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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (Jan. 10)
[January 10, 2013]

U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (Jan. 10)


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Minnesota.

*** Ameriprise Financial Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Ameriprise Financial, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,294) developed by eight co-inventors for an automatic income adjustment. The co-inventors are Stephen R. Wolfrath, Eagan, Minn., Tamara L. Pollock, Coon Rapids, Minn., Gumer Cruz Alvero, Edina, Minn., Douglas Dunning, Apple Valley, Minn., Sara Janz, Minneapolis, Lynn Murphy Abbott, Minneapolis, Joseph P. Heckel, Shoreview, Minn., and Debra Miller Ekberg, Champlin, Minn.



The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method includes receiving market data associated with an investment product that specifies a first guaranteed annual withdrawal amount and a second guaranteed annual withdrawal amount, where the first guaranteed annual withdrawal amount is greater than the second guaranteed annual withdrawal amount. The method includes automatically selecting a guaranteed annual withdrawal amount from the first guaranteed annual withdrawal amount and the second guaranteed annual withdrawal amount based on at least an evaluation of the market data." The patent application was filed on Aug. 9, 2010 (12/853,159). 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=8,352,294&OS=8,352,294&RS=8,352,294 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Rovi Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Rovi Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,352,259) developed by Vladimir Askold Bogdanov, Minneapolis, for "methods and apparatus for audio recognition." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Frequencies from a set of audio source files are extracted and measured across the set to determine a range of each of the frequencies. Stable frequencies of the frequencies are detected based on each range and used to create a stable frequency family. An unknown recording is mapped to the stable frequency family to form an audio fingerprint." The patent application was filed on June 20, 2009 (12/488,518). 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=8,352,259&OS=8,352,259&RS=8,352,259 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.


*** ID Insight Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- ID Insight, Arden Hills, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,281) developed by Robert T. Clark, Somerset, Wis., and Adam Elliott, Lino Lakes, Minn., for a "system, method and computer program product for assessing risk of identity theft." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment, this invention analyzes demographic data that is associated with a specific street address when presented as an address change on an existing account or an address included on a new account application when that address is different from the reference address (e.g., a credit bureau type header data). The old or reference address and the new address, the new account application address or fulfillment address demographic attributes are gathered, analyzed, compared for divergence and scaled to reflect the relative fraud risk." The patent application was filed on April 12, 2010 (12/758,171). 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=8,352,281&OS=8,352,281&RS=8,352,281 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Eaton Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Eaton, Cleveland, has been assigned a patent (8,352,129) developed by QingHui Yuan, Osseo, Minn., Jae Y. Lew, Shorewood, Minn., and Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Medina, Minn., for a "motion control of work vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for controlling a boom assembly includes providing a boom assembly having an end effortor. The boom assembly includes an actuator in fluid communication with a flow control valve. A desired coordinate of the end effector of the boom assembly is converted from Cartesian space to actuator space. A deflection error of the end effector based on a measured displacement of the actuator is calculated. A resultant desired coordinate of the end effector is calculated based on the desired coordinate and the deflection error. A control signal for the flow control valve is generated based on the resultant desired coordinate and the measured displacement of the actuator. The control signal is shaped to reduce vibration of the boom assembly. The shaped control signal is transmitted to the flow control valve." The patent application was filed on Oct. 16, 2009 (12/581,005). 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=8,352,129&OS=8,352,129&RS=8,352,129 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Ecolab USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Ecolab USA, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,207) developed by four co-inventors for "methods for calibrating a fluorometer." The co-inventors are Eugene Tokhtuev, Duluth, Minn., Christopher J. Owen, Duluth, Minn., Soren K. Tryggestad, Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Anna Pilipchenko, Duluth, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Some embodiments provide methods for calibrating a fluorometer in order to account for one or more optical properties of a water sample affecting fluorescence measurements. In some cases one or more calibration solutions are prepared with sample water from a specific field site. Fluorescence measurements are taken from a water sample and one or more of the calibration solutions, and calibration parameters are determined based on the measurements. In some cases a calibration solution is prepared by spiking sample water to include a higher concentration of a fluorescent tracer and measurements are taken to characterize a calibration slope coefficient. In some cases a calibration solution is prepared by adding an acid and measurements are taken to characterize a background fluorescence in the sample." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2010 (12/750,814). 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=8,352,207&OS=8,352,207&RS=8,352,207 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** QLOGIC Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- QLOGIC, Aliso Viejo, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,351,448) developed by Edward C. McGlaughlin, Minneapolis, for a "method and system for extended port addressing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and systems for routing frames are provided. A system includes an initiator operationally coupled to a first switch that is coupled to a second switch. The first switch includes a plurality of ports for sending and receiving frames and includes a routing table that identifies a port identifier steering table based on an area field of a frame header of a frame received by the first switch. The first switch also includes a plurality of port identifier tables, where each port identifier table is associated with a unique area field and identifies a same port of the first switch for a plurality of area fields. The second switch stores an area steering table with port identification information associated with an area field of a frame header of a frame received by the second switch and a same port of the second switch is assigned to multiple area fields." The patent application was filed on March 24, 2010 (12/731,065). 