19th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 58 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100121390 | PARTIAL OR COMPLETE PROSTHETIC REPLACEMENT ARTHROPLASTY OF THE DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT - System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for replacement of at least one surface region of a distal radioulnar joint using at least one prosthesis. In some embodiments, the system may provide restoration of normal, unconstrained biomechanics of the joint, which may preserve rotation and translation and ensure durability of the joint. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121391 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING CHRONIC AND POST-ISCHEMIA CARDIAC THERAPIES - An implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device delivers a chronic therapy while detecting an ischemic state. When the ischemic state indicates the occurrence of an ischemic event, the implantable CRM device delivers a post-ischemia therapy. The post-ischemia therapy and the chronic therapy are adjusted using feedback control with the ischemic state and parameters indicative of the effectiveness of the post-ischemic therapy and the effectiveness of the chronic therapy as inputs. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121392 | PULSE DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS USING PATIENT IMPEDANCE - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating fluctuations in an electrical signal that represents a measurement of the patient's transthoracic impedance. Impedance signal data obtained from the patient is analyzed for a feature indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient is determined based on the feature in the impedance signal data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data may also be obtained in time coordination with the impedance signal data. Various applications for the pulse detection of the invention include detection of PEA and prompting PEA-specific therapy, prompting defibrillation therapy and/or CPR, and prompting rescue breathing depending on detection of respiration. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121393 | ISOLATION OF SENSING CIRCUIT FROM PACE GENERATOR - In a system for sensing electrical signals within a living body, and specifically for tracking location of an object in the body using impedance measurements, an isolation circuit maintains isolation between the pacing and position sensing circuits, even while the heart is being paced. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121394 | System and Method for Setting Atrioventricular Pacing Delays Based on Far-Field Atrial Signals - An intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay is determined by a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator based, at least in part, on far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular pacing/sensing leads. An atrioventricular pacing delay is then set based on the inter-atrial conduction delay. By detecting atrial events using ventricular leads, rather than using atrial leads, a more useful measurement of the intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay can be obtained. In this regard, since atrial electrodes detect atrial activity locally around the electrodes, a near-field atrial event sensed using an atrial electrode might not properly represent the actual timing of the atrial event across both the right and left atria. Far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular leads thus allow for a more useful measurement of inter-atrial conduction delays for use in setting atrioventricular pacing delays. The delivery of individual V-pulses to the heart of the patient may be timed relative to the ends of individual far-field atrial events. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121395 | System and Method for Setting Atrioventricular Pacing Delays Based on Far-Field Atrial Signals - An intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay is determined by a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator based, at least in part, on far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular pacing/sensing leads. An atrioventricular pacing delay is then set based on the inter-atrial conduction delay. By detecting atrial events using ventricular leads, rather than using atrial leads, a more useful measurement of the intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay can be obtained. In this regard, since atrial electrodes detect atrial activity locally around the electrodes, a near-field atrial event sensed using an atrial electrode might not properly represent the actual timing of the atrial event across both the right and left atria. Far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular leads thus allow for a more useful measurement of inter-atrial conduction delays for use in setting atrioventricular pacing delays. The delivery of individual V-pulses to the heart of the patient may be timed relative to the ends of individual far-field atrial events. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121396 | ENHANCED HEMODYNAMICS THROUGH ENERGY-EFFICIENT ANODAL PACING - An implantable device may employ anodal-based cardiac stimulation to improve hemodynamics. Anodal pacing may be provided on a conditional basis (e.g., upon detection of a defined condition). An implantable device may provide anodal pacing or cathodal pacing according to a defined ratio. An implantable device may use automatic capture detection to determine a pacing energy level that provides effective anodal pacing while attempting to minimize the power consumption associated with the anodal pacing. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121397 | System and Method for Evaluating Mechanical Cardiac Dyssynchrony Based on Multiple Impedance Vectors Using an Implantable Medical Device - Techniques are provided for evaluating mechanical dyssynchrony within the heart of patient in which a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or other medical device is implanted. In one example, a set of cardiogenic impedance signals are detected along different sensing vectors passing through the heart of the patient, particularly vectors passing through the ventricular myocardium. A measure of mechanical dyssynchrony is detected based on differences, if any, among the cardiogenic impedance signals detected along the different vectors. In particular, differences in peak magnitude delay times, peak velocity delay times, peak magnitudes, and waveform integrals of the cardiogenic impedance signals are quantified and compared to detect abnormally contracting segments, if any, within the heart of the patient. Warnings are generated upon detection of any significant increase in mechanical dyssynchrony. Diagnostic information is recorded for clinical review. Pacing therapies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be activated or controlled in response to mechanical dyssynchrony to improve the hemodynamic output of the heart. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121398 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING VALVE MOVEMENTS OF A HEART - An implantable medical device for monitoring the movements of the valve planes of the heart to determine at least one hemodynamic measure reflecting a mechanical functioning of a heart of a patient, includes an impedance measuring circuit that measures impedance between at least electrode pairs including at least one electrode placed substantially at the level of the valve plane. The measured impedances reflect valve plane movements. A hemodynamic parameter determining circuit determines at least one hemodynamic parameter based on the impedances reflecting the mechanical functioning of the heart. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121399 | CLOSED LOOP NEURAL STIMULATION SYNCHRONIZED TO CARDIAC CYCLES - Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a method. According to various method embodiments, cardiac activity is detected, and neural stimulation is synchronized with a reference event in the detected cardiac activity. Neural stimulation is titrated based on a detected response to the neural stimulation. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121400 | IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE STATUS OF A CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - An implantable cardiac device has a heart stimulator for electrically stimulating the heart of a patient, detector that measures a physiologic parameter that is affected by the status of a cardiovascular disease associated with sympathetic activation, a signal processor that determines at least one of a low frequency, LF, and a very low frequency, VLF, Mayer wave component in the measured parameter, and analyzer that automatically analyzes the determined Mayer wave component in relation to a predetermined reference value to determine the status of the cardiovascular disease. The detector is a cardio-mechanical parameter detector that measures, as said physiologic parameter, a mechanical change in at least one of the four chambers of the heart. In a corresponding method for monitoring the status of a cardiovascular disease associated with sympathetic activation of a patient having an implantable electric heart stimulator a physiologic parameter affected by the cardiac disease is measured. At least one of a low frequency, LF, and a very low frequency, VLF, Mayer wave component in the parameter is determined, and the wave component is analyzed in relation to a predetermined reference value to determine the status of the cardiovascular disease. A mechanical change in at least one of the four chambers of the heart is measured as the physiologic parameter. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121401 | OPTIMIZATION OF CARDIAC PACING THERAPY BASED ON PACED PROPAGATION DELAY - An exemplary method includes delivering stimulation energy via a right ventricular site; sensing an evoked response caused by the delivered stimulation energy at the right ventricular site; calculating a paced propagation delay for the right ventricular site (PPD | 2010-05-13 |
20100121402 | REVERSE HYSTERESIS AND MODE SWITCHING FOR INTERMITTENT PACING THERAPY - Cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing may be applied to stress or de-stress a particular myocardial region delivering of pacing pulses in a manner that causes a dyssynchronous contraction. Such dyssynchronous contractions are responsible for the desired cardioprotective effects of pre-excitation pacing. A method and device for applying reverse hysteresis and mode switching to the delivery of such cardioprotective pacing are described. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121403 | IDENTIFICATION OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DYSYNCHRONY WITH A NON-CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPEUTIC DEVICE - An implantable cardiac therapy device and methods of using a device including an implantable stimulation pulse generator, one or more implantable leads defining sensing and stimulation circuits adapted to sense and deliver therapy in at least one right side heart chamber, and an implantable controller in communication with the stimulation pulse generator and the one or more patient leads so as to receive sensed signals indicative of a patient's physiologic activity and deliver indicated therapy. The controller is adapted to monitor at least one indicator of cardiac dysynchrony and to compare the at least one indicator to a determined dysynchrony threshold. The threshold is determined for indications that the patient be further evaluated for cardiac resynchronization therapy. The controller is further adapted to set an alert when the at least one indicator exceeds the threshold to indicate to a clinician that evaluation for bi-ventricular pacing might be indicated. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121404 | IMPLANTABLE HEART STIMULATING DEVICE - Implantable heart stimulating device has at least one electrode lead provided with at least two electrodes adapted to be arranged for electrical stimulation of a heart, a pulse generating that applies stimulation pulses between the electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes is the cathode and the other is the anode, to achieve cathodal capture of heart tissue by the cathode electrode. An anodal capture detector detects anodal capture at the anode electrode. The device further has a control unit and if anodal capture is detected by the detection means, the control unit changes the pacing regimen in order to optimize the hemodynamics of the heart. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121405 | DISTAL END CONVERTER FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD - A system for delivering signals between a pulse generator and tissue includes a lead having a lead body and one or more lead electrodes at a distal end of the lead body. The one or more electrodes are electrically connectable to the pulse generator at a proximal end of the lead body via one or more conductors extending through the lead body. A converter, which is removably securable to the distal end of the lead body, includes one or more converter electrodes. Each converter electrode is connected to an electrical contact that is arranged on the converter to electrically connect the converter electrode to at least one of the one or more lead electrodes. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121406 | NEURAL STIMULATOR TO TREAT SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - Various aspects relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments include at least one sensor for use in detecting sleep disordered breathing, a pulse generator adapted to deliver a first electrical signal through at least one electrode to stimulate a neural target, and a controller adapted to communicate with the at least one sensor and with the pulse generator. The controller is adapted to detect sleep disordered breathing using the at least one sensor and provide a therapy for sleep disordered breathing in response to a detected apneic event. The therapy for sleep disordered breathing is adapted to deliver the first electrical signal through the at least one electrode to induce a cough reflex to terminate the apneic event. Various embodiments stimulate a superior laryngeal nerve, various embodiments stimulate a recurrent laryngeal nerve, and various embodiments stimulate a vagus nerve. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121407 | NEUROMODULATION HAVING NON-LINEAR DYNAMICS - Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying electromagnetic energy to a target site in the nervous system of the subject using a signal comprising a series of pulses, wherein the inter-pulse intervals are varied using the output of a deterministic, non-linear, dynamical system comprising one or more system control parameters. In certain embodiments, the target site may be a site in the brain involved in generalized CNS (central nervous system) arousal. The dynamical system may be capable of exhibiting chaotic behavior. Also provided are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121408 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAMMING NEUROSTIMULATION - Methods, devices and systems are provided to efficiently identify, from among a plurality of possible neurostimulation parameter sets, one or more preferred neurostimulation parameter sets that treat a targeted pain of a patient. Each neurostimulation parameter set defines electrode parameters and neurostimulation signal parameters. A plurality of different neurostimulation parameter sets are tested on the patient to thereby identify those tested neurostimulation parameter sets that treat the targeted pain. Each of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets defines an electrode configuration that differs from the other tested neurostimulation parameter sets. All of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets comprise a same value for a specific neurostimulation signal parameter (e.g., pulse width) that if reduced reduces power consumption. If more than one of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets are identified as treating the targeted pain, then neurostimulation parameter sets identified as treating the targeted pain are retested, with the value for the specific neurostimulation signal parameter reduced by a same amount for each of the retested neurostimulation parameter sets, to thereby identify those neurostimulation parameter sets that treat the targeted pain at the reduced power consumption level. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121409 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING APPROPRIATE STEERING TABLES FOR DISTRIBUTING STIMULATION ENERGY AMONG MULTIPLE NEUROSTIMULATION ELECTRODES - A method, computer medium, and system for programming a control device are provided. The control device is configured for controlling electrical stimulation energy provided to a plurality of electrode leads that are physically implanted within a patient in a side-by-side lead configuration. Electrical energy is conveying from the electrode leads to create a stimulation region within the patient. The stimulation region is automatically shifted along the electrode leads (e.g., by selecting and using at least one navigation table) in accordance with an electrical current shifting pattern that is based on a stagger of the side-by-side lead configuration. At least one stimulation parameter set is selected based on the effectiveness of the shifted stimulation region, and the control device is programmed with the selected stimulation parameter set(s). | 2010-05-13 |
20100121410 | BIOMECHANICAL-STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BONE REGENERATION - The invention relates to a biomechanical stimulation apparatus for bone regeneration which comprises | 2010-05-13 |
