Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110143297 | Thermal Diffusion Chamber - A frame supporting a containment chamber, the containment chamber is preferably configured to enclose and confine a process chamber. A heat source module is disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, while a thermal regulation cavity is maintained between the heat source module and the process chamber. Preferably, at least one fluid inlet box is in fluidic communication with the thermal regulation cavity, in which the fluid inlet box provides a plate valve that mitigates the flow of fluids from the thermal regulation cavity through the fluid inlet box and to an environment external to the thermal regulation cavity. Additionally, the preferred fluid inlet box further includes a flow adjustment structure interacting with the plate valve to control fluid flow from the environment external to the thermal regulation cavity past the plate valve and into thermal regulation cavity. | 06-16-2011 |
20110249960 | Heat Source Door For A Thermal Diffusion Chamber - A frame supporting a containment chamber, the containment chamber is preferably configured to enclose and confine a process chamber. A heat source module is disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, while a collar communicates with the process chamber and is secured to the process chamber. Preferably, a heat source door is in fluidic communication with the process chamber, and includes at least a top hat section secured to a main body portion, an over center latch secured to the top hat section and interacting with the collar, the over center latch mitigates an inadvertent opening of the process chamber, and a lamp feed-through is preferably secured to the main body portion and supports a heat source device. | 10-13-2011 |
20110254228 | Thermal Chamber - A process chamber that provides an interior surface and an exterior surface is confined within a containment chamber. Secured to the containment chamber is a collar that communicates with the process chamber. A seal formed between the process chamber and the collar, includes at least an adjustable backing ring encircling the exterior surface of the process chamber, a preload ring secured to the collar, and a sealing structure encircling the process chamber and positioned between the adjustable backing ring and the preload ring. The adjustable backing ring is adjustably secured a predetermined distance from the preload ring, based on a perimeter dimension of the process chamber, to form the seal between the process chamber and the collar. | 10-20-2011 |
20120168143 | Thermal Diffusion Chamber With Heat Exchanger - Preferably, a frame supporting a containment chamber, a sealed process chamber confined within the containment chamber, a heat source module disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, and a fluid inlet box with a flow adjustment structure, the fluid inlet box in fluidic communication with an exterior of the sealed process chamber, the flow adjustment structure controls fluid flow around the exterior of the sealed process chamber. Preferentially, a thermal sensor is disposed within and contactingly adjacent a wall of the sealed thermal chamber, the thermal sensor measures an internal temperature value of the sealed process chamber, and a controller communicating with the flow adjustment structure and the thermal sensor, the controller sets a flow position of the flow adjustment structure to regulate fluid flow through the fluid inlet box, and around the exterior of the sealed process chamber in response to the measured internal temperature value. | 07-05-2012 |
20120168144 | Thermal Diffusion Chamber Control Device and Method - Preferably, obtaining internal and external thermal measurement values of a sealed process chamber allows a control system to generate a control signal based on a comparison of the internal and external thermal measurement values to the predetermined value. The control signal is provided to a fluid handling system, wherein the fluid handling system modulates flow of a first fluid around the exterior of the sealed process chamber. The control signal is further provided to a closed loop heat exchange system, wherein the closed loop heat exchange system modulates flow of a second fluid within an interior cavity of the sealed process chamber based on the control signal. The control signal is still further provided to an open loop heat exchange system, wherein the open loop heat exchange system modulates flow of a third fluid within the interior of cavity of the sealed process chamber. | 07-05-2012 |
20130153201 | THERMAL DIFFUSION CHAMBER WITH COOLING TUBES - Preferably, a frame supporting a containment chamber, which in turn confines a sealed process chamber, is provided. Further, at least one fluid inlet box in fluidic communication with an exterior of the sealed process chamber is presented, in which the fluid inlet box includes at least a flow adjustment structure to control a fluid flow from a fluid source around the exterior of the sealed process chamber; and an open loop heat exchange system in fluidic communication with an interior of the sealed process chamber is present, within at least a portion of the open loop heat exchange system resides internal to the sealed process chamber. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153202 | THERMAL DIFFUSION CHAMBER WITH CONVECTION COMPRESSOR - Preferably, a frame supporting a containment chamber, with a sealed process chamber confined within the containment chamber, and at least one fluid inlet vessel in fluidic communication with an exterior of the sealed process chamber, the fluid inlet vessel including at least a flow adjustment structure to control a fluid flow from a fluid source around the exterior of the sealed process chamber; and an open loop fluid convection system in fluidic communication with an interior of the sealed process chamber, wherein the fluid convection system includes a rotary compressor assembly that extends into the sealed process chamber is disclosed. | 06-20-2013 |
