Patents Represented by Law Firm Mueller and Smith
  • Patent number: 7335198
    Abstract: Method, system and apparatus for carrying out accurate electrosurgical cutting. A thin resilient electrode is utilized at the forward end region of an instrument which is deployable from a longitudinally disposed slot positioned rearwardly of the tip of the instrument. Lateral sides of the slot extend between a forward location adjacent the tip and a rearward location. The electrode is deployed by urging it forwardly in compression to form an arch profile supported by the abutting slot sides adjacent the forward and rearward locations. Electrosurgically excitable with a cutting output, the electrode may carry out a cutting action both during its deployment and retraction into the noted slot. This permits a pivoting maneuver effective for circumscribing a volume of targeted tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Intact Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Philip E. Eggers, Eric A. Eggers, Andrew R. Eggers
  • Patent number: 7330121
    Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method for establishing a membership of subscribing members for alerting each to the loss of a registered person within a subscribing member. The method commences by establishing a membership of one or more subscribing members. The next step is to provide each subscribing member with access to a registration station capable of receiving registration information for a person to be registered and issuing a registered person indicator, and an alert station where a custodian of the registered person can enter the registered person indicator for issuing an alert that the registered person is lost. Finally, the method includes the step of creating a database interconnected to each of the subscribing member's registration station and alert station via a computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Schoppmeyer
  • Patent number: 7297803
    Abstract: A method for concentrating trans-lutein esters from marigold oleoresin, which includes blending the oleoresin with a solvent and a co-solvent of lower alkanols and recovering a precipitate enriched with trans-lutein esters at a temperature of above 22° C. The recovery of the trans-lutein esters is greater using the alkanol blend than when using only a lower alkanol in the said blend. The process is most useful using a lower-grade, commercially available oleoresin, thereby helping small producers, who do not have access to higher-grade oleoresin made through backward integration to marigold cultivation and harvest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: BioActives, LLC
    Inventors: Doddabele L. Madhavi, Daniel I. Kagan
  • Patent number: 7281286
    Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Michael H. Ganon
  • Patent number: 7257873
    Abstract: The present invention addresses an ATV clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a central body having a handlebar leg and a hand guard leg, a handlebar clamp pivotally connected to the handlebar leg and removably clamped to the ATV's handlebar and a hand guard member pivotally connected to the hand guard leg and removably connected to the hand guard. Also addressed is a motorcycle clamp assembly including a handlebar clamp removably connected to the motorcycle's handlebar and having a generally rectangular shape with rounded ends and having a tapered aperture configured to mate with handlebar's tapered portion, and a hand guard member connected to the hand guard and pivotally connected to the handle bar clamp. A method for manufacturing hand guards is disclosed. Using that method, one or more bends are cut in the X-Y plane and a bender is used to form at least one bend in the Z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Laivins, Glen A. Laivins
  • Patent number: 7233394
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object from a formed object generated input signal. The method comprises the steps of directing the input signal onto a diffraction grating. Diffracted signals are directed to a resonant mirror assembly for sequentially focusing a select diffracted signal. From that focused select diffracted signal, a spectral characteristic of said object is determined. Each said spectral characteristic is associated with each corresponding focused select diffracted signal and the associated signals are published. The apparatus is an improved spectrometer comprising a fiber cable assembly for receiving an object generated input signal and a diffraction grating. A resonant mirror assembly sequentially focuses a select diffracted signal, a sensor sensing which diffracted signal has been focused from the diffraction grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
    Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
  • Patent number: 7217735
    Abstract: The invention, at least in part, is directed to methods for enhancing delivery of therapeutic agents, such as macromolecules and drugs, into the interior of tissues, such as solid tissues or tumors. The method initially uses an apoptosis inducing agent, such as paclitaxel, in doses which create channels within the tissues, and enhance the penetration of therapeutic agents to the interior of the tissue. Current methods of treating tissues are often not effective because the therapeutic agents are not delivered to the interior of the tissue. By using the methods and the compositions of the current invention, therapeutic agents can be delivered to the interior of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Jessie L.-S. Au, Guillaume Wientjes
  • Patent number: 7209230
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object surface. The apparatus comprises a light source for generating an input signal comprising a plurality of wavelengths of energy and a diffraction grating for diffracting the input signal into a plurality of diffracted wavelengths of energy. A resonant mirror assembly associated with the diffraction grating sequentially directs a select diffracted wavelength to the object surface to generate a corresponding reflected wavelength of energy. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for determining each select diffracted wavelength of energy directed to the object surface and a detector for detecting one or more of the reflected wavelengths. The detector is coupled with the sensor for associating each select diffracted wavelength with each corresponding reflected wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
    Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
  • Patent number: 7202620
    Abstract: A multi-phase unipolar motor is configured such that each stator pole is formed with bifilar wound primary and inductively associated secondary windings corresponding with one phase. The primary winding at one stator pole corresponding with one phase is coupled with a secondary winding at another stator pole corresponding with another phase to provide a commutational-step defined winding pair. The resultant winding pair assemblage is energized in correspondence with a commutational sequence such that collapsing field energy may be transferred from a primary winding at the termination of one step in the commutational sequence to the secondary winding associated with it in a next succeeding commutational step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Petersen Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Christian C. Petersen
