Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110016102 | System and method for identifying and providing user-specific psychoactive content - A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to identify, select, and present psychoactive content to a user in order to achieve a desired psychotherapeutic effect or purpose on the user. More specifically, content items in a content library are tagged and categorized under various psychoactive properties. In addition, image-feeling associations are assessed on a per user basis to determine what types of content items induce what types of feelings/reactions from the specific user. A content comprising one or more content items can then be presented to the user based on its ability to induce a desired shift in the emotional state of the user. | 01-20-2011 |
20110154197 | System and method for algorithmic movie generation based on audio/video synchronization - A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to combine highly targeted and customized content items with algorithmic filmmaking techniques to create a film-quality, personalized multimedia experience (MME)/movie for a user. First, a rich content database is created and embellished with meaningful, accurate, and properly organized multimedia content items tagged with meta-information. Second, a software agent interacts with the user to create, learn, and exploit the user's context to determine which content items need to be retrieved and how they should be customized in order to create a script of content to meet the user's current need. Finally, retrieved and/or customized multimedia content items such as text, images, or video clips are utilized to create a script of movie-like content using automatic filmmaking techniques such as audio synchronization, image control and manipulation, and appropriately customized dialog and content. | 06-23-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130054492 | DETERMINING AN OPTION FOR DECOMMISSIONING OR CONSOLIDATING SOFTWARE - Embodiments include a computer system, method and program product for managing a software program installed on a computer hardware system, the software program subject to a software license. A retrieval of data is performed in which the data indicates actual usage of the software program and the computer hardware system, and processor power of the computer hardware system. In addition, a retrieval of licensing data from the software license is performed in which the licensing data indicates a permitted number of or fee for installations of the software program and a permitted amount of or fee for processor power of the computer hardware system in which the software program is installed. Whether to decommission a copy of the software program based on the data indicating actual usage, the licensing data, a projected amount of future usage of the software program, and criticality of the software program is determined and reported. | 02-28-2013 |
20130074189 | SOFTWARE LICENSE RECONCILIATION WITHIN A CLOUD COMPUTING INFRASTRUCTURE - A method, system, and computer program product for managing software program installations in a cloud computing environment. An example method includes calculating, by a computer processor, a maximum number of software licenses that could be required according to a software license rule from a software license agreement to run a set of software program instances on a set of servers configured as a computing cloud. Each software program instance is an installation of the software program on a different logical partition, and at least two of the servers from the set of servers are capable of requiring a different number of software licenses according to the software license rule. The method also includes determining if the maximum number of software licenses exceeds an allowed number of software licenses granted in the software license agreement. | 03-21-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130166727 | Management of Storage System Access Based on Client Performance and Cluser Health - In one embodiment, a method includes determining a previous client performance value in terms of a performance metric for a volume in a storage system. The previous client performance value is related to previous access for a client to the volume. Also, the storage system is storing data for a plurality of volumes where data for each of the plurality of volumes is striped substantially evenly across drives of the storage system. The method applies criteria to the previous performance value to determine a target performance value. Performance of the client with respect to access to the volume is regulated in terms of the performance metric based on the target performance value. | 06-27-2013 |
20130227111 | PROPORTIONAL QUALITY OF SERVICE BASED ON CLIENT USAGE AND SYSTEM METRICS - Disclosed are systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for determining client metrics of a volume in a storage system for a first client of a plurality of clients. The storage system stores data from the plurality of clients. System metrics of a cluster in the storage system are determined based upon use of the storage system by the plurality of clients. A load value of the storage system is determined based upon the system metrics and the client metrics. The load value is determined to be above a predefined threshold. A target performance value is calculated based upon the load value, a minimum quality of service value, and a maximum quality of service value. Performance of the storage system is adjusted for the client based upon the target performance value and the determining the load value is above the predefined threshold. | 08-29-2013 |
20130227145 | SLICE SERVER REBALANCING - Disclosed are systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for determining a load value for each of a plurality of volume servers in a storage system. The storage system stores data from a plurality of clients. Each volume server comprises a plurality of slices, each of which contains data associated with a client. A first volume server is determined to be overloaded based upon the load value for the first volume server being above a predetermined threshold. A slice located on the first volume server is selected to relocate. A second volume server is determined to relocate the slice to based on the load value of the second volume server. | 08-29-2013 |
