Patents Represented by Attorney Jeffrey J. Hohenshell

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  • Powder dispenser
    Patent number: 6119688
    Abstract: A novel powdered medicament dispenser is disclosed. The powder medicament dispenser includes a novel agglomerator for loading the powder from a reservoir to a dispensing mechanism. In another aspect of the invention, a disposable cartridge is disclosed for use with a medicament dispenser having pressurization and actuator assemblies. A novel method of dispensing a powdered medicament, as well as inhalation activated and transmission assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ralph Duane Whaley, Mark Steven Shinnick, Charles G. Thiel, DonGene Kriegl, Thomas Ward Reeder, Brian Mark Pattock, Robert John Mattila, Thomas Anthony Turgeon
  • Stable hydroalcoholic compositions
    Patent number: 6090395
    Abstract: A hydroalcoholic lotion is disclosed which comprises (a) a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, and (b) between at least 0.5% and 8% by weight thickener system comprised of at least one emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition in a polymer free state has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23 degrees C. and wherein the emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The hydroalcoholic composition is useful as a hand preparation such as a lotion or as a presurgical scrub replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Asmus, Matthew T. Scholz, Jill R. Charpentier
  • Electronic device having a protective framework
    Patent number: 6068821
    Abstract: An electronic device (1), for example a test pack for use in determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer, is provided with a protective framework (10) comprising two impact-absorbing ring-like members (11, 12) located on opposed sides of the device and three impact-absorbing arms (13) spaced apart from the device and extending at equi-spaced locations between the ring-like members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Peter VanDeGraaf
  • System for measuring the efficacy of a sterilization cycle
    Patent number: 6063591
    Abstract: A system is used for determining efficacy of a sterilization cycle. A biological sterilization indicator exhibits fluorescence in response to biological activity which is indicative of bacterial growth in the biological sterilization indicator. The biological sterilization indicator is exposed to the sterilization cycle and is placed in a fluorescence reading apparatus. The fluorescence from the biological sterilization indicator is read to obtain a first fluorescence reading. The fluorescence from the biological sterilization indicator is re-read to obtain a second fluorescence reading. The efficacy of the sterilization cycle is determined based on the first and second fluorescence readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Phillip A. Bolea
  • Sterilization indicator
    Patent number: 6063631
    Abstract: A sterilization indicator includes a substrate and indicator composition. The indicator composition contains a colorant, such as acid fuchsin, that undergoes a distinct color change if exposed to hydrogen peroxide vapor. The sterilization indicator can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving hydrogen peroxide vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ramon T. Ignacio
  • Coating composition having anti-reflective and anti-fogging properties
    Patent number: 6040053
    Abstract: A coating composition which imparts anti-reflective and anti-fog properties to substrates coated therewith. The coating composition utilizes an inorganic metal oxide in combination with silane or a siloxane oligomer. The coating compositions are particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable surgical masks and face shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, George V. Tiers
  • Powder dispenser
    Patent number: 6029661
    Abstract: A novel powdered medicament dispenser is disclosed. The powder medicament dispenser includes a novel agglomerator for loading the powder from a reservoir to a dispensing mechanism. In another aspect of the invention, a disposable cartridge is disclosed for use with a medicament dispenser having pressurization and actuator assemblies. A novel method of dispensing a powdered medicament, as well as inhalation activated and transmission assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ralph Duane Whaley, Mark Steven Shinnick, Charles G. Thiel, DonGene Kriegl, Thomas Ward Reeder, Brian Mark Pattock, Robert John Mattila, Thomas Anthony Turgeon
  • Electronic stethoscope with idealized bell and idealized diaphragm modes
    Patent number: 6026170
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope emulates the frequency response of a standard acoustical stethoscope in both bell and diaphragm modes, while providing additional features attainable only with an electronic stethoscope, such as signal amplification, noise reduction, wider bandwidth, and mode selection. The electronic stethoscope includes spectrally separate idealized diaphragm and idealized bell modes. The idealized diaphragm mode and the idealized bell mode each include emphasized passbands and de-emphasized passbands. The emphasized passbands are spectrally separate. In addition, the electronic stethoscope also includes a wideband mode, which permits the user to hear high frequency sounds such as those associated with mechanical heart valves, lung sounds, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alan P. Dieken, Joel R. Dufresne, Daniel V. Hulse
  • Apparatus for reading a plurality of biological indicators
    Patent number: 6025189
    Abstract: An apparatus reads a plurality of biological indicators (BIs) to determine efficacy of a plurality of sterilization cycles. Each BI exhibits fluorescence in response to biological activity indicative of bacterial growth in the BI. A plurality of BI holders are each configured to receive one of the BIs. A carriage is controllably movable relative to the plurality of BI holders to positions proximate each of the BI holders. A fluorescence sensor is mounted on the carriage and is positioned to sense fluorescence exhibited by the BI contained in the BI vessel in the selected BI holder. A controller is coupled to the fluorescence sensor to receive a fluorescence signal and to provide an output signal indicative of the fluorescence sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Phillip A. Bolea, Thomas T. Rosenlund
