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Fischer, MN

Andrew G. Fischer, Hopkins, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110138948	COAXIAL SCREW GEAR SLEEVE MECHANISM - An improved mechanism for expanding or lifting a device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is a coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms includes a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing a device utilizing such a mechanism to expand or lift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.	06-16-2011
20110160861	METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR VERTEBRAL BODY DISTRACTION AND FUSION EMPLOYING A COAXIAL SCREW GEAR SLEEVE MECHANISM - Improved methods and apparatuses for vertebral body distraction and fusion in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to distract.	06-30-2011
20120022357	MEDICAL EMITTER/DETECTOR IMAGING/ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Improved methods and apparatuses for imaging during medical procedures in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention include use of an image correction algorithm. In various embodiments, an original image of a region of interest where a medical procedure occurring along a particular axis will be performed is created with a beam emitter and a generally planar detector. Due to the emitter not being aligned orthogonal to the detector, the original image will be skewed. Using a known location and orientation of the detector, a location and orientation of the emitter provided by a position monitoring system, and the original image, a processing system can execute the image correction algorithm to provide a corrected image to allow a surgeon to perform the medical procedure while viewing an accurate corrected image in real-time.	01-26-2012
20120022544	PEDICLE SCREW INSERTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Improved methods and apparatuses for inserting pedicle screws in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include an image correction algorithm. In various embodiments, an original image of a region of interest of a patient including a pedicle is created with an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector. Due to the X-ray emitter not being aligned orthogonal to the X-ray detector, the original image will be skewed. Using a known location and orientation of the X-ray detector, a location and orientation of the X-ray emitter provided by a position monitoring system, and the original image, a processing system can execute the image correction algorithm to provide a corrected image to allow a surgeon to properly insert a pedicle screw along the axis of the pedicle while viewing an accurate corrected image in real time	01-26-2012

Brian Fischer, Minneapolis, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090137953	DEFLECTABLE CATHETER STEERING AND LOCKING SYSTEM - A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.	05-28-2009
20090235511	PUSH/PULL WIRE ANCHOR - A method for making a deflectable catheter includes positioning a positioning a flexible element along a catheter liner. A flexible element distal portion extends along at least a portion of a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter liner. At least one anchor is engaged to the flexible element distal portion. The anchor extends at least part way around the flexible element distal portion. An encapsulant is positioned around at least the flexible element distal portion and the deflectable distal end portion. The method further includes squeezing the encapsulant around the flexible element distal portion and the anchor, wherein the encapsulant forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the deflectable distal end portion and at least the anchor is within the sidewall, and the encapsulant is adapted to transmit pushing and pulling forces from the at least one anchor to the deflectable distal end portion, and the tension strength and compression strength of the flexible element and the at least one anchor are at least as strong as the encapsulant tension strength and compression strength.	09-24-2009
20090312699	BI-DIRECTIONAL CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREFOR - A catheter assembly includes a catheter body extending from a deflectable distal end to a proximal end, and the catheter body includes an actuator lumen. A housing is engaged to the proximal end of the catheter body. A flexible element extends from the housing through the actuator lumen to the deflectable distal end. The deflectable distal end is deflected by pushing and pulling of the flexible element. An actuator is movably coupled with the housing and connected to the flexible element. A tubular support is engaged around the flexible element and connected to the actuator, the tubular support moves with the actuator, and the tubular support substantially constrains lateral movement of the flexible element. The tubular support is telescopically received and engaged with an inner surface of the actuator lumen. The inner surface of the actuator lumen substantially constrains lateral movement of the tubular support and the flexible element.	12-17-2009
20100160858	DEFLECTABLE CATHETER STEERING AND LOCKING SYSTEM - A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.	06-24-2010
20110196346	ARTICULATING HANDLE FOR A DEFLECTABLE CATHETER AND METHOD THEREFOR - A catheter assembly includes a handle assembly, and a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, where the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion, and the deflectable distal end is controllable by a flexible element. A lever actuator member is operatively coupled with the flexible element, and movement of the actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element.	08-11-2011