20130232261 | QUALITY OF SERVICE POLICY SETS - Disclosed are systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for receiving client quality of service values associated with a first client. Client metrics of a volume in a storage system are determined for the first client. The client metrics reflect usage of the storage system by the first client. A client load value based is determined upon the client metrics. A quality of service management policy for the first client is determined from a plurality of quality of service management policies based upon the client load value. Each quality of service management policy comprises a formula based on a quality of service parameter. A client target performance value is determined based upon the formula of the quality of service management policy and the received client quality of service values. Performance of the storage system is adjusted for the first client based upon the client target performance value. | 09-05-2013 |
20140331061 | DRIVE LEVEL ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT IN A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SYSTEM - Disclosed are systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for receiving an input/output operation regarding data associated with a distributed storage system that includes a plurality of storage devices. A key identifier associated with the I/O operation is determined. The key identifier identifies a key that has been divided into a number of key pieces. Two or more storage devices of the plurality of storage devices that contain one or more of the key pieces are determined and at least a threshold number of key pieces are requested from the two or more storage devices. The minimum number of key pieces needed to reconstruct the key is the threshold number. The key is reconstructed from the requested key pieces. A cryptographic function is performed on data associated with the I/O operation using the reconstructed key and the I/O operation is completed based upon the performed cryptographic function. | 11-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090088599 | Method of accessing a bladder and associated apparatus therefor - A bladder access apparatus and method of provided access into a bladder through a abdominal wall therewith is provided. The apparatus has an annular body extending between opposite ends with a through passage extending between the ends. A tubular sheath is attached to one end of the body in coaxial alignment with the through passage. The sheath is expandable from a first diameter to an enlarged second diameter. The apparatus has an elongate stylet with a rod sized for receipt in the sheath. The rod has a length greater than the tubular sheath and a diameter substantially the same as the first diameter of the sheath. The apparatus includes a rigid, tubular body having an outer diameter corresponding substantially to the second diameter of the sheath and a rigid, cylindrical member sized for sliding receipt in the tubular body. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088786 | Method of Performing a Suprapubic Transurethral Cystostomy and Associated Procedures and Apparatus Therefor - A suprapubic transurethral cystotomy apparatus and method of forming a surgical opening therewith. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular body including a proximal portion and a distal portion inclined relative to one another. The distal portion extends along an axis to an end configured for receipt through a urethra. An elongate arm has a first end operably attached to the proximal portion of the tubular body and a second end providing an indicator establishing an axis aligned coaxially with the axis of the distal portion. A surgical opening is formed with a cutting member being extended along the axis of the indicator. | 04-02-2009 |
20100106091 | AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP ASSEMBLY AND HOUSING THEREFOR - An ambulatory infusion pump assembly and housing therefore has a cover and a base providing an enclosed cavity. The system includes a liquid pump in fluid communication with a supply source of a liquid drug. The pump and supply source are received in the housing cavity. Further, the system includes a seal providing a liquid tight seal between the cover and the base. A through passage extends from the enclosed cavity external to the housing and an infusion tube extends through the through passage. A fluid tight seal is formed about the infusion tube. A vent is provided in the housing that maintains a balanced pressure state between the enclosed cavity and the atmosphere, while at the same time, the vent prevents the ingress and egress of contaminants into and fluid out of the enclosed cavity. | 04-29-2010 |
20100298857 | Apparatus and Method for Performing Cystotomy Procedures - A cystotomy apparatus includes a sound from which an advancement device having a cutting tip creates a surgical pathway from the bladder through abdominal tissue to the external abdomen along a predetermined path. The cutting tip is captured and removed from the advancement device in a capture cup located in the predetermined path by an alignment structure. The cutting tip is removed from the advancement device while within the capture cup, to allow a dilator, cannula or catheter to be drawn through the surgical pathway into the bladder. | 11-25-2010 |
20110243813 | DIAGNOSTIC CARD WITH MICRO-FLUIDIC CHANNELS AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION THEREOF - An in vitro diagnostic card and method of construction thereof is provided. The card includes an intermediate layer having opposite faces with at least one channel extending through the faces. A translucent first layer is fixed to one of the faces of the intermediate layer and a translucent second layer is fixed to the other of the faces of the intermediate layer opposite the translucent first layer. The channel in the intermediate layer is substantially sealed off by the first and second layers. Further, an opaque material that is absorbent to laser beam energy bonds the intermediate layer to the first and second layers. | 10-06-2011 |
20120109175 | Method of Performing a Suprapubic Transurethral Cystostomy - A suprapubic transurethral cystotomy apparatus and method of forming a surgical opening therewith. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular body including a proximal portion and a distal portion inclined relative to one another. The distal portion extends along an axis to an end configured for receipt through a urethra. An elongate arm has a first end operably attached to the proximal portion of the tubular body and a second end providing an indicator establishing an axis aligned coaxially with the axis of the distal portion. A surgical opening is formed with a cutting member being extended along the axis of the indicator. | 05-03-2012 |