20130192522 | THERMAL DIFFUSION CHAMBER WITH CONVECTION COMPRESSOR - Preferably, a frame supporting a containment chamber, with a sealed process chamber confined within the containment chamber, and at least one fluid inlet structure in fluidic communication with an exterior of the sealed process chamber, the fluid inlet structure including at least a flow adjustment structure to control a fluid flow from a fluid source around the exterior of the sealed process chamber; and an open loop fluid convection system in fluidic communication with an interior of the sealed process chamber, wherein the fluid convection system includes a rotary compressor assembly that extends into the sealed process chamber is disclosed. | 08-01-2013 |
20140246311 | IN-SITU SPUTTERING APPARATUS - A sputtering apparatus that includes at least a target presented as an inner surface of a confinement structure, the inner surface of the confinement structure is preferably an internal wall of a circular tube. A cathode is disposed adjacent the internal wall of the circular tube. The cathode preferably provides a hollow core, within which a magnetron is disposed. Preferably, an actuator is attached to the magnetron, wherein a position of the magnetron within the hollow core is altered upon activation of the actuator. Additionally, a carriage supporting the cathode and communicating with the target is preferably provided, and a cable bundle interacting with the cathode and linked to a cable bundle take up mechanism provides power and coolant to the cathode, magnetron, actuator and an anode of the sputtering apparatus. | 09-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130111222 | Verification of Authenticity and Responsiveness of Biometric Evidence And/Or Other Evidence | 05-02-2013 |
20130138964 | VERIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY AND RESPONSIVENESS OF BIOMETRIC EVIDENCE AND/OR OTHER EVIDENCE - Authenticity and responsiveness of evidence (e.g., biometric evidence) may be validated without regard for whether there is direct control over a sensor that acquired the evidence. In some implementations, only a data block containing evidence that is (1) appended with a server-generated challenge (e.g., a nonce) and (2) signed or encrypted by the sensor may validate that the evidence is responsive to a current request and belongs to a current session. In some implementations, trust may be established and/or enhanced due to one or more security features (e.g., anti-spoofing, anti-tampering, and/or other security features) being collocated with the sensor at the actual sampling site. | 05-30-2013 |
20130208103 | SECURE DISPLAY - An electronic display is provided for facilitating authentication. The display may integrate one or more of a camera, microphone, fingerprint sensor, card reader, touch screen, and communication interface to collect biometric and other identification information to authenticate a user requesting access to the display. An integrated proximity or motion sensor may be used to track presence of the user. The user may be required to re-authenticate his identity after an absence from the display. The display may be a standalone device or may cooperate with an external computing device. The display may be configured to verify its identity to the external computing device. The display may be configured to perform its own authentication and authorization procedures before presenting content from an external device. | 08-15-2013 |
20140181529 | VERIFICATION OF PASSWORD USING A KEYBOARD WITH A SECURE PASSWORD ENTRY MODE - The present invention includes a device and method to authenticate a user to a computer prior to the user having access to the computer or network. As user name and password protocols are nearly ubiquitous in authentication applications used today, there have been developed many nefarious techniques to defeat the security of such systems. It is relatively easy to write a computer program to guess passwords and then use those passwords to defeat security and cause harm and mischief to a computer, its users and others. To thwart such activity, the present invention provides a novel device that can be provided within a keyboard, in a computer, or in a third device having connectivity thereto. The device in conjunction with the method provides a secure password mode and a challenge/response protocol to verify that the password is entered in response to a particular request for a password. | 06-26-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110316302 | Adjustable length truck bed cover with removable side panels and method of installation and removal - A cover assembly and a method of covering a cargo bed for a truck having a separate cab uses a raised structure with removable side panels, constructed and arranged in sections of successively smaller width and height dimensions, the cover sections being slideably mounted within grooves on side rails that are secured to the sides of the cargo bed so that the smaller sections can be either extended, with the smallest section is toward the rear of the cargo bed or retracted into the largest section, and locking pins are provided to secure the cover sections in the desired locations, the method of installation and removal being to install the cover sections in order of size with the smallest sections installed first and the largest sections removed first. | 12-29-2011 |
