Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100014991 | ENGINE SPEED DEPENDENT OIL PUMP PRESSURE REGULATION - In an exemplary embodiment, the momentum of oil-containing air rotating with a crankshaft counterweight in an engine crankcase is converted to static pressure by blocking the flow and directing the resulting static pressure through an orifice to a vent chamber wherein the pressure acts against a cam ring of a variable displacement oil pump. The arrangement modifies the action of an oil pressure control by increasing the effective pump outlet pressure as a function of engine speed using relatively low cost modifications of the engine and oil pump. This pressure may also be used in various ways to modify the control functions of other devices. | 01-21-2010 |
20120204985 | INTERNALLY DAMPENED PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - A valve assembly for a fluid system is provided. The valve assembly includes a damping component to reduce undesired pressure fluctuations within the system. The valve assembly includes a valve guide member and a valve member at least partially situated around the valve guide member. The valve member may be slidable relative to the valve guide member. The valve member is configured to move between a first valve member position that substantially permits fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly, and a second valve member position that substantially prevents fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly. A metering hole is formed on the valve member and adapted to dampen the motion of the valve member from the first valve member position to the second valve member position. | 08-16-2012 |
20120318799 | DRAINABLE CONTAINER SYSTEM AND WELD NUT THEREOF - A drainable container system for a vehicle includes a container defining an interior cavity configured for storing a fluid, and a drain hole configured for draining the fluid from the interior cavity. The drainable container system further includes a drain plug configured for plugging the drain hole, and a weld nut attachable to the container and configured for receiving the drain plug. The weld nut includes a coupling portion matable with the drain plug and having a longitudinal axis, and a flange portion extending from the coupling portion and disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The flange portion defines at least one channel therein configured for conducting the fluid to the drain hole. | 12-20-2012 |
20150147192 | VEHICLE AND A METHOD OF REDUCING SOUND PRODUCED BY A LIQUID FLUID PUMP - A vehicle and a method of reducing sound produced by a liquid fluid pump are disclosed. A pump is activated when a predetermined event is detected. A control valve of the pump is operated in one of an initial and a standard mode when the pump is activated. The control valve is operable to allow a gaseous fluid to vent out of the pump when in the initial mode corresponding to the pump being in a first phase. The control valve is operable to allow a liquid fluid to move through the pump when in the standard mode corresponding to the pump being in a second phase. A solenoid of the control valve is energized and de-energized, at a calibrated frequency, in a sequence when in the initial mode to reduce the sound in the pump during the initial mode. | 05-28-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120272818 | SUPPRESSOR WITH CRENELATED FRONT - A device can include a noise suppressor for a firearm. The noise suppressor can have a front end and at least one protrusion extending from the front end. The noise suppressor can have a plurality of protrusions. For example, a plurality of spikes can be formed upon the front end of the noise suppressor. The protrusions can be configured to be useful for self-defense or other purposes. | 11-01-2012 |
20130180796 | FIREARM SOUND SUPPRESSOR WITH INNER SLEEVE - In one example, a firearm sound suppressor includes a housing, a baffle, and an inner sleeve adapted to be disposed within the housing and to substantially surround the baffle. The inner sleeve includes a sidewall adapted to slide against the housing to permit the inner sleeve with the baffle to be selectively inserted into and removed from the housing without the baffle contacting the housing, and a longitudinal split extending through the sidewall and between front and rear ends of the inner sleeve to permit the sidewall to flex to permit removal of the baffle from the inner sleeve. Other embodiments are also contemplated. | 07-18-2013 |
20140231168 | FIREARM SOUND SUPPRESSOR - In one example, a firearm sound suppressor includes a housing, a baffle, and an inner sleeve adapted to be disposed within the housing and to substantially surround the baffle. The inner sleeve includes a sidewall adapted to slide against the housing to permit the inner sleeve with the baffle to be selectively inserted into and removed from the housing without the baffle contacting the housing, and a longitudinal split extending through the sidewall and between front and rear ends of the inner sleeve to permit the sidewall to flex to permit removal of the baffle from the inner sleeve. Other embodiments are also contemplated. | 08-21-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140107405 | CARDIAC TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107406 | CARDIAC TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107775 | CARDIAC TREATMENT SYSTEM - An assembly for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart. | 04-17-2014 |