20130123834 | DILATOR APPARATUS - A cystotomy apparatus includes a sound from which an advancement device having a cutting tip creates a surgical pathway from the bladder through abdominal tissue to the external abdomen along a predetermined path. The cutting tip is captured and removed from the advancement device in a capture cup located in the predetermined path by an alignment structure. The cutting tip is removed from the advancement device while within the capture cup, to allow a dilator, cannula or catheter to be drawn through the surgical pathway into the bladder. | 05-16-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100112542 | Method and apparatus for controlling air pressure in an organ or tissue container - An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied. | 05-06-2010 |
20100151559 | Method and apparatus for transferring heat to or from an organ or tissue container - An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette. | 06-17-2010 |
20140261708 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING DEFORMABLE FLUID VESSELS - A fluid container comprises a first vessel, a second vessel connected or connectable to the first vessel, and a sealing partition preventing fluid flow from the second vessel. The container further includes a spherical opening element initially supported within the second vessel by the sealing partition and configured to be contacted with the sealing partition to open the sealing partition and permit fluid flow from the second vessel | 09-18-2014 |
20140263437 | APPARATUS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING DEFORMABLE FLUID VESSELS - An apparatus configured for displacing fluid from a fluid container comprises first and second actuators configured to be movable together until the first actuator compresses a first part of the fluid container and then moveable independently until the second actuator compresses a second part of the fluid container. Fluid containers comprise a first vessel, a second vessel, and a sealing partition preventing fluid flow from the second vessel and further include piercing means for piercing the sealing partition to permit fluid flow from the second vessel. A fluid container comprises a vessel configured to be collapsed to displace fluid from the vessel, a housing surrounding at least a portion of the vessel, and a floating compression plate movably disposed within the housing and configured to permit an external actuator to press the compression plate into the vessel to collapse the vessel and displace the fluid contents therefrom. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263439 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING DEFORMABLE FLUID VESSELS - An apparatus for processing a fluid module, including a collapsible vessel supported on a planar substrate, comprises a first actuator component configured to be movable in a first direction is generally parallel to the plane of the substrate, a second actuator component configured to be movable in a second direction having a component that is normal to the plane of the substrate, and a motion conversion mechanism coupling the first actuator component with the second actuator component and configured to convert movement of the first actuator component in the first direction into movement of the second actuator component in the second direction. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090102189 | Jacketed self cooling high pressure rotary swivel - A high pressure rotary swivel assembly for use in high temperature environments using a single source of fluid for operation and cooling, having an external sleeve to accommodate a low volume and/or low pressure fluid cooling circuit having a path over the majority of the external surface of the swivel body to absorb ambient heat, where the cooling circuit is fed by redirecting a small portion of the high pressure and high volume operating fluid. | 04-23-2009 |
20090206557 | Unitary high pressure slip seal cartridge - A unitary cartridge seal assembly for a high pressure liquid sealing connection between two relatively rotatable liquid passage members of a rotary nozzle or a swivel and a tool having such an assembly. The assembly comprises a thimble shaped or cylindrical housing having a flanged retainer fitting within an axial orifice to hold the components together while allowing sufficient axial movement to insure complete sealing of the respective elements. The assembly provides “drop-in” replacement of wearable parts of the rotary face seal of a high pressure water jet blasting tool. | 08-20-2009 |
20100025492 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE WITH BALANCED THRUST FORCE - A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle. | 02-04-2010 |
20100065658 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE WITH BALANCED THRUST FORCE - A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the liquid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized liquid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the liquid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the liquid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a liquid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle. | 03-18-2010 |
20110108636 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE WITH BALANCED THRUST FORCE - A fluid bearing nozzle assembly is disclosed that has a hollow cylindrical body, an inlet nut fastened to the cylindrical body, and a hollow tubular shaft member coaxially carried within the housing body and captured between the inlet nut and the body. The inlet nut has a stem portion extending into a central bore through the shaft member forming an inlet bearing area rotatably carrying the shaft member thereon. The shaft member has a spray head fastened thereto for rotation of the head with the shaft member. An inner wall of the housing body and an outer portion of the shaft have complementary shapes forming a regulating passage therebetween. The shaft has helical grooves that spiral around the shaft to one or both ends to impart rotation to the shaft and spray head. | 05-12-2011 |
20110297761 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE WITH BALANCED THRUST FORCE - A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle. | 12-08-2011 |
20120255588 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE WITH BALANCED THRUST FORCE - A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle. | 10-11-2012 |
