Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100234916 | System and method for ventricular pace timing based on isochrones - The present invention provides a system and method for displaying ventricular timing events and for determining optimal ventricular pace timing based on ventricular synchrony and loading conditions in order to improve the hemodynamic performance of patients. | 09-16-2010 |
20130073217 | Phased Whole Genome Genetic Risk In A Family Quartet - In an embodiment of the present invention, three novel human reference genome sequences were developed based on the most common population-specific DNA sequence (“major allele”). Methods were developed for their integration into interpretation pipelines for highthroughput whole genome sequencing. | 03-21-2013 |
20130080068 | Phased Whole Genome Genetic Risk In A Family Quartet - An embodiment of the present invention is a methodology for prioritizing variants relevant to inherited Mendelian (“single gene”) disease syndromes according to disease phenotype, gene, and variant level information. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080069 | Method to Estimate Likelihood of Pathogenicity of Synonymous and Non-coding Variants Across a Genome - A method according to an embodiment of the present invention determines putative changes in splicing, mRNA structure, and protein synthesis. For each of these concepts, scoring algorithms are disclosed that can be used in a genome-wide scale. The described methods provide a pipeline that can be used to analyze the biological effects of SNPs generally, both synonymous and non-synonymous. | 03-28-2013 |
20150370959 | Phased Whole Genome Genetic Risk In A Family Quartet - An embodiment of the present invention is a methodology for prioritizing variants relevant to inherited Mendelian (“single gene”) disease syndromes according to disease phenotype, gene, and variant level information. | 12-24-2015 |
20150370963 | Phased Whole Genome Genetic Risk In A Family Quartet - In an embodiment of the present invention, three novel human reference genome sequences were developed based on the most common population-specific DNA sequence (“major allele”). Methods were developed for their integration into interpretation pipelines for highthroughput whole genome sequencing. | 12-24-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221225 | Genes associated with restenosis - The present invention identifies genes whose gene products are differentially expressed during restenosis, including de novo restenosis and in stent restenosis (ISR). Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating a patient or methods for prophylactically treating an individual susceptible to restenosis. Additionally, the invention describes screening methods for identifying agents that can be administered to treat individuals that have or at risk of developing restenosis. | 09-11-2008 |
20130080365 | Phased Whole Genome Genetic Risk In A Family Quartet - An embodiment of the present invention is a method for resolving long-range haplotype phase based on family pedigree data, inheritance state determination, and population linkage disequilibrium data. A method according to an embodiment of the present invention provides for the evaluation of genome wide risk using phased haplotype data. | 03-28-2013 |
20130090908 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK MODELING TO ENLARGE THE SEARCH SPACE OF CANDIDATE GENES FOR DISEASES - With the advent of low cost, high-throughput whole genome sequencing (“next generation sequencing”), tools are available to assay human genetic variation contributing to inherited disease syndromes. A method is disclosed for prioritization of genetic variants, and identification of disease genes, using network modeling of gene associations. | 04-11-2013 |
20150261913 | Method and System for Identifying Clinical Phenotypes in Whole Genome DNA Sequence Data - High throughput sequencing has facilitated a precipitous drop in the cost of whole genome human DNA sequencing, prompting predictions of a revolution in medicine via personalization of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to individual genetics. Disclosed is a comprehensive series of methods for identification of genetic variants and medical genotypes, phasing genetic data and using Mendelian inheritance for quality control, and providing predictive genetic information about risk for rare disease phenotypes and response to pharmacological therapy in single individuals and father-mother-child trios. | 09-17-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110263502 | PRODRUGS AND DRUG-MACROMOLECULE CONJUGATES HAVING CONTROLLED DRUG RELEASE RATES - The present invention provides methods and compositions that permit controlled and prolonged drug release in vivo. The compounds are either prodrugs with tunable rates of release, or conjugates of the drug with macromolecules which exhibit tunable controlled rates of release. | 10-27-2011 |
20140256626 | PEG CONJUGATES OF EXENATIDE - Slow release forms of exenatide wherein exenatide is releasably linked to polyethylene glycol carriers are disclosed. | 09-11-2014 |
20140288190 | HYDROGELS WITH BIODEGRADABLE CROSSLINKING - Hydrogels that degrade under appropriate conditions of pH and temperature by virtue of crosslinking compounds that cleave through an elimination reaction are described. The hydrogels may be used for delivery of various agents, such as pharmaceuticals. This invention provides hydrogels that degrade to smaller, soluble components in a non-enzymatic process upon exposure to physiological conditions and to methods to prepare them. The hydrogels are prepared from crosslinking agents that undergo elimination reactions under physiological conditions, thus cleaving the crosslinking agent from the backbone of the hydrogel. The invention also relates to the crosslinking agents themselves and intermediates in forming the hydro gels of the invention. The biodegradable hydro gels prepared according to the methods of the invention may be of use in diverse fields, including biomedical engineering, absorbent materials, and as carriers for drug delivery. | 09-25-2014 |
20140296476 | PRODRUGS AND DRUG-MACROMOLECULE CONJUGATES HAVING CONTROLLED DRUG RELEASE RATES - The present invention provides methods and compositions that permit controlled and prolonged drug release in vivo. The compounds are either prodrugs with tunable rates of release, or conjugates of the drug with macromolecules which exhibit tunable controlled rates of release. | 10-02-2014 |
