Patents by Inventor Ralph M. Kerns

Ralph M. Kerns 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: 5341804
    Abstract: A system for disabling an oximetric device when radiation-carrying channels are exposed to excess ambient radiation is disclosed. It includes a transmitter channel adjacent the sample to be measured, means for isolating the channel from the sample so that it does not carry radiation reflected from or transmitted through the sample, a detector for receiving the transmitted signal, if any, and means for disabling the output in response to the transmitted signal. Preferably, the transmitter channel runs parallel to other transmitter channels in the device, and is isolated from undue ambient light. The system preferably includes means for determining when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise and the output is disabled when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Fogt, James F. Kelley, Ralph M. Kerns, Timothy J. Duffy, David J. Draska
  • Patent number: 5339375
    Abstract: A system for disabling an oximetric device when radiation-carrying channels are exposed to excess ambient radiation is disclosed. It includes a transmitter channel adjacent the sample to be measured, means for isolating the channel from the sample so that it does not carry radiation reflected from or transmitted through the sample, a detector for receiving the transmitted signal, if any, and means for disabling the output in response to the transmitted signal. Preferably, the transmitter channel runs parallel to other transmitter channels in the device, and is isolated from undue ambient light. The system preferably includes means for determining when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise and the output is disabled when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph M. Kerns
  • Patent number: 5282466
    Abstract: A system for disabling an oximetric device when radiation-carrying channels are exposed to excess ambient radiation is disclosed. It includes a transmitter channel adjacent the sample to be measured, means for isolating the channel from the sample so that it does not carry radiation reflected from or transmitted through the sample, a detector for receiving the transmitted signal, if any, and means for disabling the output in response to the transmitted signal. Preferably, the transmitter channel runs parallel to other transmitter channels in the device, and is isolated from undue ambient light. The system preferably includes means for determining when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise and the output is disabled when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Duffy, Ralph M. Kerns, James F. Kelley, Eric J. Fogt
  • Patent number: 4756706
    Abstract: A plurality of infusion pump modules are detachably connected to a portable central management unit. The modules can be programmed by the central management unit, and their operating information displayed by the central management unit, when they are connected to it; yet the modules, once programmed, can operate independently when detached from the central mangagement unit, and they can display limited operational information on their own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: American Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph M. Kerns, Bernardino Rubalcaba, Jr., Donald E. Bobo, Kenneth W. Rake, Robert R. Weyant
  • Patent number: 4228831
    Abstract: Automatic dispensing apparatus such as used in a chemical analysis system for transferring liquids from sample containers to analysis containers, including a pipet probe assembly with an elongated probe, probe drive means for inserting the probe into the sample and moving the probe assembly between the sample container and analysis container, means for aspirating and dispensing a portion of the sample from the probe into a respective analysis container, an elongated level sensing probe extending downwardly from the probe assembly, with the difference in distance between the tip of the level sensing probe and the tip of the pipet probe defining the amount of penetration of the pipet probe tip below the sample level, and control means, including means responding to the tip of the level sensing probe contacting said sample level to stop the probe drive means thereby minimizing the penetration of the pipet probe tip below the sample level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Ralph M. Kerns
  • Patent number: D266358
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Ralph M. Kerns
  • Patent number: D337829
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph M. Kerns
  • Patent number: D338071
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph M. Kerns, Richard L. Holmes