20130200177 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE WITH BALANCED THRUST FORCE - A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle. | 08-08-2013 |
20140008459 | SELF REGULATING FLUID BEARING HIGH PRESSURE ROTARY NOZZLE - A fluid bearing nozzle assembly is disclosed that has a hollow cylindrical body, an inlet nut fastened to the cylindrical body, and a hollow tubular shaft member coaxially carried within the housing body and captured between the inlet nut and the body. The inlet nut has a stem portion extending into a central bore through the shaft member forming an inlet bearing area rotatably carrying the shaft member thereon. The shaft member has a spray head fastened thereto for rotation of the head with the shaft member. An inner wall of the housing body and an outer portion of the shaft have complementary shapes forming a regulating passage therebetween. The shaft has helical grooves that spiral around the shaft to one or both ends to impart rotation to the shaft and spray head. | 01-09-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080215054 | Devices and Methods for Minimizing the Hemorrhage from and Minimizing Infection of a Divided Sternum During Cardiac Surgery - A device for capping a severed sternum. The device comprises an end wall configured to extend along a length of severed sternum. A gasket is attached to the end wall configured to abut at least part of the length of a severed sternum when deployed thereon. | 09-04-2008 |
20100168845 | Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty Ring and Band - An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongate tube of suturable material formed into a ring. A stiffener configured to prevent axial compression and radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a first circumferential segment of the ring. An axial support configured to prevent axial compression of the ring and to permit radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a second circumferential segment of the ring. The first circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to a posterior portion of a mitral valve annulus with the first circumferential portion configured to extend between the right and the left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. The second circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to an anterior portion of a mitral valve annulus and the second circumferential segment is configured to extend between the right and left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. | 07-01-2010 |
20110071626 | Device and Method for the Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation - A device for the treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation of a damaged left ventricle having an opposing papillary muscles displaced laterally or axially relative to the mitral annulus. The device includes a lateral limb configured to extend between opposing papillary muscles of a left ventricle and first and second axial limbs extending from spaced points on the lateral limb to form an essentially U-shaped configuration. The first and second axial limbs are configured to extend between the lateral limb and a mitral annulus. A method for the treatment of mitral regurgitation comprises extending a first segment of the lateral limb of the device across opposing sides of a ventricle near opposing papillary muscles. The segment of the first lateral limb is shortened as needed to put the first and second papillary muscles into a substantially normal lateral position relative to the mitral annulus and the length of the segment of the first lateral limbs is fixed. The method further includes extending a segment of the first axial limb between the lateral limb and the mitral annulus and extending a segment of the second axial limb between the lateral limb and the mitral annulus. The first and second axial limb segments are then shortened, as needed, to put opposing papillary muscles into a substantially normal axial position relative to the mitral annulus and the lengths of the segments of the first and second axial limbs are fixed. | 03-24-2011 |
20120215302 | Annuloplasty Ring Holder - An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. | 08-23-2012 |
20140013602 | Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty Ring and Band - An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongate lube of suturable material formed into a ring. A stiffener configured to prevent axial compression and radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a first circumferential segment of the ring. An axial support configured to prevent axial compression of the ring and to permit radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a second circumferential segment of the ring. The first circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to a posterior portion of a mitral valve annulus with the first circumferential portion configured to extend between the right and the left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. The second circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to an anterior portion of a mitral valve annulus and the second circumferential segment is configured to extend between the right and left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. | 01-16-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080269550 | Cardiac Apical Suction Device for Cardiac Surgery - A cardiac apical suction device (CASD) for supporting an apical region of a beating heart during off-pump, beating heart surgery. The apparatus consists of an outer frame configured to fit over the apical region of the heart having a flexible inner member. The inner member has an inner surface defining a cavity of select volume sized to receive the apical region of a heart. The inner member further has a peripheral lip sized to make sealing engagement along a contour of the surface of the heart. The inner member and outer frame are connected by an actuation member operative to selectively increasing the volume of the inner cavity. The CASD may be placed over the apical region of a heart such that the peripheral lip forms a sealing engagement with the surface of the heart. Upon operation of the actuation member, the increase in the volume of the inner cavity causes a decrease in the pressure within the inner member, resulting in suction adhesion between the CASD and the surface of the heart. | 10-30-2008 |
