Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Hugh D. Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8062225
    Abstract: An immersion bag system for use with an ultrasound probe to overcome near field artifact including a flexible thin wall thickness immersion bag with an attached flexible collar having an integral internal seal. The immersion bag contains a gel or other ultrasound transmission medium and is sealingly and removably attached by a mutually formed probe/seal valve to the tip end of an ultrasound probe. The immersion bag is able to conform to a cornea, as well as to other surfaces, whether flat or irregular, thereby enabling an ultrasound probe to be used easily on such surfaces. An ultrasound probe, in use with the immersion bag system, is maintained at a distance above the contact surface of the immersion bag and is positionable about the vertical axis while the immersion bag maintains stationary conformal contact with the structure against which it is in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ESI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Prager, Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten, William T. Ryder
  • Patent number: 8012094
    Abstract: An immersion bag system for use with an ultrasound probe to overcome near field artifact includes a flexible thin wall thickness immersion bag with an attached flexible collar having an integral internal seal. The immersion bag contains a gel or other ultrasound transmission medium and is sealingly and removably attached to the tip end of an ultrasound probe by use of the flexible collar having the integral internal seal. The immersion bag is able to conform to a cornea as well as to other surfaces whether flat or irregular, thereby enabling an ultrasound probe to be used easily on such surfaces. An ultrasound probe in use with the immersion bag system is maintained at a distance above the contact surface of the immersion bag and is positionable about the vertical axis while the immersion bag maintains stationary conformal contact with the structure against which it is in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ESI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Prager, Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten
  • Patent number: 8012095
    Abstract: An immersion bag system for use with an ultrasound probe to overcome near field artifact includes a flexible thin wall thickness immersion bag with an attached flexible collar having an integral internal seal. The immersion bag contains a gel or other ultrasound transmission medium and is sealingly and removably attached by a mutually formed probe/seal valve to the tip end of an ultrasound probe. The immersion bag is able to conform to a cornea, as well as to other surfaces, whether flat or irregular, thereby enabling an ultrasound probe to be used easily on such surfaces. An ultrasound probe in use with the immersion bag system is maintained at a distance above the contact surface of the immersion bag and is positionable about the vertical axis while the immersion bag maintains stationary conformal contact with the structure against which it is in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ESI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Prager, Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten, William T. Ryder
  • Patent number: 7971395
    Abstract: A multipurpose adjustable panel system having support beams continuously adjustable between zero pitch and a pitch exceeding zero, wherein support beam pitch is influenced by vertical adjustment of support post assemblies and by horizontal spacing of support post assemblies. Multiple mounting fixtures are incorporated to accommodate beam pitch adjustment including pivotable beam support fixtures adjustably and positionably secured along the bottoms of the beams and pivotable panel support node fixtures adjustably and positionably secured along the tops of the beams, the pivotable beam support fixtures and the pivotable panel support node fixtures enabling ready adjustment of the pitch of the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Staging Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S Vigil, Steven J. Zechmeister, Michael R. Hayden
  • Patent number: 7927344
    Abstract: Self-contained eye positioner having an annular vacuum ring composed of a channeled support ring and an overmolded flexible sealing ring having an attached rigid hollow tube secured to a syringe by use of an attachment fixture. The syringe, which also functions as a handle, provides a vacuum source, the vacuum of which is communicated to the annular vacuum ring to suctionally adhere the annular vacuum ring to the eyeball for maneuvering thereof. Accompanying closely associated auxiliary devices are provided for use with the eye positioner. No external vacuum source is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten
  • Patent number: 7820639
    Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions are provided that include a lubricant, a deturgescent agent, a glycosaminoglycan, and water. Methods of using the ophthalmic compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Richard L. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 7502950
    Abstract: A dual power supply switching system for use in an electronic sign where independent suitably sized power supplies each capable of independently powering an entire plurality of LED display modules supply power on an alternating distributed basis to the plurality of LED display modules. A microcontroller having an odd or even address on each LED display module controls the connection of the respective LED display module to a particular power supply by controlling onboard solid state switches and, upon sensing an inadequate power source supply, switches to the other power supply to re-establish power to the LED display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Brands
  • Patent number: 7496999
    Abstract: A valve nut removal and replacement system including a plurality of associated tools and methods used for above ground access to, replacement of, and maintenance of worn, misshaped, abused or otherwise faulty valve nuts located at a subsurface location. A system is provided including tool components, many of which can be configured for multiple uses. The system provides for the cleaning and removal of a retainer nut, for the removal of a damaged valve nut, and for the installation and securing of a new valve nut from a remote above ground location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Randall P. Robarge
