01st week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100004713 | Methods and Devices for Accurately Classifying Cardiac Activity - Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In some examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. Several examples emphasize the use of morphology analysis using correlation to static templates and/or inter-event correlation analysis. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004714 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS - Devices and methods of use identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. Methods may include providing a baroreflex therapy system, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including a plurality of electrodes, determining an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, generating at least one signal representative of a pressure waveform based on the impedance, activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a therapy to treat heart failure based at least in part on the at least one signal representative of the pressure waveform. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004715 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED MUSCLE STIMULATION - The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes and sensors may be provided, such that signals provided by the sensors may affect the signals provided to the stimulation electrodes, thus providing a feedback. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad and sensors may be provided on a sensing pad, which may be designed to conform to an anatomical feature. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include temperature sensitive elements that may help prevent burns, especially for comatose, sedated, or patients in critical condition. The system may also include a cooling assembly for a stimulation pad. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004716 | Reducing Effect of Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields on an Implant's Magnet and/or Electronics - An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004717 | Timing Control for Paired Plasticity - Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004718 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER - An implantable medical device comprises a hermetically sealed housing having a housing wall with an interior surface, and an ultrasonic acoustic transducer, the transducer comprising one or more piezoelectric discs fixed to the interior surface of the housing wall, such that the housing wall acts as a diaphragm in response to induced movement by the one or more piezoelectric material discs. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004719 | OPTICAL HAIR GROWTH MODULATION DEVICE - An optical hair growth modulation device modulates hair growth by irradiating modulating light to skin. This device is provided with a modulating light irradiator for irradiating modulating light, a measuring light irradiator for irradiating measuring light for measurement of a target site of the human body to the target site, a light receiver for receiving the measuring light reflected from the target site, a processor for processing information of the measuring light received by the light receiver, and an irradiation determinator for judging whether or not to make the light irradiation from the modulating light irradiator based on a processing result of the processor. The irradiation determinator is configured to control irradiation of modulating light from the modulating light irradiator based on the judgment thereof. This device is able to judge whether or not a target site is suitable as a site to be irradiated with modulating light by using measuring light, thereby preventing an unsuitable site such as an eye ball from being accidentally irradiated with the modulating light. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004720 | Smart thermal textile for acupuncture therapy - The present invention relates to a smart textile capable of providing acupuncture therapy to the wearer through strategically positioned electrodes throughout the textile, connected via silver coated fabric. Through the instant invention, heat therapy can be applied to specific points on the body, while being safe due to the absence of wires. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004721 | NEUROSTIMULATION UTILIZING A TREE CONFIGURATION - A neurostimulator conduit introducer is provided. The neurostimulator conduit introducer includes a central lead having a proximal end and a distal end; one or more secondary leads each having a proximal end and a distal end; and a biocompatible conduit enclosing the central lead and the one or more secondary leads, wherein the biocompatible conduit is moveable along the central lead and the one or more secondary leads. Methods of using the neurostimulator conduit introducer and kits including the neurostimulator conduit introducer are also provided. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004722 | Guidewire and Implantable Electrode Line - A guide wire for introducing an implantable electrode line, wherein the electrode line is a heart electrode line for intracardial sensing of cardiac action potentials and/or for electrical stimulation or defibrillation of the heart, and wherein the guide wire has means for removable interlocking of its end at or near the proximal end of the electrode line. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004723 | HELICAL FIXATION MEMBER WITH CHEMICAL ELUTION CAPABILITIES - The lead includes a helical fixation member coupled to the distal end of the lead body. The helical fixation member has at least one internal reservoir and a plurality of elution ports in fluid communication with the internal reservoir. A therapeutic agent composition is disposed within the internal reservoir. Additionally, the helical fixation member includes a sealed distal end to prevent coring of the cardiac tissue. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004724 | CHRONICALLY-IMPLANTABLE ACTIVE FIXATION MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEADS AND RELATED METHODS FOR NON-FLUOROSCOPIC IMPLANTATION - Bio-impedance may be used for navigation systems to chronically implant pacing and defibrillation leads in the heart using anon-fluoroscopic position sensing unit (PSU), such as a modified LocaLisa® system from Medtronic Inc., which allows for variable frequency sampling of the position of electrode of a catheter. The PSU injects small AC signals via surface electrodes in three orthogonal axes, each on a slightly different frequency (e.g., near 30 KHz). Indwelling electrodes electrically connected to the PSU resolves the magnitude of induced voltage for each of the three frequencies, thus measuring voltage for each of the three axes. Voltages are divided by induced current to yield impedance in each axis for each electrode. Impedance is proportional to position within the body. Such a system requires that a conductive material, such as a retractable helical tip-electrode, be exposed during implantation. Since the tip is retracted during implantation, this disclosure provides a modified distal portion employing at least one aperture (or “window”) for fluid exposure of the helix-electrode and a deployable internal sleeve for covering the aperture(s) when the helix-electrode is extended. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004725 | HELICAL IMPLANT HAVING DIFFERENT ENDS - Preferred embodiments of an implantable medical device with a high degree of flexibility is shown and described. One aspect includes an implantable stent having an intermediate portion with a helical winding and first and second end portions. The implantable stent further includes a coupling portion with a helical winding, and bridges joining struts of defining the helical windings. The stent also includes a paddle providing a bridge joining the ends or the helical windings. Another aspect relates to a radially self-expansible stent with a plurality of radiopaque markers attached to it. The markers are shaped and located at the stent end such that the compressive stress exerted on the end annulus of the stent during release of the stent is shared between the markers and the inflection zones that do not carry a marker. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004726 | SELF-EXPANDING PSEUDO-BRAIDED INTRAVASCULAR DEVICE - A self-expanding, pseudo-braided device embodying a high expansion ratio and flexibility as well as comformability and improved radial force. The pseudo-braided device is particularly suited for advancement through and deployment within highly tortuous and very distal vasculature. Various forms of the pseudo-braided device are adapted for the repair of aneurysms and stenoses as well as for use in thrombectomies and embolic protection therapy. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004727 | SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTING A VALVE PROSTHESIS - A valve prosthesis ( | 2010-01-07 |
