Patents Represented by Attorney IPLM Group, P.A.
  • Patent number: 8181319
    Abstract: A buckle and catch used to couple webbing together is provided. The buckle includes a connecting portion, a slide and locking member. The connecting portion is configured to selectively engage an engaging portion of a first webbing. The slide of the buckle is configured to engage a second webbing and the locking member is configured to selectively press the second webbing on the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Johnson, Matthew J. Blackford
  • Patent number: 8181313
    Abstract: A retrofittable hook protection device for use with a hook comprises a first member and a second member. The hook includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a hook portion and an end having an aperture, a gate for opening and closing an opening proximate the hook portion, and a lanyard operatively connected to the end proximate the aperture. The first member is configured and arranged to receive a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the end proximate a first side of the hook. The second member is configured and arranged to receive a third portion of the lanyard and a fourth portion of the end proximate a second side of the hook. The first and second members are connectable to sandwich the portions of the lanyard and the end therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Capital Safety Group (Australia) Pty Limited
    Inventors: Richard H. Millar, Robin A. Sannes
  • Patent number: 8181600
    Abstract: A round bale sled that is a combination round bale feeder and transport device. In one embodiment, the bale sled includes a bale holding portion and a base. The bale holding portion is configured to hold a round bale. The base is coupled to the bale holding portion. The base is configured to allow the bale sled to be pulled in a select direction. Moreover, the base is further configured to allow for a pivot loading of the round bale in the bale holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Kim Smith
  • Patent number: 8181740
    Abstract: A fall protection system that includes at least one rail section, at least one shuttle and at least one connecting member is provided. The at least one rail section is configured and arranged to be coupled to a structure that changes in length. The at least one shuttle is configured and arranged to movably engage the at least one rail section. In addition, the at least one connecting member is configured and arranged to provide a connection point to the at least one shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Blomberg, Scott C. Casebolt, Matthew J. Blackford
  • Patent number: 8166597
    Abstract: A cleaning device that includes a first component, a second component and a handle. The first component is configured to hold a first portion of the cleaning device. The second component is configured to hold a second portion of the cleaning device. The first and second components are connected and are configured so that the first portion and the second portion on the respective first and second components are independently replaceable. The handle is coupled to the second component to control an application of at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the cleaning device on a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 8170681
    Abstract: A rechargeable implantable medical device with a magnetic shield placed on the distal side of a secondary recharging coil to improve charging efficiency is disclosed. The rechargeable implantable medical device can be a wide variety of medical devices such as neuro stimulators, drug delivery pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators, diagnostic recorders, cochlear implants. The implantable medical device has a secondary recharging coil carried over a magnetic shield and coupled to electronics and a rechargeable power source carried inside the housing. The electronics are configured to perform a medical therapy. Additionally a method for enhancing electromagnetic coupling during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed, and a method for reducing temperature rise during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Jimenez, Guillermo Echarri, John E. Kast, James E. Riekels, Mark E. Schommer
  • Patent number: 8165678
    Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. An antenna is positioned in proximity of the implantable medical device. The position of a core of the antenna is adjusted relative to the implantable medical device while the antenna is maintained substantially stationary. A frequency of transmission of a power source is adjusted, and the antenna is driven at the adjusted frequency to transfer energy transcutaneously to the implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the frequency of transmission is selected based on an amplitude of a signal in the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Forsberg, William C. Phillips, Andrew L. Schmeling, David P. Olson
  • Patent number: 8157827
    Abstract: A handpiece and system having a surgical handpiece adapted to perform an operation on a patient, the surgical handpiece having a primary circuit being driven by an applied signal. A controller is operatively coupled to supply operating power to the surgical handpiece. A hand switch is operatively coupled in conjunction with the surgical handpiece to at least partially control an operation of the surgical handpiece. The switch has a secondary resonant circuit receiving the applied signal from the primary circuit and couples a response signal back to the primary circuit. Detection circuitry, operatively coupled to primary circuit, is responsive to a characteristic parameter of the response signal indicative of the presence of the hand switch in proximity of the surgical handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Murphy, Christian Fleury, Laurent Cardoletti, Thierry Bieler
  • Patent number: 8141599
    Abstract: White-pigmented and unpigmented base paints and stains are custom-tinted using an automated colorant dispenser having a minimum fluid dispensing quantity less than 0.01 fluid ounce (<0.3 cm3) and an array of colorants including a green-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 12 wt. % PG7 pigment, a blue-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 7 wt. % PB15:2 pigment, and a red-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 17 wt. % PR209 pigment. The green-hued or blue-hued colorants are dispensed into the base paint or stain whenever a green-hued or blue-hued tint is required. Light pastel tints in small containers and strong colors in large containers may be prepared without requiring the use of additional colorants having the same general hue and lower color strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Korenkiewicz, Mark R. Coward, David Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 8140168
    Abstract: A transcutaneous energy transfer system, transcutaneous charging system, external power source, external charger and methods of transcutaneous energy transfer and charging for an implantable medical device and an external power source/charger. The implantable medical device has a secondary coil adapted to be inductively energized by an external primary coil at a carrier frequency. The external power source/charger has a primary coil and circuitry capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil by driving the primary coil at a carrier frequency adjusted to the resonant frequency to match a resonant frequency of the tuned inductive charging circuit, to minimize the impedance of the tuned inductive charging circuit or to increase the efficiency of energy transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, Andrew L. Schmeling, Steven J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8133588