20140299130 | PORTABLE POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ATTENUATING THE NOISE EMITTED THEREFROM - The systems and methods described herein provide a quiet, light-weight, and portable system and apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The systems may include a housing with an inlet port, a vibrationally isolated blower unit positioned in an inner chamber, and an outlet port for delivery of the pressurized air from the blower unit. The inlet port and outlet port may each have a tube with dimensions that are defined in relation to the inner chamber so as to reduce the overall noise output of the system. | 10-09-2014 |
20140299132 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE IN A TUBE-LIKE STRUCTURE - The systems and methods described herein include a small system integrated within a tubing for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The system may include a tube with an inlet opening, an expansion section with a gas flow generator, and an outlet opening. The systems and methods described herein provide improved mobility, comfort, and usability for patients. | 10-09-2014 |
20140299406 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING LOW-NOISE POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE - The systems and methods described herein include a low-noise apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The systems may include a housing with an inlet port, a vibrationally isolated blower unit positioned in an acoustic chamber, and an outlet port for delivery of the pressurized air from the blower unit. The acoustic chamber may include noise attenuators, such as walls, which adjust airflow so as to reduce the overall noise output of the system. | 10-09-2014 |
20150173740 | TISSUE ANCHOR AND ANCHORING SYSTEM - A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device. | 06-25-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090062596 | Heart band with fillable chambers to modify heart valve function - The present invention relates to an external heart device, having a layered band dimensioned to be received around a patient's heart, which also includes at least one fillable chamber between the layers in the band that functions to apply localized pressure to the outside of the heart when filled. More particularly, the fillable chambers are positioned such that they exert an inward radial force on a heart valve. Areas between the fillable chambers may also be sized and positioned to form a bridge of little to no pressure over the vascular structures of the heart. | 03-05-2009 |
20090076547 | TISSUE ANCHOR AND ANCHORING SYSTEM - A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device. | 03-19-2009 |
20110230810 | IMPLANTABLE ANTI-ADHESION THREE LAYER PATCH - The present invention relates to a layered membrane sandwich system. In its simplest form, the present invention is a three layer membrane sandwich having a center layer of polyester positioned between first and second layers of silicone. The present invention can be used generally as an anti-adhesion membrane or as a barrier to tissue reaction following surgery. In addition, the present invention may optionally be used as a pericardial patch. | 09-22-2011 |
20110319827 | SAFETY CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded. | 12-29-2011 |
20120059457 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR DELIVERY OF CARDIAC DEVICES - A minimally invasive surgical instrument for delivering an external basal annuloplasty device to a heart includes a hollow shaft with a telescopically center tube extending from an end of the hollow shaft. The center tube includes a heart gripping member. A plurality of delivery prongs are slidably coupled to the hollow shaft, each having a distal portion with an expandable wire member for holding the external basal annuloplasty device. A sleeve is telescopically coupled to the expandable wire member. A wire slide is coupled to a proximal portion of the expandable wire member and a sleeve slide is coupled to a proximal portion of the sleeve. The external basal annuloplasty device is mountable on the plurality of delivery prongs by inserting each expandable wire member into a respective pocket on the external basal annuloplasty device. | 03-08-2012 |
20140288500 | SAFETY CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded. | 09-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130313423 | ADVANCED DEBRIS MITIGATION OF EUV LIGHT SOURCE - Systems and methods for debris mitigation in an EUV light source for semiconductor processes are disclosed. Pulsed DC electric fields are applied to the path of EUV light to reject ions from the EUV path. The pulsed DC fields are triggered to coincide with the presence of debris in the EUV optical path. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 11-28-2013 |
