Patents by Inventor Wayne H. Fjerstad

Wayne H. Fjerstad 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: 7906979
    Abstract: A differential test probe for a printed wiring board test system includes a probe body having a proximal end and a distal end. Each of a plurality of coaxial cables extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plurality of coaxial cables each includes a center conductor having an axial aperture at the distal end. The differential test probe also includes a plurality of signal pins that are each mounted in the axial aperture of the center conductor of one of the plurality of coaxial cables to electrically couple the signal pin to the center conductor. A plurality of ground pins are coupled to the probe body and selectively arranged relative to the plurality of signal pins to provide multiple signal to ground paths between the plurality signal pins and the plurality ground pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Wayne H. Fjerstad
  • Patent number: 7827993
    Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for immobile patients in a wheelchair is disclosed. A magnet multi-pole configuration that is mechanically stable is provided that lifts the body and/or load shifts (rotates the body from side to side) the body. Based on a multi-pole configuration of permanent magnets in the pelvis, a corresponding multi-pole configuration for magnet repulsion is placed below the patient, typically as part of the wheelchair. Alternatively, a unipolar repulsion with mechanical patient restraint is implemented to achieve body lift or levitation. Either permanent magnets or electromagnets, optionally with magnetic sensor-mediated active computerized feedback control below the body, are sufficient to implement a complete multi-pole repulsive configuration that is mechanically stable. The apparatus reduces compressive force on soft tissues disposed between a human pelvis and a wheelchair seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Graham P. Cameron, Wayne H. Fjerstad, Barry K. Gilbert, Kenton R. Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20090072846
    Abstract: A differential test probe for a printed wiring board test system includes a probe body having a proximal end and a distal end. Each of a plurality of coaxial cables extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plurality of coaxial cables each includes a center conductor having an axial aperture at the distal end. The differential test probe also includes a plurality of signal pins that are each mounted in the axial aperture of the center conductor of one of the plurality of coaxial cables to electrically couple the signal pin to the center conductor. A plurality of ground pins are coupled to the probe body and selectively arranged relative to the plurality of signal pins to provide multiple signal to ground paths between the plurality signal pins and the plurality ground pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventor: Wayne H. Fjerstad
  • Publication number: 20080281144
    Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for immobile patients in a wheelchair is disclosed. A magnet multi-pole configuration that is mechanically stable is provided that lifts the body and/or load shifts (rotates the body from side to side) the body. Based on a multi-pole configuration of permanent magnets in the pelvis, a corresponding multi-pole configuration for magnet repulsion is placed below the patient, typically as part of the wheelchair. Alternatively, a unipolar repulsion with mechanical patient restraint is implemented to achieve body lift or levitation. Either permanent magnets or electromagnets, optionally with magnetic sensor-mediated active computerized feedback control below the body, are sufficient to implement a complete multi-pole repulsive configuration that is mechanically stable. The apparatus reduces compressive force on soft tissues disposed between a human pelvis and a wheelchair seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Graham P. Cameron, Wayne H. Fjerstad, Barry K. Gilbert, Kenton R. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6591140
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for inducing stimulation of muscles within the mouth. The apparatus includes a housing having a controller. A muscular contact member extends from the housing and is configured to contact muscles within the mouth, including for example the palate and the tongue. A vibrating device cooperates with the controller and muscular contact member to transmit vibration to the muscular contact member and in turn to muscles within the mouth. In the system, such an apparatus is provided that is rechargeable. A storage base receives the rechargeable apparatus when it is not in use and includes a battery charger. The storage base also optionally includes disinfecting means for cleaning the muscular contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Scott E. Strome, David A. Fabry, Marshall Strome, Wayne H. Fjerstad
  • Publication number: 20020077674
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for inducing stimulation of muscles within the mouth. The apparatus includes a housing having a controller. A muscular contact member extends from the housing and is configured to contact muscles within the mouth, including for example the palate and the tongue. A vibrating device cooperates with the controller and muscular contact member to transmit vibration to the muscular contact member and in turn to muscles within the mouth. In the system, such an apparatus is provided that is rechargeable. A storage base receives the rechargeable apparatus when it is not in use and includes a battery charger. The storage base also optionally includes disinfecting means for cleaning the muscular contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Scott E. Strome, David A. Fabry, Marshall Strome, Wayne H. Fjerstad
  • Patent number: 4793776
    Abstract: A pump for oscillating a fluid into and out from a body area. The pump forms a fluid chamber for holding the fluid, and comprises a piston for forcing fluid outward from the fluid chamber and into the body, and for drawing fluid inward from the body and into the fluid chamber. A motor is connected to the piston, and a control circuit is connected to the motor to control movement of the piston. The control circuit has a first state actuating the motor to force the fluid into the body, and a second state actuating the motor to draw the fluid from the body, and the control circuit may be adjusted to vary the rates at which fluid is forced into and drawn from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Research Corporation
    Inventors: Johnson L. Thistle, Patrick E. Caskey, Wayne H. Fjerstad
  • Patent number: 4723941
    Abstract: A pump for oscillating a fluid into and out from a body area. The pump forms a fluid chamber for holding the fluid, and comprises a piston for forcing fluid outward from the fluid chamber and into the body, and for drawing fluid inward from the body and into the fluid chamber. A motor is connected to the piston, and a control circuit is connected to the motor to control movement of the piston. The control circuit has a first state actuating the motor to force the fluid into the body, and a second state actuating the motor to draw the fluid from the body, and the control circuit may be adjusted to vary the rates at which fluid is forced into and drawn from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Research Corporation
    Inventors: Johnson L. Thistle, Patrick E. Caskey, Wayne H. Fjerstad