20080281150 | Suction Cup Epicardial Stabilizer Device for Cardiac Surgery - An epicardial stabilizer foot comprises a frame configured to reside adjacent to a target portion of a beating heart and a number of self-retaining flexible suction cups attached to the frame for adhering the frame to the surface of the beating heart adjacent the target portion. The frame may be configured to partially surround the target portion with the associated suction cups surrounding the target portion as well. A method for stabilizing a target portion of a beating heart comprises pressing the suction cups of the suction cup stabilizer foot adjacent the target portion of a beating heart to form a partial vacuum attachment therebetween and fixing the position of the frame to prevent motion of the frame relative to the beating heart. | 11-13-2008 |
20100168846 | ANNULOPLASTY RING HOLDER - An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. | 07-01-2010 |
20100191254 | Band Forming Apparatus - A band forming apparatus for banding an internal body part and method of using same. The band forming apparatus is initially supplied as a relatively straight structure so that it can be, for example, inserted through a catheter or narrow incision such as when using endoscopic or robotic surgery techniques. Alternatively, the band forming apparatus may be used or inserted using conventional surgical techniques. In use, the initially straight assembly can be formed into a loop or band around an internal body part. Embodiments of the band forming apparatus include a compressible tube having first and second tube ends and an orifice in the tube wall between the first and second tube ends. A string is received in the tube, the string having a first end extending out of the first end of the tube and a second end extending out of the orifice. Alternatively the second string end may extend out of the second tube end. Means are provided for drawing an securing the band forming apparatus into a band of selected diameter. | 07-29-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090299897 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN AUTOMATED CONTENT TIME-SHARING SERVICE - A method and apparatus for providing an automated content time-sharing service to a plurality of participants are disclosed. A user accesses a service platform, (e.g., via a Web site), that provides the service, and selects content, (e.g., a written, audible and/or visual work), offered by the service platform. The user interacts with the service platform for scheduling access to portions of the selected content, and identifying and grouping participants, (which may include the user), whom are to be granted access to the content portions. The user may also further interact with the service platform to generate content portion-forming information, (e.g., number and/or order of content portions). A dedicated Web space is provided for each group of participants to access and post communications about the selected content portions. The communications are then are archived according to the time interval during which the communications were posted. | 12-03-2009 |
20110283193 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN AUTOMATED CONTENT TIME-SHARING SERVICE - A method and apparatus for providing an automated content time-sharing service to a plurality of participants are disclosed. A user accesses a service platform, (e.g., via a Web site), that provides the service, and selects content, (e.g., a written, audible and/or visual work), offered by the service platform. The user interacts with the service platform for scheduling access to portions of the selected content, and identifying and grouping participants, (which may include the user), whom are to be granted access to the content portions. The user may also further interact with the service platform to generate content portion-forming information, (e.g., number and/or order of content portions). A dedicated Web space is provided for each group of participants to access and post communications about the selected content portions. The communications are then are archived according to the time interval during which the communications were posted. | 11-17-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110213356 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SPINAL RADIO FREQUENCY NEUROTOMY - Methods and systems for spinal radio frequency neurotomy. Systems include needles capable of applying RF energy to target volumes within a patient. Such target volumes may contain target medial branch nerves along vertebrae or rami proximate the sacrum. Such procedures may be used to ablate or cauterize a portion of the targeted nerve, thus blocking the ability of the nerve to transmit signals to the central nervous system. Disclosed needles may be operable to asymmetrically, relative to a central longitudinal axis of the needle, apply RF energy. Such asymmetry facilitates procedures where a tip of the needle is placed proximate to anatomical structures for location verification. Then RF energy may be applied in a selectable direction relative to the needle tip to ablate volumes that include the targeted medial branch nerves or rami, thus denervating facet joints or the sacroiliac joint, respectively, to relieve pain in a patient. | 09-01-2011 |
20110288540 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TISSUE ABLATION - Systems and methods for tissue ablation. Systems include needles with deployable filaments capable of producing asymmetrical offset lesions at target volumes, which may include a target nerve. Ablation of at least a portion of the target nerve may inhibit the ability of the nerve to transmit signals, such as pain signals, to the central nervous system. The offset lesion may facilitate procedures by directing energy towards the target nerve and away from collateral structures. Example anatomical structures include lumbar, thoracic, and cervical medial branch nerves and rami and the sacroiliac joint. | 11-24-2011 |
20140106323 | REPRESENTATIONS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURES FOR TREATMENT SIMULATION - Representations of physiological structures for thermal treatment simulation. Training operators of the treatment devices by physically illustrating thermal profiles on organs, tissue, and nerves in real time may advantageously provide an understanding of heating and/or cooling effects. An experimenter may witness the thermal effects of lesion creation (e.g., RF lesion creation) rather than just monitoring a thermocouple temperature and assuming end-organ/tissue/nerve effects. | 04-17-2014 |