Patents Represented by Attorney Timothy A. Czaja
-
Patent number: 6672473Abstract: A thermoformed plastic food container for use in microwave heating. The container includes a bottom, a sidewall and a flange. The sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom, terminating at a top end. The flange extends from the sidewall opposite the bottom and includes a rim section and a return section. The rim section extends radially outwardly from the top end of the sidewall, and is curved in transverse cross-section. With this configuration, the rim section defines a radius in transverse cross-section. Further, an outer surface of the rim section is configured to receive a sealing film. Additionally, the rim section defines, in top plan view, at least one side that is longitudinally curved, preferably forming a convex curve relative to a central axis of the container. The return section extends from the rim section opposite the top end. More particularly, the return section extends generally downwardly relative to the rim section.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Torniainen, Arne H. Brauner
-
Patent number: 6663628Abstract: A surgical micro-resecting instrument including an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member, a hub assembly, wiring, and an electrical insulator. The outer tubular member is formed of an electrically conductive material and defines a proximal section, a distal section forming a cutting window, and an internal lumen. The inner tubular member is disposed within the lumen and defines a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting tip. The hub assembly maintains the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The wiring is permanently electrically connected to the proximal section of the outer tubular member with the electrical connection being encompassed by the hub assembly. The electrical insulator covers a region of the outer tubular member distal the hub assembly, at least the cutting window free of the insulator. In one preferred embodiment, the hub assembly includes an outer hub insert molded to the outer tubular member, and forms a generally radially extending shroud.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Gary F. Peters
-
Patent number: 6635067Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece for use with a micro-cutting instrument, includes a motor contained within a housing. The housing includes a motor enclosure surrounding the motor and a sleeve placed about the motor enclosure. An internal passage is formed entirely between the sleeve and the motor enclosure. Finally, the sleeve defines a handling region and forms inlet and outlet ports proximal the handling region which are fluidly connected to the internal passage. During use, a cooling fluid, flows through the internal passage as the cooling fluid circulates from the inlet port to the outlet port. The motor is sealed relative to the cooling fluid by the motor enclosure. Thus, the cooling fluid does not directly contact the motor, but instead serves as a heat exchange medium through which heat generated by the motor is thermally transferred to the cooling fluid via the motor enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Gerould W. Norman
-
Patent number: 6623515Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for ablating bodily tissue. The apparatus includes a tube fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid. The tube defines a proximal portion, a distal portion and a central pathway. The central pathway extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion and is configured to direct flow of conductive fluid to the distal portion. The distal portion is configured for placement at a target site of bodily tissue and forms a helical slot. The helical slot is configured to allow flow of conductive fluid from the central pathway. Following delivery of the conductive fluid, an electrical current is applied to create a virtual electrode for ablating bodily tissue at the target site.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
-
Patent number: 6604646Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Torniainen, John Daugherty, Paul E. Di Mario, James Watson, Gregory J. Landis
-
Patent number: 6585732Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
-
Patent number: 6537248Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey, Richard H. Comben
-
Patent number: 6510981Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product such as a ready-to-eat cereal. The canister includes a side wall, a bottom closure and a plastic lid. The side wall defines at least a portion of a tubular body having an upper opening, a lower opening and an internal storage region for containing the particulate-type product. In this regard, the side wall includes a first, paper-based layer and a second, plastic-based layer. The first, paper-based layer has an inner surface and an outer surface. The second, plastic-based layer is bonded to the inner surface of the first, paper-based layer. The bottom closure is connected to the side wall so as to encompass the bottom opening. The plastic lid is openably secure to the tubular body at the upper opening. In this regard, the plastic lid provides selective access to the internal storage region. With this configuration, the plastic lid facilitates rapid fabrication of the canister, as well as providing for increased canister durability.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Curtis J. Deering, Gordon H. Meier, Sarah J. Moberg, Patrick J. Sumpmann
-
Patent number: 6503263Abstract: A surgical micro-shaving instrument including an outer tubular member coaxially maintaining an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is an elongated body defining a distal section, a proximal section and a central lumen extending from the distal section to the proximal section. The distal section forms an elevator tip and a cutting window. The cutting window is positioned proximal the elevator tip and is connected to the central lumen. The elevator tip terminates at a blade-like edge and is non-blunt. In one preferred embodiment, the elevator tip terminates in a knife edge. Regardless, the elevator tip defines a top surface extending from the elevator window. In one preferred embodiment, the top surface extends in an angular fashion, planar with a plane of the cutting window. In another preferred embodiment, the top surface includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. With this configuration, the proximal portion is planar with a plane of the cutting window.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Adams
-
Patent number: 6497705Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The surgical apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion forms an orifice for distributing a conductive solution from the inner tube and further forms an electrode. The outer tube coaxially receives the inner tube such that the outer tube is slidable relative to the inner tube. With this configuration, the outer tube selectively blocks flow of conductive solution from the orifice. During use, conductive solution distributed from the orifice is subjected to a current from the electrode, thereby creating a virtual electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Richard H. Comben
-
