Alexander, CO
Brian Alexander, Greenwood Village, CO US
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20140188442 | System and Method for Selecting Predictors for a Student Risk Model - Systems and methods may automatically generate institution-specific, program-specific or course-specific student risk assessment models from an arbitrary set of potential risk predictors. Student data from previously completed courses are collected and used to create a design matrix of predictor values and an outcome vector. The system determines the coefficients for the model using an automated predictor selection method, such as lasso logistic regression. The system uses the model with current student data to assess an outcome probability, such as the risk of a current student from failing or dropping a course. In addition to an overall risk assessment model, component models focused on particular components of risk, such as performance, participation, attendance, timeliness, or student profile, can be generated. The component models may be used along with the overall risk assessment model to help explain the reasons behind the risk assessment. | 07-03-2014 |
James Alexander, Highlands Ranch, CO US
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20110255555 | ADAPTIVE RATE SHIFTING FOR DELIVERY OF VIDEO SERVICES TO SERVICE GROUPS - A video stream is provided to a set top box of a viewer to fulfill the viewer's request for a video on-demand service. The video stream is encoded at one of a plurality of encoding rates selected by a Service Quality Manager based on parameters defined for a service group, which in various embodiments may comprise the viewer, or the viewer along with other customers serviced by a single QAM. The parameters used for determining the encoding rate may involve currently allocated bandwidth, the viewer's service parameters, other customer's service parameters, and historical data regarding encoding rate selection data. The encoding rate used to encode a stream may be modified during streaming in response to other service requests. The encoding rate may be shifted based on anticipated service requests from other members in the service group. | 10-20-2011 |
20120060194 | PROGRAMMING-NETWORK CONTROL OF TIME-SHIFT TELEVISION RECORDING - A method and apparatus in a television delivery system for enabling a programming network or other content owner to control recording of television programs by a service provider network. The programming network transmits the television programs to the service provider network, and the service provider network records the television programs for time-shifted delivery to end users. The programming network determines scheduling information for the television programs, creates recording instructions based on the scheduling information, and injects the recording instructions as metadata in a media stream sent to the service provider network. A recording system in the service provider network extracts the metadata from the media stream, and records the television programs in accordance with the received recording instructions. The recording instructions are more accurate and up-to-date than existing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information. Additional control instructions may also be included in the metadata. | 03-08-2012 |
20120272262 | TRANSPORTING MEDIA PROGRAMS, ADVERTISEMENT METADATA, AND ADVERTISEMENT SELECTION CODE THROUGH DATA TRANSPORT CONTAINERS FOR USE BY AN ADVERTISEMENT INSERTION NODE - A data transport container is used to transport information from a content provider network node to an advertisement insertion network node. The data transport container encloses a media program, program metadata, advertisement metadata, and advertisement selection code. The advertisement insertion network node selects among a plurality of advertisements, which may also be received through the data transport container, in response to at least the advertisement selection code and the advertisement metadata. The selected advertisements are combined with the media program in response to the program metadata to generate a combined media program. The combined media program is communicated to a subscriber equipment unit. The data transport container may contain Material eXchange Format (MXF) encoded content. Accordingly, the advertisement insertion network node may be configured to decode MXF encoded content of the data transport container to extract the media program, the program metadata, the advertisement metadata, and the advertisement selection code into separate files. | 10-25-2012 |
James Alexander, Denver, CO US
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20130239155 | ADAPTIVE RATE SHIFTING FOR DELIVERY OF VIDEO SERVICES TO SERVICE GROUPS - A video stream is provided to a set top box of a viewer to fulfill the viewer's request for a video on-demand service. The video stream is encoded at one of a plurality of encoding rates selected by a Service Quality Manager based on parameters defined for a service group, which in various embodiments may comprise the viewer, or the viewer along with other customers serviced by a single QAM. The parameters used for determining the encoding rate may involve currently allocated bandwidth, the viewer's service parameters, other customer's service parameters, and historical data regarding encoding rate selection data. The encoding rate used to encode a stream may be modified during streaming in response to other service requests. The encoding rate may be shifted based on anticipated service requests from other members in the service group. | 09-12-2013 |
