Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110119825 | Apparatus and Method for Encouraging Hand Washing - A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user. | 05-26-2011 |
20140163383 | Self-Flushing Intravascular Catheter Apparatus and Associated Methods - An intravascular catheter having an elongated sheath surrounding an elongated flexible inner structure movable relative thereto is provided with various representative embodiments of flushing apparatus carried by the inner structure. Such flushing apparatus is operative in response to movement of the inner structure relative to the sheath to induce a flow of flushing fluid from a source thereof through the interior of the sheath and then discharge the flushing fluid from the sheath. In one embodiment thereof the flushing apparatus includes an impeller structure disposed on the inner structure. In another embodiment thereof the flushing structure includes an annular seal disposed on the inner structure in sliding and sealing engagement with the interior surface of the sheath. | 06-12-2014 |
20140173863 | Method and Apparatus for Shaping Transducer Membranes - The present disclosure provides a transducer shaping chamber for shaping ultrasound transducers. The transducer shaping chamber includes a transducer coupon carrier having one or more slots. The one or more slots each are geometrically shaped to hold a transducer coupon having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers formed thereon. The transducer shaping chamber includes a first plate disposed over a first side of the transducer coupon carrier. The transducer shaping chamber includes a second plate disposed over a second side of the transducer coupon carrier. The second side is opposite the first side. The transducer shaping chamber is configured to move the first plate and the second plate toward each other so as to push against the transducer coupon carrier from the first and second sides, respectively, until the transducer coupon carrier has been sealed against the first plate and with the second plate. | 06-26-2014 |
20140173888 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Micro-Components Together Using a Micro-Clip - The present disclosure provides a micro-structure for coupling a first micro-component with a second micro-component. The micro-structure includes a center portion. The micro-structure also includes a first pair of arms connected to the center portion and extending away from the center portion in a first direction. The first pair of arms are separated by a first gap that is approximately equal to, or less than, a thickness of the first micro-component. The micro-structure also includes a second pair of arms connected to the center portion and extending away from the center portion in a second direction different from the first direction. The second pair of arms are separated by a second gap that is approximately equal to, or less than, a thickness of the second micro-component. | 06-26-2014 |
20140178574 | Method and Apparatus for Focusing Miniature Ultrasound Transducers - The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus of fabricating a transducer for use in ultrasound imaging. A substrate is provided. The substrate may be a silicon substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A transducer membrane is formed over the first side of the substrate. The transducer membrane includes a piezoelectric component. A well is formed in the substrate from the second side. A backing material is dispensed onto a first sidewall of the well in a manner so as to create a capillary effect that causes the backing material to wick down the sidewall, across the back side of the substrate exposed by the well, and up a second sidewall of the well. The transducer membrane is deflected so that the transducer membrane has a concave shape. | 06-26-2014 |
20140182100 | Pre-Polarized Film Flex Circuit Based Ultrasonic Transducer - The present disclosure involves a method and apparatus for making a compact and flexible ultrasonic transducer assembly that works by using existing flex circuit fabrication processes, modified flex circuit fabrication processes, and pre-polled metalized piezoelectric film, and an ASIC to create a sub 1 mm ultrasonic transducer hybrid assembly. | 07-03-2014 |
20140184026 | Wirebonding Fixture and Casting Mold - The present disclosure involves a method and apparatus for attaching two electrical dies by wire bonding and then encasing the assembly in a protective casting that works by arranging two dies into a fixture conducive to wire bonding. Doped epoxy may be immediately dispensed over the assembly to form a near-net-shape protective cover, or Drive Can. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187962 | Wirebonding Fixture and Casting Mold - The present disclosure involves a method and apparatus for attaching two electrical dies by wire bonding and then encasing the assembly in a protective casting that works by arranging two dies into a fixture conducive to wire bonding. Doped epoxy may be immediately dispensed over the assembly to form a near-net-shape protective cover, or Drive Can. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187965 | Stepped Banded Connector for Intravascular Ultrasound Devices - A male and female connectors and a method for providing electrical connection between a patient interface module (PIM) and an intravascular sensing device carrying more than two signal leads. A four-electrical-contacts male connector includes three elongated hollow tubular male bodies concentrically disposed around one another in an expanded telescopic fashion to define three stepped banded outer surfaces, where one electrical contact is formed on an inner surface of the innermost male body, and the rest on the stepped bands. The female connector includes three spaced-apart hollow tubular female bodies concentrically disposed around one another and a shaft disposed within the innermost female body, being sized and configured, respectively, to mate with the three stepped bands and a central cavity defined by the innermost male body of the male connector. | 07-03-2014 |