20100121411 | Tinnitus Suppressing Cochlear Implant - An implantable device and corresponding method for suppression of tinnitus are described. An implantable signal processing module develops a stimulation signal for application to audio sensing tissue of the user. The signal processing module includes a tinnitus suppression mode in which the stimulation signal is unrelated to environmental sound near the user. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121412 | Optimizing Pitch Allocation in a Cochlear Implant - Errors in pitch allocation within a cochlear implant are corrected in order to provide a significant and profound improvement in the quality of sound perceived by the cochlear implant user. The disclosure provides a tool for determining the implant fitting curve for cochlear implant system to correct pitch warping. The method presents familiar musical tunes to determine the implant fitting slope (relative alignment). In addition, in one embodiment, speech sounds may be used to determine the offset of the fitting line (absolute alignment). The use of music and speech to determine the implant fitting curve (line) and the slope is facilitated by using techniques to implement virtual electrodes to more precisely direct stimuli to the location or “place” on the cochlea. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121413 | METHOD AND MEDICAL SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A LINK QUALITY OF A COMMUNICATION LINK IN SUCH A MEDICAL SYSTEM - In a method and medical system for determining a link quality and a link quality margin of a communication link between a programmer device and an implantable medical device of such a medical system, a link quality monitoring circuit of the programmer or the medical device a present link quality and/or link quality margin at reduced signal power using at least one link quality parameter. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121414 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING COMMUNICATIONS WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A method is presented for enabling radio-frequency (RF) communications between an implantable medical device and an external device in a manner which reduces the power requirements of the implantable device by duty cycling its RF circuitry. A wakeup scheme for the implantable device is provided in which the external device transmits a data segment containing a repeating sequence of special wakeup characters and a device ID in order to establish a communications session with the implantable device. The wakeup scheme may be designed to operate using multiple communications channels. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121415 | PATIENT INTERACTION WITH POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including receiving an indication from a user indicating that at least one aspect of therapy delivered to a patient from a medical device should be suspended, wherein the at least one aspect of the therapy is delivered from the medical device to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient; and suspending the at least one aspect of the therapy delivered from the medical device in response to receipt of the indication. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121416 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING RELATIVE INTENSITY BETWEEN CATHODES AND ANODES OF NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM USING PULSE SLICING - A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. A plurality of first electrical pulses is delivered to a first set of the electrodes, at least a second electrical pulse is delivered to a second set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses, and at least a third electrical pulse is delivered to a third set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses. The first electrical pulses have a first polarity, and each of the second electrical pulse(s) and third electrical pulses(s) has a second a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second and third electrical pulses are temporarily offset from each other. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121417 | HAIR GROWTH MODULATING METHOD AND MODULATION DEVICE THEREOF - A modulating light having a wavelength of 600 nm to 1000 nm excluding a range of 870 nm to 910 nm is irradiated to a portion around hair roots such that a light absorptive component existing in a human body around the hair roots absorbs the light for modulating hair growth. The light having the wavelength in the above range enhances hair growth free from causing inflammation, yet safely and gentle to skin. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121418 | SKIN COOLING SYSTEM - The present invention provides a skin cooling system which can improve skin cooling efficiency and significantly reduce thermal damage and pain caused by heat generated during treatment, using a handpiece for injecting cold air, water, or a mixture of cold air and water. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121419 | CONTROL OF LIGHT SOURCES FOR LIGHT THERAPIES - Light therapy systems that track their own usage and provide for control of light output. LEDs can degrade over time in a way that may not be apparent to a user but impacts therapy. A light therapy system activates a light source and applies therapeutic light to a tissue of a patient during a session. Usage data is stored over a plurality of the sessions and is tested against a predetermined value to determine when further degradation of the light source is unacceptable. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121420 | UVA1-LED PHOTOTHERAPY DEVICE AND METHOD - The present application pertains to UVA-1 LED phototherapy for the treatment of various diseases. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121421 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD - A highly flexible implantable lead that offers improved flexibility, fatigue life and fatigue and abrasion resistance improved reliability, effective electrode tissue contact with a small diameter and low risk of tissue damage during extraction. In one embodiment the lead is provided with both defibrillation electrodes and pacing/sensing electrodes. For defibrillation/pacing leads, the lead diameter may be as small as six French or smaller. The construction utilizes helically wound conductors. For leads incorporating multiple separate conductors, many of the helically wound conductors are arranged in a multi-filar relationship. Preferably, each conductor is a length of wire that is uninsulated at about the middle of its length to create an electrode, wherein the conductor is folded in half at about the middle of the length to create first and second length segments that constitute parallel conductors. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121422 | Hydrogel-Filled Drug Delivery Reservoirs - A cochlear implant electrode includes an implantable electrode carrier having an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nerve tissue of the inner ear of a patient. A drug lumen is within the electrode carrier and adapted to receive a therapeutic fluid. The drug lumen contains delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier and a hydrogel matrix disposed between the drug lumen and the one or more delivery openings and adapted to swell in volume when exposed to the therapeutic fluid. The hydrogel matrix is adapted to control diffusion of the therapeutic fluid from the drug lumen through the delivery openings to the outer surface of the electrode carrier. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121423 | Stent with Vessel Valve - The invention relates to a stent that comprises a single sinus section and is preferably provided at the proximal end thereof with a native vessel valve ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121424 | Stent compression tool - The stent compression tool is used to install a diametrically compressible stent in a delivery catheter. The tool has a tubular configuration with a larger funnel mouth at one end and a narrower opening at the opposite end. The basic steps in the process comprise extending the stent carrying member from its catheter sheath, passing the carrying member through the tool from the narrower end thereof, placing the stent over the carrying member and compressing the stent by pushing it through the funnel mouth of the tool and the narrower lumen of the tool, inserting the stent grip member of the delivery catheter into the stent and further into the tool, pushing the end of the sheath into the end of the tool, using the carrying member and its stent grip to draw the compressed stent from the tool into the sheath, and removing the tool from the carrying member. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121425 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system comprises a delivery catheter with a balloon and a stent. The stent delivery system is characterized in that when a force to move the stent in the axial direction of the catheter is applied to the stent, a holding mechanism is formed in a part of the balloon to prevent the stent from falling down. According to this invention, the stent delivery system that is capable of preventing the stent from falling down and has excellent track ability can be provided without requiring complicated manufacturing processes. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121426 | Stent Introducer System - A stent delivery system for positioning a first and second stent the first and second branch lumens of a bifurcation. The stent delivery system includes stent introducers and a sheath or catheter having a frangible wall. A method of delivering stents to anatomies such as bifurcated ducts or vessels. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121427 | ENDOPROSTHESIS DELIVERY SYSTEM - Endoprothesis delivery systems and methods for making an using the same. An example medical endoprosthesis delivery system may include an inner member. An outer member may at least partially surround the inner member. The inner member and the outer member may be configured so that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed therebetween. A coupling device may be coupled to a portion of the outer member so that, when there is substantially no slack in the coupling device, as the coupling device moves in a proximal direction the portion of the outer member moves in the proximal direction. An adjustable stop may be coupled to the coupling device so that, when there is slack in the coupling device, as the adjustable stop is moved in the proximal direction, the amount of slack in the coupling device can be reduced. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121428 | VASCULAR PROSTHESIS - A vascular prosthesis comprising a hollow, tubular body ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121429 | Stent Graft Having a Flexible, Articulable, and Axially Compressible Branch Graft - A stent graft and method for positioning and deploying the stent graft within a vessel system that includes a main vessel and a branch vessel emanating from the main vessel. The stent graft includes a tubular shaped main body formed from graft material, a branch opening (aperture) (ring) in the graft material of the main body whose position can be varied. A tubular shaped branch graft can extend from the main graft. A side wall of the main body may be configured as a series of connected annular corrugations or pleats, and coupled to the main body to define and provide variable positioning of its branch opening (aperture). | 2010-05-13 |
