| 23rd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20090143815 | Apparatus and Method for Sealing a Vessel Puncture Opening - A device for sealing a puncture opening in a wall of a blood vessel may include a base frame including a first bi-stable material having a first stable state corresponding to a delivery configuration of the base frame, in which the base frame is retracted to have a relatively smaller overall profile, and a second stable state corresponding to a deployed configuration of the base frame, in which the base frame is extended to have a relatively larger overall profile. The base frame is sized to engage an interior surface of the blood vessel wall when in the deployed configuration. A sealing section is coupled to the base frame and includes a second bi-stable material having a first stable state corresponding to an initial configuration of the sealing section, in which the sealing section permits fluid flow, and a second stable state corresponding to a barrier configuration of the sealing section, in which the sealing section prevents fluid flow. The sealing section in the barrier configuration is sized to block fluid flow through the puncture opening when the base frame is in the deployed configuration. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143816 | Grasper with surgical sealant dispenser - The present disclosure is directed to a medical device comprising a dispenser adapted to dispense a tissue sealant or one or more precursor compounds, the dispenser being operably coupled to a grasper. Furthermore, the medical device comprises a dispenser adapted to dispense a tissue sealant or one or more precursor compounds thereof, the dispenser being operably coupled to a surgical cutter. Additionally or alternatively the medical device can include an actuation mechanism, whereby the dispenser dispenses the tissue sealant or one or more precursor compounds at a surgical cutting site or in a proximity thereof. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143817 | Insertion tool for a medical closure device - Insertion tool for a medical closure device for the sealing of an opening in a wall of a bodily organ, comprising a tamping force source adapted to deliver a first member to a position at the opening on one side of the wall subsequently to a second member being positioned at the opening on the opposite side of the wall. The tamping force source, which is energized prior to the tamping procedure, can be for example a spring, an elastic band or a pressurized gas container. A tamping spring can be compressed or extended upon loading. The tamping force source can be released in response to a manual operation or be triggered by retraction of the insertion tool. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143818 | Use of an Adhesive to Treat Intraluminal Bleeding - A surgical device to stanch the flow of blood is disclosed. The surgical device can place an implantable adhesive over or around varices or other bleeders. The surgical device has a vacuum system for capturing tissue and an adhesive system to apply adhesive to the captured tissue. A vacuum chamber is used to contact tissue and contains a chamber therein for the reception of tissue. An adhesive applicator is provided within the vacuum chamber and moves longitudinally therein to apply adhesive to tissue. The surgical device can apply an adhesive patch to tissue or inject adhesive into tissue. Alternately, an adhesive actuator and a chemical agent can be dispensed to tissue within the vacuum chamber. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143819 | COATINGS FOR MODIFYING MONOFILAMENT AND MULTI-FILAMENTS SELF-RETAINING SUTURES - The present invention provides that coatings applied to natural, synthetic and recombinant expressed polymer filaments can be used to modify the properties of monofilament and multifilament self-retaining sutures. In an embodiment of the invention, the coating enables the suture to be easily inserted into tissue, whereupon the extended interaction of the coating and the tissue increase the ability of the tissue retainers to hold the suture in the tissue. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coated polymers have a melting point in the range from between approximately 40° C. to approximately 180° C. while retaining tensile strength. In an embodiment of the invention, the increased strength is due in part to the tissue specific reaction generated by the suture coating. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143820 | TISSUE REPAIR DEVICE AND FABRICATION THEREOF - A device for use in tissue repair procedures, a surgical tissue repair procedure, and a method of making the device. Specifically, the device is an assembly of a cannulated anchor member with a cord passed through it, and a stopper mounted to an end of the cord to prevent the cord from passing back through the anchor member. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143821 | Device for repositioning cartilage and method of use - A device comprising a plate with attached suture including a portal and possibly including a fastener for the suture which can be used to dynamically reposition nasal cartilage to repair upper lateral cartilage, to splint septal cartilage, or to aid in scar inhibition in wound closure. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143822 | Teething device - A teething device is provided. Such teething device includes a covering member for covering at least one of a hand of an infant, a wrist of an infant, and a combination thereof. Such covering member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A securing mechanism is operably connected to such covering member at a predetermined location thereon for releasably securing such covering member to at least one of such infant's hand, such infant's wrist, and a combination thereof. At least one teething member is operably connected to at least a predetermined portion of such covering member. Such at least one teething member is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143823 | Transverse connector system for spinal rods - A transverse connector system for coupling elongate elements to each other in a spinal fixation system. An upper arm member and a lower arm member are connected by a washer and locking bolt to form a transverse plate. The distal ends of the upper arm member and the lower arm member each include a swivel rod connector and may be attached to a locking rod connector using a locking bolt to secure an elongate fixation element therein. The upper arm member and lower arm member are laterally adjustable and pivotably adjustable with respect to one another due to the washer and slot connection, and thus accommodate divergences and convergences in the attached rods. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143824 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING POLYAXIAL PLATES - Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143825 | Distal Tibia Plating System - A distal tibia plating system includes anterolateral and medial plates. The anterolateral plate includes a shaft with both threaded first fastener holes and compression slots along its length. The head includes a first row of four threaded fastener holes arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis, a non-threaded compression screw hole, and a plurality of distal tabs. Each tab includes a ring with a single threaded fastener hole and a bridge that couples the ring to the distal end of the plate. The bridge is configured to bend preferentially in a desired direction and to allow tab removal. The medial plate is a low profile plate including a shaft and a relatively enlarged distal head. Several fasteners can be used with the plates. A plate holder is provided to maneuver the plates subcutaneously. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143826 | FASTENING SYSTEM AND FASTENING METHOD FOR REFERENCE ARRAYS - A fastening system for reference arrays, wherein a curable material fixes an attachment base which is assigned to the reference array, relative to a bone. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143827 | DOUBLE COLLET CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR BONE ANCHORING ELEMENT - A connector assembly including a bone anchoring element including a spherical head, a double collet that includes an inner clamping portion formed by inner surfaces of a plurality of resilient fingers, the resilient fingers defining a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface, an outer closure element that includes an inner clamping portion that corresponds in shape to an outer contour of the double collet, the outer closure element including a pair of arms that define a channel shaped for receiving therein a connector element, and an interface ring that includes a base formed with an inner wedge surface and a pair of wing extensions that extend from the base. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143828 | Methods and Devices For Minimally Invasive Spinal Connection Element Delivery - A device for delivery of a spinal rod to a bone anchor includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The inner tube is adjustable relative to the outer tube along the longitudinal axis of the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A spring is interposed between the inner tube and the outer tube to bias the inner tube distally. A locking member is coupled to the outer tube and is adjustable between a proximal position in which the locking member is spaced apart from the inner tube and a distal position in which the locking member inhibits proximal axial motion of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143829 | ACCESS DEVICE FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY - A retractor has a proximal portion comprising a first side portion having a first longitudinal edge and a second side portion having a second longitudinal edge. The first and second portions being movable relative to each other such that the first and second longitudinal edges can be positioned in close proximity to each or spaced apart by a selected distance. A distal portion has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The distal portion is capable of having a configuration when inserted within the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of the passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143830 | MOLDABLE PASTE COMPOSITION - The invention concerns a novel moldable and/or flowable composition for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site. The composition includes a therapeutic material and a carrier comprising means for achieving reverse phase characteristics. In one embodiment, the therapeutic material can be a resorbable alloplastic material and the carrier can be a poloxamer. In a specific embodiment, the resorbable alloplastic material is a biphasic material composed of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP), and the carrier is poloxamer 407 (Pluronic® F127). The invention further includes methods for using the novel composition. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143831 | TREATING INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS BY STIMULATION OF THE CHOLINERGIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PATHWAY - Described herein are methods for treating a subject suffering from or at risk for a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade, by electrically or mechanically stimulating vagus nerve activity in an amount sufficient to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine cascade. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143832 | Automated Assessment Of Atrioventricular And Ventriculoatrial Conduction - A method discriminates between ventricular arrhythmia and supraventricular arrhythmia by determining the direction of an electrical signal conducted through the atrioventricular node. An implantable cardiac defibrillator provides atrioventricular and ventriculoatrial pacing bursts to determine if an arrhythmia with a 1:1 atrial to ventricular relationship is due to ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular tachycardia. This discrimination capability reduces the incidence of inappropriate shocks from dual-chamber implantable cardiac defibrillators to near zero and provides a method to differentially diagnose supraventricular tachycardia from ventricular tachycardia. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143833 | DISABLE FOR ATRIOVENTRICULAR DELAY ADJUSTMENT - An apparatus comprises an electrical stimulation circuit, a ventricular sensing circuit, a ventricular sensing timer, and an atrial pacing timer. The ventricular sensing circuit detects an intrinsic ventricular tachyarrhythmia depolarization. The ventricular sensing timer initiates timing of a lowest tachy rate (LTR) zone interval and also a ventricular pace interval that is calculated using a lower rate limit (LRL). The atrial pacing timer calculates an atrial pace interval to follow the intrinsic ventricular depolarization using the ventricular pace interval less a paced atrioventricular (AV) delay interval, delays generation of the atrial pace until after expiration of the LTR zone interval by decreasing the paced AV delay interval when the calculated atrial pace interval is within the LTR zone interval, and disables decreasing of the paced AV delay interval when the LRL interval less the paced AV delay interval at the LRL is less than the LTR zone interval. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143834 | AUTOMATIC BAROREFLEX MODULATION RESPONSIVE TO ADVERSE EVENT - An aspect of the present subject matter relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises an adverse event detector to sense an adverse event and provide a signal indicative of the adverse event, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal adapted to provide a baroreflex therapy, and a modulator to receive the signal indicative of the adverse event and modulate the baroreflex stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the adverse event to change the baroreflex therapy from a first baroreflex therapy to a second baroreflex therapy. Other aspects are provided herein. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143835 | Method and apparatus for delivering pacing pulses using a coronary stent - An implantable cardiac protection pacing system delivers pacing pulses to protect the heart from injuries associated with ischemia and myocardial infarction. The system includes an implantable pulse generator (PG) that delivers the pacing pulses and a coronary stent electrically connected to the implantable PG to function as a pacing electrode through which the pacing pulses are delivered. In one embodiment, an intravascular lead provides the electrical connection between the coronary stent and the implantable PG to allow the implantable PG to be implanted in the femoral region. In another embodiment, the coronary stent and the implantable PG are integrated into an intravascular pulse generator-stent. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143836 | Method and apparatus of acoustic communication for implantable medical device - An implantable medical device includes an acoustic transducer for intra-body communication with another medical device via an acoustic couple. The acoustic transducer includes one or more piezoelectric transducers. In one embodiment, an implantable medical device housing contains a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device and an acoustic communication circuit. The acoustic transducer is electrically connected to the acoustic communication circuit to function as an acoustic coupler and physically fastened to a wall of the implantable housing, directly or via a supporting structure. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143837 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE PRESSURE TRANSDUCER FOR REGULATING BLOOD PRESSURE - An apparatus and a system can chronically and automatically measure a physiologic parameter associated with the high pressure side of the vasculature and/or regulate blood pressure based upon the measured parameter. The apparatus may be made up of a transducer, a baroreflex activation device having one or more electrodes, and a lead having two or more conductors. The system can measure a physiologic parameter and selectively administer a therapy, such as, for example, electro-stimulation of baroreceptors, based upon the measurement. The transducer for measuring the physiologic parameter can be chronically implanted in the high-pressure side of the vasculature. The implantation method may include intravascularly positioning the transducer in the external carotid artery in such a way that the transducer is first introduced into the arterial vasculature through the superior thyroid artery. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143838 | Baroreflex modulation to gradually decrease blood pressure - An aspect of the present subject matter relates to a baroreflex stimulator. An embodiment of the stimulator includes a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode, and a modulator. The modulator modulates the baroreflex stimulation signal to increase the baroreflex stimulation therapy by a predetermined rate of change to lower systemic blood pressure to a target pressure. Other aspects are provided herein. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143839 | Impact Protector For An External Element Of A Partially Implantable System - An external component housing is described for a cochlear implant system. A signal processing stage is contained within the housing for generating an electrical signal for an implanted portion of the system. An external coil is also within the housing for transmitting the electrical signal transcutaneously through the skin of a patient to the implanted portion. An impact absorber shields the system components from the impact energy associated with a mechanical impact to the housing. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143840 | AUDITORY PROSTHESIS UTILIZING INTRA-NEURAL STIMULATION OF THE AUDITORY NERVE - The present invention relates to auditory prostheses. In particular, the present invention provides an auditory prosthesis capable of direct, intra-neural stimulation of the auditory nerve. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143841 | Potential Application Apparatus - Provided is a potential application apparatus capable of preventing hypertrophy of adipose cells, thereby securely preventing deposition of fat and controlling obesity effectively without any side effects. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143842 | Phototherapy Treatment and Device for Infections, Diseases, and Disorders - A device to treat infections, diseases, and disorders. The device can be used to treat part of a larger organism such as using the device to kill cancerous cells in humans or animals or to kill parasites. The invention can also may be used to treat fungal and bacterial nail infections of the hands and feet which are difficult to treat with oral and topical drugs. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143843 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED PHOTON IRRADIATION THERAPY AND TREATMENT OF PAIN - A treatment device includes a plurality of photon emitter arrays directed toward treatment points on a patient's body. The emitter arrays produce greater than 100 mw/cm | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143844 | HOSE MANAGEMENT FOR CONVECTIVE DEVICES - The present invention is directed to a convective thermal unit. The convective thermal unit has the conventional blower that directs ambient air to a heating element, the heating element heats the air and the heated air is directed into a conduit. The conduit directs the heated air into a receiving unit like a blanket positioned over a patient. A difference between the prior art and the present invention is the incorporation of a shape memory polymer and/or alloy material into the conduit to ensure the conduit does not contact the ground when the convective thermal unit is not being used or not providing the desired thermal energy. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143845 | NOTCHED ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROSTIMULATION LEAD - According to one embodiment, an electrode for use in electrostimulation is provided, where the electrode comprises a notch that operates to substantially eliminate gaseous material from being trapped about the electrode during a molding process of an electrostimulation lead. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143846 | PADDLE-STYLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD - A medical lead for electrical stimulation or sensing. The medical lead has a generally flat paddle on the distal end of the lead body. An electrode array is provided on the paddle, with the electrode array displaced along the length of the paddle toward the distal end. Advantages include allowing the electrode array may be advanced into position for electrical stimulation or sensing with the flat paddle extending through connective tissue, such as the ligamentum flavum, thus facilitating repositioning, withdrawal or explanting the medical lead, as well as using the flat features of the paddle to anchor the lead to the connective tissue. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143847 | ELECTRODE LEAD FOR IMPLANTATION INTO A SMALL HEART VESSEL - An electrode lead for implantation into a small heart vessel, especially into a coronary sinus, is provided with an elongated outer insulating lead body ( | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143848 | Cochlear Stimulation Device - A cochlear stimulation device comprising an electrode array designed to provide enhanced charge injection capacity necessary for neural stimulation. The electrode array comprises electrodes with high surface area or a fractal geometry and correspondingly high electrode capacitance and low electrical impedance. The resultant electrodes have a robust surface and sufficient mechanical strength to withstand physical stress vital for long term stability. The device further comprises wire traces having a multilayer structure which provides a reduced width for the conducting part of the electrode array. The cochlear prosthesis is attached by a grommet to the cochleostomy that is made from a single piece of biocompatible polymer. The device, designed to achieve optimum neural stimulation by appropriate electrode design, is a significant improvement over commercially available hand-built devices. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143849 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM, STENT PLACEMENT METHOD, AND STENT ATTACHMENT METHOD - A stent delivery system which is inserted into an endoscope and is for placing a stent inside a body cavity, this stent delivery system being provided with a long pusher catheter which is flexible; a guide catheter which can pass through the lumen of the pusher catheter in a freely advancing and retracting manner; and a stent which is disposed to the front end of the pusher catheter, and has a cylindrical stent main body into which the guide catheter can be inserted, and a grip piece that is attached so as to extend from the main body and consists of a long narrow member that is pliable and can be disposed in the space between the guide catheter when it is inserted into the lumen of the pusher catheter. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143850 | ENDOPROSTHESIS AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ITS PLACEMENT WITHIN A PATIENTS VESSEL AND USES FOR THIS ENDOPROSTHESIS AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an endoprosthesis composed of (a) two complementary bodies, body “A” and (b) a body “B”, with the said bodies being formed by proximal, intermediate and distal regions and comprising a self-expanding structure of resistant and flexible material and a graft wherein the said bodies “A” and “B” have a bifurcation for use where a main vessel bifurcates into at least two secondary branches, such as in the case of the treatment of aneurysms in the abdominal aorta. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143851 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VASCULAR THERAPY - Medical devices, as well as methods of treatment and manufacturing such devices, are provided for applying vascular therapy locally within the body vessel. The medical devices include an expandable tubular frame and a sleeve. The medical devices can be used for local delivery of a therapeutic agent within a body vessel or a tamponade for a lacerated body vessel, while simultaneously allowing perfusion of fluid or blood flow distal of the implanted medical device. The tubular frame of the medical device can have a middle region with a plurality of members. The members can expand radially outward away from a longitudinal axis of the tubular frame, which can urge the sleeve to contact the wall of the body vessel. In the expanded configuration, a portion of the device allows fluid flow to continue while the sleeve is against the body vessel wall. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143852 | STORAGE AND LOADING SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Storage and loading systems for expandable intraluminal medical devices are described. The systems include a container that defines an opening that tapers from a relatively large first diameter to a relatively small second diameter. A neck region includes structure adapted to engage an outer sheath of a delivery system such that an intraluminal medical device within the chamber of the container can be advanced through the tapered opening to effect compression of the intraluminal medical device and, ultimately, loading of the device into the delivery system. Methods of preparing and intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143853 | AXIALLY-RADIALLY NESTED EXPANDABLE DEVICE - Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise an axially-radially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as translating and/or slide and lock. One advantage of the axially-radially nested stent is that it maintains the expanded size, without significant recoil. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143854 | Dilation and Stent Delivery System for Bifurcation Lesions - The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which tracks over two guidewires. One guidewire is disposed in each branch vessel of a bifurcation. The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which enables efficient and accurate stent deployment and dilatation of bifurcation lesions. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143855 | Medical Device Including Drug-Loaded Fibers - An endovascular or intraluminal stent comprising an expandable framework including a plurality of interconnected undulating or otherwise connected segments, and a plurality of fibers disposed on the expandable framework. At least a portion of the plurality of fibers is loaded with a therapeutic agent. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143856 | MEDICAL ARTICLES THAT STIMULATE ENDOTHELIAL CELL MIGRATION - A medical article that includes (a) an electronically conductive substrate having a specific conductivity of at least 1 μS/cm and (b) a galvanic couple that includes a first member and a second member arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to generate a localized electric field under physiological conditions. The first and second members are selected such that the galvanic couple exhibits an average plateau current density of at least 25 microamps/cm | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143857 | TAPERED LOADING SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Loading systems for compressing and loading an implantable medical device into a device chamber of a medical device delivery system are described. The loading systems include an elongate holding chamber within which the intraluminal medical device is disposed. A plunger has one or more attached pushers adapted to axially advance the intraluminal medical device through an intermediate portion of the holding chamber that has a tapered surface, which compresses the intraluminal medical device over a dilator of a medical device delivery system that has been introduced through the distal end of the elongate holding chamber. The elongate holding chamber can be placed within an outer storage container with an appropriate seal to for storage of the intraluminal medical device within the loading system. Methods of preparing an intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143858 | OPTICAL MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING THE REFRACTIVE INDEX - A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating select regions of the optical, polymeric material with a focused, visible or near-IR laser having a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ. The irradiation results in the formation of refractive optical structures, characterized by a change in refractive index, exhibit little or no scattering loss, and exhibit no significant differences in the Raman spectrum with respect to the non-irradiated optical, polymeric material. The method can be used to modify the refractive index of an intraocular lens following the surgical implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye. The invention is also directed to an optical device comprising refractive optical structures, wherein the refractive structures are characterized by a change in refractive index, exhibit little or no scattering loss, and exhibit no significant differences in the Raman spectrum with respect to the non-irradiated optical, polymeric material. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143859 | MAXIMUM SUPPORT TLIF IMPLANT - A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) implant to be placed in an intervertebral space includes a front member and a back member. The front member includes a first end having a hinge, a second end, a pair of lateral portions, a top wall and a bottom wall, an opening configured through the pair of lateral portions and a plurality of openings in each of the top wall and the bottom wall. The back member includes a first end having an arcuately-shaped attachment head comprising a receptor dimensioned and configured to accommodate the hinge of the front member, a second end, a pair of lateral portions, a top wall, a bottom wall and an opening configured through the pair of lateral portions. The top wall and the bottom wall of the back member further comprise a plurality of openings. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143860 | MODULAR LATERAL EXPANSION DEVICE - A modular lateral expansion device to be inserted into an intervertebral space. The modular lateral expansion device includes a first member and a second member. The first end and the second end comprise a first extension and a second extension respectively. The first extension and second extension outwardly protrude from the first member in a same direction and are positioned at an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first member. The second member comprises a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a plurality of outwardly extended arms and a first passage positioned between the plurality of outwardly extended arms. The first end of the second member is dimensioned and configured to couple to the first end of the first member. The second end comprises a second passage dimensioned and configured to accommodate the second extension of the first member. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143861 | Intervertebral spacer device having recessed notch pairs for manipulation using a surgical tool - Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143862 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BLOCKING AND/OR RETAINING A PROSTHETIC SPINAL IMPLANT - Devices for anchoring and/or blocking spinal implants in an intervertebral disc space are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention the device includes a rigid blocking member having one end unconnected and free to block a spinal implant, and another end attached to a securing member to secure the blocking member to the spine. Methods for using the inventive anchoring/blocking implants are also provided. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143863 | METHOD FOR DISC REGENERATION USING STEM CELL DERIVED CHONDROPROGENITORS - A method for restoring a degenerated intervertebral disc. The method includes preparing a material including embryonic stem cells, placing the material in the degenerated disc and causing the material to generate notochordal cells in the disc to regenerate the disc. Preparing the material includes differentiating the embryonic stem cells into chondroprogenitors. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143864 | Process for manufacturing a prosthetic joint - The application relates to a process for manufacturing a prosthetic joint with at least one loaded surface which consists at least partially of polyethylene, comprising compressing one or more layers of a woven fabric of drawn gel-spun polyethylene fibres into the desired shape in a hollow mould part using a plug at a pressure of at least 0.05 MPa and at a temperature of between 120 and 165° C. and below the crystalline melting point of the polyethylene at the prevailing temperature and pressure, without a matrix material being present, and at least the woven fabric in a layer situated on a loaded surface comprising at least 90 wt % of fibres with a titre of at most 1000 denier, and to a prosthetic joint with a crease-free surface. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143865 | METHOD AND ASSEMBLY OF A PYROLYTIC CARBON COMPONENT ATTACHED TO ANOTHER COMPONENT - A prosthetic assembly and a method of assembling same. The prosthetic assembly includes a base component with at least one engagement surface. A pyrolytic carbon component includes at least one engagement surface. The pyrolytic carbon component is elastically deformed to mechanically interlock with the engagement surface on the base component. The pyrolytic carbon component retains at least a portion of the deformation stress created during coupling with the base component. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143866 | Knee prosthesis with four degrees of freedom - Knee prosthesis for implanting in a knee joint has a femoral component, a tibial component and a hinge connecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The femoral component rotates around the transverse axis passing through center of the hinge and the center of rotation of the femoral component moves substantially along proximal-distal axis upon flexion of the knee joint. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143867 | Implants and Methods for Repair, Replacement and Treatment of Disease - Implants comprising cartilage and trabecular metal, and methods of making the implants are disclosed. Further disclosed are therapeutic uses of the implants, which include methods of treatment or repair of an chondral or osteochondral defect, such as a chondral or osteochondral injury, lesion or disease. An implant comprises cartilage or chondrocytes and a subchondral base comprising trabecular metal. An implant can comprise a geometric shape such as a cylinder or an anatomical shape such as a condyle, and can be used in conjunction with a positioning structure. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143868 | VACUUM BASED IMPRESSION AND ALIGNMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - A malleable bag connected to a one-way valve can be used to provide a prosthesis with an accurate impression of a residual limb and to perfect accurate static and dynamic alignment of the prosthesis on a patient. Methods and systems allow to rapidly and accurately capture an impression of a residual limb, including soft tissue compression due to the weight of the patient. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143869 | ANTI-SHOCK ARTIFICIAL KNEE JOINT STRUCTURE - An anti-shock artificial knee joint includes a pivot stop block forming a first pivot hole rotatably receiving therein a first pivot for bending the knee joint and a second pivot hole rotatably receiving a second pivot. A gap extending from the first pivot hole so that when the pivot stop block is subjected to an external force induced in the process of walking, the gap is reduced to secure the first pivot from rotation whereby the pivot stop block rotates about the second pivot to cause the pivot stop block to engage spring-biased pistons to thereby absorb the external force or the impact caused by the external force. The spring-biased pistons are provided with set screws to adjust the cushioning effect provided by the spring-biased pistons. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143870 | INSTRUMENTED PROSTHETIC FOOT - The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the ankle, at least one sensor for detecting changes in weight distribution along the foot, and an interface for transmitting signals from the sensor to the controller. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143871 | CONTROLLERS, OBSERVERS, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also apply to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection (ADRC) controllers. Parameterization simplifies the use of ADRC. A discrete extended state observer (DESO) and a generalized extended state observer (GESO) are described. They improve the performance of the ESO and therefore ADRC. A tracking control algorithm is also described that improves the performance of the ADRC controller. A general algorithm is described for applying ADRC to multi-input multi-output systems. Several specific applications of the control systems and processes are disclosed. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143872 | On-Line Adaptive Model Predictive Control in a Process Control System - A method of creating and using an adaptive DMC type or other MPC controller includes using a model switching technique to periodically determine a process model, such as a parameterized process model, for a process loop on-line during operation of the process. The method then uses the process model to generate an MPC control model and creates and downloads an MPC controller algorithm to an MPC controller based on the new control model while the MPC controller is operating on-line. This technique, which is generally applicable to single-loop MPC controllers and is particularly useful in MPC controllers with a control horizon of one or two, enables an MPC controller to be adapted during the normal operation of the process, so as to change the process model on which the MPC controller is based to thereby account for process changes. The adaptive MPC controller is not computationally expensive and can therefore be easily implemented within a distributed controller of a process control system, while providing the same or in some cases better control than a PID controller, especially in dead time dominant process loops, and in process loops that are subject to process model mismatch within the process time to steady state. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143873 | BATCH PROCESS MONITORING USING LOCAL MULTIVARIATE TRAJECTORIES - A system and method include determining a state of a batch process. Historical segments are retrieved from a historical database of trajectories of the batch process as a function of the state of the batch process. A model is created as a function of the retrieved historical segments. The model is used to provide state information about the batch process and may then be discarded. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143874 | System And Method For Optimizing Optical And Digital System Designs - A software product includes instructions stored on computer-readable media, that when executed by a computer, perform steps for optimizing an optical system design and a digital system design. The instructions are for simulating an optical model of the optical system design, simulating a digital model of the digital system design, analyzing simulated output of the optical model and simulated output of the digital model, to produce a score, modifying the optical model and the digital model, based upon the score, controlling re-execution of the instructions for simulating the optical model, the instructions for simulating the digital model, the instructions for analyzing and the instructions for modifying to produce an optimized optical model and an optimized digital model, and outputting predicted performance of the optimized optical and digital models. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143875 | ACTION EVALUATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - An action evaluation apparatus includes action detection unit which detects an action of a user, environmental load detection unit which detects a load on an environment which is caused by the action, first storage unit which stores identification information of the action and the detected load in correspondence with each other, overload action detection unit which detects a first action which has caused a load exceeding a threshold, load adjusting unit which adjusts the load which is caused by the first action and a load which is caused by a second action stored in the first storage, and second storage unit which stores the adjusted load in correspondence with the identification information of the action. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143876 | Method for limiting expansion of earthquake damage and system for limiting expansion of earthquake damage for use in semiconductor manufacturing apparatus - To predict occurrence of an earthquake so as to minimize damage by preventing an object to be processed from flying out of an opened container. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143877 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A PORTABLE USER DEVICE - The invention relates to a method of controlling a portable user device ( | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143878 | OPERATOR PROFILE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MACHINE - A control system for a machine has an input device operable to receive an input indicative of an operator profile and to generate a signal related to the operator profile. The control system also has a controller in communication with the machine and the input device. The controller is configured to receive the signal and to change at least one operating parameter of the machine in response to the signal. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143879 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH PARAMETER CLUSTERING - An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143880 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH CONTEXT SENSITIVE HELP SCREENS - An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143881 | DIGITAL MEDIA RECASTING - In one embodiment, a method of tagging content can include: accessing a frame of a digital media production; identifying an object for tagging within the frame; defining a metadata tag for the object; and storing the metadata tag in association with the identified object and the frame in the digital media production. In one embodiment, a method of substituting content can include: receiving tagged digital media in a controller; identifying an object for substitution by searching through objects and metadata tags in the tagged digital media; retrieving a substitute object using the controller; and re-rendering the tagged digital media to produce a customized digital media using the substitute object in place of the identified object. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143882 | Machine and Method for Caddying and Golf Instruction - The present invention relates to a machine and method used to capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate real-time relevant golf data specific to individual golfers: 1) during practice/lessons; or 2) for every shot on every hole of an entire recreational golf round; and 3) archive all such practice sessions or rounds during which the invention is in use. Additionally it could be used to support a foursome or an entire tournament for those participants using the invention. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143883 | DETERMINING A BOWLING GAME SCORE - Methods and systems for determining a bonus bowling score may include determining a speed with which bowling pins are knocked down by a player. The speed may correspond to a bonus score that may be used, in some configurations, to break ties. In one arrangement, a bowling game may determine a reference time at which a bowling ball crosses a predefined location in a bowling lane. A speed time may be determined based on when a last of the pins that have been knocked down has fallen. A bonus score may then be determined based on the difference between the speed time and the reference time. In one example, the smaller the difference (i.e., faster speeds), the higher the bonus score. Bonus scores might only be used in tie breaking situations. Alternatively, bonus scores may be used in regular scoring. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143884 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAMPLE RATE CONVERSION - Systems and methods are provided for converting input data streams having variable input sample rates to an output sample rate, which systems and methods are used in processing the data streams. In one embodiment, a system includes a clock source, a counter configured to count cycles for a corresponding data stream, and a data processor. The data processor is configured to read the number of cycles counted by the counter between received frame sync signals and to convert the first data stream to the predetermined output sample rate based on the corresponding number of cycles counted. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143885 | Orifice formation control system - An orifice formation system is provided. The system includes a manufacturing machine configured to form an orifice in a workpiece, a computed tomography x-ray machine configured to generate data based on geometry of the workpiece, and a computer in communication with the manufacturing machine and the computed tomography x-ray machine. The computer is configured to control the manufacturing machine based on the data generated by the computed tomography x-ray machine. A method of controlling formation of an orifice in a workpiece is also provided. The method includes acquiring computed tomography data about the workpiece, determining geometry of the workpiece based on the computed tomography data, and forming an orifice in the workpiece based on the determined geometry of the workpiece. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143886 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PORTIONING WORKPIECES TO USER-ENTERED SHAPE AND OTHER SPECIFICATIONS - A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, into both shape and other user-defined specification(s). Workpieces are portioned both to shape and weight, such as to a weight-specific uniform shape, by adjusting (e.g., scaling up and down or slightly modifying) a desired template shape until the desired weight is achieved depending on the varying thickness of each workpiece. For example, from a thicker workpiece, a smaller-sized piece having a predefined shape and weight is portioned, while from a thinner workpiece, a larger-sized piece having the same predefined shape and weight is portioned. The system permits a user to scan in and edit a desired (reference) shape to be used as a template in the portioning process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143887 | Dynamic Order Swapping in mass customization production environment - A method for addressing process variability in a build-to-order, mass customization production environment. The method includes receiving an order for a product having a particular configuration defined by the order, initiating a production order specifically assigned to the order, fabricating the product based upon the production order, determining if an unrelated product order contains an identical product item configuration and automatically swapping identical product items contained on unrelated production orders to optimize overall production process objectives. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143888 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCT PROJECTION ANALYSIS - Disclosed is a method and system for generating a projection result of a product quantity. The generation of the projection result involves generating a product group for the product quantity by extracting a first partial product group from an actual output and extracting a second partial product group from an actual input, generating the projected result for the product quantity by moving the product group from a first production phase to a second production phase and outputting the projected result for the product quantity. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143889 | Equipment operating status tracking system - An equipment operating status tracking system is provided, which may include a graphical user interface (GUI), a processor, and a computer-readable medium operatively coupled to the processor. The computer-readable medium may include a memory in which are stored instructions for receiving operating status data for at least one piece of equipment and automatically, initially categorizing any downtime in the operating status data as uncharacterized. The computer-readable medium may include instructions for displaying at least some of the operating status data, including the uncharacterized downtime, to a user authorized to characterize downtime. Further, the computer-readable medium may include instructions for receiving input from the authorized user to characterize the downtime by selecting from a plurality of characterization categories, each category being indicative of a different cause of downtime. In addition, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions for displaying the characterized downtime. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143890 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, PROGRAM, STORAGE MEDIUM AND CONDITIONING NECESSITY DETERMINING METHOD - A control unit of a substrate processing apparatus controls a process to be performed in a chamber. The process includes a step of performing a preceding first process; a step of performing a subsequent second process after performing the first process; a step of determining whether to perform an inter-process conditioning, for arranging the environment in the chamber, during a period between the end of the first process and the start of the second process, based on information on the first process and information on the second process; and a step of performing the inter-process conditioning prior to the second process when it is determined in the determining step that the inter-process conditioning is to be performed. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143891 | WIRE ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINE WITH DEFORMATION COMPENSATION ABILITY - A wire electrical discharge machine (WEDM) is disclosed, which comprises: a movable crane; a measure unit, mounted on the crane for measuring the deformation of the same; and a control unit, electrically connected to the measure unit and used for controlling the crane to move; wherein a lookup table describing the relation between the crane's deformation and position error is stored in the control unit, basing on which the control unit is able to perform a feedback displacement control on the crane with respect to its deformation. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143892 | Methods of monitoring acceptance criteria of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes - Methods of monitoring an acceptance criteria of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation and quality control on an integrated level whereby a pharmaceutical manufacturer can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143893 | INCREMENTAL ENCODER AND SERIALIZER - An apparatus and associated method directed to encoding data from an object in order to simultaneously identify a serialization value of the object from the data while incrementally tracking the object's position from the data. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143894 | BEVEL/BACKSIDE POLYMER REMOVING METHOD AND DEVICE, SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A bevel/backside polymer removing method removes multi-layered bevel/backside polymers adhering to a bevel surface and a backside of a target substrate. The multi-layered bevel/backside polymers include an inorganic layer and an organic layer. The bevel/backside polymer removing method includes mechanically destroying the multi-layered bevel/backside polymers and heating residues of the multi-layered bevel/backside polymers mechanically destroyed. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143895 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING SHEET-LIKE PRODUCTS TRANSPORTED BY CLAMPS - The invention relates to a first product ( | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143896 | Payload system with center of gravity compensation - The present disclosure is directed to a payload calculation system for use with a work implement having at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may have at least one state sensor configured to measure a state of the at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may also have a processing device in communication with the at least one state sensor. The processing device may account for changes in a center of gravity of each of the at least two linkage members. The processing device may also be configured to use the at least one state sensor to determine a mass of a payload moved by the work implement. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143897 | TIRE RACK, LOADING AND UNLOADING SYSTEMS AND METHOD - A tire loading apparatus and method of packing tires that includes placing the tires in a rack, compressing the tires, and assembling the rack are disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more conveyors, scanners, and robots that load tires from a conveyor to a rack. A tire unloading apparatus is also disclosed. The unloading apparatus includes a scissor mechanism to raise and/or lower tire racks to an unloading platform. The unloading apparatus additionally includes one or more unloaders and conveyors. The sorting and unloading of tires is accomplished with one or more automated conveyors, scanners, and storage structures for reading information from incoming tires and using the tire information to sort and store the tires. A rack to improve compression and support of tires during storage and shipment is also disclosed. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143898 | DETERMINING DISPOSITION OF UNDELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED MAIL - In some example, a computerized method includes sorting mail, wherein sorting mail for a mail piece comprises reading an encoded value located on the mail piece. Sorting the mail also includes decoding the encoded value to determine an identification of a class of the mail piece and an identification of a service type of the mail piece. Sorting the mail includes performing the following operation in response to determining that the mail piece is undeliverable as addressed: performing final disposition of the mail piece using at least one of the identification of the class of the mail piece or the identification of the service type of the mail piece derived from the encoded value, in response to a determination that the mail piece is an actual undeliverable as addressed mail piece. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143899 | Communication regarding aspects of a dispensed consumable composition - Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143900 | Reordering of Consumable Compositions - Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143901 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143902 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143903 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143904 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143905 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143906 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143907 | Robotic Positioning and Orientation Device and Needle Holder Comprising One Such Device - The invention relates to a robotic device for the positioning and orientation of a platform that is connected thereto by means of articulated support structures forming parallel mechanical links, each in the form of a serial kinematic chain of articulations that are interconnected by support segments. The inventive device ( | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143908 | Balancing device - A balancing device includes an active balancing mechanism. The active balancing mechanism maintains the balancing device in an actively balanced state within a range of the active balancing mechanism. An auxiliary balancing mechanism is configured to support the balancing device in an unbalanced state that is outside the range of the active balancing mechanism and aid a transition of the balancing device to the actively balanced state that is within the range of the active balancing mechanism. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143909 | NETWORK-BASED ROBOT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTION EXECUTION OF ROBOT - A network-based robot system includes an activity creating device creating activities in hierarchical structure, and a robot downloading the activity tree over a communication network and executing an activity selected in the activity tree. The activities describe action execution procedures to be run by the robot and are arranged in an activity tree. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143910 | INTELLIGENT PRINTING SYSTEM WITH DELIVERY ROBOTS FOR DELIVERING PRINTED DOCUMENTS AND METHOD THEREFOR - An intelligent printing system includes a printed document delivery robot for delivering printed documents. The robot identifies a location of each user PC requesting for printing based on a network address of the PC and establishes a print plan based on the print request. Upon completion of a printing job, the robot travels along a movement path having the shortest distance to each user PC who has requested for printing. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143911 | High throughput method of in transit wafer position correction in system using multiple robots - Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot, e.g. a dual side-by-side end effector robot, during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143912 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GRAPHICALLY ALLOCATING ROBOT'S WORKING SPACE - System and method for graphically allocating robot's working space are provided. The system includes an image extractor, a task-allocating server and a robot. A graphic user interface (GUI) of the task-allocating server includes a robot's working scene area, a space attribute allocating area and a robot's task area. Thus, a user assigns one certain space area in the robot's working scene area with a “wall” attribute, or another space area with a “charging station” attribute. Meanwhile, by using the GUI, the user directly assigns the robot to execute a specific task at a certain area. Hence, the user or remote controller facilitates the robot to provide safer and more effective service through his/her environment recognition. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143913 | IMAGE-BASED SELF-DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ROBOT - An image-based self-diagnosis apparatus and method for a robot determines the abnormality of a driving unit of a mobile robot by using a camera and reporting to the user in real time. The image-based self-diagnosis method may include: capturing a reference image at the current location and storing the captured reference image; capturing a comparison image after making at least one of linear moves and rotational moves by a preset amount, and storing the captured comparison image; and determining the abnormality of the mobile robot by comparing the stored reference image and the comparison image with each other. | 2009-06-04 |
| 20090143914 | SYSTEM FOR OPERATING MODES FOR AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH - Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush ( | 2009-06-04 |