20100004728 | GRAFT ENDOFRAME HAVING AXIALLY VARIABLE CHARACTERISTICS - A prosthesis comprises a tubular body that is expandable from a contracted configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The tubular body has a total length and comprises a first section, a second section and a central section disposed therebetween. The total length of the tubular body in the expanded configuration is at least 95% of the total length of the tubular body in the contracted configuration. The three sections have a plurality of tubular rings, each with a plurality of struts having a length and coupled together to form a series of peaks and valleys. A connector couples adjacent tubular rings together. The length of the central section struts is different than the length of the other struts and the central section is coupled with both the first and second sections. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004729 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTED STENTS - Blood vessels and other body lumens are stented using multiple, discreet stent structures. Stent structures may be balloon expandable or self-expanding and are delivered by a delivery catheter which is repositioned to spaced-apart delivery sights. By coating the stents with particular biologically active substances, hyperplasia within and between the implanted stents can be inhibited. An exemplary delivery catheter comprises a catheter body having both a pusher rod for advancing the stents relative to a sheath and a reciprocatable delivery catheter for implanting the stents. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004730 | CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Some embodiments are directed to a catheter system comprising an introducer having a main body, an introducer sheath projecting from the main body, and a first seal supported within the introducer and a catheter having a main body, an outer sheath projecting from the main body, a second seal supported within the catheter, and an inner core configured to be advanced axially through the main body, the second seal, and the outer sheath. The introducer can be configured to be selectively engageable with the catheter so that the catheter can be selectively and removably linked with the introducer in the axial direction. The catheter system can also be configured such that, when the introducer and the catheter are linked, the catheter can be rotatable relative to the introducer. The introducer can be configured to radially restrain an endoluminal prosthesis. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004731 | APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF MICRO-COIL USING A CATHETER - The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004732 | MEDICAL APPLIANCE DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus includes a longitudinally extending outer tubular member and a safety mechanism coupled thereto, wherein the safety mechanism includes a diverted channel. The apparatus also includes a longitudinally extending inner tubular member being longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member further comprises at least one detent along the longitudinal expanse thereof for operative interaction with the diverted channel. The extent of displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to the other is limited to a predetermined threshold corresponding to engagement of the detent with the diverted channel absent intervention by the user of the device such that the degree of stent deployment is limited absent the user intervention. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004733 | Implants Including Fractal Structures - An endoprosthesis includes a member having a surface that includes a fractal structure. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004734 | STENT FABRICATION VIA TUBULAR CASTING PROCESSES - Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004735 | Polymeric Stent - A strut pattern of an endoprosthesis includes a plurality of W-shape cells that define a tubular body, the W-shaped cells at the opposite ends of the tubular body have a modified configuration that is different than the W-shaped cells at the middle portion of the tubular body. At the distal end of the tubular body, the W-shaped cells have crests with axial positions that are axially spaced apart, and have troughs with circumferential positions that are spaced apart. At the intermediate and distal end of the tubular body, the W-shaped cells crests with axial positions that coincide and have troughs with circumferential positions that coincide. The strut pattern is cut from a tubular precursor construct made of PLLA that has been radially expanded and axially extended by blow molding. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004736 | ANGIOPLASTY STENTS - An angioplasty stent comprises a body comprising a plurality of successive segments connected in pairs by bridge means so that the successive segments can be oriented relative to one another for the purposes of bending of the body in any direction defined by a linear combination of respective orientation axes defined by the bridge connection means. During the radial expansion of the stent, the axial contraction of the segments resulting from the opening-out of the respective loops is compensated by axial projection of the bridge elements from the respective concave portions. The wall of the body comprises arms for supporting a lumen as well as regions which are selectively deformable during the expansion of the stent, the arms and the selectively deformable regions having different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional areas. At least one portion of the body may have a substantially reticular structure, the branches of which define geometrical figures identifiable as fractals. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004737 | ASYMMETRIC BIFURCATED CROWN - An expandable stent for percutaneous procedures comprises a tubular structure disposed about a longitudinal axis and a plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers, upon expansion of the stent, extends from the tubular structure about a second longitudinal axis which is angularly offset from the first longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of fingers has a length that is greater than that of the other fingers. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004738 | DRUG DELIVERY COATING FOR USE WITH A MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHODS OF TREATING VASCULAR INJURY - The present inventions provide various embodiments of methods for one or more of treating vascular injury, neointima proliferation and/or local inflammation in a mammal by locally administering therapeutic compound comprising a mTOR targeting compound and a calcineurin inhibitor. In various aspects, the therapeutic compound comprises a bio-absorbable carrier component carrier component at least partially formed of a cellular uptake inhibitor and a cellular uptake enhancer, a mTOR targeting compound and a calcineurin inhibitor. In various aspects, the present invention provides for controlled delivery, which is at least partially characterized by total and relative amounts of a cellular uptake inhibitor and cellular uptake enhancer in a bio-absorbable carrier component. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004739 | TOOLS FOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF EXCHANGEABLE CARDIOVASCULAR VALVES - Tools for the removal and installation of exchangeable cardiovascular valves. The tools facilitate rapid exchange of a cardiovascular valve member mounted in the aortic position (retrograde exchange) or the mitral position (transapical exchange). | 2010-01-07 |
