Patents by Inventor Masao Yafuso

Masao Yafuso 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).

  • Publication number: 20080300554
    Abstract: A formulation and method for providing medical devices with a lubricious and non-toxic coating Medical devices having a lubricious, non-toxic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masao Yafuso
  • Patent number: 5958782
    Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound is disclosed that includes a complexing moiety, such as a cryptand or crown-ether portion, and a fluorescing moiety such as a coumarin portion. The coumarin portion may be substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group such as a substituted aromatic group or a substituted heterocyclic group having a heteroatom in at least one of its alpha positions. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James G. Bentsen, Shih-Hung Chou, Elisa M. Cross, Kurt J. Halverson, John E. Trend, Cary A. Kipke, Masao Yafuso, Sanjay L. Patil
  • Patent number: 5583213
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a novel process to prepare an activated sulfated polysaccharide which may then be used in subsequent reactions or processes to bind the reactive polysaccharide with a nucleophilic agent or an aminated surface. The activating process comprises the steps of initially forming a polysaccharide tetraalkylammonium salt by contacting an aqueous mixture of a sulfated polysaccharide salt with a cation exchange resin to give a polysaccharide free acid and then contacting the polysaccharide free acid with a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide to give the polysaccharide tetraalkylammonium salt, and subsequently forming an activated sulfated polysaccharide by contacting the polysaccharide tetraalkylammonium salt of step i) with a coupling reagent in an aprotic organic solvent at ambient temperatures for a period of time sufficient to form the activated sulfated polysaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Robert J. Linhardt
  • Patent number: 5508509
    Abstract: Sensing elements, useful in sensing the concentration of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, in a medium, e.g. blood, and methods for making such sensing elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises continuously placing a sensing composition precursor in contact with a continuous web, forming a continuous sensing composition from the precursor, and applying a continuous opaque film to the sensing composition. A plurality of individual sensing elements are formed from this composite structure. These sensing elements, which each have very similar sensing characteristics, are placed in a sensor fixture for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Ronnie L. Pratt, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Kenneth B. Wood, John L. Dektar, James G. Bentsen
  • Patent number: 5498549
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensing element including a matrix material and, covalently bonded thereto, one or more monomeric indicator components each of which is capable of providing a first emitted signal of a given wavelength in response to being exposed to an excitation signal. The sensing element is capable of providing a second emitted signal having a longer wavelength than the first emitted signal or signals in response to being exposed to the excitation signal, the second emitted signal being provided by an excimer component produced in the sensing element from the monomeric indicator component(s) and being dependent on the concentration of the analyte in the medium to a greater extent than the first emitted signal or signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Colleen C. Nagel, James G. Bentsen, Masao Yafuso, Alan R. Katritzky, John L. Dektar, Cary A. Kipke
  • Patent number: 5474743
    Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound comprises a cryptand portion and a coumarin portion substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures useful in biological and environmental testing, which can be used with conventional glass optics, by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John E. Trend, Cary A. Kipke, Mitchell A. Rossman, Masao Yafuso, Sanjay L. Patil
  • Patent number: 5409666
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensing element including a matrix material and, covalently bonded thereto, one or more monomeric indicator components each of which is capable of providing a first emitted signal of a given wavelength in response to being exposed to an excitation signal. The sensing element is capable of providing a second emitted signal having a longer wavelength than the first emitted signal or signals in response to being exposed to the excitation signal, the second emitted signal being provided by an excimer component produced in the sensing element from the monomeric indicator component(s) and being dependent on the concentration of the analyte in the medium to a greater extent than the first emitted signal or signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Colleen C. Nagel, James G. Bentsen, John L. Dektar, Cary A. Kipke, Masao Yafuso, Alan R. Katritzky
  • Patent number: 5345932
    Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a constituent of blood employing a sensor in or near a catheter in a blood vessel for producing a signal related to the concentration of the constituent of blood is disclosed. The improvement comprises obtaining the signal while at least one of the following is present in the blood vessel: (1) an added vasodilator component and/or vasodilation promotor in an amount effective to reduce the vasoconstriction caused by the presence of the catheter in the blood vessel and (2) an added platelet/white cell inhibitor component and/or a platelet/white cell deactivation promotor in an amount effective to reduce the platelet and/or white cell activation caused by the presence of the catheter in the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Laurence A. Harker
  • Patent number: 5296381
    Abstract: A sensing element for sensing the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. The sensing element comprises a matrix material having at least one indicator component covalently bonded thereto. The indicator component is capable of providing a signal dependent on the concentration of a analyte in a medium. The indicator component is derived from at least one indicator compound having an aromatic ring to which is directly bonded a group including a functional portion which is conjugated relative to this aromatic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Paul F. Korkowski, Roger A. Mader, Cheng Yan, John T. Carlock
  • Patent number: 5284775