20140036333 | MULTIPLEXING EUV SOURCES IN RETICLE INSPECTION - The present disclosure is directed to an illumination system. The illumination system may include a base member rotatable about a rotation axis and a plurality of mirrors disposed on an outer surface of the base member along a perimeter of the base member. The mirrors may be oriented at a predetermined angle. The illumination system also includes at least two illumination sources. Each of the mirrors of the first plurality of mirrors is configured to receive radiation from the first illumination source at a first portion of each mirror at a first time. The mirror is configured to reflect the radiation to an optical path. Each of the mirrors is further configured to receive radiation from the second illumination source at a second portion of the mirror at a second time. The mirrors reflect the radiation from the second illumination source to the common optical path. | 02-06-2014 |
20140158914 | OPTICAL COMPONENT WITH BLOCKING SURFACE AND METHOD THEREOF - An optical component arranged for use in a low pressure environment including: a surface arranged to receive extreme ultra-violet (EUV) light and a coating, on the surface, arranged to block at least one contaminant in the low pressure environment from binding to the surface. A method of mitigating contamination of a surface of an optical component, including: inserting the optical component into a chamber for a semi-conductor inspection system, controlling a temperature and a pressure within the chamber, introducing a blocking material, in a gaseous state, into the chamber, coating a surface of the optical component with the blocking material, and preventing, using the coating, a contaminant in the chamber from binding to the optical component. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166051 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING GASES AND MITIGATING DEBRIS IN A CONTROLLED PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT - An assembly, including: a nozzle including a first chamber with a first orifice arranged to receive a stream of gas; a second chamber with a second orifice to emit the stream; a throat connecting the nozzle chambers; and a collector including: top and bottom walls with first and second openings; a third chamber bounded by the top and bottom walls and including a third opening connected to the second orifice to receive the stream; and a fourth opening. The first chamber tapers from the first orifice to the throat. The second chamber expands in size from the throat to the second orifice. The third chamber expands in size from the third opening to the fourth opening. The collector is arranged to: entrain, in the stream, debris entering the third chamber through first or second opening; and emit the stream, with the entrained debris, from the fourth opening. | 06-19-2014 |
20140374619 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING OBJECTS IN A CHAMBER OF AN OPTICAL INSTRUMENT BY GENERATING REACTIVE IONS USING PHOTON RADIATION - An optical instrument, including a chamber, an object exposed to an interior of the chamber, a source of low-pressure gas, the gas comprising at least one of low-pressure molecular hydrogen gas, low-pressure molecular oxygen and a low-pressure noble gas, the source of low pressure gas being fluidly coupled to the chamber, a low voltage source electrically coupled between the object and a remaining portion of the instrument that is exposed to the interior of the chamber so as to maintain the object at a low voltage relative to the remaining portion, and an EUV/VUV light source adapted to direct EUV/VUV light through the low pressure gas in the chamber onto the object. In such a system, when the EUV/VUV light source is activated ions of the low-pressure gas are formed and directed to the object. The ions may be ions of Hydrogen, Oxygen or a noble gas. | 12-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120116186 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATION OF A SUBJECT'S EMOTIONAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND/OR PHYSICAL STATE WITH THE SUBJECT'S PHYSIOLOGICAL AND/OR ACOUSTIC DATA - Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for remote evaluation of a subject's emotive and/or physiological state. Embodiments can utilize a device that can be used to determine the emotional and/or physiological state of a subject through the measurement and analysis of vital signs and/or speech. A specific embodiment relates to a device capable of remotely acquiring a subject's physiological and/or acoustic data, and then correlating and analyzing the data to provide an assessment of a subject's emotional and/or physiological state. In a further specific embodiment, the device can acquire such data, correlate and analyze the data, and provide the assessment of the subject's emotional state and/or physiological in real time. | 05-10-2012 |