20140040970 | METHODS USING BASE CONTENT AND ADDITIVE CONTENT AND RELATED CLIENT DEVICES AND NETWORK SERVER DEVICES - Methods of operating a network server device are provided. The methods may include establishing a session with a client device. The methods may also include transmitting a first base segment providing first base content for a first time segment to the client device. The methods may additionally include transmitting a second base segment providing second base content for a second time segment to the client device. The methods may further include transmitting an additive segment including additive content for the second time segment to the client device. Also, the additive content may be synchronized with the second base content. Related methods of operating client devices are also described, as are related network server devices and related client devices. | 02-06-2014 |
20140164577 | METHODS USING BASE CONTENT AND ADDITIVE CONTENT AND RELATED CLIENT DEVICES AND NETWORK SERVER DEVICES - Methods of operating a network server device are provided. The methods may include establishing a session with a client device. The methods may also include transmitting a first base segment providing first base content for a first time segment to the client device. The methods may additionally include transmitting a second base segment providing second base content for a second time segment to the client device. The methods may further include transmitting an additive segment including additive content for the second time segment to the client device. Also, the additive content may be synchronized with the second base content. Related methods of operating client devices are also described, as are related network server devices and related client devices. | 06-12-2014 |
20140289785 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A CURRENT CHANNEL BUFFER FOR NETWORK BASED PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDING - A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in one embodiment suspends the display of the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an pointer and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the pointer for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability. | 09-25-2014 |
James Alexander, Highlandsranch, CO US
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20120284724 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF WORKFLOWS IN A VIDEO FILE WORKFLOW SYSTEM - A system and method for synchronization of workflows in a video file workflow system. A workflow is created that splits execution of the workflow tasks (in a single, video file workflow) across multiple Content Management Systems (CMSs). When a single workflow is split across two CMSs, which jointly perform the overall workflow, the two resulting workflows are created to essentially mirror each other so that each CMS can track the tasks being executed on the other CMS using synchronization messages. Hence, both CMSs have the same representation of the processing status of the video content at all time. This allows for dual tracking of the workflow process and for independent operations, at different CMSs, when the CMS systems require load balancing. The split-processing based synchronization can be implemented in the workflows themselves or with simple modifications to workflow templates, without requiring any modification of the software of the workflow systems. | 11-08-2012 |
James C. Alexander, Boulder, CO US
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20100050046 | IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIALLY ERRONEOUS AND/OR ERASED DATA - Systems for identifying potentially erroneous and/or erased data are provided. Systems have a bit detector, an accumulator, and a data reconstruction processor. The bit detector assigns values to bits read in a data signal. The bit detector illustratively assigns multiple values to each of the bits. The accumulator accumulates a count of the multiple values assigned by the bit detector for each of the bits. The accumulator associates each bit with a particular value based at least in part on its accumulated count. The data reconstruction processor determines for each of the bits a confidence level of the particular value associated to it. The data reconstruction process sets flags for a portion of the bits. The flags identify the portion of the bits as possible erased or erroneous data. The flags are set based at least in part on the confidence levels of the portion of the bits. | 02-25-2010 |
James H. Alexander, Highlands Ranch, CO US
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20100129050 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A CURRENT CHANNEL BUFFER FOR NETWORK BASED PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDING - A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in this case suspends the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an offset and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the offset for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability. | 05-27-2010 |
20100153994 | DISTRIBUTION OF VIDEO ASSETS WITH MULTIPLE ADVERTISEMENTS - A cable system receives a single copy of a video program, a plurality of ads, and meta-data associated with the ads at a receiver. The program is to be broadcasted on the cable system more than once, with different ads associated with each broadcast, which are typically inserted at the beginning, middle, and end of the program. The video program, ads, and meta-data are stored in a database, which are typically retrieved when the first broadcast occurs. At a first broadcast of the video program, an ad-selector processor retrieves the program and selects the ads using the meta-data, which includes ad-specific meta-data associated with each respective ad. Flexibility is afforded in ad selection for the various broadcasts of the program. The selection can be fixed by the program originator, or flexibility can be accommodated allowing the cable service provider in selecting ads for a broadcast. | 06-17-2010 |
