Patents by Inventor Mark Stephens

Mark Stephens 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).

  • Low Profile Instrument Immobilizer
    Publication number: 20100179563
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark Stephen Freas
  • MANIPULATABLE SPIDER COMPONENTS ADAPTED FOR COOPERATION WITH A VERTICALLY RECIPROCATING CONTROL LINE GUIDE
    Publication number: 20100175893
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • DATA INPUT DEVICE
    Publication number: 20100164876
    Abstract: A data input device comprising a data input interface comprising user selectable zones arranged to define one or more fixed points, each of the fixed points being a point around which three or more of the zones are arranged. The device is arranged to associate a sequential selection of zones with an input code. The sequential selection comprises a clockwise and/or anticlockwise consecutive selection of the zones around at least one of the fixed points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: KEY FUTURES LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Dressell
  • Ball and Socket Trajectory Guide
    Publication number: 20100162552
    Abstract: An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, James G. Skakoon, Kari Parmer, Thomas L. Miller, Mark Stephen Freas
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION
    Publication number: 20100160014
    Abstract: A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Wesley E. Allinger, David M. Haugen, Robert David Kaswen, Mark Stephen Fitzsimmons
  • RIGID ROTOR ASSEMBLY FOR FOLDING HELICOPTER BLADES
    Publication number: 20100135805
    Abstract: Described herein is a rigid rotor assembly configured to allow rotation of helicopter rotor blades attached to the rigid rotor assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. The rigid rotor assembly includes a base including a shaft extending therethrough, a first spindle configured to engage the shaft, and a second spindle configured for placement onto the shaft. The second spindle is operable to maintain a first position with respect to the first spindle via an attachment mechanism therebetween, the second spindle further operable to maintain a second position with respect to the first spindle via the attachment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Neal W. Muylaert, Lyndon Claudius Lamborn, Mark Stephen Durst
  • PROCESS FOR THE CARBONYLATION OF DIMETHYL ETHER
    Publication number: 20100130771
    Abstract: Production of methyl acetate by carbonylating a dimethyl ether feed with carbon monoxide under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the presence of a zeolite catalyst at a temperature in the range of greater than 250° C. to 350° C. and at a pressure in the range greater than 10 barg to 100 barg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Evert Jan Ditzel, David John Law, Mark Stephen Roberts
  • Fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods
    Patent number: 7720522
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined imagable fiducial locator and divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example is reflective such that it is locatable by a remote detector of an optical positioning system. A generally cylindrical (e.g., faceted cylindrical) columnar locator permits easy application of reflective tape. Other examples discusses a unitary fiducial marker with multiple divots and a swiveling and/or tilted fiducial marker divot, each of which allows manipulation of a positioning wand into a remote camera's field of view. Another example includes at least one reflector that can be aimed. A further example discusses an imagable fiducial marker carrier that is attachable to a single location on a patient's skull to reduce trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
  • PROCESS FOR THE CARBONYLATION OF DIMETHYL ETHER
    Publication number: 20100121099
    Abstract: Production of methyl acetate by carbonylating a dimethyl ether feed with carbon monoxide under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the presence of a zeolite catalyst at a temperature in the range 240° C. to 350° C. and in the presence of hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Jon Michael Stewart Deeley, Evert Jan Ditzel, David John Law, Mark Stephen Roberts, John Glenn Sunley
  • OPEN-CAVITY, REDUCED-PRESSURE TREATMENT DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20100106115
    Abstract: An open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device and system for treating a cavity in a patient's body, such as an abdominal cavity, is presented. In one instance, an open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device includes a plurality of encapsulated leg members, each having an interior portion with a leg manifold member and formed with fenestrations operable to allow fluid flow into the interior portion, and a central connection member fluidly coupled to the plurality of encapsulated leg members. The central connection member has a connection manifold member. The open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment devices, systems, and methods allow for, among other things, removal of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Ian Hardman, James Joseph Sealy, Colin John Hall, Mark Stephen James Beard, David George Whyte
  • REDUCED-PRESSURE, DEEP-TISSUE CLOSURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20100106186