  • Patent number: 7484715
    Abstract: A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7448154
    Abstract: A sign system having components promoting ease of construction and readily accomplished changeout. Unique geometrically configured top and bottom support channels and other related components readily accommodate and capture the top and bottom edges of electronic display panels. Top and bottom shrouds attach automatically to the unique geometrically configured top and bottom support channels and include weatherstrip seals which automatically seal against the upper and lower regions of the electronic display panels. Other automatic seals are also incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kory D. Kludt
  • Patent number: 7436327
    Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in a capacitive field above a sensing mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt R. Kaski
  • Patent number: 7403135
    Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in capacitance of a sensor mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor. The system includes automatic recalibration of sensing, such that presence of a swimmer is sensed and then system recalibrated so as to detect departure of the swimmer. The sensor mat includes an polycarbonate perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Kaski, Allen J. VanBemmel, Jason C. Warne
  • Patent number: 7372428
    Abstract: A dish antenna having a multiple contact connector assembly for utilization with one or more viewing systems or other systems such as two-way data exchange systems including satellite receivers and/or television receivers. The single positionable dish can be positioned azimuthally and elevationally to access satellite signals which are then distributed to one or more viewing or other systems. The dish antenna receives and distributes satellite signals utilizing an LNB (low noise block) and a multiple contact connector assembly which features a multiple contact rotary male connector and a multiple contact rotary female connector which mutually engage each other in rotary and sliding contact for multiple circuit passthrough of satellite signals, control voltages and the like in order that one or more viewing or other systems can be used to view or otherwise employ multiple and different channels simultaneously and in order that no cable wrap-up will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: King Controls
    Inventor: Lael D. King
  • Patent number: 7343852
    Abstract: A loose media compacting apparatus including a charging chamber with retractable walls where variable geometry components including pivotable opposed front and rear retractable charging chamber walls of a closed and compact charging chamber are retractably and expandingly positioned to present a large capacity open and expanded charging chamber having a volume sufficiently exceeding the capacity of the charging chamber in the closed and compact position. Upon accommodation of loose media by the expanded geometry of the open and expanded charging chamber, the front and rear retractable charging chamber walls are forcibly repositioned, whereby loose media is compressed in the reconfigured closed and compact charging chamber to form precompressed media which can subsequently be further compressed by an onboard ram or other compression devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Emory L. Olds
  • Patent number: 7334681
    Abstract: A storable gas inflation/evacuation system and sealing system. The systems are removably connectible to a proximal portion of a guidewire assembly which has an occlusive balloon at a distal portion. The invention includes provision for indicating the presence of oxygen which is undesirable. The storable aspect concerns a sealable container isolating systems components from ambient atmosphere and an oxygen-sensitive material located within the sealable container. The oxygen-sensitive material is initially inactive but activated by exposure to radiation so as to visually change in response to post-radiation oxygen exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Possis Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Bonnette, Eric J. Thor, Mark L. Jenson
  • Patent number: 7293762
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block. A loft block is disposed within the frame for defining a vertical cable path from within a footprint of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7285096
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic appliance being an ultrasound probe positioning immersion shell for use in ultrasonic measurement of axial length of the eye ophthalmology and other procedures. Support members in an upper chamber and a lower chamber each provides accommodating support along and about a central axis of the ultrasound probe positioning immersion shell and about vertically spaced regions of ultrasound probes to provide for perpendicular alignment of ultrasound probes to the corneal plane. Vents in the chamber structure allow for introduction of fluid medium and for the expelling of air from the chambers to inhibit bubble formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: ESI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Burba, David R. Hardten, Thomas C. Prager
  • Patent number: 7258325
    Abstract: A lift assembly having a drum rotatably mounted to a frame and linearly translatable with respect to the frame. A plurality of head blocks are connected to the frame along a helical mounting path, wherein linear translation of the drum during takeoff or take-up maintains a predetermined fleet angle between a take off point from the drum and the head block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Daktronics Hoist, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, Jr.
  • Patent number: D609056
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Pierce
  • Patent number: D640095
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Select Food Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Lee Dettloff, Nicholas James Audette