20130183116 | Device for and method of securing items in a cargo bed - An assembly of a number of perforated sheets with fasteners and braces to temporarily and adjustably provide variable partitions and means for securing items within the cargo bed of a truck or trailer, uses a set of flat rectangular sheets that are perforated by an array of regularly spaced holes to accept connectors and bolts to secure braces or fixtures to the sheets in a variety of configurations including at least a base sheet sized to fit horizontally on the cargo bed and/or vertical partition sheets with sockets along the long edges, spaced the same as the sheet holes and secured to the base sheet by pegs and braces and fixtures such as rings, adjustable length bars or hooks are usefully attachable to the sheets by bolts or by pegs inserted into the holes. | 07-18-2013 |
20140021311 | Flexible mailbox support with detachable swing arm and replacable outer sleeve - A flexible mailbox support is assembled by pivotable attachment of a mailbox support arm to a post having two rigid sections separated by a flexible middle section and coverable by a replaceable sleeve, the connection between the support arm and the post uses a single bolt inserted through and joining a flat surface on the arm to a flat surface on the top of the post, formed to be detachable with force, the parallel surfaces being set at an angle of less than 90 degrees from the post and a spring is compressed by the bolt head to adjustably bias the surfaces against one another while allowing the arm to pivot about the axis of the bolt, with a cage providing protection for the mailbox. | 01-23-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100151950 | ROLLING ELEMENT SHAFT ASSEMBLY - A shaft assembly includes a first shaft member and a second shaft member telescopically engaged with the first shaft member. A roller carrier supporting a plurality of rollers is disposed between the first and second shaft members. The first shaft member defines a first slot extending along and angled relative to a longitudinal axis. The second shaft member defines a second slot extending along and angled relative to the first slot and the longitudinal axis. The roller carrier defines a carrier slot extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin extends through the first slot, the second slot and the carrier slot and moves the roller carrier at a slower speed than the relative movement speed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member during telescoping movement. A wedge is disposed between the first shaft member and a portion of the rollers to de-lash the shaft assembly. | 06-17-2010 |
20130121630 | Roller Bearing Assembly - A bearing assembly includes an inner race having a first inner race half and a second inner race half, and an outer race having a first outer race half and a second outer race. The first inner race half and the second inner race half cooperate to define an inner annular groove, and the first outer race half and the second outer race half cooperate to define an outer annular groove. A plurality of rollers is disposed within the inner annular groove and the outer annular groove in rolling engagement with the inner race and the outer race. An inner coupling mechanism couples the first inner race and the second inner race together, and an outer coupling mechanism couples the first outer race and the second outer race together. | 05-16-2013 |
20130145889 | SHIFT CONTROL DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A shift control device for an automatic transmission comprises a referee shift control bracket mounted to a vehicle and an actuated shift control bracket that is actuated relatively to the referee shift control bracket. The referee shift control bracket cooperates with the actuated shift control bracket to define a path of travel of the actuated shift control bracket relative to the referee shift control bracket. The actuated shift control bracket is coupled, through a shift linkage system, to the automatic transmission such that a movement of the actuated shift control bracket along the path of travel to a first position corresponds to actuation of the automatic transmission into a first gear position. The referee shift control bracket cooperating with the actuated shift control bracket to define at least one detent positioned along said path of travel, said at least one detent corresponding to the first gear position. | 06-13-2013 |
20130333507 | SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY WITH PARK SHIFT ASSIST MECHANISM - A park shift assist mechanism of a shift lever assembly for a vehicle is provided. The park shift assist mechanism includes a pressing portion configured to apply a pressing force and a follower configured to cause rotation of a gear shift lever from a reverse position to a park position when the gear shift lever is positioned between the reverse position and the park position in response to the pressing force being applied to the follower. | 12-19-2013 |
20140260749 | SHIFT CONTROL DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A shift control device for an automatic transmission comprises a shift control member configured for manipulation by an operator to control a shift mechanism of a vehicle transmission, and an artificial feel mechanism coupled to the shift control member for providing tactile feedback. The artificial feel mechanism comprises a sensor, a controller, and a piezoelectric element. The sensor is configured for detecting a position of the shift mechanism and sending a signal that is indicative of the position. The controller is configured for receiving the signal, determining a control voltage, and providing the control voltage to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is configured and arranged so as to receive the control voltage and to apply a mechanical force that depends upon the control voltage and that is configured and applied so as to mechanically resist movement of the shift control member relative to the shift control bracket. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260760 | STEERING COLUMN TELESCOPING BUSHING WITH ROLLER SPRINGS - An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket. | 09-18-2014 |
