Patents Assigned to MDC
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Patent number: 6641555Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a tube holder, a fluid container, a double ended needle with forward sharpened tip, and rearward sharpened tip. Fluid is withdrawn or injected into a patient from the tip, and into fluid contained.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Botich, Thor R. Halseth
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Patent number: 6614558Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: Michael Duane Christopher, David Flannery, David R. Setiz, Eric J. Serenius, Wei Zhao
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Patent number: 6607511Abstract: A device is provided for inserting medical instruments, such as pacemaker leads, into a patient. The device includes a flexible needle with a sharpened tip surrounded by a sheath and catheter. A biasing element biases the needle toward a position in which the needle tip is enclosed within the sheath. A method for inserting a medical instrument, such as a pacemaker lead, is also provided, in which the needle is inserted into a patient, followed by the sheath and catheter. The needle is then retracted so that the sharpened tip is enclosed within the sheath. The needle remains in the sheath as the sheath and catheter are curved into alignment with a blood vessel and advanced through the blood vessel. The needle and sheath are then pulled out, and a pacemaker lead or other instrument is fed through the catheter and into the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thor R. Halseth, Robert T. McWethy, John Barker
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Patent number: 6569115Abstract: A needle-bearing device for injecting medicinal fluid from a pre-filled vial is provided. After use, the needle is retracted into the body of the device to prevent inadvertent contact with the sharpened end of the needle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a manually actuable button that effectuates retraction of the needle after use. In another embodiment, retraction is effectuated automatically after the injection is complete.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John M. Barker, Thor R. Halseth, Michael J. Botich, Robert L. Hall
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Patent number: 6561549Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing connector with variable geometry, comprising two hollow elements (2, 3) having respectively a truncated surface (22, 32) inclined at an angle (&agr;) relative to the generator (23, 33) of the element, each truncated surface (22, 32) has a circular and planar contact surface to enable the elements (2, 3) to be assembled by fixing means such that the generators (22, 23) of each element are assembled in one single point of intersection (C) so that the connection (1) may present two different angular positions when one of the two elements rotates.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: MDC SARLInventors: Claude Moris, Damien Moris, Christophe Moris
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Patent number: 6547762Abstract: A catheter insertion device is provided that includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. When the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle, which is propelled rearwardly into the device. A device for inserting a guide wire into a patient is also provided. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the bias of the biasing element. The needle retainer engages the guide wire so that when the guide wire is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle, which is propelled into the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael Botich, John Barker, Thor Halseth
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Patent number: 6540732Abstract: A retractable needle fluid transfer device is provided. The device includes a manually operable actuator for affecting retraction. Upon depressing the actuator, a spring displaces the needle rearwardly so that the contaminated needle is enclosed, thereby preventing inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes forward and rearward stops for impeding displacement of the needle after the needle is retracted. A seal prevents contaminants from entering the device after the needle is retracted. A safety sampling access port adapter for obtaining fluid samples from a fluid line is also provided. The sampling adapter includes a first end configured to cooperate with an access port attached to the fluid line. The sampling adapter further includes a collapsible socket configured to cooperate with a fluid container such as a vacuum tube. A needle assembly disposed within the housing of the sampling adapter is operable to pierce the seal on the fluid container.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Botich, Thor R. Halseth
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Patent number: 6525839Abstract: An engraving method and apparatus for engraving a cylinder for printing an intaglio pattern and/or non-intaglio pattern on a web of material. The engraver includes a driver for rotatably driving the cylinder and a computer for controlling the operation of the engraver and for generating an intaglio engraving signal corresponding to an intaglio pattern and a non-intaglio signal for a gravure pattern. The engraver also uses an engraving head for engraving the cylinder with the intaglio pattern and the gravure pattern during the rotation of the cylinder in response to the intaglio engraving signal and non-intaglio signal. The invention includes an intaglio engraved pattern and method for engraving engraved areas having bottoms which are generally planar.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: Tony D. Beckett, Kenneth William Jackson, David R. Seitz
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Patent number: 6524276Abstract: A medical device is provided for collecting fluid samples from a patient, such as blood samples. The device includes a needle having a forward sharpened tip that is retracted into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The rearward end of the housing is open, forming a socket for receiving a fluid container, such as a vacuum tube, that will receive the fluid sample. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the extended position against the rearward bias of a biasing element. After use, the medical professional retracts the needle by pressing an actuation button, allowing the biasing element to displace the needle rearwardly. A guide track guides the needle during retraction, tilting the needle off-axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thor R. Halseth, Michael J. Botich, Robert T. McWethy
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Patent number: 6515772Abstract: An engraver having an engraving signal generating system for engraving a workpiece. The engraver includes a setup circuit enabling direct dimensional control of the cavities engraved by the engraver. Controls are provided for setting at least one of a plurality of parameters, such as a black cell width. These parameters are fed to the setup circuit which translates them into multiplication factors for an AC signal and a videosignal. The multiplied signals are combined with an offset signal to produce an engraving signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: Paul L. Holowko, John W. Fraser, Eric J. Serenius, Curtis Woods
