Patents by Inventor Michael Bernard

Michael Bernard 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).

  • Publication number: 20200338334
    Abstract: Example inventions heal damage to a fibrous connective tissue. Examples affix a patch externally on a dermis of a user adjacent to a damaged fibrous connective tissue of the user, the patch comprising a flexible substrate, a processor directly coupled to the substrate, and electrodes directly coupled to the substrate. Examples then activate the patch, the activating comprising generating an electrical stimuli via the electrodes that is directed to the damaged fibrous connective tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Hoo-min D. TOONG, William C. ALTMANN, Michael Bernard DRUKE
  • Publication number: 20200168125
    Abstract: An Expiratory breathing simulator device is provided and configured to simulate a real patient's ETCO2. The device is configured to be used with a vital signs simulator to simulate a patient's behaviour on a medical monitoring apparatus, for example for training medical professionals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Arthur Sheedy, Daniel Hartwell
  • Publication number: 20190336763
    Abstract: A neuro activation system includes a patch adapted to be applied externally on a dermis of a user, the patch comprising a flexible substrate and an adhesive on a first side adapted to adhere to the dermis of the user, an electronic package directly coupled to the substrate, the electronic package including a control unit and one or more stimulators, and electrodes directly coupled to the substrate and the electronic package, the patch adapted to generate an electrical stimuli via the electrodes. The neuro activation system further includes a controller in wireless communication with the patch, the controller including remote functionality to start and stop the electrical stimuli.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Terry SPURLING, Anthony WEI, Michael Bernard DRUKE, Hoo-min D. TOONG
  • Publication number: 20190299171
    Abstract: A compact interaction chamber is used to cause high shear, impact forces, and cavitation to reduce particle size and mix fluids while reducing waste and holdup volume. A first housing made of stainless steel holds an inlet mixing chamber element and an outlet mixing chamber element in a female bore using thermal expansion. The inlet and outlet mixing chamber elements are manufactured so that the diameter of the cooled female bore is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mixing chamber elements. The first housing is heated, expanding the diameter of the female bore enough to allow the inlet and outlet mixing chamber elements to be inserted. After the mixing chamber elements are inserted and aligned within the female bore, the first housing is allowed to cool. Once cooled, the female bore contracts and applies sufficient hoop stress to securely hold the mixing chamber elements during high shear force mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Renqiang Xiong, John Michael Bernard
  • Patent number: 10350556
    Abstract: A compact interaction chamber is used to cause high shear, impact forces, and cavitation to reduce particle size and mix fluids while reducing waste and holdup volume. A first housing made of stainless steel holds an inlet mixing chamber element and an outlet mixing chamber element in a female bore using thermal expansion. The inlet and outlet mixing chamber elements are manufactured so that the diameter of the cooled female bore is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mixing chamber elements. The first housing is heated, expanding the diameter of the female bore enough to allow the inlet and outlet mixing chamber elements to be inserted. After the mixing chamber elements are inserted and aligned within the female bore, the first housing is allowed to cool. Once cooled, the female bore contracts and applies sufficient hoop stress to securely hold the mixing chamber elements during high shear force mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Renqiang Xiong, John Michael Bernard
  • Publication number: 20190134391
    Abstract: A topical nerve activation patch includes a flexible substrate, a dermis conforming bottom surface of the substrate comprising adhesive and adapted to contact a dermis of a user, a flexible top outer surface of the substrate approximately parallel to the bottom surface, a plurality of electrodes positioned on the patch proximal to the bottom surface and located beneath the top outer surface and coupled to the flexible substrate, a power source, and electronic circuitry that generates an output voltage applied to the electrodes. The electronic circuitry includes a controller, a voltage monitoring circuit coupled to the controller, a current monitoring circuit coupled to the controller, a switch coupled to the controller and a boosted voltage circuit coupled to the switch and the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Druke, Alan E. Loh, Robert W. Scott, Anthony Wei, Graham Harold Creasey, Hoo-Min Toong
  • Patent number: 10239217
