Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Fredrikson & Byron
  • Patent number: 8248611
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld optical measuring device and method of measuring an optical property of a liquid sample. In some embodiments the optical measuring device includes a handheld controller module having an immersible sensor head and a sampling member including a sample cup and an attachment member that couples the sample cup to the handheld controller module. In some embodiments the attachment member is an elongated rigid member that is hingedly coupled to the controller module, thus providing a folding configuration for enclosing the sensor head with the sample cup during measurements, transportation, and/or storage. In some embodiments the attached sample cup provides a protective shell for the immersible sensor head during use and/or when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Christensen, Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen
  • Patent number: 8249426
    Abstract: A method (100) of automatically editing audio and visual recordings to produce an audio-visual production using computer processing means. The method (100) involves a first step (101) of setting production criteria in which the desired production duration, target device, maximum execution time and location of media files are specified. In a second step (102) a style is selected for applying to the media files. A third step (103) of selecting ones of the media files involves selecting those media files in folders which have been accessed most recently by a user, based on awarding a score to folders. In a fourth step (104), the selected style is applied. This is followed in a fifth step (105) by rendering the production to the target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Muvee Technologies Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Rowan Kellock, Shri Venkata Radhakrishna Achanta, Gerald Thomas Beauregard, Sheng Lo, Philip Norman Morgan, Yee Cheng Ng, Srikumar Karaikudi Subramanian, Eu Gin Terence Swee, Emarson Victoria, Bin Rubani Mafrudy
  • Patent number: 8240689
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system (55) is configured so as to contain all of the suspension motion control elements completely within the volume of the road wheel (100) while remotely locating the energy storage device (45) and damping device (42). An upright (60) comprises the spindle (61), brake caliper (105), and structure to hold a main strut shaft (70) parallel to a secondary strut shaft (67). The suspension's motion is controlled by the shafts which slide relative to the sprung part of the vehicle (1). The main strut shaft (70) includes a pumping piston (73). The fluid (91) displaced by the pumping piston (73) flows through a hydraulic connection (47) to a remote suspension module (40) mounted to the sprung part of the vehicle. The remote suspension module (40) hydraulically transmits the wheel motion to the remote energy storage device (45) and damping device (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence J Holt, Thomas Alexander Sparrow
  • Patent number: 8240912
    Abstract: A non-contact measurement device includes two or more detectors for sensing scene data from corresponding measurement zones within a target scene. Devices further include an optical system for imaging scene data from the target scene onto the detectors. The optical system is configured to provide a different optical profile for each detector, such that the device can be used to provide a best-fit optical profile for a variety of non-contact applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Medwin E. Schreher, Kenneth A. Pomper
  • Patent number: 8236573
    Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Patent number: 8234938
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an arrangement and a method for the automatic sampling in a storage tank system (1) interconnected to a pipe system (4) for supplying cleaning fluids, particularly in processing systems that are subject to high microbiological quality requirements in the food and beverage industry, particularly in breweries, with a storage tank system (1) that consists of several tanks and a sampling device (5) that is respectively associated with all tanks via permanent pipework. The invention ensures that the entire sampling system including all valves integrated therein can be cleaned and sterilized in a flow-through fashion regardless of the respective content of the tanks. Furthermore, the sampling should take place without a loss of the fluid to be sampled. This is procedurally achieved in that a volume flow Q(P) of the fluid (P) to be sampled is diverted from a selected tank (1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: GEA Brewery Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Leo Grziwotz, Uwe Sobottka, Arno Peter
  • Patent number: 8235590
    Abstract: An engine for use in a thermal instrument. The engine includes an infrared camera module and may also include a visible light camera module. The engine includes several temperature sensors mounted on a printed circuit board assembly that permit the engine to provide improved radiometry functionality and improved fine offset compensation capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Justin M. Sheard, Kirk R. Johnson, Michael E. Loukusa, Richard M. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 8233050
    Abstract: An infrared imaging system used for providing images from a plurality of views. The multiple view infrared imaging system includes a plurality of lens and infrared focal plane array (FPA) pairings, wherein each pairing can be used to provide an image and/or sample scene data of a distinct view. A single set of processing circuitry and a single set of one or more output elements may be utilized to provide such images. A multi-input switch may be utilized in combination with the single set of processing circuitry and output elements to provide images from any of the lens and FPA pairings based on the positioning of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk Johnson, Shane M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8231530
    Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Breath Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Kerry C. Bush, Robert F. Martin
  • Patent number: 8225906
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first stile and a second stile and a plurality of rungs extending therebetween. Each stile may comprise a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion. A connector assembly connects the rungs to respective columns in the first and second stiles. The ladder has improved manufacturability since connector assemblies may be assembled before connecting the rungs to respective columns. The standing surface of the rungs may be angled such that it is rotated towards horizontal when the ladder assembly is leaned against a wall. A latch assembly may be used to selectively lock relative axial movement between adjacent columns. The latch assembly includes a locking pin assembly comprised of a central post and an outer metal sleeve. An air damper may also be used to control airflow through the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Core Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kieffer, Allen A. Caldwell, Nathan L. Schlueter, Matthew J. Decker