20100004740 | Prosthetic Valve for Transluminal Delivery - A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchors may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. A radial restraint, comprising a wire, thread or cuff, may be used to ensure expansion does not exceed the preset diameter. The valve support may optionally comprise a drug elution component. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart. A blood pump may be inserted into the catheter to ensure continued blood flow across the implantation site during implantation procedure. When the outer sheath is retracted, the prosthetic valve assembly expands to an expanded position such that the valve and valve support expand at the implantation site and the anchor engages the lumen wall. Insertion of the catheter may optionally be performed over a transseptally delivered guidewire that has been externalized through the arterial vasculature. Such a guidewire provide dual venous and arterial access to the implantation site and allows additional manipulation of the implantation site after arterial implantation of the prosthetic valve. Additional expansion stents may be delivered by venous access to the valve. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004741 | SENSOR FOR DETECTING ACCOMMODATIVE TRIGGER - A sensor is provided to detect an accommodative trigger, particularly ion concentration. The sensor can send a signal to an optical component, which in turn can respond by changing optical power to focus on a near object. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004742 | Multiocular Intraocular Lens System - An accommodating intraocular lens having anteriorly and posteriorly movable extended portions, such as T-shaped haptics, extending from a central optic to be implanted within a human eye, and a second optic spaced from the posterior optic. The first optic is intended to be implanted in the capsular bag, and the second optic may be located in the capsular bag, in the sulcus, or in the anterior chamber. The second optic can be spaced from and fixed to the first optic and this lens assembly implanted in the capsular bag. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004743 | Talar implants and methods of use - Implant devices, and method of using the same, are provided. The implant devices have a head and a stem. The head has an upper surface, an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a lateral surface and a lower surface. The anterior surface, the lateral surface, and the lower surface are approximately perpendicular to and intersect each other. The anterior surface and the posterior surface are approximately parallel to each other. Preferably, the upper surface has a general shape of at least a portion of a superior articular surface of a talus and at least a portion of a medial articular surfaces of a talus. The stem has a truncated conical portion and a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is affixed to the lower surface of the head, and the truncated conical portion is affixed to the cylindrical portion. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004744 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DISTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH POSITIONABLE WING AND METHOD - An implant that is implanted between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The device has a spacer to distract apart the adjacent spinous processes. To minimize trauma to the patient, the device has a tapered tissue expander to distract a previously created opening between the adjacent spinous processes. The device also has two wings. The position of one wing is adjustable to allow for ease of assembly in a patient. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004745 | Fusing Bone - Systems and techniques for fusing bone or bone fragments. In one aspect, an apparatus includes an interbody member holder comprising a connector and a channel arranged to form a flow connection between the interbody member holder and an interior channel of an interbody member held on the connector. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004746 | Limited Motion Prosthetic Intervertebral Disc - A prosthetic intervertebral disc includes an upper plate and a lower plate and employs congruent stepped features to provide limited articulating motion between the plates. The stepped features can be used to provide articulating motion of a rocking type rather than a rubbing or translating type of motion provided in many artificial discs. Each of two parts of the intervertebral disc includes two or more stepped bearing surfaces, having curved or flat shapes, which mate with one another to provide the articulation to the disc. The stepped features can be designed to restrict motion in flexion-extension or lateral bending to less than a predetermined angle. The stepped design can be modified to either allow or prevent rotational motion between the plates. The limited motion disc substantially prevents translation, however some limited translation can be provided by modification of the relative sizes of the stepped features. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004747 | Trans-Vertebral and Intra-Vertebral Plate and Fusion Cage Device for Spinal Interbody Fusion and Method of Operation - A trans-vertebral and intra-vertebral plate and a rectangular cage with a slot for the plate of spinal fixation device are for neutralizing intervertebral movement for the spinal interbody fusion. The rectangular cage with a vertical or oblique slot is inserted into the intervertebral space from the lateral or anterior side of the spinal column and then the plate is inserted through the slot of the cage and hammered into and buried inside two adjacent vertebral bodies, to achieve three-dimensional intervertebral fixation. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004748 | INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHESIS - An intervertebral prosthesis including an elastically deformable disc arranged around an axis with upper and lower surfaces, oriented generally perpendicular to the axis, for engaging the faces of adjacent vertebral bodies between which a natural disc has been wholly or partially removed. The disc can have an exterior wall and be arranged to undergo flexion, compression and expansion in response to forces applied by the supporting vertebra to the disc. A pin can be provided to limit movement of the disc. A portion of the disc such as the central section can have one or more generally horizontal slits extending perpendicular to the axis to provide a spring function. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004749 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISK PROSTHESIS SYSTEM - An intervertebral disk prosthesis system, which is used for forming an artificial intervertebral disk and comprises a first and a second prosthesis component wherein each of the two prosthesis components comprises a first and a second vertebral body contacting element for placement on neighboring vertebral bodies bounding an intervertebral disk space of a spinal column and a joint element that is mounted between and is moveable relative to at least one of the first and second vertebral body contacting elements, attains a substantially natural range of motion independent of the positioning of the two prosthesis components relative to each other and to the neighboring vertebral bodies. Each prosthesis component has a ball joint formed between the first and second vertebral body contacting elements. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004750 | Mechanical apparatus and method for artificial disc replacement - The present invention relates to a device and method to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following diskoctomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh loop that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh and a central hole. The mesh loop can be diametrically increased or contracted in diameter by the control element acting on the mesh loop. The mesh loop may be formed of a woven or braided material for a polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any other biocompatible polymer, or formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, Elgiloy, Nitinol, or any other biocompatible metal. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004751 | Mechanical apparatus and method for artificial disc replacement - The present invention relates to a device and method to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following diskectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh loop that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh and a central hole. The mesh loop can be diametrically increased or contracted in diameter by the control element acting on the mesh loop. The mesh loop may be formed of a woven or braided material for a polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any other biocompatible polymer, or formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, Elgiloy, Nitinol, or any other biocompatible metal. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004752 | Vertebral body and disc space replacement devices - A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004753 | OPEN-PORE BIOCOMPATIBLE SURFACE LAYER FOR AN IMPLANT, METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE - The invention relates to an open-pore biocompatible surface layer for an implant, which layer is arranged over a virgin surface of the implant, wherein pores of the open-pore surface layer are connected to form a coherent pore network and the surface layer has an internal surface area of ≧0.06 μm/μm | 2010-01-07 |