20120120643 | SOLAR-POWERED LIGHTING MODULE - A solar-powered lighting module is provided, including a solar cell for generating electricity when exposed to light, a battery for storing charge from the generated electricity, and a light generating device powered by the stored charge. In an embodiment, the module further includes a controller that regulates the current transmitted between the components of the module. In a further embodiment, the module is incorporated into an interface to an environmentally controlled space and can be positioned to light an interior portion of the space. In another embodiment, the solar cell and light generating device are transparent to allow light to pass through the interface. In a further embodiment, tinted-color conjugated polymers incorporated into the module limit the spectrum of light that can pass through the interface. In yet another embodiment, a method of modifying an existing interface with such a module is provided. | 05-17-2012 |
20120197442 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING SHOCK RESISTANCE OF MEMS STRUCTURES - Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for stabilizing a moveable element of a device. In an embodiment, a device is provided including a base, an element capable of moving relative to the base, and at least one actuator. Each actuator of the at least one actuator is configured such that when the actuator is driven the actuator moves into a hold position, wherein the actuator limits movement of the element. In a particular embodiment, the at least one actuator holds the element, or a portion of the element, at a particular position, angle, and/or attitude. In an embodiment, the at least one actuator is used to limit movement of the element when the device is turned off. The at least one actuator can be positioned to allow greater movement of the element when the device is turned on. | 08-02-2012 |
20130067909 | CURVED MULTIMORPH MICROACTUATORS THAT BEND AND/OR TWIST - A curved multimorph actuator is provided composed of a plurality of materials, each material exhibiting different deformations in response to a stimulus, such as heat. Application of different stimuli causes the actuator to bend and/or twist. In an embodiment, the actuator is capable of rotating an object about its center without significantly shifting the center in one or more dimensions. In a further embodiment, the actuator can be used to rotate an object about a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are mutually perpendicular. In an embodiment, rotation about the first axis and the second axis are achieved in combination. In another embodiment, rotation about the first axis is produced in response to a first stimulus and rotation about the second axis is produced in response to a second stimulus. | 03-21-2013 |
20130218049 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISINFECTING AND/OR SELF-STERILIZING A STETHOSCOPE USING PLASMA ENERGY - A method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing at least a portion of the surface of a stethoscope is provided. Methods and devices are provided by which a device or apparatus can generate a sterilizing plasma such that a stethoscope, or portion of a stethoscope, can be placed within or near the device or apparatus so that the plasma disinfects and/or sterilizes and/or decontaminates at least a portion of the stethoscope. A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a self-disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing and/or self-decontaminating stethoscope and stethoscope disinfecting and/or sterilization apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing, respectively, all or at least a portion of a stethoscope. | 08-22-2013 |
20140346875 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING POWER - Embodiments of the subject invention are drawn to power supply units and systems for supplying power to loads. Specific embodiments relate to systems incorporating the loads. The power supply units and systems can include a feedback mechanism for monitoring the system and maintaining a parameter of interest at or near a desired value (e.g., for maintaining the frequency of operation at or near resonance). The feedback mechanism is configured such that, if the at least one parameter indicates that the frequency of operation is away from a resonant frequency of the power amplifier, the feedback mechanism adjusts the frequency of operation closer to the resonant frequency of the power amplifier. The at least one load can have a variable impedance, though embodiments are not limited thereto. | 11-27-2014 |
20150190508 | DEVICES FOR THERMALLY INDUCED TRANSFORMATIONS CONTROLLED BY IRRADIATION OF FUNCTIONALIZED FULLERENES - An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation. | 07-09-2015 |
20150246149 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISINFECTING AND/OR SELF-STERILIZING A STETHOSCOPE USING PLASMA ENERGY - A method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing at least a portion of the surface of a stethoscope is provided. Methods and devices are provided by which a device or apparatus can generate a sterilizing plasma such that a stethoscope, or portion of a stethoscope, can be placed within or near the device or apparatus so that the plasma disinfects and/or sterilizes and/or decontaminates at least a portion of the stethoscope. A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a self-disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing and/or self-decontaminating stethoscope and stethoscope disinfecting and/or sterilization apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing, respectively, all or at least a portion of a stethoscope. | 09-03-2015 |