| 14th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 43 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120083847 | FASTENER WITH SERRATED THREAD FOR ATTACHMENT TO A BONE PLATE AT A SELECTABLE ANGLE - Bone plate system, including methods and apparatus, for attaching a fastener to a bone plate at a selectable angle. In an exemplary method, a bone plate and a fastener may be selected. The bone plate may define an aperture having an internal thread. The fastener may include a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region may be tapered conically toward the distal region. The fastener may be disposed in the aperture and in bone, such that the serrated thread is cross-threaded with the internal thread to create an interference fit and locked engagement of the proximal region with the aperture. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083848 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING REPAIR AND REATTACHMENT OF COMMINUTED BONE PORTIONS - A fracture fixation system serves in repairing a comminuted humeral head of a humeral bone. The fracture fixation system includes a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, one of a screw and a post, and at least one aperture for receiving the one of the screw and the post therethrough. The plate is secured to a portion of a humeral shaft of the humeral bone, and the one of the screw and the post is inserted through the at least one aperture through the plate. The portion of the comminuted humeral head is attached to the one of the screw and the post using at least one suture. The one of the screw and the post is rotated to wind the at least one suture therearound to reposition the portion of the comminuted humeral head relative to the portion of the humeral shaft. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083849 | TOOL SYSTEM FOR PLACING VERTEBRAL FACET SCREWS AND OTHER SPINAL IMPLANTS - A surgical tool system for placing facet joint screws includes an elongated probe, and an inclinometer configured to mount on the probe for sensing an angular deviation of the probe from a horizontal and a vertical plane, and to produce corresponding signals for processing. A guide anchor screw or pin is configured for insertion in a top edge of a spinous process on a given spinal vertebra, and the pin includes a polyaxial swivel head having a guide opening or channel for passage of the probe. The system also includes a guide sleeve for operatively mounting the inclinometer thereon and directing a guide wire percutaneously into contact with a facet joint, and a cannulated facet screw arranged to be advanced over the guide wire and threaded percutaneously through the facet joint. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083850 | Locking Pedicle Screw Devices, Methods, And Systems - An embodiment of the invention provides for a pedicle screw system including a bone anchor, linkage rod, tulip, set screw, and detent plate. When the set screw is fully tightened against the detent plate, pluralities of ridges on opposing faces of the detent plate and set screw cooperate by providing catches to prevent unwanted loosening of the set screw, which could lead to unwanted rod slippage and instability in the orthopedic fixation unit. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083851 | METHOD FOR POLYAXIAL SCREW SYSTEM - A method for mounting a polyaxial screw into a bone includes rotating a drive cap so that a screw mounted to the drive cap is screwed into a bone, the drive cap having a socket in which a portion of the screw is pivotably disposed, at least a portion of a collet being disposed within the socket between the screw and the drive cap. A stabilizing structure and a fastener are positioned onto a shaft projecting from the drive cap. The fastener is advanced along the shaft so as to push a portion of a compression cap against the collet which in turn wedges the collet within the socket of the drive cap and causes the collet to bias against a portion of the screw, thereby locking the position of the screw, the collet, and the drive cap relative to each other. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083852 | INSTRUMENT FOR INSERTING SURGICAL IMPLANT WITH GUIDING RAIL - A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083853 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING SPINAL SURGERY - A manipulation device includes a body portion, a plurality of articulatable legs, and at least one lock member. The legs extend from the body portion. Each of the legs is configured to engage a surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. Each of the legs is transitionable between an unlocked condition, wherein the leg is free to articulate, and a locked condition, wherein the leg is fixed in position. The at least one lock member is operably disposed within the body portion and is coupled to at least one of the articulatable legs. The lock member is rotatable relative to the body portion between an unlocked position and a locked position for transitioning the at least one articulatable leg coupled thereto between the unlocked condition and the locked condition. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083854 | EXPERT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A medical device programmer and a method of operation in which a first data value is received and used in the execution of one or more algorithms. One or more suggested pulse generator settings are calculated from the one or more algorithms based on the first data value, and the one or more suggested pulse generator settings are displayed on an interactive display screen of the medical device programmer. In one embodiment, the first data value is a duration interval of a QRS complex. From the duration interval, suggestions are made as to one or more ventricular chambers in which to provide pacing pulses. Additionally, pacing intervals for an AV delay are suggested based on measured P-R intervals, or pacing intervals for an LV offset are suggested based on a measured duration interval of a V-V-interval between a right ventricular event and a left ventricular event. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083855 | GI AND PANCREATIC DEVICE FOR TREATING OBESITY AND DIABETES - A method is provided, including placing first and second electrodes at respective first and second sites of a duodenum of a subject, and activating the electrodes to increase a blood insulin level of the subject. Other embodiments are also described. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083856 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING IMPLANTED DEVICES IN A PATIENT - Systems and methods for positioning implanted devices in a patient are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes, for each of a plurality of patients, receiving a target location from which to deliver a modulation signal to the patient's spinal cord. The method further includes implanting a signal delivery device within a vertebral foramen of each patient, and positioning an electrical contact carried by the signal delivery device to be within ±5 mm. of the target location, without the use of fluoroscopy. The method can still further include, for each of the plurality of patients, activating the electrical contact to modulate neural activity at the spinal cord. In further particular embodiments, RF signals, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and/or other techniques are used to locate the signal delivery device. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083857 | TISSUE STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY DRIVEN PROGRAMMING - An external control device for use with a tissue stimulation device and at least one tissue stimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes implanted within a patient comprises a user interface configured for allowing a user to enter first information defining a therapeutic indication and second information defining the location of the at least one tissue stimulation lead relative to an anatomical reference, at least one processor configured for analyzing the first and second information and generating a set of stimulation parameters based on the analysis, and output circuitry configured for transmitting the at least one stimulation parameter set to the tissue stimulation device. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083858 | PAIN MODULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods of conducing a conditioning modulation of pain perception are disclosed. The system includes a power source, an impulse generator, a controller and at least one electrode for the delivery of a therapeutic stimulation. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083859 | Cochlear Implant Utilizing Mutliple-Resolution Current Sources and Flexible Data Encoding - A programmable cochlear implant system utilizes multiple-resolution current sources and flexible data-encoding scheme for transcutaneous transmission. In certain embodiments, the number of current sources may be equal to or greater than 2, but equal or less than N−1, where N is the number of electrodes. The multi-resolution current source may introduce offset currents to achieve perceptually-based multiple resolutions with high resolution at low amplitudes and low resolution at high amplitudes. The flexible data-encoding scheme may allow arbitrary waveforms in terms of phase polarity, phase duration, pseudo-analog-waveform, while producing high-rate and high-temporal-precision stimulation. In one embodiment, a 2-current-source system may support simultaneous and non-simultaneous stimulation as well as monopolar, bipolar, pseudo-tripolar, and tripolar electrode configurations. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083860 | BONE CONDUCTION TRANSDUCER WITH IMPROVED HIGH FREQUENCY RESPONSE - A bone conduction transducer comprising a first seismic mass and a second mass connected to each other by a first spring suspension, and where the first mass and the first spring suspension creates a first mechanical resonance f | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083861 | SELECTIVE ACTIVATION OF NEURONS BY SINUSOIDAL ELECTRIC STIMULATION - The present invention provides for a method of selectively activating synaptically mediated responses in ganglion cells without activating passing axons, by contacting a focal region around said cells with an electrode that stimulates using low-frequency sinusoidal electric signal. In particular, the selective low-frequency sinusoidal stimulation has a frequency of ≦25 Hz. specific frequencies of sinusoidal stimulation, which can be used to preferentially activate certain neural cell types, including retinal cells: ganglion cells at 100 Hz, photoreceptors are activated at 5 Hz, and bipolar cells at 25 Hz. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083862 | HEADS FOR DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT - Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083863 | Thermal brassiere push up - A pouch to be placed into a brassiere and in other garment locations. The pouch consists of several layers of cotton fabric and neoprene fabric materials. At least one layer of neoprene fabric creates the base layer of the pouch. At least two layers of a cotton fabric material overlaps with neoprene fabric in a location which is about three-quarters from the edge of the pouch to form an entrance into said pouch for the placing of a thermal gel pack therein. The neoprene fabric layer is for the insulation of the thermal gel pack from the environment. The thermal gel pack inside the pouch, creates the thermal brassiere push up, which when worn in a brassiere cup provides a lift of the breast, enhances the woman's cleavage and provides concealed thermal comfort. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083864 | MEDICAL LEAD SYSTEM UTILIZING ELECTROMAGNETIC BANDSTOP FILTERS - Medical lead systems utilizing electromagnetic bandstop filters are provide which can be utilized in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment for patients who have implanted medical devices. The medical lead system includes an implanted lead having at least one bandstop filter associated therewith, for attenuating current flow through the lead over a range of frequencies. The bandstop filter has an overall circuit Q wherein the resultant 3 dB bandwidth is at least 10 kHz. The values of capacitance and inductance of the bandstop filter are selected such that the bandstop filter is resonant at a selected center frequency. Preferably, the bandstop filter has an overall circuit Q wherein the resultant 10 dB bandwidth is at least 10 kHz. Such bandstop filters are backwards compatible with known implantable deployment systems and extraction systems. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083865 | MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD INCLUDING A ROTATABLE COMPOSITE CONDUCTOR - A medical electrical lead includes a proximal connector including a rotatable portion and first and second co-radial conductors coupled to the rotatable portion and extending distally from the rotatable portion. An actuation member is coupled between an electrode and the first and second conductors such that rotating the rotatable portion of the proximal connector transmits torque through the co-radial first and second conductors to the actuation member and results in both rotational and linear motion of the electrode. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083866 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXPANDING A STIMULATION LEAD BODY IN SITU - An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083867 | HUB FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEADS | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083868 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR FLOW RESTORATION AND IMPLANTING MEMBERS IN THE HUMAN BODY - A medical device for blood flow restoration and/or for use as an implantable member in a human vessel includes a self-expanding member, a guidewire, and a connection mechanism. The self-expanding member includes a plurality of cells and filaments having specific ranges of thicknesses, widths, and heights. The self-expanding member can take on a volume-reduced coiled form with overlapped edges, and can generate optimal radial forces against a vessel wall and/or thrombus when deployed and expanded. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083869 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHESIS - The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element running the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull element proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies between the proximal end of the sheath and the proximal end of the catheter shaft. The fixation element serves to limit a radial distance between the axis of the pull element outside the shaft and the axis of the catheter shaft along the length of the fixation element whenever a tensile stress in the pull element results in an endwise compressive stress on the shaft and a tendency of the shaft to bow, relative to the pull element. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083870 | 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. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083871 | SOFT CROWNS - Soft crowns are provided for use in a medical device. Soft crowns may reduce the incidence of tissue perforations as a medical device engages a luminal wall. In certain embodiments, a soft crown may include a first strut and a second strut interconnected by an end portion. The end portion may include a third strut and a fourth strut that intersect to form a distal end of the soft crown. The first strut and the second strut may intersect other struts in the medical device to attach the crown thereto. The soft crown may bend or pivot about a plane defined by the intersections of the first strut and the second strut to the medical device. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083872 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TACKING PLAQUE TO A BLOOD VESSEL WALL - A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease can be formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material. The tack device may also have a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer annular periphery. The annular band can have a length in the axial direction of the blood vessel walls that is about equal to or less than its diameter as installed in the blood vessel. A preferred method is to perform angioplasty with a drug eluting balloon as a first step, and if there is any dissection to the blood vessel caused by the balloon angioplasty, one or more tack devices may be installed to tack down the dissected area of the blood vessel surface, in order to avoid the need to install a stent and thereby maintain a ‘stent-free’ environment. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083873 | EXPANDABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUCTILE HINGES - An expandable tissue supporting device employs ductile hinges at selected points. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges. The ductile hinges can have a substantially constant hinge cross sectional area which is smaller than a beam cross sectional area such that as the device is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ductile hinges experience plastic deformation while the beams are not plastically deformed. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083874 | DEVICE FOR COLLAPSING AND LOADING A HEART VALVE INTO A MINIMALLY INVASIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM - A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083875 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR LOADING A SELF-EXPANDING COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083876 | PREPARATION METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment is defined, an inner shaft extending through the support shaft and adapted to slide relative to the support shaft along a longitudinal axis thereof, the inner shaft having a lumen therethrough, and a distal sheath operatively connected at a distal end to the inner shaft and slidable therewith. The compartment may receive the valve in an assembled condition, and may be selectively covered and uncovered by the distal sheath. A first flow path may provide flow communication between the lumen of the inner shaft and the compartment. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083877 | EXPANDABLE SHEATH FOR INTRODUCING AN ENDOVASCULAR DELIVERY DEVICE INTO A BODY - Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083878 | Prosthetic Valve For Transluminal Delivery - A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchors may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. A radial restraint, comprising a wire, thread or cuff, may be used to ensure expansion does not exceed the preset diameter. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083879 | Prosthetic Cardiac Valve from Pericardium Material and Methods of Making Same - A prosthetic stented heart valve which includes a compressible and expandable stent structure having first and second opposite ends, an expanded outer periphery, and a compressed outer periphery that is at least slightly smaller than the expanded outer periphery when subjected to an external radial force. The valve further includes a valve segment comprising a dual-layer sheet formed into a generally tubular shape having at least one longitudinally extending seam, and a plurality of leaflets formed by attachment of an outer layer of the dual-layer sheet to an inner layer of the dual-layer sheet in a leaflet defining pattern. The valve segment is at least partially positioned within the stent structure. The valve may further include at least one opening in the outer layer of the dual-layer sheet that is spaced from both the first and second ends of the stent structure. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083880 | Intra-Annular Mounting Frame For Aortic Valve Repair - The present disclosure provides an intra-annular mounting frame that is roughly elliptical in shape and has outward flaring posts, which provides improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. Also disclosed are surgical methods for implanting the elliptical intra-annular mounting frame. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083881 | Stand-Alone Anterior Fusion Device - Disclosed herein is a stand-alone anterior fusion device that is positioned in the space between adjacent vertebrae to be fused. The device comprises an annular cage having a thickness defined by an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is defined by a cavity adapted to receive graft material. A top surface is in a spatial relationship to a bottom surface and may be further defined by a Lordosis angle. Ascending and descending guides extend through the wall, each guide has an axis defined by an attitude, where each guide directs a vertebral screw in a desired trajectory into the adjacent vertebrae whereby a bi-cortical screw purchase may be achieved. The device is a stand alone stabilizing device as well as a cage for containing graft material and maintaining the height of the space between the vertebrae to be fused. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083882 | SPINAL IMPLANT STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A spinal implant structure includes a hollow cylinder and a biodegradable polymer membrane. The hollow cylinder is implanted in a bone damaged part of human vertebra. The biodegradable polymer membrane is formed to a part of a surface of the hollow cylinder. Thus, the biodegradable polymer membrane blocks invasion of soft tissues, and then the bone fillers integrated with vertebra are maintained without loss. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083883 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SACRO-ILIAC STABILIZATION - Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a sacro-iliac joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly may be advanced from a posterior approach into the SI junction and configured to create a defect defined at least in part by portions of both the sacrum and the ilium, the defect having a three dimensional shape defined in part by at least one noncircular cross sectional shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly. After a defect is created, the tool assembly may be retracted and a prosthesis deployed into the defect. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083884 | SURGICAL IMPLANT WITH GUIDING RAIL - A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083885 | METHOD OF INSERTING SURGICAL IMPLANT WITH GUIDING RAIL - A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083886 | Disc Implant - A problem with total disc implant surgery appears to be the positioning of the implant which if not correct may lead to pain and eventually new surgery. The present invention relates to an improved disc implant ( | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083887 | INTERVERTEBRAL DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE - A minimally invasive intervertebral implant includes a circuitous body defining a luminal axis extending longitudinally therethrough. The circuitous body includes proximal and distal ends oppositely disposed along a lateral axis of the circuitous body. Each of the proximal and distal ends includes an aperture disposed therethrough such that the circuitous body includes a first configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are at a maximum separation and a second configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are closer together than in the first configuration. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083888 | Disc Prosthesis having Remote Flexion/Extension Center of Rotation - An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first endplate, a second endplate, and a bearing surface positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate. The bearing surface may be provided by a mobile bearing disc including a convex bearing surface configured to engage the first endplate and a concave bearing surface configured to engage the second endplate. The multiple bearing surfaces of the mobile bearing disc engage articulating surfaces on the endplates to form a plurality of articulating joints. Each articulating joint is configured to facilitate a particular type of movement for the segmental unit. Furthermore, each articulating joint is defined by a distinct center of rotation. The contact pair formed by the convex bearing surface of the bearing component and the concave bearing surface of the first endplate may provide a flexion/extension center of rotation for the prosthesis. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083889 | INTERVERTEBRAL DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE - An intervertebral device comprises a plurality of struts that are rotatably associated with each adjacent strut to form a modifiable inner volume V for bone graft containment. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083890 | ANTERIOR IMPACTED BONE GRAFT AND DRIVER INSTRUMENTS - Instrument and implants are disclosed which provide for insertion of an implant into an intervertebral disc space from multiple approaches to the spine. Specifically, as a preferred aspect of the invention the implant includes a tapered portion and the implant may be inserted from multiple approaches to the spine with the orientation and taper properly oriented in the disc space regardless of the approach. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083891 | CERVICAL INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHESIS - A spinal implant includes two connection plates dimensioned for connection to adjacent vertebral bodies and a hinge core. The hinge core together with one connection plate forms a hinge between a generally spherical hinge extending from the one connection plate into an opening of a generally spherical depression in the hinge core. The opening is dimensioned to be elastically deformed to allow passage of the generally spherical hinge into the generally spherical depression. The hinge core bears on a slide surface which extends substantially parallel to the direction of the other connection plate and permits relative translatory movement of the hinge core. The walled receiving area limits this relative translatory movement of the hinge core. The stability of the spinal implant with respect to laterally incident forces is increased. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083892 | Modular Radial Head Prostheses - According to various embodiments, provided is a prosthesis system for replacement of a head portion of a proximal radius. The system can include a first polymeric articulation component having a first locking portion and a metal head component having a second locking portion. The second locking portion can mate with the first locking portion to form a first locking mechanism to initially couple the first articulation component to the head component. The head component can define a locking channel. The system can also include a stem component having a protrusion receivable in the locking channel. The protrusion can define a bore, and the stem component can be adapted to be coupled to the radius. The system can also include a fastener received through the locking channel and into the bore to provide a second locking mechanism that couples the head component to the stem component. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083893 | KNEE ARTHROPLASTY PROSTHESIS AND METHOD - A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083894 | FEMORAL COMPONENT OF A KNEE PROSTHESIS HAVING AN ANGLED CEMENT POCKET - An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component that is configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared distal femur. The femoral component has an articular side that includes a posterior femoral condyle surface. A fixation side is opposite the articular side, and it includes a posterior fixation surface that extends generally in the superior/inferior direction. The posterior fixation surface has an angled posterior cement pocket formed therein. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083895 | 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 mounting member may be used to attach to an implant and anchor the implant to a patient's bone or soft tissue. The mounting member may be integral with the implant or may be provided as a separate component. A mounting member may be adjustably positionable around the implant to provide flexibility and allow the mounting member to meet needs of a particular patient and implant. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083896 | PROSTHETIC BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT - A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083897 | RADIATION AND RADIOCHEMICALLY STERILIZED FIBER-REINFORCED, COMPOSITE URINOGENITAL STENTS - A radiation and radiochemically sterilized, multi-component, fiber-reinforced composite, absorbable/disintegratable urinogenital stent, such as an endoureteral stent, with radiomodulated residence time in the biological site of 1 to 10 weeks depending on the high energy radiation dose used for sterilization. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083898 | PROSTHESIS COMPONENT WITH ANTIMICROBIALLY COATED SLIDING SURFACE - In a prosthesis component of a joint endoprosthesis, the prosthesis component comprises a sliding surface that is designed to form a sliding joint with a counter sliding surface of another prosthesis component. The sliding surface may be formed by a sliding surface coating deposited on the body of the prosthesis component, wherein the sliding surface coating has an antimicrobial effect. The sliding surface coating is active against microorganisms in the area of the sliding joint. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083899 | URETERAL STENT - A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083900 | MULTI-LAYER TISSUE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention encompass anti-adhesion wound dressings including patches made from amnion tissue obtained from human birth tissue. Exemplary amnion patches can be fabricated by folding a section of amnion over on itself with the epithelial layer on the outside of the folded patch and the fibroblast layer on the inside of the folded patch. Optionally, individual amnion tissue pieces can be sandwiched together to provide a multi-layer patch. Sufficient pressure is applied to the layered amnion to cause adherence between opposing faces of the fibroblast layers. The pressed fibroblast layers provide mechanical strength to hold the amnion patch together with the epithelial layers on the outsides of the amnion patch. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083901 | PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083902 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN MASTER AND SLAVE DEVICES - A communication system includes: a master control device capable of being coupled with a conductive communications pathway of a group of conductive pathways, the master control device including a signal modulator configured to transmit a power signal and a command signal along the communications pathway by modulating an electric current supplied by a power source joined with the group of conductive pathways; and a load module capable of being coupled with the communications pathway in series with the master control device and of being coupled with a slave device, the load module configured to receive the power signal and the command signal from the master control device along the communications pathway, wherein the power signal activates the load module and the command signal directs the load module to control the slave device and to cause the slave device to take an action. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083903 | MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL WITH VARIABLE TRAJECTORY SHARING - One or more techniques are provided for the sharing of variable trajectories between multiple controllers in a control system. In general, the present technique is based upon the sharing of predicted desired variable trajectories between multiple controllers requiring a common input variable. In one embodiment, a common input variable is shared between two controllers, wherein one controller is tuned to have dominant control with regard to the shared variable. Each controller determines and communicates their own desired trajectory for the shared variable to the other controller and in doing so, the constraints associated with each controller are shared and honored by the other controller. Based on the communicated trajectories, the dominant controller may exercise control over the shared variable, thus improving overall process control. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083904 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OFFLINE CODE VALIDATION - A method of offline code validation and a process control system are provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors each configured to generate a sensor output value representative of a respective sensed parameter in a process plant, at least one process controller configured to receive one or more of the sensor output values and to generate a controller output value using the one or more of the sensor output values and a control algorithm associated with the at least one process controller, a plurality of controlled components configured to receive an associated controller output value, and an offline computing environment including a selectable model controller configurable to represent the at least one process controller, the model controller selectable by a user from code representing the at least one process controller and displayed on a user interface. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083905 | CONFIGURING A PID CONTROLLER - A method and system for configuring a PID controller. The method includes the steps of: providing initial values of a coefficient candidate group for a PID controller, where the coefficient candidate group includes coefficient candidates; providing an evaluation functional, where an unfalsified evaluation function is calculated from the evaluation functional; measuring an input and an output of a plant; selecting the coefficient candidates from the coefficient candidate group; calculating the evaluation functional using measured input and measured output for each of the coefficient candidates of the PID controller; removing a selected coefficient candidate if the evaluation functional is falsified as a result of a calculation of the evaluation functional; selecting new coefficient candidates as an update expression from remaining coefficient groups that have not been falsified; and repeating the steps of calculating and removing for each of the new coefficient candidates of an updated coefficient candidate group. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083906 | ENHANCED OPERATION DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided that dynamically render permissive status information on a human-machine interface (HMI) to inform an operator of conditions that are preventing an issued control command from executing. A status display generator deployed on the HMI can be associated with a control action to be initiated in a control program via the HMI. The control action can have one or more programmed conditions or permissives that must be satisfied before the control action can be initiated. Operators wishing to review the states of the various conditions can invoke the status display generator, which reads the conditions and their respective statuses from the control program and generates a permissive summary display listing the conditions together with their respective “ready” or “not ready” states. The permissive summary display provides a convenient reference that allows the operator to quickly assess what actions must be taken to place the system in the appropriate state to execute the desired control action. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083907 | VARIABLE PRODUCT AGROCHEMICALS APPLICATION MANAGEMENT - Methods and products are provided for facilitating application of variable-product agrochemicals, such as fertilizer, to an application area, such as a field. The fertilizer or agrochemical may include a single fertilizer or agrochemical type or a mixture. In one embodiment, a fertilizer-application area is divided into application cells, and a fertilizer product is determined for each cell, based on zones of the application area with a similar characteristic, such as topographic wetness index levels. Based on a determined product for each cell, instructions for controlling an agrochemical applicator are automatically generated. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083908 | CONVERTIBLE IN-REVENUE AND OUT-OF-REVENUE GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A REAL-TIME PLAYER DASHBOARD DISPLAY - A convertible in-revenue and out-of-revenue gaming system is disclosed that includes a server connected to automatically convert operating modes and control in-revenue and out-of-revenue operation of one or more banks of gaming machines wherein each of the gaming machines includes a video camera connected to capture live player video feed during competition or tournament operating mode, and each of the gaming machines is operable to display a tournament game presentation simultaneously with a player dashboard. The player dashboard includes a display of the live player video, the player position, the player score, and remaining time in the competition or tournament. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083909 | TOURNAMENT GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER-INTERACTIVE BONUS FEATURE - A tournament game, gaming machine, gaming system and method are disclosed wherein a player-interactive bonus feature is triggered and displayed simultaneously with a tournament game presentation and a bonus award is paid responsive to a player selecting a displayed bonus target, such as a balloon. The bonus award is paid in addition to any award payable based on the tournament game outcome. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083910 | PROGRESSIVE ENCODING OF AUDIO - The present disclosure includes processing a signal to generate a first sub-set of data, transmitting the first sub-set of data for generation of a reconstructed audio signal, the reconstructed audio signal having a fidelity relative to the signal, processing the signal to generate a second sub-set of data and a third sub-set of data, the second sub-set of data defining a second portion of the signal and comprising data that is different than data of the first sub-set of data, and the third sub-set of data defining a third portion of the signal and comprising data that is different than data of the first and second sub-sets of data, comparing a priority of the second sub-set of data to a priority of the third sub-set of data, and transmitting one of the second sub-set of data and the third sub-set of data over the network for improving the fidelity. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083911 | COMMUNICATING SENSOR DATA BETWEEN ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Sensor data is communicated between two electronic devices under control of the receiving device. For example, one device is equipped with one or more sensors that can produce a stream of real-time readings. The other device can request the sensor data from the first device and can also specify to the first device one or more throttling criteria to control or limit the amount of sensor data that is sent. Each throttling criterion can specify both a category of criterion (e.g., time-based, value-based, etc.) and a throttling parameter specific to the category. The first device can monitor the sensor data to determine when a throttling criterion specified by the second device is satisfied; when the throttling criterion is satisfied, the first device can send the current sensor reading as sensor data to the second device. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083912 | ARITHMETIC LOGIC AND SHIFTING DEVICE FOR USE IN A PROCESSOR - An arithmetic logic and shifting device is disclosed and includes an arithmetic logic unit that has a first input to receive a first operand from a first register port, a second input to receive a second operand from a second register port, and an output to selectively provide a memory address to a memory unit in a first mode of operation and to selectively provide an arithmetic output in a second mode of operation. Further, the arithmetic logic and shifting device includes a programmable shifter device that has a first input to receive data from the memory unit, a second input to receive the arithmetic output, a third input to receive an operation code of a computer execution instruction, and a shifted output to provide shifted data. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083913 | SEMICONDUCTOR LAYER FORMING METHOD AND STRUCTURE - A method of forming and electrical structure. The method includes determining that a first semiconductor device requires an engineering change order (ECO). An additional structure layer required to implement the ECO is determined. A first insertion point location for inserting the additional structure layer within the first semiconductor device is selected. The first insertion point location is associated with a second insertion point location within a design for a second semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device is generated in accordance with the first ECO. The second semiconductor device comprises second structures. The second structures comprise same structures as first structures in the first semiconductor device. The second structures are formed in locations within the second semiconductor device that are associated with locations in the first semiconductor device comprising the first structures. The second semiconductor device comprises the additional structure layer located within the second insertion point location. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083914 | MODELING TOOL FOR PLANNING THE OPERATION OF REFINERIES - A modeling tool for determining the operation of a production facility. A variety of different activities can be modeled by the present invention, including (a) feed material selection, including quantity and timing, (b) product sales, including quantity and timing, (c) process operations, including process conditions and timing, (d) blending operations, including process conditions and timing, and/or (e) inventory management. The modeling tool may represent time using continuous-time, discrete-time, asynchronous time periods, synchronous time periods, and combinations of these various approaches. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083915 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING GLASS PROPERTIES - Methods and apparatus for predicting viscosities of glass materials as a function of temperature and composition are provided. Two fitting parameters (fitting coefficients) are used for each of the viscosity-affecting components contained in the material. The parameters can accurately cover a wide range of temperatures (i.e., a wide range of viscosities) and a wide range of compositions. The viscosity predictions can be used as a guide for glass research as well as in feedback control systems for glass manufacturing processes. Methods and apparatus for predicting glass resistivity are also disclosed. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083916 | DISPLACEMENT CALCULATION METHOD, DRAWING DATA CORRECTION METHOD, SUBSTRATE MANUFACTURING METHOD, AND DRAWING APPARATUS - Correction values (ΔX | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083917 | PREDICTED FAULT ANALYSIS - Example methods, apparatuses and systems to correlate candidate factors to a predicted fault in a process control system are disclosed. Techniques may include obtaining a value associated with a particular factor corresponding to a process, and predicting a fault based on the value. A set of candidate factors corresponding to the predicted fault may be determined, and a correlation between the predicted fault and at least one factor from the set may be displayed. Different sections of the display may respectively correspond to the predicted fault and to the at least one factor, and the correlation may be indicated by time aligning the different sections. Modifications to one displayed section may result in automatic modification of other sections to maintain the correlation. A user may select one or more candidate factors to be displayed, and may indicate a particular point of a particular section to obtain additional details. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083918 | SEALED CONTAINER AND SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING APPARATUS - A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083919 | SIMULATION TOOL FOR DESIGNING CONTROL INTELLIGENCE IN COMPOSITE CURING MANUFACTURING - Aspects describe creation of autonomous control for a composite curing process. Other aspects describe an intelligent industrial controller that can utilize a control model and a supervisory model to autonomously control the composite curing process. The control model can include intelligent agents corresponding to the physical elements of the composite curing process arranged in a hierarchical manner. For example, an autoclave agent can correspond to the autoclave, and the autoclave agent can be superior to a plurality of thermocouple agents corresponding to a plurality of thermocouples in a one-to-one fashion. The supervisory model can include diagnostic aspects for the composite curing process. For example, the supervisory model can be a finite element model of heat distribution on the surface of a composite material inside the autoclave. Based on a comparison between temperatures from the thermocouple agents and results of the supervisory mode, a malfunctioning thermocouple can be determined and eliminated. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083920 | PROCESSING SYSTEM, ROBOT, AND PRODUCT MANUFACTURING METHOD - A processing system according to embodiments has an article supplier which supplies an article; a first conveyor which conveys an object to be processed; a workbench which is provided on the downstream side of the first conveyor and places thereon the object to be processed, conveyed by the first conveyor; a robot which takes out the article from the article supplier and subjects the object to be processed, placed on the workbench, to an operation using the article according to a previously instructed operation movement; and a second conveyor which is provided on the downstream side of the workbench and conveys the object to be processed, which has been subjected to the operation by the robot. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083921 | SYSTEM FOR TRANSDUCING AND REDISTRIBUTING ENERGY - A method of collecting and redistributing energy, including receiving energy from an energy vendor at a transaction station, measuring the received energy, identifying and crediting the energy vendor, storing the received energy in an energy storage medium, identifying an energy user, dispensing energy to the energy user at a transaction station, measuring the dispensed energy, and debiting the energy user for the dispensed energy. The transaction station includes a housing, a microprocessor portion in the housing operationally connected to a computer network, an energy metering portion operationally connected to the microprocessor, an energy inlet operationally connected to the energy metering portion, an energy outlet operationally connected to the energy inlet and the energy metering portion, an energy storage operationally connected to the energy inlet and to the energy outlet, and an energy source operationally connected to the energy inlet. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083922 | WALKING ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A walking robot and a control method in which conversion between walking servo control methods is stably carried out. The walking robot includes a sensor unit to measure angles and torques of joints, and a control unit to calculate voltages applied in a Finite State Machine (FSM) control mode and a Zero Moment Point (ZMP) control mode according to the angles and torques of the joints to drive respective joint motors, to store last target joint angles in the FSM control mode during conversion from the FSM control mode to the ZMP control mode, and to perform a motion based on the FSM control mode by substituting the last target joint angles in the FSM control mode for target joint angles in the FSM control mode during conversion from the ZMP control mode to the FSM control mode, thereby performing stable conversion between walking servo control modes without joint sagging. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083923 | ROBOT CONTROL SYSTEM, ROBOT CONTROL TERMINAL, AND ROBOT CONTROL METHOD - The invention notifies a robot controller of the need to re-create map data. A robot control system ( | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083924 | ROBOT HAVING ADDITIONAL COMPUTING DEVICE - A modular robot development kit includes an extensible mobile robot platform and a programmable development module that connects to the mobile robot platform. The mobile robot platform includes a controller that executes robot behaviors concurrently and performs robot actions in accordance with robot control signals received from the development module, as modified by the concurrently running robot behaviors, as a safeguard against performing potentially damaging robot actions. Also, the user can develop software that is executed on the development module and which transmits the robot control signals to the mobile robot platform over the data communication link using a robot interface protocol. The robot interface protocol encapsulates potentially harmful user-developed software routines from the controller instructions executed by the controller of the mobile robot platform, while nonetheless enabling the user to effectively control the mobile robot platform using the robot control signals of the robot interface protocol. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083925 | Jitter Control and Operating Profiles for Air Moving Devices - Various methods related to air moving devices in electronic systems are disclosed. Various electronic systems including controlled air moving devices are also disclosed. Thus, one example electronic system includes an air moving device and a controller for controlling the air moving device. The controller is configured to selectively control a rotational speed of the air moving device. The controller is configured to vary the rotational speed within a range bounded by and including a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed during a time that a target rotational speed is within the range. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083926 | ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME OPTIMIZATION CONTROL - A system for regulating the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building determines characteristics of the outdoor air using sensor inputs. The system uses extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air provided into the building in response to the cooling load determinations. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083927 | Operation Management Apparatus, Operation Management Method, and Operation Management Program - An operation management apparatus includes an air conditioning thermal load prediction unit configured to calculate an air conditioning thermal load predicted value indicating a predicted amount of heat required to adjust temperature to a pre-set temperature on a day-of-prediction, a power generation output prediction processing unit configured to calculate power generation output prediction data indicating a generated power obtained by a generator within the day-of-prediction, and an operation planning unit configured to prepare an air conditioning heat source operation plan, and determines a purchased power and the generated power using the power generation output prediction data to thereby prepare a power facility operation plan indicating a schedule of a power output from the purchased power source and the generator, so that the purchased power per predetermined time supplied from a purchased power source of a commercial power system becomes a target value. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083928 | Method for Controlling a Digital Hydraulic Controller - A digital hydraulic controller has a feed line, a drain line, an output line and a plurality of individually switchable on/off valves which selectively connect the feed line to the output line or which connect the output line to the drain line. A controlled quantity is detected which includes a pressure and/or a flow rate of a fluid in the output line. One of the valves is selected to be switched to control the amount and direction of fluid passing through the valve for controlling the controlled quantity to approach a target value. A test sequence is performed including calibration of the individual valves by alternately opening two of the valves, one of which connects the feed line to the output line and the other connects the output line to the drain line, and by calculating and setting calibration values for the individual valves. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083929 | Solar-Powered Self-Watering Planter Insert - A self-contained insert for use with a planter to provide self-watering of container-grown plants. It has a perforated tray supported over a reservoir that contains a submersible pump, and water or nutrient solution. Plants may be in pots supported by the tray, or plant roots may be in a growth or support medium distributed directly into the tray. A height-adjustable riser supported by the tray houses the pump's controller/timer/battery. A drip line connected to the pump distributes fluid from the reservoir to plants in the tray. Solar power is used for pump operation, and may be derived from a unit secured to the riser, or a unit positioned remotely from the reservoir and tray. No municipal power or water supply connections are needed for insert function. Applications include, but are not limited to, use for daily watering of plants in residential homes, commercial buildings, hotels, convention centers, and college campuses. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083930 | ADAPTIVE LOAD MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEM FOR INCORPORATING CUSTOMER ELECTRICAL DEMAND INFORMATION FOR DEMAND AND SUPPLY SIDE ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A method for determining an amount of electricity to purchase includes determining electrical power consumption characteristics of an electrical load at an end user of the electricity. A preference of the end user for an output of the electrical load is ascertained. The output varies with a rate of electrical power consumption by the load. A mathematical model is created of an amount of electrical power to be consumed by the load as a function of time and of monetary cost of the electricity. The model is dependent upon the electrical power consumption characteristics of the electrical load and the preference of the end user for an output of the electrical load. An amount of electricity is purchased based on the mathematical model of an amount of electrical power to be consumed by the load, and based on the monetary cost of the electricity. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083931 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR JUDGING AN UNNECESSARY WINDWARD CONDITION AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING WIND - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for judging an unnecessary windward condition and a method and system for tracking wind, wherein the method comprises: taking a first wind sample by using a wind sampling-detecting unit, detecting and obtaining a wind direction thereof; judging whether an intersection angle between the first wind direction and a current wind turbine orientation is smaller than a critical angle of rotation; if “yes”, determining the windward condition is unnecessary windward condition; if “no”, detecting a wind speed of the first wind sample, judging whether the detected wind speed is lower than a first critical wind speed; if “yes”, determining the windward condition is unnecessary windward condition; if “no”, determining the windward condition is not unnecessary windward condition, then rotating the cabin of the wind power generating set, thereby achieving accurate windward according to a wind condition, a cabin position, and so on. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083932 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRUBUTION BETWEEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES - A system for managing electrical power requirements between at least two power grids including a number of automotive vehicles each of which has an electric motor which propels the vehicle at least partly during its operation. An electric battery is contained in each vehicle as well as a wireless transmitter. A processor contained within each vehicle communicates with the wireless transmitter to transmit information to a base station indicative of the state of charge of the battery, vehicle identification information, and vehicle destination. The base station or upstream entity processes the data from the multiple vehicles to estimate the geographic power requirements necessary to recharge the batteries and then redirects power among at least two different power grids in order to meet those geographic power requirements. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083933 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PREDICT POWER PLANT PERFORMANCE - The present disclosure relates to the use of hybrid predictive models to predict one or more of performance, availability, or degradation of a power plant or a component of the power plant. The hybrid predictive model comprises at least two model components, one based on a physics-based modeling approach and one based on an observational or data-based modeling approach. The hybrid predictive model may self-tune or self-correct as operational performance varies over time. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083934 | MONITORING AND CONTROLLING ENERGY IN AN OFFICE ENVIRONMENT - A method for monitoring and controlling energy usage in an office environment is described. Energy usage information and sensor data are received from a status and control unit for an appliance. An appropriate energy profile for the appliance is determined. The energy profile is customizable by an end user based on preferences and schedules. The energy profile corresponds to appliances within an energy group. A control message is sent to the status and control unit to implement the determined energy profile. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083935 | Decoupling controller for power systems - A power system controller using a 2×2 decoupling controller, a model reference, and feedback with delay. Embodiments provide control of microgrid frequency F and voltage V. In addition, this technique can also be used to control the real and reactive power delivered from the microgrid to the connected macrogrid. The control engineering approach is the same in both cases, but the roles of the four variables involved are reversed. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083936 | POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS - The invention relates to an electrical power distribution apparatus ( | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083937 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVISIONING ENERGY PROFILE IN HOME AREA NETWORK - A method for configuring a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) in a Home Area Network (HAN) is provided. The method includes registering the HEMS to a smart meter, and managing an energy profile of an HAN device including the smart meter connected to the HAN. Accordingly, a Demand Response (DR) may not normally operate between devices even if energy profile differs from one device to another. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083938 | Consumer Energy Management System - A consumer energy management system includes a home gateway configured to receive at least CO2 emission intensity level information or power generation by renewable resources information associated with an electric power system, and a display unit configured to display the CO2 emission intensity level information or the power generation by renewable resources information received by the home gateway | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083939 | DYNAMIC CONTROL OF SMALL-SCALE ELECTRICAL LOADS FOR MATCHING VARIATIONS IN ELECTRIC UTILITY SUPPLY - A method of collectively controlling small-scale electrical loads receiving energy from an electricity grid that includes sources of renewable generation causing variable electricity supply so as to match collective electricity load to electricity supply. The method includes setting a runtime delay time, sensing a request for energy from the electrical loads, preventing the loads from receiving the energy for the first delay time, and adjusting the runtime delay time based on changes in electrical supply. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083940 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND POWER CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - There are provided a fuel cell system capable of reducing power consumption by inhibiting an unnecessary operation of a DC-DC converter, and a power control method therefor. The fuel cell system having an inverter which is connected to a load device, a first converter which is connected between a fuel cell and the inverter and sets an output voltage of the fuel cell, and a second converter which is connected between a power storage device and the inverter and sets an input voltage of the inverter includes fuel cell required output voltage calculation means for calculating a required output voltage of the fuel cell, inverter required input voltage calculation means for calculating a required input voltage of the inverter, comparison means for comparing the required output voltage of the fuel cell and the required input voltage of the inverter, and converter operation control means for causing the operation of the first converter to be suspended when judgment is made that the required output voltage of the fuel cell is not less than the required input voltage of the inverter. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083941 | Apparatus And Method For Collecting And Controlling Temperature - An apparatus for collecting and controlling a temperature is closed, it comprises a temperature collecting unit ( | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083942 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RISK PREDICTION FOR A SUPPORT ACTUATION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method and system for risk prediction for a support actuation system. The present invention includes a support actuation system for an automobile having a support actuation module and/or a risk prediction system. The risk prediction system includes a sensor, a processor, and/or a memory. The sensor detects images corresponding to identity data, environment data, event data, and/or behavior data, which are stored in the memory. The memory also stores a database including identities of users, environment risk values, event risk values, and/or behavior risk values. Using the identity data, the environment data, the event data, and/or the behavior data, the processor determines the environment risk value, the event risk value, the behavior risk value, and/or the total risk value for a user. When the total risk value is above a predetermined risk threshold, the support actuation module performs support actuation. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083943 | METHOD AND MODULE FOR DETERMINING OF REFERENCE VALUES FOR A VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A method for determining set-point values for a vehicle's control systems having the steps of: determining a horizon by means of position data and map data of an itinerary made up of route segments with at least one characteristic for each segment; calculating threshold values for at least one characteristic of segments according to one or more vehicle-specific values, which threshold values serve as boundaries for assigning segments to various categories; comparing the at least one characteristic of each segment with the calculated threshold values and placing each segment within the horizon in a category according to the results of the comparisons; calculating set-point values for the vehicle's control systems across the horizon according to rules pertaining to the categories in which segments within the horizon are placed; regulating the vehicle according to the set-point values. Also a module adapted to determining set-point values for a control system in the vehicle. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083944 | Remote Controlled Vehicle - A method of directional drilling includes forming first and second pits on corresponding first and second sides of a barrier, forming a pilot bore from the first pit to the second pit, enlarging the pilot bore to a final bore, and extending a cable through the final bore between the first and second pits by attaching the cable to a remote controlled vehicle and driving the remote controlled vehicle through the final bore from one of the pits to the other pit. The method also includes pulling a pipeline through the final bore using the cable. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083945 | Helicopter with multi-rotors and wireless capability - The present invention relates to a helicopter having a modular airframe, with multiple layers which can be connected easily, the layers which house the electronics (autopilot and navigation systems), batteries, and payload (including camera system) of the helicopter. The helicopter has four, six, and eight rotors, which can be easily changed via removing one module of the airframe. In one embodiment, the airframe has a vertical stacked appearance, and in another embodiment, a domed shape (where several of the layers are stacked internally). In one embodiment, there is a combination landing gear and camera mount. The helicopter allows for simple flight and usage by remote control, and non-remote control, users. | 2012-04-05 |
| 20120083946 | TAILORED ARRIVALS ALLOCATION SYSTEM TRAJECTORY PREDICTOR - The different advantageous embodiments provide a system for generating trajectory predictions for a flight comprising a flight object manager and a trajectory predictor. The flight object manager is configured to generate flight information using a number of flight plans, a number of flight schedules, and flight status information. The trajectory predictor is configured to receive flight information from the flight object manager and use the flight information to generate the trajectory predictions. | 2012-04-05 |