  • Hydroalcoholic compositions for transdermal penetration of pharmaceutical agents
    Patent number: 6019997
    Abstract: Hydroalcoholic compositions useful for the enhancement of the transdermal delivery of a pharmaceutical agent, methods of preparation, transdermal delivery systems, and methods of delivering the pharmaceutical agent are provided. The composition includes a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of at least about 20:80, a pharmaceutical agent, and an emulsifier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Robert A. Asmus, John C. Hedenstrom
  • Dry powder inhalation device
    Patent number: 6012454
    Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises a housing that has a portion that receives a dose of powdered medicament, a patient port that is placed in fluid communication with a patient; an inhalation passageway in communication with the patient port, a deagglomerator that deagglomerates or assists in aerosolization of the dose of powdered medicament; an electric powered device that drives the deagglomerator; a patient-independent energy output source that drives the electric powered device, a detector that detects inspiratory flow through the inhalation passageway; and a controller for actuating the deagglomerator in response to detection of the inspiratory flow by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter David Hodson, David Keith Smith, Anthony Charles Lammond Wass
  • Biofilm reduction sterilizer
    Patent number: 6004438
    Abstract: A method of killing microorganisms which form a biofilm on surfaces, including the surfaces of medical articles or on tissue or implant surfaces in a living subject. Killing of biofilm microorganisms is accomplished by applying an electric field to an electrically conductive medium in which the biofilm is contained. The electrically conductive medium either includes a biocide or is capable of generating a biocide in situ upon application of an electric field. A means of utilizing the method in vivo and a sterilizer are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Lewis P. Woodson
  • Coating composition having anti-reflective and anti-fogging properties
    Patent number: 5997621
    Abstract: A coating composition which imparts anti-reflective and anti-fog properties to substrates coated therewith. The coating composition utilizes an inorganic metal oxide in combination with particular anionic surfactants. The coating compositions are particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable surgical masks and face shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, William L. Kausch, David R. Boston, Joseph M. Zoborowski
  • Apparatus for depositing precisely metered quantities of an emulsion on a surface
    Patent number: 5976252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing precisely metered quantities of an emulsion on a surface are disclosed. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for assembly of reversible clinical thermometers. The apparatus involves (a) at least one cartridge having a volume containing the emulsion composition; (b) at least one piston associated with each cartridge for collapsing the volume under a controlled pressure; (c) at least one tubular needle for receiving a flow of emulsion composition from each cartridge; (d) a fluid connection between each tubular needle and each cartridge for delivering the emulsion composition from each cartridge to each needle; and (e) a valve for each fluid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Gary Focarino
  • Stable hydroalcoholic compositions
    Patent number: 5951993
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition including a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, between at least 0.5% and 8.0% by weight thickener system comprised of at least two emulsifiers, each emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition free of auxiliary thickeners has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23 degrees C. and wherein each emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The composition is useful as a presurgical scrub replacement, a lotion or other hand preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Robert A. Asmus, Jill R. Charpentier
  • Stethoscope chestpiece having two suspended diaphragms
    Patent number: 5945640
    Abstract: A stethoscope has a dual-sided stethoscope head. The stethoscope head includes a body member having first and second opposite sound collecting sides. Each of the first and second sound collecting sides has a suspended diaphragm member. Preferably, one side is specially adapted for use with adult patients while the other side is specially adapted for use with pediatric or thin patients where it is difficult to obtain good surface contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mary Jo Rossini, Thomas J. Packard
  • Stethoscope chestpiece
    Patent number: 5931792
    Abstract: A stethoscope with a chestpiece which has two microphones oriented at a very obtuse angle to each other. The user of the stethoscope can switch from one microphone to the other with just a slight tilt of the hand. In preferred embodiments, no special action needs to be taken to activate the selected microphone as merely touching it to the patient's body selects it for activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Packard, Joy A. Packard
  • Steam sterilization indicator compositions
    Patent number: 5916816
    Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator composition comprising a bismuth compound, a sulfur source, and a compound capable of generating alkaline conditions when exposed to steam; wherein when exposed to steam the composition noticeably changes color and when exposed to dry heat either does not change color or changes color to one that is markedly different from the color formed when the same composition is exposed to steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David M. Read
  • Hydroalcoholic compositions thickened using surfactant/polymer complexes
    Patent number: 5908619
    Abstract: Hydroalcoholic compositions and methods of preparation are provided. The composition includes a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of at least about 20:80 and a thickener system comprising a complex of at least one charged polymer and at least one oppositely charged surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Matthew T. Scholz
  • Stethoscope chestpiece
    Patent number: D410285
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joy A. Packard, Thomas J. Packard