James D. Fischer, Ham Lake, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110070339	Batter-like compositions containing setting agent and methods of preparing and using same - The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or a flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the puck form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.	03-24-2011

Kari Fischer, Rochester, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090184072	ADJUSTABLE RACK APPARATUS - An adjustable rack to enclose one or more electronic components in one or more enclosures. The adjustable rack includes a cabinet and, for each enclosure, a set of horizontal bars to define with micro-adjustability an actual height of the enclosure, including slots defined along respective horizontal lengths thereof, to be coupled to opposing walls at variable heights along the walls, a set of vertical bars to define with micro-adjustability an actual depth of the enclosure, including a set of horizontally slotted holes defined along respective vertical heights thereof, to be coupled to the horizontal bars at variable horizontal positions along the slots of the horizontal bars, a set of first brackets, and a set of second brackets.	07-23-2009

Kari A. Fischer, Rochester, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090118853	AUTOMATED PROCESS FOR HOLDING PRODUCTS AT PREDEFINED POINTS DURING MANUFACTURING - Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to manufacturing production and provide a method, system and computer program product for mass hold management and routing processing. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for halting, initiating or resuming production of a product during a manufacturing process can be provided. The method can include defining criteria that must be met by a work unit and defining a point in the manufacturing process. The method can further include applying the criteria to a plurality of work units currently in the manufacturing process. The method can further include identifying at least one work unit of the plurality of work units that meets the criteria, responsive to said applying the criteria to the plurality of work units, and halting, initiating or resuming manufacturing of the at least one work unit at the point.	05-07-2009

Kellie M. Fischer, Ham Lake, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120128819	Method of Improving Pre-Baked Dough Products - A method of making a prebaked biscuit product is described. This method includes preparing a dough containing pectin, baking the dough to make a biscuit product, freezing or refrigerating the biscuit product to make a refrigerated or frozen biscuit product, and heating the refrigerated or frozen biscuit product to make a prebaked biscuit product having an improved texture in comparison to a corresponding prebaked biscuit product made without pectin.	05-24-2012

Lindsay Fischer, Minneaplis, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110101089	TRANSACTION PRODUCT WITH CARD AND STICKER - A transaction product for a retail display includes a transaction sticker and a transaction card. The transaction sticker defines a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The transaction sticker includes a first account identifier linking the transaction sticker to an account or record configured to track a value available for use toward a purchase of goods and services. The first account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The rear surface is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The transaction card defines a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and including a second account identifier. The second account identifier is machine readable by the point-of-sale terminal. The transaction sticker is releasably coupled to the transaction card and is configured to be removed from the transaction card and applied to an article. Other cards, products, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed.	05-05-2011

Neil J. Fischer, Lakeland, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120004335	(METH)ACRYLOYL PRESSURE-SENSITIVE FOAM ADHESIVES - This disclosure provides (meth)acryloyl pressure-sensitive adhesive foams and foam articles having one or more of the following properties: small cells, uniform cell sizes, pressure sensitive adhesive compositions, compliance to irregular substrates and vibration damping, and shock absorbing properties.	01-05-2012

Patrick J. Fischer, St. Paul, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100218932	THERMALLY CONDUCTING FOAM INTERFACE MATERIALS - In one aspect, the invention provides a foam thermal interface material comprising a foamed film, the film comprising a blend of polymeric hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive having a number average molecular weight of greater than 25,000 and at least 25 percent by weight of thermally conductive filler, said film having a void volume of at least 5 percent of the volume of said foamed film.	09-02-2010