  • Patent number: 8228668
    Abstract: A lift system having a first pulley and a biasing member having a first portion operatively coupled to the first pulley. A first tension member can be operatively coupled to the first pulley. The lift system may be configured to provide a constant force to the first tension member during a defined angle of rotation of the first pulley. Such a constant force can be used to counterbalance the weight of a display supported by a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Saeb Asamarai, Robert W. Fluhrer
  • Patent number: 8226806
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to an electrode for electrolysis comprising an electrode substrate and a coating of the electrode substrate with a polycrystalline diamond material, that the electrode substrate consists of a base body of carbon material and at least one contact layer of the electrode substrate carrying the coating consists of a non-metallic, electrically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hoffmann & Co., Elektrokohle AG
    Inventors: Klaus Reiser, Conrad Reynvaan, Stefan Schneweis
  • Patent number: 8220504
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a syringe filling station that can fill a syringe with a specified volume of fluid. In one embodiment, the syringe filling station comprises a reservoir attachment, a fluid delivery system, a syringe retaining guide, and a pump to move fluid from a reservoir to a syringe. The fluid delivery system may comprise a sterile consumable cartridge that is insertable into the filling station and defines a fluid pathway from a reservoir to a syringe. The syringe filling station may also include a user interface. An operator can input commands into the user interface to specify the amount of fluid to dispense into the syringe. The user interface may be connected to a processor that controls the rate of pumping and thereby can fill a syringe with a desired amount of fluid. The filling station may also include sensors that detect air in the tubing, depletion of the reservoir, among other things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Hartman, Alan Cross-Hansen, Clark Godfrey, Robert C. Williams
  • Patent number: 8219179
    Abstract: A system and method for navigating a medical instrument in a branched structure of a body employs a tracking system, for collecting positional information for the medical instrument, and data, which defines a geometrical model of the branched structure, in particular, coordinates for predetermined points defining a pathway extending along branches of the model. Coordinates are identified for each Euclidean distance of the instrument, from an anchor point of a coordinate system for the tracking system, that corresponds to a Euclidean distance of a designated point, of the predetermined points, from a reference point of a coordinate system for the model, wherein the anchor point of the tracking coordinate system has been established to correspond to the reference point of the model coordinate system. The two coordinate systems are registered to one another using the identified coordinates of the instrument and the corresponding coordinates of each designated point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Vida Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jenelle M. Ganatra, Juerg Tschirren, John T. Garber
  • Patent number: 8216184
    Abstract: A removable clamp, for supporting a membrane filter, includes connected and opposing walls. A locking feature, which may be connected to an end of one of the walls, engages and disengages a terminal end of the other wall. When the filter is inserted between the opposing walls of the clamp, and the locking feature engages the terminal end of the other wall, an inner surface of each of the opposing walls is secured against corresponding major surfaces of the inserted filter, in order to support the filter without extending over vent holes of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest Balestracci
  • Patent number: 8216181
    Abstract: A removable clamp, for supporting a membrane filter in a medical infusion system, includes connected and opposing walls. A locking feature, which may be connected to an end of one of the walls, engages and disengages a terminal end of the other wall. The filter may be inserted between the opposing walls of the clamp, and an inner surface of each of the opposing walls may be secured against corresponding major surfaces of the inserted filter, by only pressing at least one of the opposing walls of the clamp toward the other of the opposing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest Balestracci
  • Patent number: 8211488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 8208786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for recording and playing back audio/video signals. A portable storage device (11) has mounted thereon a portable storage device connector (13) of a first type adapted to transfer audio/video signals of a first type (15). A first audio/video system (17) has a first audio/video system connector (19) of the first type for directly connecting to the portable storage device connector (13) to exchange audio/video signals of the first type (15) between the portable storage device (11) and the first audio/video system (17) to record and playback audio/video signals of the first type (15). A second audio/video system (21) receives audio/signals of a second type (23). An interface section (25) has an interface section connector (27) of the first type for directly connecting to the portable storage device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Trek 2000 International Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Tan, Teng Pin Poo
  • Patent number: 8205325
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying an electronic component having terminal faces, to a substrate, also having terminal faces, wherein the component is removed from a feeding device by means of an application device. An application device subsequently positions the component on the substrate in such a manner that the component terminal faces which extend from a contact side of the component up to a component rear side and the substrate terminal faces are in an overlapping position. A direct application of laser energy subsequently contacts the terminal faces to the component terminal faces. The application device has a contact nozzle with a component accommodating area for accommodating the component. The contact nozzle has a vacuum opening coupled to a vacuum duct and an emission opening for applying laser radiation to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Pac Tech—Packaging Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Ghassem Azdasht
  • Patent number: D662285
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: DKH Retail Limited
    Inventor: Sasha Rushworth