30th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 50 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110184453 | VASCULAR REMODELING DEVICE - A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of polymer filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of polymer loops forming a generally spherical shape. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184454 | EMBOLIC IMPLANTS - Embolic coils are disclosed. The coils include an inner coil, an outer coil, and a stretch resistant member. Some embodiments include a large diameter outer coil formed from a small diameter wire. The inner coils may be either closed pitch or open pitch. Alternative coils include an inner coil that is shape set to a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the outer coil. Another alternative coil has multiple stretch resistant members. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184455 | Embolization Device Constructed From Expansile Polymer - Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184456 | VASCULAR AND BODILY DUCT TREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184457 | Manufacture and Use of Tourniquet Cuff with Improved Pneumatic Passageway - Disclosed are methods of manufacturing and inflating an elongated bladder of a tourniquet cuff that may be secured around the limb of a patient. The method includes sealing together side edges of layers of material to form the bladder, and stiffening the cuff with a stiffener for compressing the portion of the bladder underlying the stiffener inwardly toward the limb while preventing two layers of the cuff from contacting each other at a location adjacent to an edge of the cuff to thus provide a continuous pneumatic passageway in the bladder between the overlying stiffener and the sealed edge for distributing inflating gas through the passageway along the length of the bladder. The method also includes separating the layers that form the bladder with a flange member that together with the bottom layer of the bladder defines a channeled passageway extending away from a port opening in the bladder for delivering gas through the channeled passageway, beyond the flange member and into the inflatable bladder, such that pressurized gas received in the port opening is directed through the channeled passageway and toward the continuous pneumatic passageway that is adjacent to the sealed edge. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184458 | Medical Gripping Device - The present invention relates to an endoscope cap with a holding and withdrawal device for a tissue clip ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184459 | Articulating Surgical Device - An articulation mechanism for a surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly, a plurality of cables, and a trigger. The cables are coupled to the articulation assembly at a proximal end thereof and extend distally therefrom. The cables are configured to engage an end effector assembly of the surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. The trigger is coupled to the articulation assembly and is selectively moveable from a shipping position to a use position. In the shipping position, the cables are substantially un-tensioned. In the use position, the cables are disposed in an initial tensioned position. In the use position, the trigger is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the cables are selectively tensionable to articulate the end effector assembly. In the locked position, the tensions on the cables are maintained to lock the end effector assembly in position. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184460 | PACIFIERS - Improved pacifiers having less than two air holes within the pacifier shield. In one series of embodiments, a single enlarged air hole is provided through the pacifier shield. In a further series of embodiments, no air holes are provided through the shield, the pacifier shield being designed with arms forming gaps allowing the ventilation of air. In preferred embodiments, a support base extends from the baglet support and a rim extending from the support base such that the baglet support, the support base, and the rim in combination define a single opening in the shield or a gap between the arms of the pacifier shield and the pacifier shield body allowing passage of air therethrough and increasing the safety and comfort of use of the pacifier. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184461 | VARIABLE ANGLE ADAPTIVE PLATE - A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184462 | VERTEBRAL ROD CONNECTOR AND METHODS OF USE - A vertebral rod connector includes a first portion configured to engage a fastener construct and define a first longitudinal axis. A second portion is configured to engage a vertebral rod and define a second longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first longitudinal axis. A flexible linking portion is disposed for connecting the first portion with the second portion. The linking portion has a bifurcated configuration oriented transverse to the first longitudinal axis. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184463 | SLIDING ROD SYSTEM FOR CORRECTING SPINAL DEFORMITIES - A sliding rod system ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184464 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE STABILIZATION OF BONY STRUCTURES - One nonlimiting embodiment of the present application is directed to a system for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach. The system generally includes a number of bone anchors engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and a number of anchor extenders removably engaged to the bone anchors. An inserter instrument is removably positioned adjacent to one of the anchor extenders and is operable to position a connecting element engaged thereto to a location adjacent the number of bone anchors in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184465 | UNIQUE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SYSTEM FOR SECURING CONNECTING ROD ELEMENT TO TRAILING ENDS OF ADJACENT PEDICLE SCREWS - A spinal stabilizing system with at least one connecting rod-like elongated member; a plurality of bone fastening screws that are implantable into the pedicles of the superior and inferior vertebrae comprising at least one target motion segment, wherein said screws being then coupleable to said connecting rod and this system thereby being capable of stabilizing and hence eliminating any between the vertebrae of the target motion segment and wherein the trailing ends of said bone fastening screws is provided with a cradle which couples with said connecting rod-like elongated member. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184466 | Spinal Instrumentation Systems and Methods of Making and Using the Same - Spinal instrumentation systems are disclosed. Methods of making and using spinal instrumentation systems are also disclosed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184467 | DYNAMIC CONSTRUCTS FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION - Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchors engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connector assembly engageable with the anchors to provide a desired stabilization effect. The connector assembly can include a connecting element and a bumper element engageable to the first and second anchors. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184468 | SPINOUS PROCESS FUSION PLATE WITH OSTEOINTEGRATION INSERT - A spinal implant clamps to the spinous processes and provides an osteointegration material between the spinous processes so that there may be osteointegration between the spinous processes and a portion of the implant located in the interspinous space. The implant includes first and second plates, a post that extends between the plates and into at least one of the plates, a locking mechanism for locking the relative positions of the plates, and an osteointegration sleeve. The sleeve is disposed between the first and second plates and has an inner surface defining a longitudinal through-passage that is disposed about an outer surface of the post. The sleeve includes osteointegration material and is distinct from the post. The osteointegration material of the sleeve may be, for example, allograft bone or a bone growth material such as bone morphogenetic protein. Related methods are also described. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184469 | SET SCREW ALIGNMENT TOOL - A surgical instrument for reducing a rod toward a bone fastener and securing it thereto with a set screw having a cylindrical fastener engaging member extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal portion of said fastener engaging member being adapted to receive a portion of the rod therein and being further adapted to engage the bone fastener. The instrument further being provided with a coaxial set screw installation member extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the set screw installation member being adapted to receive and hold the set screw securely within its distal end. The fastener engaging member and coaxial set screw installation member being operable together to reduce the rod distally into the bone fastener and then rotationally attach the set screw into the bone fastener while holding the rod in contact with the bone fastener. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184470 | BONE SCREW ASSEMBLY - A bone screw assembly includes a first bone screw, second bone screw, and a coupler. The first bone screw defines a first axis and the second bone screw defines a second axis. The coupler is operably associated with the first bone screw and the second bone screw. The coupler is adapted to mount the first bone screw and the second bone screw to adjacent bone structures. The first axis of the first bone screw and the second axis of the second bone screw define an angle therebetween. The first bone screw and the second bone screw are securable to each other. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184471 | BONE ANCHOR WITH PREDETERMINED BREAK POINT AND REMOVAL FEATURES - A bone anchor including a bone engaging portion, a tool engaging portion configured for engagement with an anchor removal tool, a head portion having a transverse base portion and two arm portions that together define a U-shaped channel, and a reduced strength portion extending between the tool engaging portion and the head portion and defining a region of reduced strength to provide a pre-defined fracture initiator or break zone. In another embodiment, the bone anchor includes a proximal head and a threaded shank having a plurality of thread turns adapted for anchoring to bone and extending along a threaded length that is at least twice the overall height of the proximal head, and a plurality of grooves circumferentially interrupting at least one of the thread turns along a proximal region of the threaded shank and sized and shaped for engagement with an anchor removal instrument. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184472 | Expandable Bone Support - A bone fixation device comprises a rod extending from a proximal end located external to the body in an operative configuration to a distal end comprising an increased diameter tip sized and shaped to be received in a subchondral layer in the operative configuration and a first bushing slidably received over the rod, a distal portion of the first bushing comprising a plurality of arms separable from one another to spread radially outward from the rod as the first bushing is moved distally over the tip of the rod in combination with a cannulated element slidably received over the rod, the cannulated element sized and shaped to engage a proximal end of the first bushing, a portion thereof located external to the bone in the operative configuration so that a distally directed force applied thereto moves the first bushing distally over the rod spreading the arms radially outward. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184473 | Method and apparatus for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techniques - An improved method and guide wire assembly used in a system, set of instrumentation and method comprising the combination and use of plural pedicle screws, a rod for connecting pedicle screws in a relatively rigid manner, and instrumentation to optimize insertion of the rod into the pedicle screws, the assembly having a guide wire and instrumentation to grasp a medial portion of the guide wire to pull the medial portion through all the pedicle screws and connecting the loop to the end of a fixation rod, whereby one end of the guide wire is mounted to a pedicle screw, all the screws are implanted into the vertebrae, and the rod subsequently guided into the pedicle screws by pulling the guide wire loop back through the pedicle screws, all using minimally invasive surgical incisions. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184474 | POLYAXIAL SCREW ASSEMBLY - A polyaxial screw assembly includes an internal load dampening mechanism for sharing and dampening loads between at least one screw member and at least one rod member interconnected by the assembly. A method of interconnecting the orthopedic screw with the rod includes dampening with a body member interconnecting the screw to the rod. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184475 | System, instrumentation and method for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techiques - A cable threader device for passing a guide cable between pedicle screws during minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device comprising a handle with a trigger mechanism, the handle mounted onto an elongated shaft having a curved free end with a detachable curved lead member retained in telescoping manner on the end of the body. The guide cable is affixed to the lead member, the instrument is inserted into a first screw tower, the trigger mechanism is activated to advance the lead member into the adjacent tower, and the lead member and guide cable are retrieved through the second tower. Alternatively, the lead member is a hollow sleeve and the guide cable is pushed through the lead member. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184476 | FEMORAL RING LOADER - An instrument for inserting an implant between vertebral bodies, including a holder adapted to hold the implant during insertion of the implant between the vertebral bodies, a retractor adapted to retract the holder away from the implant after the insertion, and a guard adapted to prevent the implant from being removed from between the vertebral bodies during the retraction. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184477 | Aiming Arm for Locking of Bone Nails - An aiming arm ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184478 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE FIXATION OR FUSION OF BONE - A joint between two bone segments is fused by passing an elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device over a guide pin across the joint and into tight engagement within bores formed in the bone segments, to thereby restrict movement of the elongated bone fusion device across the joint. The elongated, rectilinear bone fusion device also provides bony in-growth within the bores along the exterior surface of the bone fusion device. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184479 | LEAD CONNECTOR WITH GLASS INSULATORS - A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating glass material. The electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings in axial alignment. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184480 | LEAD CONNECTOR WITH GLASS BRAZE - A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating ceramic ring. An electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings to the insulating ceramic ring in axial alignment. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184481 | STORAGE OF DATA FOR EVALUATION OF LEAD INTEGRITY - In general, the disclosure describes techniques for storing data corresponding to sensed high-rate non-sustained episodes that occur close in time to detection of a lead integrity condition. A method comprises detecting a first high-rate non-sustained episode, activating a data storage operation for storing data associated with high rate non-sustained episodes in response to detecting the first episode, and storing data associated with the first episode in an episode log in response to activating the data storage operation. Another method comprises detecting a lead integrity condition, and activating a data storage operation for storing data associated with high rate non-sustained episodes in response to detecting the condition. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184482 | NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AND IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A non-rechargeable battery comprising: an anode; a cathode comprising a binder comprising styrene-butadiene rubber; a separator between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte contacting the anode, the cathode, and the separator. Such batteries can be used in implantable medical devices. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184483 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES WITH LOW VOLUME BATTERIES, AND SYSTEMS - Implantable medical devices, implantable medical device systems that include such implantable medical devices, and implantable medical device batteries, as well as methods of making. Such devices can include a battery of relatively small volume but of relatively high power (reported as therapeutic power) and relatively high capacity (reported as capacity density). | 2011-07-28 |
20110184484 | Automatic External Defibrillator with Active Status Indicator - An AED includes defibrillation circuitry housed within an enclosure, a first processor programmed to periodically test the operability of the defibrillation circuitry and a second processor in communication with the first processor. The AED further includes a visual indicator, such as a red/green LED, positioned at the exterior of the enclosure that is operatively connected to the second processor. The second processor is programmed to control the visual indicator in response to the periodic test results provided to it by the first processor. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184485 | ADAPTIVE RATE PROGRAMMING CONTROL IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES USING VENTRICULAR-ARTERIAL COUPLING SURROGATES - Selection of an appropriate rate programming control (RPC) setting in an implantable medical device (IMD), uses analysis of VA coupling surrogate conditions. The VA coupling surrogate conditions are derived from signals such as cardiogenic impedance, blood pressure, and the pulsatile components of PPG. By analyzing a waveform of the measured surrogate condition, the IMD estimates wall stiffness, through the slope of the waveform, and peripheral arterial pressure, through the reflection time between the main wave and reflection wave of the waveform. These values are plotted against each other on a VA coupling coordinate plane. Based on the location and orientation of the resulting VA coupling plot, the IMD selects an appropriate RPC setting. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184486 | COMBINATION OF TONIC AND BURST STIMULATIONS TO TREAT NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a combination of burst and tonic stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184487 | REVERSING COGNITIVE-MOTOR IMPAIRMENTS IN PATIENTS HAVING A NEURO-DEGENERATIVE DISEASE USING A COMPUTATIONAL MODELING APPROACH TO DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PROGRAMMING - A system and method may provide for conducting a stimulation of anatomic regions to treat a neuromotor, neurocognitive or neuromotor and neurocognitive disorder, according to which stimulation, motor regions are stimulated, while creep of current to non-motor regions is minimized. Stimulation parameters may be selected based on tests of motor function, tests of cognitive function, and tests of a combination of motor and cognitive functions. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184488 | SPINAL CORD STIMULATION TO TREAT PAIN - A system and method for treating pain without paresthesia by spinal cord stimulation. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184489 | METHOD OF TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS - The present invention relates, in general, to movement disorders and, in particular, to a method of treating movement disorders, including Parkinson's Disease. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184490 | Multi-Electrode Integration in a Visual Prosthesis - The present invention is a method of stimulating visual neurons to create the perception of light. A visual prosthesis electrically stimulating the retina with implanted electrodes exhibits interaction between electrodes stimulated closely together in both space and time. The method of the present invention includes determining a minimum distance at which spatiotemporal interactions occur, determining a minimum time at which spatiotemporal interactions occur, and avoiding stimulation of electrodes within the minimum distance during the minimum time. The minimum are ideally established for each individual patient. Alternatively, approximate minimums have been established by the applicants at 2 mm and 1.8 μsec. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184491 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The disclosure relates generally to wireless communication with an implantable medical device. An implantable medical device (IMD) may initiate the establishment of a communication session by sending a wakeup communication to an external device with which the IMD desires to communicate. The external device may operate in low power state (sometimes referred to as a sleep state or a low current state) in which the external device occasionally powers up telemetry circuitry to monitor for the wakeup communication from the IMD. Upon receiving the wakeup communication, the external device transitions from the low power state to a high power state to establish the communication session with the IMD. Operating the external device in the low power state when no communication session is established reduces the amount of power consumed by the external device when no telemetry is occurring, thus enabling the external device to be powered by a battery. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184492 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION BETWEEN IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A system for communicating information between at least two medical devices implanted within the body of a subject using volume conduction of electrical signals as a means of communication and wherein one of the implanted medical devices is configured to provide electrical stimulation to the tissue is disclosed. The system comprises a first implant device having at least two transmit electrodes configured to transmit electrical stimulation pulses, wherein one of the electrodes may be a common return electrode, an encoding means configured to employ a channel as a transmitter transmission medium for stimulation pulses and encoding the information into the stimulation pulses, a second implant device having at least two receive electrodes configured to receive the transmitted stimulation pulses with encoded information, and a decoding means configured to decode the information encoded into the stimulation pulses. The disclosed system provides reliable and efficient communication between implantable receiver devices. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184493 | DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY PROGRAMMING - A distributed system comprises a programming device and a remotely located server. During a programming session, the programming device transmits programs and rating information associated with the programs to the server. The server presents the rating information to a clinician to assist the clinician in selecting from among programs tested during the programming session. The programming device may also transmit patient information and device configuration information to the server for storage with selected programs and rating information within a database as part of a patient record. Programs and information received from a plurality of programming devices and for a plurality of patients may be stored in the database and analyzed by the server to provide responses to user queries made by clinicians via programming devices. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184494 | Method and apparatus for stimulating the sphenopalatine ganglion to modify properties of the BBB and cerebral blood - Apparatus for modifying a property of a brain of a patient is provided, including one or more electrodes ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184495 | PROBE FOR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRO-STIMULATION DEVICE - The invention relates to a probe for an implantable electro-stimulation device. The probe ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184496 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE CHANNEL INDEPENDENT RATE CONTROL - Techniques are described in this disclosure for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient over multiple channels, with independent rate control for each channel, using a single stimulation generator. In one example, the disclosure describes a method for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient that includes delivering first electrical stimulation pulses at a first programmed rate on a first channel using a stimulation generator, and delivering second electrical stimulation pulses at a second programmed rate on a second channel using the stimulation generator, the second programmed rate being different than the first programmed rate, and the second programmed rate being independent of the first programmed rate. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184497 | AC LOGIC POWERED STIMULATOR IC FOR NEURAL PROSTHESIS - Disclosed is a neural stimulator for neural prosthesis: including a power receiver which receives power from outside and supplies the received power to a circuitry including an electrical signal generator; the electrical signal generator which generates a neural stimulating electrical signal; and a casing which protects the power receiver and the electrical signal generator from bodily fluid, wherein the power supplied by the power receiver to the circuitry including the electrical signal generator is AC logic power. In accordance with this disclosure, a neural stimulator with reduced production cost, simplified production process and reduced size, as compared with those of the related art, while being safe, may be provided. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184498 | Interactive vision therapy board - A light board machine useful for visual training and therapy purposes includes a planar backboard having an array of light locations having two colored lights (red and green), a microprocessor controller for controlling the operation, sequencing and timing of the lights, and a user-feedback device, such as a touch-activated panel, which cooperate to provide visual training and therapy functions. The present invention includes the option to use red (lights) only, green only or red and green in a random order. The present invention also includes letters and numbers behind some of the lights (e.g. 80 of the 120 lights), and has a sequential pattern option of 30, 60, 90 or 120 lights. This invention is compatible with the use of red/green glasses to accommodate training of binocularity and depth. This invention is used in a therapy setting and will helps to enhance eye hand coordination, response/reaction time, peripheral vision/awareness, localization, awareness of space and depth perception, eye tracking (saccades and occulomotor), sequential movement and processing, as well as a cognitive loading component that therapists use in a variety of ways for individual patients and specific therapy modalities. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184499 | SKIN TREATMENT DEVICE AND SYSTEM - The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a skin care device and system for treating skin. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a skin care device implements a high-frequency sonic or ultrasound emitter to exfoliate, cleanse, and smooth skin in combination with light therapy. Advanced microfiber brush heads are interchangeable and vary in color to provide different colored light therapy to the skin. The present invention can be used every day to help refresh skin cells, improve surface texture, and prepare the skin to better absorb cosmeceutical beauty treatments. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184501 | Portable Fluid Warming System - The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for warming biocompatible fluids for use in the treatment of injured patients and a method of heating a biocompatible fluid to treat a patient experiencing hypothermia. The present invention may be used to warm intravenous fluids for trauma resuscitation or to warm air from a ventilator circuit. The portable nature of the present invention makes it highly suitable for field applications, such as a forward surgical hospital near a combat zone. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184502 | HEATING ELEMENT WITH THERMAL FUSE - A heating pad for providing heat that comprises a heating element having an outer covering, an electrical and control assembly, and an inner sheet placed within the outer covering of the heating element. The electrical and control assembly includes a power cord and a controller switch that is attached to the heating element. The inner sheet houses a heating filament thereon. The heating filament has at least one thermostat attached along the heating filament for monitoring the temperature of the filament and at least one thermal fuse attached along the heating filament for preventing the filament from overheating. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184503 | METHOD OF MAKING 3-DIMENSIONAL NEURAL PROBES HAVING ELECTRICAL AND CHEMICAL INTERFACES - A method of fabricating a three-dimensional neural probe includes the steps of: growing thermal oxide layer; depositing a layer of Au/Cr on the thermal oxide layer; patterning the layer of Au/Cr; depositing a layer of parylene C; etching the thermal oxide layer to release a plurality of islands; and folding the islands onto one another in stacked relation. The layer of Au/Cr is formed by an evaporation process, and the layer of parylene C is deposited to a thickness of approximately 8 μm. DRIE is used to perform the etching, and HF is used to remove the thermal oxide. A spacer is disposed intermediate of two of the islands. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184504 | Methods and Apparatus for Providing an Arteriovenous Fistula - Methods and apparatus for creating an artificial arteriovenous fistula between an artery and an adjacent vein are disclosed. Methods include utilizing a hollow spiral shunt that defines a fluid passageway between a proximal port and a distal port thereof. The spiral shunt is loaded within a delivery device that is transversely advanced through a wall of the artery. A piercing end of the spiral shunt is than exposed and the delivery device is rotated to pierce an opposing wall of the artery and a wall of the adjacent vein with the spiral shunt piercing end. Rotation of the delivery device corkscrews the spiral shunt through the walls of the artery and the vein in order to position the spiral shunt to fluidly connect the artery and vein. Once so positioned, the spiral shunt is released to be deployed between the artery and vein lumens thereby forming an artificial arteriovenous fistula therebetween. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184505 | Components, Systems and Methods for Forming Anastomoses Using Magnetism or Other Coupling Means - Anastomotic components may be attached to hollow bodies or vessels by magnetic or mechanical force to create an anastomosis, form a port in a vessel, or repair a diseased vessel lumen. Anastomoses are created by coupling a first connection to an end of a vessel and then attracting it to a second connector secured to the side wall of another vessel. The connection between the first and second connectors may be solidly magnetic, solely mechanical, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are methods and devices for treating diseased vessel lumens, for example abdominal aortic aneurysm. A plurality of docking members is attached to the vessel at solicited positions, and then one or more grafts is secured to the docking members in any suitable manner. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184506 | VASCULAR STENT - A vascular stent to be implanted in a vessel of a living body to scaffold the vessel from inside is provided. The stent includes a tubular body formed by assembling a plurality of tubular-body forming elements constituting a part of a tubular body. The tubular-body forming elements are formed by bending a strand made of a biodegradable polymer such that legs as linear parts and bend parts alternate in sequence, to form a single flow channel from one end to the other end. The plurality of tubular-body forming elements constitute the tubular body by connecting and unifying two connecting members by melt welding, each of the connecting members being attached to adjacent portions of the plurality of tubular-body forming elements. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184507 | MULTI-SECTION STENT - A multi-section tubular device suitable for use as a stent is provided. The multisection tubular device includes a first tubular section ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184508 | IMPROVED TISSUE SUPPORTING DEVICES - A new multiple component stent arrangement which allows for initial self-expansion and subsequent deformation to a final enlarged size. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184509 | DUAL SHEATH ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A sheath assembly is provided for protecting a stent mounted on a catheter. An inner tubular member is positioned over the stent without longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member along the stent surface thereby eliminating the possibility of scraping or scratching a drug coating or polymer coating on the stent surface or balloon surface. An outer tubular member slides over the inner tubular member to firmly compress it onto the stent for further protection. In use, the outer tubular member is removed from over the inner tubular member so that the two half-cylindrical portions of the inner tubular member can fall away from the stent without longitudinal movement along the stent surface. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184510 | TRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR USING TENSION - A method is provided, including implanting at least a first tissue-engaging element in a first portion of tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve of a patient, implanting at least a second tissue-engaging element in a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with an atrium of a heart of the patient, and drawing at least a first leaflet of the valve toward at least a second leaflet of the valve by adjusting a distance between the portion of the blood vessel and the first portion of tissue in the vicinity of the heart valve of the patient. Other applications are also described. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184511 | TRICUSPID RING - A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends can be configured to be stiff in the XY plane and relatively flexible along the Z axis. A tricuspid ring can be provided with a substantially elliptical shape in the XY plane, and a saddle shape in the Z direction. Disclosed tricuspid rings can include an inner core, an elastomeric interface, and an outer fabric covering. In some embodiments, the inner core can include a plurality of stacked layers of different materials. In some embodiments, the inner core can be formed of a single material and sized specifically to create a tricuspid ring that has a greater stiffness in the XY plane than along the Z axis. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184512 | VALVE APTATION ASSIST DEVICE - An apparatus including a tether, and an aptation device coupled to the tether at a position corresponding to a location to contact cusps of an atrioventricular valve during systole, wherein the tether and aptation device are suitable for percutaneous delivery to a patient. An apparatus including a support annulus comprising a length corresponding to a circumference of one of an interior portion of an atrium and an atrioventricular valve annulus; and an aptation device coupled to the support annulus corresponding to a location to contact cusps of an atrioventricular valve during at least one of systole when the support annulus is seated in one of an atrium and an atrioventricular valve annulus, wherein the support annulus and aptation device are suitable for percutaneous delivery to a patient. Also, a method of introducing an aptation device to contact cusps or leaflets of an atrioventricular valve. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184513 | Artificial corneal implant - A material that can be applied as implants designed to artificially replace or augment the cornea, such as an artificial cornea, corneal onlay, or corneal inlay (intrastromal lens) is provided. The artificial corneal implant has a double network hydrogel with a first network interpenetrated with a second network. The first network and the second network are based on biocompatible polymers. At least one of the network polymers is based on a hydrophilic polymer. The artificial cornea or implant has epithelialization promoting biomolecules that are covalently linked to the surface of the double network hydrogel using an azide-active-ester chemical linker. Corneal epithelial cells or cornea-derived cells are adhered to the biomolecules. The double network has a physiologic diffusion coefficient to allow passage of nutrients to the adhered cells. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184514 | INTRAOCULAR MENISCUS LENS PROVIDING PSEUDO-ACCOMMODATION - An intraocular lens providing pseudo-accommodation includes a haptic assembly configured to position the accommodating intraocular lens; and a meniscus-shaped optic having a convex face and a concave face. The meniscus-shaped optic has an uncompressed state within an eye when the ciliary muscles are relaxed and a compressed state within the eye when the ciliary muscles are contracted. A principal plane of the meniscus-shaped optic in the uncompressed state is anterior to the principal plane of the meniscus-shaped optic in the compressed state. A spherical aberration of the meniscus-shaped optic is substantially different in the compressed state than in the uncompressed state. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184515 | Devices For Introduction Into A Body Via A Substantially Straight Conduit To Form A Predefined Curved Configuration, And Methods Employing Such Devices - A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184516 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MATERIAL FIXATION - A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression. Graft strength has been found to be greater than 1,000 N (Newtons), which is desirable for ACL reconstruction systems. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184517 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MATERIAL FIXATION - A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression. Graft strength has been found to be greater than 1,000 N (Newtons), which is desirable for ACL reconstruction systems. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184518 | SACRO-ILIAC JOINT IMPLANT - A sacro-iliac implant includes at least one wedge-shaped body. The body defines an outer surface configured to engage at least one articular surface of a sacro-iliac joint. Systems and methods employing the sacro-iliac implant are disclosed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184519 | SACRO-ILIAC JOINT IMPLANT SYSTEM, METHOD AND INSTRUMENT - A sacro-iliac implant delivery instrument includes a first arm connected to a first cannula. The first cannula is rotatable relative to the first arm and is configured for support of a fastening element. A second arm is connected to the first arm. The second arm is rotatable relative to the first arm and is configured for detachable connection to a sacro-iliac implant. The second arm and the first cannula are configured for rotation relative to the first arm to a preset orientation such that the second arm is disposed along a first predetermined trajectory for delivering the sacro-iliac implant and the first cannula is disposed along a second predetermined trajectory for delivering the fastening element in alignment with the sacro-iliac implant for transarticular fixation. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184520 | SACRO-ILIAC JOINT IMPLANT, METHOD AND APPARATUS - A sacro-iliac implant system includes at least one implant including a body defining an outer surface and being expandable in at least one dimension. The body is configured to expand in the at least one dimension from a first orientation to a second orientation such that the outer surface engages and spaces apart opposing articular surfaces of a sacro-iliac joint to fix the body with the articular surfaces. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184521 | PROSTHESIS CONNECTION MECHANISM - A prosthesis comprising a component for engaging a surface of a vertebral body is disclosed. The component comprises a bone-engaging surface and an outer surface that is not bone-engaging, wherein the bone-engaging surface is configured to engage a portion of the surface of the vertebral body, wherein the vertebral body has been configured to engage with the bone-engaging surface, and wherein after the component is engaged with the vertebral body, at least at a location of an area of a junction between a vertical surface and an endplate surface of the vertebral body, the outer surface of the component has a shape that is substantially similar to an anatomical shape of the vertebral body. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184522 | MODULAR INTERBODY DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and devices for spacing vertebral members using modular intervertebral devices and insertion tools. The devices may include opposing first and second endplates, and an intermediate member configured to fit between and support the endplates. The insertion tool may include an elongated handle and a distracter. A method of inserting the device using the tool may include inserting the endplates positioned on opposing sides of the handle into the intervertebral space and positioning the endplates in the intervertebral space relative to first and second vertebral members. The method may include deploying the distracter and increasing a distance between the endplates. Another step may include inserting the intermediate member into the intervertebral space and between the endplates and supporting the endplates with the intermediate member. The insertion tool may then be removed from the intervertebral space. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184523 | SLIDE-ON END CAP FOR A VERTEBRAL IMPLANT - An implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral members, comprising an implant body with a base section having positioning teeth, and an end cap adapted for positioning at a selected point on the base section via adjustment of an approach direction. The end cap comprises a seating surface adapted to contact the base section when positioned on the implant body, an end cap angulation, and positioning passages adapted to receive the positioning teeth. The implant may further comprise a locking mechanism adapted to lockingly engage the end cap and base section and prevent axial movement of the end cap. The positioning passages and positioning teeth are complementarily configured to facilitate slideably positioning the end cap on the base section. The implant body and end cap combination will impart end cap angulation to an adjacent vertebral body at the selected point when the implant is positioned in the intervertebral space. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184524 | IMPLANT FOR INSERTION BETWEEN VERTEBRAL BODIES OF THE SPINAL COLUMN - An implant ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184525 | Knee joint endoprosthesis - A knee joint endoprosthesis comprises a femoral component, a tibial component and a meniscal component mounted between the femoral component and the tibial component. The meniscal component is mounted on the tibial component for rotation about an axis of rotation extending at the medial side, a rotation guiding device being provided to force rotational movement of the meniscal component relative to the tibial component about the axis of rotation as a result of pivotal movement of the femoral component and the tibial component relative to each other about a pivot axis extending transversely to the axis of rotation. The rotation guiding device comprises interacting first and second guiding elements arranged or formed, on the one hand, on the femoral component and, on the other hand, on the tibial component. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184526 | PATIENT-MODIFIED IMPLANT - An orthopedic implant includes a first portion including at least one feature modified to be patient-specific and match the anatomy of a specific patient from a three-dimensional digital image of a patient's joint using computer modeling. The orthopedic implant includes a non-custom inner bone-engaging surface including a plurality of planar surfaces configured for engagement with non-custom bone cuts. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184527 | Modular Proximal Interphalangeal Joint - A modular proximal interphalangeal joint implant assembly including a first stem component, a second stem component, and an articulation assembly. The first stem component includes a first locking device and is operable to be implanted in a proximal phalanx bone. The second stem component includes a second locking device and is operable to be implanted in a middle phalanx bone. The articulation assembly includes a first articulation component operable to be removably attached to the first locking device and a second articulation component operable to be removably attached to the second locking device. The articulation assembly can include a semi-constrained articulation assembly or a constrained articulation assembly. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184528 | Resurfacing Implant - An implant for use on a joint-facing end of a bone includes a cap having convex outer surface overlying a concave inner surface and a stem protruding from the inner surface such that an edge of the cap surrounds the stem and overhangs a portion of the stem leading up to the inner surface. The stem may further include a plurality of raised ridges parallel to its length that begin near a tip of the stem and extend onto the portion of the stem overhung by the edge. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184529 | Implants Comprising Titanium and Carbonate and Methods of Producing Implants - The invention relates to a substrate comprising a bioactive element and a method to obtain the substrate with the bioactive element. The plate comprising the bioactive element relies upon formation of a carbonate layer containing biologically relevant and active ions on a surface of the substrate. Via the surface modification and mineralization, features such as bone bioactivity and/or sustained ion release can be achieved. This is beneficial for the fixation and thus the long-term outcome of implanted materials. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184530 | High performance reticulated elastomeric matrix preparation, properties, reinforcement, and use in surgical devices, tissue augmentation and/or tissue repair - This invention relates to reticulated elastomeric matrices, their manufacture, their post-processing, such as their reinforcement, compressive molding or annealing, and uses including uses for implantable devices into or for topical treatment of patients, such as humans and other animals, for surgical devices, tissue augmentation, tissue repair, therapeutic, nutritional, or other useful purposes. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184531 | OPEN CELLED FOAMS, IMPLANTS INCLUDING THEM AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING SAME - Described herein are open celled foams including a matrix of interconnected spheres. Also described herein are methods of making open celled foams as well as making composite members with open celled foam coatings covering at least a portion of the composite member. The open celled foams described herein are silicone based materials and can be used to coat implants such as breast implants and function to encourage tissue ingrowth and reduce capsular formation. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184532 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND CONNECTING SYSTEM USING VACUUM - A prosthetic device comprises a connecting portion for connecting to a person using vacuum; and a control structure for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, wherein the control structure includes: a vacuum pump ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184533 | CONTROL NETWORK SYSTEM, MASTER APPARATUS, CONTROL DATA PROCESSING METHOD, AND CONTROL DATA PROCESSING PROGRAM - A control computer as a master apparatus in a control network system includes a packet generation unit. The packet generation unit: selects a control command for writing a data from among packet generation information; references the packet generation information for each of the selected control command; and includes a data for write which is read from an address in a storage section corresponding to the each control command, in a control packet to generate the control packet. A communication unit transmits the generated control packet to a controlled object as a slave device. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184534 | CONFIGURATION OF ORDERED MULTICOMPONENT DEVICES - A method of configuring communications between a computing device includes coupling the one or more SIE units to a communication link; receiving at the computing device an indication that the one or more SIE units are coupled to the communication link; selecting one or more of the one or more SIE units for connection; and transmitting an internet protocol address to the selected SIE units. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184535 | Apparatus and Method for Simulating a Control Program - An apparatus for accessing a controller, wherein a first control program for controlling a process runs in the controller and the process is actively controlled by a process image of first input signals, which are received by the controller, and first output signals, which are output to the process by the controller. The apparatus comprises an interface for interchanging data with the controller and a computation unit for executing program code instructions of a second control program. The apparatus also includes a comparison device which is configured such that the first output signals can be compared with second output signals and provide a comparison result, where the second output signals can be generated by the second control program, the program code instructions of which differ from the program code instructions of the first control program. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184536 | SAMPLE ANALYZER, SAMPLE ANALYZING METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section for performing measurement of a sample; a display for displaying an analysis result that is obtained based on the measurement of the sample performed by the measurement section; a controller for receiving a transmission instruction to transmit a screen displayed by the display; and a transmitter for transmitting, to an external destination, image data of the screen for which the controller has received the transmission instruction, together with identification information for identifying the sample analyzer or a facility where the sample analyzer is installed. A method for controlling a sample analyzer and a computer program product are also disclosed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184537 | Multi-Level Controller System - The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184538 | Electronic Golf Assistant Utilizing Electronic Storing - Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes providing, by a user device, a user interface configured to receive golf scoring data from a user, the user interface including a default score based on predetermined data related to past performance; receiving a first piece of golf scoring data from the user; determining, from the received first piece of golf scoring data, a second piece of golf scoring data; and storing the first piece of golf scoring data and the second piece of golf scoring data. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184539 | SELECTING AUDIO DATA TO BE PLAYED BACK IN AN AUDIO REPRODUCTION DEVICE - A method for selecting audio data to be played back in an audio reproduction device, and an audio reproduction device are described. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184540 | VOLUME ADJUSTING METHOD FOR DIGITAL AUDIO SIGNAL - A method for adjusting the volume of a digital audio signal includes detecting a level in accordance with an audio input signal, determining a gain value in accordance with the detected level, and outputting an audio output signal in accordance with the gain value and the audio input signal. Accordingly, weak audio signals such as background noise in silent periods may be compressed to reduce interference to the human listening experience during such silent periods. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184541 | Plug-and-Play audio device - The present invention discloses a plug-and-play audio device which can electrically connect to a computer communication interface of a computer device. The plug-and-play audio device comprises a communication interface control unit, a isochronous transfer node unit, an audio control unit, a micro-control unit, a bulk data transfer node unit, a bidirectional data transfer interface unit, a data reading unit, and a data storage unit. The isochronous transfer node unit electrically connects to the communication interface control unit and the audio control unit. The bidirectional data transfer interface unit electrically connects to the micro-control unit and the bulk data transfer node unit, and further comprises a transmission interface to connect an external device. The data reading unit electrically connects to the bulk data transfer node unit. The data storage unit comprises storage modules, driver storage modules and audio device drivers. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184542 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A SEQUENCE OF A PLURALITY OF IMAGES TO BE DISPLAYED WHILST ACCOMPANIED BY AUDIO - A sequence of a plurality of images to be displayed as a slide show whilst accompanied by an audio item is generated by extracting ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184543 | Method and Device for Planning an Industrial Automation Arrangement - A method and a device for planning an industrial automation arrangement, where an object model is generated from data objects, which represent automation components, and from relationships between these objects, a sequence of control actions by a user is used to select the objects from an object library and to relate them to one another. A plurality of sequences of control actions and their respective effects on the object model are stored as respective entity control trees with control steps, where at least two of the entity control trees are selected and used to generate a generalized type control tree using a first comparison, and the type of control tree is used to automatically plan the industrial automation arrangement. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184544 | MOVING PROGRAM MAKING-OUT PROGRAM AND DEVICE - Object: To provide a working environment in which, when programming work of a moving program is executed, work of drawing a movement path diagram, etc. and the programming work can be performed in parallel and, in addition, height information can be visually confirmed. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184545 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMULATING A NUMERICAL MODEL OF A MANUFACTURED PRODUCT - A device and associated method for formulating, via an information technology device having a user interface, a numerical model of manufactured products, the numerical model including components, variables and constraints executes different steps successively. Each step stores, via the information technology device, the predetermined numerical data in order to construct the numerical model in memory. The numerical model may then be used to create a configuration of the manufactured product by making, via a user interface, choices among the structural, technical, manufacturing, and commercial characteristics of the numerical model of the manufactured product. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184546 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING AERIAL IMAGE SENSITIVITY TO MODEL MASK ERRORS - One embodiment of the present invention provides techniques and systems for modeling mask errors based on aerial image sensitivity. During operation, the system can receive an uncalibrated process model which includes a mask error modeling term which is based at least on an aerial image sensitivity to mask modifications which represent mask errors. Next, the system can fit the uncalibrated process model using measured CD data. Note that the mask error modeling term can also be dependent on the local pattern density. In some embodiments, the mask error modeling term can include an edge bias term and a corner rounding term. The edge bias term can be based on the sensitivity of the aerial image intensity to an edge bias, and the corner rounding term can be based on the sensitivity of the aerial image intensity to a corner rounding adjustment. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184547 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING PLANT EQUIPMENT - A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184548 | ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MOUNTING MACHINE AND OPERATING INSTRUCTION METHOD FOR THE SAME - A challenge to be met by the invention is to provide an electronic component mounting machine that makes up an electronic component mounting line and that standardizes an operation input method, to thus enable lessening of work load on an operator during performance of operation input action, and an operation instruction method for use with the electronic component mounting machine. In electronic component mounting machines that make it possible for a single machine to perform a plurality of types of works by replacement of a work head to be built into a common platform according to a type of work, a production start button ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184549 | Machining Tool Control System and Control Method - Provided are a control system and a control method by which a part of a continuously written machining program can be easily executed by a machine tool, and operation and the like of the machine tool can be checked. The control apparatus has an input means | 2011-07-28 |
20110184550 | Controller for Controlling Combination of Hot-Runner System and Mold Assembly - A single stand alone controller system ( | 2011-07-28 |
20110184551 | ROW UNIT BOUNCE MONITORING SYSTEM - An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a row unit configured to deposit seeds within soil. The agricultural implement system also includes a bounce sensor rigidly coupled to the row unit and configured to output a signal indicative of a bounce magnitude, a bounce direction, or a combination thereof, of the row unit. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184552 | ERROR LOGGING IN A METHOD FOR PREPARING ITEMS TO BE MAILED - A method for preparing a batch of mail pieces includes transporting postal items from at least one feeding station to an inserting station and inserting the postal items into envelopes. If a control logic detects a signal representing a disturbance of the transportation of at least one of the postal items, in response to that detection, the control logic automatically generates an error report representing information regarding the detected disturbance of postal items. The error report includes batch preparation data representing at least one predetermined processing feature applicable to the preparation of the batch of mail pieces. The error report is stored to be made available for service and support. | 2011-07-28 |
20110184553 | DEVICE AND METHOD RELATED TO RETURN OF EMPTY BEVERAGE CONTAINERS - An apparatus, method, system and use of a least one sensor in a reverse vending machine for empty beverage containers for, on the sensor's detection at least one biometric feature of a person, allowing such a feature to serve as an identifying token for return value due for empty beverage containers delivered by the person to the reverse vending machine. The biometric feature is, at a return value payout point and by using at least one other sensor, redetected and re-recognised as a previously registered feature for payment of the return value in the form of a payout of the return value, credit for the return value or issuance of a lottery ticket with a stake equivalent to the return value. Said biometric feature is selected from at least one of the group consisting of: fingerprints, facial features, eye characteristics, iris features, handprints, palm line patterns, blood vessel patterns, body shape, height, weight, DNA-characteristics and voice spectrum. | 2011-07-28 |