03rd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120016438 | SELECTIVE HIGH FREQUENCY SPINAL CORD MODULATION FOR INHIBITING PAIN WITH REDUCED SIDE EFFECTS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016439 | DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING HIGH FREQUENCY SPINAL CORD MODULATION FOR INHIBITING PAIN, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS, INCLUDING SIMPLIFIED CONTROLLERS - Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016440 | NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION SYSTEM - A wearable neuromuscular stimulation and neuroprosthetic system and device for treating spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions; and for the management of chronic pain. This invention provides a system for transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation and typically comprises a wearable item that further includes a flexible, non-conductive material; at least one flexible, generally flat electrode attachable to or embedded within the wearable item; and a programmable electrical stimulation device connectable to the electrode(s). Each electrode typically includes a silver-impregnated or silver-treated material. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016441 | DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC PULSE STIMULATION OF HEALING OF WOUNDS - A device that improves the efficiency of the treatment process, shortens healing time, and treats large-area wound surfaces and various forms of local inflammatory processes comprising an HF generator, power source, timer, pedal, electronic module control device, and a device for delivering exposure energy from the generator to biological tissue, wherein the pedal is pressed, a signal arrives at a timer and electronic module for controlling a device for the metered movement of a needle electrode. By means of this module, movement to a specified depth can be ensured. After the needle electrode is inserted into biological tissue, a signal to turn on the HF generator is sent automatically from the timer and a movement sensor. The current of the HF generator is modulated by a modulator that is fed to needle electrode. The timer turns off the HF generator, and the needle electrode is extracted from the biological tissue. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016442 | REGULATION OF GENES VIA APPLICATION OF SPECIFIC AND SELECTIVE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS - Methods and devices for the regulation of gene expression by cells via the application of fields generated by specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals so as to target diseased or injured tissue for treatment. By gene expression is meant the up regulation or down regulation of the process whereby specific portions (genes) of the human genome (DNA) are transcribed into mRNA and subsequently translated into protein. Methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of injured or diseased tissue that include providing specific and selective electric and electromagnetic signals and exposing tissue to the fields generated by the signals so as to regulate gene expression. In particular, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of bone defects, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and other disease states. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016443 | RATE MATCHING FOR A STIMULATING MEDICAL DEVICE - Methods and systems are disclosed for rate matching in a stimulating medical device, such as a cochlear implant or an auditory brain stimulator. In embodiments, the stimulating medical device applies a fast Fourier transform (FFT) at an analysis rate to the received signal to obtain a plurality frequency bin output signals. The stimulating medical device then applies a rate matching through interpolation function to the frequency bin output signals to match the stimulation rate for the stimulating medical device. This rate matching through interpolation function may apply a common interpolation filter to each frequency bin output to obtain a plurality of outputs distributed in time across the time period between executions of the FFT. The values of the frequency bin output signals at the time most closely matching the time for which stimulation is to be applied may then be selected and used in applying the stimulation. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016444 | Implantable Hermetic Feedthrough - An implantable hermetic system includes a hermetic case and a hermetic feedthrough sealed into an aperture in the case. The hermetic feedthrough includes vias which form electrically conductive paths through the hermetic feedthrough. A header that includes integral interconnection contacts is attached to the case. The vias are electrically joined to the interconnection contacts. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016445 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CLUSTERING OF ELECTRODES IN NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. The electrodes are initially assigned to a plurality of electrode subsets to be evaluated. A pair of immediately neighboring ones of the electrode subsets is determined, and merged into a new electrode subset that includes all electrodes in the pair of immediately neighboring electrode subsets. The new electrode subset is included within the plurality of electrode subsets to be evaluated, while the pair of immediately neighboring electrode subsets is excluded from the plurality of electrode sets to be evaluated. These steps are repeated until all the electrode subsets have been merged into a single electrode subset. A clustering relationship of the electrodes is identified, and the electrodes are programmed based on the identified clustering relationship of the electrodes. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016446 | Therapeutic electric antioxidant clothing apparatus and method - A process for introducing therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the human skin with conductive portions in clothing for electrically contacting the skin, for applying direct current, pulsed direct current, or alternating current electricity of various voltage and current levels, for conductive wiring fiber interwoven in clothing, and for electronically controlling the doses of electric antioxidants in microcurrent doses applied percutaneously or transcutaneously to the human skin. A preferred embodiment includes the process for applying clothing that is skin tight, with or without a control module imbedded in the clothing or optionally, a wireless and remote control module for administering the therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the skin of the head, feet, legs, hips, or upper torso. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016447 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING LEAD CONFIGURATION FROM NEIGHBORING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELECTRODES - A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. A fixed spatial grid of electrode positions is generated. One of the electrodes is designated as a reference electrode to be currently examined, and assigned to one of the electrode grid positions. One or more previously unassigned ones of the electrodes neighboring the reference electrode are assigned respectively to one or more of the electrode grid positions immediately surrounding the electrode grid position to which the reference electrode is assigned. The electrodes are programmed based on the assignment of the electrodes to the electrode grid positions. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016448 | ENERGY EFFICIENT HIGH FREQUENCY NERVE BLOCKING TECHNIQUE - A neurostimulation system and method of blocking a neural axon. Time-varying electrical energy is conveyed to a blocking site on the neural axon for an initial phase. The conveyed electrical energy has an amplitude and frequency during the initial phase sufficient to block action potentials from propagating along the neural axon from a location proximal to the blocking site to a location distal to the blocking site. The time-varying electrical energy is conveyed to the blocking site on the neural axon for a subsequent phase contiguous with the initial phase. The conveyed electrical energy has a decreased amplitude and a frequency during the subsequent phase sufficient to maintain blocking of the action potentials along the neural axon from the location proximal to the blocking site to the location distal to the blocking site. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016449 | PHOTOTHERAPY DEVICES AND METHODS COMPRISING SUBSTITUTED CARBAZOLE COMPOUNDS - Methods and devices related to the treatment of diseases using phototherapy are described. Some embodiments provide an organic light-emitting diode device, such as a light-emitting device for phototherapy, comprising a compound of Formula 1. Methods of treating disease diseases with phototherapy are also described. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016450 | APPARATUSES FOR TREATMENT OF MEIBOMIAN GLANDS - In one embodiment, an apparatus for treating mammalian meibomian glands involves clearing the meibomian glands. The apparatus comprises a heater configured to apply a regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to a temperature adequate to melt obstructions in the meibomian glands to put the obstructions in a fluid or suspension (melted) state, and a controller maintaining the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions. The glands can then be mechanically treated by a mechanical treatment applicator to express fluid from the glands by using a compressive force, wherein the treating is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in a fluid state. Subsequent pharmacological treatment of the glands by use a pharmacological agent (topical or systemic) can then be used to assist in maintaining proper flow of lipids from the glands. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016451 | TORQUE ENHANCEMENT FOR MRI-CONDITIONALLY SAFE MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD - An implantable medical device lead includes an inner conductor assembly coupled to a first electrode at a distal end of the inner conductor assembly and an outer conductive coil extending coaxially with the inner conductor assembly and coupled to a second electrode. The inner conductor assembly includes one or more filars arranged in a plurality of serially connected current suppression modules. The inner conductor assembly is configured to improve torque transmission. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016452 | HIGH-RESOLUTION CONNECTOR FOR A NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD - An implantable connector comprises an electrically insulative housing including an outer wall, an interior cavity surrounded by the outer wall, a port through which the lead body portion can be introduced into the interior cavity, and a pair of first apertures disposed through the outer wall on a first side of the housing. The connector further comprises an electrical spring clip contact mounted to the housing. The contact includes a common portion and a pair of legs extending from opposite ends of the common portion. The legs respectively extend through the first apertures into the interior cavity, such that the legs firmly engage the electrical terminal therebetween when the lead body portion is introduced into the interior cavity. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016453 | METHOD OF NEUROSTIMULATION OF DISTINCT NEURAL STRUCTURES USING SINGLE PADDLE LEAD TO TREAT MULTIPLE PAIN LOCATIONS AND MULTI-COLUMN, MULTI-ROW PADDLE LEAD FOR SUCH NEUROSTIMULATION - The present invention relates to a multi-column paddle structure and its uses thereof to provide neuromodulation therapy to a patient. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016454 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT OF INTRALUMINAL DEVICE - A medical device delivery system includes a retention sheath having a proximal portion and a bi-furcated distal portion having first and second sheath branch portions. The proximal ends of the sheath branch portions are joined together at a sheath branch junction. The system also includes an inner catheter disposed within the retention sheath. The inner catheter includes a proximal portion and a bi-furcated distal portion with first and second catheter branch portions. The proximal ends are joined together at a catheter branch junction. When the sheath is in an initial position, the catheter branch junction is displaced proximally from the sheath branch junction by a distance that is greater than or equal to the larger of a length of a first medical device and the length of a second medical device. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016455 | Stent and other object removal from a body - This disclosure contains methods, devices, and systems for object removal from a body, including removal of a stent from a body. Some methods of the present disclosure include inflating a balloon on a catheter, engaging a stent with a socket defined by a surface of the balloon, the surface inwardly sloped toward a lumen of the catheter, and retracting a portion of the stent through the socket and into the lumen. The present disclosure also includes methods for making a catheter, including forming a balloon, inverting a portion of the balloon, and attaching the balloon to a catheter such that a surface of the balloon defines a socket that is inwardly sloped toward a lumen of the catheter. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016456 | Stent Graft Delivery System - A system for treating an aneurysm comprises an elongate flexible shaft and an expandable member. An expandable scaffold is disposed over the expandable member and may be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. A double-walled filling structure is disposed over the scaffold and has an outer wall and an inner wall. The filling structure is adapted to be filled with a hardenable fluid filing medium so that the outer wall conforms to an inside surface of the aneurysm and the inner wall forms a substantially tubular lumen to provide a path for blood flow. In the expanded configuration the scaffold engages the inner wall of the filling structure. A tether is releasably coupled with the filling structure and the flexible shaft thereby constraining axial movement of the structures relative to each other. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016457 | BARBED RADIALLY EXPANDABLE STENT WITH SLOTTED STRUTS - The present application is directed to a stent, and more particularly, a radially expandable stent including a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of struts and a plurality of apices at each of the proximal and distal ends; a barb integrally formed as an extension on at least one strut and extending outwardly from a position on each strut; and at least one slot formed as an opening through at least one of the struts, where at least one of the proximal and distal apices are curved apices. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016458 | ENDOPROSTHESIS HAVING IMPROVED STRAIN DISTRIBUTION - An endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be configured to inhibit structural fatigue, crack formation, and elastic recoil while providing improved crimping and expansion uniformity and radial strength. As such, the endoprosthesis can include at least one multi-stage crest element connecting adjacent bar arms. The multi-stage crest element and, optionally, the connection or transition between the multi-stage crest element and the bar arms can form a plurality of undulations or curves to improve the distribution of the strains experienced by the endoprosthesis. The improved strain distribution can improve the structural integrity and prevent failure of the endoprosthesis. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016459 | Stent - A stent including a plurality of loop stents connected by struts so that it bends uniformly as a whole. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016460 | MEDICAL DEVICE SUITABLE FOR LOCATION IN A BODY LUMEN - A medical device suitable for location in a body lumen is movable between a first loaded configuration and a second loaded configuration. The device has an unloaded configuration which is intermediate the first loaded configuration and the second loaded configuration. The device can be a stent for deployment in a blood vessel. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016461 | Fluid Flow Controller - A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016462 | Stent - A stent comprises a plurality of circumferential bands. Circumferential bands which are adjacent one another are connected one to the other. The circumferential bands include peaks and troughs interconnected by bent struts. The bands may overlap or may be connected by connectors. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016463 | GUIDE WIRE AND STENT - A guide wire includes a distal core member made of a ferrous alloy which has shape memory properties and superelasticity. The ferrous alloy preferably includes substantially two phases, and has a difference of 100° C. or less between an Af point and an Ms point in a thermal hysteresis of martensitic transformation and reverse transformation. The guide wire may include a proximal core member made of an iron-containing alloy and having a higher modulus of elasticity than the distal core member. The two core members may be joined together by welding to form a core of the guide wire. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016464 | CARDIAC VALVE REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing or replacing a defective cardiac valve including an anchor having a double helix configured to engage the cardiac valve leaflets of a diseased or defective cardiac valve, and a replacement valve body disposed in an expandable stent configured to be disposed within the anchor so that the anchor limits expansion of the expandable stent. The expandable stent of the replacement valve body may be self-expanding or mechanically expanded, e.g., using a balloon catheter or catheter-based mandrel and the valve body may be formed of animal tissue or a synthetic fabric. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016465 | Biodegradable Extravascular Stent - The present invention relates to extravascular supports. In particular, to extravascular supports which are used in vein grafting. More in particular, it relates to extravascular supports which are biodegradable. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016466 | ABLUMINALLY COATED DRUG-ELUTING STENTS HAVING A FORM-FITTING PROTECTIVE LAYER - A drug-eluting stent, comprising a base body that is made of an implant material, the base body being partially or entirely covered on the abluminal side with an active ingredient-releasing coating that comprises or is made of a polymer and an active ingredient having an antiproliferative effect, characterized in that the stent's luminal surface and the abluminal surface carrying the active ingredient-releasing coating are covered by a biocorrodible protective layer in a form-fitting manner. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016467 | POLYMER-BASED, SUSTAINED RELEASE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM - Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a prodrug having a solubility less than about 1 mg/ml dispersed in the polymer. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the prodrug and may be non-release rate limiting with respect to the rate of release of the prodrug from the polymer. This permits improved drug delivery within a body in the vicinity of a surgery via sustained release rate kinetics over a prolonged period of time, while not requiring complicated manufacturing processes. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016468 | LOW CROSSING PROFILE DELIVERY CATHETER FOR CARDIOVASCULAR PROSTHETIC IMPLANT - A delivery catheter and a method for deploying a cardiovascular prosthetic implant using a minimally invasive procedure are disclosed. The delivery catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end has an outer diameter of | 2012-01-19 |
20120016469 | Methods and Apparatus for Endovascularly Replacing a Heart Valve - The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; and applying an external non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to change the shape of the anchor, such as by applying proximally and/or distally directed force on the anchor using a releasable deployment tool to expand and contract the anchor or parts of the anchor. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including a replacement valve; an anchor; and a deployment tool comprising a plurality of anchor actuation elements adapted to apply a non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to reshape the anchor. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016470 | TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE WITH MICRO-ANCHORS - Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for treating defective heart valve are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a transcatheter heart valve is disclosed that includes an expandable shape memory stent and a valve member supported by the stent. A plurality of micro-anchors can be disposed along an outer surface of the stent for engaging native tissue. The transcatheter heart valve can be configured to be advanced into a dilated valve annulus via a balloon catheter. The balloon can be inflated to expand the transcatheter heart valve from a collapsed diameter to an over-expanded diameter such that the micro-anchors engage tissue along the surrounding valve annulus. After engaging the tissue, the balloon can be deflated and the shape memory stent can retract or recoil toward its predetermined recoil diameter. As the stent recoils, the surrounding tissue is pulled inward by the stent such that the diameter of the valve annulus is reduced. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016471 | Low Profile Heart Valve and Delivery System - Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a delivery catheter having a diameter of 21 french or less; an expandable anchor disposed within the delivery catheter; and a replacement valve disposed within the delivery catheter. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: inserting a catheter having a diameter no more than 21 french into the patient; endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve through the catheter; and deploying the anchor and the replacement valve. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016472 | Color Tactile Vision System - A tactile display writer unit includes a probe having a contact tip, and at least a first actuator and a second actuator coupled to the probe, whereby activation of the actuators results in a displacement of the probe tip in one or more of a z-direction and in a lateral direction having a vector in an x-y plane. Also, a display writer includes a plurality of such units supported in an x-y array. The writer units may have a third actuator coupled to the probe. Also, a tactile vision system includes such a display writer, an image processor, and an image sensor. The processor transforms RGB image information from the image sensor into hue-based information having two or more attributes; and the actuators in the tactile display writer are activated by the information attributes. Also, a method for producing a tactile color stimulus at a site on the skin of a subject includes providing a probe having a contact tip; displacing the tip at the contact site in a direction generally normal to the skin surface at the site to an extent that relates one attribute of a hue-based model of the color, and displacing the tip in at least one lateral direction generally in a plane parallel to the skin surface at the site to an extent that relates to at least one additional attribute of the color. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016473 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - An intraocular lens for implantation in a capsular bag of an eye includes an optic disposed about an optical axis and a haptic including a protruding portion disposed inside the optic. The optic has an anterior face and an opposing posterior face that are configured to provide a lens power. In response to an ocular force of the eye, the haptic transmits a force that alters one or more of a shape of the optic and an axial thickness of the optic. The protruding portion of the haptic has a refractive index that is equal to a refraction index of the optic for at least one a wavelength within the visible spectrum. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016474 | Apparatus and Method for Tibial Fixation of Soft Tissue - Methods for fixation of a soft tissue graft in a bone including: forming in the bone a tunnel defining an entrance opening and an exit opening at opposite ends of the tunnel, the tunnel including an anterior wall surface and a posterior wall surface opposite to the anterior wall surface; positioning the soft tissue graft within the tunnel such that the soft tissue graft extends through both the entrance opening and the exit opening of the tunnel; inserting a graft fixation apparatus into the tunnel and driving spikes of the graft fixation apparatus into the posterior wall surface to mount the graft fixation apparatus to the posterior wall surface of the tunnel such that the graft fixation apparatus is anterior to the posterior wall surface and is not recessed beneath the posterior wall surface; and securing the soft tissue graft inside the tunnel with the graft fixation apparatus. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016475 | DEGRADABLE COMPOSITE - The invention relates to degradable composites and their use in biomedical implants, in particular the repair of damaged bones and/or cartilage. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016476 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH A HINGE END CAP - Devices and methods for spacing apart vertebral members. The implant may include a body and an end cap. Connectors may extend outward from the body to attach with the end cap. The end cap may include a hinged design to securely attach to the body. The hinged design may include first and second sections that are connected at a hinge. The implant may also include a second end cap positioned at the opposite end of the body. The second end cap may be the same or different than the first end cap. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016477 | LOCKABLE IMPLANT AND METHOD OF USE - A spinal implant includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first portion configured to engage a first bone surface and a second portion configured to engage a second opposing bone surface. A first locking element has a center of rotation along a first axis offset from the longitudinal axis. The first locking element is rotatable relative to the body between a first, non-engaging configuration and a second engaging configuration such that the first locking element extends beyond the outer surface. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016478 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH MULTI-PIECE END CAP - Implants sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral members, and related methods. The spinal implant may have a body extending along a longitudinal axis with opposing first and second longitudinal ends. An end cap is mounted to the body at one of the ends and disposed longitudinally outboard of the corresponding end. The end cap comprises a first portion, a second portion, and an annular elastic element, such as an O-ring. The first and second portions are disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. The annular elastic member circumferentially surrounds the first portion, the second portion, and the longitudinal axis. The annular elastic member applies a compressive force that urges the first and second portions together in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The end cap may be flat or angled. Other implants and related methods are disclosed. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016479 | Rotating, locking, spring-loaded artificial disk - A rotating, locking, spring-loaded disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with minimal height and maximal width. The implant is inserted into the space between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed and, when positioned in the disk space, rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A portion of the implant is biased away from the implant and into contact with the adjacent vertebrae to provide a cushioning effect between the implant and the vertebra. A lock is then secured to the implant to resist further rotation of the implant in the disk space. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016480 | ARTIFICIAL INTERVERTEBRAL DISC IMPLANT - An intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an anterior side; a posterior side; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; an upper endplate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the upper endplate is adapted for contacting a first vertebra; a lower endplate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the lower endplate is adapted for contacting a second vertebra; and an elastic membrane extending from the inner surface of the upper endplate to the inner surface of the lower endplate and defining an inner volume that is at least partially filled with a fluid, wherein the elastic membrane is affixed to the inner surface of the upper endplate and to the inner surface of the lower endplate. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016481 | Linked Slideable and Interlockable Rotatable Components - Medical devices having one or more rotatable linkable components or segments, delivered in a first orientation relative to a component guide into a tissue cavity, such as the interbody vertebral space. After delivery, each segment may be rotated to a second, different orientation relative to the component guide, such as into a permanent vertical standing position. The segments achieve maximum distraction of the cavity space such as adjacent vertebra end plates, while using a minimal invasive surgical (MIS) approach. When the segments are tightened in place, the device provides long-term stability. The device can be used as a distraction instrument and/or permanent implant that can be used for interbody fusion, nuclear replacement, or anywhere in the body where a stable distraction of tissue and/or the implantation of material such as a device with an MIS approach is desired. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016482 | PROSTHETIC KNEE VOID FILERS WITH SPLINED FIXATION - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for filling bone voids which may be present at the time of surgery. The systems disclosed herein generally include a baseplate component, a spacer component, and void filler component. The spacer component is generally assembled to the baseplate component with a taper or press-fit, for example, in one of a plurality of selected axial positions. The void filler component is then generally assembled to the spacer component in one of a plurality of selected axial positions. The void filler component preferably has an outer surface with portions having varying diameters such that the outer surface thereof can be received within a canal of a bone and contact the bone forming the canal at different locations in order to aid in stabilizing the assembled components in the canal. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016483 | SUTURE-BASED ORTHOPEDIC JOINT DEVICES - Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016484 | FINGER JOINT PROSTHESIS - In a finger joint prosthesis comprising a joint body | 2012-01-19 |
20120016485 | IMPLANT COMPONENTS AND METHODS - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An implant component may be expandable to allow for adjustment and custom fitting during implantation. An expandable implant may have a first portion and a second portion separated by a slit. An expansion member can be disposed between the first and second portions and can be actuated to displace the two portions relative to each other, increasing the size of the implant. Any number of slits and expandable sections can be included in the implant to provided more flexibility in the expansion of the implant. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016486 | IMPLANT COMPONENTS AND METHODS - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. A cup member that fits within an implantable shell and has mounting members that anchor an implant to a patient's bone or soft tissue may be provided. The cup member may fit within the shell and have an exterior surface configured to mate with a corresponding interior surface of the shell to couple the cup member to the shell. The mounting members may be integral with the cup member, or may be adjustable to provide flexibility to accommodate a specific implant or patient anatomy. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016487 | IMPLANT COMPONENTS AND METHODS - Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An augment provided for an acetabular implant may be adjustably positionable around the implant. An implant may have one or more slots that mate with connections on the augment and allow the augment to move within the slot. An augment may be translated, rotated, or moved in any other way to achieve a desired orientation prior to locking the augment in place relative to the implant. The augment may be locked by a screw or other locking mechanism that holds the augment in place. The locking mechanism may be releasable to allow for repositioning of the augment. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016488 | ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANT KIT, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY KIT AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A kit for use in performing revision surgery on a cavity in a canal of extending from a resected plane a long bone is provided. The kit includes a canal component fitted to the cavity. The canal component includes a canal portion having first and second ends. The canal component further includes a sleeve portion having an external periphery and an internal periphery defining an internal cavity. The kit also includes a first joint component having a body portion and a connection portion. The connection portion is fitted into the sleeve portion. A connection portion of a second joint component also may be fitted into the sleeve portion so that the external periphery of the connection portion of the first joint component is spaced inwardly from the external periphery of the sleeve portion of the canal component when the first joint component is fixedly connected to the canal. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016489 | TEXTURED BONE BLOCK IMPLANTS - Implantable pliable bone blocks comprising a solid block of cortical bone characterized by a length, width and thickness, having a first and a second face on opposite sides of the block. The first and second faces have a plurality slot features. The angle of incidence of the slot features of the first face and the x-axis and the angle of incidence of the slot features of the second face and the x-axis (a | 2012-01-19 |
20120016490 | URETERAL STENTS FOR RELEASE OF UROLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL AGENTS - According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016491 | LAMINATE SHEET ARTICLES FOR TISSUE REGENERATION - The invention is to articles of extracellular matrix. The articles comprise one or more sheets of mammalian extracellular matrix laminated together. A single sheet can be folded over and laminated on 3 sides. Two or more sheets can be laminated to each other at their edges. The sheets can further encase a composition comprising a cell or cells, such as for example, a stem cell. A single sheet can be folded over to encase a composition, or rolled to encase a composition with lamination at either end of the roll, for example. The invention also includes methods of using these articles to regenerate tissue at tissue defects, or heal wounds in damaged tissue. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016492 | TRANSFEMORAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE SAME - Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016493 | Passive ankle-foot prosthesis and orthosis capable of automatic adaptation to sloped walking surfaces and method of use - The present invention relates to an improved system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease to the lower limbs or extremities. The system can enable an amputee to proceed over any inclined or declined surface without overbalancing. The system is mechanically passive in that it does not utilize motors, force generating devices, batteries, or powered sources that may add undesirable weight or mass and that may require recharging. In particular the system is self-adapting to adjust the torque moment depending upon the motion, the extent of inclination, and the surface topography. An additional advantage of the improvement is that the system can be light and may also be simple to manufacture. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016494 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BATCH PROCESSING AND EXECUTION IN A PROCESS SYSTEM - A system and method for implementing a control process within a process control system and resolving inconsistencies during execution of the control process includes loading the logical structure of the control process, loading a plurality of instantiation objects or processes when the control process is instantiated, using the instantiation objects to instantiate a procedural element of the control process as the control process calls for the procedural element during execution, executing the procedural element as part of the control process, and deconstructing the procedural element as execution of the procedural element is completed during execution of the control process. Resolution of inconsistencies includes executing a first model of an entity in a controller, executing a second model of the entity in an execution engine, detecting a difference between the models, generating a prompt and receiving an operation instruction to continue the process or abort the process. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016495 | SAFETY CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATED INSTALLATION - A safety controller for controlling an automated installation in accordance with a user program has a control unit receiving a plurality of control input signals from a plurality of sensors. The control unit produces a plurality of control output signals on the basis of the control input signals in accordance with a user program. The control output signals drive actuators in order to adopt one of a plurality of installation states of the automated installation. An installation diagnosis evaluation unit produces a number of installation state signals representing which one of the plurality of installation states is existent at a defined moment of time. In addition, a system diagnosis evaluation unit produces a number of system state signals, with each system state signal representing one from a plurality of operational system states of the controller system, which is formed by the control unit and its connected sensors and actuators, at the defined moment of time. A diagnosis report unit produces a number of diagnosis signals depending on the installation state signals, depending on the system state signals, and depending on predefined associations between said installation states and said operational system states. The diagnosis signals represent a number of diagnosis reports which are a result of a combination of both the installation states and associated operational system states. A display unit displays the diagnosis reports in response to the diagnosis signals. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016496 | AUTOMATIC CUTOFF APPARATUS - Disclosed is an automatic cutoff apparatus that automatically cuts off a power source in a space where people go in and out when it is confirmed that no one is in the space. The apparatus includes: an entrance sensor; at least one moving object sensor; a controller connected to the entrance sensor, the moving object sensor, and configured to cut off the resources in the specific object device when the entrance sensor senses a passage of a moving object but the moving object sensor does not sense a presence of the moving object. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016497 | Method and Apparatus for Programming a Decoder-based Irrigation Controller - A method and programming chart having viewable indicia thereon for programming a decoder-based controller is disclosed. The programming chart comprises a specific portion comprising a station number area for one or more stations being controlled by a decoder-based irrigation controller, a decoder address area adapted to receive an entry indicating an address of a decoder being associated with each of the one or more stations and a plurality of other information areas for each of the one or more stations to receive information pertaining to each of the one or more stations. Furthermore, a method is provided for programming a decoder-based irrigation controller comprising associating a decoder unit with at least a first station, removing a decoder address indicator provided with the decoder unit and recording the decoder address indicator onto a programming chart onto an area designated for a decoder address associated with the first station. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016498 | MACHINE MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A machine motion control system for testing electronic devices includes two test machines, a control card and a main controller. The test machines secure the electronic devices, whereby each test machine includes a plurality of moving parts for securing the electronic devices and a plurality of driving modules. The driving modules drive and control the corresponding moving parts of the test machine. The control card controls the driving modules. The main controller provides and transmits a movement instruction to the control card, the control card monitors and controls the driving modules according to the movement instruction, and the driving modules accordingly adjusts and drives the test machines and the moving parts on the test machines. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016499 | IMPLEMENTING SEQUENTIAL SEGMENTED INTERLEAVING ALGORITHM FOR ENHANCED PROCESS CONTROL - A method and apparatus are provided for implementing Advanced Process Control (APC) for enhanced electrical, magnetic, or physical properties process output control using a sequential segmented interleaving algorithm. The sequential segmented interleaving algorithm includes two tuning equations running in parallel. A deposition time is calculated after a production run based upon the relationship between the electrical, magnetic, or physical properties process output and deposition time process input. A deposition rate offset value is calculated after a calibration run based upon the relationship between a calibration deposition thickness process output and an updated deposition time process input calculated after a last production run. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016500 | PREEMPTIVE CHANGE VERIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - The subject invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating automated manufacturing processes in a regulated industrial controller environment. In one aspect, a system for automated industrial processing is provided. The system includes an interface component to facilitate processing of one or more electronic signature components and a verification component that operates with the interface components and the electronic signature components to validate requested or proposed process changes before actual system implementation of the process changes. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016501 | WAVEFORM SHAPING SYSTEM TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SATURATION IN LOUD SPEAKERS - Peak reduction and power limitations are used to prevent distortion and protect components. In a cellular telephone, peak reduction can be based on battery power level to prevent electrical distortion from saturation. In addition peak reduction can be used to prevent mechanical distortion such as rub and buzz. Dynamic range compression can be used for peak reduction. In another application dynamic range compression can be used to control the power output to protect a speaker from damage. One example of a dynamic range compressor/peak limiter comprises a look-ahead buffer and an analysis engine. For example, the look-ahead buffer holds a window of samples of a signal. The analysis engine selects a gain envelope function on the basis of the samples, for example, by selecting the Pth sample in the buffer whenever that sample exceeds a given threshold. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016502 | PROCESSOR EXTENSIONS FOR ACCELERATING SPECTRAL BAND REPLICATION - Enhancements to hardware architectures (e.g., a RISC processor or a DSP processor) to accelerate spectral band replication (SBR) processing are described. In some embodiments, instruction extensions configure a reconfigurable processor to accelerate SBR and other audio processing. In addition to the instruction extensions, execution units (e.g., multiplication and accumulation units (MACs)) may operate in parallel to reduce the number of audio processing cycles. Performance may be further enhanced through the use of source and destination units which are configured to work with the execution units and quickly fetch and store source and destination operands. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016503 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SWITCHING SIGNAL DELAY - A method for switching signal delay disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention includes: detecting a signal delay being currently transmitted; judging whether an adjacent delay transmitted successfully is equal to the signal delay being transmitted currently if it is detected that the signal delay being transmitted is switchable; and switching the signal delay being currently transmitted if it is determined that the adjacent delay transmitted successfully is not equal to the signal delay being transmitted currently. An apparatus for switching signal delay is also disclosed. The embodiments of the present invention are applicable to a scenario of switching delay of left-channel signals and right-channel signals. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016504 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPRODUCING AN AUDIO SIGNAL - There is provided an electronic device having an audio system for reproducing audio signals. An exemplary electronic device has an analog region and a separate and non-overlapping digital region. The electronic device comprises an analog ground plane disposed within the analog region and a digital ground plane disposed within the digital region. Digital circuitry is disposed opposite the digital ground plane, wherein digital signals are routed on or over the digital ground plane. Analog circuitry is disposed opposite the analog ground plane, wherein analog signals are routed on or over the analog ground plane. At least one audio output channel disposed opposite the analog ground plane. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016505 | ELECTRONIC AUDIO DEVICE - There is provided an electronic audio device that is adapted to be connected to a speaker. The electronic device comprises an audio subsystem that is adapted to receive an input audio electrical signal. The electronic device comprises an equalizer that is adapted to receive the input audio electrical signal and to apply a transfer function that comprises a two-stage bandpass function thereto to produce an output audio electrical signal, the transfer function being dependent at least in part upon a frequency response of the speaker. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016506 | MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT - Manufacturing conditions are saved in a first storage unit. The manufacturing conditions are transmitted from the first storage unit to a second storage unit to be stored in the second storage unit. A product is manufactured based on the manufacturing conditions stored in the second storage unit. After the product is manufactured, the manufacturing conditions are erased from the second storage unit. Thus, maintenance and inspection can be easily performed, and leak of information about the manufacturing conditions can be prevented. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016507 | PROCESSING SIMULATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM MAKING COMPUTER EXECUTE THE METHOD - A processing simulation method and apparatus is provided, which can appropriately detect interference between a tool processing area and a shape model of a material without being affected by the accuracy of expression of a tool movement path and the shape model. A tool shape model for processing a material, that includes a strict tool shape, and a tool shape model for checking interference, that is included in the strict tool shape, are generated by tool model setting unit according to an error range set in consideration of the tool movement path and the expression accuracy of the shape model, and the processed material shape model is generated by generating a tool processing area shape model from the tool movement path during processing feed and the tool shape model for processing the material and removing the tool processing area shape model from the material shape model. The tool processing area shape model is generated from a tool movement path during fast feed and the tool shape model for detecting the interference, and the interference between the tool processing area shape model and the material shape model is detected. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016508 | SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION APPARATUS AND TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT METHOD - A semiconductor fabrication apparatus includes a semiconductor wafer mounting table having a cavity therein; and a nozzle which jets a liquefied temperature adjustment medium having a temperature equal to or less than a targeted temperature to an inner wall of the cavity in order to adjust a temperature of the semiconductor wafer mounting table to the targeted temperature. The semiconductor fabrication apparatus further includes a pressure detecting unit for detecting an internal pressure of the cavity; and a vacuum pump which discharges gas within the cavity such that a pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit becomes equal to or more than a saturated vapor pressure related to the temperature of the temperature adjustment medium jetted from the nozzle and equal to or less than a saturated vapor pressure related to the targeted temperature. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016509 | Semiconductor Processing Dispatch Control - An embodiment is a method for semiconductor processing control. The method comprises identifying a key process stage from a plurality of process stages based on a parameter of processed wafers, forecasting a trend for a wafer processed by the key process stage and some of the plurality of process stages based on the parameter, and dispatching the wafer to one of a first plurality of tools in a tuning process stage. The one of the first plurality of tools is determined based on the trend. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016510 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUPPLY VOLTAGE/FREQUENCY USING INFORMATION OF PROCESS VARIATION - A device capable of controlling a supply voltage and a supply frequency using information of a manufacturing process variation includes a data storage device storing data indicating performance of the device, a decoder decoding the data stored in the data storage device and outputting decoded data, and a frequency control block outputting a frequency controlled clock signal in response to the decoded data output from the decoder. The device further includes a voltage control block outputting a level controlled supply voltage in response to the decoded data. The voltage control block outputs a body bias control voltage controlling a body bias voltage of at least one of a plurality of transistors embodied in the semiconductor device in response to the decoded data. The performance is operational speed of the device or leakage current of the semiconductor device. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016511 | BENDING DEVICE - A chuck mechanism that grips a workpiece is configured to be able to twist and rotate the gripped workpiece around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. A control unit is provided with a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit drives an articulated robot to which a bending mechanism for bending the workpiece is attached, and twists the workpiece clamped by the bending mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a preset twisting angle range. When the angle of twisting by the first control unit exceeds the twisting angle range, the second control unit controls the chuck mechanism to twist the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016512 | BENDING DEVICE - A bending device that bends a workpiece is provided with a bending mechanism that bends the workpiece, a fixing table on which a chuck mechanism that grips the workpiece is mounted, an articulated robot to which the bending mechanism is attached, and a control unit that controls operations of the bending mechanism, the chuck mechanism, and the articulated robot. The control unit includes a first control unit that twists the bending mechanism around a longitudinal axis of the workpiece, and a second control unit that controls the articulated robot to twist the bending mechanism holding the workpiece around the longitudinal axis of the workpiece within a twisting angle range and then causes the first control unit to perform the twisting. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016513 | FILM SUPPLYING APPARATUS - A film supplying apparatus includes: an upstream belt conveying unit and a downstream belt conveying unit that sequentially convey label formed by cutting a label-forming base material, to a label delivery position; a label detection sensor that detects the label at an upper position of the downstream belt conveying unit; an encoder attached to a take-up spindle of a label delivery apparatus; and a control unit that calculates the amount of shift in the label on the basis of a label detection signal from the label detection sensor and a pulse signal from the encoder, and controls the operation of the downstream belt conveying unit conveying the label, so as to convey the label and stop the label at the label delivery position, while modifying the amount of shift. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016514 | NUMERICAL CONTROL APPARATUS AND PRODUCTION SYSTEM - A numerical control apparatus includes a machining-program reading unit that reads a command issued from a machining program, a command-path storing unit that stores a pre-compression command path in a pre-compression command path buffer, a compression processing unit that creates new one post-compression command path connecting start points and end points of a continuous plurality of pre-compression command paths, a movement-data creating unit that creates tool movement data necessary for correcting the post-compression command path to a tool movement path and interpolating the tool movement path, and an interpolation processing unit that interpolates the tool movement path and calculates a tool position using both the pre-compression command path stored by the command-path creating unit and the tool movement data of the tool movement path after compression created by the movement-data creating unit. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016515 | MOBILE AUTOMATIC ORDER SELECTION SYSTEM CAPABLE OF RESPONDING TO SIMULTANEOUS ORDER REQUESTS - A mobile fulfillment device, system, and method for retrieving at least one article stored in one of a plurality of predetermined storage locations are disclosed. The device, system and method includes a wireless transceiver for communicating with a remote system controller, including transmission of at least one instruction from the remote system controller to provide instruction to the control system, a retriever for retrieving the at least one article in response to instruction received from the control system, a sensor for detecting inventory levels of articles in at least one predetermined storage location, a mobile frame supporting the fulfillment device and at least three wheels coupled to the mobile frame and providing mobility to the fulfillment device based on at least one of the at least three wheels being a lockable wheel. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016516 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND SUBSTRATE TRANSPORT METHOD - By a first transport robot, n substrates are unloaded from a first retaining portion, then simultaneously transported, and respectively loaded into n substrate holders consecutively arranged from one side defined with respect to an arrangement direction. Thereafter, a rotation mechanism rotates n+m substrate holders so as to perform a substrate inverting operation and so as to arrange the n+m substrate holders along the arrangement direction in an arrangement sequence reverse to a pre-rotation arrangement sequence. Thereafter, the n substrates loaded into the n substrate holders are unloaded in a group of m in a sequence from the one side, and loaded into a second retaining unit by a second transport robot. After the substrate inverting operation, n substrates are unloaded from the first retaining unit, and loaded again into n substrate holders consecutively arranged from the one side by the first transport robot. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016517 | AUTO-CALIBRATION METHOD FOR REAL-TIME AGRICULTURAL SENSORS - A method for application of an agricultural product to a field is provided. The method includes acquiring real-time sampled data using real-time agricultural sensors, auto-calibrating the real-time agricultural sensors using statistical characteristics of the real-time sampled data to determine an application rate, and applying the agricultural product to the field based on the application rate. The step of auto-calibrating can be performed in various ways depending upon the type of agricultural product, the data available from the agricultural sensors or otherwise, or otherwise. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016518 | CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSKS FOR BUYING AND/OR SELLING CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Consumer-operated kiosks for buyer and/or selling consumer products and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, for example, a method for purchasing consumer electronic products includes providing a consumer-operated kiosk that has a card reading device, a user interface, and an inventory of consumer electronic products stored locally within the kiosk. The method can further include displaying the inventory and displaying transaction options to the user. At least one transaction option corresponds to purchasing one of the consumer electronic products in the inventory. The method can continue by receiving a user selection corresponding to purchasing a product from the inventory, and dispensing the first product from an access door. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016519 | Apparatus for Dispensing and Detecting Solid Pharmaceutical Articles and Related Methods of Operation - A method for dispensing and detecting solid pharmaceutical articles includes: forcing an article through a dispensing channel and past a sensor configured and positioned to detect the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the article includes one of the solid pharmaceutical articles; generating a detection signal using the sensor responsive to the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the detection signal indicates a time that the article takes to traverse the sensor; and determining whether the article is a complete article or an article fragment responsive to a comparison of the time indicated by the detection signal and an article fragment travel time representing an expected travel time for a complete article to traverse the sensor that is determined independent of physical attributes of the solid pharmaceutical articles. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016520 | RECONFIGURABLE BALANCING ROBOT AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY TRANSITIONING BETWEEN STATICALLY STABLE MODE AND DYNAMICALLY BALANCED MODE - An apparatus and a method for robotic control that allows an unbalanced pendulum robot to raise its Center of Mass and balance on two motorized wheels. The robot includes a pair of arms that are connected to the upper body of the robot through motorized joints. The method consists of a series of movements employing the arms of the robot to raise the robot to the upright position. The method comprises a control loop in which the motorized drives are included for dynamic balance of the robot and the control of the arm apparatus. The robot is first configured as a low Center of Mass four-wheeled vehicle, then its Center of Mass is raised using a combination of its wheels and the joint located at the attachment point of the arm apparatus and the robot body, between the rear and front wheels; the method then applies accelerations to the rear wheels to dynamically pivot and further raise the Center of Mass up and over the main drive wheels bringing the robot into a balancing pendulum configuration. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016521 | AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A automation equipment control system comprises a general purpose computer with a general purpose operating system in electronic communication with a real-time computer subsystem. The general purpose computer includes a program execution module to selectively start and stop processing of a program of equipment instructions and to generate a plurality of move commands. The real-time computer subsystem includes a move command data buffer for storing the plurality of move commands, a move module linked to the data buffer for sequentially processing the moves and calculating a required position for a mechanical joint. The real-time computer subsystem also includes a dynamic control algorithm in software communication with the move module to repeatedly calculate a required actuator activation signal from a joint position feedback signal. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016522 | PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR IDENTIFICATION AND WORKING OF DEFECTS ON USED TYRES - An automatic process for the identification and working of defects ( | 2012-01-19 |
20120016523 | Slump Flow Monitoring - Method and system for monitoring slump flow of hydratable cementitious material such as wet concrete in a rotating mixing drum. Whereas prior art methods use a single value of the hydraulic pressure for turning the drum (such as the average value) and correlating with slump values using the vertical drop measurements of the standard slump test (e.g. ASTM C 143-05), the present invention involves analysis of values corresponding to slump flow of concrete samples, preferably having slump flow values of 16-36 inches when measured using standard slump flow tests (e.g., ASTM C1611-05). | 2012-01-19 |