20110004897 | CENTRALIZED CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MANAGING DISTRIBUTION OF PACKAGES TO VIDEO SERVICE PROVIDERS - A centralized Content Management System (“CCMS”) facilitates management of packages comprising assets comprising meta-data and associated content of video programs for distribution to various types of service providers and equipment locations therein. The CCMS can receive meta-data and associated content, normalize the meta-data according to various formats based on various rules depending on where the meta-data and contents are to be distributed, and the distribute the content. The CCMS has various capabilities for managing packages, including adapting the meta-data and content for different types of equipment or individual locations based on rules for that service provider, thus providing an automated system reducing error and time in distributing video assets to a number of locations. | 01-06-2011 |
Jay A. Alexander, Monument, CO US
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20100111155 | Serial Decode Correlation And Navigation - An instrument screen display includes a unique marker that provides the correlation and navigation through the analog data. The marker tells the user which packet or symbol is being displayed in the analog trace. The selected line in the listing (listing row that is blue) and the blue line on the trace above indicate which packet is selected for the purpose of showing details and packet data in the other tabs in the listing window. In addition to correlation, navigation can occur from either display. This type of marker is an innovative approach to correlating and navigating the disparate data types displayed on a modern oscilloscope. | 05-06-2010 |
John Alexander, Longmont, CO US
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20090184281 | METHOD OF FORMING NON-STOICHIOMETRIC NANOSCALE POWDER COMPRISING TEMPERATURE-PROCESSING OF A STOICHIOMETRIC METAL COMPOUND. - Nanotechnology methods for creating stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric substances with unusual combination of properties by lattice level composition engineering are described. The modified properties described include electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, dielectric strength, dielectric loss, polarization, permittivity, critical current, superconductivity, piezoelectricity, mean free path, curie temperature, critical magnetic field, permeability, coercive force, magnetostriction, magnetoresistance, hall coefficient, BHmax, critical temperature, melting point, boiling point, sublimation point, phase transformation condition, vapor pressure, anisotropy, adhesion, density, hardness, ductility, elasticity, porosity, strength, toughness, surface roughness, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, specific heat, latent heat, refractive index, absorptivity, emissivity, dispersivity, scattering, polarization, acidity, basicity, catalysis, reactivity, energy density, activation energy, free energy, entropy, frequency factor, bioactivity, biocompatibility, thermal coefficient of any property and pressure coefficient of any property. | 07-23-2009 |
Michael Alexander, Denver, CO US
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20100325565 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING GRAPHICAL INTERFACES - The various embodiments described herein provide for the layout and rendering of graphical interfaces to be independent from the underlying functionality of the application. The layout functionality for a graphical interface of an application is detached from the application itself, allowing the application and its associated graphical interface to be moved to different platforms utilizing different graphical application programming interfaces (APIs). | 12-23-2010 |
20110194840 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SCHEDULING RECORDINGS OF PROGRAMMING EVENTS - Systems and methods allow for automatic scheduling of audio/video recordings made by in a digital video recorder (DVR) or similar device. The various times during which each of the programming events will be available are determined and maintained in a list. Conflicting periods of time during which multiple programming events are simultaneously received are identified, and a schedule by which each of the programming events is to be recorded is created. Conflicts can be resolved by automatically scheduling the recording of one or more programming events to occur during a re-broadcast of the event at a different time that does not conflict with the other events. | 08-11-2011 |
20110310305 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HISTORY-BASED DECISION MAKING IN A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Various embodiments facilitate history-based decision making in television receivers, such as set-top boxes. In one embodiment, a history-based decision facilitator (“HBDF”) is provided. The HBDF facilitates decision making in a television receiver based on device history data received from the television receiver. In one embodiment, the HBDF receives an indication of an operation to be performed by the television receiver, the operation including one or more parameters. In response, the HBDF determines values for the one or more parameters, based on device history data received from the television receiver. The HBDF then provides the determined parameter values to the television receiver. In one example application, the HBDF can determine a tuner of the television receiver to utilize for recording a program, based on the history of the television receiver, such as that the determined tuner is typically idle during the scheduled recording time period. | 12-22-2011 |
