Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080258841 | Wireless acoustic-electric feed-through for power and signal transmission - An embodiment provides electrical energy from a source on one side of a medium to a load on the other side of the medium, the embodiment including a first piezoelectric to generate acoustic energy in response to electrical energy from the source, and a second piezoelectric to convert the received acoustic energy to electrical energy used by the load. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 10-23-2008 |
20110056713 | SINGLE PIEZO-ACTUATOR ROTARY-HAMMERING (SPARH) DRILL - A Single Piezo-Actuator Rotary-Hammering (SPaRH) Drill includes a horn actuator having high power piezoelectric materials and a flexure pre-stress to increase the actuators effectiveness. The drill is a low mass, low power, compact coring drill measuring 20-cm high by 7-cm diameter and having a total weight of 2 kg including drive electronics. Using an average power of 50-Watts, the drill basalt is expected to cut basalt at a rate of 0.2 cm/min down to depth of 10-cm and create cuttings and an intact core. The drill is expected to operate under different environments including Martian ambient (6 Torr and down to −50° C.), and liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) and low pressure (<<1 Torr) to simulate lunar polar and Europa conditions. Materials expected to be sampled include Kaolinite, Saddleback Basalt, Limestone, Volcanic Breccia, Siltstone, ice, permafrost and layered rocks with different hardness. | 03-10-2011 |
20110094765 | PERCUSSIVE AUGMENTER OF ROTARY DRILLS FOR OPERATING AS A ROTARY-HAMMER DRILL - A percussive augmenter bit includes a connection shaft for mounting the bit onto a rotary drill. In a first modality, an actuator percussively drives the bit, and an electric slip-ring provides power to the actuator while being rotated by the drill. Hammering action from the actuator and rotation from the drill are applied directly to material being drilled. In a second modality, a percussive augmenter includes an actuator that operates as a hammering mechanism that drives a free mass into the bit creating stress pulses that fracture material that is in contact with the bit. | 04-28-2011 |
20110222577 | In-Service Monitoring of Steam Pipe Systems at High Temperatures - A system and method for monitoring the properties of a fluid, such as water, in a steam pipe without mechanically penetrating the wall of the pipe. The system uses a piezoelectric transducer to launch an ultrasonic probe signal into the pipe. Reflected ultrasonic signals are captured in a transducer, which can be the same transducer that launched the probe signal. The reflected signals are subjected to data processing, which can include filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and autocorrelation analysis. A result is extracted which is indicative of a property of the fluid, such as a height of the condensed fluid, a cavitation of the condensed fluid, and a surface perturbation of the condensed fluid. The result can be recorded, displayed, and/or transmitted to another location. One embodiment of the system has been constructed and tested based on a general purpose programmable computer using instructions recorded in machine-readable non-volatile memory. | 09-15-2011 |
20120014221 | MONOLITHIC FLEXURE PRE-STRESSED ULTRASONIC HORNS - A monolithic ultrasonic horn where the horn, backing, and pre-stress structures are combined in a single monolithic piece is disclosed. Pre-stress is applied by external flexure structures. The provision of the external flexures has numerous advantages including the elimination of the need for a pre-stress bolt. The removal of the pre-stress bolt eliminates potential internal electric discharge points in the actuator. In addition, it reduces the chances of mechanical failure in the actuator stacks that result from the free surface in the hole of conventional ring stacks. In addition, the removal of the stress bolt and the corresponding reduction in the overall number of parts reduces the overall complexity of the resulting ultrasonic horn actuator and simplifies the ease of the design, fabrication and integration of the actuator of the present invention into other structures. | 01-19-2012 |
20120037390 | FREE-MASS AND INTERFACE CONFIGURATIONS OF HAMMERING MECHANISMS - The design of the free-mass in an ultrasonic driller/corer (USDC) has been refined in order to improve the performance and operational reliability of the system. In one embodiment, the improvements in performance and operational reliability include decreasing the impact surface area of the free-mass to increase the transfer of impact energy from the piezoelectric transducer and reductions in the likelihood that the system will jam. | 02-16-2012 |
20140107954 | APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MONITORING CONDENSED WATER IN STEAM PIPES AT HIGH TEMPERATURE - A system and method for monitoring the properties of a fluid, such as water, in a steam pipe without mechanically penetrating the wall of the pipe. The system uses a piezoelectric transducer to launch an ultrasonic probe signal into the pipe. Reflected ultrasonic signals are captured in a transducer, which can be the same transducer that launched the probe signal. The reflected signals are subjected to data processing, which can include filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and autocorrelation analysis. A result is extracted which is indicative of a property of the fluid, such as a height of the condensed fluid, a cavitation of the condensed fluid, and a surface perturbation of the condensed fluid. The result can be recorded, displayed, and/or transmitted to another location. One embodiment of the system has been constructed and tested based on a general purpose programmable computer using instructions recorded in machine-readable non-volatile memory. | 04-17-2014 |
