17th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 53 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090105769 | UNI-PLANAR, TAPER LOCK BONE SCREW - Provided is a novel uni-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is articulated in a unidirectional manner to facilitate a stable connection to the connecting rod. After the screw had been articulated and properly positioned, it can be partially locked such that the connecting rod will remain in relative position to the bone while permitting flexibility of the screw head relative to the bone along a single plane. The screw head can then be fully locked securing the connecting rod into a selected position. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. Also provided is a system for fixing two or more bones or bone fragments and a kit for fixing bones or bone fragments. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments is also provided. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105770 | Rod Coupling Assembly and Methods for Bone Fixation - A coupling device for securing an elongate member to the spine is provided. The coupling device comprises a compressible inner member that secures an anchor member therein when the inner member is axially shifted within an outer member. Structures are provided to prevent disassembly of the anchor and coupling device prior to locking of the elongate member. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105771 | Multi-Axial Expandable Pedicle Screw and an Expansion Method Thereof - The invention disclosed a multi-axial expandable pedicle screw and an expansion method by using the same. Structure of the screw comprising a hollow screw being spherical shaped end connecting with an adapting piece, which is universal joint structure; an inner wall of the adapting piece connecting a lock bolt through screw threads; the hollow screw with sharp shaped on another end having a bore inside formed hollow structure in its entirety; the bore having taper shaped tip; expansion gaps uniformly setting up two, or three or four or more anterior fins on the hollow screw along its axial direction upward, prolonging from its tip to the bore; the inner needle is disposed in the bore. The invention can reduce the pedicle screw loose and even occurrence ratio of pull-out and increase the stability and reliability and reduce the failure rate of spinal surgeries at the same time. It is also easy to operate, and degree of expansion is of controllable level. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105772 | IMPLANT - An implant ( | 2009-04-23 |
20090105773 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSERTION OF AN INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE - A method of inserting an implant between adjacent interspinous processes that includes, in one embodiment, providing an implant that is configurable to a collapsed configuration and to an expanded configuration, collapsing the implant, providing the collapsed implant in a positioning device, positioning a distal end of the positioning device in a patient such that the distal end is located between a pair of adjacent interspinous processes, and pushing the collapsed implant through the positioning device while removing the positioning device from the patient such that the implant is inserted between and adjacent to the interspinous processes to hold the adjacent vertebrae in a corrected position. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105774 | ROD INSERTION INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE - An insertion tool for inserting a spinal rod into a patient is provided. The insertion tool includes an upper body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a handle assembly extending from the upper body portion, an elbow member connected to a distal end of the body portion, a lower body portion defining a second longitudinal axis, and a drive mechanism extending between the handle assembly and the lower body portion for controlling the selective engagement of the spinal rod. The lower body portion extends from the elbow and is configured to selectively engage a spinal rod. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105775 | CANNULA WITH LATERAL ACCESS AND DIRECTIONAL EXIT PORT - The present invention generally provides a cannula system that is readily maneuverable in an operating room setting, can be used to expose different instrumentalities to a target site, and has directional capabilities to allow the user to treat multiple quadrants or areas of a target site. The present invention provides cannula systems including these different instrumentalities as well as methods of operating these cannula systems and methods of treating orthopedic conditions using these cannula systems. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105776 | HYBRID MULTICHANNEL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD MICRODRIVE - A miniature microdrive system may be affixed to the skull and used to advance recording electrode bundles or injection cannula through the brain of freely moving test subjects, e.g., rodents. The microdrive may be constructed using a hybrid fabrication technique utilizing a printed circuit board and a small number of mechanical parts. The printed circuit board provides the base for both the electrical components and the mechanical components. The movement of a screw advances a shuttle that in turn moves an electrode bundle through the brain. Independently moving screws advance independent electrode bundles. The electrode wires are connected through the printed circuit board to a connector on the back of the board. Stainless steel cannulae are soldered to a grounding trace on the printed circuit board to guide the electrode bundle and provide a ground connection. With this system, multiple brain structures may be targeted simultaneously. The microdrive system or device is simple to mass produce, making fabrication simple with parts that can be recycled or discarded as needed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105777 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO TREND AND OPTIMIZE AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE USING A PATIENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A remote external interface for an implantable cardiac function management device is configured to be communicatively coupled to the implantable cardiac function management device via a network to a local external interface and via telemetry between the local external interface and the implantable cardiac function management device. The remote external interface includes a communication circuit and a processor circuit. The communication circuit is configured to communicate with the implantable cardiac function management device. The processor circuit is configured to perform an analysis of physiologic data received from the implantable cardiac function management device in response to operation of the implantable cardiac function management device using a plurality of therapy control parameter sets. The processor circuit can be further configured to select a particular therapy control parameter set using the analysis. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105778 | Cardiac Waveform Template Creation, Maintenance and Use - The present disclosure describes methods and systems for creating, adjusting, and using cardiac waveform morphology templates. The morphology templates include target regions associated with features of cardiac waveforms. The target regions may be adjusted based on relationships between the target regions and features of detected cardiac waveforms associated with the target regions. The templates may be used to analyze cardiac waveforms to classify or monitor various waveform morphologies. Templates may be created or eliminated based on a frequency of use. According to one approach, template creation involves providing target regions defined by one or more characteristics. The target regions are adjusted based on detected cardiac waveform features having similar characteristics. A template may be created using the target regions adjusted by this process. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105779 | Lead Tracking Of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) And Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Devices - Lead Tracking of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices improve upon the process of implantation of ICD-CRT devices, placing their leads, and improving the information fed back to the device and/or clinician. Tracking of the placement of the leads during implantation is accomplished along with monitoring the leads once implanted. Benefits include reducing the risk and complication rate, simplifying implantation procedure, and enabling the extraction of vital data not previously available. Leads are tracked to at least minimize the need to use fluoroscopy. Three dimensional tracking ( | 2009-04-23 |