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=83,51,448.PN.&OS=PN/83,51,448&RS=PN/83,51,448 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** QLOGIC Assigned Patent for Method and System for Network Communication ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- QLOGIC, Aliso Viejo, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,351,442) developed by Edward C. McGlaughlin, Minneapolis, for a "method and system for network communication." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Method and device for processing network and storage related traffic is provided. The device includes a network port for interfacing with a network switch; a plurality of ports that receive a converged storage and network protocol related initialization request. Based on selectable criteria, a controller selects a port from among the plurality of ports to respond to the converged storage and network protocol related initialization request. The device also includes a translation module operationally coupled to the port for translating information between a converged network and storage protocol and a storage protocol; and a flexible port that is configured by a port controller to communicate with a storage system using the storage protocol or configured to operate as a network port communicating with a network device." The patent application was filed on July 17, 2009 (12/505,430). 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=83,51,442.PN.&OS=PN/83,51,442&RS=PN/83,51,442 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Seagate Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Seagate Technology, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,351,305) developed by Hua Zhou, Pittsburgh, and Jie Zou, Eden Prairie, Minn., for a "notched pole design for HAMR recording." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A magnetic writer comprises a write pole and a near field transducer. The write pole has a leading edge, a trailing edge and a notch at the leading edge of the write pole. The near field transducer produces near field radiation. The near field transducer positioned in front of or at least partially within the notch." The patent application was filed on June 22, 2009 (12/489,246). 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=83,51,305.PN.&OS=PN/83,51,305&RS=PN/83,51,305 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Programming Therapy Delivered by Implantable Medical Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,039) developed by seven co-inventors for a "programming therapy delivered by implantable medical device." The co-inventors are Jon P. Davis, St. Michael, Minn., Steven M. Goetz, North Oaks, Minn., Nathan A. Torgerson, Andover, Minn., Wende L. Dewing, Edina, Minn., Ashish Singal, Blaine, Minn., Lynn A. Davenport, New Brighton, Minn., and Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe, Maple Grove, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This disclosure describes techniques for programming stimulation therapy programs according to therapy targets (e.g., symptoms or areas of pain) in a patient to which they are applied. Several programs can be programmed for each therapy target, stored on an implantable medical device, and retrieved later by a programmer to modify, edit, delete, create, and/or select a therapy program for each of the therapy targets. Each therapy target is independent from the other therapy targets, and a user can select or change a program under one therapy target without affecting programs under the other therapy targets. During programming, a user can specify parameters for each program applicable to only that program, and can specify parameters for each therapy target applicable to every program associated with that therapy target. The organization of programs into slots and the selection of a program in each slot may be manual or automated." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2011 (12/985,919). 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=8,352,039.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,039&RS=PN/8,352,039 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent for Diversity Antenna System for Communication with an Implantable Medical Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,040) developed by five co-inventors for a "diversity antenna system for communication with an implantable medical device." The co-inventors are Jeffrey A. Von Arx, Minneapolis, Prashant Rawat, Blaine, Minn., William R. Mass, Maple Grove, Minn., Greg Carpenter, Centerville, Minn., and Vineel Vallapureddy, St. Paul, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for communicating with an implantable medical device via RF telemetry is disclosed which mitigates the effects of nulls caused by, e.g., multi-path distortion. In one embodiment, signals transmitted by the implantable device to an external device are simultaneously received with a pair of separate spaced apart first and second antennas. The antennas may provide spatial and/or polar diversity. The presence of nulls in the implantable device's transmission pattern can be determined by detecting an error rate in the signals received from the implantable device with each antenna." The patent application was filed on Feb. 28, 2005 (11/068,497). 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=8,352,040.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,040&RS=PN/8,352,040 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,044) developed by Timothy J. Christman, Woodbury, Minn., Jason J. Edwardson, Wyoming, Minn., and Bart A. Carey, Wyoming, Minn., for "systems for enabling telemetry in an implantable medical device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for enabling telemetry in implantable medical devices is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device having radio-frequency telemetry capabilities. The device includes a housing and electronic circuitry contained within the housing. The device also includes an antenna connected to the electronic circuitry, the antenna having a helical portion and a whip portion, the whip portion separate from a feed conductor and adapted to enhance a radiation pattern of the antenna. According to various embodiments, the antenna and circuitry are adapted to facilitate transmission and reception of modulated radio-frequency energy at a specified carrier frequency. At least a portion of the antenna is embedded in a dielectric compartment, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein." The patent application was filed on April 16, 2010 (12/762,086). 