20150202960 | STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED TELESCOPING TRANSMISSION SHIFTER - A glide system for a vehicle shift mechanism includes a steering column having a stationary portion and a moveable portion in telescoping engagement with the stationary portion. Also included is a shifter operatively coupled to the moveable portion of the steering column and slidably engaged with the stationary portion of the steering column. Further included is a de-lashing element engaged with a sliding member of the shifter. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202961 | RAKE LEVER ACTUATED SHIFT MECHANISM CLAMP - A clamp assembly for a vehicle shift mechanism includes a steering column having a stationary portion and a moveable portion. The clamp assembly also includes a shifter operatively coupled to the moveable portion of the steering column and slidably engaged with the stationary portion of the steering column. The clamp assembly further includes a primary rake lever configured to translationally adjust the moveable portion of the steering column. The clamp assembly yet further includes a secondary rake lever operatively coupled to the primary rake lever and operative to exert a clamping force on a portion of the shifter during translational adjustment of the moveable portion. | 07-23-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090162475 | Gum Structure Mixing Systems And Methods - A system and method for mixing and forming gum structures is provided. The system may include combinations of continuous and batch mixers arranged generally in series for mixing gum base ingredients with subsequent gum ingredients. In one embodiment, the system and method first forms a gum structure that is not a gum base and then adds a subsequent gum ingredient such that the gum structure is less than a gum base in combination with a subsequent gum ingredient. In other embodiments, the system and method includes forming a gum base in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients that are not quite finished gum. Further, in other embodiments, the system and method may perform some of the mixing of the ingredients at a first location while mixing of further ingredients is performed at a remote location. | 06-25-2009 |
20090162476 | Parallel Gum Component Mixing Systems And Methods - A system and method for mixing and forming gum structures is provided. The system may include combinations of continuous and batch mixers arranged generally in parallel and/or series for mixing gum base ingredients with subsequent gum ingredients. In one embodiment, the system and method first forms a gum structure that is not a gum base and then adds a subsequent gum ingredient such that the gum structure is less than a gum base in combination with a subsequent gum ingredient. In other embodiments, the system and method includes forming a gum base in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients that are not quite finished gum. Further, in other embodiments, the system and method may perform some of the mixing of the ingredients at a first location while mixing of further ingredients is performed at a remote location. | 06-25-2009 |
20100178382 | Gum Manufacturing System with Loafing and Conditioning Features - Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product. | 07-15-2010 |
20120237633 | GUM MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH LOAFING AND CONDITIONING FEATURES - Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product. | 09-20-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100055895 | Electrically conductive structure on a semiconductor substrate formed from printing - Provided are methods for forming an electrically conductive structure of a desired three-dimensional shape on a substantially planar surface of a substrate, e.g., a semiconductor wafer. Typically, the particulate matter is deposited in a layer-by-layer manner and adhered to selected regions on the substrate surface. The particulate matter may be deposited to produce a mold for forming the structure and/or to produce the structure itself. A three-dimensional printer with associated electronic data may be used without the need of a lithographic mask or reticle. | 03-04-2010 |
20100084744 | Thermal processing of substrates with pre- and post-spike temperature control - Provided are apparatuses and method for the thermal processing of a substrate surface, e.g., controlled laser thermal annealing (LTA) of substrates. The invention typically involves irradiating the substrate surface with first and second images to process regions of the substrate surface at a substantially uniform peak processing temperature along a scan path. A first image may serve to effect spike annealing of the substrates while another may be used to provide auxiliary heat treatment to the substrates before and/or after the spike annealing. Control over the temperature profile of the prespike and/or postspike may also reduce stresses and strains generated in the wafers. Also provided are microelectronic devices formed using the inventive apparatuses and methods. | 04-08-2010 |
20100140768 | Systems and processes for forming three-dimensional circuits - Provided are systems and processes for forming a three-dimensional circuit on a substrate. A radiation source produces a beam that is directed at a substrate having an isolating layer interposed between circuit layers. The circuit layers communicate with reach other via a seed region exhibiting a crystalline surface. At least one circuit layer has an initial microstructure that exhibits electronic properties unsuitable for forming circuit features therein. After being controllably heat treated, the initial microstructure of the circuit layer having unsuitable properties is transformed into one that exhibits electronic properties suitable for forming circuit feature therein. Also provided are three-dimensional circuit structures optionally formed by the inventive systems and/or processes. | 06-10-2010 |
