Patents by Inventor Douglas J. Zimmerman

Douglas J. Zimmerman 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).

  • Method of determining the type of fluid flow probe inserted into a flow meter
    Patent number: 6446512
    Abstract: An inline electromagnetic flow probe, and its corresponding flow transducer, incorporate mutually compatible features that permit a single transducer to identify which of a plurality of types of flow probes has been inserted into the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic Avecore Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Zimmerman, Richard J. O'Brien, Lloyd E. Graupman
  • METHOD OF DETERMINING THE TYPE OF FLUID FLOW PROBE INSERTED INTO A FLOW METER
    Publication number: 20020011118
    Abstract: An inline electromagnetic flow probe, and its corresponding flow transducer, incorporate mutually compatible features that permit a single transducer to identify which of a plurality of types of flow probes has been inserted into the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: DOUGLAS J. ZIMMERMAN, RICHARD J. O'BRIEN, LLOYD E. GRAUPMAN
  • Electromagnetic flow meter
    Patent number: 5325728
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter for measuring the flow of blood through a conduit. Flow rate is measured by applying an electromagnetic field around the conduit, with the moving electrolytic blood inducing a current that is sensed by electrodes. The flow meter includes a substantially "E"-shaped magnetic core structure as well as an "E"-shaped hinged cover piece for defining a complete flux loop. In the circuitry, a floating ground arrangement is provided for enhancing the stability and sensitivity of the meter and to ensure appropriate patient isolation. A strong magnetic field, covering the sensing region and with little flux leakage, is alternately switched in polarity. The magnetic coil driver circuit employs an arrangement of switches for facilitating very fast polarity reversal. A two-level current source in the coil current driver greatly enhances the meter's efficiency and power dissipation characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Zimmerman, Frank D. Dorman