  • Patent number: 7198449
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved grain unloader for off-loading (unloading) grain from a grain bin carried by one or more of a combine or a grain cart. A second grain movement assembly is coupled in parallel to the first grain movement assembly so that both grain movement assemblies can simultaneously off-load the grain bin. A third grain movement assembly feeds the second grain movement assembly. The first and second grain movement assemblies move together from a stowage position to an unloading position. The third grain assembly can only feed the second grain transfer assembly when the second grain assembly is in the off-load position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
  • Patent number: 7185449
    Abstract: A system for controlling the hydraulically actuated components, including snow-ice control components carried by a truck. The system employs a hermetically secure composite housing mounted externally of the truck cab on the truck frame which retains a unique hydraulic reservoir in combination with a manifold supporting a plurality of solenoid actuated hydraulic valves and an associated electronic drive circuitry including a slave controller having a bidirectional data transmission port. That port communicates through a single bidirectional transmission bus with a master controller retained within an operator interface control console mounted in the truck cab. That control console also will contain a slave interface controller, as well as a slave datalog and communications controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Kime
  • Patent number: 7166649
    Abstract: The invention is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition, which is the ultraviolet radiation (UV) cured reaction product of a polyester-polyether-based urethane acrylate, one or more acrylate monomers, and a UV photosensitizer. The polyester-polyether-based urethane acrylate is the reaction product of between about 50 and 90 wt-% of a polyester diol having a molecular weight ranging from about 500 to 3200; between about 10 and 50 wt-% of a polyether polyol having a molecular weight ranging from about 1000 to 6000; between about 1 and 5 wt-% of a hydroxy-functional acrylate; and a polyisocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Day, Thomas M. Moy, Vincent J. Pascarella
  • Patent number: 7166948
    Abstract: A multi-phase unipolar motor is configured such that each stator pole is formed with bifilar wound primary and inductively associated secondary windings corresponding with one phase. The primary winding at one stator pole corresponding with one phase is coupled with a secondary winding at another stator pole corresponding with another phase to provide a commutational-step defined winding pair. The resultant winding pair assemblage is energized in correspondence with a commutational sequence such that collapsing field energy may be transferred from a primary winding at the termination of one step in the commutational sequence to the secondary winding associated with it in a next succeeding commutational step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Petersen Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Christian C Petersen
  • Patent number: 7143863
    Abstract: An articulated harvester includes a powered harvester having a pair of forward wheels or tracks, having a pair of rotatable rearward caster wheels, and carrying an on-board harvester grain bin for housing harvested grain. The harvester tows a grain cart, which carries a grain cart bin for housing harvested grain. A joint assembly interconnects the harvester and the grain cart. The joint assembly includes a grain cart tongue that mates with the harvester. An articulation cylinder assembly connects the harvester and the grain cart tongue in the region of the joint assembly. Bi-directional, biased guide rods connect between the grain cart tongue and the caster wheels. The grain car may be steerable and/or powered. The harvester may be steerable by its pair of forward wheels or tracks. A conventional harvester and grain cart assembly can be converted into the novel articulated harvester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
  • Patent number: 7141676
    Abstract: Water-soluble discrete multi-biotin-containing compounds with at least three (3) biotin moieties are disclosed. The water-soluble biotin-containing compounds may additionally comprise one or more moieties that confer resistance to cleavage by biotinidase or that is cleavable in vitro or in vivo. The discrete multi-biotin-containing compounds may include a reactive moiety that provides a site for reaction with yet another moiety, such as a targeting, diagnostic or therapeutic functional moiety. Biotinylation reagents comprising water-soluble linker moieties are also disclosed and may additionally comprise a biotinidase protective group. Methods for amplifying the number of sites for binding biotin-binding proteins at a selected target using multi-biotin compounds also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: D. Scott Wilbur, Pradip M. Pathare, Donald K. Hamlin, Feng Wan
  • Patent number: 7137350
    Abstract: A catamaran has a pair of spaced-apart pontoons, each having a forward tapered end and a rearward end. An underwing is affixed to the pontoons and spans therebetween. A platform is pivotally connected to the underwing forward end and/or rearward end and conforms to the pontoons at their forward tapered end or their rearward end, respectively. A power assembly is connected to the platform for lowering or raising the platform from a stowed position to a plurality of working positions—including positions below the waterline—of the catamaran and for raising or lowering the platform back to the stowed position. For protecting the craft from damage, the platform also can carry a deployable extending ramp formed from a pair of spaced-apart floating pontoons with a walkway extending between the floating pontoons. A novel fendering system for the craft also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: William L. Waldock
  • Patent number: 7134223
    Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sewing Innovations and Machine Co.
    Inventor: Michael H. Ganon
  • Patent number: 7111853
    Abstract: A transportable container for electrical devices having aluminum bottom, top and end panels. The top and bottom panels are configured having spaced apart interior and exterior sheet members laser welded to a corrugate stiffener. Each end panel is structured with an exterior sheet member spaced from an interior plurality of drawer guides laser welded to a corrugate stiffener. A plurality of aluminum drawers are mounted upon the drawer guides, each having an air entrance opening at its back communicating with air transfer outlets at a fan charged air distribution plenum. Conditioned a. c. power is provided at receptacles within each drawer as well as LAN connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Tracewell Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt S. Tracewell, Luke J. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: D544255
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Larry L Tracewell
  • Patent number: D545084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Larry L Tracewell