46th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120290019 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR VALIDATING THE POSITION OF PATIENT-SPECIFIC DEVICES - The present invention relates to methods for validating the correct position of a patient-specific device on a chosen anatomy of the human body as well as such patient-specific devices. More specifically, the devices are provided with a fitting tool which allows in alignment of the patient-specific device with one or more predetermined patient-specific landmarks. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290020 | MICROFRACTURE PICK FOR FEMORAL HEAD - The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as cartilage on the femoral head. A microfracture pick system for repairing cartilage on a femoral head is provided. The system can include a handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The system can also include an arcuate arm shaped to extend from the distal end of the handle and adapted to extend around the femoral head. The arcuate arm can have a distal tip extending toward the handle along a longitudinal axis of the handle. The system can also include an impaction member at the proximal end of the handle. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290021 | BATTERY FEEDTHROUGH FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A battery feedthrough comprises a ferrule having a passage extending from a first side to a second side, a pin extending through the passage, an insulation sleeve disposed between the pin and the ferrule within the passage, there being a first junction between the pin and the insulation sleeve and a second junction between the insulation sleeve and the ferrule, and a coating comprising a polymer disposed over the pin on the first side of the ferrule, wherein the coating is formed by forming a preform comprising the polymer, placing the preform around at least a first portion of the pin on the first side of the ferrule, and melting the preform so that the polymer substantially covers a second portion of the pin, the first junction, a portion of the insulation sleeve, the second junction, and a portion of the ferrule on the first side of the ferrule. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290022 | Implantable Medical Device Having an MRI Safe Rechargeable Battery - Disclosed are improved rechargeable battery designs for an implantable medical device. The improved rechargeable battery is designed to reduce eddy currents in the conductive anode and/or cathode plates within the battery housing, thereby reducing excessive heat and vibrations caused when the battery is placed in a high magnetic field, such as within a MRI machine. Discontinuities may be cut in the anode and/or cathode plates to increase their resistance to eddy currents, while not significantly affecting the internal resistance between these plates. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290023 | Method, device and system for modulating an activity of brown adipose tissue in a vertebrate subject - Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, and a programmable controller configured to provide instructions to the one or more cooling elements in response to information regarding one or more physiological conditions of the vertebrate subject. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290024 | TRANSVENOUS RENAL NERVE MODULATION FOR TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION, CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, AND CHRONIC RENAL DISEASES - A transvenous renal nerve modulation system comprises: a blood pressure monitoring device to be implanted in a patient to monitor the patient's blood pressure; one or more transvenous renal nerve modulation leads to be implanted in one or more renal blood vessels of the patient; a pulse generator coupled to the transvenous renal nerve modulation leads to deliver electrical pulses to the one or more transvenous renal nerve modulation leads for modulating renal nerves of the patient; and a control unit coupled to the blood pressure monitoring device and the pulse generator to control delivery of the electrical pulses by the pulse generator based on the patient's blood pressure from the blood pressure monitoring device. The pulse generator delivers high frequency pulses of greater than about 10 Hz to the transvenous renal nerve modulation leads if the patient's blood pressure is greater than a high blood pressure threshold. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290025 | LEADLESS IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH OSMOTIC PUMP - Techniques for delivering genetic material to a target tissue site of a patient via a leadless implantable medical device that includes a pump and a stimulation energy delivery element are described. In some examples, delivery of genetic material to the target tissue site causes transgene expression of tissue at the target tissue site, which may result in generation of new cells or modified properties of existing cells of the target tissue site, facilitating more effective and efficient treatment of a disorder of the patient. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290026 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SUPRAVENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS - In various method embodiments, a supraventricular arrhythmia event is detected, and a supraventricular arrhythmia treatment, including neural stimulation to elicit a sympathetic response, is delivered in response to a detected supraventricular arrhythmia event. Some embodiments detect a precursor for a supraventricular arrhythmia episode, and deliver prophylactic neural stimulation to avoid the supraventricular arrhythmia event. Some embodiments detect a supraventricular arrhythmia episode, and deliver therapeutic neural stimulation for the supraventricular arrhythmia event. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290027 | IMPLANTABLE HEART STIMULATOR AND METHOD FOR TRENDING ANALYSIS OF VENTRICULAR ACTIVATION TIME - Exemplary versions of the invention include methods and apparatuses for assessing ventricular activation time by determining a point in time t | 2012-11-15 |
20120290028 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH ELECTRODE FAULT DETECTION - An exemplary implantable medical device includes an electrode lead connector having at least one electrical contact for connection of an electrode lead, and an analyzing unit which is connected to the electrode lead connector and is designed to detect and evaluate a response signal present at the at least one electrical connector in response to known electromagnetic irradiation. The analyzing unit may compare a signal modulation resulting from an electromagnetic irradiation of the electrode lead with a reference signal modulation. The electrode lead may be classified as defective if the deviation exceeds a threshold deviation. If a second antenna is available, the analyzing unit may compare response signals resulting from electromagnetic irradiation of the electrode lead and the second antenna. If the ratio of response signals exceeds a threshold, the electrode lead may be classified as defective. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290029 | DEVICE FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND ELECTROMEDICAL IMPLANT - A device for medical applications, comprising an elongated conductive element having one proximal end and one distal end, wherein the latter undergoes a temperature increase by absorbing energy from an electromagnetic field, comprising a separating element disposed in the elongated conductive element for the galvanic separation of the proximal end from the distal end. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290030 | AV NODAL STIMULATION DURING ATRIAL TACHYARRHYTHMIA TO PREVENT INAPPROPRIATE THERAPY DELIVERY - The disclosure describes techniques for delivering electrical stimulation to decrease the ventricular rate response during an atrial tachyarrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. AV nodal stimulation is employed during an atrial tachyarrhythmia episode with rapid ventricular conduction to distinguish ventricular tachyarrhythmia from supraventricular tachycardia and thereby prevent delivering inappropriate therapy to a patient. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290031 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD - The invention relates to a medical implantable lead for monitoring and/or controlling an organ inside a human or animal body. The lead comprises a conducting arrangement having a first conducting coil of at least one electrically conducting wire for connecting a first electrode electrically to a connector to receive and/or transmit electric signals from and to the tissue, respectively. The lead is tapered in a distal portion and has a smaller cross sectional dimension at the distal portion than at the rest of the lead. The first conducting coil is terminated at a termination point on a distance from the distal end. The conducting arrangement has a first end conductor in the form of a non-coiled electric conductor or an eccentrically positioned small diameter coil which connects the first electrode electrically with the coil. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290032 | TECHNIQUES FOR MODIFYING BREATHING RATE USING CARDIAC PACING - A method includes controlling a cardiac pacing rate of an implantable medical device (IMD) to control a heart rate of a patient and determining that the patient is in a resting state. The method further includes modifying the pacing rate of the IMD for N cardiac cycles in response to determining that the patient is in the resting state. N is an integer greater than 1. Modifying the pacing rate includes incrementally increasing the pacing rate for a first portion of the N cardiac cycles, and incrementally decreasing the pacing rate for a second portion of the N cardiac cycles. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290033 | TECHNIQUES FOR MODIFYING BREATHING RATE USING CARDIAC PACING - A method includes controlling a cardiac pacing rate of an implantable medical device to control a heart rate of a patient and detecting inhalation and exhalation of the patient. The method further includes determining that the patient is in a resting state, and, in response to determining that the patient is in the resting state, incrementally increasing the pacing rate while exhalation of the patient is detected and incrementally decreasing the pacing rate while inhalation of the patient is detected. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290034 | DYNAMIC REPRESENTATION OF MULTIPOLAR LEADS IN A PROGRAMMER INTERFACE - An external programming system for programming an implantable medical device includes a user display and a memory storing multiple intracardiac lead images. The intracardiac lead images correspond to lead types and includes electrodes spaced according to the spacing of electrodes of a particular lead type. The programmer selects one of the lead images for display based on an indication of which type of lead has been implanted in a patient. The selected image is displayed to a user as part of a graphical user interface for programming cardiac pacing therapy for the patient. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290035 | Single-Pulse Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway to Treat Chronic Inflammation - Described herein are methods and systems for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation. In particular, described herein are single supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >4 hours, greater than 12 hours, greater than 24 hours, greater than 48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation. These methods and devices are particularly of interest in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). | 2012-11-15 |
20120290036 | PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION DURING CARDIAC REFRACTORY PERIOD - A method includes estimating a cardiac signal of a patient, estimating a length of a cardiac refractory period based in part on the cardiac signal and selectively adjusting the length of phrenic nerve electrical stimulation to be delivered to the patient based on the estimated length of the cardiac refractory period. In some examples the method includes delivering phrenic nerve stimulation for approximately the entire refractory period. The phrenic nerve stimulation may be used to treat a variety of breathing disorders. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290037 | STIMULUS REGIMENS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR REFLEX CONTROL - Baroreflex activation is achieved by providing suitable control signals to a baroreflex activation device. A method comprises establishing a therapy interval within the therapy interval, establishing a plurality of dose intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of at least some dose intervals. Another method comprises establishing a series of therapy interval portions, during at least some therapy intervals, establishing a plurality of burst intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of the therapy intervals and also differs between first and second portions of at least some burst intervals. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290038 | MANAGEMENT OF STIMULATION SAFETY LIMITS IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A neurostimulation system for management of stimulation safety limits. The system determines a tissue charge injection metric at each electrode, compares the metric to the hard stop charge limit, and prevents the neurostimulator from delivering stimulation energy to the tissue region in accordance based on the comparison. The hard stop limit may be user-programmable or may be automatically modified in response to detection of electrode characteristics. The system may quantitatively notify a user of a value of the injected charge injected into the tissue. The electrodes may be organized into different sets, in which case, the system may directly control tissue charge independently at each of the electrode sets. If current steering is provided, the system may displace the electrical stimulation energy along the tissue region in one direction, while preventing the charge injection value at each of the electrodes from meeting or exceeding the hard stop charge limit. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290039 | MANAGEMENT OF STIMULATION SAFETY LIMITS IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A neurostimulation system for management of stimulation safety limits. The system determines a tissue charge injection metric at each electrode, compares the metric to the hard stop charge limit, and prevents the neurostimulator from delivering stimulation energy to the tissue region in accordance based on the comparison. The hard stop limit may be user-programmable or may be automatically modified in response to detection of electrode characteristics. The system may quantitatively notify a user of a value of the injected charge injected into the tissue. The electrodes may be organized into different sets, in which case, the system may directly control tissue charge independently at each of the electrode sets. If current steering is provided, the system may displace the electrical stimulation energy along the tissue region in one direction, while preventing the charge injection value at each of the electrodes from meeting or exceeding the hard stop charge limit. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290040 | MANAGEMENT OF STIMULATION SAFETY LIMITS IN A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A neurostimulation system for management of stimulation safety limits. The system determines a tissue charge injection metric at each electrode, compares the metric to the hard stop charge limit, and prevents the neurostimulator from delivering stimulation energy to the tissue region in accordance based on the comparison. The hard stop limit may be user-programmable or may be automatically modified in response to detection of electrode characteristics. The system may quantitatively notify a user of a value of the injected charge injected into the tissue. The electrodes may be organized into different sets, in which case, the system may directly control tissue charge independently at each of the electrode sets. If current steering is provided, the system may displace the electrical stimulation energy along the tissue region in one direction, while preventing the charge injection value at each of the electrodes from meeting or exceeding the hard stop charge limit. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290041 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM WITH ON-EFFECTOR PROGRAMMER CONTROL - An external control device for use with a programmable implantable medical device coupled to an operative element. The external control device comprises a user interface comprising a control element and a display screen configured for displaying a graphical representation of the operative element. The external control device further comprises control circuitry configured for prompting the display screen to superimpose a graphical programmer control over the graphical representation of the operative element when the control element is actuated, and modifying an operational parameter for the operative element in response to actuation of the graphical programmer control. The external control device further comprises output circuitry configured for transmitting the modified operational parameter to the programmable implantable medical device. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290042 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAMMING NEUROSTIMULATION - Methods, devices and systems are provided to efficiently identify, from among a plurality of possible neurostimulation parameter sets, one or more preferred neurostimulation parameter sets that treat a targeted pain of a patient. A plurality of different neurostimulation parameter sets are tested on the patient to thereby identify those tested neurostimulation parameter sets that treat the targeted pain. Each of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets defines an electrode configuration that differs from the other tested neurostimulation parameter sets. If more than one of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets are identified as treating the targeted pain, then neurostimulation parameter sets identified as treating the targeted pain are retested, with the value for a specific neurostimulation signal parameter reduced by a same amount for each of the retested neurostimulation parameter sets, to thereby identify those neurostimulation parameter sets that treat the targeted pain at the reduced power consumption level. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290043 | IMPLANTED ENERGY SOURCE - Apparatus and methods are described for use with (a) a muscle of a body of a subject and (b) an implanted functional device. An electrode is electrically coupled to the muscle. A compressible housing is compressed due to the movement of the muscle. An energy assembly includes a flywheel and an energy converter. The energy assembly (a) stores energy extracted from the movement of the muscle, by rotating the flywheel, (b) causes the muscle to undergo movement by driving a current into the muscle, via the electrode, using the stored energy, and (c) powers the implanted functional device using the stored energy. A chamber, in fluid communication with the housing, receives, from the compressible housing, fluid that is expelled from the compressible housing due to the compression of the compressible housing. Other applications are also described. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290044 | Method For Achieving Facial Toning Using Selectively Applied Galvanic Current - A method of toning the facial muscles and tissues in selected target areas involves applying predetermined galvanic currents, frequencies, and polarities to the target areas in specific patters and with particular repetitions and movements selected to provide enhanced cosmetic effects, such as reduced lines and wrinkles, reduced depth of folds, and improved circulation to promote health and vitality. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290045 | MULTIMODAL AUDITORY FITTING - The present invention provides for fitting a multimodal hearing system to a recipient. Such fitting may include determining a desired perception for an input signal, receiving a measurement of a perception evoked by applying to the recipient one or more stimulation signals that correspond to the input signal, wherein the one or more stimulation signals applied using two or more stimulation modes, and each stimulation signal is determined using stimulus mode weighting, and adjusting one or more of the stimulus mode weightings based on the difference between the measured evoked perception and the desired perception. A multimodal hearing system is able to stimulate using an acoustic, electrical, mechanical mode and/or photo effect mode. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290046 | LOAD-ADAPTIVE BIOELECTRIC CURRENT STIMULATOR - The disclosure relates to a load-adaptive bioelectrical current stimulator, which comprises a current output module, an adaptation module and a control module. The current output module generates a stimulus current to an electrode. The adaptation module detects the electrical status of the stimulus current passing through the electrode and generates a feedback signal to the control module. According to the feedback signal, the control module controls the current output module to stabilize the output status of the stimulus current adaptively. Thereby, the load-adaptive bioelectrical current stimulator can use the feedback control mechanism to regulate the value of the stimulus current to adapt to variation of load impedance. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290047 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING LASER ENERGY TO THE BODY - Systems and methods are provided that allow treatment of cells that are otherwise inaccessible to low level laser therapy. An optically-transmissive device, e.g., a clear piece of silicone, may be placed within a patient's body to optically connect a surface portion, where a laser may be located, to a deeper portion, where a tissue bed to be treated may be located. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290048 | Apparatus and Method for Heating a Treatment Region with an Alternating Electric Field - An apparatus and method for heating a treatment region of a subject via the application of an alternating electric field is disclosed. The method includes positioning a treatment region of a subject between a first electrode and a second electrode sized to extend across the treatment region. The first and second electrodes are connected to a generator operable to apply an alternating electric field between the electrodes at a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 100 MHz. The method also includes activating the generator to apply the alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region. The alternating electric field causes movement of polar molecules in the treatment region whereby friction resulting from this molecular movement translates into heat throughout the treatment region. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290049 | Apparatus and Method for Providing a Substantially Constant Voltage Between Electrodes Extending Across a Treatment Region - An apparatus and method for heating a treatment region of a subject by providing a substantially constant voltage between electrodes extending across the treatment region is disclosed. The method includes positioning a treatment region of a subject between first and second electrodes connected to a generator operable to generate a signal that is substantially a sinusoid having a wavelength λ to thereby create an alternating electric field. The treatment region is positioned adjacent at least one point on the first electrode that is located a distance of ¼λ or ¼λ plus a multiple of ½λ from the generator such that a substantially constant voltage is provided between the first and second electrodes. The method also includes activating the generator to apply the alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region to thereby heat the treatment region. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290050 | Apparatus and Method for Obtaining a Substantially Constant Current Across a Treatment Region - An apparatus and method for heating a treatment region of a subject by providing a substantially constant current across the treatment region is disclosed. The method includes positioning the treatment region between first and second electrodes connected to a generator operable to apply an alternating electric field between the electrodes. The method also includes displacing any air located between the treatment region and the first and second electrodes with one or more flowable materials that allow a substantially constant current to pass between the first and second electrodes and through the treatment region. The method further includes activating the generator to apply the alternating electric field between the first and second electrodes and across the treatment region to thereby heat the treatment region. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290051 | Method, device and system for modulating an activity of brown adipose tissue in a vertebrate subject - Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more passive cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passive cooling elements is configured to be implantable, and wherein the one or more passive cooling elements includes a first portion configured to be in association with the one or more tissues to be cooled, and a second portion configured to be placed in association with one or more tissues adjacent to an external epidermal tissue of the vertebrate subject. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290052 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR BRAIN COOLING FOR TREATMENT AND/OR PREVENTION OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES - Passive prosthetic devices for focally cooling a brain and methods for inhibiting seizures are disclosed. The prosthetic devices replace a thermally insulating bone flap with a thermally conductive insert having an inner surface that contacts the relatively warm meninges or brain and an outer surface that contacts the relatively cool scalp. In an embodiment, the prosthesis is unitary; in another, a biocompatible casing is filled with a highly conductive core; in another, a filled polymer block is attached to a plate; and in another, the bone flap is filled with a conductive polymer. In one embodiment, a filled polymer containing elements that exhibit the magnetocaloric effect provide heat transfer that can be enhanced by application of a suitable magnetic field. Focal cooling as low as 1.2° C. has been found effective at inhibiting seizures. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290053 | RENAL NERVE STIMULATION LEAD, DELIVERY SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A lead for nerve modulation comprises an elongated body which includes a proximal end, a distal portion having a distal end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal end and the distal portion. The distal portion includes a distal portion anchoring mechanism to anchor the distal portion to a first biological cavity of a patient. The intermediate portion includes an intermediate portion anchoring mechanism to anchor the intermediate portion to a second biological cavity of the patient. The intermediate portion anchoring mechanism is larger in lateral dimension than and is spaced from the distal portion anchoring mechanism. The distal portion and/or the intermediate portion includes a plurality of modulation electrodes. The distal portion anchoring mechanism and/or the intermediate portion anchoring mechanism is configured to position the modulation electrodes to contact tissue of the patient at multiple locations. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290054 | DRUG RETAINING SURFACE FEATURES IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable component of a medical device, comprising a polymeric surface. The component includes one or more macro-surface features at the polymeric surface having a configuration that, following application of a liquid drug to the surface retains a quantity of the liquid drug adjacent the surface. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290055 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO PLACE ONE OR MORE LEADS IN TISSUE TO ELECTRICALLY STIMULATE NERVES TO TREAT PAIN - It has been discovered that pain felt in a given region of the body can be treated, not by motor point stimulation of muscle in the local region where pain is felt, but by stimulating muscle spaced from a “nerve of passage” in a region that is superior (i.e., cranial or upstream toward the spinal column) to the region where pain is felt. Spinal nerves such as the intercostal nerves or nerves passing through a nerve plexus, which comprise trunks that divide by divisions and/or cords into branches, comprise “nerves of passage.” | 2012-11-15 |
20120290056 | Implantable Medical Lead - An implantable medical lead for transmitting electrical pulses to excitable bodily tissue and/or signals detected at bodily tissue to a detection and evaluation unit, including a distal electrode or a distal sensor, or actuator; a proximal electrode connector or sensor/actuator connector; and a lead pole which connects the electrode or the sensor or actuator to the electrode connector or sensor/actuator connector and extends in the lead body, wherein the lead pole comprises at least two separate and individually insulated conductors which are electrically interconnected at least at one point which functions as an interchange point, or reversal point, in the lead extension from the proximal electrode or sensor connector to the distal electrode or the distal sensor, and wherein at least one of the separate conductors, in particular close to the reversal point, is interrupted at least once and/or is not connected at one end. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290057 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A NEUROSTIMULATOR INTO THE PTERYGOPALATINE FOSSA - One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. The distal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a craniofacial region of a subject. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290058 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS AND DISORDERS WITH PSYCHOTIC FEATURES - Methods and systems for treating anxiety disorders and disorders with psychotic features include implanting at least one electrode in the patient so as to contact a predetermined region of the brain, coupling the at least one electrode to a signal generating source and transmitting an electrical signal from the source to the predetermined region of the brain through the at least one electrode. In one aspect, the predetermined region of the brain is the amygdala, and more specifically, the basolateral nucleus. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290059 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICAL MODULATION OF THE POSTERIOR LONGITUDINAL LIGAMENT - A method for treating a patient having discogenic pain includes implanting a neurostimulation lead within an anterior portion of the epidural space adjacent to the posterior longitudinal ligament. A plurality of electrodes is attached to the lead and the lead is implanted with at least a portion of the electrodes facing the posterior longitudinal ligament. The lead may be implanted in the lumbar region of the patient's spine, posterior and parallel to the posterior longitudinal ligament. Electrical stimulation energy applied to the patient through the electrode lead implanted in this manner inhibits the pain signals traveling within the posterior longitudinal ligament. Thus, the applied electrical stimulation energy has an anesthetic effect on the pain fibers adjacent to the posterior longitudinal ligament. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290060 | METHOD OF PRODUCING A PROXIMAL CONNECTOR END OF AN IMPLANTABLE LEAD - A connector for an implantable medical lead that is electrically and mechanically connectable to an implantable medical device, has a connector pin made of a first conducting material. A tubular insulator made of an insulating material concentrically surrounds at least a portion of the pin. A connector ring made of a second conducting material is concentrically positioned around at least a portion of the insulator. The insulator is connected to the connector ring by spark plasma sintering in the case of an active fixation lead, and is connected to the ring and the pin by spark plasma sintering in the case of a passive fixation lead. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290061 | Electrode Pad Packaging Systems And Methods - An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell is disclosed. The electrode pad is disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from the electrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon that is configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch. The valve may be configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. A method of packaging an electrode pad is also disclosed. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, an electrode pad, a wire and a shell. A valve on the shell allows air to exit the electrode pouch. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290062 | INTRA-ATRIAL IMPLANTS MADE OF NON-BRAIDED MATERIAL - Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290063 | Method of Increasing Stent Retention of Bioabsorbable Scaffolding with a Sheath - A medical device includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen. A variable diameter sheath with a central portion that prevents expansion of the stent when the balloon is pressurized and larger diameter ends is disposed over the crimped stent-balloon assembly. The balloon is pressurized and the larger diameter ends of the sheath allow the balloon beyond the ends of the stent to expand. The balloon is then depressurized. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290064 | ELASTIC CAP FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE DISTAL END OF A CATHETER HAVING AN INNER AND AN OUTER HOSE - An elastic cap for covering the distal end of a catheter having inner and outer hoses, characterized in that the cap consists essentially of an elastic material, has a cavity in which the distal end of the inner and the outer hose of a catheter can be received, and the cap has a first opening via which the cavity is accessible from the outside, wherein prior to receiving the distal end of the catheter, the first opening has a diameter which is not larger than the outer diameter of the inner hose of the catheter and wherein the first opening is elastically expandable to a diameter which corresponds to the outer diameter of the outer hose. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290065 | Pre-Positioned Anastomosis Device and Related Methods of Use - Embodiments of a medical device and related methods of use are provided in the disclosure. The medical device includes an elongate member having a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a tapered lumen extending between the first and second openings. The diameter of the first end may be smaller than that of the second end. The medical device also may include a securing mechanism protruding from one of the first or second ends to penetrate tissue. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290066 | INTRODUCER WITH RATCHET HANDLE DRIVE - A stent graft introducer has stent graft releasably retained onto a deployment catheter and a sheath encloses the stent graft. A handle assembly has a handle, a first slide and a second slide. The first slide retracts within the second slide and the second slide retracts within the handle. An actuation arrangement comprises a first longitudinal gear rack on the first slide, a second longitudinal gear rack on the second slide and a ratchet lever assembly on the handle. Actuation of the ratchet lever assembly causes the second slide to fully retract into the handle at which time the ratchet lever assembly engages the first gear rack through an aperture in the second rack and continued actuation causes retraction of the first slide thereby retracting the sheath from the pusher to expose the stent graft. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290067 | VASCULAR REMODELING DEVICE - Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can conform to the shape of vessels of the neurovasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. In some embodiments, a vascular remodeling device includes a first section and a protruding section. During deployment, the device expands from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The first section anchors the device in an afferent vessel and/or in an efferent vessel of a bifurcation and the protruding section is positioned in the junction of the bifurcation having an aneurysm and across the neck of the aneurysm or at least partially within the aneurysm. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290068 | STEERABLE ILIAC BRANCH DEVICE - A prosthesis may be used for treatment of an aneurysmal body vessel. The prosthesis may include a prosthetic trunk and a prosthetic branch. The prosthetic trunk may include a graft body, an open first end, an open second end, and a trunk lumen extending therebetween. The prosthetic branch may include a graft body, an open first end, an open second end, and a branch lumen extending therebetween. The first end of the prosthetic branch may be attached to the prosthetic trunk, and the branch lumen may be in fluid communication with the trunk lumen. The prosthetic branch may be movable in relation to the prosthetic trunk between neutral, right biased, and left biased configurations. First and second releasable steering members may be associated with the respective first and second biased configurations and may cooperatively retain the prosthetic branch in the neutral configuration. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290069 | PARAPLEGIA PREVENTION VALVE FOR STENT GRAFTS - A stent graft defining a main lumen bounded by a wall of graft material is disclosed. The stent graft has a valve portion between proximal and distal portions. The valve portion is formed by a wall portion having a part-circumferential double layer portion comprising an inner underlap portion and an outer overlap portion, the double layer portion forming a passageway parallel to the main lumen. The passageway has an entrance mouth and an exit mouth. The passageway has an open condition where the underlap and overlap portions are spaced apart to form a vent lumen. The wall portion is broken by a narrow cut. The cut is openable by relative radial movement between its edges. This allows re-perfusion of an aneurism and perfusion of blood from within the lumen out towards blood vessels such as intercostals and can assist in minimising the chance of paraplegia. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290070 | Control Of Degradation Profile Of Bioabsorbable Poly(L-Lactide) Scaffold - Methods of controlling the degradation profile of a biodegradable stent scaffolding are disclosed. Disclosed methods include controlling features of the degradation profile including the time to loss of radial strength and the degradation time of the stent. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290071 | Bioabsorbable Scaffold With Particles Providing Delayed Acceleration of Degradation - Methods of controlling the degradation profile of a biodegradable stent scaffolding are disclosed. A bioabsorbable scaffold having a plurality of particles incorporated into the scaffolding that accelerate the absorption of the scaffolding after an induction time during degradation is disclosed. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290072 | EMERGENCY VASCULAR REPAIR PROSTHESIS - A prosthesis system for repair of a transected body vessel is provided. The system can include first and second prostheses each including a tubular graft body and a support structure. Each prosthesis can be expandable between a compressed and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, outer surfaces of the first and second prostheses can engage walls of the body vessel. The system can include a sleeve member formable into a tubular body. The first and second prostheses can be coupled to one another at a joint to form a coupled prosthesis. The sleeve member can receive the coupled prosthesis and cover the joint to inhibit leakage therefrom. The prosthesis system can connect first and second portions of the body vessel to permit blood flow therethrough. The sleeve member can be discrete to the coupled prosthesis or can have one end fixedly attached to the coupled prosthesis. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290073 | BIOABSORBABLE SCAFFOLDS MADE FROM COMPOSITES - Bioabsorbable scaffolds made at least in part of a poly(L-lactide)-based composite are disclosed. The composite includes poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) or poly(L-lactide)-b-polycaprolactone block copolymer, which increases the fracture toughness or fracture resistance of the scaffold. The composite can further include bioceramic particles, L-lactide monomer, or both dispersed throughout the composite. The bioceramic particles improve the radial strength and stiffness of the scaffold. The L-lactide monomer is used to control the absorption rate of the scaffold. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290074 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING ENHANCED ENDOTHELIAL MIGRATION FEATURES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An implantable medical device having enhanced endothelial migration features, generally comprises: a structural member including a leading edge and a trailing edge interconnected by a third surface region, the leading edge including a second surface region in a generally curvilinear cross-section, and the trailing edge including a fourth surface region in a generally curvilinear cross-section, whereby blood flow over the second surface region generate shear stress at the second surface region without an eddy region in the second surface region. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290075 | MODIFICATION OF BIOABSORBABLE STENT TO REDUCE THROMBOGENECITY - Bioabsorbable polymer scaffolds with coatings are disclosed that include immobilized antithrombotic agents on the scaffolds or in or on the coatings. The agents act synergistically with antiproliferative agents released from coatings by providing hemocompatibility during and without interfering with antiproliferative agent release. Methods of modifying scaffolds and coatings with the antithrombotic agents are disclosed. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290076 | DRUG-DELIVERY ENDOVASCULAR STENT AND METHOD FOR TREATING RESTENOSIS - A radially expandable, endovascular stent designed for placement at a site of vascular injury, for inhibiting restenosis at the site, a method of using, and a method of making the stent. The stent includes a radially expandable body formed of one or more metallic filaments and a liquid-infusible mechanical anchoring layer attached to or formed in outer surface of the filaments. A drug coating in the stent is composed of a substantially polymer-free composition of an anti-restenosis drug, and has a substratum infused in the anchoring layer and a substantially continuous surface stratum of drug that is brought into direct contact with the vessel walls at the vascular site. Thus, the rate of release of the anti-restenosis drug from the surface stratum into said vascular site is determined solely by the composition of said drug coating. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290077 | TISSUE RESTRAINING DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290078 | HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH VALVE CATHETER - A heart valve delivery system is provided wherein a prosthetic valve is carried on a valve catheter inside a tubular delivery sleeve. The valve catheter has a distal end coupled to a mop. The mop comprises a plurality of flexible extensions configured for releasable attachment to the prosthetic valve. A lead screw nut is coupled to a proximal end of the tubular delivery sleeve and a lead screw is coupled to the valve catheter. The lead screw engages the lead screw nut and rotation of the lead screw causes the delivery sleeve to retract relative to the valve catheter and the prosthetic valve for exposing the prosthetic valve. The flexible extensions of the mop allow expansion of the valve while maintaining the attachment during placement of the valve at a native valve site. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290079 | MITRAL HEART VALVE HOLDER AND STORAGE SYSTEM - An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290080 | PROSTHETIC TISSUE VALVE - A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290081 | PROSTHETIC TISSUE VALVE - A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290082 | MECHANICAL TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - A mechanical transcatheter heart valve prosthesis including a support structure that can be expanded from a first size designed for minimally invasive insertion to a functional second size and a flexible heart valve made of a composite material containing woven fabric that is embedded in an elastic matrix and locally reinforced by fibers, the heart valve comprising a plurality of leaflets. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290083 | VALVE FOR A HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - A valve for a heart valve prosthesis comprising a valve membrane composed of at least one spiral strip which, in the closed state of the valve membrane, assumes the form of an Archimedean spiral, wherein the outer edge regions of the spiral strip overlap an inner edge region of the spiral strip of a previous winding of the spiral. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290084 | OCULAR AUTO-FOCUSING LENSES - The present invention relates to an ocular, variable-focus lens, and in particular, to an ocular, fluid-focussed, accommodating lens having first and second fluids which are in contact over a meniscus of changeable shape, for the restoration or improvement of vision in a patient. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290085 | EXTENDED DEPTH OF FOCUS (EDOF) LENS TO INCREASE PSEUDO-ACCOMMODATION BY UTILIZING PUPIL DYNAMICS - In one aspect, the present invention provides an ophthalmic lens (e.g., an IOL) that includes an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface disposed about an optical axis. At least one of the surfaces (e.g., the anterior surface) has a profile characterized by superposition of a base profile and an auxiliary profile. The auxiliary profile can include an inner region, an outer region and a transition region between the inner and the outer regions, where an optical path difference across the transition region (i.e., the optical path difference between the inner and the outer radial boundaries of the transition region) corresponds to a non-integer fraction (e.g., ½) of a design wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of about 550 nm). | 2012-11-15 |
20120290086 | INTRAOCULAR CAPSULAR TENSION RINGS - Arcuate arms each approximately semi-circular extend generally oppositely from a central fixation element. Together the arms and integral fixation element form a capsular tension ring to apply outward pressure along the equator of an ocular lens capsule during surgery. The ring can be loaded into an insertion tube by pulling on the central fixation element such that the arms are drawn into the tube together. Similarly, the arms are expelled together from the tube during insertion into the capsule so as to equalize the force applied to the capsule during insertion of the ring. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290087 | Incus Replacement Partial Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis - An ossicular prosthesis is described which includes an elongated prosthesis member formed from a single foldable plane structure and having a proximal end and a distal end. A cochlear striker surface is located at the distal end of the prosthesis member for engaging an outer cochlear surface of a recipient patient. A transducer clamp is at the proximal end of the prosthesis member and includes multiple clamping fingers for securely engaging the outer surface of an enclosed acoustic signal transducer such that acoustic vibration of the signal transducer is coupled by the prosthesis member to the cochlear surface | 2012-11-15 |
20120290088 | System and Method for Prosthetic Fitting and Balancing in Joints - A device for intraoperative use in balancing joint forces and verifying the placement of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty includes a spacer defining an enclosure; the spacer is sized to engage a top portion of the tibial component. A sensor array is embedded in the spacer, the sensor array measures forces on the spacer. A wireless transceiver is embedded in the spacer and forwards the output to a processor. The processor is analyzes the output and creates a pressure distribution graph indicative of the forces on the spacer, thereby assisting a surgeon in performing selective soft tissue release or component positioning in connection with surgical implantation of an orthopedic knee prosthesis. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290089 | VERTEBRAL SPACER - A vertebral spacer includes a body having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a rear side. The top side is configured to be positioned adjacent to a first vertebra and the bottom side is configured to be positioned against a second vertebra. First, second, third and fourth bores extend through the body. First and second compression fasteners disposable in the first and third bores, and first and second locking fasteners disposable in the second and fourth bores. The first compression fastener and the first locking fastener cooperate to apply and lock a first predetermined compression force between the body and the first vertebra. The second compression fastener and the second locking fastener cooperate to apply and lock a second predetermined compression force between the body and the second vertebra. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290090 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method of Installation Thereof - The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290091 | PROSTHETIC IMPLANT WITH BIPLANAR ANGULATION AND COMPOUND ANGLES - A prosthetic implant, and more particularly, with a prosthetic implant having biplanar angulation and that can be inserted into a disk area generally straight using a posterolateral approach. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290092 | SPINAL IMPLANTS - The present invention is directed to a variety of spinal implants. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290093 | Transforaminal Prosthetic Spinal Disc Apparatus - An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290094 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE EXPANDING SPACER AND METHOD - A minimally invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A indicator gauge indicates the height of the spacer. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290095 | TISSUE PROSTHESIS AND A METHOD OF, AND EQUIPMENT FOR, FORMING A TISSUE PROSTHESIS - A tissue prosthesis | 2012-11-15 |
