Other

Medtronic, Inc.

Honeywell International Inc.

John C Mertz

Cory Lee Grabinger

Christopher C Stancer

John E Nicholson

Thomas Adamski

James Strom

Bryan J Zart

Dennis R Grabowski

Arthur J Punyko

Steven J Fischer

Dyanna Lynn White Mertz

Michael D Fletcher

A litter scooper that enables the user to efficiently clean scoopable cat litter from a litter box by removing feces and large clumps of litter soiled with urine as well as the many smaller clumps. Current litter scoopers have a receptacle with only one size of aperture slots to sift the litter that allows the smaller clumps to pass through thus continuing to cause odor in the litter box. The litter scooper of this invention teaches two sizes of aperture slots. The preferred embodiment is a receptacle with rear handle, normal sized aperture slots and a section of the reduced size aperture slots to one side. The invention enables the user to sift out larger clumps of litter saturated with urine and feces by using the section with larger aperture slots and removing the smaller clumps by using the section of reduced size aperture slots. Another preferred embodiment discloses a receptacle with two angular floor sections with the handle on the side between them. The user removes larger clumps of litter saturated with urine and feces by scooping in the direction of the section with larger aperture slots and removes the smaller clumps by scooping in the opposite direction.

Scoopable litter scooper

Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to promoting flow of body fluids in and around and between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing spacing therebetween and/or one or more apertures, notches, slots and the like. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member includes apertures that cooperate to promote flow of body fluids therearound.

Shroud-based electrodes having vented gaps

Apparatus and method according to the disclosure relate to minimizing gaps between a substantially planar cardiac-sensing electrode and a shroud member utilizing a so-called interference-fit. For example, a relatively recessed area or aperture formed in an exemplary resin-based shroud member has slightly reduced dimensions relative to the electrode and requires compression forces during assembly (e.g., manually or in an automated process including a press, a tool or other means). The interference-fit promotes a very tight fit (or seal) between the metallic electrode and the resin-based shroud member and, importantly, minimizes gaps. Additionally, discrete interference structures promote fluid tight seals between the electrode and a recess or aperture adapted to receive the electrode.

Interference-fit shroud-based cardiac electrodes

Terminal blocks adapted for placement on a printed circuit board using SMT techniques are disclosed herein. A terminal block in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a main body, a terminal block header including a number of terminal inlet ports configured to receive wire or conduit, and one or more terminal leads adapted to make electrical contact with a number of attachment pads formed on the printed circuit board. An illustrative method of mounting the terminal block to a printed circuit board may include the steps inserting the upper portion of the main body through a terminal block opening, and then connecting the one or more terminal leads of the terminal block to attachment pads.

SMT terminal block

Backlighting devices and methods for supporting and illuminating a display panel are disclosed. A display retainer and backlight device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may comprise one or more light pipes operatively coupled to a retainer housing that supports and illuminates an attached display panel. The retainer housing includes an optical waveguide that receives light collected by the one or more light pipes. A light scattering element and reflector may be employed to disperse and reflect the light rays to illuminate the backside of the display panel. A slot extending through a portion of the retainer housing may be configured to tightly receive an elastomeric zebra-strip, which electrically connects the circuit board to the display panel. A clip, tab or other fastening mechanism may be used to secure the retainer housing and display panel to the circuit board.

Display retainer and backlight

Growing community of inventors

Maple Grove, MN, United States of America

John C Mertz