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=8,352,044.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,044&RS=PN/8,352,044 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Medical Device Function Configuration Post-manufacturing ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,038) developed by five co-inventors for a "medical device function configuration post-manufacturing." The co-inventors are Bor-Jiin Mao, Roseville, Minn., Mark L. Haerle, Bloomington, Minn., Kathleen U. Crandall, Champlin, Minn., Patricia K. Fuher, Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Michael Lee Graham, St. Michael, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical device system and method configure a medical device according to a configuration definition. The configuration definition includes an allowable status and a function status for each of a number of medical device functions. The medical device configuration is updated automatically in response to being interrogated by a programmer configured to update the device configuration. The device configuration is updated by updating the function status for at least one of the medical device functions in response to the allowable status for the medical device function." The patent application was filed on Oct. 1, 2007 (11/865,294). 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=8,352,038.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,038&RS=PN/8,352,038 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** St. Jude Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,019) developed by Daniel R. Starks, Lake Elmo, Minn., for "systems and methods for modeling both unobstructed and obstructed portions of a catheter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Electrical mapping system and methods are disclosed for modeling both unobstructed and obstructed portions of a catheter. An exemplary system includes a catheter body comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, the catheter body supporting a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to an output device. The system also includes a rendering component operatively associated with the output device. The rendering component receives raw data from the plurality of electrodes and generates a plurality of images based on the raw data. Then the rendering component overlays the plurality of data images on one another to generate a three-dimensional image representing both the internal tissue and a visible portion of the catheter body. The system also includes an enhancement component which retrieves positional data for the catheter body and overlays a silhouette of at least one obstructed portion of the catheter body." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2008 (12/743,629). 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=8,352,019.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,019&RS=PN/8,352,019 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent for Monitoring Right Ventricular Hemodynamic Function During Pacing Optimization ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,032) developed by five co-inventors for a "monitoring right ventricular hemodynamic function during pacing optimization." The co-inventors are Abhilash Patangay, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Barun Maskara, Blaine, Minn., Jonathan Kwok, Denville, N.J., Jiang Ding, Shoreview, Minn., and Yinghong Yu, Shoreview, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Method and systems related to monitoring right ventricular function during pacing by a cardiac rhythm management device are described. One or more pacing parameters are selected to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy. For example, the one or more pacing parameters may be selected to provide an optimal or improved therapy. The heart is paced using the selected pacing parameters. While pacing with the selected parameters, pressure is sensed via a pressure sensor disposed the pulmonary artery. The sensed pressure is analyzed to determine right ventricular function achieved during the pacing using the selected pacing parameters. A signal, such as an alert signal or control signal, is generated based on the right ventricular function achieved during the pacing." The patent application was filed on Sept. 22, 2008 (12/235,220). 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=8,352,032.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,032&RS=PN/8,352,032 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Intravascular Medical Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,028) developed by William K. Wenger, St. Paul, Minn., for an intravascular medical device.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable medical device system, including an implantable medical device and an associated implant tool. The device has a hermetic housing containing a power source and electronic circuitry. One or more tines are mounted to the housing movable from a first position extending away from the housing to a second position adjacent the housing. The device is provided with a rotational fixation mechanism. The Implant tool includes an elongated sheath sized to receive the device and provided with internal grooves sized to engage with the tines when the tines are located in their second position. The implant tool may further include a push tool located with the sheath and movable within the sheath to advance the device distally out of the sheath. The sheath may be provided with a closed distal end openable by passage of the device therethrough." The patent application was filed on April 26, 2010 (12/767,176). 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=8,352,028.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,028&RS=PN/8,352,028 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent for Flexible Neural Stimulation Engine ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,029) developed by four co-inventors for a "flexible neural stimulation engine." The co-inventors are David J. Ternes, Roseville, Minn., Doug M. Birkholz, Shoreview, Minn., David W. Yost, Brooklyn Park, Minn., and James A. Esler, Coon Rapids, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for implementing a neural stimulation therapy mode in an implantable medical device (IMd. comprising the acts of mapping respective device states, defined by one or more timer states that include at least one neural event timer or one or more indications of one or more sensed physiologic events, to associated device actions in a stored neural table, storing an event represented as a device status word and a time stamp in a queue in response to an action input, and comparing one or more current timer states or one or more indications of one or more sensed physiologic events to a device state contained in the neural table and, if found to match, causing performance of one or more associated device actions, wherein the device actions include one or more of a neural stimulation energy delivery or a change in one or more timer states." The patent application was filed on May 24, 2010 (12/785,954). 