20140110612 | HYDRAULIC HIGH PRESSURE VALVE CONTROLLER USING THE IN-SITU PRESSURE DIFFERENCE - A hydraulic vale controller that uses an existing pressure differential as some or all of the power source for valve operation. In a high pressure environment, such as downhole in an oil or gas well, the pressure differential between the inside of a pipe and the outside of the pipe may be adequately large to drive a linear slide valve. The valve is operated hydraulically by a piston in a bore. When a higher pressure is applied to one end of the bore and a lower pressure to the other end, the piston moves in response to the pressure differential and drive a valve attached to it. If the pressure differential is too small to drive the piston at a sufficiently high speed, a pump is provided to generate a larger pressure differential to be applied. The apparatus is conveniently constructed using multiport valves, which can be rotary valves. | 04-24-2014 |
20140153368 | COMMUNICATION IN PIPES USING ACOUSTIC MODEMS THAT PROVIDE MINIMAL OBSTRUCTION TO FLUID FLOW - A plurality of phased array acoustic communication devices are used to communicate data along a tubulation, such as a well. The phased array acoustic communication devices employ phased arrays of acoustic transducers, such as piezoelectric transducers, to direct acoustic energy in desired directions along the tubulation. The system is controlled by a computer-based controller. Information, including data and commands, is communicated using digital signaling. | 06-05-2014 |
20140312739 | HIGH TEMPERATURE ULTRASONIC PROBE AND PULSE-ECHO PROBE MOUNTING FIXTURE FOR TESTING AND BLIND ALIGNMENT ON STEAM PIPES - A high temperature ultrasonic probe and a mounting fixture for attaching and aligning the probe to a steam pipe using blind alignment. The high temperature ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric transducer having a high temperature. The probe provides both transmitting and receiving functionality. The mounting fixture allows the high temperature ultrasonic probe to be accurately aligned to the bottom external surface of the steam pipe so that the presence of liquid water in the steam pipe can be monitored. The mounting fixture with a mounted high temperature ultrasonic probe are used to conduct health monitoring of steam pipes and to track the height of condensed water through the wall in real-time. | 10-23-2014 |
20140374631 | FLOW CAGE ASSEMBLIES - Apparatus, systems and methods for implementing flow cages and flow cage assemblies in association with high pressure fluid flows and fluid valves are provided. Flow cages and flow assemblies are provided to dissipate the energy of a fluid flow, such as by reducing fluid flow pressure and/or fluid flow velocity. In some embodiments the dissipation of the fluid flow energy is adapted to reduce erosion, such as from high-pressure jet flows, to reduce cavitation, such as by controllably increasing the flow area, and/or to reduce valve noise associated with pressure surge. | 12-25-2014 |
20150155800 | ACOUSTIC MECHANICAL FEED-THROUGHS FOR PRODUCING WORK ACROSS A STRUCTURE - An apparatus that passes vibrational energy across a mechanical structure lacking a perforation. The disclosed apparatus and method provide the ability to transfer work (rotary or linear motion) across pressure or thermal barriers or in a sterile environment without generating contaminants; the presence of reflectors in the solid barrier to enhance the efficiency of the energy/power transmission, and the ability to produce a bi-directional driving mechanism using a plurality of different mode resonances, such as a fundamental frequency resonance and a higher frequency resonance. In some instances, a plane within the mechanical structure lacking a perforation is a nodal plane of the vibrational energy field. | 06-04-2015 |
20150298171 | MONOLITHIC FLEXURE PRE-STRESSED ULTRASONIC HORNS - A monolithic ultrasonic horn where the horn, backing, and pre-stress structures are combined in a single monolithic piece is disclosed. Pre-stress is applied by external flexure structures. The provision of the external flexures has numerous advantages including the elimination of the need for a pre-stress bolt. The removal of the pre-stress bolt eliminates potential internal electric discharge points in the actuator. In addition, it reduces the chances of mechanical failure in the actuator stacks that result from the free surface in the hole of conventional ring stacks. In addition, the removal of the stress bolt and the corresponding reduction in the overall number of parts reduces the overall complexity of the resulting ultrasonic horn actuator and simplifies the ease of the design, fabrication and integration of the actuator of the present invention into other structures. | 10-22-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110250144 | RGD-CONTAINING