Patents by Inventor Larry H. Dodge

Larry H. Dodge 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: 8012427
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a valve, a frame, and a plurality of housing segments. The valve may be actuated to adjust a flow path and flow rate through the housing segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: G. Marco Bommarito, Larry H. Dodge, Brinda B. Lakshmi, Triet M. Lu, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090012425
    Abstract: A sample acquisition device includes a hollow shaft and a porous medium. The hollow shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The sidewall of the hollow shaft includes a plurality of openings adjacent the distal end of the hollow shaft. The porous medium is attached to the distal end of the hollow shaft and at least a part of the porous medium is positioned over the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, Patrick A. Mach
  • Publication number: 20080302193
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a valve, a frame, and a plurality of housing segments. The valve may be actuated to adjust a flow path and flow rate through the housing segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: G. Marco Bommarito, Larry H. Dodge, Brinda B. Lakshmi, Triet M. Lu, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080299600
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for detecting an analyte in a sample of material includes a generally self-contained housing and an indicator cap. The housing is moveable between a sample preparation orientation and a testing orientation and is configured to interchangeably receive a sample collection device and the indicator cap having a testing device for detecting the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: G. Marco Bommarito, Scott A. Burton, Larry H. Dodge, Bernard A. Gonzalez, Brinda B. Lakshmi, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7037289
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dispenser suitable for quickly and easily setting up and dispensing multi-part tissue sealants or other multi-part compositions requiring separation of the components until just prior to application on the tissue surface. The invention may further include an applicator having a handle and a blade attached to a first end of the handle. The invention may also include a dispensing tip having a blade attached to the distal end of the dispensing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, Duane M. Grussing, Kristen L. Comstock, David J. Velasquez
  • Patent number: 6802822
    Abstract: A dispensing tip for e.g. a syringe dispensing an adhesive tissue sealant, having two rigid sections connected together by a flexible section. Preferably, although bendable, the flexible section has enough resilience that in the absence of external force the two rigid sections are held at a predictable angle to one another. In this way manual dispensing into hard to reach places during surgery is facilitated. This flexibility also facilitates use of the dispensing tip with a cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Larry H. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6648852
    Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Peroperties Company
    Inventors: David F. Wirt, Larry H. Dodge, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030187387
    Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David F. Wirt, Larry H. Dodge, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6569113
    Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David F. Wirt, Larry H. Dodge, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030050597
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dispenser suitable for quickly and easily setting up and dispensing multi-part tissue sealants or other multi-part compositions requiring separation of the components until just prior to application on the tissue surface. The invention may further include an applicator having a handle and a blade attached to a first end of the handle. The invention may also include a dispensing tip having a blade attached to the distal end of the dispensing tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, Duane M. Grussing, Kristen L. Comstock, David J. Velasquez
  • Publication number: 20020198490
    Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David F. Wirt, Larry H. Dodge, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6458095
    Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David F. Wirt, Larry H. Dodge, Jeffrey D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5628731
    Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, H. Aaron Christmann, Ulf B. Dunberger, Thomas D. Egan, James R. Watts
  • Patent number: 5626563
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tubing set in cassette form and an irrigation system employing the cassette and tubing set for use in endoscopic procedures. The tubing set includes a generally arcuate cassette which is inserted into the pump housing to effect a change in tubing sets between procedures. A valve assembly and flattened tubing segment are preferably used to provide pressure control/relief in the tubing set/irrigation system. Also provided in combination with the preferred cassette is a fitting for coupling a pressure monitoring line with pressure monitoring equipment in the irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, Ulf B. Dunberger, Thomas D. Egan, Harpreet Kaur, Kenneth E. Merte
  • Patent number: 5429485
    Abstract: An integral disposable manifold and pump cassette, through which fluid is pumped from inlet tubes, forms a single disposable cassette which may be inserted into a single pump housing. The integral disposable manifold and pump cassette includes first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. Sealed inlet channels are formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material, with the sealed inlet channels being connectable to inlet tubes for fluid passage therethrough. The sealed inlet channels can be individually pinched off to prevent fluid passage therethrough. A sealed main channel, which is connected between the inlet channels and an outlet tube is formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. The sealed main channel includes a pumping chamber which is also formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Larry H. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5403277
    Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, H. Aaron Christmann, Ulf B. Dunberger, Thomas D. Egan, James R. Watts
  • Patent number: 5017192
    Abstract: A free flow prevention system for preventing free flow of fluid through IV tubing when the tubing is disconnected from an infusion pump. A flexible clamp is provided having a pair of clamping arms, which define a variable width slot for receiving the IV tubing. The IV tubing may be moved along the slot between a first position wherein the width of the slot is sufficient to permit the clamp to be positioned longitudinally along the IV tubing, and a second position wherein the width of the slot is normally less than the width of the slot at the first position. The clamping arms are resiliently biased to a closed position wherein the IV tubing is squeezed when in its second position to close the lumen to prevent fluid flow. A clamp-receiving passageway and clamp-opening wedge are provided on the infusion pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, Stanford C. Stone
  • Patent number: 4707276
    Abstract: A blood collection device is provided with a phase partitioning device which includes a standpipe connected to a reservoir filled with a sealant material having a specific gravity intermediate the specific gravities of separated light and heavy phases of blood. Components of the heavy phase of blood enter the reservoir during phase separation and centrifugation to force sealant upwardly in the standpipe and out into the tube above the line of separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, Glen Stone
  • Patent number: 4215700
    Abstract: A blood collection device used in taking a small sample from a patient for test purposes is provided with a capillary tube and vented tube holder disposed in the upper end of a blood collection container. Integral radial extensions allow the container to be centrifuged in a centrifuge normally used for containers of larger diameter. An integral flexible strap connects a stopper to one of the radial extensions so that the stopper remains with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Crouther, Vincent H. Li, Larry H. Dodge
  • Patent number: D374718
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry H. Dodge, William A. Guenther