    Abstract: Sensing composition precursors and sensing compositions, useful in sensing the concentration of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, in a medium, e.g., blood, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensing composition precursor comprises a dispersed aqueous liquid including a sensing component dissolved therein, a polymer precursor, and a hydrophilic dispersing agent selected from hydroxyalkyl celluloses and mixtures thereof in an amount effective to facilitate maintaining the dispersed aqueous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Mark Z. Holody, Thomas P. Maxwell, Thomas G. Hacker
  • Patent number: 5195963
    Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a constituent of blood employing a sensor in or near a catheter in a blood vessel for producing a signal related to the concentration of the constituent of blood is disclosed. The improvement comprises obtaining the signal while at least one of the following is present in the blood vessel: (1) an added vasodilator component and/or vasodilation promotor in an amount effective to reduce the vasoconstriction caused by the presence of the catheter in the blood vessel and (2) an added platelet/white cell inhibitor component and/or a platelet/white cell deactivation promotor in an amount effective to reduce the platelet and/or white cell activation caused by the presence of the catheter in the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Laurence A. Harker
  • Patent number: 5175016
    Abstract: A method for making a sensing element, and an assembled sensing element, useful in sensing the concentration of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, in a medium, e. g. blood, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises placing a quantity of a sensing composition precursor between and in contact with a transparent, gas impermeable solid disc and an opaque, gas permeable film, the sensing composition precursor comprises a sensing component, a polymer precursor and a cross-linking agent; and forming a gas sensing composition from this quantity of sensing composition precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Mark Z. Holody, Thomas P. Maxwell, Thomas G. Hacker
  • Patent number: 5120510
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the concentration of a component such as oxygen in a medium such as blood. The apparatus includes an elongated signal transmitter and a sensing element at one end thereof. A substantially rigid sleeve is secured around such end to provide a pocket for the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ted H. Gourley, Thomas P. Maxwell, Thomas G. Hacker, William W. Miller, Masao Yafuso
  • Patent number: 5081042
    Abstract: A composition of matter useful in a sensor for sensing the concentration of an ionic component a medium is disclosed. This composition comprises a first material including a sensing component in an amount effective to provide a signal which varies as the concentration of the ionic component in the medium varies, and a first matrix material, and a second material which includes a second matrix material which is compatible with the first matrix material, and an opague agent in an amount sufficient to render the second material effectively opaque. The first material and the second material are partially intermingled. Apparatus including such composition of matter and methods for making and using such compositions of matter are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Chong F. Yan
  • Patent number: 5081041
    Abstract: A composition of matter useful in a sensor for sensing the concentration of an ionic component in a medium is disclosed. This composition comprises a first material which includes a sensing component in an amount effective to provide a signal which varies as the concentration of the ionic component in the medium varies, and a first matrix material which is permeable to the ionic component; and a second material which includes a second matrix material which is permeable to the ionic component, and an opaque agent in an amount sufficient to render the second material effectively opaque. The first material matrix and the second matrix material are covalently bonded together. Sensing apparatus including such composition of matter and methods for making and using such composition of matter are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Evan A. Thompson, John L. Dektar, James F. Fagan, Sanjay L. Patil
  • Patent number: 5075127
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a sensing element capable of sensing a component in an aqueous medium and an overcoating at least partially covering the sensing element. The overcoating comprises a water insoluble, component permeable, cross-linked cellulosic material and an effective amount of an opaque agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Henry K. Hui, Cheng F. Yan, William W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5006314
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the concentration of a component such as oxygen in a medium such as blood. The apparatus includes an elongated signal transmitter and a sensing element at one end thereof. A substantially rigid sleeve is secured around such end to provide a pocket for the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ted H. Gourley, Thomas P. Maxwell, Thomas G. Hacker, William W. Miller, Masao Yafuso
  • Patent number: 4999306
    Abstract: A composition of matter useful for sensing the concentration of an ionic component in a medium comprising a cationic or anionic matrix material and a sensing component chemically bonded to the matrix material and being effective to provide a signal in response to the presence of the ionic component in the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Henry K. Hui
  • Patent number: 4954318
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of a component in a medium comprising:an optical sensor including at least one optical indicator for providing an optical signal which varies in response to the presence of a component in a medium;an optical signal fiber capable of transmitting the optical signal from the optical sensor; anda supply reservoir associated with the optical sensor and acting to provide additional optical indicator to the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Cheng F. Yan, Thomas G. Hacker, Henry K. Hui, Thomas P. Maxwell, William W. Miller
  • Patent number: 4919891
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a sensing element capable of sensing a component in an aqueous medium and an overcoating at least partially covering the sensing element. The overcoating comprises a water insoluble, component permeable, cross-linked cellulosic material and an effective amount of an opaque agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Henry K. Hui, Cheng F. Yan, William W. Miller