Patents Represented by Attorney Fletcher Yoder
  • Patent number: 7887345
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a single-use oximetry sensor in which a single-use connector is used with the sensor assembly. The disclosure describes a connector which consists of a single-use male connector for use with female connector on an oximeter. The connector includes a housing enclosing one or more pins, one or more movable members, and a locking mechanism. Upon engagement of the male connector into the female connector the locking mechanism activates such that when the female connector is removed, the moveable member moves from a first position to a second position and locks into the second position. When in the second position the male connector can not engage the female connector, thereby limiting the male connector to a single use engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Wong, Albert Ollerdessen
  • Patent number: 7890348
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for dynamic configuration of medical diagnostic systems using distributable multi-component configuration files having extractable component-specific configuration data. The component-specific configuration data is extractable and processable at each component receiving a broadcast of the distributable multi-component configuration file. If a configuration change is desired in the system or in a particular component, then the change is made via the distributable multi-component configuration file. For example, the foregoing distribution and extraction techniques may be performed during operation of the distributed medical diagnostic system in response to a global or application change, such as different medical diagnostic applications. Accordingly, the present technique provides a flexible and architecture-independent mechanism for configuring components of a distributed medical diagnostic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Srinivas Aluri, Medhi Venon, Gireesha Rao
  • Patent number: 7887200
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and apparatus to align bit weights in a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: TTE Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent William Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7888915
    Abstract: A system includes an induction generator controller configured to operate an induction generator via a converter. The induction generator controller includes a diagnostic mode configured to instruct the converter to send an input signal to a rotor of the induction generator, receive an output signal from the rotor and a stator of the induction generator, and identify winding faults within the rotor and/or the stator based on the output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Haiqi Zhao, Qimou Xiong, Yanhang Li
  • Patent number: 7885199
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing group calling in a wireless network. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising receiving a request to participate a group call from a mobile device located in a wireless service area, determining whether a threshold number of other mobile devices in the wireless service area are participating in the group call, if the threshold number of the other mobile devices are participating in the group call, designating the requesting mobile device to receive a multicast transmission of the group call, and if the threshold number of other mobile devices are not participating in the group call, designating the requesting mobile device to receive a unicast transmission of the group call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Francis Mooney, David Albert Rossetti, Stanley Vitebsky, Yang Yang
  • Patent number: 7883026
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a system includes a spray device having a liquid pathway leading to a liquid exit, an air pathway leading to an air exit directed toward a spray region downstream of the liquid exit, and an assembly disposed in the liquid pathway adjacent the liquid exit. The assembly includes a threadless pintle generally fit into a sleeve in a concentric manner without threads. The assembly also includes a generally annular passage between the threadless pintle and the sleeve and a passage coupled with the generally annular passage. The generally annular passage also has a cross-sectional area that alternatingly increases and decreases in a lengthwise direction along the liquid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 7884304
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technique relate to a welding storage structure. In one embodiment, a welding system includes a welding chassis and a storage structure that rotates outwardly from the welding chassis. In another embodiment, a welding system includes a welding storage unit having a storage base with a plurality of storage compartments, a cover removably disposed over the plurality of the storage compartments, and a rotatable chassis mount configured to couple the welding storage unit rotatably to a welding chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Brietbach
  • Patent number: 7884629
    Abstract: Multi-touchdown, parallel test probe cards having probe elements arranged to provide greater efficiency during testing of a substrate having a plurality of die thereon. Probe elements may be arranged in a number of configurations that allow for efficient usage of the probe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7885754
    Abstract: A fuel injector is coupled to an engine. The fuel injector includes an injection opening configured to vary in cross-section between a open state and a fully closed state. The fuel injector is configured to provide a plurality of discrete commanded fuel injections into an engine cylinder by modulating the size of the injection opening without completely closing the opening to the fully closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Topinka, James Peter DeLancey, Roy James Primus, Florian Peter Pintgen
  • Patent number: 7880884
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may include devices and methods of manufacturing sensors for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose the use of conductive and nonconductive coating materials to increase comfort of sensor and increase accuracy of the parameters measured. The sensor may include a flexible circuit and an optical device with an active face. A generally opaque, nonconductive coating may be disposed over the optical device, except for the active face, which allows for passage of light to the active face. The nonconductive coating may comprise a medical grade silicone of a specified thickness. A second conductive layer may be disposed on a portion of the conductive layer, to provide a Faraday shield for the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: Casey V. Medina
  • Patent number: 7880591
    Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting whether consumer abuse has occurred in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for detecting the occurrence of a consumer abuse event and storing a record thereof. In one embodiment, the system provides one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection circuitry for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event. The system may further provide a memory, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, the abuse detection circuitry may store a record of the abuse event into the memory. The system may further provide an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory and analyze the abuse event records to determine if an abuse event occurred in the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Johnson, Richard H. M. Dinh, Tang Y. Tan
  • Patent number: 7880088
    Abstract: A bus system is disclosed for use with switching devices, such as power electronic devices. The system includes generally parallel bus elements that define electrical reference planes, such as for a dc bus. The bus elements are separated from one another by insulative layers, with additional insulative layers being available for separating the system from other circuit components. Portions of the bus elements are extended or exposed to permit connection to the circuit elements, including packaged switching circuits and energy storage or filtering circuits. The bus system may be conformed to a variety of geometric configurations, and substantially reduces parasitic inductance and total loop inductance in the resulting circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Radosevich, Steven C. Kaishian, Daniel G. Kannenberg, Timothy A. Roebke, Andreas A. Meyer, Dennis L. Kehl, Lee A. Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 7879078
    Abstract: A technique for heating a patient is provided. The technique includes providing a warming blanket comprising at least one section that can be moved relative to the remainder of the warming blanket to define an opening in the warming blanket. The technique also includes providing a drape suitable to cover the opening such that a seal is formed between the drape and the warming blanket along the periphery of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: Michael Vardanega
  • Patent number: 7882049
    Abstract: System and method for controlling a process with spatially dependent conditions for producing a product with spatially dependent properties, e.g., a web/sheet-based process for producing a web/sheet-based product. Input data comprising a plurality of input data sets are provided to a neural network (analog or computer-based), each data set comprising values for one or more input parameters, each comprising a respective process condition or product property. The input data preserve spatial relationships of the input data. The neural network generates output data in accordance with the input data, the output data comprising a plurality of output data sets, each comprising values for one or more output parameters, each comprising a predicted process condition or product property. The output data preserve spatial relationships of the output data, which correspond to the spatial relationships of the input data. The output data are useable by a controller or operator to control the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Paul Collette, III, W. Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 7881761
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sensor for facilitating detection of a physiological characteristic of a patient. Specifically, one embodiment includes a detector configured to obtain signals from the patient, the signals being indicative of the physiological characteristic, an interface configured to send the signals to a monitor, and a sensor memory coupled with the sensor and separate from the monitor, the sensor memory storing sensor expiration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Mannheimer, Michael E. Fein, Marcia Fein, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7881762
    Abstract: A clip-style sensor is provided that includes a sliding clip, such as a flat spring that slides along the sensor to provide a closing force for the sensor. When the sliding clip is engaged, the sensor is secured to the patient. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other spectrophotometric measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Carl Kling, Phillip S. Palmer, Robert W. Flagler
  • Patent number: 7878551
    Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund McHugh, Finbarr Evans, Declan Elliott
  • Patent number: 7877126
    Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Don Hannula, Paul Mannheimer
  • Patent number: 7875678
    Abstract: Compositions, processes, and methods are provided relating to styrenic polymers, including high impact polystyrene (HIPS), also referred to as rubber-modified polystyrene. In one aspect, a process is provided for making high impact polystyrenes, comprising the steps of combining a monovinylarene component, a monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer, and a conjugated diene polymer. In another aspect, the feed components form an emulsion having a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The continuous phase comprises at least a portion of the monovinylarene component and at least a portion of the conjugated diene polymer. The dispersed phase is suspended within the continuous phase, and comprises globules having at least a portion of the monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymer, a remaining portion of the monovinylarene component, and a remaining portion of the conjugated diene polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Cheimcal Company, LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Hanner, Chen-Youn Sue, Clifford C. Pettey, Carleton Stouffer, Paul M. Hunt, Ken E. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7877127
    Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Don Hannula, Paul Mannheimer