13th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090082812 | Provisional locking pedicle screw system and method - Provisional locking pedicle screw systems and associated methods for surgery are provided. A bone screw assembly may be provided that includes a bone screw, an anchor bracket, and a provisional locking member. The provisional locking member may exert a frictional force against the bone screw that semi-rigidly fixes the anchor bracket and the bone screw in place relative to each other. More rigid securement (e.g., non-provisional locking) of the relative positions of the bone screw and the anchor bracket may be achieved by securing a securement member (e.g., set screw) within the anchor bracket. Also provided are a multiple-component set screw and an anchor bracket configured to form a press-fit connection with the bone screw. In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be used to fuse together, mechanically immobilize, and/or adjust the alignment of adjacent vertebrae of the spine. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082813 | Modular bone plate system - A modular bone plating system in one embodiment is a bone plate kit including a plurality of bone plates, each of the plurality of bone plates including a male coupling portion, a female coupling portion and a shaft extending between the male coupling portion and the female coupling portion, wherein each of the male coupling portions of each of the plurality of bone plates is configured to couple with each of the female coupling portions of each of the other of the plurality of bone plates | 2009-03-26 |
20090082814 | Method and apparatus for securing an object to bone - A surgical system comprising: | 2009-03-26 |
20090082815 | SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM WITH TRANSITION MEMBER - A spinal stabilization system generally comprises an anchor member configured to be secured to the patient's spine, a transition member received by the anchor member, and a flexible element coupled to the transition member. The transition member is positioned between a rigid member and a flexible member, which are each adjacent to the flexible element. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082816 | REMODELABLE ORTHOPAEDIC SPACER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A remodelable spacer for use in a bone plating procedure is fabricated from an extracellular matrix material. The remodelable spacer is positionable between a bone plate and a bone during an orthopaedic plating procedure. A method of using a remodelable spacer is also disclosed. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082817 | COUPLING APPARATUS FOR A BONE ANCHORED HEARING DEVICE - A coupling apparatus for a bone anchored hearing device for anchoring hearing aid devices or extra-oral prostheses in the form of ear and orbital prostheses in the skull bone. The apparatus comprises a screw-shaped anchoring fixture configured to be inserted into the skull bone and a skin-penetrating abutment coupled to the fixture by a screw connection. The fixture comprises a main body with an external screw thread and a flange having a substantially planar bottom surface. The flange is configured to stop the anchoring element from penetrating through the skull bone. The skin-penetrating abutment comprises a substantially conical outer surface. The upper end surface of the fixture is designed with an open cavity with a tapered inner contour forming a seat for the bottom part of the abutment. The bottom part of the abutment is configured to create a good connecting fit between the fixture and abutment. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082818 | Canulated titanium implant for correcting flat feet in children - It is possible to satisfy all the requirements of minimal invasiveness with maximal permanent result by placing the invented implants (screw). The shape of the screw solves all mentioned technical problems that occurred thus far, i.e. it can be directed through a small gap in the skin by Kirschner's guide-wire (because the screw is hollow-canulated). The screw is larger in body, so a much greater force is needed for it to break. If it does break, it can be removed easier with less lesions to the surrounding bone tissue. At the point of the screw are trisect cuts (on the apex thread) which also make the lesion of the bone lesser as is as it is inserted in its position. Since the head of the screw is bigger and conical, without a narrow part leading to the screw-thread, the screw self-tightens into the bone, which makes the loosening rarer. The loosening is also rarer because of the shape of the screw-thread. The screw has the equal effect throughout the whole time it is implanted in the body. The osteolysis of the heel bone in which the screw stems against is also reduced. The conical shape of the head of the screw, without a narrow part (neck) between the head and the screw-thread, it does not allow ingrowing of the bone tissue, so it can be easily removed when the necessary time of correction is finished. The time necessary for the surgical procedure is significantly shorter, taking up 15 minutes, thus reducing the possibility of a infection, which is also helped by a small operative area. After the placement of the screw, the patient can walk two days after the surgery and he/she does not need any plaster immobilization or physical therapy. The screw is made out of titanium alloy, which gives it a certain toughness; the patient can undergo magnetic examinations, if there is need for such, while the screw is implanted. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082819 | Spinal stabilization device - A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082820 | SPINAL IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING SPINAL FLEXION - A spinal implant system for restricting flexion of a spine includes an elongate band proportioned to engage at least two spinous processes. During use, the band is positioned engaging the spinous processes at a spinal segment of interest, where it restricts flexion at the segment. The length and tension of the band may be adjustable following to implantation using percutaneous or transcutaneous means. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082821 | TIGHTLY BINDING DEVICE FOR BONE JOINING CABLE - A bone-tying cable tightening device with improved easiness of handling of is disclosed. The device comprises a grip portion, a rod-like member extending forward, a knot-supporting means at the tip, a cable-holding means to grip and hold the tow arms together, and a sliding block mounted around the rod-like member and connected to a pulling means, and an operation lever to drive the pulling means, wherein the knot-supporting means has smooth supporting faces on the both sides of which the two arms can be hooked away from each other and laterally above the rod-like member, wherein the cable-holding means comprises (a) a longitudinal through groove defined in the upper part of the sliding block, (b) a locking recess which extends, at the end of the through groove, either transversing the through groove in its cross section or covering the cross section of the through groove along its central axis, and whose width in its cross section widens in the rearward direction, (c) a backward biased locking member which is provided movably back and forth behind the locking recess on the upper side of the sliding block, and is so made that its forward movement is blocked when it fits in the locking recess. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082822 | Transpedicular, Extrapedicular and Transcorporeal Approaches to the Intervertebral Discs - A method of surgically accessing intervertebral disc space involves a less invasive technique than prior procedures. The method avoids violation of the disc annulus and utilizes the annulus for containment of artificial disc material. The less invasive technique results in less blood loss and minimization of surgical trauma. The method includes the steps of identifying a target disc space, preparing portals adjacent the disc space, introducing a guide wire into each of the portals, using the guide wires, removing a core of bone with a trephine along each of the portals, and accessing the intervertebral disc space for performing intradiscal procedures. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082823 | Variable shortening of AV delay for treatment of cardiac disease - An implantable pacing device for delivering ventricular pacing may be configured to intermittently and variably reduce the AV delay interval used in an atrial triggered pacing mode in a manner that simulates exercise. The device may be programmed to intermittently switch to and from a variably shortened AV delay mode according to defined entry and exit conditions. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082824 | METHOD FOR EXCLUSION OF ECTOPIC EVENTS FROM HEART RATE VARIABILITY METRICS - Heart rate variability metrics are derived from the intervals between successive heart beats, referred to as BB intervals. A method implementable by an implantable cardiac device for excluding BB intervals due to ectopic beats based on a function of preceding BB intervals is presented. It is desirable to remove such BB intervals from a BB interval time series used to calculate a heart rate variability metric. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082825 | CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF INTERMITTENT EXCITATORY CARDIAC STIMULATION FOR THERAPEUTIC EFFECT - A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in order to improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. The stimulation is delivered as high-output pacing in which the stimulation is excitatory and also of sufficient energy to augment myocardial contractility. In order to provide a consistent hemodynamic response, the high-output pacing is optimized by delivering it using different parameter sets, evaluating the hemodynamic response thereto as reflected by one or more measured physiological variables, and selecting the parameter set with the best hemodynamic response. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082826 | AUTOMATIC SIGNAL AMPLITUDE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM IN THE SETTING OF ABNORMAL RHYTHMS - A system for automatically evaluating the sensing and detection of physiological processes by an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardiac stimulation device. The system includes an automatic testing algorithm which iteratively adjusts at least one of the threshold and gain settings of the device and evaluates the accuracy of the detection for refining the programming of the device. The algorithm can include sampling the physiological process beginning at a relatively low rate to avoid excessive burden on the processing and battery capacity available and progressively increasing the rate to obtain higher resolution data. The algorithm can also evaluate the observed physiological process for periodicity and can determine repetition of an irregular pattern, such as bigeminy, and use the determined pattern for predictive purposes to refine the programming of the device. The algorithm employs observation of a change in observed pattern as indicia for loss of proper detection. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082827 | HINGED ANCHORS FOR WIRELESS PACING ELECTRODES - A hinged anchor for a medical device electrode is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hinged anchor has a hinged portion and an anchor portion. The hinged portion can have a first configuration forming a first angle and a second configuration forming a second angle. The second angle can be a sharper angle than the first angle, and the hinged portion can be predisposed to assume the second configuration. The hinged anchor can be disposed on a control module of a leadless microstimulator device. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082828 | Leadless Cardiac Pacemaker with Secondary Fixation Capability - The invention relates to leadless cardiac pacemakers (LBS), and elements and methods by which they affix to the heart. The invention relates particularly to a secondary fixation of leadless pacemakers which also include a primary fixation. Secondary fixation elements for LBS's may either actively engage an attachment site, or more passively engage structures within a heart chamber. Active secondary fixation elements include a tether extending from the LBS to an anchor at another site. Such sites may be either intracardial or extracardial, as on a vein through which the LBS was conveyed to the heart, the internal or external surface thereof. Passive secondary fixation elements entangle within intraventricular structure such as trabeculae carneae, thereby contributing to fixation of the LBS at the implant site. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082829 | Patient directed therapy control - A patient controls the delivery of therapy through volitional inputs that are detected by a biosignal within the brain. The volitional patient input may be directed towards performing a specific physical or mental activity, such as moving a muscle or performing a mathematical calculation. In one embodiment, a biosignal detection module monitors an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from within the brain of the patient and determines whether the EEG signal includes the biosignal. In one embodiment, the biosignal detection module analyzes one or more frequency components of the EEG signal. In this manner, the patient may adjust therapy delivery by providing a volitional input that is detected by brain signals, wherein the volitional input may not require the interaction with another device, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer to adjust therapy delivery. Example therapies include electrical stimulation, drug delivery, and delivery of sensory cues. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082830 | OBTAINING MEASUREMENTS OF MUSCLE REFLEXES FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENT SYMPTOMS - A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082831 | Vestibular Stimulation System - A vestibular stimulation system and method that includes a housing, a power supply disposed in the housing, an electrode assembly adapted to be coupled to the housing, and a controller disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the power supply. The controller controls the delivery of energy from the power supply to the electrode assembly. An input element is also disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The input element is manually manipulated to control the operation of the vestibular stimulation system. A display disposed on an exterior surface of the housing provides visual information regarding the operation of the vestibular stimulation system. A mounting assembly is coupled to the housing to mount the housing on such a user. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082832 | Thermal Management of Implantable Medical Devices - Systems and techniques for thermal management of implantable medical devices. In one aspect, an implantable device adapted for implantation in a body includes a conductor component that conducts an electrical current in response to the body in which that implantable device is implanted being subjected to an alternating electromagnetic field and a thermal management component in thermal contact with the conductor component and configured to manage excess heat generated by the conduction of the electrical current. The thermal management component comprises a material that undergoes a phase transition at a temperature above the temperature of the body in which the implantable device is adapted to be implanted. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082833 | TELEMETRY NOISE REDUCTION - A device includes a housing and electronics disposed in the housing. A telemetry antenna is disposed in the housing and is operably coupled to the electronics. A shielding coil is disposed between the housing and the telemetry antenna. The shielding coil has a first end and a second end. The second end is electrically terminated in circuitry of the electronics. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082834 | PROXIMITY SIGNATURE FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Systems, devices and methods employing coded magnetic fields or transfer of encryption key information via proximity telemetry are described. The systems, methods and devices help prevent or reduce unintended or unintentional distance telemetry communication between an external medical device and an implantable medical device. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082835 | Apparatus and Methods For Charging An Implanted Medical Device Power Source - Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082836 | Methods of applying phototherapy - A method of applying phototherapy to a skin surface region of the body improves, relieves or eliminates disease and undesirable conditions. In many cases damage is reversed. The method includes contacting the skin surface region with a plurality of light emitters, the light emitters positioned so as to generate an approximately uniform light emission over the skin surface region; emitting plural sequenced light emissions from the light emitters, wherein each one of the plural light emissions extends over a selected time duration, is pulsed at a selected pulse rate, and is centered on a selected wavelength of light; and emitting the light emissions alternately in the red region of the light spectrum and the infrared region of the light spectrum. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082837 | Hand-held Thermal Ablation Device - A thermal ablation system, comprises a device housing and an elongated probe extending distally from the device housing, the probe including an outflow fluid passage extending between proximal and distal outflow openings and a return fluid passage extending between proximal and distal return openings, the probe being shaped and sized for insertion into a body lumen so that, when the distal outflow and return openings are located at a desired position within the body, the proximal outflow and return openings remain outside the body in combination with a pump disposed in the device housing in fluid communication with the outflow and return fluid passages of the probe for circulating a fluid through the outflow lumen into a target area of the body and back through the return lumen to the device housing and a heating element in the device housing for heating the fluid. Fluid connectors place the pump and the heating element in fluid communication with a supply of fluid and a fluid drain. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082838 | LEFT-VENTRICULAR LEAD FIXATION DEVICE IN CORONARY VEINS - Methods for medical lead fixation in coronary veins according to embodiments of the present invention include advancing a lead body into a branch vessel of a coronary vein, inserting a fixation line and expandable anchor structure through the lead body, past a distal end of the lead body, and into the branch vessel, engaging a wall of the branch vessel with the expandable anchor structure, and coupling the fixation line with the lead body. Apparatus for medical lead fixation in a coronary vein according to embodiments of the present invention include a lead body having one or more electrodes, a fixation line, an expandable anchor structure coupled to the fixation line, the fixation line and anchor structure deployable through the lead body into the branch vessel, and a means for coupling the lead body to the fixation line. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082839 | Electronic anti-snoring and sleep apnea device for sleep-breathing disorders, electronic anti-bruxing device, and electronic device for TMD therapy - Devices and methods for preventing or mitigating the occurrence of sleep breathing disorders use an extra-oral unit for detecting sounds from a sleeping patient and for sending commands to an intra-oral device for applying an electrical stimulation to one or more locations in the oral cavity of the patient. Similarly, bruxing and temporomandibular disorder can be mitigated or prevented by applying electrical stimulation to the oral cavity of a patient in response to the detection of pressure caused by bruxing activity or oral para-functional activity. The intra-oral unit includes a controller for controlling the generation of the electrical stimulation to be applied to the oral cavity of the patient, and first and second protective layers sealing the controller therebetween. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082840 | METHOD FOR LOADING A STENT INTO A DELIVERY SYSTEM - Methods for assembling a stent delivery system are provided, as well as the stent delivery assemblies and devices formed by such methods. Also provided is a method for loading a stent into a delivery system. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082841 | APPARATUS FOR SECURING STENT BARBS - A stent system comprising a stent body. At least one barb extends from the stent body and is configured such that a free end thereof is biased to extend radially outward from the stent body. A retaining mechanism is positioned to engage the at least one barb when the stent body is in a compressed state and retain the at least one barb in a tucked position relative to the stent body. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082842 | STENT AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYMENT THEREOF - A stent, a system for delivering a stent and a method of assembling a stent on a stent delivery shaft. The stent delivery system comprises a delivery shaft and a stent configured to be positioned about the delivery shaft. The stent includes an extension extending circumferentially from a portion of the stent to a free end, thereby defining a shoulder surface. A belt has a first portion fixed relative to the delivery shaft and a second portion positioned circumferentially about at least a portion of the stent to retain the stent in an at least partially constrained configuration. A release wire is configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the belt to retain the belt. The shoulder surface engages at least a portion of the belt to minimize axial movement of the belt during release of the release wire from engagement with the belt. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082843 | SELF-EXPANDING STENT WITH ENHANCED DELIVERY PRECISION AND STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - The invention is directed to a self-expanding stent for implantation into a body lumen, such as an artery. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members placed on the stent in a collinear arrangement such as to create at least one continuous spine which extends along the length of the stent. The invention is also directed to a stent delivery system for implantation of a stent in a vessel which includes an outer tubular member having a restraining sheath and an inner tubular member having a distal end which has a compressed stent mounted thereto. The proximal end of the inner tubular member is connected to a housing assembly which prevents the inner tubular member from moving when the outer tubular member is retracted to deploy the stent. The proximal end of the outer tubular member is attached to a pull-back handle which is slidably mounted on the base of the housing assembly. When the pull-back handle is retracted, the restraining sheath is retracted to deploy the sheath, while the inner tubular member remains stationary. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082844 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PIVOTED STENT DEPLOYMENT - The invention provides a stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. A belt retaining structure is provided at the stent free end. A belt is releasably retained in the belt retaining structure and is configured to constrain the stent free end independent of the stent connection end. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082845 | ALIGNMENT STENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - The invention provides a stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. A belt retaining structure is provided at the stent free end. A belt is releasably retained in the belt retaining structure and is configured to constrain the stent free end independent of the stent connection end. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082846 | ASYMMETRIC STENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. The stent includes a plurality of struts extending between the connection end and the free end and at least two of the struts having different lengths such that the free end has a nonuniform profile. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082847 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SECURING STENT BARBS - A stent assembly comprising a stent body. At least one barb extends from the stent body and is configured such that a free end thereof is biased to extend radially outward from the stent body. A belt is releasably positioned about the stent body and aligned with the barb to constrain the barb to a position with the free end proximate to the stent body. A method of forming a stent assembly is also provided. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082848 | STENT - A stent includes a plurality of first portions arranged in a longitudinal direction, and second portions each disposed between the adjacent first portions. Each of the first portions is expandable and contractible in a radial direction, and each of the second portions allows a whole of the stent to curve in the longitudinal direction. When the first portion is expanded in the radial direction, the longitudinal length of the first portion is decreased, but spacing between the adjacent first portions is increased. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082849 | ENDOPROSTHESIS COMPONENT - The invention relates to an endoprosthesis component which is formed from a ceramic material and in which the ceramic material is partially coated with a titanium alloy. An uncoated surface portion of the endoprosthesis component is designed to interact as slide surface with another endoprosthesis component. A coated surface portion of the endoprosthesis component is designed to establish a connection to a bone. According to the invention, the part of the ceramic material forming an interface to the coating has a roughness R | 2009-03-26 |
20090082850 | REINFORCED VASCULAR PROSTHESIS WITH LONG-TERM ANTIMICROBIAL ACTION - A vascular prosthesis includes a prosthesis wall whose outer surface has at least one reinforcing means, the surface of the prosthesis wall and the surface of the at least one reinforcer being coated, at least in part, with an antimicrobial layer. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082851 | VARIABLE STIFFNESS WIRE GUIDE - The present invention provides a wire guide having a variable stiffness region that may be selectively adjusted to vary the stiffness along a portion of the wire guide. The wire guide generally comprises an outer core member and an inner core member, wherein the inner core member is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to the outer core member. The outer core member is attached to a proximal end of a coiled member, while the inner core member is attached to the coiled member at an attachment region between proximal and distal ends of the coiled member. In operation, distal advancement of the outer core member with respect to the inner core member causes the coiled member to compress at a location between the proximal end of the coiled member and the attachment region, thereby selectively increasing the stiffness along a portion of the length of the wire guide. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082852 | Catheter-based fastener implantation apparatus and methods - Apparatus and methods utilize an intraluminal fastener applier having a guide body with a longitudinal axis. The guide body is sized and configured for intraluminal deployment in a hollow body organ. An actuated assembly is carried by the guide body that is selectively operable to generate an implantation force to implant at least one fastener into tissue within the hollow body organ. The actuated assembly includes a driven member extending generally along the longitudinal axis, which is sized and configured to engage a selected fastener. The actuated assembly also includes a drive member coupled to the driven member to impart the implantation force to the driven element in a direction that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the guide body. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082853 | BIODEGRADABLE DRUG DELIVERY MATERIAL FOR STENT - A stent is fabricated utilizing a polymer that is selected for its tendency to degrade from the surface inwardly rather than undergo bulk erosion so as to substantially reduce the risk of large particles becoming detached and being swept downstream. Such polymer is hydrophobic yet has water-labile linkages interconnecting the monomers. Ester or imide bonds are incorporated in the polymer to render the surface degrading materials suitable for use in stent applications. The stent may be coated with such polymer or may be wholly formed therefrom. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082854 | Pitted metallic implants and method of manufacturing thereof - A method of fabricating a conductive prosthetic, such as a stent, with a dimpled surface comprising the steps of: (i) providing a blank; (ii) electrochemically eroding superfluous material to leave a structural skeleton, (iii) electropolishing, (iv) dimpling the surface of the structural skeleton by selectively electrochemically eroding recesses on the surface of the prosthetic and (v) impregnating the recesses with a bioactive material, and prosthetics such as stents with dimpled surfaces fabricated thereby. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082855 | COATING FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF A THERAPEUTIC AGENT - Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Also, the devices may be modified to promote endothelialization. In addition, various polymer combinations may be utilized to control the elution rates of the therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds from the implantable medical devices. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082856 | MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING NANOFIBER-TEXTURED SURFACES - According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise (a) a substrate having first and second surfaces, (b) a nanofiber-textured layer comprising nanofibers disposed over at least the first surface of the substrate and defining a nanotextured outer surface for the device, and (c) a therapeutic-agent-eluting layer comprising a therapeutic agent and a polymer disposed over at least the second surface of the substrate. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082857 | UNSTENTED HEART VALVE WITH FORMED IN PLACE SUPPORT STRUCTURE - An implantable prosthetic valve ( | 2009-03-26 |
20090082858 | Transcatheter Delivery of a Replacement Heart Valve - A replacement heart valve apparatus. The heart valve apparatus includes a stent and a valve frame having a substantially cylindrical body defining a lumen. The valve frame includes a plurality of curved wire pairs attached to the substantially cylindrical body. Each curved wire pair includes an inner curved wire and an outer curved wire. The wire frame further having a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet is attached to a respective inner curved wire and extends over a respective outer curved wire, so as to position the body of the leaflet within the lumen of the valve frame. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082859 | POLARIZATION-SENSITIVE VISION PROSTHESIS - A vision prosthesis includes a first detector disposed to detect a polarization state of light reflected from a retina, and a controller in communication with the first detector. The controller is configured to receive, from the detector, a measurement signal indicative of the polarization state. In response thereto, the controller generates a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of an optical system in optical communication with the retina. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082860 | Ocular Implants with Asymmetric Flexibility - An ocular implant having a body extending along a generally curved longitudinal axis, the curved longitudinal axis defining a first plane, the body having a diameter of between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches and being adapted to be disposed within a canal of Schlemm in a human subject's eye; wherein the body has a first flexibility when bent along the first plane and a second flexibility different from the first flexibility when bent along a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not coincident with the first plane. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a human eye, including the steps of: inserting an implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye, the implant having a first flexibility when bent along a first plane and a second flexibility different from the first flexibility when bent along a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not coincident with the first plane; and supporting tissue forming Schlemm's canal with the implant. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082861 | INTRAOCULAR LENS - A one-piece intraocular lens realizing adhesion of the intraocular lens to the inner surface of a capsule more advantageously by viscosity imparted to the intraocular lens, and being deployed more positively after it is inserted into the capsule and secured therein while being positioned at a specified location. The intraocular lens has an optical portion ( | 2009-03-26 |
20090082862 | Ocular Implant Architectures - An ocular implant having a first spine; a second spine; a first strut extending in an axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; a second strut extending in an axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; wherein an angular dimension θ of a first edge of each strut undulates as the strut extends in the axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; and wherein a radius r of an outer surface of each strut remains substantially constant as the strut extends the axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082863 | Ocular Implants - An ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. In some embodiments the implant has a body extending in a curved volume whose longitudinal axis forms an arc of a circle, and a plurality of open areas and strut areas formed in the body, the open areas extending over more than 50% of a surface defining the curved volume, the strut areas surrounding the open areas, the body having a diameter of between 0.005 inches and 0.04 inches. The invention also provides a method of treating glaucoma including the steps of supporting tissue forming Schlemm's canal in an eye with an implant extending at least partially in the canal along an axial length within the canal; and contacting with the implant less than 50% of the tissue forming the canal along the axial length. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082864 | NATURALLY CONTOURED, PREFORMED, THREE DIMENSIONAL MESH DEVICE FOR BREAST IMPLANT SUPPORT - A preformed, seamless, three-dimensional, anatomically contoured prosthetic device for reinforcing breast tissue and supporting a breast implant includes a flat back wall, a concave front wall and a curved transitional region between the flat back wall and the front wall defining a smoothly curved bottom periphery. A concave receiving space is defined by the back wall and the front wall for at least partially receiving and supporting the breast implant therein. The three-dimensional prosthetic device is free of wrinkles, creases, folds or seams, which may have otherwise caused potential tissue irritation, bacteria hosting, infection and palpability problems. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082865 | BIOCERAMIC COATED APPARATUS AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME - The invention relates to a bioceramic coated apparatus and method of forming the same. The apparatus may be a medical implant such as, for example, an orthopedic implant or a dental implant. The bioceramic coating is designed to increase tissue and/or bone growth upon implantation of the apparatus. The apparatus has a valve metal substrate having a nanoporous valve metal oxide surface layer. The nanoporous surface layer contains a plurality of nanopores. The nanopores have adsorbed phosphate ions on at least their interior surfaces. A bioceramic coating is formed on the nanoporous surface and anchored into the nanopores. Optionally, the nanopores are formed into a tapered shape in order to increase adhesion to the bioceramic coating. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082866 | ENDOPROSTHESIS COMPONENT - An endoprosthesis component and a method for producing an endoprosthesis component is disclosed. The endoprosthesis component comprises a body predefining the shape of the endoprosthesis component. On surface portions with which the endoprosthesis component in the implanted state is in contact with human tissue, the body is covered with an outer layer which comprises a nitride, an oxynitride or an oxide based on a refractory metal and which contains silver and/or copper. An intermediate layer is arranged between the outer layer and the body in such a way that parts of the intermediate layer are accessible from the outside. The endoprosthesis component enables generation of a long-term antimicrobial action with the outer layer and, in addition, action on the surrounding tissue from the intermediate layer. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082867 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS FOR UNIVERSAL APPLICATION - An Invertebral Disc Model Prosthesis, of the type denominated of double articulation, to substitute the function and the movement of intervertebral discs, for universal application due to its principal characteristic of being able to be used as a constrained, semi-constrained or non-constrained prosthesis, specially indicated for treatment of pathological degenerative of the intervertebral discs, discal hernias, by anterior approach, transition syndromes of supra-adjacent disc, chronic lumbagos resistant to conserver treatment, chronic adjacent vertebral instability, made from materials of proved biocompatibility, endowed with a low profile that makes it optimum for its implant in the human being and which consists of three pieces, two plates, upper and lower, and am intermediate piece , which serves for the substitution of the discs of the lumbar and cervical column, capable of being placed by the anterior or lateral approach. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082868 | Prosthesis for restoring motion in an appendage or spinal joint and an intervertebral spacer - A motion restoring prosthesis to be interposed between the ends of two bones adjoining a mammalian appendage or spinal joint is formed of two components with the components having inner cooperating articulating surfaces and outer bone engaging surfaces. At least one of the components has an inner section made of relatively hard, stiff material defining one or the articulating surfaces and an outer section made of a softer material defining the bone engaging surface. The softer material having a hardness/stiffness characteristic compatible with the bone to reduce stress shielding and more evenly distribute the forces from the articulating surfaces to the associate bone interface. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082869 | DOUBLE ENDED PYRAMID ADAPTER - A prosthetic coupling providing height and rotation adjustability. Exemplary embodiments include a Double Ended Pyramid Adapter (DEPR) allowing a prosthesis to be height adjusted and rotated using a single adapter. An exemplary DEPR also has an anti-rotation locking feature that selectively inhibits rotation of the components with respect to one another, and can selectively be unlocked to allow rotation when desired. An exemplary DEPR adapter allows for height and rotation adjustment, and may be utilized with transfemoral patients for height adjustments between the distal end of the socket and the prosthetic knee. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082870 | TRANSPEDICULAR, EXTRAPEDICULAR AND TRANSCORPOREAL PARTIAL DISC REPLACEMENT - A nucleus replacement mimics a native annulus in shape and function for use in partial disc arthroplasty. The nucleus replacement includes a jacket having a compartment, a first anchoring limb on one side of the compartment, and a second anchoring limb on an opposite side of the compartment. The jacket is insertable into a disc space through an operating channel in at least one of the vertebral pedicle and the vertebral body. A shock absorbing material is injectable into the compartment after installing the jacket into the disc space. The shock absorbing material has characteristics that absorb loads on the replacement. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082871 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINE JOINT REPLACEMENT - A prosthesis for the replacement of the cartilaginous structures of a spine motion segment is described. The prosthesis comprises an intervertebral disc prosthesis in combination with a facet joint prosthesis. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082872 | Intervertebral implant - In an intervertebral implant with at least one abutment surface formed from a plurality of parts for a vertebral body, which parts are movable relative to one another between an insertion position, in which the intervertebral implant has a small cross section, and a working position, in which the intervertebral implant has a larger cross section and in which the parts jointly form the abutment surface, and with an adjusting means for moving the parts out of the insertion position into the working position, in order to provide an uncomplicated structure having small dimensions, it is proposed that the adjusting means have at least one expansion body, which increases in volume when filled with a flowable medium and thus moves the parts into the working position. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082873 | FIXED-BEARING KNEE PROSTHESIS - A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A peripheral rail extends along at least an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. The peripheral rail extends upwardly from an upper surface of the platform. A retaining rail extends upwardly from the upper surface of the platform and posteriorly away from the peripheral rail. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082874 | CATHETER DELIVERABLE FOOT IMPLANT AND METHOD OF DELIVERING THE SAME - Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An inflatable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and inflatable through a catheter or needle. Inflation of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082875 | Talar implant system and method - A talar implant system and method in one embodiment includes an articulation component with an articulating surface extending upwardly from a first plane and configured to articulate with a tibial component, and a distal portion for implanting in a bone, the distal portion having a longitudinal axis and configured to be rigidly coupled with respect to the first plane at any angular position selected from a range of angular positions within a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082876 | Cement spacer for acetabular cup - An acetabular cup has a shell having a recess therein, the recess is open to an outer surface of the shell. The recess has an enlarged portion spaced from the shell outer surface with a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening at the surface. An insert is provided for insertion into the recess in the shell outer surface. The insert has a height greater than a depth of the recess and has a solid portion and a bifurcated portion having at least two side openings forming two to four sectors. A base of the sectors formed by bifurcated portion has an outwardly extending flange for insertion into the enlarged portion of the recess. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082877 | VENTILATED PROSTHESIS SYSTEM - A prosthesis system including a ventilated shell, and a substantially compliant, ventilated spacer element that defines a first surface having a frictional feature. The spacer element is arranged to secure to an internal surface of the shell. The prosthesis system also includes a connector that is secured to a distal end of the shell, and a retainer supported by the connector so as to extend into a cavity formed by the shell. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082878 | MULTI-AXIAL PROSTHETIC ANKLE - A prosthetic foot includes a rod having a substantially spherical head and a shank extending from the head. A connector is pivotally coupled to the spherical head of the rod. The connector has a coupling configured to attach to the stump of an amputee. A wear plate is disposed on the shank of the rod adjacent the connector. The wear plate is sized and shaped to contact the connector as the connector pivots on the spherical head of the rod. A spring is removably disposed on the shank of the rod and spaced apart from the wear plate a predetermined distance. The spring is compressible by the rod when the rod is disposed in a prosthetic foot and an axial load is applied to the rod. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082879 | TRANSFERABLE INTELLIGENT CONTROL DEVICE - An integrated intelligent system includes a first intelligent electronic device, a second intelligent electronic device, a transferable intelligent control device (TICD) and a cross product bus. The first intelligent electronic device performs a first function and the second intelligent electronic device performs a second function. The cross product bus couples the first intelligent electronic device to the transferable intelligent control device. The TICD partially controls behaviors of the intelligent electronic device by sending commands over the cross product bus to the first intelligent electronic device and the TICD partially controls behaviors of the second intelligent electronic device to perform the second function. The TICD is first attached to the first intelligent electronic device to partially control the behaviors of the first electronic device, then detached from the first electronic device, and then attached to the second intelligent electronic device to perform the second function. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082880 | WIRELESS DEVICE FOR A BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM - A wireless adapter module receives data from a monitor device through a wired interface, where the data conforms to a first protocol. The wireless adapter device translates the data to a format compatible with a supervisory control system. The data is transmitted to the supervisory control system through a wireless interface. Various protocols and translations may be used within the wireless adapter module such that a single supervisory control system may communicate with a variety of different vendor's monitor devices. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082881 | COMPONENT MOUNTER, WARNING NOTIFICATION APPARATUS, AND WARNING NOTIFICATION METHOD - An component mounter including a warning notification apparatus, which includes a warning generating unit which generates a warning for notifying that an action involving human resource is required, by referring to warning generation information, a warning level judging unit which judges a level of the warning indicating difficulty of an action to be taken in response to the warning by referring to warning level judgment information, and a warning notification unit which specifies an operator permitted to perform the action in response to the warning by referring to execution permission authentication information, and outputs the warning notifying the specified operator of the warning. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082882 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Reducing Signals - Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a circuit adapted to cause an actuation of an output device according to a control output. The control output can be generated comprising a control signal, the control signal extracted from a sequence of clock pulses. The sequence of clock pulses can comprise the control signal. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082883 | PROCESS FOR RAPIDLY CONTROLLING A PROCESS VARIABLE WITHOUT OVERSHOOT USING A TIME DOMAIN POLYNOMIAL FEEDBACK CONTROLLER - A method for controlling a process variable as it approaches a predetermined value (setpoint) so that the setpoint is not exceeded. The method employs a time domain polynomial equation in a feedback configuration and utilizes a controller that acts as an On/Off controller until the process variable approaches setpoint. As the process variable approaches setpoint, the controller acts as a fast responding analog controller thereby “tailoring” a control variable to precisely bring the process variable to the setpoint without exceeding or overshooting the setpoint. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082884 | Method And System For Processing Signals For A MEMS Detector That Enables Control Of A Device Using Human Breath - A method and system for processing signals for a MEMS detector that enables control of a device using expulsion of air via human breath, a machine and/or a device are provided. A microprocessor may receive one or more signals from the MEMS detector that may comprise various component sensor(s), sensing member(s) or sensing segment(s) that may detect movement of air caused by the expulsion of human breath. The signals may be processed by the microprocessor and an interactive output comprising one or more control signals that may enable control of a user interface such as | 2009-03-26 |
20090082885 | METHOD AND TOOL FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS WITH SLEEPING DEVICES IN A WIRELESS SENSOR CONTROL NETWORK - A method of communicating with automation components configured for use within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes determining a first communication schedule such that the first communication schedule configured to govern an activity schedule for use by an automation component, communicating the first communication schedule to the automation component such that the automation component currently implements a second communication schedule to govern the activity schedule, and adjusting the second communication schedule to equal the communicated first communication schedule such that the activity schedule increases a communication frequency in response to the adjustment. The method may further include defining a duration during which the first communication schedule equals the second communication schedule. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082886 | Audio System And Audio Processing Method - An audio system and an audio processing method are provided. The audio system comprises a down mixer, an ADC, a storage unit, a control unit, a DSP unit, and a DAC. The down mixer first down-converts an analog signal, which is then converted by the ADC into a first audio digital signal. The storage unit stores a second audio digital signal. The control unit generates a control signal. The DSP unit then processes the first audio digital signal or the second audio digital signal according to the control signal to generate a processed audio digital signal. The DAC converts this processed audio digital signal to a processed analog signal for playback. The audio processing method comprises the steps executed in the audio system. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082887 | Method and User Interface for Creating an Audio Recording Using a Document Paradigm - A computer-implemented method of producing a sound recording can begin with receiving an audio signal. The method can continue with displaying the audio signal in a user interface as a waveform. Upon the waveform reaching an end of a line of the user interface, the waveform scrolls to a next line of the user interface. The method can include receiving a section break input. The method can further include beginning a continuation of the waveform on a new line of the user interface in response to receiving the section break input. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082888 | AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM CONTROL USING A MESH NETWORK - In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for a home audio-visual system that is at least in part controlled through a mesh network, wherein the home audio-visual system produces at least two effects. Each of the at least two effects may be controlled through separate mesh network nodes responsive to user initiated instructions. Each of the separate mesh network nodes may be adapted to receive the user initiate instructions through a channel management operation. In embodiments of the present invention, a home audio-visual system may communicate information through a mesh network, wherein the home audio-visual system includes one or more electrical devices that produce the information. The home audio-visual system may be associated with a channel management operation that is associated with one or more nodes of the mesh network to effect the communication of the information. In embodiments of the present invention, a media server may be enabled to control the delivery of a plurality of media content streams to a plurality of electrical devices, wherein the media server is adapted to be controlled through a mesh network node using a mesh network channel management operation. In embodiments, a command to the media server through the mesh network node may be transmitted in response to a user initiated instruction input to a hand held remote control, causing the mesh network node to receive the user initiated command through manipulation of a channel control operation. In embodiments, the media server may control the delivery of at least one of the plurality of media content streams to at least one of the plurality of electrical devices based on the user initiated command. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082889 | STORAGE APPARATUS AND STORAGE METHOD - According to one embodiment, a storage apparatus comprises storage devices, a first selection module configured to select a first storage device in accordance with selection made by a user, a determination module configured to determine whether or not the first storage device can store data, a second selection module configured to select a second storage device when the determination module determines that the first storage device cannot store data, and a storage control module configured to store data in the first storage device when the determination module determines that the first storage device can store data, and to store data in the second storage device when the determination module determines that the first storage device cannot store data. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082890 | WIRELESS AUDIO ADAPTER - An adapter for receiving a wireless digital signal that includes an audio signal and audio metadata concerning the audio signal from a portable electronic device has a Bluetooth wireless receiver for receiving the wireless digital signal from the portable electronic device in a Bluetooth digital format. A microprocessor having format conversion software converts the Bluetooth formatted audio signal in the wireless digital signal into a satellite radio formatted audio signal. Satellite metadata generating software generates satellite radio formatted metadata based upon the received Bluetooth formatted audio metadata. A switch electrically couples an output of the adapter to a satellite radio input of an audio system when the Bluetooth transceiver detects a Bluetooth transmission. The adapter provides the satellite radio formatted audio signal and metadata to the audio system such that the audio signal is reproduced by an audio output of the audio system and the metadata is displayed on a display of the audio system. The adapter can also include an FM modulator that produces a frequency modulated output based upon the received Bluetooth formatted audio signal and metadata. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082891 | OPTIMIZING TASK ASSIGNMENTS FOR MULTI-HEAD TAPE LAYDOWN - The operation of automated tape heads used to layup a composite structure is optimized in order to reduce layup time and better balance tape head loading. Ply data is generated that defines the ply segments and tape courses for each sequence of the layup. Each sequence is partitioned into groups of either ply segments or tape courses for the sequence. Multiple possible tape head assignments are generated in which the individual tape heads are assigned to the groups A final set of tape head assignments are selected based on the assignments that minimize the time required to complete the layup. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082892 | OPTIMIZING NON-PRODUCTIVE PART MOTION IN AN AUTOMATED TAPE LAYDOWN MACHINE - The non-productive motion of an automatic composite tape laydown machine is optimized to increase the overall rate of the laydown. Ordering of tape courses is analyzed to determine the time required to move between courses using a time function that reflects operating characteristics and limitations of the tape laydown machine. The ordering is optimized by re-ordering, grouping and/or partitioning the tape courses so as to reduce the non-productive motion of the machine. The optimized ordering is used by a NC program that controls the operation of the machine. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082893 | METHOD FOR CONSISTENT UPDATES TO AUTOMATED PROCESS CONTROL (APC) MODELS WITH PARTITIONING ALONG MULTIPLE COMPONENTS - Methods for consistent updates to APC models with partitioning along multiple components are generally described. In one example, a method includes acquiring measurement data from one or more semiconductor wafers of a processed first lot, the data having a plurality of contexts, applying a model having parameters with partitioning along the contexts to the measurement data; and applying a constraint on a subset of the model parameters such that the subset remains centered around zero to provide consistent updates for automated process control of lots processed after the first lot. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082894 | Online Recipe Synchronization in a Real-Time Batch Executive Environment - A method of executing a batch process in a manufacturing environment according to a product recipe, such that the product recipe specifies a plurality of actions and a plurality of parameters, includes performing at least one action of the batch process corresponding to a first version of the product recipe, receiving a second version of the product recipe, such that the second version of the product recipe is distinct from the first version of the product recipe, suspending the execution of the batch process prior to completion of the batch process, and resuming the execution of the batch process according to the second version of the product recipe. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082895 | Integrated wafer transfer mechanism - An integrated high speed robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving transport equipment, integrating an object movement with other functionalities such as alignment or identification. The disclosed integrated robot assembly typically comprises an end effector for moving the object in and out of a chamber, a rotation chuck incorporated on the robot body to provide centering and theta alignment capability, and an optional identification subsystem for identifying the object during transport. The present invention also discloses a transfer robot system, employing a plurality of integrated robot assemblies; a transfer system where a transfer robot system can service a plurality of connected chambers such as FOUP or FOSB; a front end module (FEM); or a sorter system. Through the use of these incorporated capabilities into the moving robot, single object transfer operations can exceed 500 parts per hour. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082896 | Credential Manufacturing Device Information Management - One embodiment of a credential production system includes a credential manufacturing device comprising a memory containing credential manufacturing device information relating to the credential manufacturing device, a client computer, a data store and a credential production server remote from the client computer and the credential manufacturing device and configured for data communication with the credential manufacturing device, the client computer and the data store. The credential production server comprises instructions stored in a tangible medium and executable by a microprocessor for receiving the credential manufacturing device information from the credential manufacturing device at the credential production server, storing the received credential manufacturing device information in the data store and sending the credential manufacturing device information in the data store to the client computer. Another embodiment is directed to a method of managing credential manufacturing device information in a credential production system. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082897 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING METROLOGY TAGS TO ALLOW AUTOMATIC METROLOGY RECIPE GENERATION - A method includes generating a layout for an integrated circuit device. A plurality of metrology sites on the layout is generated. A metrology tag associated with each of the metrology sites is generated. Each metrology tag includes identification data, location data, and metrology context data relating to the associated metrology site. A system includes a data store and a metrology tag unit. The data store is operable to store a plurality of metrology tags. Each metrology tag is associated with a metrology site on a layout for an integrated circuit device and includes identification data, location data, and metrology context data relating to the associated metrology site. The metrology tag unit is operable to access at least a subset of the metrology tags and generate a metrology recipe for measuring characteristics of the integrated circuit device based on the subset of metrology tags. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082898 | Knit simulation device, knit simulation method, and program thereof - The presence or absence of putting round of a yarn is detected according to whether carriers are positioned on a near side or a far side and according to the relationship of connection between loops, and the result is displayed on a monitor. On the monitor, for example, the degree of the deformation of the yarn is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round when the yarn is touched, or a color is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round. The presence or absence of putting round of the yarn can be detected and then displayed to a user. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082899 | CALIBRATION ASSEMBLY FOR AN INSPECTION SYSTEM - A method of calibrating an inspection system is provided. The method includes contacting a test part with a run-out measurement device and rotating the test part and measuring a first run-out using the run-out measurement device. The method also includes moving the run-out measurement device to a new position and repeating the steps of contacting and rotating the test part to measure a second run-out at the new position. The method further includes using the first and second run-outs to adjust measurements of the inspection system. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082900 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER OF MACHINE TOOL - A numerical controller having a function-generating unit which executes function generation for shaft movement according to a machining program is provided, the numerical controller further comprising a unit which stores shape data of the movable unit and shape data of an interfering structure; a retracting direction determining unit which determines a retracting direction; an interference checking position calculating unit which successively calculates, as an interference checking position, a position in which a desired distance is added to the current position of the movable unit according to the determined retracting direction; an interference confirming unit which confirms presence or absence of interference between the shape data of the movable unit and the shape data of the interfering structure by virtually moving the shape data of the movable unit; and a power outage detecting unit which sends a power outage signal to a DC power supply unit and the function-generating unit during power outage, wherein the function-generating unit executes function generation according to a result of the interference confirming unit. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082901 | CONTROL DEVICE, DEVICE FOR FIXING A STACK OF PAPER SHEETS AND UNSTACKING DEVICE - The invention relates to a control device for the removal of a partial stack from a stack of paper sheets comprising a camera ( | 2009-03-26 |