20100004754 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE OF POROUS IMPLANTS - An orthopedic prosthesis for implantation into a bone of a patient includes a porous metal shell adapted to be affixed within the bone. The porous metal shell includes an outer surface adapted to receive bone ingrowth and an inner surface adapted to engage a liner. The porous metal shell is porous from the outer surface to the inner surface. A non-porous member may be affixed to the porous metal shell. The non-porous member may include a piercing member extending from the outer surface, the piercing member adapted to penetrate the bone in an implanted position. The non-porous member may include spikes or fins. In one example, the piercing member may define a reduced material cross section at an interface with the outer surface of the porous metal shell. The piercing member may be adapted to be broken at the reduced material cross section and removed from the porous metal shell. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004755 | STOMACH PERISTALSIS DEVICE AND METHOD - The invention relates to an implantable stomach prosthesis for surgically replacing or augmenting all or part of the antrum and/or pylorus of a stomach. The prosthesis controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. The prosthesis may be configured to churn ingested material and release it from the stomach through a prosthetic pyloric valve. At least one expandable member is arranged to be expanded to control the passage of food and/or to mimic the churning action of a patient's stomach. The prosthesis includes an outer support structure, a flexible inner member forming a conduit for the movement of material, and at least one expandable member located between the outer support structure and inner member. An implantable pump system is provided for inflating and deflating the expandable member(s). | 2010-01-07 |
20100004756 | PROSTHESIS - A prosthesis for attachment to a residual limb. The prosthesis includes a liner into which the residual limb is insertable, a socket into which the liner is insertable, and a fibrous pile fastener arranged on the inner surface of the liner, the outer surface of the liner, and the inner wall of the socket. Fibers extend from the fibrous pile fastener on inner surface of the liner inclined toward a direction in which the residual limb is inserted into the liner. Fibers extend from the fibrous pile fastener on the outer surface of the liner inclined toward a direction reversed from a direction in which the liner is inserted into the socket. Further, fibers extend from the fibrous pile fastener on the inner wall of the socket toward the direction in which the liner is inserted into the socket. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004757 | SMOOTH ROLLOVER INSOLE FOR PROSTHETIC FOOT - A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004758 | EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER AND CENTRALIZED CONTROLLER - A centralized controller | 2010-01-07 |
20100004759 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MANAGE PROCESS PLANT ALARMS - Example methods and apparatus to manage process plant alarms are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a process plant control system configuration parameter, the process plant control system configuration parameter representing a selected state of a process plant, performing a first query in an alarm definition data structure based on the process plant control system configuration parameter to obtain an alarm configuration parameter for a process plant alarm module of a process plant controller, and configuring a state of the process plant alarm module based on the obtained alarm configuration parameter. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004760 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER WITH TABULAR DATA FOR OPERATING ARBITRARY AXES - In a numerical controller that controls axes based on tabular data, the tabular data is created to be used for operating one arbitrary axis without axis assignment and shared by a plurality of axes assigned based on an NC program, signals, etc. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004761 | Distributed and adaptive smart logic with multi-communication apparatus for reliable safety system shutdown - This invention relates to safety instrumented systems (“SIS”) for monitoring and controlling chemical and other industrial process field devices, and that are responsive to signals for the emergency shutdown of the process or system. The patent will significantly improve the reliability of communications within an emergency shutdown system, reduce unwanted trips, and adapt to process conditions by failing to a safe mode in dynamic conditions that are not considered by prior art logic solvers. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004762 | Computational system and method for memory modification - Systems and methods are described relating to accepting an indication of a memory-dampening agent; and presenting an indication of an artificial sensory experience at least partially based on accepting an indication of a memory-dampening agent. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004763 | GATEWAY DEVICE AND CONTROL DEVICE - The present invention aims to provide a gateway device in order to release information and service information of an appliance to an appliance connected to a network having a different protocol. The gateway device ( | 2010-01-07 |
20100004764 | APPLIANCE WITH ANIMATION FRAMEWORK - An appliance includes one or more control boards having control software to control a cycle of operation, access to memory, a graphical user interface in communication with the control boards for allowing a user to observe and interact with the appliance regarding the cycle of operation, and a software framework in communication with the graphical user interface and the memory access. The software framework has animation definitions and access to builder content containing instance information with which it can create at least one instance of a user interface control and can associate one or more animation definitions with memory information associated with at least two locations in the memory. With this structure, the software framework dynamically renders animation in the graphical user interface at runtime using the animation definitions, and the rendering of the graphical user interface is dynamically affected by association of the animation definitions and the memory information. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004765 | RECORDING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A STORAGE MEDIUM EXCHANGE DURING RECORDING - Recording devices are often used to record discussions, conferences, meetings and the like. The recorded information is reviewed or processed afterwards for example in order to prepare minutes or notes. The known state of the art proposes to use devices comprising two receptacles for tapes. But this solution adds cost to the recording devices, which will not be accepted from all potential buyers as only a small number of the buyers will actually use this functionality. A recording apparatus ( | 2010-01-07 |
20100004766 | Method and a System for Providing Sound Generation Instructions - A method and a system for providing sound generation instructions from a digitized input signal are provided. The invention comprises transforming at least part of the digitized input signal into a feature representation, extracting characteristic features of the obtained feature representation, comparing at least part of the extracted characteristic features against stored data representing a number of signal classes, selecting a signal class to represent the digitized input signal based on said comparison, and selecting from stored data, which represents a number of sound effects, sound effect data representing the selected signal class. Sound volume data is determined from stored reference volume data corresponding to the selected signal class and/or sound effect and from at least part of the obtained characteristic features, and sound generation instructions are generated based at least partly on the obtained sound effect data and the obtained sound volume data. It is preferred that the sound generation instructions are forwarded to a sound generating system, and that a sound output corresponding to the digitized input signal is generated by use of said sound generating system and the sound generation instructions. The transformation of the digitized input signal into a feature representation may include the use of Fourier transformation, and the extraction of the characteristic features may comprise an extraction method using spectrum analysis and/or cepstrum analysis. For each signal class there may be corresponding reference volume data. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004767 | Method for Controlling Projector and Projection System using the same - In a method for controlling projector and a projection system using the same, the method is adapted to a projector. The projector receives a multimedia data from a host and through a multimedia-data transmitting interface. The projector judges whether the multimedia data includes a predetermined data in advance, and then performs an operation for controlling the projector corresponding to the predetermined data if the multimedia data includes the predetermined data. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004768 | CONTROLLABLE TRACK-SKIPPING - A method, system, and computer program product allow users to skip and/or to fast-forward through media items such as songs, while limiting the extent to which skipping is allowed in order to maintain conformance with sound performance complement restrictions such as those specified by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. If the user requests a skip that may result in a DMCA violation, the skip is disallowed and the request is denied. Playlists are constructed so that the sound recording performance complement limitations are applied to a longer time period than the period specified in the DMCA, the longer time period being defined by adding an “excess time” to the normal DMCA period. If the user attempts to skip a song or song portion that would cause the aggregated skipped amount to exceed the excess time, the skip is disallowed. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004769 | METHOD OF DESIGNING A STRUCTURE - A method of designing a structure, such as an airfoil section. A first set of candidate designs is generated in a first optimisation process, each candidate design comprising a set of M design variables associated with an M-dimensional design space. A subset of the first set of candidate designs is selected. The selected subset of candidate designs is analysed by proper orthogonal decomposition or principal component analysis to generate an N-dimensional design space defined by N design variables, N being less than M. A second set of one or more candidate designs is then generated in a second optimisation process, each candidate design comprising a set of N design variables associated with the N-dimensional design space. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004770 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD OF DESIGN OF SURFACES DEFINED BY GUIDING CURVES - The invention relates to a method of design of ruled surfaces. The method comprises the step of accessing data defining guiding curves P(u) and Q(v) and a cost function f(t, w). Given P(u) and Q(v), the unknown coupling is a parameterized curve s | 2010-01-07 |
20100004771 | Method and System for Corrective Planning and Optimization of Processing Processes - The invention relates to a method and system for correcting programming and optimising treatment and/or subsequent treatment processes in technical installations, in particular in the paper industry, wherein the system comprises means for carrying an optimisation suitable for treatment processes and for corresponding subsequent treatment processes according to a production plan ( | 2010-01-07 |
20100004772 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING MATERIAL STORAGE VESSELS HAVING INFORMATION STORAGE ELEMENTS - Material management systems and methods include material storage vessels with information (e.g., electronic information) storage. Information may be communicated from a storage device to a process tool controller and employed to set or adjust a process tool operating parameter. Material information may be determined by remote analysis and subsequently communicated to an electronic information storage device of a vessel containing such material. Location and movement of material storage vessels within a customer facility may be automatically tracked, with further transfer of material-specific information. Product information may be associatively stored with material-specific information utilized in product manufacture. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004773 | APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF THIN FILM PROPERTIES AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - This invention provides an apparatus and method for characterization of thin film structures. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and devices for fast and accurate identification of optical constants, thickness, interface roughness and stresses of a sensing film structures by spectropolarimetric imaging technique. This invention also provides the method for active in-line manufacturing diagnostics and process control. The invention is broadly applicable with most important applications being manufacturing diagnostics, process control, quality control and characterization of solar cells, flat panel displays and semiconductor structures. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004774 | System For Real-Time Surveillance Of Production Facility And Environmental Conditions - A real-time surveillance system of the present invention comprises a plurality of machine surveillance controllers for surveying a specific production line, the operation real time data of the production lines are collected and are transmitted via a communication interface to a server for showing on a surveillance display, so that a remote manager can effectively manage the operation state of production lines in order to achieve the purposes of reducing labor and manufacturing costs, upgrading production efficiency and improving product quality. The machine surveillance controllers are serially connected to simplify the communication cable connection in the production lines in order to facilitate the maintenance of production facility. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004775 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEFECT DETECTION IN MANUFACTURING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - Method and system for defect detection in manufacturing integrated circuits. In an embodiment, the invention provides a method for identifying one or more sources for possible causing manufacturing detects in integrated circuits. The method includes a step for providing a plurality of semiconductor substrates. The method includes a step for processing the plurality of semiconductor substrates in a plurality of processing steps using a plurality of processing tools. The method additionally includes a step for providing a database, which includes data associated with the processing of the plurality of semiconductor substrates. The method further includes a step for testing the plurality of semiconductor wafers after the processing of the plurality of semiconductor substrates. Additionally, the method includes a step for detecting at least one defect characteristic associated with the plurality of the semiconductor substrates that have been processed. Moreover, the method includes a step for identifying a set of processing steps. For example, the set of processing step are possibly associated with the defect characteristic. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004776 | OPERATION INSTRUCTING SYSTEM, METHOD FOR INSTRUCTING OPERATION, AND OPERATION INSTRUCTING APPARATUS - An operation instructing system includes an individual process information obtaining section obtaining, each time a production element is put into the system, the process information about one of the production lines to produce the put production element; a state information obtaining section obtaining, on the basis of the process information, state information about remaining production processes the production elements currently in the production system; a determining section determining, each time operation completion report is obtained, the next manual step by the operator completed a manual step as a next operation step on the basis of the state information; and a notifying section notifying the operator of the next operation step. Accordingly, even when preferential degrees of operations randomly vary, operation shares of respective operators are clearly determined and the next operation steps are accurately notified to respective operator, so that the production efficiency can be improved. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004777 | S-SHAPE DETECTION TEST PIECE AND A DETECTION METHOD FOR DETECTING THE PRECISION OF THE NUMERICAL CONTROL MILLING MACHINE - The present invention relates to an “S” shaped detection test piece for comprehensively detecting the precision of the numerical control milling machine and the detection method thereof. The detection test piece consists of an “S” shaped equal thickness edge strip ( | 2010-01-07 |