20110089523 | SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR FORMING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CIRCUITS - Provided are systems and processes for forming a three-dimensional circuit on a substrate. A radiation source produces a beam that is directed at a substrate having an isolating layer interposed between circuit layers. The circuit layers communicate with reach other via a seed region exhibiting a crystalline surface. At least one circuit layer has an initial microstructure that exhibits electronic properties unsuitable for forming circuit features therein. After being controllably heat treated, the initial microstructure of the circuit layer having unsuitable properties is transformed into one that exhibits electronic properties suitable for forming circuit feature therein. Also provided are three-dimensional circuit structures optionally formed by the inventive systems and/or processes. | 04-21-2011 |
20110298093 | Thermal Processing of Substrates with Pre- and Post-Spike Temperature Control - Provided are apparatuses and method for the thermal processing of a substrate surface, e.g., controlled laser thermal annealing (LTA) of substrates. The invention typically involves irradiating the substrate surface with first and second images to process regions of the substrate surface at a substantially uniform peak processing temperature along a scan path. A first image may serve to effect spike annealing of the substrates while another may be used to provide auxiliary heat treatment to the substrates before and/or after the spike annealing. Control over the temperature profile of the prespike and/or postspike may also reduce stresses and strains generated in the wafers. Also provided are microelectronic devices formed using the inventive apparatuses and methods. | 12-08-2011 |
20120111838 | Thermal Processing of Substrates with Pre- and Post-Spike Temperature Contro - Provided are apparatuses and method for the thermal processing of a substrate surface, e.g., controlled laser thermal annealing (LTA) of substrates. The invention typically involves irradiating the substrate surface with first and second images to process regions of the substrate surface at a substantially uniform peak processing temperature along a scan path. A first image may serve to effect spike annealing of the substrates while another may be used to provide auxiliary heat treatment to the substrates before and/or after the spike annealing. Control over the temperature profile of the prespike and/or postspike may also reduce stresses and strains generated in the wafers. Also provided are microelectronic devices formed using the inventive apparatuses and methods. | 05-10-2012 |
20130267096 | Systems for and methods of laser-enhanced plasma processing of semiconductor materials - Systems for and methods of laser-enhanced plasma processing of semiconductor materials are disclosed. The method includes supporting a semiconductor material in a processing chamber interior and subjecting the semiconductor material to a plasma process. The method also includes simultaneously heating the wafer surface with a laser beam through a window in the processing chamber to increase the reaction rate of the plasma process. Other methods include performing laser heating of the semiconductor material before or after the plasma process but while the semiconductor material resides in the same chamber interior. | 10-10-2013 |
20130278109 | Betavoltaic power sources for mobile device applications - A betavoltaic power source for mobile devices and mobile applications includes a stacked configuration of isotope layers and energy conversion layers. The isotope layers have a half-life of between about 0.5 years and about 5 years and generate radiation with energy in the range from about 15 keV to about 200 keV. The betavoltaic power source is configured to provide sufficient power to operate the mobile device over its useful lifetime. | 10-24-2013 |
20140021826 | Betavoltaic power sources for transportation applications - A betavoltaic power source for transportation devices and applications is disclosed, wherein the device having a stacked configuration of isotope layers and energy conversion layers. The isotope layers have a half-life of between about 0.5 years and about 5 years and generate radiation with energy in the range from about 15 keV to about 200 keV. The betavoltaic power source is configured to provide sufficient power to operate the transportation device over its useful lifetime. | 01-23-2014 |
20140238958 | Systems and methods for material processing using light-emitting diodes - Systems and methods for processing a material layer supported by a substrate using a light-source assembly that includes LED light sources each formed from an array of LEDs. The material layer is capable of undergoing a photo-process having a temperature-dependent reaction rate. Some of the LEDs emit light of a first wavelength that initiate the photo-process while some of the LEDs emit light of a second wavelength that heats the substrate. The heat from the substrate then heats the material layer, which increases the temperature-dependent reaction rate of the photo-process. | 08-28-2014 |
20150041431 | Methods of laser processing photoresist in a gaseous environment - Methods of laser processing photoresist in a gaseous environment to improve at least one of etch resistance and line-edge roughness are disclosed. The methods include sequentially introducing first and second molecular gases to the photoresist surface and performing respective first and second laser scanning of the surface for each molecular gas. The first molecular gas can be trimethyl aluminum, titanium tetrachloride or diethyl zinc, and the second molecular gas comprises water vapor. Short dwell times prevent the photoresist from flowing while serving to speed up the photoresist enhancement process. | 02-12-2015 |
