spinal Stabilization System and Method of Using the Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,519) developed by R. Garryl Hudgins, Burnsville, Minn., Thomas O. Viker, Arden Hills, Minn., and Guido Casutt, Rickenbach-Sulz, Switzerland, for a "dynamic spinal stabilization system and method of using the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A spinal stabilization system includes a pair of vertebral anchors and a flexible construct extending between the anchors to provide dynamic stabilization of the spine. The flexible construct includes first and second spring arms coupled to the anchors at first ends thereof and second ends coupled at a joint. The spring arms are capable of flexing toward and away from each other during movement of the spine. The system may include a biasing member for biasing movement of the spring arms toward and/or away from each other. The system may further include an adjustment feature that allows the distraction to be adjusted in situ. The stiffness characteristic of each of the spring arms may be selectively adjusted to meet the specific application. A method of stabilizing a spine includes securing anchors to selected vertebrae and coupling the flexible construct to the anchors through a top loading procedure. The flexible construct may be coupled so that a rotational axis of the flexible construct is anterior of a head portion of the anchors." The patent application was filed on March 13, 2007 (11/685,329). 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=8,007,519.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,519&RS=PN/8,007,519 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Epitopix Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Epitopix, Willmar, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,803) developed by four co-inventors for "polypeptides and immunizing compositions containing gram positive polypeptides and methods of use." The co-inventors are Daryll A. Emery, New London, Minn., Darren E. Straub, New London, Minn., Laura Wonderling, Minneapolis, and Lisa L. Herron Olson, Minneapolis. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Staphylococcus spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides." The patent application was filed on Sept. 11, 2006 (11/518,689). 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=8,007,803.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,803&RS=PN/8,007,803 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico, Caguas, Puerto Rico, has been assigned a patent (8,007,514) developed by Andrew Thomas Forsberg, Minneapolis, for an "automatic suture locking device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention involves an automatic suture locking device useable with vascular closure device. The suture locking device includes a housing and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, a suture pathway through the mechanism is sufficiently tortuous to prevent free suture movement." The patent application was filed on Oct. 17, 2003 (10/688,365). 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=8,007,514.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,514&RS=PN/8,007,514 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Zimmer Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,535) developed by six co-inventors for an "interbody fusion ring and method of using the same." The co-inventors are Robert Garryl Hudgins, Burnsville, Minn., Melanie Chapman, Watsontown, Pa., Guido Casutt, Sulz-Rickenbach, Switzerland, Rosemary Thompson, Winterthur, Switzerland, Thomas O. Viker, Arden Hills, Minn., and Hugh D. Hestad, Edina, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides an injectable annular ring useful in treating a deteriorating spinal disc. When used, the annular ring may be collapsed or folded in order for it to be placed through a small opening in a prepared intervertebral space within the annulus using minimally invasive techniques. Deployment or unfolding the ring in the intervertebral space provides an interior cavity bordered by the ring that is in direct contact with the vertebral endplates. When an internal volume of the ring is inject or filled with a load-bearing, hardenable material, the filled ring maintains the intervertebral spacing and prevents the ring from being expelled from the interior cavity through the small annular opening." The patent application was filed on June 1, 2006 (11/421,571). 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=8007535.PN.&OS=PN/8007535&RS=PN/8007535 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Tennant Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Tennant, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,654) developed by Bruce F. Field, Golden Valley, Minn., and Patrick J. Gronlund, Somerset, Wis., for an "electrochemically activated anolyte and catholyte liquid." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided." The patent application was filed on Jan. 19, 2007 (11/655,378). 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=8,007,654&OS=8,007,654&RS=8,007,654 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Minnesota Inventor Develops Patent for Methods and Devices for Treatment of Bone Fractures ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Hans A. Mische, St. Cloud, Minn., has developed a patent (8,007,498) for "methods and devices for treatment of bone fractures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing." The patent application was filed on Dec. 8, 2000 (09/733,775). 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=8,007,498.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,498&RS=PN/8,007,498 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Zimmer Spine Assigned Patent for Variable Geometry Occipital Fixation Plate ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,007,499) developed by Jason Piehl, Apple Valley, Minn., for a "variable geometry occipital fixation plate." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone; a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device." The patent application was filed on Oct. 30, 2009 (12/609,868). 