| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080264806 | Appliance securing apparatus, kit and method for using same - An apparatus for securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this assembly is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing. A method for securing washers with such a kit is also disclosed and described. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20110048578 | Appliance Securing Shipping Kit and Apparatus - Securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes a kit assembly having at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this assembly is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110240498 | Washing Machine with Securing Apparatus for Transport - Securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes a kit assembly having at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this assembly is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing. | 10-06-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080269715 | Use of an Adhesive as an Intestinal Barrier for Bariatrics - An apparatus for achieving weight loss in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus has a barrier material and an applicator for dispensing the barrier material about the intestine. An injector is used to place the barrier material to block nutrient transfer from the intestine into the blood stream. The barrier material is a polymerizable adhesive that can be injected interstitially between layers of the intestine, or injected into vascular structures to partially block the flow of blood to the nutrient absorbing layers. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090105609 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH VARIABLE SPEED CUTTER ADVANCE - A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090143818 | Use of an Adhesive to Treat Intraluminal Bleeding - A surgical device to stanch the flow of blood is disclosed. The surgical device can place an implantable adhesive over or around varices or other bleeders. The surgical device has a vacuum system for capturing tissue and an adhesive system to apply adhesive to the captured tissue. A vacuum chamber is used to contact tissue and contains a chamber therein for the reception of tissue. An adhesive applicator is provided within the vacuum chamber and moves longitudinally therein to apply adhesive to tissue. The surgical device can apply an adhesive patch to tissue or inject adhesive into tissue. Alternately, an adhesive actuator and a chemical agent can be dispensed to tissue within the vacuum chamber. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20100096435 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ANVIL POSITION FEEDBACK - Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of feedback systems designed to provide at least one mode of feedback to the surgeon when the anvil has been attached to the device and/or when the anvil has been attached to the device and oriented in a firing position. Various types of feedback indicators are disclosed such as illumination devices, sound generating devices and vibration generating devices. In various embodiments, the feedback indicator comprises at least one illumination device mounted on the anvil which indicates that the anvil has been properly attached to the instrument and which can also serve to illuminate the surgical site. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100113973 | Biopsy Device with Rotatable Tissue Sample Holder - A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member and at least one removable member secured about the exterior of the rotatable member. The at least one removable member defines a plurality of tissue sample compartments. Each tissue sample compartment is configured to receive one or more tissue samples captured by the cutter. In some versions, the at least one removable member comprises a belt and a plurality of vials. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20110077552 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH VARIABLE SPEED CUTTER ADVANCE - A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110144532 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH VACUUM ASSISTED BLEEDING CONTROL - A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20120061446 | Method for Treating Tissue With an Articulated Surgical Instrument - One example of a surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing a surgical instrument that includes a handle; a shaft extending from the handle, an end effector connected to the shaft, where the shaft includes a lumen defined therethrough and an articulated region; and at least one feeder belt extending through the lumen of the shaft into the end effector, where the feeder belt includes at least one staple frangibly united therewith; inserting the end effector into the body of a patient; orienting the end effector relative to tissue to be treated within the body of the patient and relative to a remainder of the shaft; actuating the end effector to staple tissue; and removing the end effector from the body of the patient. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120226193 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH ROTATABLE TISSUE SAMPLE HOLDER - A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20130041284 | BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device having a cannula and a translating and rotating cutter with respect to the cannula is disclosed. The biopsy device may have a programmable memory for use in operating the cutter. The biopsy device may also include a reservoir, and may be functional to provide a flow of pressurized liquid through the cutter. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130150750 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH VACUUM ASSISTED BLEEDING CONTROL - A biopsy device includes an elongate needle, a proximal portion, a cutter, and a vacuum conduit. The elongate needle defines an internal passage and includes a distal end and a first plurality of openings along an exterior surface of the elongate needle in communication with the internal passage. The first plurality of openings are sized to admit fluid and to resist the prolapse of tissue. The proximal portion is attached to the elongate needle and is positionable to insert the elongate needle into tissue. The cutter is reciprocally received by the elongate needle to sever a tissue sample received in the elongate needle. The cutter includes a cutter tube with a second plurality of openings in communication with the internal passage of the elongate needle. The vacuum conduit is attached to the proximal portion in communication with the internal passage and is coupled to a vacuum source. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130175316 | MULTIPLE-USE SURGICAL STAPLER - A surgical apparatus may include an end effector comprising a staple holder including a housing therein, and an anvil connected to the staple holder, where the end effector is movable between an open configuration and a clamped configuration; a feeder belt having two lateral edges, at least part of which is held within the housing; a plurality of staples, where each staple has a first end frangibly connected to the feeder belt and a second, free end; where at least one staple is oriented relative to the corresponding feeder belt in a direction angled relative to the transverse direction; and wherein the staples form at least one row, each row including at least two staples; and an overtube movable relative to the staple holder and anvil, where motion of the overtube relative to the staple holder and anvil both clamps the staple holder and anvil together and clamps the feeder belt in place relative to the housing. Such an end effector may be utilized by inserting it into the body of a patient through an opening; clamping the end effector; closing a plurality of staples into a closed configuration; and separating each closed staples from the corresponding feeder belt. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20140031716 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH VACUUM ASSISTED BLEEDING CONTROL - A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20150065914 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH ROTATABLE TISSUE SAMPLE HOLDER - A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated. | 03-05-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100278437 | KEY BLANK IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH GROOVE SCANNING - A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100278438 | KEY BLANK IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH BITTING ANALYSIS - A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20130294857 | KEY DUPLICATION MACHINE - Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20140139683 | KEY BLANK IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH GROOVE SCANNING - A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140140628 | KEY BLANK IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH BITTING ANALYSIS - A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20150266110 | KEY DUPLICATION MACHINE - Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank. | 09-24-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20110192858 | ADJUSTABLE FUEL TANK FOR A VEHICLE - An adjustable fuel tank for a vehicle includes a container body having a first container section and second container section. A container volume is defined by the container body. The first and second container sections are moveable relative to one another for adjusting at least one of an exterior shape of the container body and the container volume of the container body. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20120235006 | Seating System For a Motor Vehicle - A seating system for a motor vehicle includes three sets of rails mounted to the floor of a motor vehicle. Each set of rails is configured to receive two seats that are capable of sliding in a longitudinal direction on the rails. The motor vehicle also includes storage spaces for storing the seats. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20130345934 | REAR TOE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A rear toe control (RTC) system and method for a vehicle includes rear actuators for applying rear steering to rear wheels of the vehicle and rear sensors for measuring individual toe angles of the rear wheels. The system further includes a RTC failure module that determines when the RTC system has failed and a road condition determining module that determines whether the vehicle is encountering a poor road surface condition. An electronic control unit (ECU) is disposed on the vehicle and is configured to impose a speed limit for the vehicle when the RTC failure module determines that the RTC system has failed and the road condition determining module determines that the vehicle encountering a poor road surface condition. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140244105 | REAL TIME RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ADVANCED DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM - A driver assistance system is described that takes as input a number of different types of vehicle environment inputs to provide driver assistance to a driver. To provide the assistance, the driver assistance system synthesizes the inputs. For objects in the vehicle environment detected in the inputs, object risk values are determined by applying a set of rules to the objects. The object risk values are aggregated by quadrant to generate a set of quadrant risk values. A driver assistance system of the vehicle is controlled based on the quadrant risks. | 08-28-2014 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090156961 | LOCALIZATION MECHANISM FOR AN MRI COMPATIBLE BIOPSY DEVICE - A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture can include a breast compression plate and a biopsy probe support plate for supporting a biopsy probe for movement along multiple perpendicular axes. The position of both the breast compression plate and the biopsy probe support plate can be adjustable along an axis which is generally parallel to a probe needle. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20110071553 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM WITH LOAD MONITOR - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071558 | IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM TENSION RELEASE MECHANISM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071646 | TISSUE INTERFACE FOR IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEM - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20120123197 | Implantable injection port with tissue in-growth promoter - A surgically implantable injection port has a tissue in-growth promoting surface associated with a fluid conduit that is coupled to the injection port. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, a fluid conduit in communication with the reservoir, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface coupled to the fluid conduit. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh wrapped around the conduit or through which the conduit is threaded. The injection port and the fluid conduit may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123342 | IMPLANTABLE INJECTION PORT WITH TISSUE IN-GROWTH PROMOTER - A surgically implantable injection port has one or more tissue in-growth promoting surfaces. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface integrally provided on an exterior surface of the port. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh or a textured surface on the injection port. The injection port may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20140103093 | SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting instrument includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member movably supported relative to the first jaw member for selective movement between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween upon application of a closing motion thereto, and a cutting member comprising a tissue cutting edge to cut the tissue clamped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member upon application of a retraction motion to the cutting member. | 04-17-2014 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20110295054 | Method of Filling an Intraluminal Reservoir with a Therapeutic Substance - Methods described herein involve introducing a nasogastric tube into a patient, connecting the nasogastric tube with a reservoir, anchoring the nasogastric tube with the nasal cavity, and introducing a substance into the reservoir through the nasogastric tube. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295056 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME REGULATION - Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295057 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC VOLUME REGULATION - Devices and methods for modifying stomach volume include the formation of intragastric slots for wrapping one or more portions of the fundus therethrough with minimal interference with nerves and vasculature flow. Intragastric space occupying devices expand with environmental changes brought about by natural conditions inherent to the digestive cycle such as with changes in pH. Extragastric volume occupying balloons are placed into folded stomach sections. The balloons are fluidly coupled to external gastric filling devices. In yet another set of embodiments, methods and devices provide adjustable gastric volume reduction fundal wraps. In one embodiment, a device is placed in the fundus for Nissen fundoplication and permits postoperative adjustment to reach desired weight loss. Intragastric and extragastric balloons are optionally incorporated. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295178 | Intestinal Brake Inducing Intraluminal Therapeutic Substance Eluting Devices and Methods - Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices may be accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one aspect, a method of inducing satiety includes implanting an implant within a lumen of a gastrointestinal tract and retaining a portion of chyme that flows by the implant within a body of the implant. The method further involves re-releasing the retained chyme from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract at a predetermined rate slower than a rate caused by natural peristalsis. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120172782 | METHODS FOR BILIARY DIVERSION - Methods are provided for biliary diversion. In one embodiment, a tubular member can be implanted within a patient by positioning a proximal end of the tubular member in the patient's gall bladder, positioning a distal end of the tubular member in the patient's intestine, and positioning a length of the tubular member extending between the proximal and ends thereof within the patient's stomach. Bile can therefore be allowed to pass from the gall bladder into the tubular member's proximal end, flow through the tubular member, and exit through the tubular member's distal end to enter the patient's gastrointestinal tract at the intestine. | 07-05-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20110238065 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH REDUCED FIRING FORCE - A surgical instrument is provided that can comprise and end effector including two jaws and a cutting member configured to move between the jaws. In at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be flexible, such that a jaw is configured to flex when gripping tissue. Further, at least one of the jaws may include a thin cross-sectional area such that the jaw flexes when gripping tissue. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, one or more compression elements may extend from the cutting member and may be configured to cause the jaws to close when the cutting member is advanced. The compression elements may comprise a roller and/or a low-friction material. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be precurved, away from the cutting member's longitudinal axis. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the overall force required to advance the cutting member and/or close the jaws may be reduced. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110251608 | CABLE ACTUATED END-EFFECTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle and extending along a longitudinal axis, an end effector, and a cable. The end effector may comprise a first jaw member, a second jaw member and a reciprocating member. The cable may extend distally from the handle through the shaft to a first pulley of the first jaw member. From the first pulley, the cable may extend proximally to the reciprocating member, such that proximally directed motion of the cable exerts a distally directed force on the reciprocating member. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20120010616 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120016413 | SURGICAL FASTENING DEVICES COMPRISING RIVETS - An end-effector assembly is configured to be attached to a surgical instrument. The end-effector assembly comprises a first jaw comprising an electrode, a second jaw comprising a rivet cavity, and a rivet. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other jaw. At least a portion of the rivet is removably positioned within the rivet cavity. The rivet comprises a tissue-engaging portion, an elongate portion extending from the tissue-engaging portion, and a meltable portion. The end-effector assembly comprises a driver configured to move the rivet between a first position in which the rivet is stored at least partially within the rivet cavity and a second position in which the rivet is at least partially deployed from the rivet cavity. The meltable portion of the rivet is positioned against or adjacent to the electrode when the rivet is in the second position. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120022524 | ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke may be regulated by a linear actuator, for example. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120160891 | Method of Using A Surgical Stapler To Secure A Tissue Fold - A method of plicating a hollow organ by accessing the exterior of a hollow organ of a patient. The method includes the steps of grasping tissue on first and second sides of a greater curvature of the organ and forming a first fold along a length the greater curvature by attaching the first and second sides together along a first attachment line with a first plurality of fasteners. The fasteners have a first spacing therebetween. The method also involves the steps of grasping tissue on first and second sides of a greater curvature of the organ and forming a second fold about the first fold along a length the first attachment line by attaching the first and second sides together along a second attachment line with a second plurality of fasteners having a second spacing therebetween. Wherein the second spacing is less than the first spacing and wherein the second spacing is less than 2 cm. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20140194914 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH REDUCED FIRING FORCE - A surgical instrument is provided that can comprise and end effector including two jaws and a cutting member configured to move between the jaws. In at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be flexible, such that a jaw is configured to flex when gripping tissue. Further, at least one of the jaws may include a thin cross-sectional area such that the jaw flexes when gripping tissue. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, one or more compression elements may extend from the cutting member and may be configured to cause the jaws to close when the cutting member is advanced. The compression elements may comprise a roller and/or a low-friction material. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be precurved, away from the cutting member's longitudinal axis. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the overall force required to advance the cutting member and/or close the jaws may be reduced. | 07-10-2014 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100176215 | COLOR CHANGE FOR POWDER COATING MATERIAL APPLICATION SYSTEM - A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100221125 | PUMP WITH SUCTION AND PRESSURE CONTROL FOR DRY PARTICULATE MATERIAL - A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20120114864 | COLOR CHANGE FOR POWDER COATING MATERIAL APPLICATION SYSTEM - A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120209437 | PUMP WITH SUCTION AND PRESSURE CONTROL FOR DRY PARTICULATE MATERIAL - A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20130294848 | PUMP WITH SUCTION AND PRESSURE CONTROL FOR DRY PARTICULATE MATERIAL - A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20150273507 | COLOR CHANGE FOR POWDER COATING MATERIAL APPLICATION SYSTEM - A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element. | 10-01-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100322878 | Personal Care Composition Comprising a Synthetic Cationic Polymer - A personal care composition that comprises a synthetic random polymer comprising a net positive charge; said synthetic random polymer comprising an acrylamide monomer unit; and a cationic monomer unit comprising 3 or more positive charges; wherein said synthetic random polymer comprises a ratio of said acrylamide monomer unit to said cationic monomer unit comprising from about 55:45 to about 97:3; and a surfactant component; and an aqueous carrier. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20120270029 | Continuous Process of Making an Article of Dissolution Upon Use to Deliver Surfactants - A continuous process for making a flexible porous dissolvable solid structure with open celled foam. The continuous process has the steps of preparing a pre-mixture comprising surfactant, polymer, water, and optionally plasticizer; aerating the pre-mixture to form a wet aerated pre-mixture; extruding the wet aerated pre-mixture to form one or more sheets on a belt; and drying the sheets to form an Article having an open celled foam. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20140105946 | PERSONAL CARE COMPOSITION IN THE FORM OF A DISSOLVABLE ARTICLE - An article that is a porous, dissolvable solid structure that dissolves easily due to the shape, product orientation and/or method of manufacturing the porous, dissolvable solid structure. The process of making the Article involves preparing a pre-mixture, aerating the pre-mixture, dosing the pre-mixture into individual cavities in molds, and drying the pre-mixture to an Article having an open celled foam with a % open cell of from about 80% to about 100%. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140264994 | Process of Forming a Personal Care Article - Provided is a process for forming a personal care article comprising producing a personal care article from a twin screw extruder employing blowing agents, the personal care article including (i) from about 10% to about 60% of one or more anionic surfactants, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants have a Krafft point of less than about 30° C.; (ii) from about 10% to about 50% of one or more water soluble polymers; (iii) from about 1% to about 30% of one or more plasticizers; and (iv) from about 0.01% to about 40% water. The personal care article has a density of from about 0.05 g/cm | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140271521 | Process of Forming a Personal Care Article - A process for forming a personal care article, the process including (a) producing an extrudate from a twin screw extruder, and (b) forming the extrudate into the personal care article. The personal care article includes (i) from about 10% to about 60% of one or more anionic surfactants, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants have a Krafft point of less than 30° C.; (ii) from about 10% to about 50% of one or more water soluble polymers; (iii) from about 1% to about 30% of one or more plasticizers; and (iv) from about 10% to about 50% water. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140271744 | Process of Forming a Dissolvable Fiber - Provided is a process for forming a dissolvable fiber, the process including (a) producing an extrudate from a twin screw extruder; and (b) forming the extrudate into the dissolvable fiber. The dissolvable fiber includes (i) from about 10% to about 60% of one or more anionic surfactants; (ii) from about 10% to about 50% of one or more water soluble polymers; (iii) from about 1% to about 30% of one or more plasticizers; and (iv) from about 0.01% to about 30% water. The one or more anionic surfactants have a Krafft point of less than about 30° C. The dissolvable fiber has an average diameter of from about 20 microns to about 1,000 microns. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140271745 | Personal Care Article Comprising Dissolvable Fibers - Provided is a personal care article including one or more extruded dissolvable fibers. The extruded dissolvable fibers include (a) from about 10% to about 60% of one or more anionic surfactants; (b) from about 10% to about 50% of one or more water soluble polymers; (c) from about 1% to about 30% of one or more plasticizers; and (d) from about 0.01% to about 30% water. The one or more anionic surfactants have a Krafft point of less than about 30° C. The one or more extruded dissolvable fibers has an average diameter of from about 20 microns to about 1,000 microns. The personal care article has a dry density of from about 0.02 g/cm | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274864 | Process of Forming a Personal Care Article - A process for forming a personal care article, the process including (a) adding one or more water soluble polymers and one or more plasticizers to a kneader to form a premix; (b) adding one or more anionic surfactants to the premix to form a mixture; (c) kneading the mixture until homogeneous; and (d) forming the personal care article. The personal care article includes (i) from about 10% to about 60% of one or more anionic surfactants; (ii) from about 10% to about 50% of one or more water soluble polymers; (iii) from about 1% to about 30% of one or more plasticizers; and (iv) from about 10% to about 50% water. The one or more anionic surfactants have a Krafft point of less than about 30° C. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20150315350 | Compositions in the Form of Dissolvable Solid Structures - Described are dissolvable, porous solid structures formed using certain vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymers. The copolymer and the porosity of the structure allow for liquid flow during use such that the structure readily dissolves to provide a desired consumer experience. Also described are processes for making open cell foam and fibrous dissolvable solid structures. | 11-05-2015 |
