Daniel Alan Potter

US Patent:

6385864, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/526861

Inventors:

Craig E. Santos - Portland OR
David B. Herridge - Mendota Heights MN
Daniel R. Potter - Forest Grove OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1320

US Classification:

36 29, 36 35 B

Abstract:

A bladder for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top and bottom outer layers of bladder. The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers is eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members are formed with a predetermined flex point in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location. The shape, relative size, length and barrier material thickness are manipulated to assist in finely tuning the cushioning properties of the final bladder.

US Patent:

6463612, Oct 15, 2002

Filed:

Nov 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/722285

Inventors:

Daniel R. Potter - Tigard OR

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43D 900

US Classification:

12146B, 12146 M, 36 29, 36 43, 36153

Abstract:

A bladder usable in the sole of a shoe for supporting the plantar area includes a plurality of chambers designed to provide a resilient resistance force. In the fabrication of the bladder, each of the chambers is formed in fluid communication with each other, and fluid is supplied into the chambers at a selected location. After the chambers have been pressurized to the desired internal pressure, the fluid communication port(s) is sealed. Although certain of the chambers are pressurized to the same internal pressure, different resistance forces are provided by forming the chambers with different volumes.

US Patent:

6571490, Jun 3, 2003

Filed:

Mar 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/526860

Inventors:

John C. Tawney - Portland OR
Daniel R. Potter - Forest Grove OR
Michael A. Aveni - Lake Oswego OR
Joel L. Passke - Portland OR
David B. Herridge - Mendota Heights MN
Alaric Naiman - Lincoln MA
Alastair R. MacGregor - Cambridge, GB
Julian A. Scarfe - Cambridge, GB
Colin D. Ager - Cambridge, GB
Edward G. Colby - Cambridge, GB

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 1320

US Classification:

36 29, 36 35 B

Abstract:

A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

US Patent:

6632200, Oct 14, 2003

Filed:

Dec 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/734391

Inventors:

Xiaoping Guo - Bloomington MN
Richard Stehr - Stillwater MN
Daniel J. Potter - Stillwater MN

Assignee:

St. Jude Medical, Daig Division - Minnetonka MN

International Classification:

A61M 500

US Classification:

604247, 60416704, 604256

Abstract:

A hemostasis cannula unit including a valve housing, a cap, and a hemostasis valve, wherein the hemostasis valve includes a proximal valve gasket and a distal valve gasket compressed against the valve gasket by the valve housing, wherein the proximal valve gasket is the same shape as the distal valve gasket.

US Patent:

7132032, Nov 7, 2006

Filed:

Apr 24, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/423756

Inventors:

John C Tawney - Portland OR, US
Daniel R Potter - Forest Grove OR, US
Michael A Aveni - Lake Oswego OR, US
Joel L Passke - Portland OR, US
David B Herridge - Mendota Heights MN, US
Alaric Naiman - Lincoln MA, US
Alastair R MacGregor - Cambridge, GB
Julian A Scarfe - Cambridge, GB
Colin D Ager - Cambridge, GB
Edward G Colby - Cambridge, GB

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

B32B 37/00

US Classification:

156290, 156145, 156289, 156292, 12142 P

Abstract:

A bladder which is particularly useful for a sole assembly of a shoe is formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. A multiple gas layer bladder enhances cushioning response by relying more on the response characteristics of the gas and reducing the amount of foam and the dependence on foam as a cushioning material. The internal film layers provide a truss-like geometry in cross section and act as tensile members to impart a generally smooth surface contour to the bladder. The bladder is constructed to provide complex regionalized cushioning profiles which are coupled to the anatomy of the foot and expected loads at known points.

US Patent:

7632254, Dec 15, 2009

Filed:

Jan 23, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/338031

Inventors:

Bradford A. Bjorkman - Elk River MN, US
Daniel J. Potter - Stillwater MN, US
Donald G. Goblish - Cologne MN, US

Assignee:

Pacesetter, Inc. - Sylmar CA

International Classification:

A61M 5/14
F16K 1/48

US Classification:

604256, 251369, 60416405

Abstract:

The present invention is a tool coupled to a hemostasis valve and adapted to slit/split a tubular body of a catheter or sheath to facilitate the removal of the tubular body from about a medical device extending through the hemostasis valve and tubular body. The tool comprises a conical barrel portion supporting one or more radially outward extending blades. The tool also comprises a stabilizing component for preventing displacement between the tool and medical device when the tubular body is being removed from about the medical device.

US Patent:

7698835, Apr 20, 2010

Filed:

Dec 22, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/341174

Inventors:

Daniel R. Potter - Beaverton OR, US
Lorrie G. Vogel - Lake Oswego OR, US

Assignee:

Nike, Inc. - Beaverton OR

International Classification:

A43B 7/14
A43B 13/20

US Classification:

36 88, 36 93, 36 501, 36 29

Abstract:

A stability device that increases foot security on the footbed of a shoe, provides lateral or medial stability, shock dampening, and optimizes flexibility. The stability device includes a resilient bladder insert having a horizontal sole portion underneath a wearer's foot, and a foot portion positioned along a lateral or medial side edge of a wearer's foot. The sole portion and the foot portion are in fluid communication. The stability device can be generally L-shaped to cradle a portion of the foot. The stability device can also include a plurality of finger-shaped elements that encircle the top of the foot and expand down onto the foot due to an increase in fluid pressure therein.

US Patent:

7879024, Feb 1, 2011

Filed:

Feb 4, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/052617

Inventors:

Chad A. Thorstenson - Andover MN, US
Richard E. Stehr - Stillwater MN, US
Omar Amirana - Minneapolis MN, US
Daniel J. Potter - Stillwater MN, US

Assignee:

St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61M 25/098

US Classification:

604529, 6041031

Abstract:

A splittable cannula includes a radiopaque marker placed at or near the distal end of the cannula. The radiopaque marker may be a unitary piece, or may consist of several portions. The cannula may include a sheath or catheter body with a grooved score line running along a portion of the sheath body and a radiopaque marker located at a distal end of the body and abutting the body. The radiopaque marker may be located within the lumen of the sheath, may be embedded in the sheath wall, or may be affixed to the external sheath wall. The radiopaque marker may be scored, notched, grooved, or contain apertures longitudinally. The notches, grooves, apertures, and/or score lines in both the sheath or catheter body and the radiopaque marker serve to provide a weakened tear path. An electrode lead may be coupled with the radiopaque marker.