20120134646 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIGITAL VIDEO HIGH ACCURACY FAST FORWARD, REWIND AND SKIP - In various embodiments, a recording and playback manager of a digital video recorder (DVR), set top box, receiver or other device stores and accesses statistics in a statistics file related to average distances between reference frames (e.g., intra frames or I-frames) within blocks of the video data of the recording. Accessing these statistics during playback enables the system to more accurately locate reference frames to display while executing the playback in a trick mode such as fast forward, rewind or skip. The average distance between reference frames for a particular block of video data may be used to jump from one reference frame to the next reference frame in that block during playback in trick mode. | 05-31-2012 |
20120246167 | Reducing Bookmark File Search Time - A player utilizes a bookmark file to process content. The bookmark file includes a sequential series of bookmarks that each include information specifying how to process content. In one or more implementations, only some bookmarks are indicated as searchable. When the player searches for a particular bookmark, it only searches bookmarks indicated as searchable. In various other implementations, the player utilizes an index to search for a particular bookmark. In some cases, the index contains an entry for each bookmark in the bookmark file that includes only the type and location of the respective bookmark. In other cases, only some of the bookmarks may be indicated as searchable and the index may only include entries for the searchable bookmarks. However, in these cases, the index may not include entries for bookmarks indicated as non-searchable. In either set of cases, the index may be updated if the bookmark file changes. | 09-27-2012 |
20120246197 | Handling User-Specific Information for Content During Content-Altering Operations - A content player receives user-specific information from different users and associates the information with content. Subsequently, the player receives a request to perform a content-altering operation. In response, the player performs the operation such that the information for the requesting user is affected, but not the information for other users. The information may include a placeholder, an indication as to whether the content and/or the entire content has been accessed, a protection status indicating whether or not the content can be deleted, and so on. The information may be added to and/or configured to accompany and/or otherwise be associated with the content. The player may identify the user so that different information for different users can be associated with the content for the respective user, such as by prompting the user to select an identifier from a list or perform a “log in.” | 09-27-2012 |
20120294591 | Systems and Methods for Recording Content - A method for recording multimedia content. The method includes providing instructions to record a plurality of segments of multimedia content, each of the plurality of segments having a recording start time and a recording end time associated therewith. The method further includes providing instructions regarding recording settings for one or more first segments of multimedia content to be recorded. The method also includes comparing modified start time and/or modified end times with the recording start times and/or the recording end times associated with the plurality of segments of multimedia content and determining, based at least in part on the comparison, whether to record the one or more first segments with the modified start time and/or the modified end time. | 11-22-2012 |
20130251350 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIGITAL VIDEO HIGH ACCURACY FAST FORWARD, REWIND AND SKIP - In various embodiments, a recording and playback manager of a digital video recorder (DVR), set top box, receiver or other device stores and accesses statistics in a statistics file related to average distances between reference frames (e.g., intra frames or I-frames) within blocks of the video data of the recording. Accessing these statistics during playback enables the system to more accurately locate reference frames to display while executing the playback in a trick mode such as fast forward, rewind or skip. The average distance between reference frames for a particular block of video data may be used to jump from one reference frame to the next reference frame in that block during playback in trick mode. | 09-26-2013 |
Michael Thomas Alexander, Denver, CO US
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20100309375 | INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS OF A GRAPHICAL DISPLAY - A method of managing a graphical display incorporating individual graphical elements is presented. In the method, a data set is created for each of the graphical elements, wherein each of the data sets describes a graphical feature of the associated graphical element. A separate function is associated with each of the data sets, wherein each of the functions is configured modify the data set of the associated graphical element to alter a graphical feature of the associated graphical element. A signal influencing the graphical display is generated. In response to the signal, the function associated with each of at least one of the data sets is initiated. The graphical display is transferred to an output device for viewing by a user. | 12-09-2010 |
Paul Alexander, Colorado Springs, CO US
