James B Berg

US Patent:

6391578, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Apr 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/824160

Inventors:

Michael G. Williams - Vadnais Heights MN
Kurt J. Halverson - Lake Elmo MN
Gary E. Krejcarek - White Bear Lake MN
Ai-Ping Wei - Woodbury MN
James G. Berg - Lino Lakes MN
Peter D. Wickert - St. Paul MN
Clyde D. Calhoun - Stillwater MN
Mark K. Debe - Stillwater MN
Jean Qiu - Andover MA

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

C12Q 106

US Classification:

435 39, 435 29, 435 31, 435 34, 4352883, 4352884

Abstract:

A method for partitioning an aqueous biological liquid sample into discrete microvolumes for detection and enumeration of microorganisms is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of hydrophilic liquid-retaining zones of a culture device, where each liquid-retaining zone is surrounded by a portion of a hydrophobic âlandâ area. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.

US Patent:

6470540, Oct 29, 2002

Filed:

Jul 18, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/908092

Inventors:

Jennifer M. Aamodt - Woodbury MN
James G. Berg - Lino Lakes MN
Peter F. Cullen - Woodbury MN
Brian T. Hargrett - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A44B 1800

US Classification:

24452, 24304, 24446, 24450

Abstract:

A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

US Patent:

6605332, Aug 12, 2003

Filed:

Jul 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/902172

Inventors:

Clyde D. Calhoun - Grant Township MN
David C. Koskenmaki - St. Paul MN
James G. Berg - Lino Lakes MN
Jennifer M. Aamodt - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 3300

US Classification:

428 91, 428 92, 428399, 428400, 264162

Abstract:

A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

US Patent:

6696286, Feb 24, 2004

Filed:

Feb 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/495092

Inventors:

Kurt J. Halverson - Lake Elmo MN
Ai-Ping Wei - Woodbury MN
Jean Qiu - Woodbury MN
Clyde D. Calhoun - Stillwater MN
James G. Berg - Lino Lakes MN
James G. Bentsen - North St. Paul MN
Raymond P. Johnston - Lake Elmo MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

C12M 134

US Classification:

4352879, 4352878

Abstract:

A method for detecting a microorganism in a test sample is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of microcompartments of a culture device, incubating for a time sufficient to permit at least one cell division cycle of the microorganism, then detecting the presence or absence of the microorganism in the microcompartments. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.

US Patent:

7070727, Jul 4, 2006

Filed:

Jun 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/600966

Inventors:

Clyde D. Calhoun - Grant Township MN, US
David C. Koskenmaki - St. Paul MN, US
James G. Berg - Lino Lakes MN, US
Jennifer M. Aamodt - Woodbury MN, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B29C 41/00
B28B 11/08
B29D 7/00

US Classification:

264293, 264299, 264300, 264313, 264316, 264319, 264336, 264167

Abstract:

A unitary polymer substrate having a plurality of microfibers projecting from a surface is provided. The presence of the microfibers greatly increases the surface area and can impart a cloth-like feel to the surface. The projecting microfibers may have a variety of forms, including frayed-end microfibers, tapered microfibers, microfibers having an expanded cross-sectional shape, and microfibers having a very high aspect ratio. A number of methods of producing unitary polymer structures with a plurality of projecting microfibers are also provided.

US Patent:

7087088, Aug 8, 2006

Filed:

Apr 26, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/134306

Inventors:

Todd A. Berg - Plymouth MN, US
James Berg - White Bear Lake MN, US

Assignee:

Torax Medical, Inc. - Stillwater MN

International Classification:

A61F 2/04
A61F 2/06

US Classification:

623 2364, 623 115

Abstract:

A self-retracting body, which may have a bore, may be inserted into a biological passage. A dilating balloon may be used to expand the body toward an inner wall of the passage. The body may include an anchor that may engage the wall. The anchor may include a tip that is within the body before the body expands and extends away from the body during expansion. The body may include an opening that may receive a portion of the wall. The portion may be fixed to the body. The body may retract toward a central portion of the passage after the anchor engages the wall. The wall may be drawn toward the central passage and the diameter of the passage may be reduced. In some embodiments, a liner may be provided for the passage. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided for the passage.

US Patent:

20030199987, Oct 23, 2003

Filed:

May 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/443507

Inventors:

Todd Berg - Stillwater MN, US
James Berg - White Bear Lake MN, US

Assignee:

Torax Medical, Inc.

International Classification:

A61F002/04
A61F002/06

US Classification:

623/023640, 623/001360

Abstract:

A self-retracting body, which may have a bore, may be inserted into a biological passage. A dilating balloon may be used to expand the body toward an inner wall of the passage. The body may include an anchor that may engage the wall. The anchor may include a tip that is within the body before the body expands and extends away from the body during expansion. The body may include an opening that may receive a portion of the wall. The portion may be fixed to the body. The body may retract toward a central portion of the passage after the anchor engages the wall. The wall may be drawn toward the central passage and the diameter of the passage may be reduced. In some embodiments, a liner may be provided for the passage. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided for the passage.

US Patent:

20060293759, Dec 28, 2006

Filed:

Jun 21, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/472806

Inventors:

Todd Berg - Stillwater MN, US
James Berg - White Bear Lake MN, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/04

US Classification:

623023700, 623001360

Abstract:

A self-retracting body, which may have a bore, may be inserted into a biological passage. A dilating balloon may be used to expand the body toward an inner wall of the passage. The body may include an anchor that may engage the wall. The anchor may include a tip that is within the body before the body expands and extends away from the body during expansion. The body may include an opening that may receive a portion of the wall. The portion may be fixed to the body. The body may retract toward a central portion of the passage after the anchor engages the wall. The wall may be drawn toward the central passage and the diameter of the passage may be reduced. In some embodiments, a liner may be provided for the passage. In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided for the passage.