26th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 63 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120165896 | FULLY INHIBITED DUAL CHAMBER PACING MODE - A pacing mode is provided, in one embodiment, that permits missed or skipped ventricular beats. The mode monitors a full cardiac cycle (A-A interval) for the presence of intrinsic ventricular activity. If ventricular activity is present, a flag is set that is valid for the next cardiac cycle. At the beginning of the next cardiac cycle, the device determines if the flag is present. So long as the flag is present, the device will not deliver a ventricular pacing pulse in that cycle, even if there is no intrinsic ventricular activity. If there is no flag present at the start of a given cardiac cycle, a ventricular pacing pulse is delivered and this ventricular activity sets a flag for the subsequent cardiac cycle. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165897 | Rate Initialization and Overdrive Pacing for Capture Threshold Testing - Approaches for rate initialization and overdrive pacing used during capture threshold testing are described. Cardiac cycles are detected and the cardiac events of a cardiac chamber that occur during the cardiac cycles are monitored. The number of intrinsic beats in the cardiac events is counted. Initialization for a capture threshold test involves maintaining a pre-test pacing rate for the capture threshold test if the number of intrinsic beats in the cardiac events is less than a threshold. The pacing rate is increased for the capture threshold test if the number of intrinsic beats in the cardiac events is greater than the threshold. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165898 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVELY ESTIMATING VOLUME OF ACTIVATION AND PROVIDING THERAPY - An external control device, neurostimulation system, and method of programming a neurostimulator. A volume of tissue activation for each of a first one or more candidate stimulation parameter sets is simulated without conveying electrical stimulation energy into the tissue. One of the first candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is selected based on each simulated volume of tissue activation. Electrical stimulation energy is conveyed into the tissue in accordance with a second one or more candidate stimulation parameter sets, wherein the initial one of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is the selected one of the first candidate stimulation parameter set(s). One of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is selected based on a therapeutic efficacy of the electrical stimulation energy conveyed into the tissue. The neurostimulator is programmed with the selected one of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s). | 2012-06-28 |
20120165899 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD RESPONSIVE TO COLLATERAL NEURAL ACTIVITY - A neural stimulation system responsive to collateral neural activity that may arise in association with a neural stimulation procedure includes a stimulation interface configured to deliver stimulation signals to a target neural population, a monitoring interface positioned to receive signals corresponding to a neural activity within the target neural population, a stimulus unit coupled to deliver stimulation singals to the stimulation interface, and a sensing unit coupled to the monitoring device and the stimulus unit. The neural stimulation procedure may be directed toward rehabilitating, restoring, and/or enhancing one or more neural functions by facilitating and/or effectuating a neuroplastic change or reorganization; and/or affecting a neurological condition that exists on a continuous or essentially continuous basis absent the stimulation procedure. The sensing unit determines whether evidence of an collateral neural activity exists, whereupon the stimulus unit attempts to abate the collateral neural activity. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165900 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING MODEL-BASED ESTIMATE OF NEUROSTIMULATION EFFECTS - A neurostimulation system for use in providing therapy to a patient comprises a user input device configured for receiving input from a user, and processing circuitry configured for selecting an electrode configuration in response to receiving the input from the user, providing an electrical model of a neuronal element of the patient, providing a discrete approximation of a differential equation of a neural response parameter (e.g., a transmembrane voltage potential) of the electrical model as a function of discrete space (e.g., nodes along the electrical model) and as a function of a finite time difference, computing the neural response parameter in the differential equation approximation at a specified time for each of a plurality of points on a membrane of the neuronal element, and performing a human-discernible function based on the computed neural response parameters. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165901 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING DESIRED STIMULATION AMPLITUDE FOR ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION - A neurostimulation system comprises a user input device configured for receiving input from a user, and processing circuitry configured for (a) selecting a first electrode configuration in response to receiving the user input, (b) predicting a neural response induced by electrical energy theoretically conveyed by the first electrode configuration at a specified amplitude, (c) deriving a metric value from the predicted neural response, (d) comparing the metric value to a reference threshold value, (e) adjusting the specified amplitude of the electrical energy if the metric value is not in a specified range relative to the reference threshold value, (f) repeating steps (b)-(e) using the adjusted amplitude as the specified amplitude until the metric value is in the specific range relative to the reference threshold value, and (g) instructing a neurostimulation device to deliver the electrical energy at the adjusted amplitude via the first electrode configuration to stimulate the patient. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165902 | MULTI-ELECTRODE IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES THEREOF - Hermetically sealed assemblies, for example, that include IC chips, are configured for incorporation within a connector terminal of an implantable medical electrical lead, preferably within a contact member of the terminal. An assembly may include two feedthrough subassemblies, welded to either end of the contact member, to form an hermetic capsule, in which an IC chip is enclosed, and a tubular member, which allows a lumen to extend therethrough, along a length of the terminal. A multi-electrode lead may include multiplexer circuitry, preferably a switch matrix element and a communications, control and power supply element that are electrically coupled to the contact member and to another contact member of the terminal. Each pair of switch matrix switches allows for any two of the electrodes to be selected, in order to deliver a stimulation vector, via stimulation pulses from a device/pulse generator, to which the connector terminal is connected. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165903 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR FEEDTHRUS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Disclosed herein is an implantable pulse generator feedthru configured to make generally planar electrical contact with an electrical component housed within a can of an implantable pulse generator. The feedthru may include a feedthru housing including a header side and a can side, a core within the feedthru housing, a generally planar electrically conductive interface adjacent the can side, and a feedthru wire extending through the core. The feedthru wire may include an interface end and a header end, wherein the header end extends from the header side and the interface end is at least one of generally flush with the generally planar interface and generally recessed relative to the generally planar interface. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165904 | OPTOGENETIC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Disclosed herein are systems and methods involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging and optogenetic neural stimulation. Aspects of the disclosure include modifying a target neural cell population in a first region of a brain to express light-responsive molecules. Using a light pulse, the light-responsive molecules in the target neural cell population are stimulated. Multiple regions of the brain are scanned via magnetic resonance imaging. The scans allow for observation of a neural reaction in response to the stimulation in at least one of the multiple regions of the brain. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165905 | OPHTHALMOSCOPE INCLUDING THERAPY BEAM TARGETING - An ophthalmoscope comprising includes a display, a therapy beam source, and a drive unit. The display is configured to display a live image of a patient's eye. The therapy beam source is configured to apply therapy beam pulses onto the eye. The drive unit is configured to superimpose onto the live image of the eye target positions intended for the application of therapy beam pulses. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165906 | OPHTHALMOSCOPE INCLUDING VIRTUAL POSITION PATTERNING FOR THERAPY BEAM APPLICATION - An ophthalmoscope includes a display, a therapy beam source, and a drive unit. The display is configured to display a live image of a patient's eye. The therapy beam source is configured to apply therapy beam pulses onto the eye. The drive unit is configured to superimpose onto the live image of the eye a virtual pattern of positions intended for the application of therapy beam pulses. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165907 | LIGHT TREATMENT SYSTEM - The invention relates to a light treatment system ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165908 | Cold/hot therapy device with temperature control - A cold/hot therapy device with temperature control includes a housing, a pump, a cooling chip, a cooling head, a cooling fin, and a bag. The pump, the cooling chip and the cooling head are fixedly arranged in the accommodating chamber of the housing. The cooling chip includes a cool-effecting surface and a cooling surface. The cooling head is adjacent to the cool-effecting surface, and includes a water inlet and a water outlet, where the water inlet communicates with the pump outlet. The cooling fin is fixedly arranged on the cooling surface of the cooling chip, and is positioned in the hollow passage of the housing. The bag includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube, where the inlet tube communicates with the water outlet of the cooling head, and the outlet tube communicates with the pump inlet. Accordingly, a cold or hot therapy function can be achieved. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165909 | THERAPEUTIC WRAP - A therapeutic wrap includes a plurality of substantially rectangular chambers configured to receive a first amount of a thermoconductive material, and a plurality of substantially square chambers coupled to at least one of the substantially rectangular chambers, the square chambers configured to receive a second amount of a thermoconductive material. The substantially rectangular chambers and the substantially square chambers collectively define a substantially rectangular apparatus. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165910 | COLD COMPRESS FOR THERAPEUTIC COOLING - A novel cold compress designed for use as a cooling medium. The cold compress comprises a flexible bag having a plurality of spheres. Each sphere contains a heat transfer fluid. As the bag is cooled or frozen, each sphere and the fluid they contain become cool or frozen. The bag is then placed on a body part of the patient who is recovering from surgery or injury. The small spheres allow maximum surface contact with the body part. This allows maximum and efficient heat transfer. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165911 | METHODS FOR MAKING LEADS WITH SEGMENTED ELECTRODES FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - One embodiment is a method of making a stimulation lead that includes providing a pre-electrode assembly comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes and a plurality of raised connectors. Each of the segmented electrodes is coupled to at least one other of the segmented electrodes by at least one of the raised connectors. The method further includes forming the pre-electrode assembly into a tube with the tube defining a longitudinal axis. Each of the raised connectors is disposed at a radius with respect to the longitudinal axis that is greater than a radius of any of the segmented electrodes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method also includes forming at least a portion of a lead body around the segmented electrodes of the pre-electrode assembly; and grinding the tube comprising the pre-electrode assembly and portion of the lead body to remove the plurality of raised connectors leaving the plurality of segmented electrodes and the portion of the lead body. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165912 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE ANTI-ANTENNA MEMBER - A lead includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end and a resonant circuit connected to the conductor. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency approximately equal to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner or a resonance frequency not tuned to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner so as to reduce the current flow through a tissue area, thereby reducing tissue damage. The resonant circuit may be included in an adapter that provides an electrical bridge between a lead a medical device such as an electrode, sensor, or signal generator. The resonant circuit may also be included directly in the housing of a medical device. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165913 | MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEAD HAVING BIOLOGICAL SURFACE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - An implantable electrical lead suitable for left sided cardiac placement, the implantable medical electrical lead having an external blood contacting surface having an external coating including a monolayer of at least one biological agent that promotes endothelialization covalently attached to a polymeric lead surface. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165914 | EXTENDABLE/RETRACTABLE FIXATION LEAD WITH DISTAL TRAVELLING SEAL AND RELATED DEVICES - An implantable lead having a distal assembly including a coupler, a fixation helix secured to the coupler, a housing in which the fixation helix and the coupler are disposed, and a resilient seal that is fixedly secured to the coupler between proximal and distal ends thereof and able to translate with the coupler relative to the housing. The seal is positioned to sealingly engage an internal surface of the housing. When the coupler is translated such that the fixation helix is in a fully extended position, the seal is positioned to substantially seal off the housing to prevent tissue ingrowth. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165915 | EMERGENCY VASCULAR REPAIR PROSTHESIS DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - A deployment device for repair of a transected body vessel is described herein. Device can have a handle and one or more shafts coupled thereto. A prosthesis being retained by a sheath can be coupled to the delivery device. The sheath can have end portions coupled to one or more shafts. Rotation of a shaft can retract a sheath portion away from either end of the prosthesis for expansion thereof prior to the middle of the prosthesis. Continued rotation of a shaft can completely remove the sheath from the prosthesis, so that the prosthesis is fully expanded and couples the first and second vessel portions of the transected vessel together. Prosthesis may be retained by overlapping a tubular sheath and lacing a threading member therethrough. Prosthesis may be retained by a splittable sheath. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165916 | Stent deployment system with integrated digital camera and dilation balloon - The deployment device includes at least one sheath, a dilation balloon, a transparent tip extending between the at least one sheath and the dilation balloon, a prosthesis, an inner tubular member and a camera to allow visualization of the stricture and prosthesis prior, during, and after deployment without the use of an endoscope. The sheath includes a camera extending from one end. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165917 | STENT GRAFT - Some embodiments are directed to a stent graft comprising a first stent graft having a first and a second stent and a first and a second inner graft supported by the first stent, and an outer graft. The second inner graft can be spaced apart from the first inner graft so that a portion of the first stent is not covered by either the first inner graft or the second inner graft. A first and second portion of the outer graft can be attached to the first stent, the outer graft being unsupported by the stent between the first and second portions so as to form a fillable space between the outer graft, the first inner graft, and the second inner graft. Some embodiments further comprise a second stent graft deployable within the inside of the first stent graft to sealingly cover the uncovered portion of the first stent. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165918 | Woven Prosthesis and Method for Manufacturing the Same - A woven prosthesis, such as a woven vascular graft, woven from warp and weft yarns. Velour warp yarns forming the prosthesis are selectively incorporated into a base layer of the prosthesis so as to provide a bulbous section without compromising the porosity of the prosthesis. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165919 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR DEFECTS - Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments include thin permeable membranes configured to occlude blood flow therethrough. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165920 | Stent - An expandable medical framework for implantation in a mammalian body comprises a plurality of serpentine bands and connector columns. Each serpentine band comprises alternating straight band struts and turns. Each connector column comprises a plurality of connector struts and connects adjacent serpentine bands. The turns of a serpentine band comprise connected turns and unconnected turns, each connected turn having a connector strut extending therefrom. Each unconnected turn has no connector struts extending therefrom. The serpentine bands at the ends of the framework are each connected to an intermediate serpentine band via four or more connector struts which are equally spaced about the circumference of the expandable medical framework. Each two adjacent intermediate serpentine bands is connected one to the other via two connector struts which are equally spaced about the circumference of the expandable medical framework. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165921 | FLEXIBLE STENT WITH TORQUE-ABSORBING CONNECTORS - The present invention concerns a stent with a highly flexible structure that is configured to provide an elevated degree of vessel scaffolding and to absorb torque applied on the stent. In one embodiment, the stent of the present invention includes an essentially tubular body formed by a web structure that is composed of a plurality of longitudinally adjacent web rings, each including a plurality of web elements that are disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the stent and that are adjoined one to the other by a junction bend. Each junction bend in a first web ring is coupled to another junction bend in a neighboring ring by a connector having a step-wise configuration, in which a central segment of the connector is disposed essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent and may become twisted to absorb torque imposed on the stent. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165922 | METHOD OF MODIFYING A COATING ON A MEDICAL DEVICE - Method of modifying the coating of a surface of a medical device by applying a coating to the surface of the medical device, exposing the medical device to an environmental condition that alters the coating morphology, and drying the coating on the medical device. The disclosed subject matter also provides a coated medical device whose one or more surfaces have been modified by this method. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165923 | STENT - A stent able to minimize occurrences of strain and stress concentration in a drug coat layer upon expansive deformation of the stent in a radial direction to avoid the possibility of the drug separating from the stent, includes a stent body and a drug coating layer coated on the outside surface of the stent body so that the thickness of the drug coating layer gradually decreases toward a bent portion of the stent. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165924 | Method and Device for Treatment of Mitral Insufficiency - A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilation is disclosed, wherein the device comprises two states. In a first of these states the device is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the device is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165925 | FIXING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR FIXING TO VASCULAR WALL TISSUE - An arrangement includes a first sleeve; a fixing device for fixing to vascular wall tissue; and a second sleeve. The fixing device includes a tubular element for accommodation within a passage surrounded by vascular wall tissue and is provided with fingers arranged distributed in the peripheral direction of the tubular element. The fingers have a first position in which they project radially outwards from the tubular element. The fingers are bent aside reversibly, against a resilient force, from the first position into a second position in which the projection of the fingers on a radial transverse surface of the tubular element is located essentially on and/or within the periphery of the tubular element. The fingers are fixed in the second position by the first sleeve in which the tubular element and fingers, which are in the second position, are accommodated to form a composite assembly. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165926 | Methods and Devices for Delivery of Prosthetic Heart Valves and Other Prosthetics - Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165927 | Valve with Delayed Leaflet Deployment - A valve for use in a body lumen, where the valve includes a valve leaflet with delayed leaflet deployment relative an in vivo implant time. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame. The valve leaflet includes a commissure that can reversibly seal for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve, and a biodegradable adhesive between the valve leaflet and the valve frame to hold at least the commissure of the valve leaflet in a static relationship relative the valve frame for a predetermined time once implanted in vivo. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165928 | DEVICES FOR REDUCING LEFT ATRIAL PRESSURE, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME - A device for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium comprises an hourglass-shaped stent comprising a neck region and first and second flared end regions, the neck region disposed between the first and second end regions and configured to engage the fossa ovalis of the patient's atrial septum; and a one-way tissue valve coupled to the first flared end region and configured to shunt blood from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds blood pressure in the right atrium. The inventive devices may reduce left atrial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and may increase cardiac output, increase ejection fraction, relieve pulmonary congestion, and lower pulmonary artery pressure, among other benefits. The inventive devices may be used, for example, to treat subjects having heart failure, pulmonary congestion, or myocardial infarction, among other pathologies. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165929 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - A heart valve prosthesis comprising: a support structure comprising a framework deformable between an expanded state and a compressed state and vice versa; and a flow-control structure, supported by the support structure, for permitting blood flow in a first direction, and for restricting blood flow in a direction opposite to the first direction. At least one end of the support structure comprises a plurality of apexes of the framework. The support structure is collapsible into the compressed state by pulling on the apexes, to enable it to be drawn into a sheath having an inner radial dimension smaller than the radial dimension of the support structure in the expanded state. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165930 | SYSTEM FOR MITRAL VALVE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT - Systems for mitral valve repair are disclosed where one or more mitral valve interventional devices may be advanced intravascularly into the heart of a patient and deployed upon or along the mitral valve to stabilize the valve leaflets. The interventional device may also facilitate the placement or anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve implant. The interventional device may generally comprise a distal set of arms pivotably and/or rotating coupled to a proximal set of arms which are also pivotably and/or rotating coupled. The distal set of arms may be advanced past the catheter opening to a subannular position (e.g., below the mitral valve) and reconfigured from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed securement configuration. The proximal arm members may then be deployed such that the distal and proximal arm members may grip the leaflets between the two sets of arms to stabilize the leaflets. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165931 | Method of Implanting a Blood Pump System - A method of implanting a blood pump system in a patient requiring treatment includes creating an opening in an epicardium of a heart to access an interior chamber of the heart and implanting a blood pump such that an inlet port of a pump housing is in fluid communication with the interior chamber of the heart through the opening. The pump housing has a first external surface adjacent to the inlet port such that it is substantially adjacent to the epicardium of the heart when implanted. In some embodiments, a first external surface contacts the epicardium when implanted. The blood pump is then secured to the exterior wall of the heart. In some embodiments, the blood pump is secured using a mounting cuff. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165932 | REFRACTIVE-DIFFRACTIVE LENS - A multifocal lens device is disclosed. The device comprises a lens body being formed with a plurality of concentric annular zones separated by slanted steps. The concentric zones effect both diffraction and refraction of incident light, while the steps are substantially devoid of any diffractive or refractive power. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165933 | UVEOSCLERAL DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANT AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING THE SAME - Devices and methods for treating intraocular pressure are disclosed. The devices include drug delivery implants for treating ocular tissue. Optionally, the devices also include shunts for draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the uveoscleral outflow pathway, including the supraciliary space and the suprachoroidal space. The drug delivery implants can be implanted in ab interno or ab externo procedures. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165934 | COLLAPSIBLE, FORM-STABLE, FILLABLE BREAST PROSTHESIS - Provided is a flexible, collapsible, implantable breast prosthesis which is form stable such that it can be inserted through a relatively small incision and then will regain its configuration and maintain its shape within the breast. The prosthesis may include an anterior portion including a closed-cell silicone foam. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165935 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TISSUE FILLING AND REGENERATION - Injectable compositions are provided which include both a living cellular component and a filler component conducive to cell growth. The compositions are capable of providing both immediate tissue filling and long term tissue regeneration. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165936 | DILATOR FOR INSERTING A VOICE PROSTHESIS - A dilator may include a substantially conical body having a tip portion at a proximal end and a base portion at a distal end thereof. A wire lock portion may be configured to lock a guide wire to the dilator. A voice prosthesis holding portion may be connected to the substantially conical body by a connecting portion. The holding portion may have a central passage configured to have a tubular body of a voice prosthesis positioned therethrough, wherein at least one flange of the prosthesis is substantially unfolded proximally of the central passage. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165937 | FABRIC WITH BARBS COATED WITH A WATER-SOLUBLE MATERIAL - The present invention relates to a prosthetic fabric comprising an arrangement of yarns defining at least two faces for said fabric, said fabric comprising, on at least one of its faces, one or more barbs that protrude outwards relative to said face, characterized in that said barbs are covered with a coating made of a water-soluble biocompatible material. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a fabric and to prostheses obtained from such a fabric. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165938 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Anatomical Features - A method of coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes coupling first and second bones of the anatomy with a bone-tendon-bone implant. The bone-tendon-bone implant has a first bone end, a second bone end and a replacement tendon between the first and second bone ends. The first and second bone ends are positioned in corresponding first and second bores of the first and second bones. The first bone end is secured to the first bone with a first bone anchor. A second anchor coupled to the bone-tendon-bone implant is passed through and outside the second bore. The second anchor is coupled to an adjustable suture construct having two adjustable suture loops. Tensioning at least one of first and second ends of the adjustable suture construct tensions the replacement tendon and positions the first bone relative to the second bone. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165939 | NONWOVEN TISSUE SCAFFOLD - A biocompatible meniscal repair device is disclosed. The tissue repair device includes a scaffold adapted to be placed in contact with a defect in a meniscus, the scaffold comprising a high-density, dry laid nonwoven polymeric material and a biocompatible foam. The scaffold provides increased suture pull-out strength. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165940 | CEMENT-DIRECTING ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS - A cement-directing structure for use in cement-injection bone therapy includes a collapsible, self-restoring braided structure with regions of differential permeability to the bone cement. The regions of differential permeability may be provided by areas where the braided mesh density is greater or lesser than surrounding areas and/or by means of a baffle. After the structure is placed in a void within a bony structure, cement is injected into the interior of the structure then oozes out in preferred directions according to the locations of the regions of differential permeability. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165941 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING CONDITIONS AND DISEASES OF THE SPINE - Systems and methods for treating conditions and diseases of the spine are disclosed herein. A device includes a balloon catheter comprising at least one inner lumen incorporated within an elongated shaft; a distal end having an inner balloon positioned inside and completely surrounded by an outer balloon; and a proximal end having an adapter for passage of at least one of an inflation fluid or a medical instrument; and an optical fiber comprising an outer diameter sized to pass through the inner lumen of the elongated shaft; a nonlinear light-emitting portion of a given length, wherein a portion of a cladding material from the nonlinear light-emitting portion has been removed so that light energy may be emitted along the length of the nonlinear light-emitting portion; and a linear elongated portion for guiding light towards the nonlinear light-emitting portion. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165942 | Universal laminoplasty implant - The present invention relates various embodiments of a laminoplasty implant comprising a telescopic spacer configured to attach to the vertebra and adjust the space between two cut portions of a vertebra. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165943 | SET COMPRISING AN INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT FOR IMMOBILISING A VERTEBRA WITH RESPECT TO ANOTHER AND AN INSTRUMENT FOR INSTALLING THIS IMPLANT - This set comprises an intervertebral implant ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165944 | Spinal Implant And Method Of Use - A spinal implant having a series of sections or units hinged together and a balloon connected to at least some of the sections, the balloon having a curved configuration. The implant has a first delivery configuration and a second curved placement configuration, wherein it has a more linear configuration in the first delivery configuration than in the second curved configuration. The implant assumes the first delivery configuration during delivery to the disc space and maintains the curved configuration after placement within the disc space. The curved configuration can result from filling or expanding the balloon. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165945 | Intervertebral Spacer - Disclosed is an assembly and method for implant installation between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165946 | INTRADISCAL MOTION LIMITING MEMBER AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION THEREOF - In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a resilient support member capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc to provide support to an intervertebral disc that has a compromised annulus fibrosis. In one embodiment, the intradiscal member includes an upper support surface, a lower support surface, and an outer wall. In another embodiment, the intradiscal member includes an inner wall defining a volume. In yet another embodiment, the intradiscal member includes a fastening element. The present invention also provides a method for installing the intradiscal member in the nucleus pulposus region of an intervertebral disc. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165947 | Disc Repair System - A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting central portion, and is designed to span an imperfection with opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the imperfection. The prosthesis may include anchoring features including barbs and/or members that extend transversely. The deployment device can include a cannula for positioning the prosthesis near the imperfection, and, in some cases, a mechanism that may cause the two sides of the prosthesis to be deployed in a specific order. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165948 | Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis Manufacturing Method - A method of manufacturing an intervertebral disc prosthesis for insertion into an intervertebral disc compartment between two vertebra includes: a) biometrically determining the shape of a first dome formed within an apophyseal ring of the first vertebra; and b) providing a first constituent element which is provided on one side with a first joint member and has on the other side a first abutment face which abuts against the first vertebra when the intervertebral disc prosthesis is inserted into the intervertebral disc compartment. The first abutment face has a shape that has no rotational symmetry and that has a vertex configured such that the first constituent element can rotate within the first dome by at least 10° when the vertex of the first abutment face contacts a vertex of the dome. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165949 | ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An orthopedic implant and method for forming same includes providing a forging die having a punch and a split die. The split die is movable between an opened state, where first and second die portions are spaced apart to allow for removal of a formed orthopedic implant element from within the cavity portions, and a closed state, where the first and second die portions are secured together and the cavity portions cooperate to define a cavity to form the orthopedic implant element therein. The split die is closed and a billet of biocompatible material is provided in the cavity and the punch is moved to deform the billet in the cavity to forge the orthopedic implant element in the cavity while the first and second die portions are substantially fixedly secured together when the split die is in said closed state. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165950 | IMPLANTABLE PROSTHESIS FOR REPLACING A HUMAN HIP OR KNEE JOINT AND THE ADJOINING BONE SECTIONS - For replacing a human hip or knee joint and the adjoining bone sections, an implantable prosthesis is provided, comprising a joint replacement part ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165951 | HIP JOINT DEVICE AND METHOD - A hip joint prosthesis adapted to be implanted in a hip joint of a human patient is provided. The hip joint prosthesis comprises a first area and a second area, and wherein said first area comprises a first material adapted to be elastic and said second area comprises a second material adapted to be elastic, and wherein said first material is adapted to be more elastic than said second material. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165952 | SOCKET AND PROSTHESIS FOR JOINT REPLACEMENT - A joint replacement prosthesis and procedure reduce the number of steps to complete a joint replacement. The joint replacement prosthesis comprises a ball and socket unit that fixes the ball in the socket prior to surgery. The unit is coupled to a bone structure in the patient and is coupled with a prosthesis that is fixed to another bone of the patient, such as a femoral implant fixed in a femur and providing a coupling at the end of a neck portion that is easily fit into a femoral head and acetabulum unit. A tether may be used to retain the ball in the socket and/or the ball may be retained by extension in the socket that do not restrict patient motion. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165953 | PROCESS FOR FORMING A CERAMIC LAYER - A process for forming a ceramic layer comprising a compound of a metal on a deposition surface of a workpiece comprises providing a reactive gas, selecting the amounts of a vapor of the metal and ions of the metal relative to each other, generating the metal vapor, and projecting an ion beam of the metal ions. The metal vapor, the metal ions, and the reactive gas form the ceramic layer with a desired structure. The process may include the step of controlling a deposition surface temperature. In one embodiment, the metal vapor comprises zirconium vapor and the ion beam comprises zirconium ions. The relative amounts of the zirconium vapor and the zirconium ions are selected to form a zirconia ceramic layer on the deposition surface. The zirconia may have multiple crystal phases that are formed according to a predetermined ratio. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165954 | BIOMEDICAL DEVICE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME AND USE THEREOF - A three-dimensional biomedical device having an osteoinductive first area with a controlled porosity and a second area, which is produced by laser technology from a powder including one of ceramics, metals, metal alloys, bioactive glasses, lead zirconate titanate and biocompatible polymers, or mixtures thereof. The ratio of the porosities from the second area to the first area is equal or less than one, preferably from 0.001 to 0.9. A method for manufacturing the device for fitting in a bone defect, wherein a virtual object is designed with a computer-aid designed software, and the device is manufactured by laser technology including layering a powder onto a plate ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165955 | Intragastric Prosthesis for the Treatment of Morbid Obesity - A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165956 | UROLOGICAL MEDICAL DEVICES - According to an aspect of the present invention, urological medical devices are provided which comprise a substrate and hyaluronic acid, which is releasably disposed on or in the substrate. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165957 | BIODEGRADABLE SCAFFOLD FOR SOFT TISSUE REGENERATION AND USE THEREOF - The present invention relates to new reinforced biodegradable scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration, as well as methods for support and for augmentation and regeneration of living tissue, wherein a reinforced biodegradable scaffold is used for the treatment of indications, where increased strength and stability is required besides the need for regeneration of living tissue within a patient. The present invention further relates to the use of scaffolds together with cells or tissue explants for soft tissue regeneration, such as in the treatment of a medical prolapse, such as rectal or pelvic organ prolapse, or hernia. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165958 | FUNCTIONAL FOOT COVER - A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165959 | INTECONNECTING GRIDS OF DEVICES OF NETWORKED CONTROL SYSTEMS - The invention relates to interconnecting grids of devices of networked control systems, particularly to interconnecting lighting systems having grids of interconnected luminairies. A basic idea of the invention is to interconnect grids of devices of networked control systems such as luminairies of lighting systems installed in different units of a building and to provide an address assigning scheme for devices of the interconnected grid so that all devices of the interconnected grids may be unambiguously addressed. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165960 | TECHNIQUE AND SYSTEM TO CONTROL A DRIVER STATE - A technique includes executing at least one instruction on a processor to control a driver circuit; and in response to a predetermined trigger condition, asynchronously causing the driver circuit to enter a predetermined state. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165961 | METHOD OF ACTIVATING A MECHANISM, AND DEVICE IMPLEMENTING SUCH A METHOD - A method of activating a function such as unlocking a mobile telephone keypad by an instruction sequence {x | 2012-06-28 |
20120165962 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMAPPING OF MACHINE IMPLEMENT CONTROLS - Systems and methods for selectively remapping implement control commands in a machine comprise receiving a first input command signal for controlling a plurality of actuators associated with the machine. The first input command signal is associated with controlling a first work tool such that each of the plurality of actuators is independently controllable by one or more implement controllers. A current work tool attached to the machine is identified and compared with a first work tool. If the current work tool is different from the first work tool, the first input command signal is transformed into a second input command signal associated with the current work tool and provided to a plurality of actuators of the machine. The second input command signal is associated with controlling the current work tool such that less than each of the plurality of actuators is independently controllable by the one or more implement controllers. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165963 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING POWER OF SENSOR NODES BASED ON ESTIMATION OF POWER ACQUISITION AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus for controlling power of sensor nodes based on estimation of power acquisition, includes: a self power acquisition unit acquiring self power; an internal sensing unit sensing power acquired from the self power acquisition unit and consumed power; a power cut-off unit cutting-off power for each component of the sensor nodes; and a microprocessor receiving information of acquired power and consumed power from the internal sensing unit to analyze a supply and demand of power, estimating the acquired power using annual meteorological statistics data and recent weather forecast data, controlling power for each component of the sensor nodes through the power cut-off unit according to the estimation of the acquired power, and controlling a sensing period and a communication period of the sensor nodes. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165964 | INTERACTIVE CONTENT CREATION - An audio/visual system (e.g., such as an entertainment console or other computing device) plays a base audio track, such as a portion of a pre-recorded song or notes from one or more instruments. Using a depth camera or other sensor, the system automatically detects that a user (or a portion of the user) enters a first collision volume of a plurality of collision volumes. Each collision volume of the plurality of collision volumes is associated with a different audio stem. In one example, an audio stem is a sound from a subset of instruments playing a song, a portion of a vocal track for a song, or notes from one or more instruments. In response to automatically detecting that the user (or a portion of the user) entered the first collision volume, the appropriate audio stem associated with the first collision volume is added to the base audio track or removed from the base audio track. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165965 | PROXY FILE POINTER METHOD FOR REDIRECTING ACCESS FOR INCOMPATIBLE FILE FORMATS - A media file playback system, method and computer readable medium which provides for the playback of a media file (e.g., audio files, video files, etc.) through a separate media organizer (e.g., Apple's iTunes®, Windows® Media Player, etc.) when the target media file is in a format that is incompatible with the media organizer (e.g., the Free Audio Lossless Codec files or FLAC format). The media file playback system generates a “proxy” pointer file that is compatible with the media organizer and prompts the system to play the incompatible media file. Advantageously, a user that would otherwise be unable to playback an incompatible file through the media organizer due to limitations of the media organizer (e.g., the restriction against playing FLAC files through the Apple iTunes® software application), is able to execute playback using the media file playback system via interactions with the familiar and centralized interface provided the media organizer. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165966 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING AUDIO DATA - The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for outputting audio data, wherein audio data having uncompressed audio data and compressed data to be output in response to a predetermined generated event is identified, and the uncompressed audio data is played back after determining that the identified audio data includes the uncompressed audio data and the compressed audio data in the identified audio data is played subsequently after the completion of the uncompressed audio data playback. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165967 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OBJECTS HAVING OPTIMIZED RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS - A method for manufacturing an object having a potential {x} which is generated in response to a field {f} applied thereto is provided. The method includes the step of designing a geometric model of the object. A computerized mathematical model of the object is generated by discretizing the geometric model of the object into a plurality of finite elements and defining nodes at boundaries of the elements, wherein values of the field {f} and potential {x} are specified at the nodes. A material property matrix [k] is then calculated based on the relationship {f}=[k] {x}. Material property coefficients are then extracted from the material property matrix [k] for each finite element in the computerized mathematical model and the extracted material property coefficients are compared to material property coefficients for known materials to match the extracted material property coefficients to the material property coefficients for known materials. Manufacturing parameters corresponding to the matched material property coefficients are then determined. The object is then manufactured in accordance with the determined manufacturing parameters. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165968 | METHOD AND SOFTWARE FOR CONTROLLING JUST IN TIME ITEM PRODUCTION VIA KANBAN CARDS - A method and a system control just in time item production via kanban cards. The items are transformed according to a flow shop containing a raw material buffer followed by a sequence of production pairs containing one workstation and an assigned buffer. A local buffer threshold parameter is provided and denotes the desired safety stock of the items of the specific type in the buffer. A global demand threshold parameter is provided and denotes the quantity of items of the specific item type required along the downstream process to satisfy the estimated demand. Whenever a kanban card is associated to an item of a specific type switches status, it is assigned one of four priority levels indicating the priority level of the production request. At each production pair, an item is produced of a type whose priority level is the highest according to a given priority model. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165969 | 3D PRINTING ON A ROTATING CYLINDRICAL SURFACE - Disclosed herein is a device adapted to make a solid object. The device has a surface rotatable around an axis of rotation, and an applicator adapted to apply over at least one portion of the surface a material used to make the solid object. The applicator and the surface are displaceable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the axis. Disclosed herein are also methods of determining instructions for the device. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165970 | SEWING MACHINE SYSTEM, SEWING MACHINE, AND STORAGE DEVICE - A sewing machine system includes a sewing machine and a storage device. The storage device includes an embroidery information storage portion, a conditions information storage portion, and a use history storage portion. The sewing machine includes a mounting portion to and from which the storage device can be mounted and removed, a first individual unit information storage portion that stores the first individual unit information, a use conditions determination portion that determines whether the sewing machine corresponds to the use conditions information, a usability determination portion that determines whether the embroidery information that is stored in the embroidery information storage portion can be used, a first decryption portion that decrypts the embroidery information, an individual unit information storage control portion that stores in the use history storage portion the first individual unit information, and an embroidery portion that performs embroidery sewing on a cloth. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165971 | THERMAL DISPLACEMENT CORRECTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A MACHINE TOOL - A thermal displacement correcting apparatus includes a correction amount estimating device and a parameter automatic selecting device that, in a machine tool having two different sets of specifications that differ due to the presence/absence of a scale and different methods of measuring the lengths of a bed and a table, estimate a thermal displacement correction amount of the machine tool of each set of specifications. The two devices store a collection of parameters for an estimated thermal displacement calculation corresponding to each of the bed, the scale, the table, and a workpiece, as a database, and select the parameters belonging to the set of specifications from the database based on machine information according to each set of specifications, calculate estimated thermal displacements of the bed, the table, and the workpiece, or also the scale, according to the selected parameters, and combine the estimated thermal displacements. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165972 | Pick And Place - A pick and place system including at least one input conveyor, at least one output conveyor, at least one pick and place robot and control circuitry. Available picking positions on an input conveyor at which a respective item can be picked are determined as well as available placing positions on an output conveyor at which a respective item can be placed. For the available picking positions and the available placing positions, a respective picking time and placing time is calculated, and the at least one robot is instructed to pick items at the picking positions and place the items at the placing positions in an order determined by the respective picking times and placing times. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165973 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING AND SORTING PARTICLES AND PROCESS FOR QUALIFYING THE SAME WITH SEED PARTICLES - A method for qualifying an automated process for inspecting and sorting particles through the production and use of seed particles is disclosed. In one embodiment, seed particles are produced by forming a conformal surface layer on a plurality of particles, thereby imparting them with at least one property whose value or range of values is the same as or about the same as a value or range of values of a corresponding property of undesirable particles. By introducing a predetermined quantity of seed particles, their detection and removal by the automated sorting system can be used to periodically calibrate and qualify the sorting system without interrupting the manufacturing operations or introducing actual undesirable particles into the process stream. The production and use of seed particles to qualify an automated sorting system is particularly well-suited for use with Ti sponge sorting operations. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165974 | Towel dispenser with auto-load arrangement - A dispenser for dispensing paper toweling. The dispenser including a towel support that is positionable in a first dispensing position when a drive roller rotates in a first direction, and that is positionable in a second auto-loading position when the drive roller rotates in a second direction. Rotation of the drive roller in the first and second directions automatically loading the paper toweling for subsequent dispense. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165975 | Medication Compliance Monitor - Method and Apparatus - A remote monitoring of the daily dispensing of prescription drugs by at-home care, an elderly or clinical trial patient is proposed. The system consists of a dispensing unit equipped with weight sensing mechanism such as scale or balance which communicates with the monitoring application residing in the wireless terminal, such as cellular phone over the Personal Area Network (PAN) wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth. The monitoring application provides supervision over the medication dispensing process as well as communication with unauthorized medical supervisor using wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) connection to the Internet. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165976 | AUTOMATED RETRIEVAL AND DELIVERY OF MEDICATIONS - This invention relates to a process and a device for automatically delivering and retrieving singular medication from a plurality of containers or product blister packages, storing and recording medication transactions for each patient, and the crushing of designated medications. This invention also relates to medication control, delivery, consumption verification and monitoring within institutional entities. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165977 | Robotic Drive System Modularity - The subject disclosure is directed towards a robot device including a computational intelligence system that can be coupled to/decoupled from different interchangeable mobility mechanisms at different times. The robot may operate with its intelligence portion detached from the mobility portion, whereby the intelligence portion may be easily to interact therewith out lifting the (typically dirty) mobility mechanism. The robot may operate according to a coupled state, a decoupled state, or in a transition state when being moved for purposes of coupling or decoupling. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165978 | ROBOT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A cloud server and method controls one or more robots. The cloud server receives location information of each robot. A robot closest to a task location where a task is taken according to the location information. The cloud server of the data center sends a command to the located robot to move to the task location, where the command defines a task of the located robot to perform. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165979 | ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A robot and a control method thereof. The control method includes generating and storing plural grasping motions corresponding to data of a target object, selecting a grasping motion corresponding to a grasping purpose of the target object among the plural grasping motions, generating a path of arms corresponding to the selected grasping motion, calculating torques to track the path of the arms, and outputting the torques toward the arms so as to perform movement of the arms and grasping of the target object. The grasping motion path corresponding to the grasping purpose is generated and the path of arms is generated, thereby reducing overall calculation time during grasping of the target object to increase calculating efficiency, minimizing generation of the path of the arms, and allowing an arm path calculating process to be performed at the late stage of a grasping control process to improve grasping performance. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165980 | WALKING ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A walking robot and a control method thereof. The walking robot includes a main communication path, a subsidiary communication path, at least one master generating a communication protocol and transmitting the communication protocol through the main and subsidiary communication paths, and a plurality of slaves communicably connected to the at least one master through the main and subsidiary communication paths, increasing a value of an access counter of the communication protocol received through the main communication path, decreasing a value of the access counter of the communication protocol received through the subsidiary communication path, and forming loop-back paths connecting the main communication path and the subsidiary communication path when a communication error has occurred, wherein the at least one master judges whether or not the communication error has occurred from the values of the access counter of the communication protocol having passed through the plurality of slaves. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165981 | CHORD-PLAYING ROBOT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A chord-playing robot system is disclosed. The robot system includes a computer including an anti-collision program, two linear motors, two moving devices, and two finger-like devices. The finger-like devices are respectively connected with the moving devices. The anti-collision program is executed to prevent the moving devices from colliding with each other. The linear motors are controlled by the computer and are operable to drive the moving devices. Each finger-like device includes a plurality of tubular solenoids and a plurality of electromagnetic bars. The tubular solenoids are disposed in alternating sequence in two rows. The computer is operable to determine if there is any one of the tubular solenoids shall be switched on. The at least one tubular solenoid, upon switched on, is configured to move the associated electromagnetic bar toward for pressing a key on a piano. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165982 | APPARATUS FOR PLANNING PATH OF ROBOT AND METHOD THEREOF - A method for planning the robot path includes forming a shape space that includes a start point, a goal point, and obstacle information so as to generate a moving path of the robot, generating one or more moving paths of the robot within the shape space, and storing the generated moving paths in a database, selecting a specific path that has a minimum operation range of the robot and a minimum constraint caused by the obstacle from among the stored moving paths, and planning the selected path, enabling the robot to perform motion along the planned path, and pre-planning a path for a next motion of the robot while the robot performs the motion. The apparatus or method for planning the robot path can reduce a time from an end time of one motion to the start time of the next motion, thereby performing a smooth motion. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165983 | WALKING ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A walking robot and a control method thereof. The control method includes performing transition of a second leg to a toe-off state, when ground reaction force applied to a first leg exceeds a first set value under the condition that the first leg is in a swing state and the second leg is in a support state, performing transition of the second leg to the swing state and transition of the first leg to the support state, when ground reaction force applied to the second leg is below a second set value under the condition that the second leg is in the toe-off state, and achieving walking of the walking robot by repeating the transitions among the swing state, the support state and the toe-off state. Thereby, the control method allows the robot to more stably and naturally walk. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165984 | MOBILE ROBOT APPARATUS, DOOR CONTROL APPARATUS, AND DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING METHOD THEREFOR - A mobile robot apparatus includes a video recognition unit for recognizing a position of an opening button mounted around a door through video analysis after acquiring peripheral video information. Further, the mobile robot apparatus includes a mobile controller for performing an operation on the opening button at the position recognized by the video recognition unit to generate an opening selection signal, thereby allowing a door control apparatus to open the door according to the generated opening selection signal. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165985 | MAINTAINING A WIND TURBINE WITH A MAINTENANCE ROBOT - The present invention relates to a wind turbine maintenance system and a method of maintenance therein. A wind turbine maintenance system is provided, for carrying out a maintenance task in a nacelle of a wind turbine, comprising a maintenance robot, further comprising a detection unit, for identifying a fault in a sub-system in the nacelle and generating fault information, a processor unit, adapted to receive fault information from the detection unit and control the maintenance robot to perform a maintenance task, a manipulation arm to perform the maintenance task on the identified sub-system. In another aspect, a method of carrying out a maintenance task in a wind turbine is provided. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165986 | ROBOTIC PICKING OF PARTS FROM A PARTS HOLDING BIN - A robot system ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165987 | WALKING ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A walking robot and a control method thereof. The control method of the walking robot which walks using two legs includes applying first virtual gravity torque including a vector component in the anti-gravity direction to respective joints of a support leg from among the two legs during walking, and applying second virtual gravity torque including a vector component in the gravity direction to respective joints of a swing leg from among the two legs during walking. Thereby, the walking robot implements a natural walking motion having a low energy consumption rate. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165988 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING BUILDING MANAGEMENT DATA - An apparatus collecting building management data, the apparatus includes a plurality of central control & monitoring systems (CCMSs) for receiving building management data collected from various facilities and sensors installed in the building; an object filter for filtering the building management data to produce filtered building management data; and a common communication layer (CCL) message generator for converting the filtered building management data into common building management data. The converted common building management data is used for constructing common management environment of individual buildings. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165989 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING BUILDING FACILITIES AND DEFECTS THEREOF - A system for maintaining building facilities includes: a building status management engine for monitoring status and environment of a building, and outputting data accumulated through the monitoring or a control instruction generated based on the data accumulated through the monitoring; a building facilities association database for storing information on association between the building facilities; a facility control instruction input unit for receiving a facility control instruction as an input; and a building facility controller for controlling a building facility installed in the building, and, determining effect thereof on building facilities using the building facilities association database. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165990 | HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - The invention relates to a home automation system and a method for controlling the same. In order to stably control a continuing concerted adjustment action of a continuously variable parameter by means of few and low-sized commands in order to avoid overloading of a low-data rate network while providing means for fast and unobtrusive correction of failures due to missed commands, it is provided a method for controlling a wireless home automation system, the home automation system being arranged as a network comprising at least one controller and a plurality of devices, wherein the method comprises the steps of sending a start command from the controller to a group of devices comprising an action type and a transaction ID and sending a stop command from the controller to the devices comprising the transaction ID and a controller counter. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165991 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HUMIDITY OF A SERVER - A humidity control system and method controls humidity in a server by acquiring a humidity value inside of the server using a humidity detector of the server at a predetermined time interval. The method further includes disabling a dehumidifier of the server to dehumidify the inside of the server, upon the condition that the acquired humidity value is greater than a predetermined first threshold value. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165992 | Fuel Economizer Algorithm for Hydronic and Steam Heating Systems - An economizer component of a controller used for fuel efficient temperature regulation of a medium circulated through a zone within a hydronic and steam heating system is disclosed. The controller component includes an input interface adapted to determine if the system requires heat based on receiving one or more of a call for heat from the zone, or an indication that a burner of the system is active. The component further includes a dynamic adaptation module configured to provide a burner control signal for heating the system if required. The control signal has an adjustable high limit, and the dynamic adaptation module is configured to increment the adjustable high limit by an increment value, to a value no greater than a maximum high limit, if it is determined that the system requires heat, and decrement the adjustable high limit by a decrement value, to a value no lower than a minimum high limit, if it is determined that the system does not require heat. The component is configured to dynamically adapt to changing heating system requirements received by the input interface. The component is adjusted by the dynamic adaptation module, to control the burner by way of the burner control signal to efficiently regulate the temperature of the medium circulated through the zone within the heating system. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165993 | Self-Programming Thermostat System, Method and Computer Program Product - Self-programmable thermostat control system and method that automatically senses, creates and suggests highly energy efficient optimized setback schedules in a controllable and predictable manner for a user in accordance with consistently updated historical occupancy patterns of a heated and/or cooled space. Through the use of this system and method, users will be able to reduce inefficiency from the setback schedules produced by other thermostats and select one of the many energy efficient setback schedules produced by the system through an easy to use display screen built into the self-programmable thermostat. With this unique system and method, the user is able to customize their energy efficiency and comfort level in their cooled and/or heated space by selecting the set-back schedule that fits best with their pocketbook and comfort level all at the turn of a knob. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165994 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TUNING THE RESONANCE FREQUENCY OF AN ENERGY ABSORBING DEVICE FOR A STRUCTURE IN RESPONSE TO A DISRUPTIVE FORCE - The invention is a system and method for automatically adjusting the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device in response to a disruptive force. By configuring an energy absorbing device for automatic response tuning, utilizing a controller coupled to one or more sensors for processing a determination primarily based on sensing data, the natural period of an overall structure may be adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased) so that the acceleration response of the structure is decreased upon being subjected to a disruptive force, for example, high winds, a blast from an explosion, or a seismic force caused by an earthquake. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165995 | Slug Countermeasure Systems and Methods - In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving slug attribute information from a distributed or multi-point sensing system coupled to a fluid processing system, the slug attribute information associated with one or more slugs present in the fluid processing system; determining by a processor whether to activate one or more control devices of the fluid processing system to effect slug countermeasures based on the slug attribute information, the slug countermeasures comprising slug control; and activating the one or more control devices responsive to the determination. | 2012-06-28 |