Patents by Inventor Donald S. Finan

Donald S. Finan 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).

  • Patent number: 8979896
    Abstract: This application discusses systems and method for entraining oromotor pattern development, such as the suck, in the orofacial system of an infant having neurological impairments or developmental disabilities. The system includes a baglet, an entrainment device, and a processor. In varying examples, the system additionally includes one or a combination of: a baglet pressure sensor, a memory, a timing circuit, a valve, a receiver assembly, a display device, and one or more data acquisition, data analysis, and stimulus-control software. Options and variations for each feature of the system are various. The present systems provide patterned, rhythmic stimulation to the infant's orofacial system to stimulate and entrain brain development, such as oromotor pattern development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: University of Kansas, Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Steven M. Barlow, Donald S. Finan, Rajesh Vantipalli, Raghavendra Shantha
  • Patent number: 8251926
    Abstract: The present subject matter is suited for evaluating biomechanics and electrophysiology of an infant's orofacial system during sucking. The present subject matter includes at least one orofacial sensor and a processor. In various examples, the present subject matter additionally includes one or a combination of: a pacifier having a baglet, a receiver assembly, a stimulation device, a memory, a display, and data acquisition and analysis software. Advantageously, the present subject may non-invasively sample and analyze suck and may stimulate nerve endings in the face of an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Steven M. Barlow, Donald S. Finan
  • Patent number: 5743023
    Abstract: Control of temperature of the shelves in a freeze dryer compartment is achieved by circulating a cooled heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger through a vacuum condenser independently of circulating the cooled heat transfer fluid either directly through the passageway chambers in the freeze dryer shelves, for cooling the shelves, or through a heater for heating the shelves. These circulations are effected by the selective control of electrically operated valves in fluid conduits automatically by a programmed computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: John M. Fay, Donald S. Finan
  • Patent number: 5156006
    Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus for cooling or freezing products such as protein materials includes a drum through which heat transfer fluid is circulated. A belt is wrapped around part of the drum surface and the product to be refrigerated is applied to the drum surface, being pressed thereagainst by the belt. Either liquid or triple point carbon dioxide is circulated through the drum to cool the product in contact therewith. Other heat transfer fluids such as D-Limonene or DOWTHERM may also be circulated through the drum. A tank and related apparatus for cooling the heat transfer fluid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Liquid Carbonic Corporation
    Inventors: Walter C. Broderdorf, Jose M. N. Camacho, Stephen F. Donohue, Donald S. Finan, Robert J. Ogarek, Martin M. Reynolds, Gary D. Lang
  • Patent number: 5121611
    Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus for cooling or freezing products such as protein materials includes a drum through which heat transfer fluid is circulated. A belt is wrapped around part of the drum surface and the product to be refrigerated is applied to the drum surface, being pressed thereagainst by the belt. Either liquid or triple point carbon dioxide is circulated through the drum to cool the product in contact therewith. Other heat transfer fluids such as D-Limonene or DOWTHERM may also be circulated through the drum. A tank and related apparatus for cooling the heat transfer fluid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Liquid Carbonic Corporation
    Inventors: Walter C. Broderdorf, Jose M. N. Camacho, Stephen F. Donohue, Donald S. Finan, Robert J. Ogarek, Martin M. Reynolds, Gary D. Lang
  • Patent number: 4953365
    Abstract: A food freezer having a thermally insulated enclosure wherein an endless conveyor having a lower loading section, a main helical section and an uppermost unloading section is primarily driven by engagement between its inner edge and the sidewall of a rotatable center cage, which includes a plurality of uniformly spaced apart vertical bars. The lower end of the center cage can be blocked, and a centrifugal blower is axially located at the upper end of the cage to suck gas from the interior of the cage and discharge it horizontally outward along the undersurface of the top wall so that it flows outward, then downward and, finally, radially inward in an overall generally toroidal pattern through the tiers of the helical belt section where it withdraws heat from the freezes the food products being carried therealong. Various arrangements, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Liquid Carbonic Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Lang, Donald S. Finan, George D. Rhoades