20090082902 | Warehouse Management System Based on Pick Velocity - A method and system are disclosed for determining the locations of parts in a warehouse. The method comprises the step of generating for each part an associated designator having first and second components, including the steps of, for each of the parts, (i) determining the first component of the associated designator based on physical dimensions of the part, and (ii) determining the second component of the associated designator based on a pick velocity of the part. These designators are used to identify locations in the warehouse for the parts. In a preferred embodiment, the first components of the designators are used to determine the distances of the identified locations for the parts from an entrance/exit of the warehouse, and the second components of the designators are used to determine the heights of the identified locations for the parts in the warehouse. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082903 | Automated stacking system for wood products - Provided is a system for cutting and sorting of engineered wood products. Using appropriate software, a designer may model an entire house's structural frame. The dimensions and labeling for individual members of the structure are extracted from the model and captured by the software. The software may batch and optimize the products to be cut on the saw and develop sawing control instructions. The instructions are used by the saw to process the parts according to the house structure design. As the parts are processed by the saw, they are discharged and sent to an outfeed system that will stack the engineered wood products according to the parameters defined by the workstation operator. The system can handle the multiple lengths and widths of engineered wood parts from the saw and stack them in the order the software may specify. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082904 | Bulk Material Handling System and Control - A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082905 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFORMING COORDINATE SYSTEMS IN A TELEMANIPULATION SYSTEM - In a telemanipulation system for manipulating objects located in a workspace at a remote worksite by an operator from an operator's station, such as in a remote surgical system, the remote worksite having a manipulator with an end effector for manipulating an object at the workspace, such as a body cavity, a controller including a hand control at the control operator's station for remote control of the manipulator, an image capture device, such as a camera, and image output device for reproducing a viewable real-time image, the improvement wherein a position sensor associated with the image capture device senses position relative to the end effector and a processor transforms the viewable real-time image into a perspective image with correlated manipulation of the end effector by the hand controller such that the operator can manipulate the end effector and the manipulator as if viewing the workspace in true presence. Image transformation according to the invention includes translation, rotation and perspective correction. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082906 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AQUEOUS STREAM PURIFICATION SERVICES - A system and method are disclosed for providing aqueous stream purification services. The system includes at least one separation unit. Each separation unit may include a mechanical vapor recompression separator, a steam stripper, and a secondary recovery heat exchanger. The system for wastewater purification may receive water from a waste water storage, purify the water, and return the purified water to a purified water storage. The system may include a controller. The controller may include an operating conditions module configured to interpret at least one operating condition. Operating conditions may be waste fluid stream impurity concentrations, waste fluid stream flow rates, steam inlet temperatures, recirculation stream flow rates corresponding to the at least one separation unit, recirculation stream temperatures corresponding to the at least one separation unit, purified product stream flow rates, purified product stream impurity concentrations, and/or purge stream concentrations corresponding to the at least one separation unit. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082907 | MECHANICALLY ISOLATED ENVIRONMENTAL TEST CHAMBER - In some embodiments a data storage device environmental test system and associated method of use is associated with a testing volume and a control volume that are separately contained in first and second enclosures, respectively, wherein the first and second enclosures possess no common structural member. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082908 | Calculating Airflow Values For HVAC Systems - A method of calculating a control parameter for a component in an HVAC system includes receiving a plurality of input signals, and calculating a value of the control parameter using a control parameter equation having a plurality of predetermined coefficients and a plurality of variables, each variable corresponding to one of the input signals. This equation is stored in and subsequently fetched from memory associated with a component of the HVAC system, such as a blower motor controller or a system controller. In some embodiments, the equation is stored in a device for interfacing a system controller with a blower motor assembly. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082909 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING POWER SUPPLY - A power supply control system includes a plurality of electronic control units, a monitoring device, a power source line coupled with each of the electronic control units for supplying an operating voltage to each of the electronic control units, and a power source switch disposed on the power source line. The monitoring device calculates a deactivating threshold value based on an assigned threshold value of each of the electronic control units set in accordance with an operating state of each of the electronic control units. The monitoring device deactivates the power source switch so as to stop the supply of the operating voltage to all of the electronic control units when an electric current value of the power source line is greater than the deactivating threshold value. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082910 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - An information processing apparatus is provided that has a processor for performing an information processing, a power supply unit for receiving an external electric power from an external electric power source and for supplying the external electric power to the processor, a first power receiving unit connected to a first communication medium, the first power receiving unit receiving a first electric power from the first communication medium and supplying the first electric power to the processor, a second power receiving unit connected to a second communication medium, the second power receiving unit receiving a second electric power from the second communication medium and supplying the second electric power to the processor, an electric power detection unit for detecting the first electric power or the second electric power, and a switching unit for supplying one of the external electric power, the first electric power, and the second electric power to the processor according to a result of detection made by the electric power detection unit. | 2009-03-26 |
20090082911 | TEMPERATURE SETTING METHOD OF THERMAL PROCESSING PLATE, COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING GPROGRAM THEREON, AND TEMPERATURE SETTING APPARATUS FOR THERMAL PROCESSING PLATE - In the present invention, a thermal plate is divided into a plurality of thermal plate regions, and a temperature is settable for each of the thermal plate regions. A temperature correction value for adjusting the temperature within the thermal plate is settable for each of the thermal plate regions of the thermal plate. The line widths within the wafer for which the photolithography process has been finished are first measured, and Zernike coefficients of a Zernike polynomial indicating a plurality of in-plane tendency components are calculated from the measured values of the line widths within the wafer. Then, the temperature correction values for the regions of the thermal plate to bring the calculated Zernike coefficients close to 0 are calculated using a calculation model indicating a correlation between change amounts of the Zernike coefficients and the temperature correction values. The temperature of each of the regions of the thermal plate is set based on each of the calculated temperature correction values. | 2009-03-26 |