Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080288146 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND REDUCING HIGH DRIVELINE TORSIONAL LEVELS IN AUTOMOBILE TRANSMISSIONS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods to detect and reduce any high driveline torsional levels, such as due to the cylinder deactivation in variable displacement system engines or aggressive lock-up strategies for fuel efficiency, in automobile transmissions. The present disclosure utilizes a controller in an automobile to operate a computationally thrifty method for quickly detecting noise and vibration disturbances in the transmission. This quick detection enables fuel economic calibrations that aggressively reduce the disturbances by controlling slip in a launch device of the transmission. As problem disturbances arise, they are detected before occupants notice objectionable behavior. Once detected, the disturbances are reduced, such as by increasing launch device slip, which effectively intercepts the objectionable disturbances before they are transferred through the entire drivetrain. The present disclosure can also apply to launch devices in Dual Clutch Transmissions and Electronically-controlled Manual Transmissions. | 11-20-2008 |
20110031058 | PENDULUM ABSORBER SYSTEM - A pendulum absorber system attenuates torsional vibrations within a drive train of a vehicle. The system can be incorporated between an engine and an automatic transmission, for example, within a flex plate assembly attached to an engine's crankshaft, within a pump housing cover of a torque converter, or as a stand-alone unit between a flex plate assembly and a torque converter. The system includes at least one pendulum weight that dynamically moves along a predetermined path in response to variations in rotational velocities of a housing of the system and that is tuned to attenuate excitation of torsional vibrations within the drive train. A limiter assembly, which can include multiple limiters, is provided within the system for stopping movement of the weight when it reaches endpoints of the predetermined path, by mechanically impeding further movement at both of a first and second end of the weight. | 02-10-2011 |
20130098198 | PENDULUM VIBRATION ABSORBER ON A CRANKSHAFT - An apparatus for damping vibrations in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a crankshaft with a lobe. The lobe has a flange with an opening that is coupled to the body of the lobe. A pendulum is pivotally coupled to the flange in a manner to allow the pendulum to follow an epicycloidal path of movement. | 04-25-2013 |
20130306022 | HIGH EFFICIENCY OIL CIRCUIT - In at least one implementation, an engine oil circuit for a vehicle includes first and second oil circuits, and first and second oil pumps. The first oil circuit is communicated with at least one first engine component and the first oil pump is communicated with the first oil circuit to supply fluid flow in the first oil circuit at a first flow rate and a first pressure. The second oil circuit is communicated with at least one second engine component and may be segregated from the first oil circuit. The second oil pump is communicated with the second oil circuit to supply fluid flow in the second oil circuit at a second flow rate and a second pressure. At least one of the second flow rate or the second pressure is different than the first flow rate or the first pressure. | 11-21-2013 |
20140047945 | CENTRIFUGAL PENDULUM ABSORBER - A pendulum absorber assembly for a torque converter including a first spring retainer, a second spring retainer, and a floating flange positioned between the first spring retainer and the second spring retainer. The pendulum absorber assembly also includes a drive plate affixed to the floating flange, a plurality of arcuate springs disposed between the second spring retainer and the drive plate, and a plurality of pendulum weights affixed to the second spring retainer, wherein at least one of the pendulum weights is made of tungsten alloy. | 02-20-2014 |
20150047461 | CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH FOR PENDULUM VIBRATION ABSORBER - A crankshaft assembly for an internal combustion engine can include a crankshaft having a lobe with a pendulum absorber coupled thereto. The pendulum absorber can include a carrier, a pendulum, a pin and a centrifugal switch assembly. The carrier can be coupled to a body of the lobe and can have an opening therein. The pendulum can have an opening therein and the pin can extend through the pendulum opening and the carrier opening to pivotably couple the pendulum to the carrier. The switch assembly can be slidably positioned in a bore of the body and can have a lock member configured to selectively engage the pendulum based on a centrifugal force being below a predetermined threshold to lock movement of the pendulum relative to the carrier. | 02-19-2015 |
20150090073 | PENDULUM VIBRATION ABSORBER - A crankshaft can include a pendulum absorber and a retention arrangement. The pendulum absorber can include a carrier, a pendulum and a pin. The carrier can be coupled to a lobe and can have an opening. The pendulum can have an opening and the pin can be received in the openings to couple the pendulum to the carrier. The retention arrangement can include a retention flange and a retention pin. The retention flange can extend from the carrier or lobe. The retention pin can be coupled to the pendulum. The retention arrangement can maintain the retention pin in spaced relation to the retention surface during movement of the pendulum when the pin maintains the pendulum coupled to the carrier, and can retain the pendulum relative to the carrier through engagement of the retention pin and retention surface in an absence of the pin maintaining the pendulum coupled to the carrier. | 04-02-2015 |
