32nd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090198267 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOVASCULAR ANEURYSM TREATMENT - Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198268 | Nasal dilation apparatus - A device for dilating nasal passageways and improving nasal breathing capacity is disclosed. A curved resilient member having divergent first and second ends is provided. After pinching the ends of said resilient member toward one another, the first and second ends can be positioned in respective nostrils of a user's nose. In this position, the ends of said resilient member are outwardly biased against the nasal side walls, with such biasing force being sufficient to dilate the anterior portion of each nasal cavity by an amount sufficient to improve nasal breathing capacity. An adhesive strip is provided to affix the device to outer surface of the septum of a user's nose. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198269 | Device for the Removal of Thrombi From Blood Vessels - The invention relates to a device for the removal of foreign objects and thrombi from body cavities and blood vessels ( | 2009-08-06 |
20090198270 | Vein Filter - A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and having a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts and, a plurality of connecting struts extending at an angle from the elongated struts to form closed geometric shapes. The second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes vessel engaging hooks at the second end portion. The first region has a plurality of closed looped spacer struts extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the filter when the filter is in the expanded position. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198271 | ELECTRODE BASED FILTER - Apparatus is described including a filter, configured to be implanted in a blood vessel of a subject. An electrode is configured to be disposed in a vicinity of the blood vessel. A control unit breaks up matter that aggregates on the filter, by driving the electrode to drive a current into the blood vessel and configuring the signal to increase nitric oxide (NO) secretion by the wall. Other embodiments are also described. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198272 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ARTICULATING THE WRIST OF A LAPAROSCOPIC GRASPING INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument has a set of opposing jaws that can be articulated, both left and right, from centerline. The instrument has a proper bend radius and support for the jaw actuation member and cutter driving member. The bendable support for the drive members comprises tightly wound coil springs. Another embodiment of the invention controls the degree of articulation at the handle of the laparoscopic instrument. A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent motion of the wrist while the user performs other operations on the device. The locking mechanism also includes an indexing feature with which the user can index and choose the necessary amount of angle between preset angles. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198273 | Pedicle Screw - The present invention includes a pedicle screw made with a bone fastener and a rod coupling head, the rod coupling head comprising an upper rod coupling: the lower rod coupling having a lateral rod opening adapted to receive a permanent rod; an angled bore extends into the lateral rod opening; and a permanent rod fastener in the angled bore to engage a permanent rod in the lateral rod opening; and a upper rod coupling having an upper rod opening adapted to receive a temporary rod, wherein the upper rod opening is formed to receive a temporary rod fastener; wherein the upper rod coupling is detachable from the lower rod coupling at a transition and a temporary rod is temporarily affixed into the upper rod opening during a bone realignment and a permanent rod is positioned in the lateral rod opening and engaged by the permanent rod fastener upon final bone alignment. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198274 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RE-ATTACHING THE LABRUM OF A HIP JOINT - A system for securing soft tissue to bone, the system comprising:
| 2009-08-06 |
20090198275 | Pacifier and pacifier system - The invention relates generally to a pacifier, and more particularly, but without limitation, to a pacifier that is configured to activate one or more output devices based on whether a nipple of the pacifier is located in a baby's mouth. An embodiment of the invention provides a pacifier that includes: a hollow nipple; a sensor located within an interior space of the nipple; and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) located within the interior space of the nipple, the sensor configured to detect whether the nipple is located in a user's mouth, the pacifier configured to illuminate the LED based on the detected location of the nipple with respect to the user's mouth. Embodiments of the invention provide pacifiers that are configured to reward use, entice the baby to reinsert the pacifier when it has been dislodged, and/or alert a caretaker when the pacifier has been dislodged. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198276 | PELVIC BALANCER - A pelvic balancer is disclosed. The pelvic balancer includes a first correction part to support any one of user's left and right pelvic bones placed thereon, a second correction part to support the other one of the user's left and right pelvic bones placed thereon, and a central shaft connected with the first correction part and the second correction part so that the first correction part and the second correction part can rotate. Accordingly, pelvis correction can be achieved by setting a dislocated pelvis to a normal position only by using a user's weight without application of a physical pressing force. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198277 | BONE TISSUE FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD - Systems, methods, and kits incorporating a clamp for securing to bone tissue. The clamp includes gripping members to secure the clamp to the bone tissue without the use of screws. The clamp may be used to treat spinal conditions, and may be secured to the spinous process of vertebrae. Systems, methods and kits can incorporate a fusion member configured to fuse between adjacent spinous processes. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198278 | SPINOUS PROCESS SPACER - To provide a spinous process spacer that can be stably inserted and fixed between split faces of a split spinous process in a gapless manner, without made-to-order production for each patient. There is provided a spinous process spacer ( | 2009-08-06 |
20090198279 | Spinal Rod Link Reducer - The present invention includes a rod link reducer of a spinal fixation system that includes a first and a second spinal rod manipulator; a first spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the first spinal rod manipulator and a second spinal rod manipulator joint connected to the second spinal rod manipulator; a first and a second translatable transverse shaft connected to the first and second joints, respectively; and a universal reducer connected to both the first and second translatable transverse shafts, wherein the universal reducer, the shafts and the linkers provide movement and temporary fixation of a spine that has been manipulated into a final position during spinal surgery. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198280 | Assembly for Orthopaedic Surgery - An assembly for connecting a support element to a bone. The assembly comprises: a bone screw having a head at one end of a threaded shaft; and a clamp comprising: a base at a first end of the clamp delimiting an opening for receiving the head of the bone screw; and at least two side members extending from the base towards a second end of the clamp. The head of the bone screw and the clamp are configured to allow the head of the bone screw to be inserted into the base from the direction of the first end at a first orientation of the base to the bone screw, and to retain an inserted bone screw within the base at a second orientation of the base relative to the bone screw. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198281 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSERTION OF FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION ELEMENT - A method of inserting a spinal stabilization system into a patient generally comprises inserting a first positioning tool through a first location on a patient's skin and along a path generally toward a first vertebral anchor, coupling an end of the first positioning tool to the first vertebral anchor, positioning at least a portion of a delivery device over a connecting element, and inserting the delivery device and the connecting element through the patient's skin at the first location and along at least a portion of the first positioning tool. The first positioning tool is configured to facilitate directing the delivery device and connecting element generally toward a second vertebral anchor within the patient's body. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198282 | SPINAL IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING SPINAL FLEXION - A spinal implant system for restricting flexion of a spine includes an elongate band proportioned to engage at least two spinous processes. During use, the band is positioned engaging the spinous processes at a spinal segment of interest, where it restricts flexion at the segment. The length and tension of the band may be adjustable following to implantation using percutaneous or transcutaneous means. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198283 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VASCULAR PROTECTION IN SPINAL SURGERY - Methods and apparatus provide for: coupling an elongate guide substantially at a first end to at least one vertebral body of a spinal column of a patient; and extending a second end of the guide to a structure of the patient spaced in an anterior direction away from the at least one vertebral body towards an entry incision. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198284 | Hybrid plate system and method - A bone plate system is disclosed which includes a bone plate having at least one plate hole, at least one pin adapted to be disposed in the at least one plate hole, and a polymer component disposed between the at least one pin and the bone plate. The polymer component includes a polymer that may be melted through the application of ultrasonic energy. The at least one pin is constructed of a material that will not melt under such application of ultrasonic energy. The re-solidified polymer component creates a bond between the at least one pin and the bone plate to provide a more rigid and secure mating therebetween, and to at least substantially prevent backout of the at least one pin with respect to the bone plate. A method of implanting the bone plate system is also disclosed. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198285 | SUBCONDYLAR FRACTURE FIXATION PLATE SYSTEM FOR TUBULAR BONES OF THE HAND - A medical implant plate including at least two sets of apertures through an elongated shaft body to individually accommodate and orient set screws or pegs at various angles that may be selected depending on application, i.e., the apertures don't have fixed angled, but allow for a range of angles. Once the screw has been locked, the device becomes a fixed angled device. The screws or pegs laterally spaced relative to each other to resist torsion and to secure the plate against dislodgement. The body also includes a flared-end portion that accommodates and extends partially onto a metaphysis of a tubular bone of the hand while maintaining a low-profile to avoid soft-tissue irritation. The flared-end portion that extends on to the metaphysis does NOT have holes for screws but serves as a buttress. Screws that extend into the metaphysis come from the three holes located along the slightly angled portion of the plate. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198286 | BONE FRACTURE FIXATION SYSTEM - A bone fracture fixation system comprising a metallic bone plate having a first composition comprising titanium or a titanium alloy and an opening for receiving a metallic fastener that has a second composition comprising titanium, a titanium alloy, or a stainless steel, and is sized to be received in the opening, and a cold-sprayed metallic coating either within the opening or on the metallic fastener is provided. The cold-sprayed metallic coating comprises a biocompatible metallic material having a third composition different than the first and second compositions. When the metallic fastener is inserted into the opening to stabilize a bone fracture, the cold-sprayed metallic coating may substantially prevent bonding or one or more types of corrosion between the metallic fastener and the metallic bone plate. In another embodiment, the cold-sprayed metallic coating comprises at least one of a cobalt-chrome alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver or a silver alloy. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198287 | BONE FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A device for flexibly connecting bones, and a method of using the device for repairing a syndesmotic joint of an ankle are disclosed. The connector has, spaced sequentially, a first portion, a central portion and a second portion, and the portions define a longitudinally extending axis. The method comprises securing the first portion of the connector to a tibia of a patient proximate the syndesmotic joint, securing the second portion of the connector to a fibula of the patient proximate the syndesmotic joint, and, positioning at least a portion of the central portion having increased flexibility in the syndesmotic space. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198288 | SELF-TAPPING BIOCOMPATIBLE INTERFERENCE BONE SCREW - A biocompatible interference screw for soft tissue or bone-to-bone fixation comprises a screw body extending from a screw head to a distal tip of the screw. The screw body has an outer surface, and comprises polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) material. Advantageously, the body outer surface has a textured surface finish for substantially improving pull-out strength of the interference screw. The textured surface finish is textured, in preferred embodiments, with a minimum of approximately 16 micro inches of surface roughness. The screw head comprises a tapered square keyhole for receiving a distal end of a driver instrument. The screw comprises a series of threads, which have a relatively smooth profile, in order to prevent graft tissue laceration as the screw is being inserted. The distal tip of the screw body comprises a narrow tip, and a distal end of the screw body is angled inwardly toward the narrow distal tip. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198289 | Fortified cannulated screw - A cannulated screw is provided having internal threads in a lumen to accommodate a fortifying screw. The fortifying screw is screwed into the threads in the lumen of the cannulated screw after the cannulated screw has been accurately placed in the bone by following a guide pin or guide wire to the desired location is as is commonly done with cannulated screws. The fortifying screw fortifies the cannulated screw and gives it strength approximately equal to that of a solid screw. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198290 | Non-Clamping Fastening Mechanism With Anti-Splay Feature - A device for attaching an elongate support member to the spinal column includes a head portion and a fastening member. The head portion may have a U-shaped portion defining a transverse passage therethrough. The passage may be sized to receive a portion of the elongate support member. The head portion may have an opening between a pair of spaced apart arm portions, the arm portions having end surfaces and having inwardly facing threads. The device also may include a fastening member comprising a body portion having threads sized to interface with inwardly facing threads on the head portion, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The fastening member also may include a flange portion adjacent the body portion. The flange portion may extend outwardly about the longitudinal axis to define a circular flange perimeter. The flange portion may include a transversely extending protruding portion and an angled protruding portion. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198291 | BONE SCREW - A bone screw and method of inserting a bone screw into a bone is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes a tip segment for creating a starter hole in the bone. A pilot segment is located proximally of the tip segment for creating a pilot hole in the bone after creation of the starter hole. The starter hole and pilot hole are created by a longitudinal pushing force exerted on the bone screw by the surgeon. A threaded segment is located proximally of the pilot segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone by the use of a rotational force exerted on the bone screw by the surgeon. A head is located proximally of the threaded segment for allowing the bone screw to affix an implant or other soft tissue to the bone. In one embodiment the implant is a plate. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198292 | Wire fixation device - A wire fixation device for fixing a tensioned wire or a pin to a medical device has a wire post having a head portion with an opening having a predetermined longitudinal axis for reception of a wire or pin. The wire post has a neck portion for being in engagement with an opening of the medical device. A locking element is adapted to be introduced into opening having an opening with inclined sections that are inclined to the longitudinal axis. A clamping cone abuts on an abutment element. The clamping cone has a clamping opening to accommodate a wire and has inclined outer surfaces that are inclined to the longitudinal axis and which are encompassed with the conical section of the locking element. Upon an axial displacement of the locking element relative to the clamping cone a radial force is exerted onto the clamping cone leading to a reduction of the diameter of the clamping opening such that if a wire or a pin is received in the clamping opening a radial force results onto the wire or the pin. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198293 | Microtransponder Array for Implant - A wireless microtransponder array constructed as a single structure of joined microtransponders. The microtransponders can be configured as a linear array strip with connective material in between. The microtransponders can also be entirely embedded within a strip of material, or joined by a single, common substrate structure. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198294 | BAROREFLEX ACTIVATION FOR ARRHYTHMIA TREATMENT - Devices, systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to prevent, or at least reduce the likelihood of occurrence of, cardiac arrhythmias. Various embodiments may additionally or alternatively promote recovery from arrhythmias. In one embodiment, a device for preventing or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of arrhythmias includes one or more baroreflex activation devices, one or more sensors coupled to the baroreflex activation device(s), and a processor for processing information from the sensor and activating and/or modulation the baroreflex activation device. Sensors, such as electrocardiogram devices, generally sense factors indicative of a potential, ensuing arrhythmia. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198295 | Intravascular Medical Device - An implantable medical device is configured so that all of the major components including a housing and attached leads are disposed within the vasculature of a patient. A tether extends from the housing of the device to an implant location where the tether is secured to tissue outside of the vasculature. In this manner, an intravascular medical device may be implanted at a location remote from final placement, delivered via the vasculature and anchored at the initial entry point. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198296 | Adaptive Shock Delivery in an Implantable Cardiac Stimulus Device - Methods and devices that are configured to deliver cardiac stimuli in a particular fashion. In an illustrative embodiment, a method is used wherein a first stimulus is delivered using a first polarity, and, if the first stimulus fails to successfully convert an arrhythmia, a second stimulus having a second polarity that is different from or opposite of the first polarity is then delivered. Subsequent stimuli, if needed, are delivered in a continuing alternating-polarity manner. The first polarity may be determined by observing whether successfully-converting stimulus has been delivered previously and, if so, the polarity of the most recent stimulus that resulted in successful conversion is used as the first polarity. In additional embodiments, electrode configuration may be changed instead of or in addition to polarity, following unsuccessful stimulus delivery. Devices configured to perform such methods are included in additional illustrative embodiments. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198297 | TRANSEPTAL LEAD - A lead includes a lead body and an electrode disposed proximate a distal end of the lead body. A retaining member is disposed proximate the distal end of the lead and adapted to retain the electrode proximate an interatrial septum when the retaining member is located on a left atrial side of the interatrial septum. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198298 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE IN SELECTING CARDIAC PACING SITES - A method and system for use in selecting a cardiac pacing site includes sensors for tracking wall motion (e.g., sensors coupled to the right and left ventricular heart wall). The wall motion of one or more non-paced cardiac cycles is compared to the wall motion of one or more paced cardiac cycles to determine the effectiveness of one or more pacing sites. For example, image data may be generated to notify the user as to the effectiveness of the one or more pacing sites. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198299 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING VENTRICULAR SYNCHRONY DURING DDD RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY USING ADJUSTABLE ATRIO-VENTRICULAR DELAYS - A pacing system for providing optimal hemodynamic cardiac function for parameters such as ventricular synchrony or contractility (peak left ventricle pressure change during systole or LV+dp/dt), or stroke volume (aortic pulse pressure) using system for calculating atrio-ventricular delays for optimal timing of a ventricular pacing pulse. The system providing an option for near optimal pacing of multiple hemodynamic parameters. The system deriving the proper timing using electrical or mechanical events having a predictable relationship with an optimal ventricular pacing timing signal. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198300 | System for Characterizing Patient Tissue Impedance for Monitoring and Treatment - A system provides early prediction of heart tissue malfunction and electrophysiological pathology by determining anatomical tissue impedance characteristics for use in medical patient monitoring and treatment decision making. At least one repository of data indicates multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges for corresponding multiple impedance measurements taken at multiple particular different sites of at least one anatomical organ. An impedance measurement processor automatically determines whether multiple measured impedance values taken at multiple particular different sites of an anatomical organ using an invasive catheter are within corresponding multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges derived from the at least one repository. An output processor automatically communicates data comprising at least one message to a destination. The at least one message includes data indicating whether the multiple measured impedance values taken at the multiple particular different sites of the anatomical organ are within the corresponding multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198301 | Automatic Capture Verification using Electrocardiograms Sensed from Multiple Implanted Electrodes - Cardiac monitoring and/or stimulation methods and systems that provide one or more of monitoring, diagnosing, defibrillation, and pacing. Cardiac signal separation is employed for automatic capture verification using cardiac activation sequence information. Devices and methods sense composite cardiac signals using implantable electrodes. A source separation is performed using the composite signals. One or more signal vectors are produced that are associated with all or a portion of one or more cardiac activation sequences based on the source separation. A cardiac response to the pacing pulses is classified using characteristics associated with cardiac signal vectors and the signals associated with the vectors. Further embodiments may involve classifying the cardiac response as capture or non-capture, fusion or intrinsic cardiac activity. The characteristics may include an angle or an angle change of the cardiac signal vectors, such as a predetermined range of angles of the one or more cardiac signal vectors. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198302 | MEASUREMENT OF PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - A method of determining one or more physiological parameter of a patient by providing a plurality of implantable electrodes proximate a blood vessel of the patient, applying a measurement signal through the plurality of electrodes, the measurement signal having a known parameter, obtaining a resultant signal through the plurality of electrodes, the resultant signal having a resultant parameter, calculating vascular impedance based on the measurement signal and the resultant signal, and calculating a physiological parameter based on the vascular impedance. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is utilized to modify a therapy signal controlling therapy delivered to the patient. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198303 | METHOD FOR MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL CYCLES OF A PATIENT TO OPTIMIZE PATIENT THERAPY - Improved methods for obtaining physiological parameters of a patient in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention can be used to monitor patient status and/or in conjunction with patient therapy. Physiological parameters can be monitored with an implantable device including a first lead and a second lead. Physiological parameters can be measured along at least three distinct vectors defined by the first lead and second lead, the first lead and an electrode located on the device body, and the second lead an the electrode. An output indicative of the physiological parameter can then be provided. Therapy, such as baroreflex therapy, can optionally be optimized based on the physiological measurements. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198304 | DIVISION APPROXIMATION FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Methods and devices for performing division approximation in implantable and wearable self-powered medical devices. The present invention provides rapid methods for performing an approximation of division on fixed point numbers, where the methods are easily implemented in small, low power consumption devices as may be found in implantable medical devices. One example of use is in rapidly determining the approximate ratio between foreground and background activity in seizure detection algorithms. Some methods approximate the ratio of Numerator (N) to Denominator (D) by raising 2 to the power of the difference in the number of zeros to the left of the Most Significant Set Bit (MSSB) of D vs. N. Some methods may also pad bits to the right of the approximate ratio MSSB using bits from the right of the N MSSB, and/or pre-process the smaller of D or N by rounding the value upward. Methods may be implemented in firmware and/or in discrete logic. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198305 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL THERAPEUTIC DEVICE - An apparatus and method for locating therapeutically active points and applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation thereto are disclosed. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198306 | AUTOMATED PROGRAMMING OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ELECTRODES USING POST-IMPLANT IMAGING - In general, the disclosure is related to characterization of implanted electrical stimulation electrode arrays using post-implant imaging. The electrode arrays may be carried by implanted leads. Characterization of implanted electrode arrays may include identification of the type or types of leads implanted within a patient and/or determination of positions of the implanted leads or electrodes carried by the leads relative to one another or relative to anatomical structures within the patient. In addition, the disclosure relates to techniques for specifying or modifying patient therapy parameters based on the characterization of the implanted electrode arrays. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198307 | DIRECT INDUCTIVE/ACOUSTIC CONVERTER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Systems and methods for communicating with or powering implantable medical devices using a direct inductive/acoustic telemetry link are disclosed. An illustrative system includes an interrogator device located outside of the patient's body, an implantable medical device including an energy translator circuit adapted to convert inductive or RF signals received from the interrogator device into an acoustic signal for driving an acoustic transducer, and a remote device adapted to sense one or more parameters within the body. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198308 | INTRA-AORTIC ELECTRICAL COUNTERPULSATION - In some embodiments of the present invention, apparatus is provided, including a sensing electrode configured to be implanted at a non-cardiac site in a vicinity of an aorta of a subject and to detect an electrical parameter of the aorta, and a control unit configured to receive the detected parameter and to generate an output in response to the detected parameter. Additional embodiments are also described. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198309 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL THERAPY - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for thermal therapy, especially to detection-guided, -controlled, and temperature-modulated interstitial thermal therapy. Thermal therapy may be used to treat the tissues of a patient. In the case of interstitial thermal therapy, energy is applied to generate heating of the tissue to affect treatment, such as, for example, thermally inducing tissue damage (e.g. thermally-induced tissue necrosis), which may be useful in treating tumors and/or other diseased tissues. Since targets for thermal therapy are internal to the patient, the use of detection guidance may be useful in locating and monitoring treatment of a target tissue. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198310 | BODY WARM-KEEPING APPARATUS FOR KEEPING THE CORE TEMPERATURE OF A HUMAN BODY DURING AN X-RAY EXAMINATION - A body warm-keeping apparatus for keeping the core temperature of a human body during an X-ray examination is disclosed to include an apparatus body providing a platform for supporting an object to receive an X-ray examination, a heater device or a number of heater devices that allow penetration of X-rays therethrough and are arranged at the platform for the contact of the object to keep the object warm, one or a number of accommodation compartments disposed at one side relative to the platform, said platform defining a radiation region corresponding to an X-ray radiation path, said at least one accommodation compartment being disposed in said X-ray radiation path, said at least one accommodation compartment being adapted for accommodating a photographic receptor adapted for producing a shadow image of the internal structure of a part of the object being X-rayed. The space-saving arrangement of the heater device(s) facilitates design and fabrication of the body warm-keeping apparatus. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198311 | COOLING BLANKET - The invention provides a cooling blanket useful for lowering the body temperature of a mammal, such as a human. The cooling blanket may be particularly useful when used in connection with a deleterious cardiac event, such as myocardial infarction. The cooling blanket is activated when reagents, such as ammonium nitrate, urea, and/or water, are placed in contact with one another; thereby producing an endothermic reaction. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198312 | LEAD WITH LEAD STIFFENER FOR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead to couple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumen defined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towards the distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximal end of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198313 | MULTIPOLAR GUIDE WIRE AND ELECTRODE LINE - Electrode arrangement for an electrical stimulation device, having electrode line ( | 2009-08-06 |
20090198314 | LEAD WITH MRI COMPATIBLE DESIGN FEATURES - Implantable medical leads with magnetic shielding and methods of shielding implantable leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are disclosed. An exemplary implantable medical lead includes a helically coiled inner electrode conductor wire, a helically coiled outer electrode conductor wire disposed radially about the inner electrode conductor wire, and at least one layer of insulation that electrically isolates the inner and outer electrode conductor wires. The inner electrode conductor wire can have a hollowed, multifilar configuration including six or more co-radially wound wire filars. The outer electrode conductor wire is electrically isolated from the inner electrode conductor wire, and may have either a single or double filar configuration. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198315 | Vascular Stents, Methods of Use and Methods of Manufacture - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to medical implants/stents, systems, and methods of treatment using such stents. Some embodiments of the invention include a self-expanding stent having a tubular first wall structure of a first diameter, where each end portion of the first wall structure is formed into a second wall structure of a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A membrane covers at least the first wall structure and the stent includes an interlaced, helicoidally wound wire forming a mesh-like structure. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198316 | Delivery Systems and Methods of Implantation for Prosthetic Heart Valves - A method of deploying an implantable stented device in an anatomical location of a patient, including the steps of providing a delivery system with first and second stent engagement structures at its distal end, attaching a first structural element of the stented device to the first stent engagement structure and attaching a second structural element of the stented device to the second stent engagement structure, advancing the stented device to an implantation site, and sequentially disengaging the first structural element of the stented device from the first stent engagement structure of the delivery system and then disengaging the second structural element of the stented device from the second stent engagement structure. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198317 | Stent Delivery and Deployment System - A stent delivery and deployment system for placement of vascular stents having apertures therein for deployment at intersecting blood vessels. The device employs a guide wire having an angled distal end which is threaded into position at the intersection of a first blood vessel and second blood vessel. With the angled portion of the guide wire threaded into the intersecting blood vessel, the stent may be translated along the guide wire to easily position the aperture in line with the intersecting blood vessel. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198318 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING AND DEPLOYING AN OCCLUDING DEVICE WITHIN A VESSEL - A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198319 | Assembly for the Treatment of Bifurcations - A stent for the endoluminal treatment of stenosis at a vessel bifurcation comprises at least two cylindrical portions extending along different axes. A catheter and a mandrel for placing the stent are described as well. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198320 | IMPLANT WITH A BASE BODY OF A BIOCORRODIBLE IRON ALLOY - An implant having a base body comprising entirely or in part a biocorrodible iron alloy wherein the base body of the implant comprises at least one of the following: (i) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula (1): Fe—P where the amount of P in the alloy is from 0.01 to 5 wt %, and Fe plus impurities due to the production process account for the remainder of the alloy up to 100 wt %; or (ii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of the formula (2): Fe—Mn—X where the amount of Mn in the alloy is from 5 to 30 wt %, X stands for one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Re, Ru and Os, and the amount of X in the alloy is from 0 to 20 wt % and Fe plus impurities due to the production process account for the remainder of the alloy up to 100 wt %; or (iii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula (3): Fe-Z where Z is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ir and Os and the amount of Z in the alloy is from 5 to 30 wt %, and Fe plus impurities due to the production process account for the remainder of the alloy up to 100 wt %. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198321 | Drug-Coated Medical Devices for Differential Drug Release - The embodiments described herein relate generally to medical devices that are useful for delivering one or more therapeutic agents to a body tissue of a subject, and methods for making and using such devices. In particular, the embodiments relate to a medical device such as a stent having a sidewall structure comprising a plurality of struts, in which one or more therapeutic agents are released from different surfaces of the struts at different release profiles. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a stent having a sidewall structure comprising a plurality of struts, in which the two side surfaces of each strut are coated with a coating composition that is different from the coating composition used to coat the outer surface and/or inner surface of the strut. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198322 | Methods And Apparatus For Cardiac Valve Repair - The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198323 | Prosthetic Heart Valve System - A prosthetic heart valve system including a prosthetic heart valve and a deflection device. The deflection device includes a line and a connector assembly including a tensioning component. The line interconnects and passes through free ends of stent posts associated with the heart valve, and is further connected to the tensioning component. The tensioning component is transitionable to a tensioning state in which the line is tensioned to inwardly deflect the stent posts. In this regard, the tensioning component is self-locking relative to the line in the tensioning state, and an entirety of the line extending distal the tensioning device does not extend beyond a stent portion of the heart valve opposite the stent posts. In a preferred embodiment, a holder body is further included, coupled to the heart valve apart from the deflection device. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198324 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF CARDIAC VALVES - Disclosed are methods for treatment of cardiac valve including augmenting a cardiac leaflet with the help of a ring associated with a membrane. Also disclosed are methods for treatment of cardiac valves including augmenting the tissue surrounding a cardiac valve, for example with the help of a tubular or annular implant, allowing relocation of the valve. In embodiments, the methods of the present invention improve leaflet coaptation, which in embodiments is useful for treating conditions such as ischemic mitral regurgitation. Also disclosed are devices useful for implementing the methods of the present invention. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198325 | Corneal Inlay Design and Methods of Correcting Vision - Methods of designing corneal implants, such as inlays, to compensate for a corneal response, such as epithelial remodeling of the epithelial layer, to the presence of the implant. Additionally, methods of performing alternative corneal vision correction procedures to compensate for an epithelial response to the procedure. Methods of compensating for a corneal response when performing a vision correction procedure to create a center near region of the cornea for near vision while providing distance vision peripheral to the central near zone. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198326 | ACCOMMODATIVE INTRAOCULAR LENS SYSTEM - An accommodative intraocular lens system for treating presbyopic is disclosed. The system includes a first lens having negative optic power adapted for placement in the posterior chamber of the eye and capable of moving forward and back along the optic axis; and a second lens having a positive optic power which is implanted within the capsular bag. The second lens can be the natural crystalline lens of the eye. The position of the first lens, forward or back relative to the second lens, focuses the eye for seeing distant or close-in objects. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198327 | OPHTHALMIC AND OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL DEVICE MATERIALS - Disclosed are soft, high refractive index device materials having improved strength. The materials contain a polystyrene macromer. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198328 | BREAST IMPLANT WITH ADJUSTABLE COMPRESSION RESPONSE - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198329 | BREAST IMPLANT WITH INTERNAL FLOW DAMPENING - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198330 | COMPRESSIBLE COSMETIC PROSTHESIS WITH IMPROVED SHAPE RETENTION - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198331 | IMPLANTABLE PROSTHESIS WITH OPEN CELL FLOW REGULATION - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198332 | METHOD FOR TEXTURING THE SURFACE OF A SYNTHETIC IMPLANT - A method for texturing the surface of a breast implant includes the step of partially impregnating a silicone outer surface of the implant with particles of a biologically active material such as acellular dermis of human or animal origin impregnated with hyaluronic acid. The biologically active material promotes tissue ingrowth into a plurality of cavities filled with a biologically active material. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198333 | METHOD FOR TEXTURING THE SURFACE OF A SYNTHETIC IMPLANT - A method for texturing the surface of a breast implant includes the step of partially impregnating a silicone outer surface of the implant with particles of a biologically active material such as acellular dermis of human or animal origin impregnated with hyaluronic acid. The biologically active material promotes tissue ingrowth into a plurality of cavities filled with a biologically active material. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198334 | Ossicular Prosthesis Having Helical Coil - An ossicular prosthesis includes a proximal end provided with an open conically helical coil for engaging a first ossicular structure, and a distal bell head, piston, or shoe for engaging a second ossicular structure. A connecting element extends therebetween the two to hold the helical coil structure which engages the second ossicular engagement structure in a preferably fixed relationship. The helical coil defines a plurality of spaced apart adjacent windings, with open spaces between the windings. Each adjacent winding decreases in diameter from the proximal to distal end. The windings of the coil may be adjusted relative to each other in length or angle to fit the anatomy. Embodiments of the prosthesis are provided for use as a PORP and a TORP. In accord with a one method of use, the helical coil and optionally other portions of the prosthesis function as an armature or endoskeleton. A cement is provided over the prosthesis to reconstruct the eroded or missing ossicles. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198335 | INFRA-ORBITAL IMPLANT - An infra-orbital implant is provided for surgically altering the appearance of an infra-orbital region of an associated human eye. The implant includes a body made from a biocompatible material adapted for use with human tissue. The body includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The anterior surface of the body includes a skin tone correction surface. The skin tone correction surface of the infra-orbital implant cooperates with the overlying skin to correct a skin tone of the infra-orbital region when the implant is introduced beneath the skin portion of the infra-orbital region of the associated human eye. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198336 | CELL CO-CULTURE FOR HAIR FOLLICLE PRODUCTION - This invention relates to methods of producing hair folliclesin vitro, compositions for producing hair follicles in vitro, in vitro produced hair follicles, methods of providing an in vitro produced hair shaft at an interfollicular or intrafollicular site, methods of treating hair loss by providing an in vitro produced hair shaft at an interfollicular or intrafollicular site and assays for studying the effect of test agents on hair biology. The invention also provides the similar methods and products which are, or use, immature follicles (“defined herein as proto-hairs”). The invention provides a method for in vitro production of a hair follicle or a proto-hair comprising co-culturing dermal papilla cells with keratinocytes, and optionally with melanocytes. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198337 | MEDICAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - An apparatus includes a spacer, a proximal retention member, a distal retention member, and an actuator. The spacer is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes. The proximal retention member is coupled to the spacer such that a portion of the proximal retention member is in contact with a proximal surface of the spacer. An axis within a plane defined by a first surface of the distal retention member is non-parallel to and non-normal to a longitudinal axis of the spacer. The distal retention member is movably coupled to the spacer such that a second surface of the distal retention member contacts a distal surface of the spacer. The actuator is movably coupled to the spacer and is configured to move relative to the spacer along the longitudinal axis. An actuation surface of the actuator is slidably coupled to and substantially parallel to the first surface of the distal retention member. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198338 | MEDICAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - An apparatus includes a spacer and an actuator. The spacer has a first spacer member configured to engage an endplate of a first vertebra and a second spacer member configured to engage an endplate of a second vertebra. The actuator has a first actuator member and a second actuator member coupled to the first actuator member. Each of the first actuator member and the second actuator member is matingly and movably coupled to the first spacer member and the second spacer member. The actuator is configured to move the spacer between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first spacer member is in contact with the second spacer member when the spacer is in the first configuration. The first spacer member is spaced apart from the second spacer member by a non-zero distance when the spacer is in the second configuration. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198339 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPINAL FUSION - An implantable intervertebral fusion cage including a removable means for retaining material inside of the cage during implantation. Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward an implantable intervertebral fusion cage that includes at least one removable shield or veneer that is capable of retaining a surgically useful material, such as a spinal fusion-inducing material, inside of the fusion cage during implantation and/or until the shield or veneer is removed. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198340 | FEMORAL COMPONENT OF KNEE PROSTHESIS, THE FEMORAL COMPONENT HAVING ANTERIOR/POSTERIOR CLAW(S) FOR DIGGING INTO BONE AND/OR A RAISED RIB WITH A BULBOUS TERMINUS - One embodiment of the present invention provides a femoral component of a knee prosthesis, wherein the femoral component includes a sharp radius at each end (e.g., the anterior end and the posterior end) of the femoral component. The sharp radius at each end may form a “claw” at each end. Each of these claws may “dig” through the patient's cartilage into the bone (or may “dig” directly into bone if there is no intervening cartilage). Enhanced fixation may be achieved with the claws “digging” and fixing into the bone as well as the claws providing additional cement pressurization (e.g., with the claws in the bone, cement is less likely to escape by the anterior and posterior ends). Further, one benefit provided by a claw may be facilitating a smooth transition of cartilage/poly bearing to femoral implant/poly bearing (e.g., during knee extension). Another embodiment of the present invention provides a femoral component of a knee prosthesis, wherein the femoral component includes a raised rib having a bulbous terminus at a free edge. This raised rib having a bulbous terminus at a free edge may, for example, simultaneously create sufficient implant strength and adequate cement fixation while minimizing the component's thickness (e.g., in order to minimize the amount of bone that must be removed to fit a unicompartmental femoral component that is used for patients who have early stage arthritis). Accomplishing all three attributes (i.e. strength, cement fixation and minimal size) simultaneously has typically been difficult because these are competing objectives. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198341 | BONE PROSTHESIS - A partial bone prosthesis and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The partial bone prosthesis can be configured for use, for example, on the superior side of the talus or an end of a long bone, such as the tibia. The partial bone prosthesis can anchor to the perimeter of the contact patch between the bone and the prosthesis. For example, the prosthesis can be attached to the talus without drilling holes through the talus, preserving structural integrity and blood flow within the talus. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198342 | AMPUTATION STABILIZATION DEVICE - The present invention extends to a stemmed amputation implant. In some embodiments, a dual stemmed implant includes a base plate and two intramedullary rods extending from the proximal side of the base plate. The two intramedullary rods are configured for insertion into corresponding intramedullary bone canals reamed into remaining portions of amputated bones, such as, for example, a tibia and fibula or an ulna and radius. The position of the intramedullary rods relative to one another is configured to maintain appropriate separation between amputated bones when the first intramedullary rod and the second intramedullary rod are inserted into the amputated bones. In some embodiments, a hollow tube replaces one or more of the intramedullary rods. A hollow tube can be configured to cover the exterior of a bone, such as, for example, the fibula, when the bone is not stable enough for intramedullary fixation. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198343 | Coated articles - A metallic biomedical article, preferably an orthopaedic implant, instrument or tool, for use in contact with internal human body tissue, having a first silver containing metal nitride coating thereon, and process for making the same, is provided. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198344 | Metal Implants - An implant with a metal structure for use in a surgical procedure, in which at a region of the implant to be in contact with bone the metal structure is provided with a roughened surface. The roughened region is then provided with a ceramic coating comprising hydroxyapatite by a thermal spraying process. Biocidal ions of silver are absorbed into the ceramic coating, and gradually leach out into body fluids after implantation. The hydroxyapatite enhances bone regrowth into the implant, while the silver ions suppress infection. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198345 | CALCIUM SILICATE-BASED COMPOSITE CEMENT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a method for producing calcium silicate-based bone cement and a composition produced by the method. It further provides a novel mixture for bone tissue repair. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198346 | VALVE SYSTEM FOR PROSTHETICS - A valve system regulates the air pressure in the space(s) between a residual limb, or liner-covered limb, and a hard socket of an external prosthesis, for example, for improving donning and doffing the prosthesis, and/or during walking and other normal use of the prosthesis. The valve system may include a manually-controlled air outlet and inlet valve that may be installed on a distal region of a hard socket, and/or an automatic one-way outlet valve. The manually-controlled valve is preferably opened and closed by twisting of a handle portion of the valve system, wherein partial rotation of the handle portion relative to the base portion of the valve system creates slight separation of the handle and base portions to form a gap through which may pass air from the well of the socket. This simple twisting, or partial rotation, provides a valve that stays open hands-free, so that the wearer may open the valve and then use his/her hands to don or doff the prosthesis. The manual valve may include a system for preventing the handle and base from becoming entirely separated during normal use, which preferably is a snap-fit of the base onto the handle that retains the ability of the handle and base to rotate relative to each other, and a stop(s) that limit(s) the amount of relative rotation of the handle and base portions of the valve. Opening and closing of the manual valve may be accomplished by a ramp system, so that, upon rotation of the handle in one direction, the handle comes close to, and seals with, the base, and upon rotation of the handle in the opposite direction, the handle becomes slightly distanced from, and unsealed from, the base. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198347 | ACCESS-CONTROLLED STORAGE SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a container for an access-controlled storage system comprising a plurality of compartments, each compartment designed to contain an article, and a control means to control the accessibility of said compartments, wherein said control means is capable of granting access to the article of only one compartment at a time without moving said article, wherein said control means comprises a rotary belt with a cut-out directed by deflection pulleys. Another aspect of the present invention is an access-controlled storage system comprising at least two containers according to the present invention, a housing, and an actuating means capable of actuating the control means of said container, wherein said actuating means grants access only to a defined compartment within said container. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198348 | Method and Apparatus for Interconnecting Modules - An industrial process control apparatus and method that includes a number of processors and a number of input/output modules. Each processor is connected to a plurality of the input/output modules by a unidirectional command line. Each input/output module is connected to a plurality of the processors by a unidirectional response line. The processors are arranged to issue an identifier request to all of the connected input/output modules and each input/output module is arranged to respond to the identifier request via the respective response line with a response that includes a unique identifier. Such a configuration allows each processor to identify the physical location of each respective input/output module. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198349 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHIELDING OPEN PROCESS CONTROL CLIENT APPLICATIONS FROM BAD QUALITY INITIAL DATA | 2009-08-06 |
20090198350 | ROBUST ADAPTIVE MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROLLER WITH TUNING TO COMPENSATE FOR MODEL MISMATCH - An MPC adaptation and tuning technique integrates feedback control performance better than methods commonly used today in MPC type controllers, resulting in an MPC adaptation/tuning technique that performs better than traditional MPC techniques in the presence of process model mismatch. The MPC controller performance is enhanced by adding a controller adaptation/tuning unit to an MPC controller, which adaptation/tuning unit implements an optimization routine to determine the best or most optimal set of controller design and/or tuning parameters to use within the MPC controller during on-line process control in the presence of a specific amount of model mismatch or a range of model mismatch. The adaptation/tuning unit determines one or more MPC controller tuning and design parameters, including for example, an MPC form, penalty factors for either or both of an MPC controller and an observer and a controller model for use in the MPC controller, based on a previously determined process model and either a known or an expected process model mismatch or process model mismatch range. A closed loop adaptation cycle may be implemented by performing an autocorrelation analysis on the prediction error or the control error to determine when significant process model mismatch exists or to determine an increase or a decrease in process model mismatch over time. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198351 | Control circuit and camera apparatus - A control circuit includes a desired value arithmetic unit that calculates a desired value of a control object, a sensor that detects a value indicating a state of an actuator used to displace the control object, a deviation arithmetic unit that calculates a deviation of the control object from the desired value, a proportional arithmetic unit that produces a proportional-component drive signal, an integral arithmetic unit that calculates an integral value of the deviation and produces an integral-component drive signal, a derivative arithmetic unit that calculates a derivative value of the deviation and produces a derivative-component drive signal, and a drive-signal output unit that outputs the drive signals provided from the integral arithmetic unit, the proportional arithmetic unit, and the derivative arithmetic unit to a drive circuit for the actuator. At least the integral gain ki of the integral arithmetic unit is in a range 0.1 V/rad·s≦ki≦4200 V/rad·s. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198352 | METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A CONTROL DEVICE - A method for programming a control device for a machine includes the steps of obtaining a component that is required to program the control device, this component being called up from a data collection, storing the component in a memory device, processing the component, integrating the processed component in the control device, calling up the component from a data collection via an Internet, outputting instructions that are characteristic for the components and for integrating the components in the control device, and callable up via the Internet. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198353 | Parameterizing an Automation Device - The invention pertains to a method for parameterizing an automation device, in which at least one control parameter is defined ( | 2009-08-06 |
20090198354 | CONTROLLING OBJECTS VIA GESTURING - The present invention is directed toward a system and process that controls a group of networked electronic components using a multimodal integration scheme in which inputs from a speech recognition subsystem, gesture recognition subsystem employing a wireless pointing device and pointing analysis subsystem also employing the pointing device, are combined to determine what component a user wants to control and what control action is desired. In this multimodal integration scheme, the desired action concerning an electronic component is decomposed into a command and a referent pair. The referent can be identified using the pointing device to identify the component by pointing at the component or an object associated with it, by using speech recognition, or both. The command may be specified by pressing a button on the pointing device, by a gesture performed with the pointing device, by a speech recognition event, or by any combination of these inputs. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198355 | Ear-mounted MP3 player with radio and remote control - The ear-mounted MP-3 player with radio and remote control is a battery-operated MP3 player that can be mounted on a user's ear. The ear-mounted MP3 player includes a wireless feature, a talking stopwatch/clock with display, an am-fm radio, a built-in antenna, and a device locator. A separate key fob-sized wireless remote control having a light located at its tip is provided to activate features of the MP3 player, including the device locator. The MP3 player includes flash drive media storage. In addition to function buttons on the player, a stopwatch, a volume control, a device locator, a radio station tuner, and MP3 download are accessible via the remote control. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198356 | Primary-Ambient Decomposition of Stereo Audio Signals Using a Complex Similarity Index - An audio signal is processed to derive primary and ambient components of the signal. The signal is first transformed to generate frequency-domain subband signals. Primary and ambient components are separated by comparing frequency subband content using a complex-valued similarity metric, wherein one of the primary and ambient components is determined to be the residual after the other is identified using the similarity metric. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198357 | Portable audio player - An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments. A usage log is compiled to record the subscriber's use of the provided program materials, to return data to the host for billing, to adaptively modify the subscriber's preferences based on actual usage, and to send subscriber-generated comments and requests to the host for processing. Voice input and control mechanisms included in the player allow the user to perform hands-free navigation of the program materials and to dictate comments and messages which are returned to the host for retransmission to other subscribers. The program segments sent to each subscriber may include advertising materials which the user can selectively play to obtain credits against the subscriber fee. Parallel audio and text transcript files for at least selected programming enable subject matter searching and synchronization of the audio and text files. Speech synthesis may be used to convert transcript files into audio format. Image files may also be transmitted from the server for synchronized playback with the audio programming. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198358 | System for disseminating media content representing episodes in a serialized sequence - An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments. A usage log is compiled to record the subscriber's use of the provided program materials, to return data to the host for billing, to adaptively modify the subscriber's preferences based on actual usage, and to send subscriber-generated comments and requests to the host for processing. Voice input and control mechanisms included in the player allow the user to perform hands-free navigation of the program materials and to dictate comments and messages which are returned to the host for retransmission to other subscribers. The program segments sent to each subscriber may include advertising materials which the user can selectively play to obtain credits against the subscriber fee. Parallel audio and text transcript files for at least selected programming enable subject matter searching and synchronization of the audio and text files. Speech synthesis may be used to convert transcript files into audio format. Image files may also be transmitted from the server for synchronized playback with the audio programming. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198359 | Portable Electronic Device Configured to Present Contact Images - Methods and systems are disclosed for navigating or browsing through images, such as contact images, on electronic devices, such as portable electronic device having a touch screen display. In one embodiment, users of electronic devices are able to browse through contact images to locate a particular contact within a plurality of contacts available (e.g., stored) on the electronic devices. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198360 | Method Of Associating Recorded Audio With Position - A method of enabling recorded audio to be associated with a position on a surface. The surface has coded data printed thereon. The coded data is indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) interacting with the surface using a handheld audio player incorporating an optical image sensor for reading the coded data and a microphone for recording audio; (ii) reading the coded data; (iii) initiating recording of audio using the handheld audio player; (iv) determining a position of the handheld audio player using the read coded data; and (v) associating audio data with said position. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198361 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MEDIA PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE LINGOES - An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198362 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HANDLING ORDERS - Order handling apparatus of the present invention stores assembly standard information that at least one component is managed for each assembly and component standard information which is basic information of a component to be mapped with each other. Order handling apparatus duplicates component standard information together with assembly standard information to generate individual assembly information for arranging an assembly, assigns arranging formation representing whether a component is arranged or not to generate individual component information and stores them. Order handling apparatus determines whether to reflect an update of component standard information in component standard information contained in individual assembly information based on arranging information when component standard information stored in standard assembly storing unit is updated. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198363 | PRODUCTION SYSTEM CREATING SYSTEM, PRODUCTION SYSTEM CREATING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PRODUCTION SYSTEM CREATING PROGRAM FOR ALLOWING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE PRODUCTION SYSTEM CREATING METHOD - To provide a production system creating system that can create a production system of an article by freely combining a plurality of production factors of various types from a superordinate concept toward a subordinate concept thereof. In a production system creating system | 2009-08-06 |
20090198364 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATING A RESTRICTION OBJECT WITH A MATERIAL OBJECT - A method and system for integrating a restriction object with a material object is provided. A reference is generated between a material object and a restriction object. A restriction note is received from a supplier having a material restriction for a material in the material object. A material position is searched in the material object using a material number of the material. A selection condition is determined based on which the material is chosen from the material position. A restriction condition is generated in the restriction object based on the material restriction and the selection condition. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198365 | COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A MANUAL ASSEMBLY SEQUENCE - A computer program product, apparatus and system are disclosed for managing a manual assembly sequence by electronically referencing unique identifiers associated with physical components to be assembled in the sequence. Certain embodiments facilitate management of an assembly of a consumer product. In one embodiment, RFID tags are used as unique identifiers. Such embodiments may use RFID tags to determine the presence of the components before each assembly step in the assembly sequence and to determine that the components are being assembled in sequence. Other embodiments determine whether the components are properly assembled after being assembled, that the distance between the components falls within a predetermined range, and/or that the components for an assembly steps is properly orientation with respect to other components. | 2009-08-06 |
20090198366 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A MACHINE TOOL - A method and a device for operating a machine tool are disclosed, wherein a machining operation of the machine tool is controlled by a parts program by storing a simulated configuration of the machine tool in the parts program, determining an actual configuration of the machine tool, comparing the actual configuration with the simulated configuration of the machine tool stored in the parts program, and generating a warning message if the actual configuration is not in conformance with the simulated configuration. This prevents errors in the machining process resulting from a discrepancy between the configuration of the machine tool used in the simulation of the parts program and the configuration of the actual machine tool during the actual machining operation. | 2009-08-06 |