Patents by Inventor Bruce R. Kline
Bruce R. Kline has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220000628Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: John W. Sperling, Aaron C. Treat, Bruce R. Kline, Michael B. Larson
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Patent number: 11096792Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: John W. Sperling, Aaron C. Treat, Bruce R. Kline, Michael B. Larson
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Patent number: 11071635Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty, including for reverse joint arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a trial device for determining inclination, offset, and/or version of a prosthetic tray with respect to a prosthetic stem or stemless implant. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis, which allows for variable offset, inclination or version or any combination thereof. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an offset or inclination angle or a version angle or any combination thereof of a prosthetic tray with respect to a stem or stemless device implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder) by matching the corresponding offset or version or inclination or any combination thereof to a trial device.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: John W. Sperling, Bruce R. Kline, Michael B. Larson, Kendall Dennis
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Publication number: 20200264303Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, apparatuses, methods, and media) for determining three dimensional location of an object associated with a person at risk of falling down are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Daniel J. Schwab, Christopher L. Felton, Bruce R. Kline, Barry K. Gilbert, Gary S. Delp, Clifton R. Haider
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Publication number: 20190151104Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: John W. Sperling, Aaron C. Treat, Bruce R. Kline, Michael B. Larson
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Patent number: 10226349Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: John W. Sperling, Aaron C. Treat, Bruce R. Kline, Michael B. Larson
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Publication number: 20180092760Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty, including for reverse joint arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a trial device for determining inclination, offset, and/or version of a prosthetic tray with respect to a prosthetic stem or stemless implant. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis, which allows for variable offset, inclination or version or any combination thereof. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an offset or inclination angle or a version angle or any combination thereof of a prosthetic tray with respect to a stem or stemless device implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder) by matching the corresponding offset or version or inclination or any combination thereof to a trial device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: John W. Sperling, Aaron C. Treat, Bruce R. Kline, Michael B. Larson, Kendall Dennis
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Publication number: 20160030187Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: John W. SPERLING, Aaron C. TREAT, Bruce R. KLINE
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Patent number: 8919194Abstract: A reflector target includes a reflector defining a tapered reflector surface. The reflector includes an apex opening and an opposed base opening, wherein the base opening has a larger perimeter than the apex opening. The tapered reflector surface extends between the openings forming a tapered passage there-between. The tapered reflector surface is configured to resist the accumulation of surface bubbles on the reflector surface by movement of bubbles along the reflector surface out through the apex opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Bruce R. Kline
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Publication number: 20140373622Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include wireless fuel systems for an aircraft. The system include wireless fuel sensors having a sensor configured to measure an indication of an amount of fuel in a fuel tank, a transmitter coupled to the sensor, an antenna coupled to the transmitter and a generator configured to provide power to the sensor and the transmitter. The system also includes a controller configured to receive data from each of the plurality of wireless fuel sensors and to responsively calculate the amount of fuel in a fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Bruce R. Kline, Brandon R. Hicks
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Publication number: 20140060177Abstract: A reflector target includes a reflector defining a tapered reflector surface. The reflector includes an apex opening and an opposed base opening, wherein the base opening has a larger perimeter than the apex opening. The tapered reflector surface extends between the openings forming a tapered passage there-between. The tapered reflector surface is configured to resist the accumulation of surface bubbles on the reflector surface by movement of bubbles along the reflector surface out through the apex opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Bruce R. Kline
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Publication number: 20120192908Abstract: Disclosed is a sinkless electric generator for generating electrical power from temperature cycles encountered by the structure of an aircraft. The sinkless electric generator includes a thermoelectric generator which is in thermal contact with the structure of the aircraft (e.g., the aircraft's skin); an insulated housing containing a thermal mass; and a circuit for providing the energy generated by the thermoelectric generator during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft to a device. The insulated housing is positioned in thermal contact with the thermoelectric generator; wherein during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft, energy is created by the thermoelectric generator when heat is released from the thermal mass contained within the housing through the thermoelectric generator to the aircraft's structure and when heat is supplied from the aircraft's structure through the thermoelectric generator to the thermal mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Bruce R. Kline
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Patent number: 7642644Abstract: A package for a semiconductor chip or other heat producing device has a supporting substrate to which the devices mount and electrically connect. An enclosure is formed over the heat producing devices and filled with a supercritical fluid that transports heat from the devices to a heat sink in thermal contact with the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Wendy L. Wilkins, Barry K. Gilbert, Bruce R. Kline
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Patent number: 6782122Abstract: This disclosure is directed to apparatus for measuring height of a surface of liquid in a container utilizing a light source and camera pair disposed above the liquid surface in a predetermined spatial relationship to each other and the container. The light source illuminates the liquid surface with a light pattern and the camera captures the area image of the light pattern in a form of discrete picture elements (pixels) that are processed in an image processor to determine the height of liquid in the container. In another embodiment, the pixels of the area image are further processed to determine attitude of the liquid surface so that the processor may determine the quantity of liquid in the container based on the determined height and attitude of the liquid surface and container geometry data stored in a memory thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Bruce R. Kline, Mokhtar M. Sadok, William B. Spillman, Jr.