Peter W. Fischer, Apple Valley, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100051062	Concrete Wash and Recovery System - A system for recovering concrete wash product includes a support frame mounted pivotally to a chassis of a transit concrete mixing vehicle, and a container mounted to the frame for arcuate movement with the frame, between a collecting position with the container disposed below a discharge chute of the vehicle, and a dispensing position with the container disposed adjacent an opening of a mixing drum of the vehicle. The container initially is placed in the collecting position to receive concrete wash product from the discharge chute by gravity as the chute is cleaned with water. After cleaning, the frame is pivoted to raise the container to the dispensing position, and a valve is opened to allow the concrete wash product to flow from the container into the mixing drum by gravity. In vehicles equipped with booster axle systems, the booster axle frame supports and positions the container, and also supports and positions the booster wheel/axle assembly.	03-04-2010

Steve Fischer, Mahtomedi, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110244697	MAGNETIC JUMPER FOR BYPASSING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS - A magnetic jumper for bypassing electrical circuits. The jumper includes a magnet at each end of a wire. Each magnet can be attached to a terminal of a low voltage electrical circuit in order to bypass that circuit for testing and troubleshooting purposes. The magnetic jumper works with almost any terminal that has steel screws.	10-06-2011

Steven Fischer, Burnsville, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100241947	ADVANCED FEATURES, SERVICE AND DISPLAYS OF LEGAL AND REGULATORY INFORMATION - Systems and techniques are disclosed that allow a user to enter a query in a query input region of a graphical user interface and respond to the query by automatically directing it to an appropriate database, saving a user from having to choose among the myriad databases within the system. The system provides shareable folders for not only selected documents or excerpts from documents, but also for annotations and markups associated with documents. The system also enables a user to set permissions as to whether to allow documents, as well annotations and markups, private or publicly available to other users. Further, the system allows a user to specify an action that is to occur once a particular event occurs affecting a document, annotation or markup.	09-23-2010

Timothy A. Fischer, Mendota Heights, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100086226	POTENTIAL FIELD-BASED GAMUT MAPPING - A method for adjusting a color in a color space comprises adjusting the color along a gradient path to a point in or on a color gamut. The gradient path is determined from a potential field derived from the color gamut consisting of gamut points in the color space. The potential field can be derived from one or more points in the color gamut and different functions may be used to determine the potentials due to different points in the gamut. The potential at a point in the color space due to the gamut point can be a function, including an inverse power, of distance of the point in the color space from the gamut point. The gradient path can be determined from the gradient of the potential field by quadric error-based surface simplification of a surface mesh representing a surface of the gamut.	04-08-2010

Trent M. Fischer, St. Paul, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090125078	SELECTING CARDIAC PACING SITES - A method for selecting a cardiac pacing site includes steps of: securing first and second electromagnetic receiver coils at first and second positions, respectively, along a heart wall; collecting a set of non-paced heart wall motion data from each of the coils secured at the corresponding positions; applying cardiac pacing stimulation at at least one first pacing site; collecting a first set of paced heart wall motion data from each of the secured coils; comparing the non-paced heart wall motion data to the first set of paced heart wall motion data; and determining, based on the comparing, whether to maintain pacing at the at least one first cardiac pacing site or to apply pacing stimulation at a second pacing site for collection of a second set of paced heart wall motion data. The at least one first pacing site may include a right ventricular site and a left ventricular site.	05-14-2009
20090198298	METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE IN SELECTING CARDIAC PACING SITES - A method and system for use in selecting a cardiac pacing site includes sensors for tracking wall motion (e.g., sensors coupled to the right and left ventricular heart wall). The wall motion of one or more non-paced cardiac cycles is compared to the wall motion of one or more paced cardiac cycles to determine the effectiveness of one or more pacing sites. For example, image data may be generated to notify the user as to the effectiveness of the one or more pacing sites.	08-06-2009
20110029034	ALGORITHM TO MODULATE ATRIAL-VENTRICULAR DELAY AND RATE RESPONSE BASED ON AUTONOMIC FUNCTION - An implantable medical device and associated method provide atrial pacing and measure an atrial ventricular (AV) delay. An autonomic function index is computed using the AV delay. The autonomic function index may be compiled in a medical report. In some embodiments, the autonomic function index is used to adjust atrial pacing control parameters.	02-03-2011