20150352246 | SEALANTS HAVING CONTROLLED DEGRATION - The invention provides sealants wherein biodegradable hydrogels that do not otherwise comprise protein-reactive groups for binding to membranes or tissue are provided said groups optionally through a linker. The linker may be biodegradable and may be biodegradable by an elimination reaction. The invention also provides multilayer gels for drug delivery wherein a porous gel in contact with a tissue or organ to which the drug is to be delivered is protected by a microporous layer from the surrounding bodily fluid. | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140095396 | ADAPTIVE KNOWLEDGE NAVIGATOR - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a user interface including a dynamic visualization of an entire current context of a user, which facilitates understanding and communicating the business knowledge in collaborative business processes. According to embodiments of the present invention, these visualizations can be context sensitive and dynamically adapted to the business process metadata, user's roles, user's location, and the applicable tasks. Embodiments of the present invention provide visualizations of the evolution of the entire context including digital information and the relationships between changed items. These visualizations can include but are not limited to a 360 view, a network/dependency view, and a time-based view. | 04-03-2014 |
20140123072 | SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATION IN A COMPUTER USER INTERFACE - Embodiments described herein provide various features for a unified and simplified user experience. A first feature (or set of features) provides icons for launching or accessing applications and business flows. A second feature provides a unified menu system including an icon bar with thumbnails of a selected icon arranged adjacent to the icon bar. A third feature provides a framework for a menu that can expose application objects from diverse sources. | 05-01-2014 |
20160092152 | EXTENDED SCREEN EXPERIENCE - A system and method for facilitating leveraging computing resources to convey or otherwise illustrate information. An example method includes receiving a signal from a user input mechanism of a first device, the first device characterized by the user input mechanism in communication with a first display; displaying a first layout on the first display in response to the signal; and generating instructions for a second user interface layout for presentation on a second display that is larger than the first display, wherein content of the second layout is coordinated with content of the first layout, which are associated with a software application, and wherein the second layout includes one or more additional visual features relative to the first layout. | 03-31-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080234687 | DEVICES FOR TREATING THE SPINE - Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure. | 09-25-2008 |
20080234827 | DEVICES FOR TREATING THE SPINE - Various features of spinal implants and systems and methods for implanting the same with or between tissue layers in the human body. | 09-25-2008 |
20080262583 | METHOD FOR TREATING INTERVERTEBRAL DISC - A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the functional element is positioned at a selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then the functional unit treats the annular fissure. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to seal the fissure. An externally guidable intervertebral disc apparatus also is disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
20110098708 | POWERED TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for modifying tissue in a spine may include: a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having dimensions which allow it to be passed into an epidural space of the spine and between target and non-target tissues; at least one distal force application member extending from the distal portion of the shaft and configured to facilitate application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the shaft; at least one movable tissue modifying member coupled with the shaft at or near its distal portion; at least one drive member coupled with the at least one tissue modifying member to activate the at least one tissue modifying member; and at least one power transmission member coupled with the at least one drive member to deliver power to the at least one drive member. | 04-28-2011 |
20130238098 | DEVICES FOR TREATING THE SPINE - Method and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue and particularly spinal tissue. The device and method may include insertion of at least one elongated member and an augmenting member to form a structure between the tissues to be distraction, such that a dimensional aspect of the structure is augmented upon movement of the augmenting structure. | 09-12-2013 |
20140107789 | DEVICES FOR TREATING THE SPINE - Various features of spinal implants and systems and methods for implanting the same with or between tissue layers in the human body. | 04-17-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100114318 | Prosthetic Intervertebral Discs - Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs. | 05-06-2010 |
20120109318 | Prosthetic intervertebral discs - Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs. | 05-03-2012 |
20150265415 | Prosthetic Intervertebral Disc. - Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs. | 09-24-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090156958 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUS ENERGY DELIVERY - The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect. | 06-18-2009 |
20100057204 | Hydraulically Actuated Expanding Spine Cage With Extendable Locking Anchor - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning | 03-04-2010 |
20100145455 | Lockable spinal implant - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145456 | Lockable spinal implant - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. | 06-10-2010 |
20110130835 | Adjustable Distraction Cage With Linked Locking Mechanisms - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a refracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning | 06-02-2011 |
