Brian K Balzum

US Patent:

6911016, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Aug 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/925881

Inventors:

Brian K. Balzum - Plymouth MN, US
Anthony C. Vrba - Maple Grove MN, US
Brice L. Shireman - Maple Grove MN, US
Peter Skujins - Minneapolis MN, US
Kenneth M. Merdan - Greenfield MN, US
Daniel J. Gregorich - Grand Forks ND, US
Pu Zhou - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

Scimed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61M037/00

US Classification:

604 9504, 600585

Abstract:

Devices and methods for coupling guidewire system components are disclosed. A guidewire system includes a first wire having a first end and a second wire having a second end which may be selectively coupled to the first end of the first wire. Such guidewire systems are useful as guidewire extension systems.

US Patent:

58949780, Apr 20, 1999

Filed:

Jun 27, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/884310

Inventors:

Jeffrey M. Welch - New Hope MN
Brian K. Balzum - Plymouth MN

International Classification:

B26D 103
B26D 726
B26F 302

US Classification:

225 7

Abstract:

A cutter for cutting flexible material held on a roll thereof. The cutter has a frame that mounts a drop in roll of flexible material and a drop in tensioning roller in an open end of the frame. The cutter has a cutting area that is generally enclosed and houses a plurality of slitting knives and a tear off cutting blade. The cutting area has an entrance and exit slot for the material with the slitting knives slitting the material as it passes through the cutting area. The slit material can exit through the exit slot. After a predetermined length has been pulled forwardly relative to the cutting blade the slit material can be cut into pieces by tearing it against the cutting blade. A length determining gage allows pieces of a precise length to be cut. The material is pulled through the cutter by a set of feed rollers contained within the cutting area.