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Patent number: 6744036Abstract: An optically coupled circuit is electrically coupleable to a capacitive probe transducer disposed in a liquid in a tank for sensing the capacitance of the probe transducer which is a measure of a parameter of the liquid. A first converter circuit receives optical energy over a non-conductive path and converts it into electrical energy at a predetermined voltage potential from which first and second reference voltage potentials are developed. A dual slope integrator circuit is coupleable to the probe capacitor for charging it during a first integration period and discharging it during a second integration period utilizing the first and second reference voltage potentials. The integrator circuit includes a circuit for comparing capacitive voltage generated during the first and second integration periods with the first and second reference voltage potentials to generate timing signals for each integration period.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Bruce R. Kline
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Publication number: 20040061043Abstract: An optically coupled circuit is electrically coupleable to a capacitive probe transducer disposed in a liquid in a tank for sensing the capacitance of the probe transducer which is a measure of a parameter of the liquid. A first converter circuit receives optical energy over a non-conductive path and converts it into electrical energy at a predetermined voltage potential from which first and second reference voltage potentials are developed. A dual slope integrator circuit is coupleable to the probe capacitor for charging it during a first integration period and discharging it during a second integration period utilizing the first and second reference voltage potentials. The integrator circuit includes a circuit for comparing capacitive voltage generated during the first and second integration periods with the first and second reference voltage potentials to generate timing signals for each integration period.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Bruce R. Kline
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Patent number: 5534708Abstract: A liquid sensing apparatus for a fuel tank comprises a first optical sensor for producing an output having a first state that corresponds to the first optical sensor being exposed to air and a second state that corresponds to the first optical sensor being exposed to fuel; a second optical sensor for producing an output having a first state that corresponds to the second optical sensor being exposed to air or water, and a second state that corresponds to the second optical sensor being exposed to fuel; and a circuit for detecting the first and second optical sensor output states. The sensor circuits can be accessed using a two wire only interface, and thermal stability can be achieved with the electronic circuit as shown.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1993Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products Inc.Inventors: Sylvester M. Ellinger, Bruce R. Kline
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Patent number: 5408092Abstract: An optic sensor system comprising N optic sensors, each of the N sensors operating with received input light and providing output light having a characteristic corresponding to a sensed parameter; a number, less than N+2, of devices wherein each of the devices operates as a light source and as a light detector such that one device can be used to transmit interrogation light to two of the sensors, with two other of the devices being used to receive output light from the interrogated sensors; and optic waveguide means for transmitting light between the sensors and the devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Lisa B. Maurice, Frederick L. Lichtenfels, II, Bruce R. Kline
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Patent number: 5265460Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining jet fuel density. A microprocessor monitors the temperature, velocity of sound and dielectric constant of a jet fuel. The microprocessor determines the type of jet fuel and the density of the fuel using data from jet fuel samples of a known density and a least-squares-fit of the test data.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1991Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: S. Michael Ellinger, Bruce R. Kline
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Patent number: 5049825Abstract: System and method of error reduction in which a comparator is sequentially operated to produce series of pulses in which the time distribution of the pulses is related to the displacement being monitored by the transducer. In particular, the comparator is sequentially operated to provide two sets of pulses using a positive ramp voltage, and then using a negative ramp voltage having a magnitude equal to the positive ramp voltage. Averaged time periods between the pulses are used to eliminate offset errors in the determination of the value that the transducer is monitoring. The transducer is adapted to monitor the substantially linear movement of the level (fuel-air interface) of fuel in a tank and the angular position of an input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventor: Bruce R. Kline