Patent number: 6495179Abstract: Aerated confections in the form of pieces having a body color and a body exterior surface importantly characterized by at least a portion of which has been modified to provide an appearance disparate to the body. The aerated food products comprise 50 to 98% of a saccharide component; about 0.5 to 30% of a structuring agent; and about 1 to 8% moisture. The aerated food products have a density of about 0.1 to 1.0 g/cc. The products are additionally characterized by having an external surface, and wherein at least a portion of the external surface has a distinguishing feature differing from the body in color, texture or structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Philip K. Zietlow, Dean Franssell, S. Ganesh Ganesan, Mathew F. Langenfeld, Philip E. Palkert, James L. Stinson, Bernhard van Lengerich
-
Patent number: 6494902Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radiofrequency alternating electric current, such tissue including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissue and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a radiofrequency alternating electric current source and a radiofrequency ablating a fluid source. A surgical instrument is connected to both the current source and the fluid source for delivering a fluid and a current to a first portion of tissue to be ablated. The apparatus also includes a protective fluid source and a delivery system connected to the protective fluid source for delivery of protective fluid to a secondary portion of tissue whose ablation is not desired.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Hoey, Peter M. J. Mulier
-
Patent number: 6493605Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for separating and distributing food product bits provided in bulk form from a supply source to a packager. The present invention is particularly suitable for a combination weighing machine, such that the apparatus includes an inlet chute, a dispersion table, a driving mechanism, and a plurality of batch handling units. The inlet chute directs a stream of food product bits from the supply source to the dispersion table. The driving mechanism is coupled to the inlet chute for raising and lowering the inlet chute relative to the dispersion table, for example, in response to a controller-supplied signal. The plurality of batch handling units receive, accumulate, and selectively dispense charges of the food product bits from the dispersion table to the packager. During use, the inlet chute is directed to a lowered position to facilitate food product bit accumulation on the dispersion table.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Mark Prideaux, Ryan S. Willits
-
Patent number: 6484929Abstract: A canister for storing a particulate-type product. The canister includes a tubular body, a bottom panel, a top panel and a plurality of tabs. The tubular body defines an upper opening, a lower opening, and an internal storage region. The bottom panel is connected to the tubular body so as to encompass the lower opening. The top panel is similarly connected to the tubular body so as to encompass the upper opening and includes a lid. The lid is selectively secured to the tubular body at the upper opening such that the lid is moveable from an initial, closed state to an opened state, and from the opened state to a reclosed state. In the initial, closed state, the lid is secured to the tubular body. In the opened state, the lid is displaced from the tubular body to define a pour opening through which the internal storage region is accessible. In the reclosed state, the lid substantially encompasses the pour opening. Finally, the plurality of tabs are associated with the lid in at least the reclosed state.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Sumpmann, Gordon Meier, Curtis Deering
-
Patent number: 6475216Abstract: An electrocautery instrument is provided with a hollow electrode having a source of conductive fluid coupled to a proximal end thereof. Conductive fluid is communicated through said electrode and expelled out of the distal end thereof during electrocautery, forming a “virtual electrode.” The infused conductive liquid conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the conductive electrode, thereby displacing the region of thermal generation and reducing the extent of burns and perforations caused by conventional electrocautery electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrode is partially disposed within and extends distally out of a retractable suction tube, such that smoke and fluid are aspirated from the electrocautery site. When the suction tube is fully advanced, the electrode is concealed therein, enabling suction without electrocautery to be performed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
-
Patent number: 6419551Abstract: A method of burnishing an asperity on a magnetic surface of an operational disk drive. The disk drive includes a slider maintaining an MR element. Rotation of the disk relative to the slider forms an air bearing between the slider and the disk surface, generating a fly height of the slider relative to the disk surface. With this in mind, the method includes identifying the presence of the asperity. The disk speed is increased from a normal operational rate to a first burnishing rate. Further, an internal pressure of the disk drive is reduced from a normal operational pressure to a first burnishing pressure. A first burnishing fly height is thusly established at the first burnishing rate and the first burnishing pressure. In this regard, the first burnishing fly height is less than a fly height otherwise found with the disk drive operating at the first burnishing rate and the normal operational pressure. The slider is then positioned over the asperity.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Gordon James Smith
-
Patent number: 6395318Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product. The canister includes opposing face panels, opposing side panels, a bottom closure, a top closure and a seal membrane. The opposing side panels together with the opposing face panels define an upper opening and a lower opening. The bottom closure is connected to the opposing face panels so as to encompass the lower opening. The opposing face panels, the opposing side panels and the bottom closure combine to define an internal storage region. The seal membrane is secured to the top closure, and then the top closure/seal membrane combination is connected to the opposing face panels so as to encompass the upper opening. The seal membrane insures the freshness of the particulate-type product. The top closure includes a movable lid member that provides selective access to the internal storage region. Upon initial opening of the lid member, first portion of the seal membrane delaminates from a remaining air-tight seal portion of the seal membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Sumpmann, Curtis J. Deering
-
Patent number: 6386366Abstract: A shipping and display container includes a tray and a cover. The tray includes a bottom panel, a back panel extending upward from the bottom panel, and a front panel also extending upward from the bottom panel. The back panel extends upward beyond the front panel and a pair of bottom side flaps each extending upward from opposite sides of the bottom panel. The cover includes a top panel and a front panel extending downward from the top panel. The cover is positionable over the tray to establish a first configuration facilitating shipping and storage of the container and is removable from the tray to establish a second configuration facilitating support and upright display of a packaged product positioned on the tray.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventor: Davide R Friedman
-
Patent number: D457784Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Torniainen, Arne H. Brauner
-
Patent number: D464884Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Sumpmann, Gordon H. Meier, Sarah J. Moberg