20120290096 | FLEXIBLE ELONGATED CHAIN IMPLANT AND METHOD OF SUPPORTING BODY TISSUE WITH SAME - Implants and methods for augmentation of the disc space between two vertebral bodies to treat disease or abnormal pathology conditions in spinal applications. The implant includes a chain of biocompatible material suitable for insertion into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient's spinal column, wherein the spinal disc space has a transverse plane. The chain comprises a plurality of adjacent bodies having a height configured to reside within the disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies and a length configured to reside in the disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies when the chain is curved in an orientation substantially along the transverse plane of the spinal disc space. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290097 | EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT - A method of inserting an expandable intervertebral implant is disclosed. The implant preferably includes first and second members capable of being expanded upon movement of first and second wedges. The first and second wedges, while being capable of moving with respect to each other and the first and second members are also preferably attached to the first and second members. In addition, the first and second wedges are preferably capable of moving only in a first direction, while movement in a second direction is inhibited. The first and second wedges are also preferably prevented from torsionally moving with respect to the first and second members. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290098 | METHODS OF USING, PROVIDING AND MANUFACTURING A SHOULDER PROSTHESIS WITH A ONE-PIECE HUMERAL HEAD - A humeral head augment device for use in a modular shoulder prosthesis. The humeral head augment device has an external bearing surface with at least one surface portion that includes a radius of curvature. The radius of curvature is configured to constrain translational movement of the implanted shoulder prosthesis when the humeral head augment device is positioned within the shoulder prosthesis. The humeral head augment device also includes a coupling mechanism designed to lock the humeral head augment device to either the stem or the humeral head, thereby ensuring proper operational positioning of the device within the shoulder prosthesis and allowing the implanted shoulder prosthesis to function in a patient suffering from rotator cuff arthropathy. A shoulder prosthesis using a humeral head augment device, a method for assembling a shoulder prosthesis and method for using a humeral head augment device in a shoulder prosthesis are also disclosed. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290099 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL TOOLS FOR HIP PROSTHESIS - Instrumentation for a modular prosthesis having a stem and a neck comprises a handle and an adaptor. The handle extends along an axis. The handle has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a blunt surface configured to be struck. The adaptor has a male end configured to mate inside the bore of the stem. The adaptor further has a surface configured to mate with the distal end of the handle. The adaptor is configured to have a medial portion and a lateral portion. The medial portion has a relief such that the adaptor is configured to disengage the stem when the adaptor is rotated relative the stem. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290100 | MEDICAL APPARATUSES FOR DELIVERY OF UROLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL AGENTS - The present invention provides implantable or insertable medical apparatuses that deliver one or more urologically beneficial agents to the urinary tract. In one aspect, the medical apparatuses comprise a reservoir, a catheter, an implantable or insertable urological medical device, and an optional pump. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290101 | ADJUSTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ADJUSTING DEVICE - The invention relates to an adjusting device for a prosthetic device, having a drive ( | 2012-11-15 |
20120290102 | Knee Crutch System - Disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a knee crutch system. Embodiments of a knee crutch system provide support to a user's injured lower leg, safely positioning it such that it bears no weight other than its own, while enabling the user to remain mobile. Moreover, a user of a knee crutch system may enjoy mobility without obligating the use of his arms or hands to stabilize the ambulatory motion or otherwise support body weight. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290103 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE IN IMPROVING OPERATION OF UTILITY EQUIPMENT - Systems and methods for use in operating utility equipment that includes a plurality of controllable components. A computing device determines that a first controllable component of a plurality of controllable components is ineligible for an actuation based at least in part on operating conditions associated with the controllable components. A disregard indicator representing that the first controllable component is ineligible for the actuation is associated with the first controllable component by the computing device. An operation enhancement algorithm is executed by the computing device to determine a desired operation of the controllable components. The first controllable component is excluded from the operation enhancement algorithm based on the disregard indicator. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290104 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING PLANT OPERATIONS - Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and a method. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on a static input and a dynamic input, and a decision support system configured to use the risk to derive a decision. The system also includes a plant control system configured to update operations of a plant based on the decision, wherein the decision predicts future plant conditions. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290105 | METHOD FOR OPERATING, MONITORING AND/OR CONFIGURING AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM OF A TECHNICAL PLANT - A method for operating, monitoring and/or configuring an automation system of a technical plant from a remote device may include a control software ensuring that the software processes of an operating and monitoring software and/or a configuration software relevant for a communication via a public network are terminated. After setting up a secure communication link from the device to the automation system via the public network, an endpoint of the communication link in the remote device is assigned a network address and the software processes of the operating and monitoring software and/or configuration software relevant for a communication via the public network are started. The data packets sent by the operating and monitoring software and/or configuration software for operating, monitoring and/or configuring the automation system are diverted to the network address by the control software. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290106 | METHOD FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS AND AN INDUSTRIAL TRUCK - In a method for the management of industrial trucks, the industrial truck has a control computer which transmits data via a data transmission system to a central service computer. The following steps are carried out: detection of malfunctions of the industrial truck by the control computer, generation of fault codes by the control computer corresponding to the malfunctions, transmission of the fault codes via the data transmission system to the central service computer, and generation by the central service computer of instructions and/or information about required replacement parts. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290107 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING STATE DATA OF AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT - A method for displaying state data of an industrial plant by a server communicating with a client over a network includes, in a first mode, receiving live state data from a data source and sending a portion of the live state data to the client for display into a graphical user interface. The method also includes, in a replay mode, reading stored state data from a data storage, the stored state data being stored at a storage rate, and sending a portion of the stored state data to the client for display into the same or a different graphical user interface at a replay rate, which can be different than the storage rate. The data source can include a programmable logic controller (PLC) and the live state data and the stored state data may represent any combination of sensor data, data derived from sensor data, control output data, control input data, and program state data. The client may include a plurality of clients, in which case the portion of the live state data is sent to one of the plurality of clients and the portion of the stored state data is sent to another of the plurality of clients. The method may further include receiving control input data from the client and sending the control input data to the data source to control the industrial plant. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290108 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A MACHINE FROM THE FIELD OF AUTOMATION ENGINEERING - In a method and system for operating a machine from the field of automation engineering, operating inputs entered at an operating unit of the machine and an identification code are transmitted via a data network to communication server software running on an external computing device. The communication server software determines MMI (machine-machine-interface) application software associated with the machine and with the operating inputs and transfers the operating inputs to the MMI application software, which in turn determines visualization data on the basis of the operating inputs. The visualization data specify a graphical output image to be represented on a display screen and are transferred to the machine via the communication server software and the data network for display. The performance characteristics of the machine can thereby be enhanced, without increasing demands on the hardware. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290109 | Methods and Systems for Encouraging Athletic Activity - Individuals may be encouraged to perform athletic activity based on punishments or adverse effects that may be applied if the individual loses an athletic activity competition. For example, a user's device may be adversely affected by visual or functional effects configured to obscure or obstruct one or more functions of the user's device. The punishment or adverse effect might not be removed or deactivated until a user has completed a new competition without losing. In some arrangements, the user may be required to win in order to have the adverse effect removed. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290110 | Evaluating Composite Applications Through Graphical Modeling - According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for evaluating composite applications through graphical modeling may be provided. The method may include displaying one or more characteristic objects that are graphically associated with a first entity object. An indication of a score calculation methodology of the first entity object and an indication of a score calculation methodology of each characteristic object may be received. A score of each characteristic object may be determined. Each score may be based on at least one or more measurements of a measured object that is graphically associated with the first entity object and the score calculation methodology of the respective characteristic object. A score of the first entity object may be determined and displayed, the determination based on at least each score of the one or more characteristic objects and the score calculation methodology of the first entity object. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290111 | ROBOT - A Robot includes a main body, a Portable device and a supporting structure. The supporting structure is disposed at the main body for detachably connecting the Portable device. The Portable device reads digital media data from the main body or the Portable device itself, and plays the digital media data as video. After the Portable device is detached from the supporting structure, the main body and the Portable device operate independently. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290112 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPARING FRAMES USING SPECTRAL INFORMATION OF AUDIO SIGNAL - Disclosed is a frame comparison apparatus and method for comparing frames included in an audio signal by using spectrum information. The frame comparison apparatus includes a spectrum information estimation apparatus for receiving an audio signal and estimating and outputting spectrum information for the respective frames included in the audio signal, an estimation operation option determiner for determining an estimation order of the spectrum information estimated from the spectrum information estimation apparatus, a frame comparison option determiner for determining a comparison order for the frames output from the spectrum information estimation apparatus, and a frame comparator for determining a comparison target frame which is a comparison target for a current frame included in the audio signal, comparing the spectrum information for the current frame with the spectrum information for the comparison target frame, and outputting a comparison result value. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290113 | SEAMLESS SWITCHING BETWEEN RADIO AND LOCAL MEDIA - Systems and methods are provided for seamlessly switching media playback between a media broadcast, such as a radio broadcast, and media from a local media library. When an electronic device determines that an upcoming media item in a media broadcast is not of interest to a user, the electronic device can switch playback from the media stream to a media item from the electronic device local library. The selected local media item can be related to a previously broadcast media item to ensure continuity in the user's listening or viewing experience. The electronic device can switch away from the local media item and return to the media stream when the media stream again broadcasts media items or segments of interest to the user. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290114 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CYCLE TIME VISUALIZATION - The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In one embodiment, an industrial process control system includes a processor and a link active scheduler. The link active scheduler is configured to schedule execution of a macrocycle. The macrocycle includes an application timeslot and an asynchronous timeslot. The link active scheduler is further configured to schedule execution of scheduled instructions for a plurality of field devices of the industrial process control system in the application timeslot. The link active scheduler is further configured to schedule execution of unscheduled instructions for the plurality of field devices of the industrial process control system in the asynchronous timeslot. The industrial process control system further includes a macrocycle viewer executable by the processor. The macrocycle viewer is configured to display the macrocycle in a visual format. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290115 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED DENTAL GEOMETRY REPRESENTATION - A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290116 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING DATA FOR A DENTAL COMPONENT AND A PHYSICAL DENTAL MODEL - Methods for obtaining data and for manufacturing a dental component and a physical dental model of at least a part of a dental structure are provided which can improve processing times and provide sufficient manufacturing accuracy. An embodiment of the method can comprise obtaining a first data record for manufacturing the dental component and a second data record for manufacturing the physical dental model. The first data record can comprise data based on a portion of a digital dental model. The second data record can comprise data based on at least the portion of the digital dental model. In this regard, the data upon which the first and second data records are based can be obtained using first and second scanning resolutions in order to improve processing times and provide sufficient accuracy. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290117 | VIBRATION COMPENSATION DURING TRIM AND FORM AND MARKING - A method for forming indicia on a semiconductor device package, such as laser marked or ink stamp marked indicia. The method can be performed on an apparatus, such as a production apparatus, which forms the indicia as well as performs semiconductor device trim and form operations. An embodiment of the present teachings ensures that the indicia marking process at a laser marking station does not occur simultaneously with the device trim and form operations at a trim and form station. Trim and form operations, particularly using a ram press, can impose vibrations on the laser marking station. Ensuring that laser marking does not occur simultaneously with trim and form operations removes the negative effects of vibration on the laser marking station. | 2012-11-15 |
20120290118 | Method and system for forming a dental prosthesis - A system and method for use in constructing a prosthesis/complete restoration that obtains a digital dentition model, such as a 3D geometric surface model or a 3D volumetric image model, processes the digital dentition model to form a virtual model, forms a virtual mold including a digital prosthesis and/or complete restoration, and uses the virtual model to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration. Processing circuitry, such as a programmed server, can be used to obtain the digital dentition model and form the virtual mold. A rapid manufacturing device can be used to construct the prosthesis/complete restoration. | 2012-11-15 |