20110190772 | POWERED TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for modifying tissue in a spine may include: a shah having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having dimensions which allow h to be passed into an epidural space of the spine and between target and non-target tissues at least one distal force application member extending from the distal portion of the shall and configured to facilitate application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the shaft; at least one movable tissue modifying member coupled with the shaft at or near its distal portion; at least one drive member coupled with the at least one tissue modifying member to activate the at least one tissue modifying member; and at least one power transmission member coupled with the at least one drive member to deliver power to the at least one drive member. | 08-04-2011 |
20120130387 | Insertion Handle For Surgical Implants - An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like. | 05-24-2012 |
20120245695 | Lockable Spinal Implant - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. | 09-27-2012 |
20130190875 | Selectively Expanding Spine Cage With Enhanced Bone Graft Infusion - A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally. | 07-25-2013 |
20130253650 | Adjustable Distraction Cage With Linked Locking Mechanisms - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning. | 09-26-2013 |
20130261748 | Hydraulically Actuated Expanding Spine Cage with Extendable Locking Anchor - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning | 10-03-2013 |
20130310837 | POWERED TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for modifying tissue in a spine may include: a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having dimensions which allow it to be passed into an epidural space of the spine and between target and non-target tissues; at least one distal force application member extending from the distal portion of the shaft and configured to facilitate application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the shaft; at least one movable tissue modifying member coupled with the shaft at or near its distal portion; at least one drive member coupled with the at least one tissue modifying member to activate the at least one tissue modifying member; and at least one power transmission member coupled with the at least one drive member to deliver power to the at least one drive member. | 11-21-2013 |
20150202054 | INSERTION HANDLE FOR SURGICAL IMPLANTS - An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like. | 07-23-2015 |
20150216676 | SELECTIVELY EXPANDING SPINE CAGE WITH ENHANCED BONE GRAFT INFUSION - A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally. | 08-06-2015 |
20150289988 | ADJUSTABLE DISTRACTION CAGE WITH LINKED LOCKING MECHANISMS - A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning. | 10-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090313531 | Methods and Apparatus for Processing a Received Signal Using a Multiple-Step Trellis and Selection Signals for Multiple Trellis Paths - Methods and apparatus are provided for performing SOVA detection at higher data rates than achievable with conventional designs. A received signal is processed by (i) determining at least three selection signals that define a plurality of paths through a multiple-step trellis into a given state, wherein a first of the plurality of paths is a winning path for each single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle, a second path is a winning path for a first single-step-trellis period and is a losing path for a second single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle and a third path is a losing path for a first single-step-trellis period and is a winning path for a second single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle; and (ii) determining at least one reliability value (such as a reliability value for a bit decision associated with a maximum-likelihood path through the multiple-step trellis or a plurality of reliability values for each multiple-step-trellis cycle). | 12-17-2009 |
20090319874 | Reliability Unit For Determining A Reliability Value For At Least One Bit Decision - A reliability unit is disclosed for determining a reliability value for at least one bit decision. The disclosed reliability unit comprises one or more functional elements, wherein each of the functional elements comprises at least four functional units and at least two registers, wherein each functional unit comprises a comparator and a multiplexer, and wherein an output of the comparator and an equivalence bit control the multiplexer. Generally, the reliability unit determines a reliability value for a bit decision associated with a maximum-likelihood path through a multiple-step trellis. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319875 | Path Metric Difference Computation Unit For Computing Path Differences Through A Multiple-Step Trellis - A path metric difference computation unit is disclosed for computing path differences through a multiple-step trellis. The disclosed path metric difference computation unit computes differences between paths through a multiple-step trellis, wherein a first of the plurality of paths is a winning path for each single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle, a second of the plurality of paths is a winning path for a first single-step-trellis period and is a losing path for a second single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle and a third of the plurality of paths is a losing path for a first single-step-trellis period and is a winning path for a second single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle. The disclosed path metric difference computation unit comprises one or more path metric difference generators for generating a path metric difference Δ | 12-24-2009 |
20100050060 | Path Comparison Unit For Determining Paths In A Trellis That Compete With A Survivor Path - A path comparison unit is disclosed for determining paths in a trellis that compete with a survivor path. The disclosed path comparison unit comprises a first type functional unit comprising a multiplexer and a register to store one or more survivor bits associated with the survivor path; and at least two second type functional units, wherein each second type functional unit comprises a multiplexer and a logical circuit to compute at least one equivalence bit indicating whether the bit for a respective path and the bit for the survivor path are equivalent. Generally, the respective path is one or more of a win-lose path and a lose-win path. | 02-25-2010 |