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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (Sept. 26)
[September 26, 2011]

U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (Sept. 26)


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Minnesota.

*** 3M Innovative Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- 3M Innovative Properties, Saint Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,022,145) developed by four co-inventors for a "dicing and die attach adhesive." The co-inventors are Eric G. Larson, Lake Elmo, Minn., Michael A. Kropp, Cottage Grove, Minn., David J. Plaut, Minneapolis, and Cheryl L. Moore, Afton, Minn.



The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Provided is a single layer adhesive that provides the appropriate balance of adhesion and clean release required for a wafer dicing function and also provides the necessary bond required in a subsequent die attach step. The adhesive composition comprises an acrylate ester polymer having a functional group, a multi-functional thermosetting resin, wherein the acrylate ester polymer and the thermosetting resin are capable of reacting with each other, a multi-functional acrylate ester, an acrylate ester polymerization catalyst or curing agent, a thermally-latent catalyst suitable for curing the multi-functional thermosetting resin, and an acrylic acid salt." The patent application was filed on March 7, 2008 (12/530,692). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,022,145.PN.&OS=PN/8,022,145&RS=PN/8,022,145 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Landscape Structures Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Landscape Structures, Delano, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,240) developed by Steve King, Maple Plain, Minn., and Tom Keller, Buffalo, Minn., for "configurable multi-arch play systems." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences." The patent application was filed on May 5, 2009 (12/435,834). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,240.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,240&RS=PN/8,021,240 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand.


*** Thermo King Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Thermo King, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,020,407) developed by Herman H. Viegas, Bloomington, Minn., for a "closed and open loop cryogenic refrigeration system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A temperature-controlled vehicle including a cascade refrigeration system having a booster cooling line configured to supplement the cooling capacity of the cascade refrigeration system by expanding and venting a portion of a cryogenic refrigerant to the atmosphere during peak demands while the cascade refrigeration system continues to operate." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2008 (12/110,613). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,020,407.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,407&RS=PN/8,020,407 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Nu-Iron Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Nu-Iron Technology, Charlotte, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,021,460) developed by five co-inventors for a "system and method for producing metallic iron nodules." The co-inventors are Rodney L. Bleifuss, Grand Rapids, Minn., David J. Englund, Bovey, Minn., Iwao Iwasaki, Grand Rapids, Minn., Andrew J. Lindgren, Grand Rapids, Minn., and Richard F. Kiesel, Hibbing, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for producing metallic iron nodules by assembling a shielding entry system to introduce coarse carbonaceous material greater than 6 mesh in to the furnace atmosphere at location(s) where the temperature of the furnace atmosphere adjacent at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material is between about 2200 and 2650.degree. F. (1200 and 1450.degree. C.), the shielding entry system adapted to inhibit emission of infrared radiation from the furnace atmosphere and seal the furnace atmosphere from exterior atmosphere while introducing coarse carbonaceous material greater than 6 mesh into the furnace to be distributed over the at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material, and heating the covered at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material in a fusion atmosphere to assist in fusion and inhibit reoxidation of the reduced material during fusion to assist in fusion and inhibit reoxidation of the reduced material in forming metallic iron nodules." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2009 (12/569,176). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,460.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,460&RS=PN/8,021,460 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Donaldson Assigned Patent for Filter Element and Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Donaldson, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,021,455) developed by five co-inventors for a "filter element and method." The co-inventors are Daniel E. Adamek, Bloomington, Minn., Jan Cappuyns, Nossegem, Belgium, Egide Emmanuel Paul Baudry Moreau, Jodoigne, Belgium, Ming Ouyang, Roseville, Minn., and Robert M. Rogers, Minnetonka, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A filter element having multiple formed layers of filtration media is disclosed. The media are layered so as to form a pore size gradient. The filter element is capable of removing both solid and liquid particulates from a moving fluid stream. The filter element has high strength and compressibility. The layers can be supported on a porous or perforate support to provide mechanical stability during filtering operations. The filtration media layers can be formed into various filter element forms such as panels, cartridges, inserts, and the like." The patent application was filed on Feb. 21, 2008 (12/035,150). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,455.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,455&RS=PN/8,021,455 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Donaldson Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Donaldson, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,021,457) developed by Keh B. Dema, Maple Grove, Minn., and Linda M. Olson, Savage, Minn., for a "filter media and structure." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In the filtration of fluid materials, the removal of particulate from the moving stream requires substantial pressure to maintain flow and substantial capacity for removing particulate. The filters of the invention are rugged, high wet strength materials having a basis weight, permeability and efficiency suitable to obtain substantial reduction in particulate loading from liquid streams without plugging or mechanical failure. In particular, the filters of the invention permit the removal of substantial proportions of particulate from non-aqueous streams including lubricant oils, hydraulic fluids and other contaminated streams." The patent application was filed on Nov. 5, 2004 (10/982,538). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,457.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,457&RS=PN/8,021,457 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,434) developed by Joseph Segura, Rochester, Minn., and James Teague, Spencer, Ind., for an ureteral stent.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and defines a lumen extending therethrough. A first end portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and is adapted to assume a retaining configuration when placed substantially within the kidney. A second end portion extends from another end of the elongated portion and flares outward when placed substantially within the bladder to maintain position. The second end portion allows fluids to flow through the lumen and into the bladder and is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney." The patent application was filed on Feb. 3, 2005 (11/048,772). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,434.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,434&RS=PN/8,021,434 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Zimmer Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,021,429) developed by Thomas O. Viker, Arden Hills, Minn., for a "deployable segmented TLIF device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A segmented intervertebral body fusion support includes a plurality of segments, the segments including an initial segment, a final segment and at least one intermediate segment. The intermediate segment has a generally trapezoidal configuration and the initial and final segments include tapered side walls providing triangular gaps between adjacent segments. A draw wire is fixed to the first segment and passes through the remaining segments. By pulling the draw wire relative to the segments, the segments are drawn together in a generally arcuate configuration. The draw wire includes an enlargement that passes through the final segment and engages a plurality of fingers on the final segment, which prevents the draw wire from retracting, maintaining the arcuate configuration. The segmented device can be inserted through a laparoscopic device into the intervertebral space and can be subsequently drawn into the arcuate configuration to establish the desired intervertebral spacing." The patent application was filed on March 8, 2007 (11/683,756). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,429.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,429&RS=PN/8,021,429 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Endovascular Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Endovascular Technologies, Menlo Park, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,404) developed by Robert A. Van Tassel, Excelsior, Minn., and Michael Kasinkas, Plymouth, Minn., for "methods for treatment of aneurysms." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Fibrosis, in at least one layer of a vessel wall, can be used to strengthen a vessel wall. Fibrosis can be induced by irradiating a vessel wall with an energy source, or by inducing injury to the vessel wall. In addition to an energy source, photoactivatable agents can also be used such that the energy activates the photoactivatable agent to cause a thickening of the vessel wall. For example, ultra-violet radiation can be used alone or in conjunction with a photoactivatable agent, such as a psoralen compound, to increase the adventitial volume of a blood vessel. Upon exposure to radiation, preferably ultra-violet A radiation, the photoactivatable agent becomes activated and causes compositional and/or structural changes in the adventitia. The invention provides a method of treating aneurysms by thickening the adventitial layer of the vessel wall at the site of the aneurysm." The patent application was filed on March 10, 2004 (10/798,786). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,404.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,404&RS=PN/8,021,404 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Ecolab USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Ecolab USA, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,493) developed by four co-inventors for a "method of reducing corrosion using a warewashing composition." The co-inventors are Kim R. Smith, Woodbury, Minn., Keith E. Olson, Apple Valley, Minn., Michael E. Besse, Golden Valley, Minn., and Michael J. Bartelme, Eden Prairie, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A warewashing composition includes a cleaning agent having a detersive amount of a surfactant, an alkaline source in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of at least about 8 when the use composition is measured at a solids concentration of about 0.5 wt %, and a corrosion inhibitor in an amount sufficient for reducing corrosion of glass when the warewashing composition is combined with water of dilution at a dilution ratio of at least about 20:1 water of dilution to detergent composition o form a use composition. The corrosion inhibitor includes a salt of calcium, magnesium, or a mixture of calcium and magnesium. The salt has a water solubility of less than about 0.5 wt % in water at about 20.degree. C. and atmospheric pressure so that the salt precipitates to form a protective layer on a substrate in contact with the use composition. A method of reducing corrosion using the warewashing composition is also disclosed." The patent application was filed on May 2, 2008 (12/114,385). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,493.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,493&RS=PN/8,021,493 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Vascular Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,351) developed by Gregory A. Boldenow, St. Michael, Minn., and Jason A. Galdonik, Hanover, Minn., for a tracking aspiration catheter.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In general, aspiration catheters have a suction device, a proximal portion and a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. Improvements in the aspiration catheter design provide for improved tracking and/or reduced chance of snagging during delivery of the aspiration catheter. In some embodiments, the tip of the shaft has a curve relative to the neutral orientation of the remaining portions of the shaft. In other embodiments, the aspiration catheter further comprises a tracking portion that has a guide lumen. A guide structure can extend through the guide lumen to limit the motion of the tip of the catheter relative to the guide structure during delivery of the aspiration catheter within a patient's vessel. In further embodiments, the aspiration catheter comprises a deflection structure having a tether and a bumper. Improved methods for using the aspiration catheter to recover an embolism protection device are described." The patent application was filed on Aug. 18, 2005 (11/207,169). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,351&OS=8,021,351&RS=8,021,351 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** General Electric Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- General Electric, Niskayuna, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,021,550) developed by four co-inventors for a "central core element for a separator assembly." The co-inventors are Philip Paul Beauchamp, Rexford, N.Y., Dean David Marschke, Eden Prairie, Minn., Daniel Jason Erno, Clifton Park, N.Y., and Michael Kent Cueman, Yorktown, Va.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides a central core element for separator assemblies useful in the purification of fluids, for example separator assemblies useful for the desalination of seawater. The central core element provided by the present invention comprises at least two porous exhaust conduits wherein each porous exhaust conduit comprises an exhaust channel and one or more openings which allow fluid communication between an exterior surface of the porous exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel. The central core element defines a cavity into which may be disposed a first portion of a membrane stack assembly. In the preparation of a separator assembly comprising the central core element provided by the present invention, a second portion of the membrane stack assembly forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element. Also provided are central core elements for salt separator assemblies and spiral flow reverse osmosis devices." The patent application was filed on Dec. 4, 2008 (12/327,828). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,550.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,550&RS=PN/8,021,550 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Annex Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Annex Medical, Minnetonka, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,372) developed by Mark R. Bilitz, Plymouth, Minn., for a "medical retrieval device with independent rotational means." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion and a thumb slide actuation means. The longitudinally stationary portion comprises a handle base and a rotating means. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the thumb slide actuation means is located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion during the complete actuation cycle. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly. The thumb slide actuation means and rotating means are separate and independent of each other, preventing inadvertent adjustment of the degree of actuation during rotation and preventing inadvertent adjustment of rotational position during actuation." The patent application was filed on July 5, 2002 (10/190,218). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,372.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,372&RS=PN/8,021,372 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,361) developed by seven co-inventors for "systems and methods for electrode contact assessment." The co-inventors are Saurav Paul, Minnetonka, Minn., Troy Tegg, Elk River, Minn., Chou Thao, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Hong Cao, Savage, Minn., Harry A. Puryear, Shoreview, Minn., Fos Kuehn, Richfield, Minn., and Reed R. Heimbecher, Medina, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft. At least one electro-mechanical sensor is operatively associated with the electrode within the catheter shaft. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor is responsive to movement of the electrode by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one electro-mechanical sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode and a tissue." The patent application was filed on Oct. 27, 2006 (11/553,965). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,361&OS=8,021,361&RS=8,021,361 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Via Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Via Technologies, Taipei, Taiwan, has been assigned a patent (8,022,909) developed by Clark Shuford, Rochester, Minn., for a "system, method, and apparatus for generating grayscales in an LCD panel." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Discussed herein is a circuit for generating grayscales in a display. The circuit generally comprises grayscale values, one of which is a present grayscale value. Also included is at least one grayscale pattern, comprising at least one pattern bit and corresponding to each of the grayscale values. The circuit may comprise at least one programmable register configured to store at least one grayscale pattern, and a first row multiplexor corresponding to the number of grayscale values, the first row multiplexor configured to receive a pattern bit from each grayscale pattern. The first row multiplexor may also be collectively configured to select a desired grayscale pattern, determined from the present grayscale value. The pixel select circuit is generally configured to determine a desired pattern bit. Finally, a second row multiplexor is coupled to the first row multiplexor and configured to select the desired pattern bit." The patent application was filed on Dec. 8, 2004 (11/008,071). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,022,909.PN.&OS=PN/8,022,909&RS=PN/8,022,909 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Antares Pharma Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Antares Pharma, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,021,335) developed by Paul R. Lesch Jr., Lino Lakes, Minn., for a "prefilled syringe jet injector." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A jet injector that includes a prefilled syringe. The syringe includes a fluid chamber that contains a medicament. The syringe also has an injection-assisting needle, and a plunger is movable within the fluid chamber.A housing is configured for allowing insertion of the needle to a penetration depth. An energy source is configured for biasing the plunger to produce an injecting pressure in the medicament in the fluid chamber of between about 80 and 1000 p.s.i. to jet inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the needle to an injection site." The patent application was filed on July 23, 2007 (11/781,832). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,335.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,335&RS=PN/8,021,335 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** CoAptus Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- CoAptus Medical, Redmond, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,021,359) developed by seven co-inventors for a "transseptal closure of a patent foramen ovale and other cardiac defects." The co-inventors are David C. Auth, Kirkland, Wash., Robert L. Barry, Kirkland, Wash., Joseph E. Eichinger, Everett, Wash., Bryan A. Kinsella, Seattle, Roger A. Sahm, Snohomish, Wash., Robert S. Schwartz, Inner Grove Heights, Minn., and Robert A. Van Tassel, Exelsior, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale ("PFO"). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided." The patent application was filed on Jan. 8, 2004 (10/754,790). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,359&OS=8,021,359&RS=8,021,359 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** TYCO Healthcare Group Assigned Patent for System and Method for Providing Even Heat Distribution and Cooling Return Pads ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- TYCO Healthcare Group, Boulder, Colo., has been assigned a patent (8,021,360) developed by four co-inventors for a "system and method for providing even heat distribution and cooling return pads." The co-inventors are James E. Dunning, Boulder, Colo., Kyle R. Rick, Boulder, Colo., David Gresback, Minneapolis, and Peter Gadsby, Broomfield, Colo.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A return pad for use with an electrosurgical system is disclosed. The return pad includes a conductive layer, a contact layer configured to engage a patient's skin and an intermediate layer disposed between the conductive layer and the contact layer. The intermediate layer is adapted to distribute energy." The patent application was filed on April 3, 2007 (11/732,277). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,360&OS=8,021,360&RS=8,021,360 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent for Electroactive Polymer Actuated Medical Devices ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,377) developed by Alan David Eskuri, Hanover, Minn., for an "electroactive polymer actuated medical devices." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is directed to novel apparatus for use in medical procedures relating to tubular body fluid conduits. According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector apparatus is provided for use in making an anastomotic connection between first and second tubular fluid conduits in a patient. The connector apparatus comprises: (a) a locking member, which further comprises one or more electroactive polymer actuators that switch the locking member between a locking state and a release state; and (b) a connector body that is configured to permit flow of bodily fluid between the first and second tubular fluid conduits. The connector body has a first portion configured for insertion into an axial end of the first tubular fluid conduit and a second portion configured for insertion through a sidewall of the second tubular fluid conduit." The patent application was filed on Oct. 21, 2005 (11/255,706). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,377.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,377&RS=PN/8,021,377 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Intelliject Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Intelliject, Richmond, Va., has been assigned a patent (8,021,344) developed by five co-inventors for a "medicament delivery device configured to produce an audible output." The co-inventors are Eric S. Edwards, Midlothian, Va., Evan T. Edwards, Gordonsville, Va., Mark J. Licata, Doswell, Va., Paul F. Meyers, Fishers, Ind., and David A. Weinzierl, Andover, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Medicament delivery devices are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a medicament delivery device and an electronic circuit system.The medicament delivery device includes a housing, a medicament container, and a medicament delivery member. The electronic circuit system is coupled to the housing and includes an audible output device and a cover. The housing of the medicament delivery device and the cover of the electronic circuit system collectively define an acoustic enclosure. The audible output device is configured to be disposed within the acoustic enclosure." The patent application was filed on July 28, 2008 (12/180,708). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,344.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,344&RS=PN/8,021,344 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

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