45th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 47 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140330339 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN THROUGH NEURAL FIBER STIMULATION - Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330340 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN THROUGH NEURAL FIBER STIMULATION - Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330341 | APPARATUS AND METHOD USING NEAR INFRARED REFLECTOMETRY TO REDUCE THE EFFECT OF POSITIONAL CHANGES DURING SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a pair of optical elements for emitting light from an IR emitter and for collecting reflected light into a photodetector, determines a set of measured photocurrents. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. The system includes automatic calibration of the optical fiber sensor when the patient is at rest, and a patient orientation detection. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330342 | SMART PHONE APPLICATION FOR PROVIDING NEURO/MUSCULAR ELECTRO STIMULATION - A method of assessing the effectiveness of muscle treatment is provided that includes a controller generating a control signal for transmission to an energy generator, delivering energy from the energy generator to a stimulation pad for purposes of providing muscle therapy, and measuring at least one muscle metric value reflective of the healing status of the muscle and comparing that value to a pre-established corollary between such muscle metric values and corresponding healing status for differing demographics, whereby the user may determine whether to continue muscle therapy or not. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330343 | NEURAL STIMULATION ELECTRODES - The present invention relates to a neural prosthesis. In its most general form, the neural prosthesis comprises an electrode array including a stimulating electrode ( | 2014-11-06 |
20140330344 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING BINAURAL HEARING BY A COCHLEAR IMPLANT PATIENT - An exemplary system for facilitating binaural hearing by a cochlear implant patient includes 1) a spectral analysis facility configured to divide a first audio signal presented to a first ear of the patient and a second audio signal presented to a second ear of the patient into first and second sets of analysis channels, respectively, and 2) a processing facility configured to process acoustic content contained in a first analysis channel included in the first set of analysis channels and acoustic content contained in a second analysis channel included in the second set of analysis channels, mix the processed acoustic content contained in the first and second analysis channels, and direct a cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation representative of the mixed acoustic content to the first ear by way of a stimulation channel that corresponds to the first analysis channel. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330345 | Systems and methods for tissue stimulation in medical treatment - Stimulation treatments for various medical disorders, such as neurological disorders, comprise novel systems, strategies, and methods for providing TMS, electrical, magnetic, optical and other stimulation. Some stimulation methods comprise varying the stimulation parameters to improve the therapeutic efficacy of stimulation, and decrease risk of habituation and side-effects such as interference with normal brain, sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. The creation, and subsequent variation, of stimulation parameters can use sensed data in order to match, adjust, or avoid matching characteristics of the stimulation therapy relative to certain endogenous brain activities. Novel methods are described for choosing, creating and subsequently stimulating with partial signals which summate to produce therapeutic vector fields having unique temporal patterns and low- or high-frequency spectral content. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330346 | MOLDED HEADERS FOR IMPLANTABLE SIGNAL GENERATORS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Molded headers, implantable signal generators having molded headers, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. An implantable signal generator in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a can having a shell and a battery positioned at least partially within the shell. An output terminal can be operably coupled to the battery and positioned to provide electrical power to a signal delivery device. A pre-molded header having a plurality of openings can be coupled to the can, and the output terminal can be positioned at least partially within an individual opening. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330347 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Systems and methods are described for communicating device information and performance information associated with a population of other electrodes to a remote transceiver. The system can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit coupled to an implantable component. The RFID circuit can include a memory circuit configured to store device information associated with at least one implantation-independent attribute of the implantable component. The RFID circuit can communicate the device information and performance parameters associated with the implantable component to at least one programming unit such as a remote transceiver. The programming unit can program the RFID circuit with information associated with the implantable component. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330348 | IMPLANT RECHARGER HANDSHAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems, methods, and devices for wireless recharging of an implanted device. In response to receiving identification information from an implanted device, a charger can set an electrical field to a first field strength and receive first field strength information from the implanted device. The charger can then set the electrical field to a second field strength and receive second field strength information from the implanted device. This information relating to the first and second field strengths can be used to determine whether to recharge the implanted device. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330349 | EXTREMELY LOW DUTY-CYCLE ACTIVATION OF THE CHOLINERGIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PATHWAY TO TREAT CHRONIC INFLAMMATION - Described herein are systems and methods for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation with progressively longer delays (off periods) from an initial stimulation. In particular, described herein are supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation; the delay between initial doses (which may be single-pulse doses) may be extended for subsequent doses, potentially dramatically enhancing battery and device longevity. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330350 | DEVICE FOR STIMULATION OF THE BRAIN BY LASER CIRCULARLY OR ELLIPTICALLY POLARIZED LIGHT - The device intended for the stimulation of the brain by laser circularly or elliptically polarized light consists of the main unit ( | 2014-11-06 |
20140330351 | Hair Treatment System and Method - A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330352 | APPARATUS FOR RETINA PHOTOTHERAPY - A retina phototherapy system having a substantially horizontal working surface with an adjustable, ergonomic headrest assembly. A retina phototherapy device is adjustably disposed on the working surface and generally includes laser optics, a camera, a flat screen monitor, and a control joystick. The laser optics are oriented generally in the direction of the headrest assembly and are configurable so as to focus on a retina of a person using the headrest assembly. The camera is generally coaxially disposed with the laser optics and connected to the monitor so as to project an image of the retina treatment area. The control joystick is configured to micro-adjust a position of the retina phototherapy device in relation to the working surface. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330353 | SKULL-FOCUSED RF-BASED STIMULATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE OR OTHER DEMENTIA - The portable, wearable, proximal Alzheimer's disease treatment invention is based upon creating an RF field of particular frequencies and intensities that are applied to the patient's head. To accomplish the aforementioned disease treatment functionality, a system was invented comprising a network of antennas connected to an RF generator via a feedline connector. The invention also provides methods for using measurements to monitor and manage the effectiveness of an ongoing disease treatment regimen, and databases which contain information about measurements, variables, and their relationships to clinical outcome. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330354 | MULTI-BRANCH STIMULATION ELECTRODE FOR SUBCUTANEOUS FIELD STIMULATION - A multi-branch stimulation electrode is disclosed herein. The multi-branch stimulation electrode can include a plurality of branches that extend from a hub. The branches can each include one or several stimulation contacts that can deliver an electrical current to tissue contacting the stimulation contacts. The stimulation contacts can be electrically connected with the lead. The lead can extend from the hub and can be connected with the pulse generator. The branches can include features to facilitate implantation including, for example, one or several removable stiffening elements. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330355 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD HAVING MULTI-PLANAR SPIRAL INDUCTOR FILTER - A multilayer helical wave filter having a primary resonance at a selected RF diagnostic or therapeutic frequency or frequency range, includes an elongated conductor forming at least a portion of an implantable medical lead. The elongated conductor includes a first helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a first inductive component, and a second helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a second inductive element. The first and second helically wound segments are wound in the same longitudinal direction and share a common longitudinal axis. Planar surfaces of the helically wound segments face one another, and a dielectric material is disposed between the facing planar surfaces of the helically wound segments and between adjacent coils of the helically wound segments, thereby forming a capacitance. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330356 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN THROUGH NEURAL FIBER STIMULATION - Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330357 | INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE SWITCH FOR SELECTION OF AN MRI COMPATIBLE BANDSTOP FILTER PLACED IN SERIES WITH A PARTICULAR THERAPY ELECTRODE OF AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An MRI-compatible electronic medical therapy system includes an active medical device connected to a plurality of electrodes. An independently actuatable switch selectively electrically connects at least one circuit protection device in electrical series with the electrodes and the medical device. The circuit protection device is adapted to permit current flow therethrough during normal medical device related therapy, but substantially prevent current flow therethrough in the presence of an induced electromagnetic field. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330358 | GUIDEWIRE LOADED STENT FOR DELIVERY THROUGH A CATHETER - A guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter is described herein. The stent delivery assembly can deliver and place a stent within tortuous regions of the body which are accessible to guidewires but inaccessible to stenting catheters. The assembly comprises a guidewire covered in part by a retractable sheath and a radially expandable stent near or at the distal end of the guidewire. The whole assembly is advanced through conventional catheters or it may be used alone. In either case, when the stent is adjacent to a treatment site within the body, the sheath is retracted proximally to expose the stent for radial expansion into contact with the vessel wall. Radio-opaque marker bands are optionally located on either side or both sides of the stent on the guidewire body to aid in visual placement. The assembly can optionally include an expandable balloon on the guidewire for different treatment modalities. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330359 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STENT DELIVERY AND DEPLOYMENT - For scaffolds delivered and deployed intravascularly, one or several configurations may be employed for creating a smoother transition from balloon-to-scaffold. For instance, one or more spacers may be positioned in proximity to the scaffold. Alternatively, portions of the inflatable balloon may be configured to provide a smooth transition. In another alternative, the stent edges may be shaped to provide a smooth transition. In yet other variations, any number of different combinations of such features may be employed. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330360 | SEGMENTED SCAFFOLD DESIGNS - Segmented scaffolds composed of disconnected scaffold segments with overlapping end rings are disclosed. Scaffolds with at least one discontinuous link are also disclosed. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330361 | SEGMENTED SCAFFOLD DESIGNS - Segmented scaffolds composed of disconnected scaffold segments with overlapping end rings are disclosed. Scaffolds with at least one discontinuous link are also disclosed. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330362 | Stent Delivery System - One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330363 | POLYMER SCAFFOLDS HAVING A LOW CROSSING PROFILE - A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold also has a reduced crimped profile and a modification of the scaffold's ring structure at the crowns that contributes to the reduced crimped profile. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330364 | Endoprosthesis with Filament Repositioning of Retrieval Member and Guard Structure - An endoprosthesis includes a stent structure having an elongate member longitudinal portions of which overlap to define the crossover structures. The stent structure may also include loop structures, which are contiguous with the crossover structures, through which a filament extends. A guard structure is secured to the stent structure and located adjacent to the crossover structures to obstruct displacement of the filament between the longitudinal portions of the elongate member of the crossover structures. A method for operating the endoprosthesis includes displacing the loop structures toward one another along the filament to displaced positions relative to the suture structure for reducing the respective profiles of the stent structure and patch structure. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330365 | Hollow Stent Filled With A Therapeutic Agent Formulation - A composition for loading into a structural element of a stent, where the structural element is defined by a lumen and at least one opening to access the lumen. The composition may comprise a therapeutic agent, and a chelator, a precipitation agent, or a combination thereof. Medical devices, such as stents, with a structural element defined by a lumen and at least one opening to access the lumen, filled with the compositions are also described. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330366 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSAORTIC DELIVERY OF A PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus via a transaortic approach. The system includes a balloon catheter for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve through an introducer from an approach from outside the patient, through a minimally-invasive opening in the chest cavity through an incision in the aorta, and into the aorta and aortic annulus. The balloon catheter includes a flexible, tapered tip just distal of the balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. The prosthetic heart valve may be installed over the existing calcified leaflets, and a pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330367 | PERSONALIZED AORTIC VALVE PROSTHESIS - A personalized prosthetic valve for implantation at a native valve treatment site includes a self-expanding mesh and a plurality of valve leaflets coupled to the mesh. The mesh may be delivered to the native valve in a collapsed configuration, and in an expanded configuration the mesh engages the native valve. The mesh in the expanded configuration is also personalized to match the treatment site, such that the outer mesh surface substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to pass therethrough. In the open configuration, blood passes through the prosthetic valve, and in the closed configuration, the plurality of leaflets are closer together and blood is prevented from flowing upstream through the prosthetic valve. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330368 | Valve Delivery Tool - A system includes a medical device for implanting in a valve of a subject, the implantable medical device having a self-expanding frame; and a holder configured to retain the frame of the implantable medical device in a constricted configuration and to control expansion of the frame. The holder has a controllably constrictable and expandable loop, wherein the loop is disposed about at least a portion of the self-expanding frame such that constriction or expansion of the first loop controls constriction or expansion of the frame. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330369 | Prosthetic Tissue Valves and Methods for Anchoring Same to Cardiovascular Structures - A prosthetic atrioventricular tissue valve comprising a continuous tubular member formed from a first biocompatible material, the tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and at least one valve leaflet formed therein, the distal end of the tubular member including cardiovascular structure engagement means for connecting the tubular member to a cardiovascular structure, the cardiovascular structure engagement means comprising a plurality of elongated members that extend distally from the distal end of the tubular member. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330370 | Prosthetic Valve Delivery and Mounting Apparatus and System - A valve mounting apparatus having an elongated tubular mesh structure with proximal and distal ends, a cardiovascular structure engagement region disposed between the proximal and distal ends, and a lumen therethrough, the distal end of the structure including a valve engagement region that is configured to engage a first end of a prosthetic valve, the mesh structure being configured to transition from a pre-deployment configuration, wherein the structure is capable of being disposed at a cardiovascular valve region, such as a valve annulus region, to a post-deployment expanded configuration, wherein the cardiovascular structure engagement region is anchored to the cardiovascular valve region. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330371 | PROSTHETIC VALVES AND ASSOCIATED APPARTUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A valve prosthesis includes an expandable frame comprising an outflow portion and an inflow portion connected to the outflow portion. The frame defines a central lumen extending between the outflow portion and the inflow portion. The frame is generally cylindrical in a fully expanded configuration. When the frame is in the fully expanded configuration, an outer surface of the inflow portion is concave. The inflow portion has an upper inflow portion and a lower inflow portion. When the frame is in the fully expanded configuration, the upper inflow portion flares outwardly from the central lumen of the frame to greater extent than the lower inflow portion. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330372 | Medical Devices for Implanting in a Valve and Associated Methods - A device, such as a prosthetic heart valve, for implantation in a patient's valve, having one or more visible markings configured to be aligned with one or more anatomical structures of the patient's valve, such as an annulus or a commissure. The markings facilitating accurate implantation of the device at a proper depth or in a proper orientation. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330373 | Reinforced Prosthetic Tissue Valves - A prosthetic atrioventricular valve that includes a continuous tubular member having proximal and distal ends, the tubular member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) material, and a reinforcement member disposed in the tubular member lumen and attached to the distal end of the tubular member, the reinforcement member comprising at least two elongated linear members that are configured to connect the joined tubular and reinforcement members to a cardiovascular structure. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330374 | IMPLANTING OVERSIZED OBJECTS INTO SURGICAL BEDS - The present invention relates to a deformable object to be implanted into a surgical site (exemplified by but not limited to a cornea lenticule, e.g., that could be native corneal tissue or a synthetic or biosynthetic construct), surgical instrumentation for altering the curvature and arc length of the deformable object to be implanted (e.g. corneal lenticule), as well as methods for introduction of the deformable object into the specifically prepared wound bed and for introduction of the deformable object. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330375 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS SYSTEM WITH MUTUALLY-DEFORMING OPPOSING SURFACES - An accommodating (re-focusable) intraocular lens (IOL) a body of which includes, upon being assembled, first and second individual lenslets having first and second optical portions sequentially disposed along an optical axis and respective haptic portions, interlocked as a result of rotating of one lenslet with respect to another such as to bring first and second lenslets in contact at an axial point. Change in accommodation of the IOL is achieved by changing an applanated area of contact between the lenslets in response to a radially-directed force caused by a change of distance between the interlocked ends of the haptics and transferred to the optical portions through the interlocked haptics. When installed in a natural lens capsule after the cataract extraction, the optical power of the IOL is gradually modifiable due to a change of curvature of the capsule caused by operation of a ciliary muscle. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330376 | Apparatus And Method For The Treatment of Presbyopia in a Pseudophakic Eye - A method and apparatus to treat presbyopia or pseudophakic refractive error including but not limited to astigmatism and higher order aberrations is disclosed. An intraocular lens is pierced and the resulting opening becomes a pinhole device or becomes a dual lens system device to include a primary IOL and a secondary IOL for correction of error. The lens system device is secured to the in situ intraocular lens using surgical devices and methods of the present invention. The technique does not involve removal of the intraocular lens and replacement with another intraocular lens, but rather involves the addition of a lens system device that is secured to the intraocular lens in a stable manner. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330378 | DOUBLE-LOOP ENDOBUTTON, OVOID TUNNEL GUIDE, AND METHOD OF ACL RE-CONSTRUCTION USING THE OVOID TUNNEL GUIDE AND THE DOUBLE-LOOP ENDOBUTTON - A graft attachment apparatus including at least two separately formed filament loops, and a fixation member comprising at least one opening configured to receive the at least two separately formed filament loops. The at least two separately formed filament loops are continuous loops. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330379 | CLAMPING ASSEMBLIES FOR SECURING LIGAMENTS TO A BONE - An assembly for securing a plurality of end looped ligaments to a bone by a combination clamp and bone screw. The clamp exhibits a tapered or non-linear three dimensional shape to accommodate the folded over ligament end-loop and can be constructed of a plastic or other suitable material, and includes a split location such as permitting the clamp to be forcibly manipulated in position around the looped end of the ligaments, following which they are snap-fit or tightened such that inner facing knurled patterns engage and inwardly compress the overlapping ligament bunches. The screw is pre-positioned during the initial folding of the ligament ends and is fixedly maintained about the inner looped end following installation of the clamp. The shaft portion of the screw can exhibit varying thread profiles, promoting the creation of gripping forces when installed within the user's bone. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330380 | CLAMPING ASSEMBLIES FOR SECURING LIGAMENTS TO A BONE - A clamp assembly for engaging a bunched end of ligaments to a bone mounting location, the assembly including pair of split body portions, each including an enlarged head adapted to being mounted within a location of the bone, the split body portions each further including an extending stem portion. Each of the body portions further exhibits opposing inner mating surfaces establishing a centrally located and length extending parting line. Pluralities of spaced apart engaging tabs extend between the enlarged head and stem portions for engaging around the bunched ligaments in compressive and retaining fashion. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330381 | TISSUE REPAIR ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure relates to a fixation device. The fixation device includes a base portion including a first leg, a second leg, and a groove located between the first and second legs and a top portion extending from the base portion. A tissue repair device and a method of tissue repair are also disclosed. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330382 | ARTIFICIAL SI JOINT - An artificial SI-Joint includes a sacrum component and an ilium component. The sacrum component may include a ridge, foundation, perimeter surface and a fitting member. The ilium component may include a polybearing, edge, foundation, perimeter surface, and a ridge or sockets. The fitting member of the sacrum component may engage the polybearing of the ilium component to restore normal movement of the SI-Joint. The artificial SI-Joint may be implanted as a single unit or as separate pieces that are coupled together. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330383 | VERTEBRAL BODY REPLACEMENT OR FUSION DEVICE - The present disclosure relates to a spinal implant or spacer that addresses the variation in anatomy of vertebrae along the spine by having inferior and superior surface angle and convexity variations that are adapted to address the differences in lordosis and endplate surface convexity of the spine. The difference between the convexity of the superior and inferior surface of the spacer increases as the lordotic angle of the spacer increases. The spacers described herein thus provide overall improved fit into vertebral disc space and in some embodiments are even used in the absence of fusion for a prolonged period. The vertebral spacers described herein in some embodiments are used with supplemental internal fixation systems, such as an anchor plate. The interior of the spacer has channels and undercuts to increase graft volume and retention, support bony ingrowth, and bony stability for better secondary and tertiary stabilization. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330384 | Inter-Body Implant - A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330385 | BONE STABILIZATION MEMBER WITH BONE SCREW RETENTION MECHANISM - A spinal implant for stabilizing first and second vertebrae. The spinal implant includes an intervertebral spacer and a bone stabilization member configured to be coupled to the intervertebral spacer. The bone stabilization member includes a plurality of bone screw openings and a plurality of bone screws extendable through the bone screw openings to secure the bone stabilization member to the vertebrae. A retention member, which is slidably coupled to the bone stabilization member, is linearly slidable between a first position and a second position while coupled to the bone stabilization member. In the first position, each of the bone screws is permitted to be inserted into the bone screw openings, and in the second position the retention member at least partially covers each of the bone screw openings to prevent a bone screw from backing out of the respective bone screw opening. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330386 | MODULAR ANCHOR BONE FUSION CAGE - A modular anchor bone fusion cage is provided. The cage includes a spacer configured to fit into a space between the faces of two bones that are to be fused together. A fusion plate having at least a main body portion is coupled to the spacer by a connector. Fasteners extend through the fusion plate to engage the bone. At least some of the fasteners also extend through the spacer to engage the opposed faces of the bone. A cover plate is coupled to the fusion plate to inhibit the fasteners from backing out prior to fusion of the bones. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330387 | SPINAL CAGE - A spinal cage ( | 2014-11-06 |
20140330388 | ARTIFICIAL KNEE JOINT IMPLANT - An artificial knee joint includes a femoral component and a tibial plate. The femoral component includes a first joint face disposed adjacent to a medial collateral ligament of a patient, and a second joint face disposed adjacent to a lateral collateral ligament of the patient. The first and second joint faces respectively have first and second medial pivot guide portions. A reference face extending orthogonal to the left-right direction is defined between the first and second joint faces. An amount ΔD | 2014-11-06 |
20140330389 | APPLICATION OF DIFFUSION HARDENED MATERIAL - An improved implant having components comprising an oxidized zirconium bearing surface adapted to decrease pain, lower friction, and minimize wear when coupled with natural femoral articular cartilage. The improved implant components also provide for reduced backside wear effects in fixed and mobile implants. The improved implant components further provide for more ideal wear coupling between components in mobile bearing implants. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330390 | Cementless Hip Stem - A cementless femoral stem prosthesis for use in hip replacement surgery is disclosed. The stem has a collar and a body having a fixed end and a shank end. The shank end is divided into a pair of adjustable endosteal plates that are secured to the cortical bone of the femur by screws. The present invention provides an improved femoral stem structure because the screws through the endosteal plates transfer the load to the cortical bone rather than the cancellous bone, the medial endosteal plate has a plurality of spurs to engage with the cancellous bone to increase the number of stress-strain points, and the collar transfers the load directly to the cortical bone. All of these features work in tandem to reduce the risk of stress shielding, bone resorption, prosthetic loosening, and other difficulties associated with femoral stem prostheses. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330391 | PLACENTAL TISSUE GRAFTS - A method for preparing placenta membrane tissue grafts for medical use, includes obtaining a placenta from a subject, cleaning the placenta, separating the chorion tissue from the amniotic membrane, mounting a selected layer of either the chorion tissue or the amniotic membrane onto a drying fixture, dehydrating the selected layer on the drying fixture, and cutting the selected layer into a plurality of tissue grafts. Preferably, the drying fixture includes grooves or raised edges that define the outer contours of each desired tissue graft, after they are cut, and further includes raised or indented logos that emboss the middle area of the tissue grafts during dehydration and that enables an end user to distinguish the top from the bottom side of the graft. The grafts are comprised of single layers of amnion or chorion, multiple layers of amnion or chorion, or multiple layers of a combination of amnion and chorion. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330392 | SCAFFOLDS FOR TISSUES AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair, and transplantation. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330393 | Quasi-Active Prosthetic Joint System - A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330394 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING BODY PARTS AND DEVICES USING IPSILATERAL MOTOR CORTEX AND MOTOR RELATED CORTEX - A system for controlling a body part includes a number of sensing devices that sense signals from a hemisphere of a brain. A signal translating unit translates the signals into a command signal for controlling the body part, which is on a same side of the body as the hemisphere of the brain. A prosthetic device receives the command signal from the signal translating unit and manipulates the body part in response to the command signal. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330395 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODELING INTERDEPENDENCIES IN BATCH PROCESSES - According to various embodiments, an interdependency modeling method for controlling a batch process with an industrial automation system includes evaluating an input parameter expression residing in a level of a supervisory system of the industrial automation system to determine a value, transferring the value of the input parameter expression to a level of an equipment control system of the industrial automation system, transferring data from the level of the equipment control system to the level of the supervisory system, and evaluating an output parameter expression residing in the level of the supervisory system based on the data from the level of the equipment control system. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330396 | DEVICE CONTROL SYSTEM BY PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS AND METHOD THEREOF - A control system and method based on a physiological signal are disclosed, by which a user wears a detection device on the user body to be detected with a physiological signal of the user body, a control server may process the physiological signal to generate a corresponding control command, and thus an under-control device may be controlled to operate based on the control command. By using the technical means, the present invention may achieve a technical efficacy of controlling the under-control device based on the user's physiological signal. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330397 | MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROL SWITCHOVER LOGIC - A multi-channel control system includes at least a primary control microprocessor and a back-up control microprocessor operable to control a device. The primary control microprocessor and the back-up control microprocessor assert control over a controlled device according to a locally stored method of controlling a back-up microprocessor assumption of control of a device. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330398 | Production Process Monitoring System And Control Method Therefor - A production process monitoring system is used to monitor a set of production parameters in a production process of a plurality of production units that perform parallel production operation. The production units comprise at least one reference production unit and at least one distribution production unit. The reference production unit comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, and a reference control unit. The distribution production unit comprises a second sensor and a distribution controller. The first and second sensors of the reference production unit is configured to monitor a first and second parameters in the production parameters in the reference production unit and output a first and second signals corresponding to the first and second parameters. The second sensor of the distribution production unit is configured to monitor the second parameter in the distribution production unit and output a second parameter distribution signal corresponding to the second parameter. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330399 | POWER CONTROL APPARATUS, POWER CONTROL SYSTEM, AND POWER CONTROL METHOD | 2014-11-06 |
20140330400 | METHOD FOR SETTING UP A FUNCTIONALITY FOR A CONTROL UNIT - A method is provided for populating a function for a control unit with data, in which method measurements are performed on a system at different measuring points on a test stand, and a global data-based model is set up based on the obtained measured values, and virtual measurements which simulate real measurements on the test stand are carried out on the global data-based model, and uncertainties for virtual measured values of the virtual measurements are determined from the global data-based model, the uncertainties of the virtual measured values being taken into account when populating the function for the control unit with data. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330401 | TEST DEVICE FOR TESTING A VIRTUAL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT - A test device for testing at least a portion of a virtual control unit with a simulation environment in a simulator, having the virtual control unit and the simulation environment. The virtual control unit has at least one software component with an external data interface. The simulation environment has a data interface for indirect data exchange with the virtual electronic control unit. A reduced dependency between the virtual control unit and the simulation environment with the result that electrical fault simulation with virtual electronic control units is possible in a simpler way, is achieved in that a virtual control unit pin module and a virtual manipulation unit are additionally provided between the virtual control unit and the simulation environment, the two units transmit a virtual physical control unit signal through a virtual control unit pin of the virtual electronic control unit pin module. The virtual manipulation unit outputs a manipulated virtual physical control unit signal. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330402 | Computer Apparatus And Method using Model Structure Information of Model Predictive Control - A system and method of model predictive control executes a model predictive control (MPC) controller of a subject dynamic process (e.g., processing plant) in a configuration mode, identification mode and model adaptation mode. Users input and specify model structure information in the configuration mode, including constraints. Using the specified model structure information in the identification mode, the MCP controller generates linear dynamic models of the subject process. The generated linear dynamic models collectively form a working master model. In model adaptation mode, the MPC controller uses the specified model structure information in a manner that forces control actions based on the formed working master model to closely match real-world behavior of the subject dynamic process. The MPC controller coordinates execution in identification mode and in model adaptation mode to provide adaptive modeling and preserve structural information of the model during a model update. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330403 | METHOD FOR PREVENTING SYSTEM INVALIDATION - The present invention relates to a method for preventing system invalidation including the microcontroller transferring the specific packet to the primary electronic device which operates according to the operation commands sent from the upstream device to provide the specific service, the primary electronic device returning the return packet, the microcontroller receiving the return packet, the microcontroller determining if the return packet is returned within a preset rang, if yes, repeating the above steps, if not, activating the spare electronic device to take over the primary electronic device to provide the specific service, and shutting down power supply of the primary electronic device. Therefore, the present invention ensures the spare electronic device smoothly takes over the task of the primary electronic device which accidentally fails, thereby preventing the whole system from being invalidated and improving the stability and reliability of the system operation. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330404 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DECODING INTENDED MOTOR COMMANDS FROM RECORDED NEURAL SIGNALS FOR THE CONTROL OF EXTERNAL DEVICES OR TO INTERACT IN VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS - Systems and methods for decoding neural and/or electromyographic signals are provided. A system can include at least one single channel decoder. Optionally, the system can include a demixer in operable communication with the single channel decoders. Each single channel decoder can include a filter to attenuate noise and sharpen spikes in the neural and/or electromyographic signals, a detection function to identify spikes, and a demodulator to get a real-time estimate of motor intent. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330405 | TEST DEVICE FOR TESTING A VIRTUAL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT - A test device for testing at least a portion of a virtual electronic control unit with a simulation environment in a simulator, having the virtual electronic control unit and the simulation environment. The virtual electronic control unit has a software component with an external data interface. The simulation environment has a data interface for direct data exchange with the virtual electronic control unit. A test device with reduced adaptation effort is implemented via a virtual electronic control unit pin module that has at least one virtual electronic control unit interface and is connected via the virtual electronic control unit interface to the external data interface of the software component of the virtual electronic control unit. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330406 | SanSSoil (Soil-less) Indoor Farming for Food and Energy Production - To produce food, plants rely on three main ingredients, sun energy, water, and carbon dioxide, the cost of which is zero. To address the food and energy security concerns, two mysteries are resolved for the first time: i)—Photosynthetic efficiency is known to be very low, the scientific full accounting for all the losses is lacking; ii)—Fanning is known to be profitable, yet accounting for the zero cost of solar energy is not understood. This inventor resolved them by the derivation of a simple mathematical law, AgriPAL, comprising explicitly, a new solar gain factor >200× which offset the low efficiency of ˜0.005. In the absence of the sun, the newly found solar gain goes to 1. Since SanSSoil enables harnessing the third dimension, the sky is the limit. Water saving of >100 is realized through the controlled enclosed environment, which also encourages increased use of GMO for food and biofuel. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330407 | Intelligent Reconfigurable Locker System - This invention involves the configuration of locker sizes during installation that can be reconfigured periodically to conform to the packages that arrive at the locker location. Locker control software can enable the efficient selection of locker size so that the locker bank can be optimized to the size of the packages that are delivered to the locker location. The reconfigurable lockers also may include a modular locker control module that can assist in the easy facilitation of changing the locker size. Also, the locker software can be flexible enough so that customers can have a direct communication link to the locker software that would allow the customer's mobile device to input authentication and access codes that would open up locker door(s). The locker software could also be enabled on the cloud providing an e-commerce goods seller, shipper or locker operator with information about goods that are shipped to locker locations and when customers stop by to pick up their goods or to return their goods to the e-commerce seller. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330408 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING, ANALYZING AND REPORTING FITNESS ACTIVITY DATA - In one aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring a fitness activity of user performing a fitness activity with an exercise device is described herein. The system includes a sensor for sensing and transmitting data indicative of an exercise that is being performed with an exercise device, a user identification device, a database, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal indicative of a patron ID and responsively retrieve a patron record being associated with the received patron ID from the database. The processor also determines a planned exercise sequence associated with the patron exercise session as a function of the retrieved patron record, determines a current exercise sequence being performed by the patron, and determines a condition of the patron exercise session as a function of the planned exercise sequence and the current exercise sequence. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330409 | Multi-Sensor Monitoring of Athletic Performance - Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, e.g., for pre-event planning, goal setting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods optionally may provide real time information to the athlete while the event takes place, e.g., to assist in reaching the pre-set goals. Additionally, data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist in post-event analysis for athletes and their trainers, e.g., to evaluate past performances and to assist in improving future performances. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330410 | System and Method for Supporting an Exercise Movement - The invention relates to a system for supporting an exercise movement, comprising an object, a detection device ( | 2014-11-06 |
20140330411 | System and Method for Detecting a User-Dependent State of a Sport Object - The invention relates to a system for detecting a user-dependent state of a sports object, comprising a detection device ( | 2014-11-06 |
20140330412 | COMPUTERIZED INTERACTIVE SPORTS SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF ASSESSING SPORTS SKILLS OF USERS - A computerized interactive sports system is provided wherein a plurality of sports areas is provided where users undergo physical or technical exercises. Sensor systems associated to the plurality of sports areas for sensing the user's success when undergoing the technical or physical exercises and based thereon output sensor signals. A computer system coupled to the at least one sensor system utilizes the sensor signals for calculating a score for each individual user indicating the success of the users when undergoing the physical or technical exercises within the at least one sports area. The computer system further associates different classification categories to different sports areas and classifies the scores based thereon, and subsequently stores the scores classified into the at least one classification category. A database is provided that is interactively connected to the stored scores at the computer system for sharing said scores classified into said at least one classification category with different users. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330413 | Unordered Matching of Audio Fingerprints - A method includes receiving an audio fingerprint from a listening device. The method also includes, in response to determining that a portion of a stored audio fingerprint substantially matches a portion of the received audio fingerprint, identifying a longest unordered match between the received audio fingerprint and the stored audio fingerprint that satisfies a similarity threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the identified longest unordered match satisfies a length criterion, detecting a match between the received audio fingerprint and the stored audio fingerprint. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330414 | SYSTEM OF AN INTERNET INTERACTIVE SERVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A system of an internet interactive service and operating method thereof is disclosed. A network host is to transmit an audio watermark not only to connect with multiple devices but also to set the multiple devices as a specific group. The invention comprises following steps: connecting at least one multimedia device with the network host, transmitting the audio watermark which may comprise certification from the network host to the at least one multimedia device, the at least one multimedia device broadcasting the audio watermark, the at least one electronic device receiving the audio watermark and afterward transmitting the audio watermark or the certification to the network host, the network host recognizing the audio watermark or the certification and afterward setting the at least one multimedia device and the at least one electronic device as the specific group, transmitting at least one datum from the network host to the specific group. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330415 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AUDIO SAMPLING RATE - It is inter alia disclosed to receive a set of encoded audio parameters for an audio frame, wherein the set comprises indices representing at least two quantized line spectral frequency coefficients, wherein the audio frame when decoded comprises audio samples digitally sampled at a sampling frequency, wherein the sampling frequency is one of a plurality of sampling frequencies for an audio decoder; to convert the indices to the at least two quantized line spectral frequency coefficients; and to determine the sampling frequency for the audio frame by checking the value of a highest order quantized line spectral frequency coefficient of the at least two quantized line spectral frequency coefficients. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330416 | METHOD OF DESIGNING ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS USING IN VIVO DATA - The present disclosure is directed to orthopedic implants and methods of rapid manufacturing orthopedic implants using in vivo data specific to an orthopedic implant or orthopedic trial. Specifically, the instant disclosure utilizes permanent orthopedic implants and orthopedic trials (collectively, “implants”) outfitted with kinematic sensors to provide feedback regarding the kinematics or implant to discern which implant is preferable, and thereafter rapid manufacturing the implant. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330417 | ADAPTABLE 3D PATIENT IMMOBILIZATION - A method for customizing, based on medical imaging data for a patient positioned on a treatment couch, a medical immobilization device is disclosed. Medical imaging data, for example, CT image data, MRI image data or the like, is received, and a selection is made of an immobilization device that anchors only to at least one boney structure of a body part of the patient to immobilize the body part of the patient. The immobilization device may mask only partially the body part of the patient. The device can be customized and an image of the patient can be repositioned without obtaining additional imaging data from the patient. The at least one boney structure may be an orbital area and a chin, an elbow, or a knee and groin area. The immobilization device may be attachable to a support structure positioned underneath the patient on the treatment couch. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330418 | SINGLE ACTION THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL PRINTING METHODS - Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330419 | SOLID IDENTIFICATION GRID ENGINE FOR CALCULATING SUPPORT MATERIAL VOLUMES, AND METHODS OF USE - A method for calculating a support material volume, the method comprising generating a grid of cells for a tree data structure of a digital part, where the cells define a plurality of cell arrays, and pinging the cells of one of the cell arrays until a cell containing a subset of the tree data structure is reached or until each cell in the cell array is pinged, where if a cell containing the subset of the tree data structure is reached, then designating the reached cell and all remaining unpinged cells in the cell array as filled. The method also includes repeating the pinging step for each remaining cell array to determine a total filled volume, and subtracting a volume of the digital part from the total filled volume to determine a support material volume. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330420 | COMPOSITE PART MANUFACTURING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A system and method for designing and manufacturing of composite parts wherein the planner can design the part on a computer and analyze the entire work flow process from design to manufacture so as to determine the most efficient design and method of manufacture including resource costs including time, machines, material, labor and expenses. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330421 | SINGLE ACTION THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL PRINTING METHODS - Methods and techniques of using 3D printers to create physical models from image data are discussed. Geometric representations of different physical models are described and complex data conversion processes that convert input image data into geometric representations compatible with third party 3D printers are disclosed. Printing templates are used to encapsulate complex geometric representations and complicated data conversion processes from users for fast and simple 3D physical model printing applications. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330422 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR LOW TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT IN A WAFER PROCESSING SYSTEM - Implementations disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for zoned temperature control during a film forming process. In one implementation, a substrate processing apparatus is provided. The substrate processing apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, a plurality of power supplies coupled with the plurality of thermal laps and a controller that adjusts the power supplies based on input from radiation sensors. The chamber includes a sidewall defining a processing region. A plurality of thermal lamps is positioned external to the processing region. A window is positioned between the plurality of thermal lamps and the processing region. A radiation source is disposed within the sidewall and oriented to direct radiation toward an area proximate a substrate support. A radiation sensor is disposed on the side of the substrate support opposite the plurality of thermal lamps to receive emitted radiation from the radiation source. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330423 | WIRE ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING APPARATUS - A wire electrical discharge machining apparatus includes a target-control-section calculating unit calculating a target control section, which is indicated by a start point and an end point of the corner control in a current electrical discharge machining during the finish machining, based on a machining parameter; an actual-control-section calculating unit correcting the start point and the end point of the corner control, which are indicated in the target control section calculated by the target-control-section calculating unit, and calculating an actual control section, based on a magnitude of a shape error of the corner portion in a previous electrical discharge machining during the finish machining; and a speed controlling unit controlling the feed speed of the wire such that an amount of machining per unit time in the actual control section becomes equal to that when a portion other than the corner portion is machined. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330424 | Method for Controlling Redundantly Actuated Machines for Cutting a Pattern of Disconnected Contours - A method controls a machine with redundant actuators according to pattern of disconnected contours, wherein the machine includes redundant actuators by first generating a set of initial trajectories from the pattern. Each initial trajectory corresponds to one of the disconnected contours, or a path from an exit point of one contour and an entry point of a next contour. A set of costs for the set of initial trajectories is determined. A sequence of final trajectories is determined based on the set of costs. Then, a set of commands is generated for controlling the machine according to the sequence of final trajectories. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330425 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING WORKSTATIONS - A method for managing an inventory system includes receiving an operation request that identifies an inventory item and selecting, from a plurality of workstations, a workstation at which to fulfill the operation request. The method also includes moving an inventory holder storing the identified inventory item to the selected workstation and moving a supply holder storing a supply item associated with the received operation request to the selected workstation. The method additionally includes fulfilling the operation request, at least in part, at the workstation. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330426 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORDER FULFILLMENT - A system includes a first mobile drive unit and a second mobile drive unit. The system also includes a first inventory holder, a second inventory holder, and a third inventory holder. An inventory station includes a first location and a second location and the inventory station operable to receive a first inventory item from the first inventory holder at the first location. The first inventory holder is transported by the first mobile drive unit. The inventory station is also operable to receive a second inventory item from the second inventory holder at the first location. The second inventory holder is transported by the second mobile drive unit. The inventory station is also operable to receive a third inventory item from the third inventory holder at the second location. The third inventory holder is fixed at the second location while the inventory station receives the first inventory item and the second inventory item. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330427 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORING AND ORDERING BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING BLOCKS - The device for storing and ordering biological sampling blocks, each block being in the form of a housing provided with identification information on one surface thereof, includes: storage for at least one element as a horizontally-extending drawer for positioning the blocks vertically in columns and rows with the above-mentioned surface facing upward, and with a nesting device provided as regularly spaced projections or recesses, forming male and female parts on the base, in which the blocks can be inserted; and a device for referencing the position of each block within the storage. The device for referencing includes a device for reading the identification information of each block and for the computerized recording of the position. The method includes using this device. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330428 | System and Method for Locking a Carrier/Container for Tracking, Controlling Access, and Providing Delivery Confirmation - A system and method for tracking/controlling access to transported articles, includes a computing module in signal communication with sending and receiving stations. A first input device at the sending station receives identifying information identifying a carrier (“carrier ID”) and an item (“item ID”) placed within the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the item ID are transmitted to the computing module. A second input device at the receiving station receives the carrier ID for a carrier received at the receiving station and identifying information for an individual (“user ID”) at the receiving station provided access to the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the user ID are transmitted to the computing module, which unlocks the carrier and allows access to the item inside, and records the user ID of the individual provided access and the associated carrier ID and/or item ID to provide chain of custody information for the item. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330429 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ITEMS ON A PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION LINE - The disclosed method, and corresponding system, for controlling items on a production/distribution line relies on secure identification of items transported arranged according a given disposition along a transport path at different sites of the line and checking operation according to a protocol which allows reducing processing load while ensuring high reliability. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330430 | CONVEYOR CARRIAGE POSITION MONITORING - A conveyor system including a conveyor belt; a conveyor rail including a track having a proximal end and a distal end, and a conveyor take-up for collecting excess conveyor belt; a conveyor carriage configured to move along the track between the proximal end and the distal end, the conveyor carriage including a base rotatably supporting the conveyor belt, and a target; a winch positioned proximate the proximal end of the track, the winch including a carriage cable coupling the conveyor carriage to the winch, a motor, and a motor sensor configured to sense a motor characteristic; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the target; and a controller having a memory and processor. The controller is configured to receive the motor characteristic and the position of the target, calculate a characteristic of the conveyor system, and output the characteristic. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330431 | Joint Torque Augmentation System and Method for Gait Assistance - A joint torque augmentation system includes linkage assembly configured to couple to a user. Linkage assembly includes a unidirectional link and a device joint. The linkage assembly is worn by a user or is configured to couple to footwear. An actuator is coupled to the linkage assembly to provide a torque at a joint of the user. A sensor is coupled to the user to measure a position of the user. A control system is coupled to the sensor and actuator. A phase of gait for the user is determined by the control system based on the position measured by the sensor. The actuator produces a tension force on the linkage assembly during a first phase of gait. A compliant element is coupled between the actuator and linkage assembly. The compliant element is tuned based on a load carried by the user. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330432 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAFE COMPLIANT INSERTION AND HYBRID FORCE/MOTION TELEMANIPULATION OF CONTINUUM ROBOTS - Methods and systems are described for controlling movement of a continuum robot that includes a plurality of independently controlled segments along the length of the continuum robot. The continuum robot is inserted into a cavity of unknown dimensions or shape. A plurality of forces acting upon the continuum robot by the surrounding cavity are estimated. A positioning command indicating a desired movement of the distal end of the continuum robot is received from a manipulator control. The desired movement is augmented based, at least in part, on the estimated plurality of forces acting on the continuum robot such that movement is restricted to within safe boundaries of the surrounding cavity. The positioning of the continuum robot is then adjusted based on the augmented desired movement. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330433 | HUMAN SAFETY PROVISION IN MOBILE AUTOMATION ENVIRONMENTS - A computer-implemented system and method for operating mobile automated workstations in a workspace including a workpiece is disclosed. A computer device defines an exclusionary volume having an outer exclusionary surface at least partially surrounding a mobile workstation that is operably disposed in the workspace. The computer device receives data from at least one sensor and determines the location of the workstation and humans within the workspace based on the data. The computer device activates an indicator and alters the motion of the workstation after detection of a human breaching the exclusionary volume or exclusionary surface. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330434 | Tool Grip Calibration for Robotic Surgery - Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330435 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTERACTING WITH A CONTROL SYSTEM THAT IS CONNECTED TO A NETWORK - A building automation system may be controlled in response to a natural language voice message. The natural language voice message may be recorded and then sent to a voice command manager via a network. The natural language voice message is then translated into a command recognizable by a building automation controller of the building automation system. Voice recognition software may be used to create a natural language text based message from the recorded natural voice message, and the natural language text based message may then be translated into the command recognizable by the building automation controller. In response to the command, the building automation controller may perform the desired action. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330436 | DOOR CLOSER ASSEMBLY - A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330437 | FACILITY MANAGEMENT DEVICE, FACILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, FACILITY MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A facility management device manages communication data that is transmitted and received between remote controllers and an outdoor unit and/or indoor units. A temporary-memory controller stores communication data that was received by a communicator, and transmission-waveform data that was acquired by a transmission-waveform data acquirer for a specified amount of time in a temporary memory. An abnormality determiner determines whether or not there is abnormality in the communication data that is stored in the temporary memory. When it is determined that there is abnormality in the communication data stored in the temporary memory, a data copier stores all of the data that is stored in the temporary memory in an abnormal-data memory. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330438 | Intelligent hvac register - Intelligent HVAC register is an HVAC register outlet which can control the temperature in a space by operating independently. The Intelligent HVAC register works in network with other vents within the system using low power wireless technology and a smart application so that the temperature of multiple individual spaces can be controlled while operating on a single HVAC system. Intelligent HVAC register uses a solar strip to charge the battery which runs each vent's hardware. This enables more efficient use of energy as airflow to unused spaces can be blocked therefore keeping air pressure and efficiency higher in the spaces where temperature adjustments are necessary. Intelligent HVAC register can be controlled using a learning application on a smart device. By setting the time & temperature needed in each space the Intelligent HVAC smart vane will automatically open or close to keep the room at the desired temperature. | 2014-11-06 |
20140330439 | FIELD SERVICE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING A PROCESSING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT IN A VIBRATORY FLOWMETER - A field service device ( | 2014-11-06 |