20150128887 | TECHNIQUES FOR DESIGNING CUSTOM CONTOURED ROCKER ARM PADS AND CUSTOM CONTOURED CAMSHAFT LOBES - A computer-implemented method can include receiving a contact point path between a rocker arm pad and a valve tip. The method can include adjusting the contact point path to obtain a modified contact point path that satisfies a design objective of decreased valve tip wear or decreased valve tick. The method can include determining and outputting a custom contour for the rocker arm pad and the camshaft lobe based on the modified contact point path. The custom contoured camshaft lobe can companion with the custom contoured rocker arm pad to produce the modified contact point path for the specified design objective. | 05-14-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140188082 | COMPOSITE WIRES FOR USE IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A composite wire, such as a guide wire, may include a principal section with a relatively large outer diameter, as well as one or more reduced sections with smaller outer diameters. The relatively small outer diameter of each reduced section may be defined by an inner element of the composite wire, while the relatively large outer diameter of the principal section may be defined by one or more outer elements that reside on, and may surround, the inner element. The inner and outer elements may be formed from materials that impart the composite wire with one or more desired characteristics, such as a stiffness, hardness and flexibility. In specific embodiments, the inner element may comprise a standard, small diameter guide wire, while the outer element comprises a tube formed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Each outer element may be secured to the inner element at one or more locations. Differences in characteristics between locations where the outer element has been coupled to the inner element and locations where the outer element merely resides on the inner element may be used to tailor characteristics of the composite wire. | 07-03-2014 |
20150092817 | APPARATUSES FOR NON-INVASIVELY SENSING INTERNAL TEMPERATURE - A transducer for noninvasively determining an internal temperature of a location of interest in a body of a subject may be configured to receive native temperature signals originating from the location of interest without substantially receiving interfering signals. Such a transducer may include one or more shielding features for preventing interference. In addition, such a transducer may include a dielectric cavity configured or positioned to increase the native temperature signals sensed, or received, by the antenna. A transducer may be configured to multiplex signals that are indicative of a temperature of a location of interest within the body of a subject and reference temperature signals. Such a transducer may include a connector that facilitates the communication of a multiplexed signal, such as a connector for a coaxial cable. The connector of a transducer may be configured to swivel relative to an end of a cable that has been coupled thereto. Systems including such a transducer are also disclosed. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094608 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF NON-INVASIVELY DETERMINING INTERNAL TEMPERATURE - A system for and noninvasively monitoring temperature within a body of a subject includes a transducer and an interface unit. The transducer receives native temperature signals, which are electromagnetic signals. One or both of the transducer and the interface unit convert the native temperature signals to a standard temperature signal. The interface unit may be configured to be coupled to a standard temperature signal-receiving apparatus, such as a standard vital signs monitor or a standard body temperature management system, which may recognize the standard temperature signal. Methods for noninvasively monitoring temperature, including receiving native temperature signals and converting the native temperature signals to a standard temperature signal, are also disclosed. | 04-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090082666 | MAGNETIC TARGETING SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING NAVIGATION - The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetic material is configured and sized so as to positionable external of the anchoring member, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. An extender and connector have threads indexed to a securing set screw to facilitate positioning and affixation of the biocompatible material | 03-26-2009 |
20090099572 | Magnetic Targeting System And Method Of Using The Same - The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. | 04-16-2009 |
20100234725 | Method And Apparatus For Facilitating Navigation Of An Implant - The present invention describes a targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member that is attached to the biocompatible device and may optionally include a steering material. The system includes a passer element located at the distal end of a wand. The wand includes a trigger like member adjacent a hand grip. Actuation of the trigger like member will result in a pivotal movement of the passer element that positions the targeting member such that the connected biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. | 09-16-2010 |
20100331893 | K-Wire And Method For Surgical Procedures - A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site. | 12-30-2010 |
20110213432 | Guidewire And Method For Surgical Procedures - A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site. | 09-01-2011 |
20110238117 | Magnetic Targeting System For Facilitating Navigation - The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetic material is configured and sized so as to positionable external of the anchoring member, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. An extender and connector have threads indexed to a securing set screw to facilitate positioning and affixation of the biocompatible material. | 09-29-2011 |
20110307020 | MAGNETIC TARGETING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. | 12-15-2011 |
20120179213 | Method And Apparatus For Facilitating Navigation Of An Implant - The present invention describes a targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member that is attached to the biocompatible device and may optionally include a steering material. The system includes a passer element located at the distal end of a wand. The wand includes a trigger like member adjacent a hand grip. Actuation of the trigger like member will result in a pivotal movement of the passer element that positions the targeting member such that the connected biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179214 | System for Pushing and Pulling Surgical Implants into Position in Vivo Via a Tether - The present invention describes a system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member being constructed of, or having a steering material, which can be coupled to a biocompatible device. The system further includes one or more devices which are used to maneuver the targeting member into position prior to attachment of the biocompatible device. The biocompatible device is traversed into position through the passageway created by the targeting member and secured to one or more anchoring members. | 07-12-2012 |