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=8,352,029.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,029&RS=PN/8,352,029 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent for Implantable Cardiac Rhythm Management System having Multiple Therapy Modalities ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,352,027) developed by five co-inventors for an "implantable cardiac rhythm management system having multiple therapy modalities." The co-inventors are Julio Spinelli, Shoreview, Minn., Qingsheng Zhu, Little Canada, Minn., Bruce H. Kenknight, Maple Grove, Minn., Yinghong Yu, Maplewood, Minn., and Jiang Ding, Maplewood, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cardiac rhythm management system for providing a plurality of therapy modalities. For example, the system may include a cardiac resynchronization therapy module for providing cardiac resynchronization therapy and a pacemaker module for providing bradycardia therapy, as well as a selector module coupled to the cardiac resynchronization therapy module and the bradycardia module. The selector module may select an operating mode from among a plurality of operating modes including the cardiac resynchronization therapy module and the pacemaker module. Various manual and automatic methods may be used to select the operating mode. In addition, a reversion management system may be included to assist the cardiac rhythm management system to recover in case of a disruption to the system." The patent application was filed on March 13, 2008 (12/048,144). 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=8,352,027.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,027&RS=PN/8,352,027 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** University of Texas System Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- The University of Texas System, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,352,022) developed by four co-inventors for a "measurement of neural functionality using phase sensitive optical coherence reflectometry." The co-inventors are Taner Akkin, Minneapolis, Thomas E. Milner, Austin, Texas, Digant P. Dave, Arlington, Texas, and H. Grady Rylander, Round Rock, Texas.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Optical methods, devices, and systems for noninvasively detecting transient surface displacements in a neuron are disclosed. Methods, devices, and systems provided may employ a phase-sensitive optical low coherence reflectometer. In addition, surface displacements due to action potential propagation in neural tissues may be detected in some embodiments using back-reflected light. According to some embodiments, exogenous chemicals or reflect ion coatings are not required. Transient neural surface displacement of less then 1 nm in amplitude and 1 ms in duration may be detected and may be generally coincident with action potential arrival to the optical measurement site. The systems and methods may be used for noninvasive detection of various neuropathies such as retinal neuropathies. They may also be useful in detecting the effects of various pharmacological agents." The patent application was filed on March 4, 2010 (12/717,735). 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=8,352,022.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,022&RS=PN/8,352,022 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Active Noise Cancellation in an Optical Sensor Signal ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,008) developed by Jonathan L. Kuhn, Ham Lake, Minn., David A. Anderson, Stanchfield, Minn., and Can Cinbis, Shoreview, Minn., for an "active noise cancellation in an optical sensor signal." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical device system and associated method are used for monitoring tissue oxygenation. An optical sensor produces a signal corresponding to tissue light attenuation. A processor receives the optical sensor signal and computes a first measure of light attenuation at a first light wavelength and a second measure of light attenuation at a second light wavelength. In one embodiment, noise cancellation circuitry receives the first measure and the second measure and generates a guessed ratio of the first and second measures. Using the first measure, the second measure and the guessed ratio, the noise cancellation circuitry provides a peak output power when the guessed ratio corresponds to an actual ratio of the first and second measures." The patent application was filed on June 10, 2010 (12/797,831). 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=8,352,008.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,008&RS=PN/8,352,008 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,043) developed by Steven M. Goetz, North Oaks, Minn., Jiaying Shen, Maple Grove, Minn., and Emem D. Akpan, Coon Rapids, Minn., for a "method for clock management for an implantable medical device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable medical device is capable of delivering the therapeutic output to the patient. A controller, programmable by a medical professional, is operatively coupled to the implantable medical device to, in part, program the therapeutic output to be delivered to the patient. The controller has an interface allowing the medical professional to select an amount of the therapeutic output to be delivered to the patient in at least one of the series of discrete timer intervals. However, the therapeutic output deliver to the patient is dependant upon the clock time to which the infusion device. In certain situations the infusion device clock time may have inaccuracies that grow over time. The clock time can be reset by the infusion programmer but a method must be in place to determine and account for resetting the infusion device clock time that controls when the therapy will be delivered." The patent application was filed on July 13, 2009 (12/501,611). 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=8,352,043.