43rd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 51 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120271360 | OCCIPITAL PLATE FOR CERVICAL FIXATION - An adjustable occipital plate includes a central body portion having a plurality of arms extending therefrom in a generally Y-shaped configuration. Two of the arms include elongate slots for slidably receiving retaining members therein. Each retaining member includes a U-shaped channel for receiving a spine rod and a set screw. The central body portion and one arm include openings for receiving bone screws therein. Each of the arms may be angled with respect to the central body portion. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271361 | Functionalized Nanodiamond Reinforced Biopolymers - The present invention includes a composition for implantation in a patient, comprising surface-functionalized nanodiamonds and at least one biodegradable biocompatible polymer. The present invention also includes a surgical fixation device for use in a patient. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271362 | POROUS BONE SCREW - A bone screw is described which includes a one-piece threaded screw body composed at least partially of a rigid foam. The screw body is headless and includes a bore extending therethrough to define a cannula and thereby providing the screw body with an annular shape defining a radial wall thickness. At least a central portion of the screw body is formed of the rigid foam which defines a matrix having a plurality of inter-connected pores therein. The inter-connected pores are disposed throughout the complete radial wall thickness of the screw body from an outer surface of the screw body to an inner surface thereof within the cannula, such as to permit bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness of the annular screw body. The inter-connected pores and the cannula thereby respectively allow bone in-growth through the complete radial wall thickness and the full axial length of the screw body. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271363 | UNIVERSALLY DEPLOYABLE AND EXPANDABLE BONE SCREW ANCHOR - A self-expanding bone screw anchor assembly adapted to allow the screw body to engage the bone and the anchor to attach thereto. The anchor assembly is adapted to be universally deployed with a variety of installation tools. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271364 | POLYAXIAL SCREWDRIVER FOR A PEDICLE SCREW SYSTEM - A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271365 | ROD REDUCER APPARATUS FOR SPINAL CORRECTIVE SURGERY - Spinal rod reduction apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. In various examples, a rod reduction apparatus includes a first threaded member ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271366 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC FRACTURE FIXATION INSTRUMENTATION AND METHOD - An instrument for internal bone fracture fixation includes a shaft having a distal portion and a patient-specific bone holder coupled to the distal portion. The bone holder has a three-dimensional curved and patient-specific bone engagement surface designed during a preoperative plan based on a medical scan of a patient to match and conform to an outer surface of a bone fragment of the patient in only one position. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271367 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING A TACHYCARDIA AND/OR SELECTING TREATMENT FOR A TACHYCARDIA USING RESULTS OF A DOMINANT FREQUENCY ANALYSIS - Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for characterizing a tachycardia and/or selecting treatment for a tachycardia using results of a dominant frequency analysis. One or more electrogram (EGM) signal(s) indicative of cardiac electrical activity are obtained. For at least one of the EGM signal(s) a dominant frequency (DF) analysis is performed, and the results of the DF analysis are used to characterize a tachycardia and/or to select treatment for a tachycardia. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271368 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING A TACHYCARDIA AND/OR SELECTING TREATMENT FOR A TACHYCARDIA USING RESULTS OF A FRACTIONATION ANALYSIS - Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for characterizing a tachycardia and/or selecting treatment for a tachycardia using results of a fractionation analysis. One or more electrogram (EGM) signal(s) indicative of cardiac electrical activity are obtained. At least one of the EGM signal(s) is analyzed to determine whether the EGM signal is fractionated, and the results of the analyzing are used to characterize a tachycardia and/or to select treatment for a tachycardia. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271369 | ENDOCARDIAL STIMULATION/DEFIBRILLATION SYSTEM OF THE LEFT VENTRICLE - A system for the endocardial stimulation/defibrillation of the left ventricle. This system includes a generator ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271370 | Automated external defibrillator locating system and method - A defibrillator locating system and method enables would-be responders to quickly identify defibrillator location for effecting prompt defibrillation. The system may be said to comprise a number of spaced heart-shaped signal-transmitting devices, a signal-receiving/alarm device, and an automatic external defibrillator pair-positioned in visual proximity to the signal-receiving/alarm device. A responder may send a signal from any of the transmitter devices for activating the nearest receiving/alarm device, the latter of which activates an alarm signal for guiding the responder toward the automatic external defibrillator. The alarm signal is preferably auditory and has sufficient intensity whereby the responder may be able to aurally perceive the auditory signal and follow the same to the defibrillator site along an unobstructed pathway. The removably attached defibrillator enables the responder to quickly carry said defibrillator to a cardiac emergency site. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271371 | CAPTURE VERIFICATION AND PACING ADJUSTMENTS FOR USE WITH MULTISITE LEFT VENTRICULAR PACING - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to, or are for use with, an implantable system including a lead having multiple electrodes implantable in a patient's left ventricular (LV) chamber. In accordance with an embodiment, the patients LV chamber is paced at first and second sites within the LV chamber using a programmed LV1-LV2 delay, wherein the LV1-LV2 delay is a programmed delay between when first and second pacing pulses are to be delivered respectively at the first and second sites within the LV chamber. Evoked responses to the first and second pacing pulses are monitored for, and one or more LV pacing parameter is/are adjusted and/or one or more backup pulse is/are delivered based on results of the monitoring. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271372 | DETECTING, ASSESSING AND MANAGING A RISK OF DEATH IN EPILEPSY - A method for determining and responding in real-time to an increased risk of death relating to a patient with epilepsy is provided. The method includes receiving cardiac data and determining a cardiac index based upon the cardiac data. The method includes determining an increased risk of death associated with epilepsy if the indices are extreme, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. Also presented is a second method for determining and responding in real-time to an increased risk of death relating to a patient with epilepsy comprising receiving at least one of arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data and determining an arousal index, a responsiveness index or an awareness index, where the indices are based on arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data respectively. The second method includes determining an increased risk of death related to epilepsy if indices are extreme values, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. A computer readable program storage device is also provided. Also provided is a method for receiving body data, determining a cardiac, an arousal, a responsiveness, or a kinetic index, determining an increased or increasing risk of death over a first time window relating to a patient with epilepsy and issuing a warning and logging relevant information. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271373 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING NOISE - The present invention generally relates to implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers, and, in particular, to a method and an implantable medical device capable of detecting the presence of noise caused by external noise sources. Voltages and/or impedances are measured over one or several electrode configurations. Based on the measured voltages and/or impedances, noise parameters are calculated, which are compared with reference values to detect the presence of noise. In another aspect of the invention, at least two different electrode configurations with different noise pick-up areas are used in the measurement. Relations between the noise parameters of the at least two vectors are calculated and compared with reference relations to detect the presence of noise. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271374 | ELECTRICAL THERAPY FOR FACILITATING INTER-AREA BRAIN SYNCHRONIZATION - Methods and apparatuses are described for monitoring synchronization of two or more brain areas and delivering an electrical therapy to the brain to facilitate synchronization of the two or more brain areas. The electrical therapy can be titrated to improve synchronization between the two or more areas of the brain based on the one or more signals, the synchronization between the two or more areas of the brain occurring in response to the patient being exposed to external sensory stimulus, wherein the electrical therapy does not independently cause activation of either of the two or more areas of the brain. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271375 | ELECTRICAL BRAIN THERAPY PARAMETER DETERMINATION BASED ON A BIOELECTRICAL RESONANCE RESPONSE - Various methods and apparatuses are disclosed that concern delivering electrical stimulation to a brain at a plurality of different stimulation frequencies, sensing one or more bioelectrical signals, and identifying a bioelectrical resonance response of the brain to the electrical stimulation. The bioelectrical resonance response may be identified based on a parameter of oscillation of the one or more bioelectrical signals and indicative of resonance of an area of the brain to one stimulation frequency of the plurality of stimulation frequencies. A stimulation frequency parameter for a therapy may be set based on the identified bioelectrical resonance response, wherein the stimulation frequency parameter is set at or near the one stimulation frequency. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271376 | CLINICIAN PROGRAMMER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STEERING VOLUMES OF ACTIVATION - A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271377 | TRANSCRANIAL STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD BASED ON ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL TESTING - Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a combination electroencephalography and non-invasive stimulation devices. Upon measuring an electrical anomaly in a region of a brain, various tDCS or other electrical stimulations are utilized to correct neural activity. Devices of the disclosed technology may utilize visual, balance, auditory, and other stimuli to test the subject, analyze necessary brain stimulations, and administer stimulation to the brain. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271378 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX TISSUE STIMULATION PATTERNS - The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271379 | INTER-CHIP COMMUNICATIONS FOR IMPLANTABLE STIMULATING DEVICES - A device including a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC configured to provide instructions to the first IC based on received data, wherein the first IC is a high-voltage IC and the second IC is a low-voltage IC, and a communication interface between the first and second ICs including a data bus of parallel data lines. The second IC is configured to select, based on the received data, one of a plurality of different communication modes for providing the instructions to the first IC via the communication interface, wherein each mode is defined by a quantity of address data and a quantity of configuration data used to provide the instructions to the first IC. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271380 | ADAPTIVELY CONFIGURING THE VALIDATION TIMEOUT OF A SESSION KEY USED FOR SECURING COMMUNICATION WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Methods, devices and systems are disclosed that provide for dynamically adjusting the valid lifespan of a session key for wireless communication sessions established between at least two medical devices. Adjusting the session key lifetime balances protecting the communications link so that it is not unnecessarily susceptible to eavesdropping by third parties or other interference while obviating the need for a user to repeatedly perform access control steps. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271381 | LARGE-PITCH COIL CONFIGURATIONS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques related to coils for medical device are disclosed. One example coil may comprise multiple filars, each being formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. At least one of the multiple filars may be electrically insulated one from another. A structural body, such as a lead body, may carry the coil. One or more filars may carry a low-resistance core. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271382 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO ACCOUNT FOR NECK MOVEMENT DURING NERVE STIMULATION - Some embodiments provide a method, comprising performing a neural stimulation test routine for stimulating a neural target in a cervical region of a patient, wherein for each of a plurality of head positions, performing the neural stimulation test routine includes testing a plurality of electrode configurations. The method further comprises recording threshold data for each of the tested electrode configurations for the plurality of head positions, and recommending an electrode configuration based on the recorded threshold data. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271383 | Skin Wound Healing and Hair Growth Device - Disclosed is a device that can heal skin wounds and grow hair by irradiating light from light emitting diodes (LED). The device is provided with: an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband red light with peak wavelength range 620-660 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less; an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband green light with peak wavelength range 500-540 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less; an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband blue light with peak wavelength range 440-480 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less; and an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband red to near infrared light with peak wavelength range 700-2500 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less. In this way, cell growth factors such as HGF and KGF are acted upon by irradiating the affected area with ultra-narrowband monochromatic light of FWHM 10 nm or less, which has excellent effects in healing skin wounds and growing hair. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271384 | Device for Preventing or Ameliorating Seasonal Affective Disorder - An array of blue-emitting LEDs centered at about 460 nm, with a gaussian distribution of plus-or-minus 20 nm. are housed in an elongated housing and powered from a standard USB cable or equivalent DC power source. The user can select between a higher and lower intensity. The blue wavelengths in this range are very effective for cirtopic receptors of the eye, with little impact upon visual receptors (i.e., rod cells and cone cells). This allows optimal therapeutic effect with minimal visual side effects. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271385 | LOW IMPEDANCE, LOW MODULUS WIRE CONFIGURATIONS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are disclosed related to wires that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a wire may include a core formed of a material having a resistivity of less than 25 micro-ohm-cm and a layer of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy surrounding the core. As one example, the beta titanium alloy has an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprises at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. In one embodiment, the core may be formed of silver, tantalum, a tantalum alloy, niobium, a niobium alloy, platinum, a platinum alloy, palladium, or a palladium alloy. In some examples, one or more wires may be incorporated into a coil or a cable and one or more such coils or cables may be carried by a medical device such as a medical electrical lead. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271386 | CABLE CONFIGURATIONS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are disclosed related to cables that may be used within a medical device. According to one example, a cable may comprise multiple wires. Each wire may be formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements selected from a group of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. The cable may be heated to a stress-relieve temperature of the beta titanium alloy to allow the cable to retain a desired configuration while remaining ductile. The cable may be included within a medical device, such as a medical electrical lead. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271387 | CANTILEVERED SPRING CONTACT FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Some examples of an electrical contact spring for an implantable medical device includes a housing, rigid and tubular in shape, defining a housing passage extending along a longitudinal axis, from a proximal portion including a proximal lip that defines a proximal opening, to a distal portion including a distal lip that defines a distal opening and a spring disposed in the housing, the spring tubular in shape and defining a spring passage concentric to the housing passage, the spring including: a distal ring portion disposed adjacent the distal portion of the housing and physically coupled to the housing, a plurality of spring elements coupled to and extending from the distal ring portion toward the proximal portion of the housing and a proximal ring portion disposed adjacent the proximal portion of the housing, cantilevered and suspended inside of and spaced apart from the housing by the plurality of spring elements. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271388 | POLYURETHANE HEADER FORMED DIRECTLY ON IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL DEVICES - This invention relates to electrical devices that are implantable inside an animal, including humans. The invention particularly relates to polyurethane headers mounted on the electrical devices to house electrical contacts. The polyurethane headers are formed by (a) mixing (i) a prepolymer comprising a silicon-containing diol of formula (I) in which R | 2012-10-25 |
20120271389 | IMPLANT TOOL AND IMPROVED ELECTRODE DESIGN FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURE - Devices and methods of use for introduction and implantation of an electrode as part of a minimally invasive technique. An implantable baroreflex activation system includes a control system having an implantable housing, an electrical lead, attachable to the control system, and an electrode structure. The electrode structure is near one end of the electrical lead, and includes a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the electrode, and a releasable pivotable interface to mate with an implant tool. The electrode is configured for implantation on an outer surface of a blood vessel and the control system is programmed to deliver a baroreflex therapy via the monopolar electrode to a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271390 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR COMPRISING MRI CURRENT LIMITING WINDINGS IN HEADER STRUCTURE - In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271391 | Surgically Implantable Electrodes - The present inventions provide for paddle lead electrodes that are capable of performing peripheral nerve stimulation, thereby modulating, controlling and/or reducing neuropathic pain in a patient, that are also surgically implantable, and that will remain fixed in place at the site of implantation when in use. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the electrodes of the present inventions are capable of being surgically implanted underneath a sheath of protective connective tissue that covers electrically excitable tissues and are adapted to electrically stimulate those tissues. Electrodes contemplated by embodiments of the present inventions are particularly well suited for perineurial implantation. Embodiments of the present inventions include methods of use associated with the electrodes. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271392 | ELECTRIC STIMULATION DEVICE - An electric stimulation device includes a main body portion having a stimulation electrode stimulating nerves or muscles inside the living body, a stimulation circuit portion with a stimulation circuit electrically connected to the stimulation electrode and applying a stimulation signal to the stimulation electrode, and a support body connected to the stimulation circuit portion and holding the implant position of the stimulation electrode inside the living body. The electric stimulation device also includes a fixing body connectable to the base end portion of the main body portion. The fixing body includes a fixing body side coil portion that receives an electromagnetic wave transmitted from an external device. When the fixing body is connected to the main body portion, the fixing body side coil portion is electrically connected to the stimulation circuit to enable power feeding and/or communication with respect to the stimulation circuit in response to the electromagnetic wave. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271393 | ANCHORING UNITS FOR LEADS OF IMPLANTABLE ELECTRIC STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A nerve stimulation lead has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The nerve stimulation lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductive wires electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes electrically to the plurality of terminals. The nerve stimulation lead also includes at least one anchoring unit disposed on the nerve stimulation lead. The at least one anchoring unit is configured and arranged for anchoring the nerve stimulation lead against a bony structure. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271394 | LEAD WITH MRI COMPATIBLE DESIGN FEATURES - Implantable medical leads with magnetic shielding and methods of shielding implantable leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are disclosed. An exemplary implantable medical lead includes a helically coiled inner electrode conductor wire, a helically coiled outer electrode conductor wire disposed radially about the inner electrode conductor wire, and at least one layer of insulation that electrically isolates the inner and outer electrode conductor wires. The inner electrode conductor wire can have a hollowed, multifilar configuration including six or more co-radially wound wire filars. The outer electrode conductor wire is electrically isolated from the inner electrode conductor wire, and may have either a single or double filar configuration. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271395 | DEVICE FOR ELECTROSTIMULATION THERAPY OF THE HUMAN BODY - The invention relates to a device for the electrostimulation therapy of the human body, comprising several electrodes ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271396 | BIODEGRADABLE ENDOPROSTHESES AND METHODS FOR THEIR FABRICATION - The disclosure provides biodegradable implantable devices such as a stent comprising a biodegradable polymeric wherein the polymeric material is treated to control crystallinity and/or Tg. The stent is capable to expand at body temperature from a crimped configuration to a deployed diameter and have sufficient strength to support a body lumen. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271397 | Guidewire with Two Flexible End Portions and Method of Accessing a Branch Vessel Therewith - A guidewire having flexible or floppy proximal and distal end portions is used for percutaneously accessing a branch vessel through a deployed prosthesis having at least one fenestration near an ostium of the branch vessel. The prosthesis is delivered and deployed via a first percutaneous access site. The guidewire extends over the outside surface of the deployed prosthesis and extends through the at least one fenestration. The flexible distal end portion is snared via a second percutaneous access site and is pulled in a direction towards the second percutaneous access site until the flexible proximal end of the guidewire is located adjacent to the branch vessel. A guide catheter is then advanced over the guidewire until it cannulates the branch vessel. The flexible proximal end of the guidewire may then be advanced into the branch vessel and used for delivery of a branch vessel prosthesis. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271398 | AORTIC BIOPROSTHESIS AND SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERY THEREOF - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271399 | High Metal to Vessel Ratio Landing Zone Stent-Graft and Method - A method includes covering an ostium of a branch vessel emanating from a main vessel with a proximal landing zone of a high metal to vessel ratio landing zone stent-graft, wherein a metal to vessel ratio of the proximal landing zone when deployed is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the proximal landing zone yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessel through the proximal landing zone. The method further includes covering an aneurysm of the main vessel with an exclusion zone of the high metal to vessel ratio landing zone stent-graft, the exclusion zone being formed of graft material. By forming the exclusion zone of graft material, excellent exclusion of the aneurysm is achieved. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271400 | INTRODUCER FOR A VASCULAR REPAIR PROSTHESIS - An introducer system and method for introducing a prosthesis for repair of two vessel portions of a transected body vessel is provided. The system can include one or more retaining members fitted over the ends of the prosthesis to retain the ends radially compressed. The retaining member can include an elongated body for insertion into the vessel opening and a gripping member, which both can be rigid. A splittable region can be formed in the elongated body and the gripping member. Application of a force to the gripping member can separate or fracture the gripping member and the elongated body along the splittable region to permit radial expansion of the prosthesis for engagement with the vessel. A sleeve may at least partially surround an intermediate portion of the prosthesis. The sleeve can be configured to retain the intermediate portion of the prosthesis in the radially compressed configuration. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271401 | Mobile External Coupling for Branch Vessel Connection - An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto, and forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material, extends outwardly from the tubular body, and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top that is in flow communication with the body lumen. An annular support wireform is coupled to the mobile external coupling, and is formed into a sinusoidal configuration having a plurality of opposing first crowns and second crowns, the first crowns of the support wireform extending around of the top of the mobile external coupling. The coupling graft material extending between the second crowns of the support wireform and the tubular body is unsupported. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271402 | EMERGENCY VASCULAR REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system to deliver a prosthesis for repair of a transected body vessel is described herein. The system can have a prosthesis and a plurality of distinct strands. A releasable loop can be formed at a distal end of each strand and positioned to retain one of a plurality of portions of the prosthesis in a compressed configuration. Each portion of the prosthesis can be independently movable between the compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. Retraction of the proximal end or severing the loop of any one of the strands can cause the corresponding loop to release to allow the corresponding portion of the prosthesis to expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration. The prosthesis can couple two vessel portions of the transected vessel together to allow for blood perfusion and maintain hemostasis. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271403 | TUBULAR STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A tubular structure and method for making a tubular structure are provided, where the tubular structure includes at least one layer of braided strands. In general, at least one portion of the braided strands exhibits a braid pattern of crests and troughs (e.g., a wave pattern, which may include sinusoidal, square, and/or sawtooth waves) along a length of the tubular structure. The wave pattern can be created by rotating the mandrel onto which the tubular structure is braided during the braiding process, such as by angularly oscillating the mandrel about its longitudinal axis or about its transverse axis. As a result, the tubular structures may have increased radial strength, collapse resistance, torque transmission, column strength, and kink resistance. The tubular structures may be used in medical devices, such as stent-grafts, as well as in other medical and non-medical devices, such as in hoses, tubing, filters, and other devices. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271404 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC MODIFIABLE STENTS - Implantable stents and stent systems that include one or more features that can be selectively modified at the point of use, i.e., in the surgical suite, etc. The selectively modifiable features may take a variety of forms such as, e.g., length, the presence of flaps, voids, etc. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271405 | Graft Devices and Methods of Use - A tubular graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a fiber matrix of one or more polymers about a circumference of the tubular member. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271406 | Stent With Enhanced Friction - A stent for placement in a body lumen is fabricated by forming a tube having an un-deployed diameter sized for the tube to be placed on a deployment balloon and advanced through a body lumen to a deployment site. The tube is expandable upon inflation of the balloon to an enlarged diameter sized for the tube to be retained within the lumen at the site upon deflation and withdrawal of the balloon. The tube has a stent axis extending between first and second axial ends of the tube. The tube has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The tube is polished to polish the exterior surface to a smooth surface finish and with at least a portion of the interior surface having a rough surface finish rougher than the surface finish of the exterior surface. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271407 | STENT SYSTEM HAVING INTERLOCKING SIDE EXTENSION MEMBERS - Devices, systems and methods are provided for performing intra-lumenal medical procedures in a desired area of the body. Stents, stent delivery devices and methods of performing medical procedures to redirect and or re-establish the intravascular flow of blood are provided for the treatment of hemorrhagic and ischemic disease states. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271408 | Low Profile Medical Stent - A medical prosthesis having a low profile for delivery into a body lumen is disclosed. The stent includes a plurality of wire strands woven to form a plurality of joints at the intersections, some of which are helically wrapped. The helically wrapped joints may be offset form the joints of a second plurality of wire strands concentric to the first. Alternatively, the helically wrapped joints can doubled forming box nodes. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271409 | Helical Radiopaque Marker - A radiopaque marker includes a core wire having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a coil wrapped around the distal portion of the core wire. The core wire is formed from a shape memory material and the coil is formed from a radiopaque material. The radiopaque marker includes a delivery configuration wherein the radiopaque marker is substantially elongated and a deployed configuration wherein the distal portion of the raadiopaque marker forms a substantially helical tube. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271410 | BRANCH ENDOGRAFT DELIVERY - A system for treating disease involving branching vessels of a mammal is provide. The system may include a main graft assembly (i) having a lumen permitting fluid flow therethrough, and (ii) configured to expand within, and contact a wall of, a first vessel of a mammal; and a branch graft assembly including a branch cover (i) having a cover lumen permitting fluid flow therethrough; and (ii) configured to expand within, and contact a wall of, a branch vessel that branches from the first vessel. The branch graft assembly may also include an expandable branch stent extending within the cover lumen. The branch graft assembly may further include a branch sheath (i) extending between the branch stent and the cover lumen, and (ii) constraining radial expansion of the branch stent within the cover lumen. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271411 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCURATE POSITIONING OF A PROSTHETIC VALVE - The invention is a system and method for accurately positioning a prosthetic valve such as a prosthetic heart valve at a desired position for deployment. The invention includes extendable positioning elements which provide tactile feedback to a user to confirm proper positioning of the catheter with respect to the native valve annulus. During delivery, the extendable positioning elements lie against the catheter, over the prosthetic valve and expandable balloon, providing a low profile for advancing the catheter to the desired treatment location via small passages such as body lumens. Prior to valve deployment, the positioning elements are extended and brought into contact with tissue of the native annulus to confirm the proper positioning of the delivery system and prosthetic valve. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271412 | INTRACORNEAL LENS HAVING A CENTRAL HOLE - A lens provided for being implanted in a cornea, which comprises an optical portion having an optical axis; and a hole through the lens. The hole is concentric with the optical axis and the dimension and shape of the hole are chosen so that the hole does not impair the optical properties of the lens, but remains visible to one that manipulates the lens. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271413 | ACCOMMODATION COMPENSATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and systems for obtaining an ocular aberration measurement of an eye of a patient are provided. Exemplary techniques involve obtaining a first induced metric for the eye that corresponds to a first accommodation state of the eye, obtaining a second induced metric for the eye that corresponds to a second accommodation state of the eye, and determining a natural metric of the eye based on the first and second induced metrics. An induced metric may include a pupil size or a spherical aberration. Techniques can also include determining a target metric for the eye base on the natural metric, determining whether an actual metric of the eye meets the target metric, obtaining an ocular aberration measurement of the eye if the actual metric meets the target metric, and determining a treatment for the eye based on the ocular aberration measurement. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271414 | PLUG COMPONENTS FOR BONE TUNNEL - A component for satisfactorily plugging a bone tunnel formed in surgery such as ACL reconstruction by regenerating bone in a space portion of the bone tunnel (e.g., a bone tunnel for an arthroscope), is provided in order to solve the problems in the conventional technologies. The plug component is made of a calcium phosphate-based material, comprises a porous part having a porosity of 50 to 85%, and has a cylindrical shape such that one of its bottom surfaces forms an angle of 30 to 60 degrees to its central axis. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271415 | TENDON FIXATION ANCHOR - A tendon fixation anchor is designed for being received in a bone channel and includes at least one first through-hole which extends transversely to an insertion direction of the anchor. The tendon fixation anchor can be inserted into a bone channel. A transplant tendon (TT) to be fastened can be led through the at least one first through-hole. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271416 | INTERNAL BRACE FOR TISSUE REPAIRS AND REINFORCEMENTS - A reconstruction system and associated techniques for soft tissue repairs and repair augmentation. The reconstruction system is an internal soft tissue brace formed of at least one fixation device (for example, anchors or screws) and a replacement/reinforcement construct (for example, a suture construct in the form of a suture tape such as FiberTape® or a collagen tape or a suture with biological material or a collagen coated material, or a collagen patch, or a biological construct such as Arthroflex). The reinforcement construct and fixation devices may be used as a suture repair alone (to replace the ligament or tendon), or in conjunction with other traditional soft tissue repair procedures, acting as a reinforcement system for the repaired soft tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271417 | System and Method for Joint Resurface Repair - An implant comprising a first, second, and third segment wherein the second and third segments partially overlap the first segment and define a load bearing surface comprising an anterior-posterior (AP) curvature including at least two tangential curves of the portion of the articular surface of the femoral condyle, the tangential curves having different radii of curvature. A drill guide comprises a body portion including a first, second and third bushing spaced along the body portion to establish a first, second and third axes, respectively. Each axis may be substantially normal to the articular surface at three different points along a curvature of the articular surface comprising the two tangential curves. A measuring device comprises a housing defining a longitudinally passageway and an outrigger. A guide pin may be received in the longitudinal passageway and a measuring device determines how far the guide pin is in the passageway. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271418 | MODULAR TISSUE SCAFFOLDS - Provided are biocompatible and implantable scaffolds for treating a tissue defect, such as a bone gap. The scaffolds can have a modular design comprising a tissue scaffold rack designed to accommodate one or more modules. Also provided are methods for fabrication and use of such scaffolds. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271419 | EXPANDABLE IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A spinal implant includes a first component including a first surface configured for engagement with a first vertebral surface and a second surface configured to define at least a portion of an implant support cavity. A second component is connected to the first component and includes a first surface configured for engagement with a second vertebral surface and a second surface configured to define at least a portion of the implant support cavity. A removable intermediate component is configured for disposal in the implant support cavity. The intermediate component is inflatable to move the first component relative to the second component to expand the interbody implant from a first configuration to a second, expanded configuration. At least one agent is configured to replace the intermediate component in the implant support cavity in the second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271420 | DISTRACTABLE SPINAL IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - A spinal implant assembly includes a housing for containing a bearing member therein and seating within an intervertebral space and a bearing member disposed within the housing for enabling disc-like movement between vertebrae defining the intervertebral space. A method of inserting the spinal implant assembly into the intervertebral space includes the steps of inserting the spinal implant assembly into the intervertebral space and then distracting the spinal implant assembly from a first condition in which the spinal implant assembly is floatable into the intervertebral space to a second condition in which the assembly is distracted to fixedly engage opposing vertebral services defining the intervertebral space. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271421 | Apparatus and Method for Inserting Intervertebral Implants - An instrument for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes an upper and a lower ramp each having a respective proximal and a distal end. A bracket assembly is coupled to the upper and lower ramps at the proximal ends. The bracket assembly biases the upper and lower ramps closed at the distal end. A drive member has a longitudinal axis and a screw thread thereon. The drive member is disposed between the upper and lower ramps and extends through a passage in the bracket assembly. An adjustable spreader is operably coupled to the drive member and movable between the upper and lower ramps along the longitudinal axis by rotation of the drive member. The adjustable spreader separates the upper ramp from the lower ramp during forwardly movement along the longitudinal axis. An implant holder is coupled to the adjustable spreader. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271422 | EXPANDABLE IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A spinal implant includes a first component defining a surface. A second component is movable relative to the first component and defines a surface. An intermediate component is engageable with the first component and the second component. The intermediate component is configured for relative movement along the surface of the second component and is configured for relative movement along the surface of the first component in a first axial direction and a second, opposite axial direction such that movement of the intermediate component moves the second component relative to the first component between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271423 | SPINAL INTERBODY SPACER WITH SEMI-CONSTRAINED SCREWS - An intervertebral implant system is disclosed which includes a spinal spacer for engagement between vertebrae and at least one semi-constrained bone screw assembly. The spinal spacer includes a body extending between first and second end surfaces to define opposing top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces. The second end surface of the body includes at least one aperture formed therethrough at an angle relative to the centerline axis and a screw opening defined therethrough. The semi-constrained bone screw assembly is adapted for insertion through the screw opening and includes a shank, a head and a rod member. The rod member is fixedly engageable with the shank and moveably coupled to the head such that both the rod member and the shank are moveable with respect to the head. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271424 | SPINAL SURGERY APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus and method for performing specific types of spinal surgeries make the surgeries easier and safer to perform. The apparatus and method assist in permanently locating a fusion cage within a spine. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271425 | REVERSE JOINT REPLACEMENT DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271426 | MOTION INDUCING REVERSE SHOULDER ASSEMBLY - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly method of use. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to a forward flexion force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force and a forward flexion force. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271427 | Ceramic manufactures - Prosthetic knee implant or implant component is made with a magnesium oxide stabilized transformationally toughened zirconia. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271428 | ORTHOPAEDIC KNEE PROSTHESIS HAVING CONTROLLED CONDYLAR CURVATURE - An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271429 | Ceramic manufactures - Fired magnesium oxide stabilized transformation toughened zirconia ceramic can be for or of an implant or implant component of a one-piece unicompartmental knee spacer device; a multi-piece unicompartmental joint aligning device; a temporal mandibular joint cap implant; a vertebra cap; an ankle joint ensemble or component; a bridge, a tooth or teeth; a patellofemoral joint implant; a tibial tray for a knee joint replacement implant; an intermediary articulation plate for a tibial tray and liner for a knee joint replacement implant; or the intermediary articulation plate assembled in combination with the tibial tray. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271430 | ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY - Total ankle arthroplasty with a tibial plate, a talar plate and a middle or core component. The ankle arthroplasty may allow for varus or valgus accommodation through the use of a core component with various medial and lateral heights in varus and valgus orientations. In addition the resurfacing of the talus is accomplished with a talar plate with a curved orientation that is congruent to one surface of the core component to allow for appropriate ankle manipulation. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271431 | Bioactively Coated Metal Implants and Methods for the Production Thereof - The invention relates to methods for producing a partial or complete bioactive coating of an iron and/or zinc based metal implant material with calcium phosphates, a bioactively coated iron and/or zinc based metal implant, which is partially or completely coated with calcium phosphates, and bone implants containing an implant material according to the invention. In order to produce the coating according to the invention, iron and/or zinc based metal implant materials are brought in contact with acidic aqueous solutions, which have a pH value of 6.0 or less and contain calcium phosphates, whereby a calcium phosphate layer is deposited on the surface of the implant materials. The iron and/or zinc based metal implant materials, which are used in methods according to the invention, are materials consisting of base iron alloys or pure iron or materials that contain other substances, which are coated with pure iron, with a base iron alloy and/or with zinc. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271432 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING AND AFFIXING TISSUE SCAFFOLDS - Methods and devices are provided for delivering and affixing tissue replacements. In one embodiment, a tissue scaffold can be delivered into a patient through a cannula to a cavity formed at a defect site in tissue, e.g., cartilage. A delivery shaft can be used to deliver the scaffold through the cannula, and a loading device can help load the scaffold onto the delivery shaft. A delivery guide device can position and temporarily hold the scaffold within the cavity. The delivery guide device can guide one or more surgical instruments to the scaffold to affix the scaffold within the cavity, e.g., to bone underlying the scaffold, using at least one securing mechanism. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271433 | Active prosthetic socket - An active prosthetic socket including a prosthetic socket shaped to fit a residual limb. An active adjustment system is integrated with the prosthetic socket and is configured to dynamically adjust the fit of the active prosthetic socket to the residual limb of a user during ambulation or motion. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271434 | PROSTHETIC FOOT - A prosthetic foot is provided with a forefoot spring, a heel spring and a base spring. The base spring is connected to the heel spring and to the forefoot spring. The base spring has receiving means for the forefoot spring and the heel spring, into which receiving means the heel spring and the forefoot spring can be inserted. The heel spring is connected to the forefoot spring via a coupling element, and the coupling element extends forwards along the forefoot spring at least via one portion thereof. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271435 | LIBRARY SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN DEFINITIONS AND INSTANCES - In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271436 | REPETITIVE CONTROLLER, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF AND FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM - A repetitive controller, a control method thereof and a feedback control system are disclosed. The repetitive controller includes an internal model section, a periodic delay module and a compensation module. An input quantity is input into the repetitive controller via an input terminal of the internal model section; the internal model section, the periodic delay module and the compensation module are connected in series. The repetitive controller further includes a particular frequency selection and passing module, connected in series with the internal model section, the periodic delay module and the compensation module or configured on a forward path of the internal model section. In the repetitive controller of the disclosure, a particular frequency selection and passing module is incorporated such that only the harmonic at the selected frequency are filtered out, thereby realizing the function of removing the harmonic at the particular frequency. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271437 | ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK IMPROVEMENT FOR PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES - Electrical distribution network (EDN) improvement method for plug-in electric vehicles receives and stores in a database EDN configuration information, demography information and load information for simulating load of the EDN assets. The method dynamically updates the EDN configuration, demography information and/or load information to provide an efficient and customizable method of simulating a PEV load impact on an EDN configuration and apply improvements to the EDN in real time. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271438 | ESTIMATION APPARATUS FOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - The frequency characteristic of a controller is acquired. The gain characteristic and phase characteristic of a controlled system are acquired. The open-loop transfer characteristic of the control system and the variation range of the open-loop transfer characteristic are computed from a variation range of the frequency characteristic of the controlled system and the frequency characteristic of the controller, and the variation range of the frequency characteristic of the controlled system is a region where a variation range of the gain characteristic and a variation range of the phase characteristic overlap in a complex coordinate system. The stability of the control system is estimated from the open-loop transfer characteristic and the variation range of the open-loop transfer characteristic. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271439 | MACHINE DISPLACEMENT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM FOR MACHINE TOOLS - Provided is a machine displacement adjustment system for machine tools, which uses a tilt angle detector, such as a level, which can directly detect the tilt angle of a machine structure, such as a column. Said system is provided with: a tilt angle detector (a level) which is disposed on a machine tool structure, detects the tilt angle of said structure, and outputs data of the tilt amount; and an adjustment device ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271440 | System For Acquiring and Processing Data Pertaining to a Shot of an Object, Such As A Puck or a Ball, On A Goal on a Playing Field - According to the present inventive concept there is provided a system for acquiring and processing data pertaining to a shot of an object, such as a puck or a ball, on a goal on a playing field, the goal being guarded by a goalkeeper, the system comprising: an acquisition device configured to acquire position data of the object during a time interval ΔT | 2012-10-25 |
20120271441 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A portable electronic device includes an input unit, an audio processing unit, a low pass filter, and at least one vibrator. The input unit is configured to generate operation signals in response to user inputs. The audio processing unit is configured to retrieve an audio file when an operation signal from the input unit for playing the audio file is received, decode the audio file, and convert the decoded audio file to analog audio signals. The low pass filter is configured to transmit analog audio signals with heavy bass to at least one vibrator. The at least one vibrator is configured to create physical vibration in response to the analog audio signals with heavy bass to physical vibration. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271442 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO RESOURCES THROUGH ENHANCED AUDIO SIGNALS - Systems and methods are provided for using a hidden audio signal. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes registering, at a central database, one or more of an identifier and a destination resource associated with the identifier, and encoding the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource in a hidden audio signal. The method further includes transmitting the hidden audio signal, including the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource, in connection with an acoustic signal, and receiving the acoustic signal at a user device. In addition, the method includes decoding the encoded one or more of the identifier and the destination resource at the user device; and requesting, from the central database, information associated with the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource. Further, the method includes receiving, at the user device, the requested information. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271443 | MANUFACTURABILITY EVALUATION OF INJECTION MOLDED PLASTIC MODELS USING A CAD BASED DFX EVALUATION SYSTEM - A method of automatic manufacturability evaluation of plastic models comprises generation of a likely pulling direction, recognition of common features on plastic parts, and then applying manufacturability rules The manufacturability rules can be specified and customized through user specified rule parameters and depend upon the geometric parameters of the recognized features. A system comprises a user interface for selection and customization of DFX (Design for ‘X’) rules for evaluation of a design. The system includes a user interface integrated with a CAD system for receiving the CAD data and displaying the results to the user. Geometry analysis engines are integrated into the system, for extracting the various features and corresponding parameters required as input to the manufacturability rules. The system further involves extensible interfaces for rules and analysis engines which allows users to write their own customized rules and engines and integrate these into the CAD based DFX evaluation system. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271444 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, SUBSTRATE PROCESSING METHOD AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A substrate processing apparatus can efficiently perform a trial operation in conditions close to those of an actual operation. In the substrate processing apparatus | 2012-10-25 |