20120016524 | THERMAL TIME CONSTRAINTS FOR DEMAND RESPONSE APPLICATIONS - Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. The thermal characteristics of a home are determined based on variables such as inside temperatures, outside temperatures, setpoint temperatures, and duty cycles over time. Response time constants of the home are calculated and used to generate at least one transfer function or table to predict and control energy efficiency versus comfort within the home. A user is presented with variations of cost and power consumptions to choose from and be factored into the transfer function. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016525 | ENERGY FORECASTING AND MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A system for forecasting demand energy associated with a swimming pool and a home's HVAC unit. The pool has a circulation pump motor and the system records fluctuation in daily ambient air temperature, pool water temperature, psi reading of the pool's circulation system and monitors both the daily run time of the pool pump and the HVAC unit. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016526 | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Management System and Method - Systems and methods of controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system are provided that operate according to signals returned from return air temperature sensors as well as the supply air temperature sensors. Using predetermined temperature setpoints, return temperature information, and supply temperature information, the HVAC system is configured to maintain the temperature of a room first, by the use of its cooling valve, and second and only when the capacity of the cooling valve has peaked, by use of the fan. The presently disclosed improved HVAC system operates more efficiently by avoiding unit loading hopping and minimizing power consumption. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016527 | GAS SHUTOFF DEVICE - An object of the present invention is to make a function of limiting the use time appropriate by appropriately registering flow rates of appliances. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016528 | REMOTE ENERGY MANAGEMENT USING PERSISTENT SMART GRID NETWORK CONTEXT - A server device includes a storage device to store policies that govern the manner in which a curtailment operation or a replenish operation are performed. The policies include a threshold associated with a quantity of power consumption permitted by smart grid devices or another threshold associated with a minimum quantity of power to be supplied by a smart grid device. The server device also includes a processor to obtain, via a web service enabled by a tunneling protocol, a quantity of power consumed by the smart grid devices and another quantity of power to be supplied by the smart grid device; compare the threshold with the quantity of power; send an instruction to perform the curtailment operation when the quantity of power exceeds the threshold; compare the other threshold with the other quantity of power, when the quantity of power is less than the threshold; and send another instruction to perform the replenish operation when the other quantity of power is less than the other threshold. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016529 | Method For Estimating Maximum Power Of A Circuit And Apparatus Thereof - The present invention provides a method for adjusting a maximum power of a circuit having a first voltage output and a first power. The method includes the following steps: (a) obtaining a voltage coefficient by measuring the first power of the circuit and calculating an open-circuit voltage of the first voltage output; (b) estimating an estimated power based on the voltage coefficient; and (c) repeating the steps (a) to (b) for a specific number of times, in which the specific number of times is determined based on a variation of the estimated power during a time period. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016530 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING POWER QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY - A system and method for managing power using a power meter that is electronically connected to a multiphase power distribution system to measure power information at a connection point. It determines harmonic distortion and true power factor correction based on the power information, and then determines configuration information for an active filter. The configuration information is sent to one or more active filter to adjust harmonic distortion and true power factor correction on a connection point in the distribution system. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016531 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POWER QUALITY PROTECTION - A method for power quality protection includes measurement of electrical and nonelectrical parameters, calculation of additional electrical and nonelectrical parameters, comparison of the value of the calculated parameters with maximum allowed values from a power quality perspective, activation of protection mechanisms for transitioning to a safe mode or for isolation from the bus. The systems and methods may prevent equipment failures when out of the spec power quality is present in the distribution bus and may protect the distribution bus from imposing power quality problems due to equipment failures. Because most of the sensors in the systems of the present invention are already used for other control and protection purposes, there may be no reliability degradation. Most of the calculations and the control logic may be performed digitally for improved reliability and flexibility to modify algorithms. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016532 | APPLIANCE INCORPORATING LOAD SELECTIVITY WITHOUT EMPLOYMENT OF SMART METERS - Methods and a system are disclosed for one or more appliances including a controller for managing power consumption within a household. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy utility, including at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period. A generated serial number is obtained from an original serial number of the appliance or controller, which is configured for a signal to communicate to the appliance within a population and command the appliance to operate in an energy savings mode and a normal mode at various time periods. The generated serial number (GSN) is used to segregate a total population into segments to provide granularity in assigning DR activations and deactivations based upon the GSN. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016533 | TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure is related to systems and methods for temperature monitoring of electronics, such as a controller or processor within a data storage device. In one example, a controller may be configured to determine an operation to perform and determine a temperature of electronics associated with executing the operation. The controller may then delay execution of the operation when the temperature is greater than a threshold. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016534 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE USING THE SAME - A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using an electronic device obtains movement data of the electronic device detected by an accelerometer of the electronic device, and converts the movement data of the electronic device to control signals. The method further sends the control signals to the UAV, and changes a flight status of the UAV according to the control signals. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016535 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REMOTE MAINTENANCE SERVICE FOR SYSTEMS ON A SHIP - Disclosed are a system and a method for providing a remote maintenance service for system on a ship. A system for providing a remote maintenance service for system on a ship according to an aspect of the present invention includes: determining a target device and contents of a service through a user interface of a web browser in response to a request for a maintenance service from a user through the user interface; providing, by a local service device, the maintenance service for the target device configuring a transmission/reception maintenance message in accordance with the contents of the service and transmitting the transmission/reception maintenance message to the local service device in the ship where the target device is installed; and receiving a performing result of the maintenance service from the local service device. | 2012-01-19 |
20120016536 | AD-HOC MOBILE IP NETWORK FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM - A method for intelligently managing a transportation network is provided. The method may include providing a roadside apparatus | 2012-01-19 |
20120016537 | System and Method for Detection of Anti-Satellite Vulnerability of an Orbiting Platform - A system and method for detection of anti-satellite vulnerability of an orbiting platform. An engagement volume processing unit receives a maximum impulse velocity of an SBI launched from a carrier platform of interest, a maximum time of flight (TOF) until intercept, and orbital data of the carrier platform of interest. A family of interceptor imparted velocities in a VNC frame is determined. The engagement volume processing unit applies the family of velocities over “N” release points using a carrier platform propagator to determine an engagement volume. A display and alert processing unit generates a visual representation of the engagement volume and sends the visual representation to the display device for display. | 2012-01-19 |