Patents by Inventor Joel R. Dufresne
Joel R. Dufresne 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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Patent number: 8865091Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Bryan C. Feisel, Theresa J. Gerten, Brent R. Hansen, David D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8594339Abstract: Power management circuitry of a portable electronic biosensor implements conditional power management logic to control biosensor power usage and to discriminate between intended use and nonuse of the biosensor by a clinician. The biosensor is configured to sense a property of the human body, such as a manifestation of acoustic energy produced by matter of biological origin or an action potential of the human body. An output signal is produced that is representative of the sensed property. A sensor of the biosensor produces a signal having a plurality of sensor signal features that are received by a detector of the power management circuitry. The power management circuitry or a processor of the biosensor discriminates between intended use and nonuse of the biosensor by the clinician using the sensor signal features. Power supplied to biosensor components is controlled based on the sensor signal features.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Hatim M. Carim, Thomas E. Drummond
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Patent number: 8548174Abstract: A modular electronic biosensor includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation and a base module comprising a module interface configured to receive one of a multiplicity of disparate detachable modules, such as a transducer module and an output module. A transducer of the transducer module is configured to sense a property of the human body and the output module is configured to output a signal comprising transducer signal information. The module interface includes a module connector for receiving a connector of the detachable module to facilitate signal transmission therebetween, a mechanical retention mechanism configured to retentively engage the detachable module, and a sealing arrangement disposed to provide sealing between the base module and the detachable module when attached to the base module. A processor is coupled to the module connector and configured to communicatively couple with each of the detachable and interchangeable modules when attached to the base module.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Hatim M. Carim, Thomas E. Drummond
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Publication number: 20130122508Abstract: Methods and devices for the thermal processing of samples are disclosed, including sample processing devices featuring an overflow region for retaining excess fluid, as well as portable sealing apparatuses for occluding channels in a sample processing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood, Theresa J. Gerten, Christopher R. Kokaisel, David J. Franta, Kurt J. Halverson, Joel R. Dufresne
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Publication number: 20130109080Abstract: Methods and devices for the thermal processing of samples are disclosed, including portable, integrated processing assemblies for occluding channels in a fluidic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, David J. Franta, Theresa J. Gerten, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Kurt J. Halverson, William Bedingham, James E. Aysta, Barry W. Robole, Kenneth B. Wood
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Patent number: 8268249Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Larry J. Carson, Joel R. Dufresne, Patrick R. Fleming, Michael C. Lea, Nicholas A. Lee, John Shigeura
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Publication number: 20100183479Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Bryan C. Feisel, Theresa J. Gerten, Brent R. Hansen, David D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7718133Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Bryan C. Feisel, Theresa J. Gerten, Brent R. Hansen, David D. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20100056956Abstract: A modular electronic biosensor includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation and a base module comprising a module interface configured to receive one of a multiplicity of disparate detachable modules, such as a transducer module and an output module. A transducer of the transducer module is configured to sense a property of the human body and the output module is configured to output a signal comprising transducer signal information. The module interface includes a module connector for receiving a connector of the detachable module to facilitate signal transmission therebetween, a mechanical retention mechanism configured to retentively engage the detachable module, and a sealing arrangement disposed to provide sealing between the base module and the detachable module when attached to the base module. A processor is coupled to the module connector and configured to communicatively couple with each of the detachable and interchangeable modules when attached to the base module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Hatim M. Carim, Thomas E. Drummond
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Publication number: 20090162928Abstract: Sample processing devices may include compression structures that provide for the transfer of force from a platen to a platform such as a thermal block on which the sample processing device is located during processing. The sample processing devices may include a fill reservoir structure with various features such as arcuate edges, radially aligned exit channels, support structures, and selectively variable heights with a corresponding variable volume distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, David J. Franta, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Scott M. Lecy