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a magnet gripper system, comprising: a gripper base comprising a magnetically attractive face; at least two slide plate retaining systems; and two or more slide plates wherein at least one of the slide plates is movably cooperated with each of the at least two slide plate retaining systems such that the slide plates are configured to move between a retracted position with the slide plates retracted relative to the face of the gripper base and an extended position with the slide plates extended relative to the face of the gripper base with an end of each of the slide plates being positioned further from the face of the gripper base when in the extended position than when the slide plates are in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald William Silke, Michael Bernard Condon
  • Patent number: 10156652
    Abstract: An analysis is proved to determine a candidate line for at least one vessel to traverse in a 3D seismic survey to achieve desired coverage either along a planned line or a new infill line. The analysis can also be used in a 4-D survey to determine the coverage of a candidate line relative to the baseline survey previously conducted. The analysis determines a coverage footprint of the common midpoint lines, at given offsets, so the user or automated system can select a candidate line to achieve the best coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: ION Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: David Robert Bowman, Michael Bernard Tomlinson, Angus Macgregor Styles
  • Publication number: 20180318475
    Abstract: A system and method for performing tissue therapy may include applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site of a patient. A fluid parameter associated with applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site may be sensed. An audible fluid leak location sound may be generated in response to sensing the fluid parameter. The audible fluid leak location sound may be altered in response to sensing that the fluid parameter changes. By altering the audible fluid leak location sound in response to sensing a change of the fluid parameter, a clinician may detect location of a fluid leak at the drape by applying force to the drape. The force applied to the drape may be a clinician pressing a finger onto an edge of the drape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Malcolm G. Thomson, Timothy Mark Robinson, Richard Marvin Kazala, Christopher Brian Locke, Michael Bernard Beasley, Larry Tab Randolph
  • Publication number: 20180289870
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a vibration apparatus can augment and enhance negative-pressure therapy systems. The apparatus can be attached to an external surface of a dressing, fluid conductor, or other components. The apparatus can generate low-amplitude vibrations, which can be transmitted through the components. Kinetic energy of the oscillations can agitate fluid in the components, which can lower the viscosity of the fluid and reduce the frequency of blockages in fluid conductors. Vibrations may also agitate a tissue site, which can encourage blood flow and granulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Bernard BEASLEY, James Killingworth SEDDON, Christopher Brian LOCKE
  • Publication number: 20180280202
    Abstract: A pressure switch for controlling application of negative pressure to dressing disposed adjacent a tissue site is disclosed. The pressure switch comprises a body having a base, sidewalls extending from the base to an open end, and an inlet coupled to the dressing and forming a passage through the body. The pressure switch further comprises a diaphragm closing the open end of the sidewalls and forming a vacuum chamber with the body, wherein the inlet fluidly couples the vacuum chamber and the dressing. The pressure switch further comprises a valve disposed in the passage and configured to restrict the flow of gas through the passage so that a switch pressure developed in the vacuum chamber as a result of the application of negative pressure to the dressing lags a wound pressure at the tissue site to delay, wherein the diaphragm is adapted to be operatively responsive to the switch pressure to move between a relaxed position and a compressed position as the negative pressure increases and decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew PRATT, Michael Bernard BEASLEY, Christopher Brian LOCKE, James Killingworth SEDDON
  • Publication number: 20180200514
    Abstract: A topical nerve stimulator patch and system are provided including a dermal patch; an electrical signal generator associated with the patch; a signal receiver to activate the electrical signal generator; a power source for the electrical signal generator associated with the patch; an electrical signal activation device; and a nerve feedback sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: MICHAEL BERNARD DRUKE, Alan E. LOH, Robert W. SCOTT, Anthony WEI, Graham Harold CREASEY, Hoo-min D. TOONG
  • Publication number: 20180154146
    Abstract: One example provides a nerve stimulation treatment using electrodes coupled to a user. Examples determine a target charge level and output a series of pulses from the electrodes. For each pulse outputted, examples measure a charge value of the pulse and compare the charge value to the target charge level. If the charge value is greater than the target charge level, examples reduce a strength level of a subsequent outputted pulse. If the charge value is less than the target charge level, examples increase the strength level of a subsequent outputted pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Druke, Alan E. Loh, Robert W. Scott, Anthony Wei, Graham Harold Creasey, Hoo-min D. Toong
  • Patent number: 9931600
