01st week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 64 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130006311 | Method of Bending Bone Plate with Bending Tools - Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides. In accord with tools disclosed and methods described, the plates are reconfigurable in shape. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006312 | Plate Holder for Manipulating Bone Plate - A plate holder is provided to facilitate percutaneous introduction of a bone plate, positioning of the plate on a bone surface, and stabilizing the plate while a fastener is inserted through the plate into the bone. The plate holder includes a proximal handle, a distal mount, and an arm extending between the handle and the mount. The mount includes a first portion which seats within a slot on the shaft of a plate, and a second portion at which the shaft is coupled and which includes a tapered proximal side. A set screw hole is provided through the first and second portions, and a set screw is provided therein. When the first portion is seated in a compression slot of a plate and the set screw is driven to seat, the set screw locks the mount to the plate. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006313 | Bone Fixation Plate - An apparatus for reducing the profile of a bone fixation plate while preventing backing out of screws is disclosed. The plate has at least two openings though which two screws can pass through bony tissue. The apparatus includes at least one section of relief and sections of engagement. As the screw is tightened, it will begin to lag the plate to the bone. When the screw head interferes with the plate at the interference point, there is a slight resistance that insertion forces can overcome. When the screw is advanced further, it snaps into the sliding fit area and is allowed to move freely. The forces that cause the screw to back out from the plate are preferably not strong enough to pass the screw head back past the interference section. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006314 | Locking Device for Fixation Mechanism of Medical Implant - A receiving member has a primary socket for a fixation mechanism and a secondary socket for a locking device. The secondary socket has a first bore intersecting a portion of the primary socket and forming an arcuate cut-out. The secondary socket has a chord member extending into the secondary socket first bore that forms a radial undercut in the secondary socket. The secondary socket has a detent extending from the radial undercut into the chord member. The locking device is rotatable in the secondary socket between an unlocked position in which an engagement surface of a cap of the locking device is angularly displaced from the arcuate cut-out, and a locked position in which the cap engagement surface occupies the arcuate cut-out and engages the fixation mechanism, and the arm engages an underside of the chord member, thereby preventing the fixation member from disengaging the receiving member primary socket. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006315 | Architectures for Sharing of Current Sources in an Implantable Medical Device - A group select matrix is added to an implantable stimulator device to allow current sources to be dedicated to particular groups of electrodes at a given time. The group select matrix can time multiplex the current sources to the different groups of electrodes to allow therapy pulses to be delivered at the various groups of electrodes in an interleaved fashion. Each of the groups of electrodes may be confined to a particular electrode array implantable at a particular non-overlapping location in a patient's body. A switch matrix can be used in conjunction with the group select matrix to provide further flexibility to couple the current sources to any of the electrodes. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006316 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICALLY DISCONNECTING COMPONENTS OF IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - An implantable electrical stimulation system includes a control module electrically coupleable to a lead. The control module includes a housing, an electronic subassembly disposed in the housing, and a connector assembly for receiving the lead. The connector assembly includes a port for receiving a proximal end of the lead. Connector contacts are disposed in the connector assembly housing and electrically couple to the electronic subassembly. The connector contacts align with terminals disposed on the lead to form an electrical connection between the connector contacts and the terminals when the proximal end of the lead is disposed in the port of the connector assembly. A disconnecting feature includes a switch for electrically disabling, or at least significantly reducing, the electrical connection between the connector contacts and the electronic subassembly when the switch is opened. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006317 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO ANALYZE EVOKED RESPONSES TO PRE-PACING PULSES TO PREDICT IMMINENT VT/VF, ESTIMATE ISCHEMIC BURDEN AND/OR CHARACTERIZE ELECTRICAL SUBSTRATES - Described herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, to predict whether ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) is imminent, estimate ischemic burden and/or characterize an electrical substrate of the LV chamber. For each of a plurality of cardiac cycles, a pacing vector comprising a first set of electrodes is used to deliver a pre-pacing pulse at a site within the LV chamber (wherein the pre-pacing pulse is delivered prior to an intrinsic activation of the LV chamber), and a sensing vector comprising a second set of electrodes is used to detect an evoked response to the pre-pacing pulse. The detected evoked responses to the pre-pacing pulses are analyzed, and results of the analysis are used predict whether VT or VF is imminent, estimate ischemic burden and/or characterize an electrical substrate of the LV chamber. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006318 | CARDIAC STIMULATOR FOR DELIVERY OF CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY MODULATION THERAPY - A cardiac stimulator having at least one stimulation unit which is connected or connectable to one or more stimulation electrodes, and is configured to deliver at least sub-threshold stimulation pulses for cardiac contraction modulation therapy, an impedance detection unit which is connectable to one or more electrodes, and is configured to detect a voltage or current intensity that occurs as the result of a particular sub-threshold stimulation pulse, and to determine a particular impedance value, an impedance evaluation unit, configured to determine at least one value based on ventricular volume, and/or a value based on minute ventilation, and a control unit connected to the stimulation unit and the cardiac rhythm detection unit, and is configured to control a delivery of a stimulation pulse via the stimulation unit such that the cardiac stimulator can deliver sub-threshold stimulation pulses for cardiac contraction modulation therapy. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006319 | CARDIAC STIMULATOR FOR DELIVERY OF CARDIAC CONTRACTILITY MODULATION THERAPY - A combination cardiac stimulator for CRT stimulation and CCM stimulation, which is connected to a rhythm evaluation unit which can either detect a sinus rhythm that is present, or classify an atrial arrhythmia, and which comprises an additional therapy selection unit, wherein the therapy selection unit selects the delivery of either CRT therapy or CCM therapy on the basis of the classification of the atrial rhythm such that CRT therapy is preferred in the case of sinus rhythm, and CCM therapy is delivered in the case of atrial arrhythmia. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006320 | THERMAL NITRIDING PROCESS FOR COMPONENTS OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A component of an implantable medical device comprises a body comprising at least one external surface, the body comprising at least one of titanium, titanium-based alloys, and composites thereof, and a corrosion-resistant surface region at the at least one external surface, the corrosion-resistant surface region comprising at least one of titanium nitride, dititanium nitride, and a solid solution of nitrogen dissolved in the body, wherein the corrosion-resistant surface region is formed by thermal nitridation of the body. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006321 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING REFRACTORY PERIODS IN A CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICE WITH BIVENTRICULAR SENSING - A method and system for managing refractory periods in a cardiac rhythm management device configured for biventricular or biatrial sensing. Refractory periods for each channel of the pacemaker are provided by interval timers that are triggered by sensed or paced events in order to prevent misinterpretation of sensing signals. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006322 | NON-INVASIVE METHOD TO TREAT UROLOGICAL AND GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS - Provided herein are methods and devices useful for inhibiting or treating urological conditions, such as overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms including bladder overactivity, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis (IC), urinary retention, and pelvic pain; gastrointestinal conditions, such as fecal incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation; and sexual conditions, such as premature ejaculation, erectile disorder, and female sexual arousal disorder by non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the foot. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006323 | ESOPHAGEAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Systems for stimulating one or more esophageal muscle contractions are provided. The systems, which are designed to evoke esophageal motion to promote the downward movement of material, include an elongated member for placement in a patient's esophagus and at least one mechanical or electrical stimulator coupled to the elongated member. Methods for stimulating and contracting an esophageal muscle using electrodes and a generated signal sequence are also provided. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006324 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING IMPEDANCE TO DETERMINE PROXIMITY AND ORIENTATION OF SEGMENTED ELECTRODES - A method for implanting a neurostimulation lead within a patient includes measuring impedances of electrodes on the lead in order to correctly position the lead relative to a target tissue region. The electrodes are circumferentially segmented electrodes that are spaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of the lead. When the difference between the impedances of the electrodes exceeds a threshold value, the lead is in the correct position. In accordance with another embodiment, impedance measurements are used to select which one of the electrodes is closest to the target tissue region. By determining which electrode has the highest impedance and which electrode has the lowest impedance, the type of tissue adjacent to each electrode can be determined based on the conductivity properties of the tissue. The target tissue region may be a spinal cord, a posterior longitudinal ligament, white matter, or gray matter. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006325 | METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING IMPLANTABALE DEVICE - A programming system for selecting an electrode configuration for use in a medical electrical stimulator coupled to an electrode array. A programmer is configured for providing a set of electrode configurations for the electrode array, automatically testing a first portion of the set of electrode configurations in a first order, allowing the selection of one or more of the tested electrode configurations, determining whether a suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion have been selected within a predefined interval, and automatically testing a second portion of the set of electrode configurations in a second order if the suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion are not selected within the predefined interval. The programmer may further allow the selection of the tested electrode configurations, and adjusting parameters during the testing, wherein the adjusting is controllably shared in parallel between a clinician and a patient. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006326 | STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006327 | TWO-PIECE SOUND PROCESSOR SYSTEM FOR USE IN AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS SYSTEM - An exemplary system includes 1) a headpiece module configured to be affixed to a head of a patient and comprising a primary sound processor configured to generate stimulation parameters used to direct an auditory prosthesis implanted within the patient to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient and 2) a sound processor module separate from the headpiece module and configured to be selectively and communicatively coupled to the headpiece module. The sound processor module includes a secondary sound processor configured to detect a communicative coupling of the sound processor module to the headpiece module and contribute to the generation of one or more of the stimulation parameters while the sound processor module is communicatively coupled to the headpiece module. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006328 | SIMULTANEOUS DELIVERY OF ELECTRICAL AND ACOUSTICAL STIMULATION IN A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A cochlear prosthesis comprising an electrical signal analyser configured to process a first frequency sub-range of a detected sound signal for electric stimulation of the cochlea, and a delay circuit configured to impose a delay on at least one of an electrical signal delivery path and an acoustic signal delivery path, to provide for delivery of the electrical stimulation to the cochlea at a desired time relative to a time of arrival of acoustic stimuli at the cochlea, wherein the acoustic stimuli arriving at the cochlea and the electrical stimulation delivered to the cochlea at the desired time substantially simultaneously stimulate the cochlea. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006329 | STOCHASTIC STIMULATION IN A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A method, for inducing a hearing percept to a recipient of a cochlear implant, includes: building a sequence of electrical stimulation pulses having first and second inter-pulse intervals; and making stochastic the sequence including randomly selecting either the first or the second inter-pulse interval for insertion between consecutive pulses in the sequence. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006330 | DUAL PATIENT CONTROLLERS - Devices, systems, and methods incorporate the most-used functions of a electrical stimulator's controller into a small, thin pocket controller that is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. A separate patient controller charger is used to charge and control the implanted medical device. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006331 | Active Current Control Using the Enclosure of an Implanted Pulse Generator - An electrical stimulation apparatus including a medical device. The medical device includes: a housing component having at least one electrically conductive area. The medical device includes a plurality of conductors configured to be electrically coupled to a distal electrode array. The electrode array are implantable in a human body. The medical device includes a stimulation circuit positioned inside the housing component. The stimulation circuit includes a plurality of controllable stimulation channels. A first subset of the stimulation channels is electrically coupled to the conductors. A second subset of the stimulation channels is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive area of the housing component. The stimulation circuit is operable to simultaneously create a first stimulation path in the electrode array and a second stimulation path that extends from the electrode array to the housing component. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006332 | EVALUATING THERAPEUTIC STIMULATION ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS BASED ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES - A medical system comprises a plurality of electrodes; at least one sensor configured to output at least one signal based on at least one physiological parameter of a patient; and a processor. The processor is configured to control delivery of stimulation to the patient using a plurality of electrode configurations. Each of the electrode configurations comprises at least one of the plurality of electrodes. For each of the electrode configurations, the processor is configured to determine a first response of target tissue to the stimulation based on the signals, and a second response of non-target tissue to the stimulation based on the signals. The processor is also configured to select at least one of the electrode configurations for delivery of stimulation to the patient based on the first and second responses for the electrode configurations. As examples, the target tissue may be a left ventricle or vagus nerve. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006333 | ELECTRICALLY IDENTIFIABLE ELECTRODE LEAD AND METHOD OF ELECTRICALLY IDENTIFYING AN ELECTRODE LEAD - An electrically identifiable medical electrode lead. The lead includes a flexible lead body having a distal end and a connector end. The lead also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed near the distal end of the flexible lead body. The lead further includes a connector disposed at the connector end of the flexible lead body, the connector including a plurality of contacts. The lead additionally includes a plurality of conductors supported by and passing through the flexible lead body, the plurality of conductors including electrical conductors that provide paths for electrical current from the connector to the plurality of electrodes. Finally, the lead includes a memory circuit supported by the flexible lead body and being in electrical communication with a contact of the plurality of contacts in the connector. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006334 | DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE VAGINAL CANAL AND RELEVANT EQUIPMENT - The device for the treatment of the vaginal canal by a laser beam, comprises a vaginal canal wall retractor, associated to a system for directing the laser beam towards said wall. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006335 | Thermal Therapy System - A thermal therapy system for providing thermal treatment to a body requiring treatment. The system may include a plurality of therapy wraps, each configured to exchange heat with the body. The therapy wraps may be secured to different locations on a substrate and unfurled onto a rigid board for supporting the body. A control unit may be configured to independently control the therapy wraps. The therapy wraps may have a plurality of layers. One of the layers is a heat exchange layer comprising a heat transfer device for exchanging heat with the body. One of the layers may be a compressive layer for applying a compressive force to the body. One of the layers may be a structural layer including a rigid structural member. Also disclosed are methods of administering a temperature-controlled treatment to an animate body. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006336 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PATIENT TEMPERATURE - Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006337 | CHEMICAL WARMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF VIRUSES SUCH AS HERPES - The present invention provides a new, practical, and inexpensive approach to labial herpes heat therapy. Heat is produced by the chemical reaction of elements contained in an inexpensive, portable and disposable air-activated chemical warming device that is small enough to be applied to an affected lip area. For example, a person can store the warming device at home and work, or simply carry a warmer in a purse or wallet. The warming devices can have a long shelf life. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006338 | COOLING DEVICES - This invention is directed to the application of portable and reusable cooling devices that comprise fabric covered pillowettes filled with either an herbal blend or a self-contained gel pack designed to be frozen before application directly to the skin of hot or bruised humans and animals to relieve heat distress or swelling. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006339 | IMPLANTABLE BIOMEDICAL DEVICE LEADS COMPRISING LIQUID CONDUCTORS - Implantable biomedical device leads comprising liquid conductors. In an exemplary embodiment of a lead for use in a biomedical application of the present disclosure, the lead comprises a lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, the lead body defining a first interior lumen therethrough, and an electrically conductive composition positioned within the first interior lumen, the electrically conductive composition comprising a metal in a liquid state at or below about 98° F. In another embodiment, the electrically conductive composition is selected from the group consisting of gallium, a gallium-indium alloy, Galinstan, its/their alloys, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the metallic electrically conductive composition is used along with a second non-metallic electrically conductive composition such as a conductive polymer, an electrically conductive liquid, an electrically conductive gel, or combinations thereof. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006340 | Electronics Package Suitable for Implantation - The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006341 | METHOD OF NEUROSTIMULATION OF DISTINCT NEURAL STRUCTURES USING SINGLE PADDLE LEAD TO TREAT MULTIPLE PAIN LOCATIONS AND MULTI-COLUMN, MULTI-ROW PADDLE LEAD FOR SUCH NEUROSTIMULATION - In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006342 | EXPRESSION SIGNATURE IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD FOR DETECTION OF AORTIC ANEURYSM - We hypothesized that gene expression patterns in peripheral blood cells may correlate with TAA disease status, and carried out a comprehensive gene expression survey on peripheral blood cells obtained from TAA patients and normal individuals. A distinct gene expression profile in peripheral blood cells can classify TAA patients from normal individuals. The genes provided by the present teachings define a set of diagnostic markers, thus providing a blood-based gene expression test to facilitate early detection of TAA disease. Methods of distinguishing ascending from descending TAA are also provided, as are methods of distinguishing familial from sporadic TAA. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006343 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INVERTING AND CLOSING THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE - Devices, systems, and methods for inverting and closing the left atrial appendage. In at least one embodiment of a method for closing a left atrial appendage of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of inverting a distal portion of a left atrial appendage, and constraining the inverted distal portion of the left atrial appendage using a device configured to fit within an interior of the left atrial appendage. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006344 | STENT POSITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A stent combined with a positioning apparatus to effectively place the stent at a precise deployment site within a narrowed vascular region such as an artery. The stent is maneuvered through the vessel and is guided by a guiding catheter up the vessel to where the narrowing is located. Upon exiting the guiding catheter and approaching the deployment site within the coronary artery, a deployment site locator expands to contact the vascular structure and, thereby, effectively position the stent at the deployment site within the narrowed vessel. This system apparatus and method is particularly useful for stent placement at an ostium (origin) of a vessel. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006345 | METHOD OF USING INTERVENTIONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM HAVING AN ELONGATION RETARDING PORTION - Use of an interventional medical device system operable while within a body vessel is provided with a generally hollow tubular proximal portion, distal portion, and intermediate portion. The proximal portion and at least part of the distal portion remains outside of the body in use, with the remainder of the distal portion positioned within the body. The intermediate portion includes a spiral ribbon having adjacent turns, with at least one frangible bridge member between two adjacent turns. The proximal and distal portions are movable away from each other by elongating the spiral ribbon and, eventually, breaking the frangible bridge member. According to the method of using such a system to deploy an implantable medical device, such as an embolic coil, an actuation member is moved proximally with the proximal portion to disengage a bond or joint between the actuation member and the implantable medical device. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006346 | Spring Controlled Stent Delivery System - A stent delivery system and a method for releasably constraining a stent and a method of implanting a stent are provided. The stent delivery system includes an elongate shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a stent receiving portion on the distal portion of the shaft. The stent delivery system also includes a stent positioned at the stent receiving portion of the elongate shaft, the stent having a constrained configuration and an expanded configuration. A first biasing member is operably connected to the shaft and the stent and a second biasing member is operably connected to the shaft and the stent. The first and second biasing members have a first configuration cooperatively applying a longitudinal tensioning force to the stent and a second configuration cooperatively releasing the longitudinal tensioning force on the stent. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006347 | Stent Delivery System - A stent delivery system and method are provided. The system includes an inner elongate shaft and an outer elongate shaft, the inner elongate shaft coaxially extends at least partially within the lumen of the outer elongate shaft and the inner and outer elongate shafts are movably positionable relative to each other. The system also includes a stent positionable on the inner elongate shaft, the stent having a plurality of openings and a restraining wire where a proximal portion is operably connected to one of the inner and the outer elongate shaft and the distal portion is operably connected to the other of the inner and the outer elongate shaft. Movement of the inner and outer elongate shafts relative to each other in a first direction applies tension to at least a portion of the restraining wire to move the stent to the collapsed configuration. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006348 | STRETCHABLE STENT AND DELIVERY - An implant delivery catheter enables permanent modification of the implant length in the vicinity of the treatment site prior to radial expansion thereof. The implant is releasable carried between inner and outer tubular members of the delivery catheter which, upon repositioning relative to one another using an actuator mechanism, impart any of tensile, compressile or torquing forces to the implant causing permanent modification of the implant length. In one embodiment, the circumference of the implant is substantially similar both before and after modification of the implant length. In another embodiment, the implant includes a plurality of strut sections interconnected by bridges which are capable of the deformation along the longitudinal axis of the implant. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006349 | TISSUE ENGINEERED BLOOD VESSELS - Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006350 | DRUG-DELIVERY ENDOVASCULAR STENT AND METHOD FOR TREATING RESTENOSIS - An intravascular stent and method for inhibiting restenosis, following vascular injury, is disclosed. The stent has an expandable, linked-filament body and a drug-release coating formed on the stent-body filaments, for contacting the vessel injury site when the stent is placed in-situ in an expanded condition. The coating releases, for a period of at least 4 weeks, a restenosis-inhibiting amount of the macrocyclic triene immunosuppressive compound everolimus. The stent, when used to treat a vascular injury, gives good protection against clinical restenosis, even when the extent of vascular injury involves vessel overstretching by more than 30% diameter. Also disclosed is a stent having a drug-release coating composed of (i) 10 and 60 weight percent poly-dl-lactide polymer substrate and (ii) 40-90 weight percent of an anti-restenosis compound, and a polymer undercoat having a thickness of between 1-5 microns. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006351 | POLYMER COATINGS CONTAINING DRUG POWDER OF CONTROLLED MORPHOLOGY - A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and pharmaceutical agent on a substrate, comprising the following steps: discharging at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology in dry powder form through a first orifice; discharging at least one polymer in dry powder form through a second orifice; depositing the polymer and/or pharmaceutical particles onto said substrate, wherein an electrical potential is maintained between the substrate and the pharmaceutical and/or polymer particles, thereby forming said coating; and sintering said coating under conditions that do not substantially modify the morphology of said pharmaceutical agent. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006352 | HEART VALVE REPAIR DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006353 | ACCOMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS ASSEMBLY - An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) assembly ( | 2013-01-03 |
20130006354 | INTEGRATED PROSTHETIC ELEMENT - Integrated prosthetic element usable for bone implant operations or as a bone filler or replacement, comprising at least a metal support and an insert made of plastic material coupled with at least a first surface of said metal support so as to define a wear surface, or insert, of adjustable thickness. The metal support comprises, on the side opposite said first surface, a second surface intended to be coupled with the bone part on which the prosthesis or bone replacement is installed. The first surface comprises a layer having cavities or holes distributed in a substantially uniform manner and suitable for anchorage and solidarization of the plastic material that makes up the insert, while said second surface comprises a porous layer suitable to optimize the bone anchorage. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a compact layer that stops the plastic material in the step of forming the plastic insert. The cavities or holes of the first surface have bigger shapes and sizes than, and in any case different from, the pores of the second surface. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006355 | ARTIFICIAL SKIN - The present invention relates to a method for producing artificial skin, comprising: adding a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and a heparanase inhibitor to an artificial skin formation culture medium comprising human epidermal keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts, culturing the cells in the artificial skin formation culture medium, and forming artificial skin. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006356 | MAGNETIC PROSTHETIC IMPLANTS AND METHODS THEREOF - Prosthetic implant devices and related methods are provided. The prosthetic implant devices includes an internal component and an external component. The internal component has an implant portion associated with one or more rare earth magnets. The internal component being of a size and shape suitable for surgical implantation into the residual limb of the amputee. The implant portion being of a size and shape suitable for surgical implantation into a bone within the residual limb of the amputee. The one or more rare earth magnets generating at least one magnetic field. The external component having a prosthetic connection associated with a magnetic element. The magnet element being in adaptable magnetic association with the at least one magnetic field generated by the one or more rare earth magnets. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006357 | SPINAL FUSION DEVICE - A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006358 | SPRING DEVICE FOR LOCKING AN EXPANDABLE SUPPORT DEVICE - A locking device for locking an expandable support device, where the locking device includes a spring device integral with the expandable support device, and the spring device includes an end portion, a first flexible arm, and a second flexible arm. A first aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the first rotational position and a second aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the second rotational position. The first flexible arm and second flexible arm are adapted to flex outward and allow passage of the fastener head when an inward pressure is applied to the fastener positioned in the second aperture. The first flexible arm and the second flexible arms are adapted to collapse to their unflexed position after the fastener head has completed passage through the spring device, such that the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm are adapted to cover the fastener head and prevent the fastener from backing out. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006359 | POSTERIOR INSERTION INSTRUMENT FOR AN EXPANDABLE SUPPORT DEVICE - An insertion instrument for inserting an expandable support device, where the insertion instrument includes an actuator device operable to rotate a component of an expandable support device to a rotated position, such that the rotation to the rotated position of the expandable support device causes a first longitudinally extending member of the expandable support device to be longitudinally fixed. The insertion instrument also includes a hollow body, where the hollow body includes a removable gear device or a removable screw driver device. The removable gear device is configurable to cause a first longitudinally extending member of expandable support device to longitudinally extend in a direction away from the center of the expandable support device. The removable screw driver device is configurable to insert a screw into the expandable support device to lock the rotated position into place. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006360 | APPARATUS FOR ANTERIOR INTERVERTEBRAL SPINAL FIXATION AND FUSION - A plurality of blades for use in a fixation device, each blade includes a body having a central opening configured to rotate on a shaft within a housing of the fixation device, control openings on opposing sides of the central opening sized to engage prongs of a rotating tool, and at least one cutting extension with a sharp leading edge extending from the body in an orientation about an axis of the shaft, wherein upon rotation of the blade by the rotating tool about the shaft in a direction in which the at least one cutting extension is oriented, the at least one cutting extension will break an endplate of a vertebra and hook into the vertebra. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006361 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method of Installation Thereof - The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006362 | DEVICE FOR INSERTING AN INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT INTO A BODY AND SYSTEM INCLUDING AN INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT AND A DEVICE FOR INSERTING SAME - A device for inserting an intervertebral implant into a body includes a flexible end portion having a free end, a thickened portion including an outward protrusion on the flexible end portion at or adjacent the free end, and a stop including an outward protrusion on the flexible end portion positioned at a distance from the free end and spaced apart from the thickened portion, wherein a portion of the flexible end portion between the thickened portion and the stop has outer walls separated by a distance that is less than distances separating outer walls of the thickened end portion and the stop, respectively, and wherein the flexible end portion can assume a first state wherein the outer walls of the portion of the flexible end portion between the thickened portion and the stop are separated by a first distance. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006363 | IMPLANTS WITH INTEGRATION SURFACES HAVING REGULAR REPEATING SURFACE PATTERNS - An interbody spinal implant, such as a solid-body or composite implant. The implant has at least one integration surface with a roughened surface topography including a repeating pattern, without sharp teeth that risk damage to bone structures, adapted to grip bone through friction generated when the implant is placed between two vertebral endplates and to inhibit migration of the implant. The repeating pattern is formed of at least three at least partially overlapping repeating patterns. The repeating patterns may radiate at a fixed distance from at least one point and may include recesses having a slope of thirty degrees or less relative to the integration surface. Also disclosed are processes of fabricating the integration surfaces. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006364 | FACET JOINT IMPLANTS AND DELIVERY TOOLS - A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006365 | Methods and Systems for Interbody Implant and Bone Graft Delivery - A bone graft system for providing bone graft material to a site of interest includes a multiple unit bone graft material loading device and a conduit. The multiple unit bone graft material loading device may be configured to accept a plurality of pre-formed bone graft material units and includes a plurality chambers configured to accept a pre-formed bone graft unit. The conduit may include a first opening and second opening. The first opening may be operably connected with the multiple unit bone graft material loading device to accept bone graft material from the multiple unit bone graft material loading device. The second opening may be configured to deliver bone graft material to a site of interest. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006366 | Methods and Systems for Interbody Implant and Bone Graft Delivery - A spacer for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The spacer includes a distal end and a proximal end. The spacer also includes top and bottom surfaces spaced by sides. The top and bottom surface define a height, and the sides define a width. Each of the sides of the spacer may include a depressed region sunk into the side including a sloped surface at least toward the proximal end of the spacer. The distance between the sloped surfaces of the sides may decrease proximally to form a web having a leading edge proximate to the proximal end of the spacer. The web may be sized and configured to aid distribution of bone graft material to either side of the spacer, wherein bone graft material is supplied to a site of interest is distributed to at least one side of the spacer. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006367 | COMBINED SPINAL INTERBODY AND PLATE ASSEMBLIES - A spinal implant assembly combines a spinal interbody spacer with a spine plate. The combined spacer and plate assembly provides stabilization and torsional resistance to promote fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer is configured for placement within an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae previously occupied by a spinal disc. The plate is configured for attachment to anterior sides of the adjacent vertebrae. Translation of the spinal plate allows it to be affixed to the vertebrae in various positions and/or allow movement post installation. In one form, the plate is defined by first and second spine plate or plate portions that are coupled to one another to allow rotation about each other. Ends of the first and second spine plates are received in/by the interbody spacer, while a pin extends through the interbody spacer to fix the first and second spine plates to the interbody spacer. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006368 | TAPERED JOINT IMPLANT AND RELATED TOOLS - According to some embodiments, a method of treating a joint of a patient comprises creating a recess in a bone located at or near a targeted joint, wherein the recess includes a generally wedge or truncated cone shape. In one embodiment, the recess in a bone comprises a surface opening along an outer surface of the bone and a bottom opening along the distal end of the recess, such that a diameter of the surface opening is generally smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening. The method additionally comprises providing a joint implant having a wedge or truncated cone shape, wherein a diameter of a top end of the joint implant is generally smaller than a diameter of a bottom end of the joint implant, inserting the joint implant within the recess. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006369 | SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEM - An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006370 | TRIALING SYSTEM FOR A KNEE PROSTHESIS AND METHOD OF USE - An orthopaedic surgical instrument system that includes an orthopaedic surgical instrument adapted to be positioned on a proximal end of a patient's tibia, and a tibial bearing trial assembly configured to be coupled to the orthopaedic surgical instrument. The tibial bearing trial assembly includes a plurality of tibial bearing surface trial components and at least one shim. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006371 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRIALING A KNEE PROSTHESIS - A method of trialing prosthetic components of a knee prosthesis including positioning a femoral trial component on a surgically-prepared distal end of a patient's femur, assembling a tibial bearing trial component, and positioning the tibial bearing trial component on a tibial base trial component seated on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia. The method may also include adjusting the patient's leg with the tibial bearing trial component engaging the femoral trial component, and readjusting the patient's leg with the tibial bearing trial component engaging the femoral trial component after positioning the tibial bearing trial component on the tibial base trial component and a keel punch. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006372 | POSTERIOR STABILIZED ORTHOPAEDIC PROSTHESIS ASSEMBLY - A posterior stabilized knee orthopaedic prosthesis assembly includes a tibial bearing, a primary femoral component, and a revision femoral component. Each of the primary and revision femoral components is configured to separately articulate with the tibial bearing. However, each of the primary and revision femoral components has different geometry. The primary femoral component includes a posterior cam having a posterior cam surfacing including a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. The revision femoral component includes a posterior cam having only a convex cam surface. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006373 | POSTERIOR STABILIZED ORTHOPAEDIC KNEE PROSTHESIS HAVING CONTROLLED CONDYLAR CURVATURE - An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a posterior cam configured to contact a spine of the tibial bearing and a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the posterior cam of the femoral component may include a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006374 | KNEE PROSTHESIS HAVING A MIXED MENISCAL PLATE - The invention relates to a knee prosthesis ( | 2013-01-03 |