20150279665 | Oxygen radical enhanced atomic-layer deposition using ozone plasma - A method of performing an oxygen radical enhanced atomic-layer deposition process on a surface of a substrate that resides within an interior of a reactor chamber is disclosed. The method includes forming an ozone plasma to generate oxygen radicals O*. The method also includes feeding the oxygen radicals and a precursor gas sequentially into the interior of the reactor chamber to form an oxide film on the substrate surface. A system for performing the oxygen radical enhanced atomic-layer deposition process is also disclosed. | 10-01-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080249519 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ENERGY TO BIOLOGICAL TISSUE INCLUDING THE USE OF TUMESCENT TISSUE COMPRESSION - An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure. In a further aspect, the location of the electrodes is determined by impedance monitoring. Also, temperature sensors at the treatment site are averaged to determine the site temperature. | 10-09-2008 |
20090005775 | EXPANDABLE CATHETER HAVING TWO SETS OF ELECTRODES - A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes are freely moved inward by the shrinking structure while still maintaining apposition with the inner wall of the shrinking structure. | 01-01-2009 |
20090054884 | METHOD OF LIGATING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - A catheter includes a plurality of expandable primary leads to deliver energy to a fallopian tube, a vein such as a hemorrhoid or an esophageal varix, or another hollow anatomical structure requiring ligation or occlusion. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that the leads can receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. | 02-26-2009 |
20090125009 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - One embodiment comprises an apparatus for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a capacitive treatment element located near the distal end. The capacitive treatment element is sized for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and placement near the inner wall. The capacitive treatment element is configured to create an electric field that extends at least partially into the inner wall. Other devices and methods for treatment of hollow anatomical structures are disclosed as well. | 05-14-2009 |
20090137998 | EXPANDABLE VEIN LIGATOR CATHETER HAVING MULTIPLE ELECTRODE LEADS, AND METHOD - A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads. The secondary lead includes an electrode at the working end of the catheter. The secondary lead can have a polarity opposite to the polarity of the primary leads in a bipolar configuration. The polarity of the leads can be switched and the catheter can be moved during treatment to ligate an extended length of the vein. The catheter can include a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. | 05-28-2009 |
20100106156 | APPARATUS FOR TREATING VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY - A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent. | 04-29-2010 |
20100152723 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and an energy source. | 06-17-2010 |
20110144642 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. | 06-16-2011 |
20110160813 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A CATHETER RELATIVE TO AN ANATOMICAL JUNCTION - An electrode catheter is introduced into a vein or other hollow anatomical structure, and is positioned at a treatment: site within the structure. The end of the catheter is positioned near a junction formed in the structure. This junction can be the sapheno-femoral junction. The position of the catheter near the junction is determined based on a signal from a device associated with the catheter within the structure. A fiber optic filament which emits light is used with the catheter or a guide wire over which the catheter is advanced. The light is visible externally from the patient. The light dims and may no longer externally visible at the sapheno-femoral junction where the catheter moves past the deep fascia and toward the deep venous system. The position of the catheter can be determined based on this external observation. The position of the catheter can also be determined based on measured parameters such as temperature or flow rate within the structure, and the measured changes in one or more of these parameters as the catheter nears the junction. The hollow anatomical structure can be compressed for this procedure. The position of the catheter can also be determined mechanically by including a hook-shaped tip on the catheter or guide wire which would physically engage the junction. | 06-30-2011 |
20110166518 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166519 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well. | 07-07-2011 |
20120078246 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. | 03-29-2012 |
20140012245 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and an energy source. | 01-09-2014 |
20140025072 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COAGULATING AND/OR CONSTRICTING HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES - An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. | 01-23-2014 |
20150094703 | ELECTROSURGICAL MEDICAL DEVICE WITH POWER MODULATION - An electrosurgical ablation device provides pulse width modulated DC power to a heating segment in a catheter for use in providing treatment. In some embodiments the DC power to be modulated is sourced from an AC/DC power converter coupled to a source of AC power. In some embodiments the DC power to be modulated is sourced from a battery. In some embodiments the device switchably selects for modulation DC power sourced from either the AC/DC power converter or the battery, for example based on availability of power from the AC/DC power converter. | 04-02-2015 |