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20120237001 | PHONE TEST SET TDR - A phone test set provides TDR capability in a hand held device, enabling measurements on phone lines including, distance to opens, distance to shorts, and distance to bridge taps. | 09-20-2012 |
Scott Alexander, Westminster, CO US
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20120253339 | RADIO FREQUENCY-BASED SURGICAL IMPLANT FIXATION APPARATUS - A radio frequency-based surgical implant fixation apparatus is provided and includes a housing and a shaft that is operably coupled to housing. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. The housing is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An approximator assembly has an elongated rod that is coaxially coupled to the shaft and is configured to reciprocate therethrough from an extended position to a retracted position. A plurality of delivery arms is operably coupled to a distal end of the elongated rod. The delivery arms are configured to releasably receive a portion of a surgical implant and selectively connect to the energy source to transmit electrosurgical energy to the surgical implant to fuse the surgical implant to tissue upon actuation thereof. | 10-04-2012 |
Scott F. Alexander, Westminster, CO US
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20110224543 | System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Critical Structure - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through a target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response. The processing unit is configured to identify the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224668 | System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Critical Structure - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity. | 09-15-2011 |
20110270121 | System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Nerve - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure. | 11-03-2011 |
20110275952 | System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Critical Structure - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity. | 11-10-2011 |
20110277777 | System and Method for Diverticulitis Treatment - A method of treating diverticulitis includes the steps of placing an endoscopic device within a colonic lumen relative to at least one diverticulum and removing undesirable material from the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device. The method also includes the steps of injecting a medicating agent into the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device and sealing the at least one diverticulum from the colonic lumen. | 11-17-2011 |
20110277778 | System and Method for Diverticulitis Treatment - A system for preventing recurrence of diverticulitis includes a semi-permeable sleeve configured to be placed within a colonic lumen relative to one or more diverticulum lining the colonic lumen. The system also includes at least first and second collars disposed on opposing ends of the semi-permeable sleeve. The collars are configured to be selectively expanded radially outward to anchor the semi-permeable sleeve within the colonic lumen. The semi-permeable sleeve is configured to prevent permeation of undesirable material from within the colonic lumen into the at least one diverticulum and allow permeation of desirable material from the exterior of the semi-permeable sleeve into the colonic lumen. | 11-17-2011 |
20120059374 | Electrosurgical Instrument - An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto. | 03-08-2012 |
20130325508 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING TRANSPARENT MEDICAL TREATMENT - A system for tracking the location and activities of a patient is disclosed. The system includes: a patient location identification device associated with a patient; a patient data server including at least one server application executable on a computer, the patient data server remotely located from the patient location identification device wherein the patient data server and patient location identification device are configured to dynamically communicate with each other through the at least one server application; and a patient medical data file residing in at least one of the patient location identification device or the patient data server, the patient medical data file configured to maintain a plurality of recordable events generated by the patient location identification device. | 12-05-2013 |
20140005663 | SURGICAL FORCEPS | 01-02-2014 |
20140094681 | SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ADJACENT TISSUE OF INTEREST - A system for navigating a surgical instrument adjacent tissue of interest is provided and includes a magnetic device and a surgical instrument. The magnetic device is positionable within a body of a patient. The surgical instrument includes a magnetic detection device that is operably disposed thereon to detect the magnetic device. The surgical instrument is configured to remove tissue of interest within the patient. | 04-03-2014 |
20140257283 | ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An end effector assembly is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The first and second jaw members operable in a first bipolar mode of operation for treating tissue and a second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue. A dissector translatable through one of the first and second jaw members is in electrical communication with one of the seal plates of the first and second jaw members and activatable in the second bipolar mode of operation for separating tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping position and tissue is adjacent thereto. | 09-11-2014 |
20140296738 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PROXIMITY RELATIVE TO A NERVE - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure. | 10-02-2014 |