    Abstract: A reduced-pressure, deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep tissue includes a contractible matrix that is formed with a first plurality of apertures and which has a first side and a second, inward-facing side. The contractible matrix is for disposing proximate to the deep tissue. A reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the contractible matrix and operable to deliver reduced pressure to the contractible matrix. When under reduced pressure, the contractible matrix grips the deep tissue adjacent the contractible matrix and provides a closing force on the deep tissue. A system and method are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: James Joseph Sealy, Keith Patrick Heaton, Colin John Hall, Christopher Guy Coward, Mark Stephen James Beard
  • REDUCED-PRESSURE, ABDOMINAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20100106184
    Abstract: A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system has an open-cavity treatment device for providing reduced-pressure treatment proximate a patient's abdominal contents; a deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep-tissue wound on a patient's fascia; a surface-wound closure subsystem for providing a closing force on a surface wound on the patient's epidermis; and a reduced-pressure supply subsystem operable to develop a reduced pressure. Methods are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Guy Coward, Mark Stephen James Beard, Colin John Hall, Ian James Hardman, Keith Patrick Heaton, James Joseph Sealy, David George Whyte
  • Low profile instrument immobilizer
    Patent number: 7704260
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark Stephen Freas
  • Manipulatable spider components adapted for cooperation with a vertically reciprocating control line guide
    Patent number: 7703540
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Field device with integrated temperature control
    Publication number: 20100095776
    Abstract: A field device with integrated temperature control comprises a housing, a temperature sensor, a controller and a terminal block. The housing encloses internal components of the field device. The temperature sensor and the controller are located inside the housing. The temperature sensor senses an internal temperature of the field device, and the controller controls the internal temperature by regulating heat supplied to the field device. The terminal block connects to the controller in order to regulate the heater power as a function of the internal temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Schumacher
  • Ball and socket trajectory guide
    Patent number: 7695480
    Abstract: An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, James G. Skakoon, Kari Parmer, Thomas I. Miller, Mark Stephen Freas
  • Web handling apparatus and process for providing steam to a web material
    Patent number: 7694433
    Abstract: A method for processing a web material having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction coplanar and perpendicular thereto is disclosed herein. The method incorporates the step of first directing a web material proximate to an air foil. Steam is then applied to the web material by the air foil. Finally, the web material is processed by any downstream web material processing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Wayne Robert Fisher, Mark Stephen Conroy, Donn Nathan Boatman
  • SMALL TOUCH SENSITIVE INTERFACE ALLOWING SELECTION OF MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS
    Publication number: 20100085321
    Abstract: An interface or control device having one or more sensors and a barrier wherein the one or more sensors are arranged relative to the barrier to be able to detect touch or proximity of a finger on each of two opposite sides of the barrier, the barrier inhibits or provides a touch sensory indication of simultaneous touch or proximity of the finger to sensors or parts of the sensor on opposite sides of the barrier, and the size of the device is such that a finger could simultaneously touch or be near sensors or parts of a sensor on opposite sides of the device in normal use if the barrier were not present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Pundsack
  • System, method and apparatus for registration of printed image to media orientation
    Patent number: 7692812
    Abstract: A printing system (250) includes a printing subsystem (255) in the form of a printer assembly (14). The printing subsystem (255) includes a printer housing (257) in which a print engine (259) resides and (261) for storing data indicating the expected orientation of labels on a sheet of RFID label media (18). The contents of memory (261) can be obtained from an end user application (270) which may supply the position data to the printing subsystem (255) in a print data stream. Pre-programmed position data is read from a radio frequency memory storage device (88) on print media (18) having one or more devices (88) embedded thereon. The expected orientation data is compared to actual orientation data in order to determine if an image to be printed on a label (20) should be registered by rotation and/or flipping of the image and/or media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dean Schoedinger, Mark Stephen Underwood
  • Multi-Frequency RFID Image Forming Techniques
    Publication number: 20100066511
    Abstract: Techniques that enable printing of multi-frequency RFID label schemes are provided. This may include a device for enabling printing of multi-frequency RFID label schemes, a method for printing multi-frequency RFID label schemes, as well as an article having one or more storage mediums having instructions that when executed by one or more processors result in a process for printing a multi-frequency RFID label scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Albert Tyler Barnett, Raymond Michael Marowski, Forrest Lane Steeley, Mark Stephen Underwood, Evan James Powers