    Abstract: A mixing assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a mixing chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet through a plurality of micro fluid flow paths in a direction perpendicular from the inlet. The micro fluid flow paths fluidly connect to the perpendicular inlet via a transition portion. The micro fluid flow paths are constructed radially inwardly to a concentration area in the mixing chamber. By directing multiple fluid flows to a concentrated area within the mixing chamber at high speeds, the energy dissipated at the point of collision is maximized, which helps to increase consistency and quality of mixing, and to reduce particle size of the fluid in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Renqiang Xiong, John Michael Bernard
  • Publication number: 20180055977
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for delivery of fluid to a wound therapy dressing. In exemplary embodiments, a pressure source provides negative pressure to a wound dressing and a biasing mechanism provides positive pressure to a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew PRATT, Kingsley Robert George FLOWER, Richard Daniel John COULTHARD, Michael Bernard BEASLEY, Daniel EVANS
  • Patent number: 9895669
    Abstract: A mixing assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a mixing chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet through a plurality of micro fluid flow paths in a direction perpendicular from the inlet. The micro fluid flow paths fluidly connect to the perpendicular inlet via a curved transition portion. The curved transition portion provides a more efficient flow path for the fluid to travel from the inlet to the micro fluid flow paths to the mixing chamber. By transitioning the direction change, flow resistance is decreased, and the fluid flow rate and shear rate is increased. Increased fluid flow rate and shear rate helps to increase consistency and quality of mixing, and to reduce particle size of the fluid in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Renqiang Xiong, John Michael Bernard
  • Patent number: 9789234
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for delivery of fluid to a wound therapy dressing. In exemplary embodiments, a pressure source provides negative pressure to a wound dressing and a biasing mechanism provides positive pressure to a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Pratt, Kingsley Robert George Flower, Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Michael Bernard Beasley, Daniel Evans
  • Publication number: 20170259225
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods related to a high pressure processing device that is configured to simplify batch processing. In an embodiment, a high pressure processing device includes a processing module configured to reduce a particle size of a material or achieve a desired liquid processing result for the material, a pump configured to pump the material to an inlet of the processing module, a recirculation pathway configured to recirculate the material from an outlet of the processing module back to the pump, an input device configured to receive at least one user input variable, and a controller configured to (i) determine a number of pump strokes for the pump based on the user input variable, and (ii) control the pump according to the determined number of pump strokes so that the material makes a plurality of passes through the processing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Michael P. Ratigan, David G. Harney, John Michael Bernard
  • Publication number: 20170222506
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a magnet gripper system, comprising: a gripper base comprising a magnetically attractive face; at least two slide plate retaining systems; and two or more slide plates wherein at least one of the slide plates is movably cooperated with each of the at least two slide plate retaining systems such that the slide plates are configured to move between a retracted position with the slide plates retracted relative to the face of the gripper base and an extended position with the slide plates extended relative to the face of the gripper base with an end of each of the slide plates being positioned further from the face of the gripper base when in the extended position than when the slide plates are in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Gerald William Silke, Michael Bernard Condon
  • Patent number: 9608899
    Abstract: System and method for load-balancing a plurality of transmission media. A first plurality of packets of a first stream may be transmitted to a second device on a first transmission medium. It may be determined that current medium utilization of the first transmission medium exceeds a first threshold. The first stream may be selected for transmission on both of the first transmission medium and a second transmission medium based on said determining that current medium utilization of the first transmission medium exceeds the first threshold. A second plurality of packets of the first stream may then be transmitted to the second device using both the first transmission medium and the second transmission medium. A first portion of the second plurality of packets may be transmitted on the first transmission medium and a second portion of the second plurality of packets may be transmitted on the second transmission medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Etan Gur Cohen, Michael Bernard Smith