    Abstract: A coated article and method of employing a water-based coating composition on a fiber cement composite substrate is provided. The coating composition contains: an epoxy resin, a crosslinker having epoxide-reactive functional groups, a latex polymer distinct from the epoxy resin, and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventors: T Howard Killilea, Kevin W. Evanson, Wylie H Wetzel, Archie W. Garner, Glen Otto Vetter, John W Mittelsteadt, Stephen M. Carlson, Larry B. Brandenburger
  • Patent number: 8128616
    Abstract: A system and method for transitioning between therapeutic substances to be delivered at different flow rates to a patient. The first therapeutic substance is delivered to the patient at a known flow rate, a bridge duration equal to the known volume divided by the known flow rate is calculated; and the flow rate is controlled following introduction of a second therapeutic substance into the reservoir. If the second flow rate is lower than the first flow rate, delivery is begun of at least one of the first therapeutic substance and the second therapeutic substance at the second flow rate at least as soon as the bridge duration is over. Otherwise, delivery is begun of the at least one of the first therapeutic substance and the second therapeutic substance at the second flow rate at least as late as when the bridge duration is over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Junker
  • Patent number: 8131367
    Abstract: Power source longevity monitor for an implantable medical device. An energy counter counts the amount of energy used by the implantable medical device. An energy converter converts the energy used into an estimate of remaining power source longevity and generating an energy longevity estimate. A voltage monitor monitors the voltage of the power source. A voltage converter converts the voltage monitored by the voltage monitor into an estimate of remaining longevity of the power source and generating a voltage longevity estimate. A calculator is operatively coupled to the energy converter and to the voltage converter and predicts the power source longevity using the energy longevity estimate early in the useful life of the power source and using the voltage longevity estimate later in the useful life of the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Rogers, Donald R. Merritt, Craig L. Schmidt, Mukul Jain
  • Patent number: 8124242
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition, and coated substrates and articles. The coating composition includes a binder containing a polyester resin that is formed using at least one aromatic, dicarboxylic acid and at least one asymmetric diol. The present invention also provides coating compositions that may be used on articles where excellent outdoor durability is desired. A method of coating and fabricating a substrate is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry B. Brandenburger, Abdel Hamid Yassin, Ted Robert Best
  • Patent number: 8113340
    Abstract: A modular member for a conveyer belt is provided that includes an elongated main base, at least one attaching rod and a plurality of hooks. The at least one attaching rod is coupled proximate a first side of the main base. The plurality of aligned hooks are coupled proximate a second side of the main base. Each hook includes a slot defined by an inner surface. The slot of each hook is configured to receive an attaching rod of another modular member. The inner surface that defines the slot of at least one hook has an attaching rod relief cutout section. The attaching rod relief cutout section limits wear between the attaching rod of another modular member that is received in the slot of the at least one hook and the inner surface of the slot of the at least one hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hormel Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Marshall D. Smith, Steven R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8110233
    Abstract: A product packaging for a solid product comprises a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a bottom forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive a solid product, and the base has an exterior surface. A texture is on the exterior surface of the base, whereby the texture enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The seal interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be peeled away from the top of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Amie L Beavers Blanks, Kristine Jeanette Williams, Nicole M Balamucki
  • Patent number: 8100228
    Abstract: A portable anchorage assembly comprises an extension member interconnecting a counterweight assembly and a base. The counterweight assembly has a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least one weight. The extension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the counterweight assembly. The base is connected to the second end of the extension member and includes a wheel and at least one anchorage point. The base is pivotable about the counterweight assembly on the wheel to position the at least one anchorage point in a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Ernest John Hamilton, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 8091151
    Abstract: A safety vest for use with a safety harness, which includes first and second shoulder straps connected with a connector in an overlapping, crisscrossing relationship proximate a juncture. The first and second shoulder straps form an opening therebetween and below the connector. The vest includes an outer lining and an inner lining, and the first and second shoulder straps are at least partially positioned between the outer and inner linings. The inner lining extends from proximate an upper portion of the outer lining to proximate an intermediate portion of the outer lining. The inner lining includes a releasable connector configured and arranged to extend through the opening and releasably connect to the outer lining, wherein the releasable connector is disconnected and the inner lining is moved away from portions of the first and second shoulder straps to allow for inspection of the first and second shoulder straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Johnson, Nathan Michael Bohmbach
  • Patent number: 8088095
    Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric film-forming medical sealant. The medical sealant is useful for application to the tonsils and adenoids, wherein the sealant performs at least one of the following functions, a) inhibit the colonization of bacteria, b) inhibit the binding of bacteria to tissue, c) reduction of tissue morbidity, d) hemostasis, e) coating and protection of tissue during healing. e) promotion of healing, and f) reduction of pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: James Britton Hissong, Dana A. Oliver, Cecil O. Lewis, Janis Saunier, Matthew F. Myntti
  • Patent number: D657660
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford D. Petty, Judd J. Perner