20090105780 | Pacing Output Determination Based on Selected Capture Threshold Values - Approaches for adjusting the pacing energy delivered by a pacemaker are provided. Adjusting the pacing energy involves performing a plurality of capture threshold tests, each capture threshold test measuring a capture threshold of the heart. One or more measured captured thresholds are selected, including at least one capture threshold that is higher relative to other measured capture thresholds acquired by the plurality of capture threshold tests. The pacing energy is adjusted based on the one or more selected capture thresholds. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105781 | REGULATION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE (MMP) GENE EXPRESSION IN TUMOR CELLS VIA THE APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC AND/OR ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - Methods and apparatus provide for treating and/or preventing tumor growth and/or spread, and/or other conditions in which Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) protein has been implicated in a patient, comprising: generating at least one specific and selective electric signal that when applied to electrodes, one or more coils, or other field generating devices operatively disposed with respect to targeted tissue causes the generation of a specific and selective electric field in the targeted tissue that substantially down-regulates the gene expression of MMP protein in said targeted tissue as measured by mRNA production; and exposing said targeted tissue to the specific and selective electric field generated by said electrodes, one or more coils, or other field generating devices upon application of said at least one specific and selective electric signal thereto for a duration of between about 3-5 hours at predetermined intervals so as to selectively down-regulate the gene expression of MMP protein in said targeted tissue as measured by mRNA production. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105782 | VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Methods and apparatus for providing vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of diseases such as depression and epilepsy that do not require an onboard, implanted power supply. Power may be supplied from outside of the body by near-field inductive coupling with an external power supply provided in a support article (e.g., garment) worn by the patient. Power may also be supplied by providing an antenna for harvesting ambient RF energy and converting it into DC power. In addition, the methods and apparatus provide for remote, wireless programming of the parameters that specify the nature of current pulses provided to the vagus nerve by probes implanted in the body of the patient. The preferred stimulation profile is 1-2 milliamp pulses of 250 microseconds in duration at a frequency of 20 to 30 Hz, wherein the profile is repeatedly on for 30 seconds and off for 5 minutes. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105783 | LONG-TERM SPG STIMULATION THERAPY FOR PREVENTION OF VASCULAR DEMENTIA - A method is provided that includes identifying that a subject is at risk of suffering from vascular dementia (VaD). Responsively to the identifying, a risk of development of the VaD is reduced by applying electrical stimulation to a site of the subject selected from the group consisting of: a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a greater palatine nerve, a lesser palatine nerve, a sphenopalatine nerve, a communicating branch between a maxillary nerve and an SPG, an otic ganglion, an afferent fiber going into the otic ganglion, an efferent fiber going out of the otic ganglion, an infraorbital nerve, a vidian nerve, a greater superficial petrosal nerve, and a lesser deep petrosal nerve; and configuring the stimulation to induce at least one neuroprotective occurrence selected from the group consisting of: an increase in cerebral blood flow of the subject, and a release of one or more neuroprotective substances. Other embodiments are also described. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105784 | MINIATURE WIRELESS SYSTEM FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION - An implantable system and method for deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments. The implantable system is sufficiently small and self-contained to enable implantation of the entire system within the brain, or optionally within the brain and the surrounding tissue. The system comprises an implantable inductor on which a voltage is induced when subjected to an electromagnetic field, and an implantable device comprising a housing, stimulating elements at an exterior surface of the housing, and electronics within the housing and electrically connected to the implantable inductor. The electronics produces a brain-stimulating current from the voltage induced on the implantable inductor and then delivers the brain-stimulating current to the stimulating elements. Deep brain stimulation is performed by subjecting the inductor to an electromagnetic field to induce a voltage on the inductor that powers the electronics to produce and deliver the brain-stimulating current to the stimulating elements. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105785 | THERAPY PROGRAM SELECTION - A therapy program is selected based on a patient state, where the patient state comprises at least one of a movement state, sleep state or speech state. In this way, therapy delivery is tailored to the patient state, which may include specific patient symptoms. The therapy program is selected from a plurality of stored therapy programs that comprise therapy programs associated with a respective one at least two of the movement, sleep, and speech states. Techniques for determining a patient state include receiving volitional patient input or detecting biosignals generated within the patient's brain. The biosignals are nonsymptomatic and may be incidental to the movement, sleep, and speech states or generated in response to volitional patient input. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105786 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STRENGTHENING SYNAPTIC CONNECTIONS - The invention provides a method and device for inducing a conditioned neural response in a subject. The method comprises detecting spike activity in a first neural site in the subject; and delivering a stimulus pulse to a second neural site in the subject. The stimulus pulse is delivered within the time window for synaptic strengthening following the detecting of a spike. These two steps, detection and stimulation, are repeated continuously, typically for a day or two. The conditioned neural response is induced when a pattern of neural activity evoked by stimulation at the first neural site emulates a pattern of neural activity evoked by stimulation at the second neural site. The conditioned neural response persists for an extended period of time. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105787 | Patient Programmer with Input and Sensing Capabilities - A patient programmer can have a progress module, wherein the progress module may obtain progress input from a patient in which the generator is implanted. The progress module may include sensors that are able to obtain progress input based on patient interactions with sensors coupled to the patient programmer. The progress module may also include an interface that poses progress-related questions to the patient and obtains responses to the questions from the patient. The patient programmer is also able to store the progress input for reporting purposes. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105788 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE NERVE MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD - A device includes a mechanical sensor configured to monitor at least one muscle for a response to a stimulus, and an indicator configured to provide feedback to a user based on at least a portion of an output of the mechanical sensor. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105789 | THERMAL SWITCH FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An implantable medical device includes an electrode having a thermal switch. The thermal switch is configured to electrically decouple components of the implantable medical device when in contact with tissue at temperatures above normal body temperature. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105790 | Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) - Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) including use with medical devices are disclosed. The medical devices can be situated in vivo. Suitable medical devices include catheters, stents, artificial joints, and the like. NIMELS methods, systems, and apparatus can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant associated with traditional approaches described in the art (e.g., loss of viability, or thermolysis). Lasers including diode lasers may be used for one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. Exemplary embodiments utilize light in a range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105791 | LIGHT EMITTING MEDICAL GARMENT DEVICE, KIT AND METHOD OF USING - A medical garment device is presented which is capable of providing at least two different energy light beams onto a therapeutic unhealthy zone of a patient. The device includes a first light source that can deliver a relatively low energy light beam, such as infrared radiation, for use in soothing and promoting healing of the therapeutic unhealthy zone. The device also includes a second light source that can deliver a relatively higher energy light beam, such as ultraviolet radiation, for use in discouraging growth of microorganisms. The device includes a base; a system on a chip (SOC) controlling a first and second bank of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and a power unit powering the SOC and the first and second banks of LEDs. The kit includes the unassembled components of the device. The method includes the steps of affixing, assembling, attaching, obtaining, opening, and removing. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105792 | Method and Devices for Treating Damaged Articular Cartilage - The methods and devices described below provide for minimally invasive method of performing micro-fracture therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The method entails use of a laser to ablate numerous holes into the bone and cartilage of a joint which is afflicted with osteoarthritis. Laser systems which are adapted to file several beams simultaneously to create several micro-fracture bores simultaneously to speed the creation of numerous micro-fracture bores in the cartilage and underlying bone. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105794 | MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESIS - An instrument for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis, including a plurality of radially expandable portions, at an implantation site, includes a plurality of deployment elements each independently operable to obtain the radial expansion of a radially expandable portion of the valve prosthesis. The instrument includes a microprocessor configured to processes signals from one or more sensors and to optimize deployment of the valve prosthesis. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105795 | SMART GARMENT TECHNOLOGY - A method and apparatus for making a connection with a part of a body to transfer an electromagnetic signal for a predetermined purpose, the apparatus including: a garment including one or more electrode capable of passing the signal to or from the part of the body; and a controller for controlling the nature of or processing the signal dependant on one or more parameters in order to vary the nature of the signal dependant on the purpose; wherein at least one parameter of the one or more parameters is stored on a data storage device included in the garment. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105796 | FIBROUS ELECTRODE MATERIAL - A biomimetic electrode material including a fibrous matrix including a conductive polymer and an ion conducting polymeric material is described. The biomimetic electrode material may be used in a number of body-implantable application including cardiac and neuro-stimulation applications. The biomimetic electrode material can be formed using electrospinning and other related processes. The biomimetic electrode may facilitate efficient charge transport from ionically conductive tissue to the electronically conductive electrode and may induce surrounding tissue to attach or interface directly to the implanted device, increasing the biocompatibility of the device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105797 | EXPANDABLE STENT - A stent includes a radially expandable tubular structure having a first end, a second end, and a primary strut arrangement extending over substantially an entire length thereof. The primary strut arrangement includes a plurality of rows of struts. The struts are interconnected within each row in a sinusoidal arrangement about a circumference of the tubular structure. Crests and troughs in the sinusoidal arrangement include connection points of the struts. A plurality of longitudinal struts connect neighboring rows of struts at the connection points. In each row, four circumferentially adjacent struts are disposed between every two longitudinal struts joined to the row. One of the two longitudinal struts extends in a direction of the first end to a first neighboring row, and the other of the two longitudinal struts extends in a direction of the second end to a second neighboring row. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105798 | HANDLE FOR STEPWISE DEPLOYMENT - A system for controlled deployment of a prosthesis, in which a sheath is retracted from a prosthesis in a body vessel or duct. The system includes a handle for deploying the prosthesis, the handle comprises a base member fixed to a catheter, and a slide member for sliding past the base member, the slide member being fixed to an end of a retraction member. The slide member includes a serrated gear rod, and the handle is configured such that, when activated, the gear rod moves in relation to the base member by no more nor less than the length of one serration on the gear rod. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105799 | RENAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Techniques for assessing a physiological profile of a patient include advancing a catheter shaft of a bifurcated renal catheter system into an aorta of the patient, deploying branches of the bifurcated renal catheter system into the renal arteries of the patient, detecting a renal arterial physiological parameter with a sensing mechanism, and assessing the physiological profile of the patient based on the physiological parameter. Related techniques include modifying or initiating pharmacological or surgical treatments for the patient based on the assessment. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105800 | METHODS OF MINIMIZING STENT CONTRACTION FOLLOWING DEPLOYMENT - The present invention provides methods for fabricating a stent using a preheating stage. The inventors have found a fabrication methods that result in the same and/or better product quality stent using a single step process performed at a temperature of below 65° C., more preferably below 60° C., most preferably below 55° C. Stent fabrication under such reduced temperature conditions reduces the exposure of the stent to adverse temperature conditions, thereby enabling the greater retention of the polymer's memory. Further, upon expansion, the stent does not contract to a smaller diameter but instead remains at a constant diameter or increases to a larger diameter. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105801 | Indwelling catheter arrangement - A stent graft delivery device ( | 2009-04-23 |
20090105802 | STENT DELIVERY CATHETER - A self-expanding stent delivery assembly includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a distal region, a lumen, and a longitudinal axis. A retractable sheath having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end is co-axially disposed around the shaft distal region. A stent is disposed co-axially between the shaft and the retractable sheath. A tubular tapered tip is affixed to the retractable sheath distal end. The tubular tapered tip has an elongate region predisposed to fracturing. Methods of delivering a self-expanding stent are also described. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105803 | STENT GRIP AND SYSTEMS FOR USE THEREWITH - A method and apparatus for reducing the longitudinal aspect of the catheter to stent force having at least one grip member for use with a stent delivery system. The grip engages a stent in the unexpanded state prior to delivery of the stent by retracting a stent retaining sheath. The grip has a body region having an outer diameter, a first end and a second end. The outer diameter of the first end is greater than the outer diameter of the second end. The grip is at least partially constructed from a polymeric material. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105804 | Medical implanting devices provided with anti-trombogenic coating and method for obtaining of such coating - A medical implantable device for deployment within a vessel of a mammal patient is disclosed. The device has at least one surface, which might come in contact with blood, said at least one surface being coated by a biocompatible anti-trombogenic coating. The anti-trombogenic coating being presented in a thermodynamic non-equilibrium labile state defined by a surface energy favorable for immobilizing of albumen thereon while preventing adhesion of thrombogenic proteins thereto. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105805 | ENDOVASCULAR GRAFT FOR PROVIDING A SEAL WITH VASCULATURE - A graft provided with a flexible sealing member to substantially prevent blood from leaking between the graft a lumen into which the graft is placed. In one embodiment, the flexible sealing member may be pressed against the vascular wall by an outwardly biased spring means attached to the sealing member. In other embodiments, the sealing member may be self-positioning upon deployment of the graft. The sealing member also may be formed into the shape of a toroid, which may be filled with thrombogenic material causing blood permeating into the toroid-shaped space to coagulate therein and hold the sealing member in place. It is also contemplated that the sealing member be formed from tufts of frayed yarn protruding circumferentially from the outer surface of the graft. A method of manufacturing such tufted yarn sealing members is also disclosed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105806 | STENT - A tubular prosthesis can be formed by rolling a sheet of material about a longitudinal axis, thereby forming a plurality of annular rings that can be arranged so as to be longitudinally adjacent one another, thus forming a tubular prosthesis. Each annular member can expand and contract independent of the other annular members. A graft material can extend between the plurality of annular members. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105807 | Stent having a multiplicity of undulating longitudinals - A method for implanting a balloon expandable stent at a site within a passageway of a curved coronary article. The stent includes at least two longitudinally spaced apart circumferential rings. At least one longitudinally extending connector extends between adjacent rings. The connector has at least one turn back portion that can expand or contract in length while being passed through a curved passageway. The stent is disposed on a stent delivery catheter having an inflatable balloon. The stent delivery catheter and the stent is delivered through the passageway to the site of implementation with the connector member expanding or contracting in length to facilitate delivery and placement of the stent. The stent is expanded at the site of implantation by inflating the balloon to force the stent radially outward against the wall of the coronary artery. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105808 | Rapid Exchange Stent Delivery System and Associated Components - A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105809 | IMPLANTABLE AND LUMEN-SUPPORTING STENTS AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - An implantable stent includes multiple circumferential segments that surround a bore and are connected in series along a length to form a tubular wall. Multiple adjacent alternating opposite facing crowns arranged along each segment's circumference are bridged by struts. The struts include a series of staggered arcuate edges with limited flats to provide a limited region of maximum width between significantly extended reducing diameter tapers at either end where they transition into the crowns. Connections between adjacent segments are wider and stiffer than the struts and strut-crown transitions in the segments. The crowns include inner and outer radii with off-set centers along a common axis to provide medial crown peaks along the axis that are wider than the narrowed crown shoulders on either side of the axis and from which the tapered struts extend. Material strain and flexure along the stent during lateral bending is distributed mainly within the segments, e.g. along the struts or crowns, versus at the connections between segments. Material strain and deformation during radial expansion is principally concentrated at the crown shoulders and tapered transition region with the struts. Particular closed-open-closed arrangements along the stent length are disclosed, though with fewer stent connections in the relatively “closed” end-portions along the stent than are provided by other typically “open” cell stents in prior use. Enhanced combinations of performance characteristics are provided regarding visibility, trackability, expansion characteristics, fatigue failures, coating integrity, and local drug delivery from the stent. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105810 | BIOLOGICAL VALVE FOR VENOUS VALVE INSUFFICIENCY - A bioprosthetic valve for repairing a deep venous insufficiency in a subject includes a single leaflet from a xenogeneic heart valve attached at natural margins of attachment to a patch of valve wall tissue. The patch may extend axially above and below the leaflet and circumferentially on either side of the leaflet to provide a region for attaching the patch to a fenestration in a host vein. A bioprosthetic valve may be manufactured by excising a portion of a xenogeneic heart valve including a single leaflet and contiguous wall tissue, and may further comprise shaving off excess leaflet tissue from adjacent leaflets. A method of replacing a malfunctioning venous valve in a subject includes providing a bioprosthetic valve as described above and inserting it to the host vein. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105811 | Intravascular Devices for Cell-Based Therapies - Disclosed herein are vascular cell encapsulation devices that can deliver cell type(s) for the treatment of a disease or disorder. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105812 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE IN AORTIC VALVE DISEASE TREATMENT - A device is presented for assisting an insufficient aortic valve. The device is configured as an auxiliary valve and comprises a resilient deformable sleeve-like valve, deformation of the sleeve-like valve shifting the valve between its closed and opened positions. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105813 | IMPLANTABLE VALVE DEVICE - Valve devices, methods of making valve devices, and methods of treating various venous-related conditions, disorders and/or diseases are described. In one embodiment, a valve device includes an expandable support frame and a bioprosthetic valve attached to the support frame. The bioprosthetic valve comprises a leaflet and a contiguous wall portion harvested from a multi-leaflet xenogeneic valve. The contiguous wall portion includes the attachment region where the leaflets attaches to the vessel wall and, in some embodiments, includes the natural margins of attachment between the leaflet and vessel wall. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105814 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLICATING TISSUE IN A MINIMALLY INVASIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - A system and method for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter having a prolapseable or curved tip. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a “C” shaped retainer with deformable ends is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. A transseptal approach may be used to plicate and retain tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve to achieve a reduction in mitral valve regurgitation. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105815 | PUSH-IN RETAINER SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE DIRECT PLICATION ANNULOPLASTY TREATMENT OF MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - A system for using a barbed tubular retainer in the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular tissue each fixed by a retaining clip is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make placations in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a barbed tubular retainer deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. Alternatively, the fourth device is a retainer delivery catheter that enables delivery of a barbed tubular retainer that is attached to its distal end over the outside of the plication device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105816 | SYSTEM USING A HELICAL RETAINER IN THE DIRECT PLICATION ANNULOPLASTY TREATMENT OF MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - A system for using a helical retainer in the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular tissue each fixed by a retaining clip is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a preferably prolapsable crossing catheter. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in at or near the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a helical retainer clip deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. Alternatively, the fourth device is a retainer delivery catheter that enables delivery of a helical retainer over the outside of the plication device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105817 | Artificial Accommodation System - The invention relates to a device for restoring the accommodating ability of the eye, which comprises:
| 2009-04-23 |
20090105818 | Malleable Prosthesis with Enhanced Concealability - A penile prosthetic device comprising a column formed of resilient material. The prosthetic device comprises multiple malleable cores arranged inside the column. The multiple malleable cores are spaced apart from one another. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105819 | SPINE MICROSURGERY TECHNIQUES, TRAINING AIDS AND IMPLANTS - A minimally invasive, fluoroscopically guided system is disclosed for stabilizing the articular facet joints of adjacent vertebrae. Ring and dowel implants are disclosed for installation into the facet joint. The invention includes a novel spine surgical training aid used in the initial surgeon training process for refreshing the surgeon's perspective of the critical three dimensional anatomy of the vertebrae. The invention also includes a surgical kit having a range of size-specific drills, inserters, impactors and custom-length long k-wires matched to the internal diameter of the instrumentation system. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105820 | Dynamic stabilization member with fin support and cable core extension - A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly having the following features: a pair of elongate segments, each segment having at least one and up to a plurality of integral fins axially extending therefrom; an inner cable fixed to one of the elongate segments and slidingly received in the other elongate segment; a molded spacer that substantially surrounds the fins and may partially or substantially surround the abutment plates; a bumper; a crimp ring; and optional sleeves having abutment plates and fins for placement between elongate segments. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105821 | Artificial hemi-lumbar interbody spinal implant having an asymmetrical leading end - An artificial interbody spinal implant adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant has an asymmetrical leading end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas, such as the apophyseal rim and the apophyseal rim area, of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies without protruding therefrom. The asymmetrical leading end allows for the safe use of an implant of maximum length for the implantation space into which it is installed. The implant can also include an asymmetric trailing end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105822 | Method of Treating Scoliosis Using a Biological Implant - The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105823 | Artificial intervertebral disc nucleus - Devices and methods for manufacturing devices for treating degenerated and/or traumatized intervertebral discs are disclosed. Artificial discs and components of discs may include an artificial nucleus and/or an artificial annulus and may be comprised of shape memory materials synthesized to achieve desired mechanical and physical properties. An artificial nucleus and/or annulus according to the invention may comprise a filler retention membrane that may be filled with a curable material for deployment. A filler retention membrane according to the invention may comprise one or more partitions to define one or more chambers and may comprise one or more valves for selectively permitting the flow of material within the nuclear region and annular region of the filler retention membrane. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105824 | SPINAL FUSION DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105825 | FUSION METHODS USING AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELLS - A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105826 | Surgical Implants - Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes a core comprising one or more filling elements provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided within an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core filling, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can be optimised to meet different aims. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105827 | Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a fixed length elongated member - Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a fixed length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, the elongated member has at least two portions having different diameters. The different portions interact with other portions of the dampener system to allow for compression of a dampener set. In some embodiments, the dampener system includes a sleeve coupled to the elongated member. In some embodiments, the dampener system includes a pair of washers coupled to the elongated member. The sleeve or the pair of washers allow the dampener system to be secured to a bone fastener. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105828 | Posterior stabilization system with isolated, dual dampener systems - Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The bone fasteners may be secured to the vertebrae, and the dampener system may be attached to the bone fasteners. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set positioned on an elongated member. The first dampener set may be compressed and provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. The second dampener set may be compressed and provide resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105829 | Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member - Dynamic posterior stabilization systems are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include bone fasteners and a dampener system. The dampener system may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member that couple together to form a variable length elongated member. The dampener system may also include one or more dampener sets. The dampener sets may provide resistance to movement of vertebrae coupled to the dynamic posterior stabilization system. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105830 | INTERBODY FUSION DEVICE, INTEGRAL RETENTION DEVICE, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. A one or two piece interbody fusion device has a fusion bearing component designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. An optional retention piece prevents migration of the load bearing device. One or more fasteners secure the retention device to the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion. An anti-backout mechanism prevents the fasteners backing out. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105831 | LOCKING MECHANISMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A method and apparatus is provided for use with a surgical implant to secure fasteners, such as bone screws or pins. An anti-backout mechanism is used to preventing migration of the fasteners after the implant is installed. In one example, an anti-backout mechanism includes a locking plate having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking plate has one or more protrusions that are configured to prevent migration the fasteners when the locking plate is in the locked position. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105832 | Intersomatic cage, intervertebral prosthesis, anchoring device and implantation instruments - An intersomatic cage, an intervertebral prosthesis, an anchoring device and an instrument for implantation of the cage or the prosthesis and the anchoring device are provided. An intersomatic cage or an intervertebral prosthesis fit closely to the anchoring device, which includes a body of elongated shape on a longitudinal axis, of curved shape describing, along the longitudinal axis, an arc whose dimensions and radius of curvature are designed in such a manner that the anchoring device may be implanted in the vertebral plate of a vertebra by presenting its longitudinal axis substantially along the plane of the intervertebral space, where the anchoring device is inserted, by means of the instrument, through a slot located in at least one peripheral wall of the cage or on at least one plate of the intervertebral disc prosthesis to penetrate into at least one vertebral plate. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105833 | Method and Spacer Device for Spanning a Space Formed upon Removal of an Intervertebral Disc - An intervertebral spacer is designed particularly for patients who are not candidates for total disc replacement. The spacer maintains disc height and prevents subsidence with a large vertebral body contacting surface area while substantially reducing recovery time by eliminating the need for bridging bone. The intervertebral spacer or fusion spacer includes a rigid spacer body sized and shaped to fit within an intervertebral space between two vertebral bodies. In one embodiment, the spacer body has two opposed metallic vertebral contacting surfaces, at least one fin extending from each of the vertebral contacting surfaces and configured to be positioned within slots cut into the two vertebral bodies. Holes, if present, cover less than 40 percent of the entire vertebral body contacting surfaces to provide increased bone ongrowth surfaces and to prevent subsidence. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105834 | Dynamic Spacer Device and Method for Spanning a Space Formed upon Removal of an Intervertebral Disc - A compliant intervertebral spacer according to the present invention replaces a damage intervertebral disc and functions to maintain disc height and prevent subsidence with a large surface area while substantially reducing patient recovery time. The compliant intervertebral spacer for spanning a space formed by upon removal of an intervertebral disc includes two end plates sized and shaped to fit within an intervertebral space and a compliant connector interconnecting the inner surfaces of the two end plates in a manner which limits motion between the plates to less than a total of 5 degrees of motion in any direction. The intervertebral spacer is configured to permanently maintain the disc space between the two adjacent discs without the use of bridging bone. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105835 | Vertebral Body Replacement and Method for Spanning a Space Formed upon Removal of a Vertebral Body - A vertebral body replacement includes first and second end plates, and a compliant connector section between the end plates having one or more helical cuts to provide limited compliance between the end plates. The compliant connector section can be provided in a separate spacer that fits between the end plates or directly in one or more of the end plates. The adjoining end plate surfaces, and/or adjoining surfaces of the spacer, include a rotational interlock to inhibit allow the selection an modular stacking assembly of the vertebral body replacement to accommodate a wide range of patients. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105836 | Devices and techniques for a posterior lateral disc space approach - This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105837 | INSTRUMENT FOR USE IN A JOINT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE - A trial implant component for use in a surgical procedure for replacement of a joint between a long bone and another bone, comprises a metaphyseal part which can be located so that it extends into a cavity at the resected face of the long bone in contact with the internal wall of the cavity in the metaphyseal region, and a disk which has an essentially flat shape and which can be fitted to the metaphyseal part to provide a gauge as to the appropriate size of a head part which is to be selected according to the location of the axis of the bone relative to the edge of the resected bone. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105838 | Osteosynthesis Modular Prosthesis, Particularily for Humerus Osterosynthesis - The present invention relates to an improved osteosynthesis modular prosthesis, particularly for humerus osteosynthesis, characterise in that it comprises a cup element ( | 2009-04-23 |
20090105839 | Artificial elbow joint - An artificial elbow joint including a humeral component made of metal and an ulnar component made of resins for replacing an elbow joint. The humeral component of this artificial elbow joint is configured by a substantially cylindrical trochlea and a stem extending from the trochlea that is inserted into the humeral; and the ulnar component is configured by a joint surface member which receives the trochlea of humeral component in a rotatable manner and a stem which extends from the joint surface member and is inserted into the ulna. The stem of the humeral component is curved gently downward overall so as to comply with the lordotic shape of the humeral, and the trochlea is turnable about the centerline of the stem. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105840 | Fibular stiffener and bony defect replacer - A fibular implant is provided. The implant includes a stem anchored to the fibula and a joint-body. The stem is at least partially covered with a bony-in-growth surface. The joint body includes an articulating surface for articulating with the talus. The articulating surface is polished to reduce friction in the ankle joint. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105841 | POLYMERIC STENT USEFUL FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE SALIVARY GLAND DUCTS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - A polymeric stent, especially useful in surgical endoscopy and for the treatment of salivary gland ducts comprising; an elongated tube, wherein the proximal end of said tube is having a funnel-like shape; and wherein said funnel further comprise at least one gorge, which enables the suturing of said stent to said duct. The invention also relates to a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105842 | IMPLANT SYSTEM - The invention relates to an implant system having at least one shaft of a prosthesis, in particular a hip joint prosthesis, which can be anchored without cement, and a set of instruments for the preparation of the bone in which the shaft is to be anchored, wherein the shaft has an arcuate base body with a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section and the set of instruments includes a first instrument which is shaped in accordance with the arcuate shape of the shaft and with which a recess serving for the reception of the base body can be established in the bone; and wherein the shaft is provided with ribs in the proximal region and the set of instruments includes a guide body shaped in accordance with the arcuate shape of the shaft for a second instrument with which structures can be manufactured in the bone serving to fix a path for the shaft ribs when the guide body is located in the recess. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105843 | Method for Bonding a Titanium Based Mesh to a Titanium Based Substrate - A method for metallurigically bonding a metal wire mesh to a metal substrate which allows the use of a fragile open weave mesh and/or a thin wall substrate. A thin nickel based layer is placed between a titanium based substrate and a titanium based wire mesh. The mesh and substrate are lightly clamped in intimate contact against the nickel interlayer therebetween, e.g., by wire wrapping. The sandwich, or assembly, (i.e., substrate, interlayer, mesh) is then heated to a temperature, below the melting point of titanium and nickel but sufficient to form a eutectic titanium-nickel alloy (e.g. , Ti | 2009-04-23 |
20090105844 | Method of Making an Anatomical Socket - An anatomical socket is fashioned to attach to an amputated limb, which can be a median between the amputated limb and the prosthesis device. The method produces, based on specific measurements of a user, an anatomical socket that provides the user with cosmesis, a greater range of motion, a better gait and comfort. The socket has a low upper rim to allow for the greatest mobility of the hip joint. The socket is produced of a durable and smooth plastic. The socket fits in a secure, yet removable manner to the prosthesis. The method disclosed herein takes precise measurements of the wearer's limb to provide for optimal fitting and comfort. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105845 | PROSTHETIC FOOT WITH A PROCESSOR TO MANAGE ENERGY RETURN OF ADJUSTABLE HEEL AND KEEL SPRINGS - A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a split section that is divided into two sections. Each section can have a top open channel formed therein. Each channel is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. The top of the center support can have a threaded connector, which allows for vertically adjustable connection of an adjacent prosthetic component. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. A processor can be provided for controlling the amount of compression of each compression member. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105846 | CAN COMMUNICATION FOR BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for implementing CAN communication for building automation systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may comprise at least one sending device linked to a plurality of receiving devices over a CAN automation network. A control frame may be broadcast over the CAN automation network by the at least one sending device, the control frame encapsulated into a CAN extended data frame. An acceptance filter may be provided at each of the plurality of receiving devices, each of the plurality of receiving devices reading the control frame from the CAN extended data frame and determining if the receiving device is a target device based on the control frame. Device communication may also be implemented as methods for dynamic address assignment and firmware download. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105847 | Instrumentation Control System - In an instrumentation control system in which plural control devices are connected to each other through a network, and transfer of data is performed asynchronously, a reset switch is provided in one of a control device, and when this switch is depressed, an instruction to reset unreliable information in the respective control devices is transmitted to other control devices, the control device having transmitted the instruction and all the other control devices having received the instruction stop the reception of the unreliable information from the network for a definite period, the unreliable informations in the respective control devices are reset, and the unreliable informations in the whole network are reset. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105848 | REDUNDANT FIELDBUS SYSTEM - A redundant fieldbus system provides power and communications in a parallel physical configuration between the host system and attached field devices irrespective of any single point failure in the network. In case of a fault, the redundant fieldbus system automatically eliminates the faulty section of the network, switches power and communications to the healthy portion of the network and terminates the network for signal integrity. A device coupler for the system may include a fault detector coupled to an auto-termination circuit that terminates a fieldbus cable when a fault is detected. The device coupler may include fault detection and isolation coupled to each set of spur terminals used to connect field devices to the device coupler. A field device for the system may include circuitry for deselecting a faulty cable while maintaining connection to a healthy cable. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105849 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING SAFETY INSTRUMENTED SYSTEMS IN A FIELDBUS ARCHITECTURE - An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105850 | Field control system and field control method - In a field control system in which a plurality of field equipments that are operated in a previously set schedule and constitute a control loop perform a packet communication via a network, there is provided a configurator for collecting measured result packets to which a time stamp of each field equipment is affixed respectively, grasping at least any one of communication times between respective field equipments based on the time stamp, and adjusting operation schedules of respective field equipments in response to the communication times. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105851 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM - A method is provided for operating an automated process defined by an execution model. The automated process includes a plurality of sub-processes. The method includes detecting an event during a first sub-process of the plurality of sub-processes, and resetting the first sub-process by operating an unload procedure that is written into the execution model. The method also includes operating at least one of a pre-process and a pre-sub-process procedure to facilitate continuing the automated process at a predetermined step of the automated process. The pre-process and the pre-sub-process procedures are written into the execution model. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105852 | Control loop for regulating a process, in particular a combustion process - A control loop, which is for regulating a process in a plant having a controlled system, comprises: at least one measuring device for recording observation values of the controlled system, at least one adjustment device for acting on the controlled system in response to the adjustment device being controlled by way of action values, and a regulator. The regulator is operative to provide the action values. The regulator being operative to provide the action values comprises the regulator being adapted for: predicting, by way of a process model and at least one probability distribution of the observation values, a set of distributions of probable future states of the system; evaluating the set of distributions of probable future states of the system using target values and/or distributions of the target values; and selecting at least one probability distribution of action values. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105853 | PROCESS-PARAMETER PROGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR PREDICTING SHAPE OF SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE, SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION APPARATUS HAVING THE SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USING THE APPARATUS - Provided are a process-parameter prognostic system for predicting the shape of a semiconductor structure, a semiconductor fabrication apparatus having the process-parameter prognostic system, and a method of using the same. The process-parameter prognostic system may have a process prediction unit and a process-change point corresponding unit. The process prediction unit and the process-change point corresponding unit may obtain predicted parameters using measured parameters of semiconductor structures and sensor parameters of plasmas corresponding to the semiconductor structures. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105854 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING QUEUE TIMES IN A PRODUCTION CYCLE - A method of optimizing production cycle queue time includes selecting a plurality of process steps for a production cycle, calculating queue times for each of the plurality of process steps, statistically analyzing the queue times, and generating at least one visual output that illustrates the statistically analyzed queue times. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105855 | DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT OF A PROCESS MODEL REPOSITORY FOR A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - A method of managing a process model history having process models stored therein, includes organizing the process models according to first and second priority criteria, wherein each process model is represented according to a combination of a value in connection with the first and second priority criteria. The representation may be coordinate values in a multi-dimensional space having dimensions corresponding to the first and second priority criteria. A degree of separation or relationship to a common point of reference is calculated for each process model, where the point of reference is a value in connection with the first and second priority criteria. A process model may be removed or selected for deletion based on the degree of separation or proximity in relation to the point of reference, subject to the total number of process models identified for the same control routine, and the total number of process models identified for the same operational region. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105856 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING A LIGHTING SETTING FOR CONTROLLING A LIGHTING SYSTEM TO PRODUCE A DESIRED LIGHTING EFFECT - The present invention relates to a method for providing a lighting setting for controlling a lighting system ( | 2009-04-23 |