20120226301 | Depth Controlled Jamshidi Needle - A precision depth guided instrument, such as a Jamshidi needle, is provided for use in various surgeries related to the vertebrae. The instrument includes an outer cannula, an inner cannula and a stylet. After the cortical bone of a vertebra is penetrated by the outer cannula of the instrument, the depth of penetration of the inner cannula is adjusted by rotation of a stop mounted to the outer cannula. The inner cannula is then moved further into the vertebrae, and a stop mounted on the outer cannula controls the depth of penetration of the inner cannula. The correct depth of penetration is determined by radiography prior to the procedure. | 09-06-2012 |
20130110118 | K-WIRE AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES | 05-02-2013 |
20130110122 | GUIDEWIRE AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES | 05-02-2013 |
20130184771 | ACCESS ASSEMBLY FOR ANTERIOR AND LATERAL SPINAL PROCEDURES - Briefly, the present invention is directed to methods and instrumentation for performing surgery on the spine along its lateral aspect (side) and generally by a lateral, anterior or an anterolateral surgical approach, such that the instruments enter the body from an approach that is other than posterior and make contact with the spine along its lateral aspect. The present invention provides for the entire surgical procedure to be performed through a relatively small incision and may be performed in either the thoracic or lumbar spine. | 07-18-2013 |
20130245689 | CONNECTING ROD FOR BONE ANCHORS HAVING A BIORESORBABLE TIP - The invention provides a connecting rod for bone anchors such as pedicle screws. The rod is constructed to include a main shaft portion that is not bioresorbable and a tip portion that is bioresorbable. The tip facilitates percutaneous insertion into a patient's body. After placement of the rod, the bioresorbable tip is resorbed preventing post-operative complications such as impingement of adjacent spinal facet joints. | 09-19-2013 |
20130338674 | GUIDEWIRE AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site. | 12-19-2013 |
20130345712 | K-WIRE AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site. | 12-26-2013 |
20140039534 | DEPTH CONTROLLED JAMSHIDI NEEDLE - A precision depth guided instrument, such as a Jamshidi needle, is provided for use in various surgeries related to the vertebrae. The instrument includes an outer cannula, an inner cannula and a stylet. After the cortical bone of a vertebra is penetrated by the outer cannula of the instrument, the depth of penetration of the inner cannula is adjusted by rotation of the inner cannula. The inner cannula is then moved further into the vertebrae, and a stop mounted on the outer cannula controls the depth of penetration of the inner cannula. The correct depth of penetration is determined by radiography prior to the procedure. | 02-06-2014 |
20140324057 | K-WIRE AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site. | 10-30-2014 |
20140336664 | GUIDEWIRE AND METHOD FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site. | 11-13-2014 |
20150088617 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TOLL SERVICE AND FLEXIBLE TOLL DEVICE - A system, mobile device, backend server, and RFID toll module work in cooperation to automatically pay vehicular tolls to a toll agency that operates toll stations along a roadways traveled by the user of the mobile device. Upon approaching a toll station the mobile device enables the RFID toll module. The toll reader at the toll station transmits a toll reader signal that is received by the RFID toll module, which responds by transmitting a unique identifier. The unique identifier is associated with the mobile device at a toll account maintained by a toll service backend server. Upon completion of a toll transaction, the RFID toll module indicates the transaction to the mobile device, which forwards toll transaction information to the toll service backend server for payment from the toll account to the toll agency. | 03-26-2015 |
20150100077 | THREAD FORMING JAMSHIDI ASSEMBLY - The present invention is directed towards a Jamshidi assembly which can be used for surgical procedures, such as inserting a pedicle screw within a patient. The Jamshidi assembly comprises an inner cannulated member sized and shaped to receive a sharp pointed medical device and slidably disposed within an outer sleeve member. When engaged with the inner cannulated member, the outer sleeve member is constructed to rotate and move about a longitudinal axis of the Jamshidi assembly. Coupled to the outer sleeve member is a working end adapted to contact and be driven into an anatomical structure, such as a vertebral body. Depending on the working end, configurations, such as threading may be formed within the anatomical structure. | 04-09-2015 |
20150134427 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A ROAD USAGE CHARGE - A method and apparatus for determining a distance traveled by a vehicle for the purpose of assessing and settling a road usage charge allows a mobile device to determine distance traveled with a vehicle while paired with a PAN transceiver of the vehicle by using GPS location information. The mobile device can also capture odometer images that are reported to a system that processes the images to obtain the odometer values and find the difference between the odometer values. Once the actual distance traveled by the vehicle is determined by the system, a road usage charge can be determined. Fuel excise taxes paid by the vehicle operator for fuel used by the vehicle can be subtracted from the road usage charge to determine a road usage settlement amount that can be paid from, or refunded to a financial account associated with the vehicle. | 05-14-2015 |