20100004778 | OBJECT PICKING DEVICE - An object picking device, which is inexpensive and capable of speedily and accurately picking one object at a time from a random pile state. A target detecting part of an image processing part processes an image captured by a camera and detects objects. A target selecting part selects an object among the detected objects based on a certain rule. A view line direction calculating part calculates the direction of a view line extending to the selected object. A target position estimating part estimates the position including the height of the selected object based on size information of the object in the image. Then, a grip correction calculating part calculates an amount of correction of the movement of a robot so as to grip the object by using the robot. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004779 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC TESTING OF ANATOMICAL LABORATORY SPECIMENS - A method for automatic evaluation, processing and/or testing of an anatomic pathology specimen is disclosed. The specimen is placed into a primary or secondary container labeled with a unique identification code, placed into a specimen carrier, and the carrier marked with an identification code which uniquely identifies the specimen and, by virtue of the identification code, the evaluation, processing and/or tests to be conducted thereon. The identification code may be in the form of a bar code, an RFID tag or similar device or any other identification that is either human read able, machine readable or electronically transferred. The specimen contained within the specimen container or within the specimen carrier is entered into the anatomic pathology, histology or molecular diagnostics LAS at a receiving station, which reads the identification code. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004780 | MEDICATION DISPENSING CART - A medication dispensing cart ( | 2010-01-07 |
20100004781 | SYSTEM FOR VENDING PHYSICAL AND INFORMATION ITEMS - A vending machine handles a purchase transaction by receiving a payment, receiving a product selection from the customer, and dispensing the product indicated by the product selection. As part of the same transaction, the vending machine offers an information item such as an audio recording or a video recording. The vending machine also receives from the customer a destination address, which may be an e-mail address. The vending machine or a system of which it is part transmits the information item to the received destination address. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004782 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STORING AND DISPENSING MEDICATION - A medication storage/dispenser unit comprises a processor connected to medication package storage compartments. The storage compartments comprise a medication package, and preferably may also include a content reader, a medication information reader, and a medication package indicator. The processor receives a medication request from the medical information system, receives content and other medication from the storage compartments, processes the information and automatically opens the appropriate compartment with the correct medication. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004783 | System For Collaboration Between Device and Person - To make the most of characteristics of a device and a person and allow efficient handling even if a workpiece to be handled is changed when the device and the person perform operations in a shared area. The device | 2010-01-07 |
20100004784 | Apparatus and method for effectively transmitting image through stereo vision processing in intelligent service robot system - A data transmission apparatus of an intelligent robot system and a method thereof are provided. The data transmission apparatus includes a vision processor collector, a communicating unit, and a controller. The vision processor collects images captured through a camera, and performs an image process on the collected image to minimize a quantity of information about unnecessary regions in the collected image. The communicating unit communicates with the robot server, transmits the processed image data from the vision processor to the robot server, and receives corresponding result data from the robot server. The controller controls the image process and the transmission of the processed image data in the vision processor, and a corresponding operation of the robot terminal performed according to result data received from the robot server. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004785 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD OF PLASMA PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING CONTROL PROGRAM - In a control device of a plasma processing system, a communication unit is configured to receive processing information related to a carrier of a next processing lot. A determination unit is configured to determine whether the processing information received by the communication unit has pre-treatment information related to one of the plasma processing devices. When it is determined that the processing information has the pre-treatment information by the determination unit, a generation unit is configured to generate an object for declaring execution of the pre-treatment for the carrier of a next processing lot if a desired condition of transferring of the carrier is satisfied. In addition, if the object is generated by the generation unit, a process executing control unit is configured to start the pre-treatment for the target object in the carrier of a next processing lot without any notification that the carrier reaches a destination plasma processing device. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004786 | Control System For Modulating Water Heater - A method of controlling a modulating water heater supplying water to a system includes sensing a parameter which changes corresponding to a change in system flow rate, the sensed parameter being a parameter other than system temperature, and then modulating output of the heater in response to a change in the sensed parameter. Early detection of system flow rate changes permits early modulation of water heater output before the changes in flow rate have had time to significantly impact the system temperature. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004787 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING NETWORK - A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network, an apparatus for such configuring and a method for configuring a communicating air conditioning network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network includes: (1) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of selected space interactive units of the plurality of space interactive units, (2) activating a respective environmental interactive unit of the plurality of environmental interactive units and (3) assigning to the respective environmental interactive unit a respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in a conditioned output. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004788 | RE-CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR A FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS - A process for verifying that at least one component of a flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range comprises loading a re-certification feeding set to a flow control apparatus and sensing that the re-certification feeding set has been loaded. Software comprising a re-certification procedure verifies at least one component of the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004789 | Irrigation controller with integrated wire tracker - The present invention is directed to an irrigation controller, method and software program product for generating wire tracker signal transmission across a control wire. The irrigation controller includes a valve actuation control module selectively coupled to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a valve actuation control signal thereon. The valve actuation control signal is a continuous control voltage over a plurality of control signal periods for selectively energizing the selected irrigation valve. Also integrated in the irrigation controller is a wire tracker transmitter module for selectively coupling to each of a plurality of control wires and generating a transmission signal that can be received at a mobile receiver. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004790 | Water Heater Demand Side Management System - A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity. One embodiment is adapted for use with existing water heaters without disrupting safety features of the existing water heater. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004791 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING SAVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A method for presenting saving opportunities for electronic devices is disclosed. Experience based data learned from past power behavior of one or more devices is received. One or more power saving opportunities are generated based on the experience based data. Estimated cost savings is calculated. A notification message is presented to a user that describes the power saving opportunities and associated cost savings for the opportunities. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004792 | ACQUISITION, CONTROL AND MEASUREMENT DEVICE - An Acquisition, Control and Measurement device has the capability to operate as element in an Electrical Distribution of Average Tension Network or in an Electrical Substation, operating as master device (initiates the communication) or slave (responds the communication) in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. The device can process logical states and analogical signals, and has the capability to handle digital outputs using relay contacts and optoisolated digital inputs. The device can be used to simultaneously interconnect control equipment into diverse systems of acquisition through communication ports and standard communication protocols. Remote devices can access a data base using any means available. The device can be used as a data concentrator and/or protocol translator and includes a virtual connection of the transparent port type for communication towards other devices that manage software without data conversion through the communication ports. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004793 | Electrical Motor Load Controller and Control Methods Therefor - An electrical load controller that controls the starting sequence for a plurality of electrical loads includes a start demanding unit that generates a demand to start at least one of the plurality of electrical loads. A first electrical load is started immediately if the time between when a second electrical load start and when the second electrical load receives a signal indicating that the first electrical load will start (second prescribed time) is longer than the time required to send the signal between the first and second electrical loads (third prescribed time), and the time required for an inrush current to decrease to a prescribed value (first prescribed time) is less than the difference between the second prescribed time and the third prescribed time. Thus, there is sufficient time for the inrush current of the first electrical load to decrease before starting the second electrical load. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004794 | Laser Safety Controller - A laser controller may operate a laser at a high power level, such as Class 3R, Class 3B, or higher, but may have safety interlocks to limit exposure to a safe level and may, as a system, be classified as Class 1. The laser controller may control a laser that transmits a light beam to a sensor, and may operate the laser in a high power mode when the sensor senses the light beam. While a laser is transmitting and the laser beam is not sensed, the laser may be operated within Class 1 power levels. When the light beam is broken, the laser controller may turn off the laser or change the power level to a safe level such that a person would not be exposed to any more energy than a Class 1 level. The laser controller may use various mechanisms to set a detection threshold and may use an ambient light sensor to determine when detection may be impossible. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004795 | PLASMA PROCESSING METHOD AND PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS - The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus capable of setting the temperature of the plasma processing chamber accurately to a specific state, and to perform highly accurate plasma processing while maintaining a constant plasma processing property. The plasma processing apparatus for subjecting a sample w to be processed to plasma processing within a plasma processing chamber | 2010-01-07 |
20100004796 | TEMPERATURE REGULATING APPARATUS, EXPOSURE SYSTEM, AND DEVICE MANUFACTURING METHOD - A temperature regulating apparatus which regulates temperature includes a heater, a temperature detector configured to detect temperature, a calculator configured to calculate a manipulated value based on an error between a target temperature and the temperature detected by the temperature detector, and a power controller configured to supply power, having one of a voltage and current controlled in accordance with the manipulated value, to the heater. The calculator includes a first calculator having at least a proportional element of the proportional element, an integral element, and a derivative element, and a second calculator configured to calculate a square root. The first calculator and the second calculator are coupled in series with each other. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004797 | PLACEMENT OF A SOLAR COLLECTOR - When using a solar concentrator to obtain energy collected by a sun, it can be beneficial to place the concentrator accurately. As the concentrator moves, a position of the concentrator with respect to gravity can be determined, commonly though use of an inclinometer. A comparison can be made of the determined position against a desired position can be made to determine if the concentrator should move. If a positive determination is made, then the concentrator can be moved accordingly. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004798 | Navigating a UAV to a next waypoint - Methods, systems, and products for navigating a UAV are provided. Embodiments include determining a current position of the UAV, determining a current flying pattern of the UAV, determining a next waypoint, and calculating a new heading to navigate to the next waypoint in dependence upon the current position, the current pattern, and a transition factor. Determining a next waypoint may be carried out by receiving in a remote control device a user's selection of a GUI map pixel that represents a waypoint for UAV navigation, the pixel having a location on the GUI and mapping the pixel's location on the GUI to Earth coordinates of the waypoint. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004799 | Systems and Methods for Alleviating Aircraft Loads with Plasma Actuators - Systems and methods for alleviating aircraft loads with plasma actuators are disclosed. A method for operating an aircraft in accordance with a particular embodiment includes receiving an input corresponding to an aircraft component structural response to an aerodynamic load. The method can further include, based at least in part on the input corresponding to the aircraft component's structural response, reducing the structural response to the aerodynamic load by activating at least one plasma actuator carried by the aircraft, in accordance with one or more activation parameters. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004800 | Method and system for resolving traffic conflicts in take-off and landing - A method and system for resolving existing and potential traffic conflicts that may occur during take-off and landing in aviation that includes means of monitoring movements on the runway, its approaches and environs to determine whether a conflict or potential conflict exists, means to resolve a conflict and to generate an output pertaining to this resolution. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004801 | Air Navigation Aid Method and System Making it Possible to Maintain Vertical Margins - The invention relates to a calculation method for an aircraft navigation aid system making it possible to maintain a vertical safety margin with an obstruction profile, the aircraft comprising a navigation system, an automatic piloting system, a database system and a display device, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: calculation of an obstruction altitude profile, calculation of a vertical safety margin with respect to the obstruction profile, of a plurality of vertical safety trajectories and of the respective flight setpoints for the aircraft to execute the trajectories, selection of the flight setpoints making it possible to maintain the aircraft as close as possible to the obstruction profile while maintaining between the aircraft and the obstruction profile at least the vertical safety margin, filtering of the flight set point values so that the variation of the values of the setpoints does not exceed a variation difference in a duration predefined in the system. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004802 | Navigating UAVS with an on-board digital camera - Methods, systems, and products are provided for navigating a UAV having an on-board digital camera. Embodiments include determining a desired digital resolution of an image of an object and piloting the UAV, under control of a navigation computer, in dependence upon the desired digital resolution of the image of the object. Determining a desired digital resolution of an image of an object may be carried out by identifying the object type, identifying the object size, and determining a required number of pixels for capturing the image of the object in dependence upon the object type and the object size. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004803 | Smart recovery system - This invention relates to an intelligence system on board an aircraft that detects an emergency, assesses the situation, and then acts on the situation in a pre-determined manner. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004804 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING OF INFRASTRUCTURE CONDITION - A system and method for vehicle-centric infrastructure monitoring system includes an inspection system mountable on a vehicle configured to travel over an expanse of rail track having a plurality of track blocks. The inspection system acquires track data for at least some track blocks along the expanse of rail track. The monitoring system also includes a positioning system to determine a location of the vehicle and generate location data indicative of an associated track block location, a communications device to transmit the track/location data to a remote location, and a centralized computing system positioned at the remote location to receive the transmitted track/location data. The centralized computing system is programmed to determine a current probability of a track condition for a track block and combine the current track condition probability with a previously determined cumulative track condition probability to provide an updated track condition probability for the track block. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004805 | COMPUTERIZED ON-BOARD SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A TRAIN - A computerized on-board system for controlling a train or rail vehicle is provided. The computerized on-board system includes a train control and monitoring system (TCMS) having a main processor unit (MPU) for controlling the train and electronic control, command and monitoring equipment for providing control data for the train. The computerized on-board system also includes at least one display unit for making the control data of the train provided by the main processor unit (MPU) or by the electronic equipment available and a main data transfer network. The electronic equipment includes at least one additional item of equipment, the at least one additional item of equipment being electronic equipment for automatic train control (ATC) or video surveillance equipment (CCTV). The display unit processes the data and displays data produced by one of the at least one additional items of equipment. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004806 | Vehicle, Controller for the Vehicle, and Method of Controlling the Vehicle - An ECU includes: a feedforward torque calculation unit for calculating a feedforward term of torque which reduces vibrations of a vehicle, by inputting a sum of a first requested driving force, which is identified as torque requested by a driver, and brake force into a vehicle model; a feedback torque calculation unit for calculating a feedback term of the torque which reduces vibrations of the vehicle, by inputting second requested driving force calculated from a revolution speed of wheels into the vehicle model; a second driving force calculation unit for calculating driving force to be achieved by an MG, by subtracting driving force to be achieved by an engine and an MG from a sum of the first requested driving force, the brake force, and the feedforward term and the feedback term of the torque which reduces vibrations of the vehicle; and an MG control unit for controlling MG to achieve the calculated driving force. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004807 | Control system for electric hybrid vehicle conversion - A control system is disclosed which permits operation of a Plug-in Hybrid IC-Electric Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) in either parallel electric hybrid or IC modes with a single accelerator pedal. The operation of the electrical equipment is optimized to provide maximum electric power as long as the battery has useable capacity while being completely transparent to the driver. This control system is particularly suitable for converting an existing vehicle to a PHEV. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004808 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OUTPUT TORQUE OF A MOTOR FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN DOWNHILL MODE - A method and an apparatus for controlling output torque of a motor for an electric vehicle in downhill mode comprises following steps: detecting a tilt angle value θ, a current vehicle speed value V and an accelerator-pedal travel value Gain of the vehicle, determining whether the vehicle is in downhill mode or not, and if the result is positive, then calculating a downhill slip torque T | 2010-01-07 |
20100004809 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD OF HYBRID VEHICLE - An ECU calculates a drive torque request value Td0 (S | 2010-01-07 |
20100004810 | Vehicle driving support apparatus - A vehicle driving support apparatus includes: a tire type determination element determining a tire type of a vehicle; a memory storing a curvature threshold data showing a relationship between the tire type and a curvature threshold such that the curvature threshold is inversely related to a grip performance of the tire; a curve determination element determining based on a current position of the vehicle and a road data whether a curve is disposed on a road ahead of the vehicle; a curvature threshold determination element specifying the curvature threshold corresponding to the tire based on the tire type and the curvature threshold data; and a warning guidance performing element performing warning guidance when a curvature of the curve ahead of the vehicle is smaller than the curvature threshold corresponding to the tire. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004811 | ON-VEHICLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE - Provided is an on-vehicle electronic control device with low cost and low power consumption for performing monitoring control in both a driving mode and a parking mode of a vehicle. A main CPU is supplied with electric power from an on-vehicle battery via a power switching element and a main power supply circuit so as to control a plurality of electric loads in accordance with operating states of a plurality of input sensors. A sub CPU connected to the main CPU via a serial interface is supplied with electric power from the on-vehicle battery via a sub power supply circuit so as to monitor operations of the main CPU and input signals. The sub CPU has low speed and small memory capacity so as to operate with lower power consumption compared with the main CPU. | 2010-01-07 |
20100004812 | Method for On-Board Data Backup for Configurable Programmable Parameters - A method provides for transferring back-up data between on-board electronic modules of a vehicle. The presence of default parameters is sensed at a first electronic module during a running of the vehicle engine for an engine cycle. The current engine cycle accumulation register data is stored for the engine cycle in the first electronic module. A parameter and accumulation register data recovery routine is run wherein parameters and accumulation register data for the first electronic module are recovered from memory in the second electronic module on the vehicle and restored in the memory of the first electronic module. The information is transferred using SAE J1939 protocol. The first electronic module can be an engine control unit and the second electronic module can be a body controller. During a parameter and data back-up routine periodically run, the first electronic module stores current parameters and accumulation register data into memory of the second electronic module that will serve as back-up parameter and accumulation register data storage in the event the first module loses such parameters and accumulation register data. | 2010-01-07 |