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,043&RS=PN/8,352,043 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Capacitive Interface Circuit for Low Power Sensor System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,030) developed by Timothy J. Denison, Minneapolis, for a "capacitive interface circuit for low power sensor system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A capacitive interface circuit for a low power system is described. The capacitive interface circuit is configured to achieve very low noise sensing of capacitance-based transducers, such as a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based sensor, with high resolution and low power. The capacitive interface circuit uses a differential amplifier and correlated triple sampling (CTS) to substantially eliminate, or at least reduce, kT/C noise, as well as amplifier offset and flicker (1/f) noise, from the output of the amplifier. The capacitive interface circuit may further include an output stage that reduces glitching, i.e., clock transients, in the output signal by allowing transients in the amplifier output to settle. In this manner, the circuit can be used in a low power system to produce a stable, low-noise output." The patent application was filed on July 13, 2011 (13/182,276). 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=8,352,030.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,030&RS=PN/8,352,030 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Starkey Laboratories Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Starkey Laboratories, Eden Prairie, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,351,613) developed by Ivo Leon Diane Marie Merks, Eden Prairie, Minn., for a "method and apparatus for measurement of gain margin of a hearing assistance device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Method and apparatus for determination of gain margin of a hearing assistance device under test. In varying examples, the impulse response for multiple levels can be taken and used to arrive at a gain margin. The method and apparatus, in various examples, process critical portions of the resulting data for efficient processing and to increase accuracy of measurements. The method and apparatus performing a plurality of measurements to determine impulse responses and to derive gain margin as a function of frequency therefrom. The present subject matter includes principles which may are adapted for use within a hearing assistance device using a single white noise stimulus, according to one example. The principles set forth herein can be applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents." The patent application was filed on Dec. 31, 2009 (12/651,194). 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=8,351,613&OS=8,351,613&RS=8,351,613 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Nanostim Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Nanostim, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,352,025) developed by Peter M. Jacobson, Chanhassen, Minn., for a "leadless cardiac pacemaker triggered by conductive communication." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A leadless cardiac pacemaker configured for implantation in electrical contact with a left ventricular cardiac chamber and configured for leadless triggered left-ventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in response to conducted signals from a pulse generator." The patent application was filed on Oct. 13, 2006 (11/549,596). 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=8,352,025.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,025&RS=PN/8,352,025 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Envoy Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Envoy Medical, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,351,628) developed by Jomar G. Ochoco, St. Paul, Minn., and Peter J. Schiller, Coon Rapids, Minn., for a "signal processing for cochlear implants." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for cochlear implants. One method embodiment for cochlear implant signal processing includes processing a differential analog audio signal using amplitude modulation and pulse-width modulation. The method includes driving a transmission coil on an external unit of the cochlear implant with the pulse-width and amplitude modulated signal. The method also includes driving a reception coil on an internal unit of the cochlear implant with an output of the transmission coil." The patent application was filed on March 25, 2009 (12/411,212). 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=8,351,628&OS=8,351,628&RS=8,351,628 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Medical Device Programmer with Adjustable Kickstand ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,352,034) developed by Richard O. Berg, Maple Grove, Minn., Gerald M. Herman, Fridley, Minn., and Danilo Marchesin, Dairago, Italy, for a "medical device programmer with adjustable kickstand." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A programmer for an implantable medical device includes an adjustable kickstand. In one example, the kickstand is configured to combine with the base to support the programmer in an upright position when the kickstand is fully-collapsed to support the programmer in a reclined position when the kickstand is fully-extended. Further, the programmer housing may include a fan grate that allows airflow from a cooling fan to pass through the programmer housing. The fan grate is positioned behind the kickstand when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position. The kickstand includes an aperture adjacent the fan grate when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position, the aperture allowing airflow from the cooling fan to pass through the fan grate when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position." The patent application was filed on April 29, 2011 (13/098,099). 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=8,352,034.PN.&OS=PN/8,352,034&RS=PN/8,352,034 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Lockheed Martin Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10 -- Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, Md., has been assigned a patent (8,351,715) developed by Craig G. Carmichael, Farmington, Minn., and Joseph Pobiel, Eden Prairie, Minn., for "systems and processes for translating, compressing and storing solid-state model data." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and processes for compressing, translating and storing solid-state model data for a plurality of parts that form a solid-state model is provided. Compressing, translating and storing solid-state model data includes extracting the solid-state model data. Compressing, translating and storing solid-state model data also includes translating the sorted solid-state model data into one or more assembly components, a plurality of part components and a plurality of surface components. The process further requires storing each of the one or more assembly components, each of the plurality of part components and each of the plurality of surface components into a single file." The patent application was filed on July 8, 2008 (12/169,453). 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=8,351,715&OS=8,351,715&RS=8,351,715 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

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