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Patent number: 7507376Abstract: Sample processing devices may include compression structures that provide for the transfer of force from a platen to a platform such as a thermal block on which the sample processing device is located during processing. The sample processing devices may include a fill reservoir structure with various features such as arcuate edges, radially aligned exit channels, support structures, and selectively variable heights with a corresponding variable volume distribution.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, David J. Franta, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Scott M. Lecy
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Publication number: 20080232604Abstract: Power management circuitry of a portable electronic biosensor implements conditional power management logic to control biosensor power usage and to discriminate between intended use and nonuse of the biosensor by a clinician. The biosensor is configured to sense a property of the human body, such as a manifestation of acoustic energy produced by matter of biological origin or an action potential of the human body. An output signal is produced that is representative of the sensed property. A sensor of the biosensor produces a signal having a plurality of sensor signal features that are received by a detector of the power management circuitry. The power management circuitry or a processor of the biosensor discriminates between intended use and nonuse of the biosensor by the clinician using the sensor signal features. Power supplied to biosensor components is controlled based on the sensor signal features.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Hatim M. Carim, Thomas E. Drummond
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Patent number: 7189361Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Applera CorporationInventors: Larry J. Carson, Joel R. Dufresne, Patrick R. Fleming, Michael C. Lea, Nicholas A. Lee, John Shigeura
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Publication number: 20040121471Abstract: Sample processing devices may include compression structures that provide for the transfer of force from a platen to a platform such as a thermal block on which the sample processing device is located during processing. The sample processing devices may include a fill reservoir structure with various features such as arcuate edges, radially aligned exit channels, support structures, and selectively variable heights with a corresponding variable volume distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, David J. Franta, Christopher R. Kokaisel, Scott M. Lecy
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Patent number: 6627159Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for distributing sample material to a plurality of process chambers in a sample processing device by rotating the device about an axis of rotation. The process chambers are located along conduits extending from a loading chamber and, together, the loading chamber, conduits, and process chambers form process arrays that are aligned along a length of the sample processing devices. The process arrays are unvented, i.e., access to the interior volume of the process arrays is available only through the loading chamber. Also disclosed are methods of centrifugally loading sample material into the process chambers, as well as an assembly including a sample processing device and a carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Joel R. Dufresne, Michael R. Harms, Richard R. Matner, Diane North, Kenneth B. Wood
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Publication number: 20030113935Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Larry J. Carson, Joel R. Dufresne, Patrick R. Fleming, Michael C. Lea, Nicholas A. Lee, John Shigeura
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Patent number: 6026170Abstract: An electronic stethoscope emulates the frequency response of a standard acoustical stethoscope in both bell and diaphragm modes, while providing additional features attainable only with an electronic stethoscope, such as signal amplification, noise reduction, wider bandwidth, and mode selection. The electronic stethoscope includes spectrally separate idealized diaphragm and idealized bell modes. The idealized diaphragm mode and the idealized bell mode each include emphasized passbands and de-emphasized passbands. The emphasized passbands are spectrally separate. In addition, the electronic stethoscope also includes a wideband mode, which permits the user to hear high frequency sounds such as those associated with mechanical heart valves, lung sounds, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1995Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Alan P. Dieken, Joel R. Dufresne, Daniel V. Hulse
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Patent number: 5333609Abstract: An assembly for insertion into the cardiovascular system of a patient comprising a catheter having first and second lumens and a distal port. The first lumen opens at the distal port. A probe is received in the second lumen. The probe includes a sensor responsive to a constituent of blood for providing a signal which is related to the constituent. The catheter has a window for allowing the constituent of blood to pass from outside the catheter to the sensor while substantially preventing other constituents of blood from passing from the outside of the catheter to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1992Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Joel R. Dufresne, David F. Wirt
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Patent number: D463570Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Bedingham, Joel R. Dufresne, Michael R. Harms, Christopher R. Kokaisel
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Patent number: D338269Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Alan P. Dieken, Gerald E. Drake, Curt Hostager, deceased, legal representative Hostager