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=8,007,499.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,499&RS=PN/8,007,499 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent for Variable Stiffness Medical Device Shaft ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,434) developed by Gregory Olson, Elk River, Minn., for a "variable stiffness medical device shaft." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical device shaft with varying flexibility along its length is provided. The shaft includes at least first and second elongate shaft portions that have differing geometries and differing flexibilities. The elongate shaft portions can be made of different materials." The patent application was filed on March 6, 2006 (11/276,561). 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=8,007,434.PN.&OS=PN/8,007,434&RS=PN/8,007,434 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Honeywell International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Honeywell International, Morristown, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,007,704) developed by Timothy J. Smith, Minneapolis, Minn., Tzu-Yu Wang, Maple Grove, Minn., and Adam Z. Eskridge, Minneapolis, Minn., for "insert molded actuator components." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to electrostatically actuated device components and methods of making the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making an electrostatically actuated device component including providing a multilayered structure comprising a first layer comprising a first polymer, a second layer comprising a conductive material, the second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer comprising a dielectric material, the third layer disposed over the second layer, positioning the multilayered structure within an injection mold, and injecting a second polymer into the mold and bonding the first layer to the second polymer to produce an electrostatically actuated device component. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of injection molding a stator component for an electrostatically actuated valve." The patent application was filed on July 20, 2006 (11/458,718). 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=8,007,704&OS=8,007,704&RS=8,007,704 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Boston Scientific SciMed Assigned Patent for Catheters with Fluorescent Temperature Sensors ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Boston Scientific SciMed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,444) developed by Jaydeep Y. Kokate, Maple Grove, Minn., Eric M. DoBrava, Crystal, Minn., and Scott R. Smith, Chaska, Minn., for "catheters with fluorescent temperature sensors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A catheter with a fluorescent temperature sensor is shown and described. The catheter includes a lumen, a fiber-optic cable that extends through the lumen. A distal end of the fiber-optic cable is coated with a fluorescent material and a proximal end of the fiber-optic cable is connected to a console. The console includes a light source for transmitting light through the fiber-optic cable for exciting the fluorescent material. The console further includes a photo multiplier tube for converting light emitted by the excited fluorescent material to a plurality of analogue voltage signals. The console further includes a digital oscilloscope linked to the photo multiplier tube for converting the plurality of analogue voltage signals to at least one digital signal. The console further includes a processor linked to the digital oscilloscope for converting the at least one digital signal to a temperature value for the distal end of the fiber-optic cable." The patent application was filed on March 10, 2005 (11/077,322). 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=8,007,444&OS=8,007,444&RS=8,007,444 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,007,442) developed by four co-inventors for a "sensing rate of change of pressure in the left ventricle with an implanted device." The co-inventors are Gerrard M. Carlson, Champlin, Minn., Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Maple Grove, Minn., Ramesh Wariar, Blaine, Minn., and Marina V. Brockway, Shoreview, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing." The patent application was filed on Feb. 10, 2010 (12/703,533). 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=8,007,442&OS=8,007,442&RS=8,007,442 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Greatbatch Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 5 -- Greatbatch, Clarence, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,007,463) developed by Greg Pudelko, Rosesville, Minn., Brian Fischer, Minneapolis, and Brian Honebrink, Stillwater, Minn., for a "bi-directional catheter assembly and method therefor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A catheter assembly includes a catheter body extending from a deflectable distal end to a proximal end, and the catheter body includes an actuator lumen. A housing is engaged to the proximal end of the catheter body. A flexible element extends from the housing through the actuator lumen to the deflectable distal end. The deflectable distal end is deflected by pushing and pulling of the flexible element. An actuator is movably coupled with the housing and connected to the flexible element. A tubular support is engaged around the flexible element and connected to the actuator, the tubular support moves with the actuator, and the tubular support substantially constrains lateral movement of the flexible element. The tubular support is telescopically received and engaged with an inner surface of the actuator lumen. The inner surface of the actuator lumen substantially constrains lateral movement of the tubular support and the flexible element." The patent application was filed on Aug. 24, 2009 (12/546,206). 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=8,007,463&OS=8,007,463&RS=8,007,463 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. 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. -1060016 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |