Patents Represented by Attorney Fredrikson & Byron, PA
  • Patent number: 7848796
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing division approximation in implantable and wearable self-powered medical devices. The present invention provides rapid methods for performing an approximation of division on fixed point numbers, where the methods are easily implemented in small, low power consumption devices as may be found in implantable medical devices. One example of use is in rapidly determining the approximate ratio between foreground and background activity in seizure detection algorithms. Some methods approximate the ratio of Numerator (N) to Denominator (D) by raising 2 to the power of the difference in the number of zeros to the left of the Most Significant Set Bit (MSSB) of D vs. N. Some methods may also pad bits to the right of the approximate ratio MSSB using bits from the right of the N MSSB, and/or pre-process the smaller of D or N by rounding the value upward. Methods may be implemented in firmware and/or in discrete logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Touby Austin Drew
  • Patent number: 7764272
    Abstract: A method is described for allowing a user to select one of a plurality of items. The user employs a device having a display area, and a joystick or a contact sensitive area. The device displays a number of regions equal to the number of items, and defines a number of sections in the angular range of the joystick, or sections within the contact sensitive area, equal to the number of items, and arranged corresponding to the arrangement of the regions of the display area. The user selects one of said items by selecting the corresponding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fractal Edge Limited
    Inventor: Gervase Clifton-Bligh
  • Patent number: 7763302
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for mass producing cooked, cooled egg products having a grill fried egg appearance. One device includes a portion for positioning whole, intact, shelled eggs positioned laterally across and above a cooking mold conveyor, and a portion for cracking the eggshells and depositing the eggs into cooking molds on the conveyor. Some devices and methods include an egg yolk splitter for rupturing the egg yolk sac to deposit a whole egg having a ruptured egg yolk into each mold. Other devices and methods include irregularly shaped egg molds for providing a mass produced cooked egg having a natural, irregularly shaped outlines and/or surfaces. Devices and methods according to the present invention can be used to produce irregularly, outlined shaped cooked egg products including whole eggs, formulated eggs, or eggs made from scrambled egg mixes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Hairsine, Jason W. Matthews, Ted A. Kurpgeweit, Dale E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7761145
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures, are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Other embodiments include prediction of seizure activity based upon analysis of physiological signal levels. An embodiment of the invention monitors the quality of physiological signals, and may be able to compensate for signals of low signal quality. A further embodiment of the invention includes detection of seizure activity following the delivery of therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathalie Virag, Rolf Vetter
  • Patent number: 7761146
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Other embodiments include prediction of seizure activity based upon analysis of physiological signal levels. An embodiment of the invention monitors the quality of physiological signals, and may be able to compensate for signals of low signal quality. A further embodiment of the invention includes detection of seizure activity following the delivery of therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David L Carlson, Eric J Panken, Touby A. Drew, Jonathan C. Werder
  • Patent number: 7738760
    Abstract: An optical polishing fixture for securing one or more optical connectors can include a fixture base having a connector slot for receiving an optical connector and a clamping assembly mounted to the fixture base proximate the connector slot. The connector slot can be defined by at least one side wall defining a side wall plane and the clamping assembly can include a clamp pad moveable relative to the fixture base between a clamping position and a loading position. The clamp pad may move relative to the fixture base at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative to one of (i) a top surface of the fixture base, (ii) a plane perpendicular the side wall plane, or (iii) a plane defined by a portion of the fixture base top surface proximate to the connector slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Domaille Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Fredrickson, Greg A. Schumacher, Jill B. Christie, Curtis J. Spinler
  • Patent number: 7726135
    Abstract: The invention provides an energy transfer apparatus having an energy transfer chamber (optionally bounded by an energy transfer tube) in which rotating flow is established. Preferably, the apparatus has a cold-fluid-discharge end and a hot-fluid-discharge end. Also provided are methods of using such apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Greencentaire, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7690162
    Abstract: The invention provides technology for building houses and many other structures using logs. Log-positioning apparatuses are provided. Also provided are assemblies that include a plurality of logs and a plurality of log-positioning apparatuses. Finally, various log building methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Accelerated Log Building, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 7687648
    Abstract: Biomass extracts with high protein and nutritional value and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such extracts may include cakes with low residual oil and high levels of desirable constituents and oils that require little to no downstream processing upon extraction from the biomass. Also includes methods of extracting desirable products from an oil bearing biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Crown Iron Works Company
    Inventors: Lon E. Smallridge, Floyd C. Teeter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7667056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process of synthesis and to some new intermediates for the preparation of steroids with progestogen activity, more particularly, for the preparation of Desogestrel of formula (I). Said process is characterized by the regioselective reduction of the compound of formula (II) to give the intermediate of formula (III).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Poli Industria Chimica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paride Grisenti, Fabio Pecora, Elisa Verza, Massimo Leoni, Laura Bossi
  • Patent number: 7662409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices and the methods of making and using protein matrix materials and devices. More specifically the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, encapsulated or coated stent devices, vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein matrix suture material and meshes, skin/bone/tissue grafts, biocompatible electricity conducting matrices, clear protein matrices, protein matrix adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible protein matrix devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices made by forming a film comprising one or more biodegradable protein materials, one or more biocompatible solvents and optionally one or more pharmacologically active agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Gel-Del Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Masters
  • Patent number: 7659719
    Abstract: An magnetic resonance apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a coil having at least two sections, (b) the at least two sections having a resonant circuit, (c) the at least two sections being reactively coupled or decoupled, (d) the at least two sections being separable, (e) the coil having openings allowing a subject to see or hear and to be accessed through the coil, (f) a cushioned head restraint, and (g) a subject input/output device providing visual data to the subject, the input/output device being selected from the group consisting of mirrors, prisms, video monitors, LCD devices, and optical motion trackers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: MR Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Vaughan, Mark A Watson, Kenneth M Bradshaw, Matthew T Waks, Joshua J Holwell
  • Patent number: 7654095
    Abstract: The invention provides an energy transfer apparatus having an energy transfer chamber (optionally bounded by an energy transfer tube) in which rotating flow is established. Preferably, the apparatus has a cold-fluid-discharge end and a hot-fluid-discharge end. Also provided are methods of using such apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: GreenCentAire, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7604865
    Abstract: The invention provides a substrate bearing a low-maintenance coating. The coating includes at least two films: a base film optionally comprising silica (e.g., silicon dioxide) and a film comprising titania (e.g., titanium dioxide). The invention also provides methods of depositing such coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Cardinal CG Company
    Inventors: Annette J. Krisko, Kari Myli, Gary L. Pfaff, James Brownlee
  • Patent number: 7596983
    Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for holding press brake tools for punching and/or otherwise deforming workpieces, such as sheet metal. Provided in some embodiments is a press brake tool holder. Some embodiments provide the tool holder in combination with a press brake tool. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In certain embodiments, the tool holder has a tool-seating mechanism adapted for moving a tool parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Terry G. Pabich, Ken J. Wilson, Bryan L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7578414
    Abstract: A water resistant absorbent towel dispenser. The dispenser includes a container having top, bottom and side walls housing a supply of absorbent towels, and an exterior handle for facilitating transport of the dispenser. The top wall includes a finger-accessible opening through which absorbent towels may be withdrawn. In certain embodiments, the top wall is convex upwardly, but is flexible to enable it to be depressed when dispensers are stacked vertically so as to come into load bearing contact with the towel supply. In some embodiments, the top and bottom walls have interlocking configurations to add lateral stability to vertically stacked dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Sellars Absorbent Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Sellars, Jerry Ballas, Balbir Singh, Neal D. Watson, Ronald A. Bogdanovich
  • Patent number: 7565808
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a gas flow generator formed with passages providing communication between an annular inlet chamber and a gas flow chamber, so that gas under pressure in the inlet chamber flows through the passages into the gas flow chamber. An energy transfer tube has a cylindrical interior space in communication with the gas flow chamber at one end of the tube and a throttle valve is installed in the energy transfer tube at its opposite end. An acoustic tone at a frequency in the range between about 1 kHz and about 20 kHz is spontaneously generated in the energy transfer tube when gas at a pressure exceeding about 100 psig is supplied to the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: GreenCentAire, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7563759
    Abstract: Aqueous floor cleaning and/or care composition, containing, based on the total composition, at least 3% by weight of a nonionic surfactant of formula I: wherein R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 C atoms, and R2, independently of R1, represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 C atoms, and the sum of the C atoms present overall in R1 and R2 is between 6 and 18, and R3 represents an alkyl radical having 4 to 18 C atoms, and R4 hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms and n is a number from 1 to 30 and m a number from 0 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Rogmann, Nicola Kriens, Heiko Faubel
  • Patent number: 7543761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus dispenses first and second fragrances by utilizing a fog nozzle in a ductwork of a facility. The first fragrance is dispensed, at intervals, through the fog nozzle into the ductwork and the second fragrance is dispensed after the first fragrance is dispensed, wherein fragrance desensitivity is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jondall Mehus, Charles Allen Hodge
  • Patent number: D609882
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Laundry Athletics LLP
    Inventor: James Michael Holder