20090105857 | METHOD OF AUTOMATIC PLAYLIST CREATION ON MULTIMEDIA PLAYER - A multimedia player capable of automatically creating a play list and a method thereof are described. The play lists corresponding to a variety of time segments are created according to time segments in a time period. The multimedia player creates a play list for a certain time segment according to a number of times that songs are completely played and a playback mode of the songs. When the multimedia player works in a same time segment in another time period, the multimedia player loads the play list of the previous time segment, and applies the playback mode previously set for each of the songs to the corresponding song. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105858 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING - The present invention provides methods and systems for digitally processing audio signals. Some embodiments receive an audio signal and converting it to a digital signal. The gain of the digital signal may be adjusted a first time, using a digital processing device located between a receiver and a driver circuit. The adjusted signal can be filtered with a first low shelf filter. The systems and methods may compress the filtered signal with a first compressor, process the signal with a graphic equalizer, and compress the processed signal with a second compressor. The gain of the compressed signal can be adjusted a second time. These may be done using the digital processing device. The signal may then be output through an amplifier and driver circuit to drive a personal audio listening device. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be part of the personal audio listening device. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105859 | PLAYBACK PROGRAM - A plurality of audio object (AOB) files and a plurality of picture object (POB) files are stored. Default Playlist Information and sets of Playlist Information each show an order in which AOBs stored in the plurality of AOB files are to be reproduced. The DPLGI includes DPLI_POB_SRPs that specify at least one POB to be displayed during the playback period of AOBs indicated by the playback order given in the Default Playlist Information. The TKGI includes TKI_POB_SRPs that specify at least one POB to be displayed only during the playback period of a particular AOB out of the AOBs indicated by the playback order given in the Default Playlist Information. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105860 | Container Design System, Methods, and Storage Medium Featuring Specific Colors or Indicia - A container design system, method of operation, and storage medium which allows a user(s) to: (1) design a unique complete container including: container size, shape, color, and medium; cap size, shape, color, and medium; label, wherein the label includes one or more specific colors or indicia; what the container will be filled with; and how the containers will be packaged and shipped; and (2) cause the final container to be manufactured, labeled, filled, packaged, and/or shipped according to the user's specific unique parameters; thereby, providing the user a complete container according to the user's particular parameters. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105861 | METHOD FOR DESIGNING A TOOL FOR DEEP DRAWING AND TOOL FOR DEEP DRAWING OF SHEET METAL - The invention concerns a method for the creation of addendums ( | 2009-04-23 |
20090105862 | Seating System and Assembly - This invention relates specifically to a seating system or assembly which utilizes a modularized system of standard sized components. The system reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies storage and shipping and improves assembly efficiencies. The system of modularized components allows flexibility in seating use and design. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105863 | AUTOMATED INTEGRATION OF FEEDBACK FROM FIELD FAILURE TO ORDER CONFIGURATOR FOR DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF MANUFACTURING TEST PROCESSES - The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the art in respect to the manufacturing test processes and provides a novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for dynamic optimization of manufacturing test coverage with automated integration of field failure feedback with the order configurator. In one embodiment of the invention, a manufacturing field failure feedback method can be provided. The method can include retrieving field failure data, analyzing the field failure data, storing failure analysis object information, modifying a manufacturing test case selection within the test case selection and order configurator based on using field failure data analysis, the test case selection including rules for test case selection and test case object information, and configuring a testing order with an optimized test case selection. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105864 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING AN ARTICLE AND GENERATING A REPORT - A method of manufacturing an article, the method comprising: storing a set of manufacturing instructions for a machine; inputting at least some of the manufacturing instructions into the machine; manufacturing an article with the machine in accordance with the input manufacturing instructions; generating a realization log which is indicative of the operations that the machine has actually performed in manufacturing the article; and generating a report by comparing the realization log with the stored set of manufacturing instructions. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105865 | Metric based performance monitoring method and system - A metric based performance monitoring A process control system is disclosed in which diagnostics are performed at multiple levels of the plant, results of the diagnostics converted into Key Performance Indicators and compared to predetermined benchmarks such that an integrated and overall determination of the plants' performance may be displayed. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105866 | Method of Controlling a Production Process - In order to increase the efficiency of a production process a new method is presented. Thereby a flow of items is generated in a production system. Electronic devices that are attachable to the items are used for tracking the items. An identification of a first electronic device attached to a first item is read out. The identification is forwarded to a computer system that steers the flow of items. Due to a reception of the identification by the computer system, a transport status indicating authorization or prohibition to process the second item is set. The transport status is then transmitted to a second electronic device with an authorizing signal that is sent from the computer system to the second electronic device. The second electronic device contains a signal receiver circuit for receiving the authorizing signal and the second electronic device is attached to the second item. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105867 | Temperature control method, method of obtaining a temperature correction value, method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and substrate treatment apparatus - In a temperature control method in which a target temperature is given in a thermal treatment furnace and plural heaters are controlled according to the target temperature, the correlation of the each heater and plural profile temperature sensors provided in the thermal treatment furnace is determined, a virtual temperature is calculated on the basis of the detection temperature of each profile temperature sensor and a weighting factor calculated from the correlation, and the each heater is controlled so that the virtual temperature is coincident with the target temperature. | 2009-04-23 |
20090105868 | Method For Assembling A Customized Printed Circuit Board - A system and a method are provided for assembling a customized printed circuit board having at least one electrical component. The system includes an input device for allowing a user to input predetermined information on the customized printed circuit board to be assembled. A central processing unit is operatively connected to the input device by a communications network, such as the internet. The central processing unit receives the predetermined information and generates assembly instructions in response to the predetermined information. A machine is operatively connected to the central processing unit for assembling the customized printed circuit board in response to the assembly instructions | 2009-04-23 |
20090105869 | METHOD FOR REGISTER CORRECTION OF A PROCESSING MACHINE, AND A PROCESSING MACHINE - A method for the register correction of a processing machine for processing a continuous material, in particular a shaftless printing press, with which the continuous material is processed by at least two processing units with at least one compensator for adjusting the length of the continuous material in the continuous material section being provided upstream of each of the at least two processing units. In order to adjust the register of a first processing unit, the length of the continuous material of the continuous material section upstream of the first processing unit is adjusted by the compensator provided in this first continuous material section. To adjust the register of the first processing unit, the length of the continuous material of the continuous material section upstream of a second processing unit is also adjusted by the compensator provided in this second continuous material section. A related processing machine carries out the inventive method. | 2009-04-23 |