Patents by Inventor James Mercer

James Mercer 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: 8188354
    Abstract: A device for supporting a musical instrument such as a guitar, on a stand, having, a first engagement mechanism adapted to engage with and support the musical instrument, a first strap adapted to releaseably engage with the musical instrument and in engagement with the first engagement mechanism, and a mechanism for securely and releasably engaging the first engagement mechanism to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: James Mercer
  • Patent number: 8172825
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and sterilize the male luer of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male luer to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen of the male luer. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcock, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett, Mark Adams
  • Publication number: 20120039764
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and disinfect a male protrusion portion of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male protrusion to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen the protrusion. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: CATHETER CONNECTIONS, INC., UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcock, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett
  • Publication number: 20120039765
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and disinfect a male protrusion portion of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male protrusion to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen the protrusion. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: CATHETER CONNECTIONS, INC., UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcock, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett
  • Publication number: 20110217212
    Abstract: Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicants: CATHETER CONNECTIONS, INC., THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett, Robert Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20110213341
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and disinfect medical connectors. Some caps can create a seal with the medical connectors to prevent antiseptic from entering a fluid paths defined by a connector. Support members can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: CATHETER CONNECTIONS, INC., THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett, Robert Hitchcock, James Kennedy, Richard Lasher
  • Publication number: 20110044850
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and disinfect a male protrusion portion of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male protrusion to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen the protrusion. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: Catheter Connections, Inc., The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcock, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett
  • Publication number: 20100049170
    Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and sterilize the male luer of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male luer to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen of the male luer. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcook, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett, Mark Adams
  • Publication number: 20100047123
    Abstract: One or more caps can be used to cover and sterilize one or more separated medical connectors. A pair of caps can be connected to each other and sealed when in a pre-use state. The paired caps can be unsealed so as to permit connection to the medical connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Donald D. Solomon, F. Mark Ferguson, Robert Hitchcock, Steven Bandis, James Mercer, Michael Howlett
  • Publication number: 20090056522
    Abstract: A device for supporting a musical instrument such as a guitar, on a stand, comprising, a first engagement means adapted to engage with and support the musical instrument, a first strap adapted to releaseably engage with the musical instrument and in engagement with the first engagement means, and means for securely and releasably engaging the first engagement means to the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: James Mercer
  • Publication number: 20080016835
    Abstract: A nestable frame for planar air filters or other screen-like planar structures. The nestable frame provides all of the following desirable properties at once: 1. Simple manufacturing and assembly process, 2. Simple design, 3. Enhanced structural rigidity, 4. Significant space-savings during storage and transport, and 5. Simple handling. The filter frame comprises an upper and a lower frame portion with a first leg each, where the peripheral edge of the filter media is clampingly engaged between the first leg of the upper frame portion and the first leg of the lower frame portion. From the first leg, both frame portions extend outwardly with a second leg at an obtuse angle. The frame portions are connected at the outer ends of their second legs with a connecting leg. Alternative embodiments contain straight connection legs at different angles, curved connection legs or a multitude of connection legs, oriented to the outside of the frame or collapsed inwardly into the frame, for various purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Justice, James Mercer
  • Publication number: 20070071930
    Abstract: Disclosed are oriented, shaped articles such as, for example, film, fibers, bottles, and tubes, with excellent strength, toughness, clarity, chemical resistance, and UV resistance. The articles can be prepared from cycloaliphatic polyesters and from compositions comprising cycloaliphatic polyesters and cycloaliphatic polyester elastomers. The articles may be oriented by stretching in at least one direction and have a modulus which results in a soft feel. Also disclosed are polyester compositions comprising cycloaliphatic polyesters and polyester elastomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Marcus Shelby, Douglas McWilliams, James Mercer, Mark Tincher
  • Publication number: 20060160180
    Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of proteins and/or polypeptides in cell culture, particularly in media characterized by one or more of: i) a cumulative amino acid concentration greater than about 70 mM; ii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative asparagine ratio of less than about 2; iii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative total amino acid ratio of less than about 0.2; iv) a molar cumulative inorganic ion to cumulative total amino acid ratio between about 0.4 to 1; or v) a combined cumulative glutamine and cumulative asparagine concentration between about 16 and 36 mM, is provided. The use of such a system allows high levels of protein production and lessens accumulation of certain undesirable factors such as ammonium and/or lactate. Additionally, culture methods including a temperature shift, typically including a decrease in temperature when the culture has reached about 20-80% of it maximal cell density, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Applicant: Wyeth Research Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Denis Drapeau, Yen-Tung Luan, James Mercer, Wenge Wang, Daniel Lasko
  • Publication number: 20060121568
    Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of proteins and/or polypeptides in cell culture, particularly in media characterized by one or more of: i) a cumulative amino acid concentration greater than about 70 mM; ii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative asparagine ratio of less than about 2; iii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative total amino acid ratio of less than about 0.2; iv) a molar cumulative inorganic ion to cumulative total amino acid ratio between about 0.4 to 1; or v) a combined cumulative glutamine and cumulative asparagine concentration between about 16 and 36 mM, is provided. The use of such a system allows high levels of protein production and lessens accumulation of certain undesirable factors such as ammonium and/or lactate. Additionally, culture methods including a temperature shift, typically including a decrease in temperature when the culture has reached about 20-80% of it maximal cell density, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Wyeth Research Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Denis Drapeau, Yen-Tung Luan, James Mercer, Wenge Wang, Daniel Lasko
  • Publication number: 20060121569
    Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of proteins and/or polypeptides in cell culture, particularly in media characterized by one or more of: i) a cumulative amino acid concentration greater than about 70 mM; ii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative asparagine ratio of less than about 2; iii) a molar cumulative glutamine to cumulative total amino acid ratio of less than about 0.2; iv) a molar cumulative inorganic ion to cumulative total amino acid ratio between about 0.4 to 1; or v) a combined cumulative glutamine and cumulative asparagine concentration between about 16 and 36 mM, is provided. The use of such a system allows high levels of protein production and lessens accumulation of certain undesirable factors such as ammonium and/or lactate. Additionally, culture methods including a temperature shift, typically including a decrease in temperature when the culture has reached about 20-80% of it maximal cell density, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: Wyeth Research Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Denis Drapeau, Yen-Tung Luan, James Mercer, Wenge Wang, Daniel Lasko
  • Publication number: 20050245880
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which effectively partitions a syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, sequentially dispensing syringe apparatus. The valve assembly may be effectively used with a variety of standard, currently available commercial syringes and pre-filled syringes. Incorporated in the valve assembly is a valved stopper having a valve (which may be a slit valve), an impact sensor which opens the valve upon impact between the valve assembly and internal distal end of the syringe and a gas separator which separates liquid from gas disposed in the proximal chamber to assure gas is not delivered therefrom. The valve assembly is displaced as a plunger of the syringe is displaced via communication through fluid in the proximal chamber of the syringe. The actuator has a latching feature which latches the valve to an open state after being opened by the impact sensor. The gas separator has a proximally disposed orifice which facilitates priming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Howlett, James Mercer, Gale Thorne, Gale Thorne
  • Publication number: 20050186122
    Abstract: A molded container may include a unitary base. The base may include projections designed to secure, support, position, and/or protect one or more objects held in the molded container. The projections may be spaced to allow access to objects held in the base. The projections may include ledges and/or lips. A molded container may include a lid. An inner surface of the lid may have protrusions to hold objects in place in the molded container. Closure portions of the lid may snap securely on the base. A lid may be attached to a base or removable. A separate lid may include guides to facilitate placement of the lid on the base. In an embodiment, a base of a molded container may fit in the lid of the molded container. A lid and/or a base of a molded container may be designed to allow stacking of two or more molded containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: James Mercer, John Baker, Rudolfo Diaz, Scott Bennefeld, George Grigorow, Mark McElhinny
  • Publication number: 20050177183
    Abstract: A variety of embodiments of a variable incision width guide-wire steered scalpel are disclosed. Each embodiment employs a split blade which is proximally hinged, thereby facilitating making a variable width incision of a predetermined, substantially constant depth. Methods of preselecting an incision width are disclosed. Also, a plurality of embodiments of such a scalpel which may be used to provide an incision of preselected depth, as well, are disclosed. Notably, once a depth has been predetermined, that depth is kept substantially constant over the width of a resulting incision. While a wire may be threaded through the scalpel as a guide, the scalpel may be used for other incision applications without a guide-wire. The scalpel has safety features which generally follow the steps of piercing to make an incision of predetermined depth, transversely opening the split blade to widen the incision to a predetermined width, closing split blade and retracting the blade into a protective housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Gale Thorne, Michael Howlett, James Mercer
  • Publication number: 20050124779
    Abstract: Disclosed are oriented, shaped articles such as, for example, film, fibers, bottles, and tubes, with excellent strength, toughness, clarity, chemical resistance, and UV resistance. The articles can be prepared from cycloaliphatic polyesters and from compositions comprising cycloaliphatic polyesters and cycloaliphatic polyester elastomers. The articles may be oriented by stretching in at least one direction and have a modulus which results in a soft feel. Also disclosed are polyester compositions comprising cycloaliphatic polyesters and polyester elastomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Marcus Shelby, Douglas McWilliams, James Mercer, Mark Tincher
  • Patent number: 6781822
    Abstract: A modular backplane having a low-profile bridge module for industrial computers is disclosed. The modular backplane generally comprises a plurality of modular backplane segments and a plurality of bridge modules for connecting the modular backplane segments. Each modular backplane segment includes a front side and a back side, in which the front side has a plurality of slots and the back side has a primary dedicated connector and a secondary dedicated connector. Each bridge module includes a circuit board, a bridging integrated circuit, and a pair of connectors. One of the bridge connectors is engaged with the primary dedicated connector in one of the backplane segments and the other connector is engaged with the secondary dedicated connector in its neighboring segments, and vice versa, such that all the modular backplane segments are communicatively connected with another. The modular bridge is of a low-profile, and the dedicated connectors are provided in an area where no slot is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Kaparel Corporation
    Inventors: Steven James Mercer, Rudolf Heidebrecht, Ovidiu-Mihai Mesesan, Ben Robitaille