20130006375 | KNEE PROSTHESIS - A knee joint prosthesis assembly according to the present disclosure can include a femoral component, a unitary tibial component, a medial bearing, and a lateral bearing. The femoral component can have a medial and a lateral condyle portion connected by a patellar track portion. The femoral component can form an opening between the medial and lateral condyles. The unitary tibial component can have a medial portion that includes a first posterior engagement lip and a first outer securing lip. The tibial component can further include a lateral portion that includes a second posterior engagement lip and a second outer securing lip. The medial bearing can have a first posterior groove formed thereon that selectively engages the first posterior engagement lip and a first outer groove that selectively engages the first outer securing lip. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006376 | METHOD OF USING A TRIALING SYSTEM FOR A KNEE PROSTHESIS - A method of assembling a surgical instrument includes selecting a tibial bearing surface trial component, orienting a shim relative to the tibial bearing surface trial component, and securing the shim to the tibial bearing surface trial component. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006377 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR USE IN SURGICALLY PREPARING A TIBIA FOR IMPLANTATION OF A PROSTHETIC COMPONENT - Orthopaedic surgical instruments including a base trial adapted to be positioned on a proximal end of a patient's resected tibia, and a guide tower including a tower base adapted to be positioned on the base trial. A method of use is also described. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006378 | POLYMER FEMORAL TRIAL COMPONENT - An orthopedic surgical instrument including a femoral trial component configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared distal end of a patient's femur. The femoral trial component has a fixation side configured to engage a posterior aspect of the surgically-prepared distal femur. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006379 | Talar-calcaneal sinus-canalis internal-fixation device - A sinus-canalis internal-fixation device is configured in a shape modeled after the anatomical form and dimensions of a sinus tarsi of an ankle-bone structure of a patient, which anatomically twists and curves and is surrounded by the anatomically irregular surfaces of the talus (ankle bone) and calcaneus (heel bone). The surfaces of the sinus-canalis internal-fixation device mirror the anatomically irregular surfaces of the talus (ankle bone) and calcaneus (heel bone) surrounding the sinus-canalis internal-fixation device. The sinus-canalis internal-fixation device comprises an anatomical shaft and anatomical superior, inferior, and posterior pegs connected to the top, bottom, and back end of the anatomical shaft, respectively. Further, if desired, the sinus-canalis internal-fixation device can be cannulated and/or comprise at least one groove, recess, opening, ridge, and/or hill integrated thereinto. The sinus-canalis internal-fixation device can:
| 2013-01-03 |
20130006380 | DEVICE FOR COVERING AND/OR RECONSTRUCTING A BONE DEFECT SITE, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - A device for covering and/or reconstructing a bone defect site and a method for producing a cap of a covering device for a bone defect site, wherein the device for covering and/or reconstructing a bone defect site consists of a cap (moulded shell, rigid shell, shaped body) and of at least one fixing means for fixing the cap on a bone. The cap is distinguished by having a dimensionally stable (rigid) nature, and a wall of the cap directed towards the bone defect or a wall of the cap directed away from the bone defect corresponds to the shape of the regenerated bone. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006381 | PYLORIC VALVE DEVICES AND METHODS - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006382 | GASTROINTESTINAL IMPLANT DEVICE - A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a sleeve for extending into the duodenum and an artificial valve for placement at the pylorus to control flow from the stomach into the duodenal sleeve. The implant device also comprises a support structure for the valve. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006383 | Randomly Oriented, FGF-2-Modified Nanofiber Device for Use in Spinal Cord Repair - The invention relates to a device composed of a plurality of strips of randomly oriented nanofibers, wherein said strips are arranged along their longitudinal axes. In addition, the surface of the device's nanofibers are covalently modified with fibroblast growth factor-2. A method for using the instant device for facilitating axonal regeneration in spinal cord injury is also provided. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006384 | CULTURE MEDIUM, GRAFT, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A graft includes a carbon nanotube structure and a biological tissue. The carbon nanotube structure has a polar surface. The polar surface is formed by treating the carbon nanotube structure with polarization. The biological tissue is adhered on the polar surface. In addition, a method for manufacturing a graft is also provided. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006385 | PLACENTAL TISSUE GRAFTS AND IMPROVED METHODS OF PREPARING AND USING THE SAME - A method for preparing placenta membrane tissue grafts for medical use, includes obtaining a placenta from a subject, cleaning the placenta, separating the chorion tissue from the amniotic membrane, mounting a selected layer of either the chorion tissue or the amniotic membrane onto a drying fixture, dehydrating the selected layer on the drying fixture, and cutting the selected layer into a plurality of tissue grafts. Preferably, the drying fixture includes grooves or raised edges that define the outer contours of each desired tissue graft, after they are cut, and further includes raised or indented logos that emboss the middle area of the tissue grafts during dehydration and that enables an end user to distinguish the top from the bottom side of the graft. The grafts are comprised of single layers of amnion or chorion, multiple layers of amnion or chorion, or multiple layers of a combination of amnion and chorion. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006386 | Further improvements to ankle-foot prosthesis and orthosis capable of automatic adaptation to sloped walking surfaces and methods of use - The present invention relates to an improved system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease to the lower limbs or extremities. The system can enable an amputee to proceed over any inclined or declined surface without overbalancing. The system is mechanically passive in that it does not utilize motors, force generating devices, batteries, or powered sources that may add undesirable weight or mass and that may require recharging. In particular the system is self-adapting to adjust the torque moment depending upon the motion, the extent of inclination, and the surface topography. An additional advantage of the improvement is that the system can be light and may also be simple to manufacture. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006387 | Prosthetic connector - A locking device for a prosthesis comprising a locking mechanism that may be disengaged from the locking pin using a single hand, and that remains in the open position until the pin is removed. The locking mechanism of the present invention thus provides a secure connection that may be more easily removed than current devices. The current invention comprises a self-holding release mechanism that makes it possible to use both hands for pulling the amputation stump out of the prosthetic sleeve. The release mechanism is held in an open position by an interior locking mechanism. When the locking pin has come out of the locking mechanism, the inner locking mechanism will let the release device return and the lock will reset, and again be ready for use when the locking pin is inserted once more. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006388 | ORTHOPEDIC KNEE JOINT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ORTHOPEDIC KNEE JOINT - An orthopedic knee joint having an upper part with upper connecting features, a lower part which is mounted pivotably on the upper part and has connecting features for prosthetic components, and a stop for limiting an extension movement. The stop and is coupled to an adjusting device, which is coupled to a control device that actuates the adjusting device as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop. If the knee joint is provided with an adjustable extension stop position, the extension stop can be shifted forward for walking, which results in a greater inclination at heel strike in order to flex the knee joint and, therefore, increased damping upon initiation of the stance phase. For standing, the adjusting device can be activated so that the extension stop is reversed, such that a statically more secure orthosis or prosthesis set-up can be obtained. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006389 | USER SUPPORT SYSTEM, USER SUPPORT METHOD, AND MANAGEMENT SERVER FOR SUPPORTING USER OF PORTABLE INFORMATION TERMINAL - A management server comprises: a control program storing unit which stores control programs of multiple types that correspond to respective user skill levels, which allow the user to remotely control an apparatus via a portable information terminal; a device information acquisition unit which acquires device information with respect to the apparatus to be controlled; a history acquisition unit which acquires the user's operation history; a control program judgment unit which judges the control program type to be transmitted based upon the operation history; and a version management unit which transmits the latest-version control program when a control program already transmitted to the portable information terminal does not match the latest version. When the latest-version control program is transmitted to the portable information terminal, the control program judgment unit again judges the control program type to be transmitted, based upon the user's operation history. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006390 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUNCTION BLOCK INSTANTIATION - The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In one embodiment, a system includes a library configured to store reusable executable control information and a substitution information. The system further includes a controller configured to instantiate the reusable executable control information in a memory and to associate the substitution information with a field device. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006391 | BLOCK EXECUTION SEQUENCE DISPLAY SYSTEM - A block execution sequence display system includes: a machine tool that has numerical control and sequence control; a programmable controller that executes a sequence program; a numerical control device that executes a NC program; block execution sequence array display means for displaying a block execution sequence array in which sequence functional blocks and a NC program execution block are arranged in an execution sequence; selecting means for selecting one of blocks in the array; and NC functional block execution sequence array display means for, when the NC program execution block is selected by the selecting means, displaying a NC functional block execution sequence array in which a plurality of NC functional blocks are arranged in an execution sequence. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006392 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYSTEM AUTOMATION BASED ON INTERPRETING A TREE SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS - The invention relates to a system and method for automating a system wherein an interpreter generates and executes an execution code based on instructions received in form of a tree sequence, and wherein the tree sequence comprises information of parallel operations to define the respective automation procedure. The definition of the tree sequence may be based on a standardized human and machine readable format, such as e.g. an | 2013-01-03 |
20130006393 | CONTINUOUS EQUIPMENT OPERATION IN AN AUTOMATED CONTROL ENVIRONMENT - Continuous equipment operation is facilitated despite disablement of an automation controller for controlling the equipment. A safe state in which equipment is to be maintained upon disablement of the automation controller is determined. Safe state data is provided for configuring an I/O module, through which the automation controller controls the equipment, with the safe state data to facilitate maintaining the equipment in the safe state during disablement of the automation controller. In one embodiment, upon subsequent enablement of the automation controller, a current state of the I/O module is evaluated and an automatic control state into which the equipment is to be transitioned is determined. The equipment is then transitioned to the determined automatic control state. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006394 | NUMERICAL CONTROL DEVICE AND NUMERICAL CONTROL METHOD - The invention provides a numerical control device of a machine tool including linear and rotation axes, for controlling position and attitude of a tool with respect to a workpiece, the device comprising: an indexing-method decision unit that decides=one of a rotation indexing method of operating only the rotation axis and a tool-tip-position holding indexing method of operating the rotation axis and linear axis and holding a tool tip position with respect to the workpiece, based on a commanded rotation axis, a commanded rotation direction of the commanded rotation axis, and the tool position; a moving-amount calculation unit that calculates moving amount of the axes based on the commanded rotation axis, the commanded rotation direction of the commanded rotation axis, the tool position, and the indexing method decided; and an output unit that outputs a position command to a servo amplifier based on the moving amount calculated. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006395 | BINDING GRAPHIC ELEMENTS TO CONTROLLER DATA - System(s), device(s), and method(s) provide bi-directional mechanisms for binding graphic element definitions to industrial automation data types in an industrial control system. Moreover, a system that automatically provides data searching and filtering of an item based on user interactions with either the graphic element definition or a controller data type is provided. Further, a graphic element definition is associated with a data source type information, to simplify configuration of an instance of that graphic element and populate suitable data source fields based on instances of the associated data source type. In addition, a system to automatically generate the graphic element based on data from a logic controller is provided. Moreover, the graphic element can be updated to reflect a change in the data, without a manual refresh. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006396 | MACHINE CONTROL PROGRAM CREATING DEVICE - A program includes a parameter numeric value and a parameter code and a parameter name that are associated with the parameter numeric value. A dialog box information creation processing unit recognizes the parameter code and the parameter name, which are included in the program, as a parameter item, and creates dialog box information from the recognized parameter code and parameter name and the associated parameter numeric value. The parameter numeric value within the created dialog box information is editable on a dialog box display screen. When the parameter numeric value is updated, a process of changing the corresponding parameter numeric value in the program to the updated parameter numeric value is executed. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006397 | PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER AND PROGRAMMING TOOL FOR COMMUNICATION WITH LEGACY EQUIPMENT - A method of generating a symbol table for a programmable logic controller which executes high-level language program is provided. The method includes reading the high-level language program and an association table specifying relationship between devices controlled by the programmable logic controller and variable names in the high-level language program; compiling and linking the high-level language program and the association table for determining a physical address for each of the variable names and the corresponding devices; generating the symbol table by the compiling and linking, the symbol table defining the determined physical address for each of the devices; and storing the symbol table in the memory of the programmable logic controller. A programmable logic controller executing the high-level language program and storing the symbol table is also provided. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006398 | Method and Programming System for Programming an Automation Component - A method and programming system for programming an automation component of an industrial automation arrangement, the automation component being provided with at least one special main memory, such as a cache or a tightly coupled memory, with faster access, wherein a user is provided with an input option for assigning priority values to individual tasks of the automation program when creating the program, all of those program parts which are called when executing at least the task with the highest priority assigned by the user are automatically identified, and the identified program parts being permanently storable in the special main memory such that important program parts and routines are executable in a reproducible manner at high execution speed and with a short latency time. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006399 | APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATING FIELD DEVICE OPERATIONS BY CAPTURING DEVICE METHOD EXECUTION STEPS FOR LATER USE AND RELATED METHOD - A method includes receiving a first request to execute a field device method associated with a process control field device. The method also includes initiating actual execution of the field device method with the field device and/or simulating execution of the field device method. The method further includes recording information associated with the actual or simulated execution of the field device method and recording user input associated with the field device method. In addition, the method includes receiving a second request to play back execution of the field device method, initiating subsequent execution of the field device method, and using the recorded information and the recorded user input during the subsequent execution of the field device method. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006400 | Communicating Through a Server Between Appliances and Applications - A method and apparatus for communicating between electrical appliances (e.g. smoke detectors, thermostats, refrigerators, TV program recorders, lawn/garden sprinkler systems, irrigation control systems, etc.) and cloud-based applications (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, email, SMS, etc.) includes a server that translates communications between the communication protocols used by the appliances and applications. The electrical appliances include a minimum complexity necessary to perform their primary functions and to communicate with the server. Additional complexity necessary for the electrical appliances to communicate with the cloud-based applications is enabled by the server remote from the electrical appliances. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006401 | NETWORKED INTELLIGENT PLANT GROWTH SYSTEM - A plant growth system for growing one or more plants in a computer controlled environment, the computer controlling the environment according to a formula. The system is connected to a data exchange and communication center over the internet for sharing and distribution of formulas for controlling plant growth in the system. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006402 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND JOINING TOURNAMENTS IN A MULTI-TENANT DATABASE SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for creating and joining a tournament in multi-tenant database environment is provided. The system for creating a tournament, for example, includes a database configured to securely store tenant based data and a processor communicatively connected to the database. The processor may be configured to receive number of participants data, assignment of participant data and type of tournament data, receive tournament access information, create tournament data based upon the number of participants data, the assignment of participants data and the type of tournament data, and push the tournament data to a tournament application on a domain of one or more tenants of the multi-tenant database system based upon the tournament access information. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006403 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING GAME MECHANICS TO THE COMPLETION OF TASKS BY USERS - The methods and systems described herein provide for effective and efficient completion of tasks by users of a computing device. Specifically, the present invention provides users with a proprietary workflow for timing the completion of a task by a user and scoring a user's ability to complete a task within a predetermined length of time. One exemplary embodiment provides for managing electronic messages by scoring their ability to apply actions to messages. Incentives are provided to users to encourage users to apply actions to messages through positive and negative feedback. Scores determined for any particular user may be determined based on the elapsed time between being provided with a message and applying an action to it, or may be determined based on the contents of a message. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006404 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AUDIO-BASED CONTROL - An approach is provided for providing audio-based control for at least one device based on changes in the rendering of audio information. A control platform causes, at least in part, a transmission of audio information from at least one device to an audio playback assembly for rendering. The control platform further determines at least one indication of a change in the rendering, wherein the at least one indication is based, at least in part, on one or more controls associated with the audio playback assembly. The control platform also processes and/or facilitates a processing of the at least one indication to cause, at least in part, an execution of at least one function for controlling the rendering of the audio information. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006405 | PORTABLE RADIO SETS - Embodiments of the present invention may include a box-shaped housing having an upper face; a sound output device for reproducing sound; and an attachment device provided on the upper face of the housing and configured so that a portable audio player can be directly attached thereto. The attachment device allows the sound output device to communicate with the audio player attached thereto, whereby the sound output device can reproduce the sound data stored in the audio player as sound. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006406 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING A MACHINE TOOL OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS - A method, a system and a computer program product suitable for use in a manufacturing environment comprising a multiplicity of nominally identical independent tools. A computing device generates a multi dimensional array of process trace data derived from at least one of the independent tools, wherein, the array includes data representing a first dimension comprising a list of steps in a manufacturing recipe and data representing a second dimension comprising a list of a set of sensors generating measurements from at least one of the independent tools. The computing device conducts an analysis on at least one preselected subset of the multi dimensional array for the purpose of evaluating at least one operating characteristic of at least one of the independent tools. The computing device presents results of the analysis via a set of hierarchically linked and browseable graphics. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006407 | Method Of Making An Article Of Footwear - A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006408 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR DIGITIZED PRODUCT MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods associated with digitized and automated product management provide for a holistic representation of a product throughout its lifecycle, including physical and non-physical components thereof. More particular features include generation of unit bills of material and application of non-physical components, eg., control parameters, to product units. Features for managing bills of material involve providing a pre-established mapping of technical feature rules that relate commercial feature options for a product to different combinations of technical functions and parts for potential use in a product. Pre-established manufacturing templates are also provided and combined with the mapping to generate an order-specific bill-of-materials, after which point a unit bill-of-materials can be created. Features for digitizing and applying non-physical components, e.g. control parameters, involve establishing a plurality of non-physical components, e.g. control parameter definitions, and database relationships between control parameters and products within a network accessible database. Interfaces may be provided for changing selected aspects of the control parameters, and the parameters are ultimately provided as direct input to a product. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006409 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUALIZATION AND COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL ASSETS USING ENGINEERING DESIGN DATA - A PLM system, method, and computer readable medium. A method includes constructing an engineering design structure of a product that corresponds to physical parts of the product as designed. The method includes constructing an as-built design structure of the product that corresponds to physical parts of the product as built. The method includes displaying a bill of materials (BOM) window view that includes representations of both the engineering design structure and the as-built design structure. | 2013-01-03 |
20130006410 | Material Feeding Apparatus with Gripper Driving Member and Linkage - An apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a workpiece. The apparatus includes a first linearly guided gripper mechanism which is movable in a first direction of workpiece feeding and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first gripper mechanism includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member wherein the second gripping member is movable relative to the first gripping member for gripping the workpiece. The apparatus further includes a gripper mechanism drive actuator which is angularly adjustable, reversible and rotary, a fixed length driving member connected to the gripper mechanism drive actuator for rotation therewith. The apparatus further includes a first gripper mechanism drive connecting link with a first end pivotally connected to a first end of the fixed length driving member and with a second end pivotally connected to the first gripper mechanism for moving the first gripper mechanism in the first direction of workpiece feeding and the second direction. | 2013-01-03 |