PEPTIDOMIMETICS AND USES THEREOF - The invention provides RGD-containing cyclic peptidomimetics; conjugates of said peptidomimetics and a moiety of a payload selected from fluorescent probes, photosensitizers, chelating agents, or cytotoxic agents; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these conjugates. The conjugates of the invention are useful both for diagnostic purposes and treatment of various diseases, disorders and conditions. More specifically, conjugates comprising fluorescent probes can be used for diagnostic purposes, e.g., visualization of organs and tissues, and diagnosis of tumors; conjugates comprising photosensitizers can be used for photodynamic therapy of both tumors and nonneoplastic tissues; conjugates comprising chelating agents can be used in radio imaging or radiotherapy; and conjugates comprising cytotoxic agents can be used for in targeted chemotherapy. | 10-13-2011 |
20140154181 | RGD-CONTAINING PEPTIDOMIMETICS AND USES THEREOF - The invention provides RGD-containing cyclic peptidomimetics; conjugates of said peptidomimetics and a moiety of a payload selected from fluorescent probes, photosensitizers, chelating agents, or cytotoxic agents; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these conjugates. The conjugates of the invention are useful both for diagnostic purposes and treatment of various diseases, disorders and conditions. More specifically, conjugates comprising fluorescent probes can be used for diagnostic purposes, e.g., visualization of organs and tissues, and diagnosis of tumors; conjugates comprising photosensitizers can be used for photodynamic therapy of both tumors and nonneoplastic tissues; conjugates comprising chelating agents can be used in radioimaging or radiotherapy; and conjugates comprising cytotoxic agents can be used for targeted chemotherapy. | 06-05-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130236942 | PRODUCTION OF ACETYL-COENZYME A DERIVED ISOPRENOIDS - Provided herein are compositions and methods for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids in a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, acetylating (ADA, E.C. 1.2.1.10) and an MEV pathway comprising an NADH-using HMG-CoA reductase. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an ADA and an MEV pathway comprising an acetoacetyl-CoA synthase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises one or more heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding a phosphoketolase and a phosphotransacetylase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises a functional disruption of the native PDH-bypass. The compositions and methods described herein provide an energy-efficient yet redox balanced route for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids. | 09-12-2013 |
20140154765 | PRODUCTION OF ACETYL-COENZYME A DERIVED ISOPRENOIDS - Provided herein are compositions and methods for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids in a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, acetylating (ADA, E.C. 1.2.1.10) and an MEV pathway comprising an NADH-using HMG-CoA reductase. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an ADA and an MEV pathway comprising an acetoacetyl-CoA synthase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises one or more heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding a phosphoketolase and a phosphotransacetylase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises a functional disruption of the native PDH-bypass. The compositions and methods described herein provide an energy-efficient yet redox balanced route for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids. | 06-05-2014 |
20150093797 | PRODUCTION OF ACETYL-COENZYME A DERIVED ISOPRENOIDS - Provided herein are compositions and methods for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids in a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, acetylating (ADA, E.C. 1.2.1.10) and an MEV pathway comprising an NADH-using HMG-CoA reductase. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an ADA and an MEV pathway comprising an acetoacetyl-CoA synthase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises one or more heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding a phosphoketolase and a phosphotransacetylase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises a functional disruption of the native PDH-bypass. The compositions and methods described herein provide an energy-efficient yet redox balanced route for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids. | 04-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100161042 | IMPLANTATION OF REPAIR CHORDS IN THE HEART - A method is provided, including positioning, at an intraventricular site of a ventricle of a patient, a spool coupled to a first end portion of a longitudinal member and coupling a second end portion of the longitudinal member to a portion of tissue facing a lumen of the ventricle. Other embodiments are also described. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161043 | IMPLANTATION OF REPAIR CHORDS IN THE HEART - Apparatus is provided for adjusting at least one dimension of an implant, including a rotatable structure having first and second openings and a channel extending between the first and second openings. The channel allows passage therethrough of an elongate tool. The second end of the structure has a lower surface having one or more recesses along a circumference thereof. A mechanical element provides a protrusion that is disposed within one of the recesses of the rotatable structure during a resting state of the mechanical element, in a manner that restricts rotation of the rotatable structure. The mechanical clement comprises a depressible portion coupled to the protrusion disposed in communication with the second opening of the lower surface, and configured to dislodge the protrusion from within the recess in response to a force applied thereto by the elongate tool. Other applications are also described. | 06-24-2010 |