20120271445 | MULTIVARIABLE PREDICTIVE CONTROL OPTIMIZER FOR GLASS FIBER FORMING OPERATION - A system and method for determining and controlling for cure status of binder on a fibrous product are disclosed. Cure status is monitored by measuring one or more control variables and attempting to keep them within known control limits. Exemplary control variables include oven temperatures at various locations and color values of sections of the fibrous product. Sensors such as thermocouples and image capture systems sense these variables continuously online and provide input signals for a MPC processor-optimizer. The MPC optimizers balances the constraints according to a programmed optimization function and priority ranking of control variables and solves for optimal control setting on manipulatable variables, such as oven fan speed, oven setpoint temperatures and coolant water flow rate. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271446 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER - When performing the processing while changing the position and the posture of the tool relative to the work, if the speed of the tool tip point relative to the work is regularly controlled while greatly changing the tool posture, the speed of each driving shaft of the machine is increased, whereby the interference may be generated. In order to solve the problem, in the numerical controller which obtains the position of each driving shaft of the machine performing the determination of the feeding speed, the interpolation and the coordinate conversion according to the relative instruction path and the instruction speed of the tool tip point relative to the work instructed to the processing program, when determining the feeding speed, the reference point is provided on the tool or the table, the translation speed of the reference point viewed from the mechanical coordinate system is set to the observation target speed, the reference feeding speed is obtained so that the observation target speed is a predetermined reference speed, and the smaller of the reference feeding speed and the instruction feeding speed is set to the feeding speed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271447 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR PREVENTING MEANDERING OF PATTERNS ON PATTERNED FILMS - A control device for preventing meandering of patterns for use in a patterned film manufacturing device which includes a film transferring equipment and a pattern forming equipment, includes a marking unit that forms markings on a predetermined reference position on the film, a recognizing unit that is located at the rear of the marking unit and recognizes positions of the markings on the film, a computing unit that computes an amount of meandering based on differences between the reference position and the recognized positions of the markings, a control unit that generates a correction signal for correcting positions of the marking unit and the pattern forming equipment corresponding to the computed the amount of meandering, and a correction unit that receives the correction signal and corrects positions of the marking unit and the pattern forming equipment based on the received correction signal. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271448 | Assembly Task Verification System and Method - A method for verifying completion of a task. Location coordinates of at least one location sensor within a work cell are obtained. At least one sensor is affixed to a tool used to operate on a feature of a structure to be assembled, fabricated or inspected. A virtual object locus is generated based on the location coordinates of the at least one location sensor. The virtual object locus corresponds to a computerized schematic of the structure to be assembled and represents of all possible locations of an object end of the tool within the work cell. One of a plurality of candidate features is identified as the most likely to be the feature operated on by the tool. The identification is based on a probability calculation for each of the candidate features that each respective candidate feature is the feature operated on by the tool. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271449 | Methods and Systems for Adjusting Ruminally Digestible Starch and Fiber in Animal Diets - Systems and methods measure ruminal undigested fiber fractions in a feed by sampling forages and grains from available feed sources, analyzing the samples to determine a starting NDF value and an ending NDF value after ruminal digestion, calculating a ruminal undigested NDF fraction based thereon; and calculating a feed ration using the ruminal undigested NDF fraction and feeding rates of the analyzed samples. Systems and methods reduce feed costs or improve milk production by analyzing feed components in a feed ration fed to a lactating ruminant, comparing the analyzed results with a feed formulation stored in memory, where the feed formulation is for controlling a rate and extent of fiber and starch digestion in the rumen, and reformulating the feed ration based on the comparison. The rate of fiber digestion may be controlled based a determination of the ruminal undigested NDF fraction of the analyzed feed components. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271450 | TISSUE SAMPLE HANDLING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271451 | TISSUE SAMPLE HANDLING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271452 | AUTOMATED PILL DISPENSING SYSTEMS CONFIGURED FOR DETECTING BOTTLES IN OUTPUT CHUTES AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATION - An automated pill dispensing system includes an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials and an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute. A controller is coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to receive the detection signal therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited in the output chute responsive to the detection. Related methods of operation are also discussed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271453 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR DISPENSING PRODUCTS FROM A KIOSK - The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271454 | MEDICINE COLLECTING SYSTEM AND CART - A medicine collecting system ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271455 | METHODS AND A SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING - In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271456 | Cooperative Control Device - Provided is a cooperative control device capable of advanced cooperative control. The cooperative control device for cooperatively controlling a plurality of control objects is provided with a pair of output control systems, a pair of crossing circuits, and transfer function units. The pair of output control systems is provided for a pair of control objects having respective control circuits. The pair of crossing circuits is provided from a first input side to a second output side and from a second input side to a first output side of the control circuit of the output control systems. The transfer function unit is provided in each pair of crossing circuits. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271457 | Rotary Position Sensor - A rotary position sensor includes a rotatable disk, a first light sensor configured to generate a first opacity signal, a second light sensor configured to generate a second opacity signal, and a comparator. The opacity of the rotatable disk is substantially unique at each radial angle value. The comparator is configured to generate a disk position signal as a function of the first opacity signal and the second opacity signal. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271458 | METHOD OF MODIFYING EXCITATION RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM - A method of modifying excitation response characteristics of a structural system, including an aerofoil blade mounted to a support disc, including the steps: (a) identifying a limit cycle associated with the system; (b) determining the amplitude of the limit cycle; (c) comparing the amplitude of the limit cycle against a threshold value; and (d) if the amplitude of the limit cycle is greater than a threshold value, modifying the system to reduce the amplitude of the limit cycle. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271459 | POSITIONING APPARATUS FOR ACTUATOR WITH WAVE GEAR DEVICE - In a positioning apparatus for an actuator, a sliding mode controller for compensating for nonlinear characteristics of a wave gear device of the actuator generates a control input u to a controlled object, based on a position command θ | 2012-10-25 |