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Patent number: 6461362Abstract: A catheter insertion device is provided for inserting an over-the-needle catheter. The device includes an insertion needle that is retractable into the housing of the device after use to prevent exposure to the contaminated needle. The needle retainer releasably retains the needle in an extended position against the rearward bias of the biasing element. The needle retainer engages the hub of the catheter so that when the catheter is removed from the insertion device, the needle retainer automatically releases the needle. The biasing element then propels the needle rearwardly into the housing of the device. A method for inserting a catheter is also provided, in which the needle is hooded by the catheter during the insertion procedure.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thor R. Halseth, John M. Barker, Michael J. Botich
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Patent number: 6462307Abstract: In a process for producing a stipulated intensity distribution of a working laser beam on an object surface, at least one first and one second component beam with a stipulated first and second intensity distribution are formed and the power of each component beam is changed in a controlled manner with switching times down to submicroseconds. The component beams at a third intensity distribution superimposed as the working beam are pointed at or into the object in order to achieve a different action as a result of a varied third intensity distribution of the working beam. In contrast to conventional processes the first intensity distribution Ib=a×fb(x, y, t) differs from the following one In=a×fn(x, y, t) by the value of the function fu(x, y, t) and no longer only by an altered linear value a. The process as claimed in the invention can be preferably used in the production of screen cells on an engraved cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: MDC Max Datwyler AG BleienbachInventors: Guido Hennig, Max Datwyler
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Patent number: 6436070Abstract: A non-reusable needle-bearing safety medical device is provided. The device is operable for inserting an intravenous catheter into a patient. The device includes a needle for piercing the patient's skin and guiding the catheter into the vein of the patient. The needle is operable in two positions, an extended position, in which the needle projects forwardly from a housing, and a retracted position, in which the needle is retracted into the barrel so that the needle is enclosed by the barrel to prevent inadvertent contact with the needle after use. A needle retainer releasably retains the needle in the projecting position against the bias of a spring that biases the needle rearwardly toward the retracted position. After use, the operator displaces an actuator to release the needle. The spring then propels the needle rearwardly into the retracted position. In this way, the device is non-reusable and the needle is shielded to prevent contact with the sharpened tip of the contaminated needle.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Botich, Thor R. Halseth
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System and method for improving printing of a leading edge of an image in a gravure printing process
Patent number: 6433890Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for intelligently placing in a periodic and/or random manner a plurality of whetting areas which facilitate lubricating and/or cooling a doctor blade in a printing press when the cylinder is placed therein. The system and method includes one or more routines which analyzes engraving/etching data and any associated white-span length. One or more whetting areas are placed in a periodic or random pattern in response thereto. The whetting areas facilitate lubricating and/or cooling the doctor blade so that it does not heat beyond a predetermined level, thereby avoiding scoring of the cylinder and problems associated with deterioration of print quality or length of cylinder life resulting from thermo-dynamic expansion and/or undesired evaporation of ink associated with areas which make up the image.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: Tony D. Beckett, Kenneth William Jackson -
Patent number: 6398743Abstract: A needle-bearing medical device is provided for inserting a guide wire. After use the needle is shielded to render the contaminated needle safe to prevent inadvertent needle sticks. The device includes a housing and a needle having a sharpened tip. A biasing element biases the needle toward a position in which the sharpened tip is shielded. A connector is provided for attaching a fluid collection device to the guide wire insertion device, if desired. A guide is configured for guiding the guide wire through the port and into the needle. A method is also provided for using the medical device, in which the needle is inserted vascularly into a patient. A fluid collection device is attached to the connector of the device and blood is drawn into the fluid collection device to ensure that the needle is properly positioned within a vein or artery of the patient. A guide wire is then inserted into the patient through the device and the needle is retracted to shield the needle.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thor R. Halseth, John M Barker, Michael J. Botich
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Patent number: 6362899Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. The error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: David L. Flannery, Thomas P. Staub, David R. Seitz
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Patent number: 6348979Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: David Flannery, David R. Seitz, Thomas P. Staub, Matthew A. Thomas
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Patent number: 6305282Abstract: A doctor blade for wiping excess printing ink off the surface of a printing form (10) has a front section in the form of a leaf (3) which interacts with the surface of the printing form (10). In order to avoid wear or damage to the printing form surface as a result of the contact pressure exerted by the leaf (3) on the printing form surface, the leaf (3) is provided with a coating (5) over the entire doctor blade length. The coating (5) consists of lubricant or contains lubricant particles (8). As a result of the significant reduction in friction between the leaf (3) and the printing form surface, not only is the wear on the printing form surface reduced, but the wear on the doctor blade is also reduced, and its service life is extended.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: MDC Max Datwyler Bleienbach AGInventor: Max Dätwyler
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Patent number: 6269718Abstract: A platform for supporting an engraving head in a manner accommodating translational movement without any associated rotation. The platform has a deck which is supported by a pair of flexible support columns. In operation the platform is situated alongside a rotating printing cylinder. The engraving head is mounted on the deck of the platform and is provided with a guide shoe which rides against the surface of the printing cylinder. As the cylinder rotates to angular positions having different radii, the engraving head responds with a purely linear reaction. Consequently the engraving head is able to engrave uniform-depth cavities in the surface of the printing cylinder. In two alternative embodiments the deck is driven by a resilient link arrangement which is coupled to a leadscrew and carriage assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AGInventors: John W. Fraser, Kenneth F. Bornhorst, Jr., Thomas J. Eichhorn, Robert D. Likins
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Patent number: D445183Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: MDC Investment Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Robert T. McWethy, Michael J. Botich, Thor R. Halseth