Patents by Inventor Paul Ratke

Paul Ratke 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).

  • Aspirator systems having an aspirator tip optical level detector and methods for using the same
    Patent number: 7537735
    Abstract: Aspirator systems include an aspirator body member having a fluid passageway extending therein and a first and second optical conductor configured to receive and/or transmit light therethrough. A drive mechanism may be coupled to the aspirator body member and configured to move the aspirator body member between an advanced position and a retracted position. An aspirator tip is coupled to the aspirator body member at an end of the fluid passageway and having a fluid passageway therein extending from the end of the fluid passageway of the aspirator body member when coupled to the aspirator body member, the aspirator tip being coupled to the first and second optical conductors and comprising an optically transmissive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Biomerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Hiemer, Paul Ratke
  • Aspirator systems having an aspirator tip optical level detector and methods for using the same
    Publication number: 20050257612
    Abstract: Aspirator systems include an aspirator body member having a fluid passageway extending therein and a first and second optical conductor configured to receive and/or transmit light therethrough. A drive mechanism may be coupled to the aspirator body member and configured to move the aspirator body member between an advanced position and a retracted position. An aspirator tip is coupled to the aspirator body member at an end of the fluid passageway and having a fluid passageway therein extending from the end of the fluid passageway of the aspirator body member when coupled to the aspirator body member, the aspirator tip being coupled to the first and second optical conductors and comprising an optically transmissive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Hiemer, Paul Ratke