20100280603 | IMPLANTATION OF REPAIR CHORDS IN THE HEART - A method is provided, including advancing a distal end of an inner shall of a delivery tool between leaflets of an atrioventricular valve, of a patient and into a ventricle of the patient. The method further includes, while maintaining the distal end of the inner shaft in place and within the ventricle, proximally withdrawing a surrounding shaft of the delivery tool with respect to the distal end of the inner shaft and toward the leaflets. This surrounding shaft surrounds a portion of the inner shaft. The method additionally includes using the surrounding shaft to engage at least one of the leaflets with at least one leaflet-engaging element. After engaging, the distal end of the inner shaft is proximally withdrawn from within the ventricle. Other applications are also described. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280605 | DEPLOYMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ANNULOPLASTY RING - An anchor driver is provided that includes a driver head having a flexible ring. An anchor is provided that includes a coupling head, which is shaped so as to define: (a) one or more mating elements that engage mechanical coupling elements of the driver head such that rotation of the mechanical coupling elements rotates the mating elements, which in turn rotate the coupling head, and (b) an outer coupling surface, sized to be inserted into and engage the flexible ring. The anchor also includes a tissue coupling element fixed to the coupling head. The rotation of the mechanical coupling elements causes the tissue coupling element of the anchor to screw itself into tissue, thereby causing separation of: (a) the outer coupling surface of the coupling head from the flexible ring, and (b) the mating elements of the coupling head from the corresponding mechanical coupling elements. Other embodiments are also described. | 11-04-2010 |
20110282361 | Delivery tool for implantation of spool assembly coupled to a helical anchor - Apparatus is provided, including a tissue-adjusting member configured to be coupled to tissue of a patient, a rotatable structure that is configured to adjust a tension of the tissue-adjusting member, a tissue anchor coupled to the tissue-adjusting member and configured to screw into the tissue of the patient, and a delivery tool reversibly coupleable to the rotatable structure. The delivery tool comprises a first actuating element configured to rotate the tissue anchor so as to facilitate screwing of the tissue anchor into the tissue of the patient while not facilitating rotation of the rotatable structure, and a second actuating element configured to rotate the rotatable structure while not facilitating rotation of the tissue anchor. Other applications are also described. | 11-17-2011 |
20130110145 | FLEXIBLE SURGICAL DEVICE FOR TISSUE REMOVAL | 05-02-2013 |
20140222137 | TOOL FOR ACTUATING AN ADJUSTING MECHANISM - Apparatus is provided, including a tissue-adjusting member selected from the group consisting of: one or more artificial chordae tendineae and at least a portion of an annuloplasty ring structure. The tissue-adjusting member includes an adjusting mechanism that is configured to adjust a tension of the tissue-adjusting member. The adjusting mechanism includes a locking mechanism configured to restrict adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism. An elongate member is configured to maintain the locking mechanism in an unlocked state during adjusting of the tension of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, and facilitate locking of the adjusting mechanism by the locking mechanism. A tool is configured to facilitate actuation of the adjusting mechanism to adjust the tension of the tissue-adjusting mechanism. The elongate member and the tool are slidably coupled with respect to each other. Other applications are also described. | 08-07-2014 |
20150342619 | TISSUE REMOVAL DEVICE - A device for cutting tissue including (a) an elongated shaft body defining a drive lumen, (b) a cutting head extending from a distal end of the elongated shaft body and being rotatable via a drive shaft disposed within the drive lumen, and (c) a retainer for keeping the cutting head attached to the shaft body if the cutting head becomes detached from the drive shaft or if the drive shaft breaks. A flexible drive shaft including (i) a core configured for resisting helixing, and (ii) at least one outer layer configured for transferring torque. A method of producing a flexible drive shaft including providing a core configured for resisting helixing, and wrapping the core with at least one outer layer of wires configured for maintaining high torsional rigidity. Related apparatus and methods are also described. | 12-03-2015 |