20100121430 | Helical Stent Design - An expandable tubular reinforcing member used for body lumens such as blood vessels, the reinforcing member being formed of a continuous elongated helical element comprised of spaced undulating portions forming end loop portions and including a plurality of curvilinear connector elements extending between and interconnecting at least some of the adjacent undulating portions of the helical element over its length. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121431 | MEDICAL IMPLANT AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - An elongate hollow body ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121432 | Endoprosthesis - The invention relates to an endoprosthesis, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, for example a stent, having a base body composed at least partially of a metallic material, and having a functional element which is attached to the base body or imbedded therein and which contains material that is radiopaque and/or X-ray opaque and has a different material composition, at least in a portion of its volume, compared to the material of the base body. To avoid contact corrosion and undesired corrosion, the functional element is provided with a barrier layer which electrically insulates the radiopaque and/or X-ray opaque material from the base body. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121433 | RECONFIGURING HEART FEATURES - Among other things, a support for living tissue includes gripping elements to attach to the living tissue and to hold the support securely in place. An annular structure is coupled to the gripping elements. The annular structure adjusts the support between a first configuration for installing the support and a second configuration in which the support is held securely in place after installation. The annular structure is self-supporting in the first and second configurations. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121434 | Medical Devices and Delivery Systems for Delivering Medical Devices - Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121435 | PERCUTANEOUS TRANSVALVULAR INTRANNULAR BAND FOR MITRAL VALVE REPAIR - Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121436 | Prosthetic Heart Valve Having Identifiers for Aiding in Radiographic Positioning - A prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning is described. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121437 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND AND CHORDAE CUTTING FOR ISCHEMIC AND DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY - Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets, to inhibit prolapse into the left atrium. At least one marginal chordae is severed, to permit leaflet closure against the band. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121438 | Sub-miniature electromechanical medical implants with integrated hermetic feedthroughs - Highly miniaturized electromechanical medical implants for certain applications cannot be fit into the available anatomic space unless their diameter can be made small enough. With devices such as rotary blood pumps or linear actuators, using rotary or linear electric motors, a thin motor stator that provides sufficient power must be encased in a corrosion resistant hermetically sealed enclosure into which electric wires must pass. Hermetic feedthroughs of the prior art are not structurally suited to maximal miniaturization with optimal electrical properties because of the need for welding of ferrules or other support components. The sub-miniature medical implants having the robust feedthrough of the present invention integrate the feedthrough wires, insulators, and sealing within a radially extending flange that is part of the end wall of the motor enclosure. This permits the largest feedthrough wire and thickest insulator to be built into the limited available space. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121439 | Vaulted perforated coating for orbital implants - A coating for an orbital implant has an anterior portion having a different bioabsorbability than a posterior portion. This allows the implant to have an insertion surface, to reduce irritation, to prevent implant exposure, and to anchor muscles. The coating has a visual indicator to facilitate orientation. Shell materials are further selected to allow for sterile packaging, to secure therapeutic agents thereon, and to secure the coating to the core. Passageways enhance fluid flow to and from the core, and expose the core surface to muscles. The passageways are sized and shaped to reduce irritation. In an alternate embodiment, the anterior coating portion has a vaulted zone creating a gap between the undersurface of the coating and the outer surface of the core through which a suture can easily pass. Perforations through the coating provide targets for passage of the suture through the coating. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121440 | REPLICA EYE - A replica eye includes a dome-shaped eyeball, a back simulating member, a front simulating member, a container, at least one tube, and a driving member. The eyeball includes a light-transmitting area for transmitting light. The back simulating member has a simulating surface being a first color. The front simulating member has a resilient capsule being a second color other than the first color. The resilient capsule is attached to the simulating surface, and arranged between the simulating surface and the light-transmitting area. The container is used for accommodating fillers. The at least one tube is capable of passing through the simulating surface to connect between the resilient capsule and the container. The driving member is coupled to the container for driving the fillers received in the container move towards and away from resilient capsule via the tube. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121441 | Surgical implant and method - A first embodiment is a method comprising a bipolar diathermy for the eye wherein an electrode is connected to the ground electrode of the diathermy circuit, through a speculum which is applied between the eyelids, the electrode is then applied to the desired parts of the eye to create changes in layers of the eye using a designated, co-axial delivery and return path from the eye where the desired part of the eye can be the sclera, trans-sclera, and the trans-conjunctiva and the electrode can be a Jabbour electrode. The Jabbour electrode and a refillable implant are also disclosed in embodiments as well as a method of implantation for the implant. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121442 | OPTICAL COUPLING GEL FOR EYE IMAGING - The invention discloses an optical coupling gel that has a set of desired features for application in eye imaging, including being approved for eye contact, optically transparent, able to maintain normal hydration of the ocular surface, flexible and capable of maintaining a distinct shape, minimal in breakdown/change during use, and easily dispensable/applicable. In one embodiment, the gel is made of Sodium Carboxy Methylcellulose (SCMC), where the amount of the cellulose determines the viscosity of the gel for its particular application. The right amount of gel is contained in an applicator for application to one or two eyes. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121443 | ACCOMMODATIVE OCULAR IMPLANT - The invention relates to a device ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121444 | Unitary Accommodating Intraocular Lenses (AIOLs) and Discrete Base Members For Use Therewith - Unitary accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) including a haptics system for self-anchoring in a human eye's ciliary sulcus and a resiliently elastically compressible shape memory optical element having a continuously variable Diopter strength between a first Diopter strength in a non-compressed state and a second Diopter strength different than its first Diopter strength in a compressed state. The unitary AIOLS include an optical element with an exposed trailing surface and are intended to be used with a discrete base member for applying an axial compression force against the exposed trailing surface from a posterior direction. Some unitary AIOLs are intended to be used with either a purpose designed base member or a previously implanted standard in-the-bag IOL. Other unitary AIOLs are intended to be solely used with a purpose designed base member. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121445 | Tissue marking implant - A tissue marking implant includes a matrix material and a dye marker. The implant, which can be formed entirely of bioresorbable material such as a collagen foam, is sized and shaped to replace excised tissue. The implant supports surrounding tissue upon implantation, while allowing for in-growth of fibrous tissue to replace the implant. According to various alternative embodiments, the implant is elastically compressible, or can be formed from self-expanding foam or sponges, and can be implanted through a cannula or by injection, as well as by open procedures. The implant can carry therapeutic and diagnostic substances. The dye marker leaches from the implant such that a surgeon, upon subsequent surgical intervention, visibly recognizes the tissue marked by the dye marker. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121446 | IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - A implant assembly ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121447 | METHOD FOR REPLACING A LIGAMENT IN A KNEE - A method of providing a replacement anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) provides a tibial tunnel and at least one femoral tunnel for receiving the replacement ligament, the femoral and tibial tunnels not being colinear but rather in an orientation that more closely mimics the natural ACL. The femoral tunnel is formed through the anterior medial portal. A cross pinning guide having a femoral rod for insertion into the femoral tunnel, a spaced apart arc shaped track and a guide block having one or more bores aligned with the femoral rod whereby an instrument inserted through one of the bores creates a pilot hole for the cross pin which intersects the femoral tunnel and an appropriate angle thereof which avoids ligaments and other sensitive tissue can be selected by adjusting the guide block along the track. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121448 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXING A GRAFT IN A BONE TUNNEL - A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121449 | Graft ligament anchor and method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone - A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening. A method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone comprises providing an opening in the bone, inserting the graft ligament and a graft ligament engagement member in the opening, with the graft ligament disposed alongside a first portion of the engagement member, and inserting a locking member in the bone alongside a second portion of the engagement member, the locking member being separated from the graft ligament by the graft ligament engagement member. The method further comprises moving the locking member to cause the locking member to engage the graft ligament engagement member to urge the graft ligament engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121450 | METHOD FOR ANCHORING AUTOLOGOUS OR ARTIFICIAL TENDON GRAFTS IN BONE - An anchor assembly for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element and a stabilizing element. The insertion element has a stem and a head containing an aperture large enough to receive a graft. The stabilizing element is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve with a cavity arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem. In use, the stabilizing element is affixed in the bone, and the stem of the insertion element is placed therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121451 | Cartilage Implants and Methods of Use - Cartilage implant devices having oval articular ends are provided. The articular ends have a convex upper face and a concave lower face. The convex upper face has a first circular pitch radius and a first circular roll radius. The concave lower face has a first surface comprising a second circular pitch radius and a second circular roll radius, and at least two second surfaces each second surface having a third circular pitch radius and a third circular roll radius. The convex upper face blends into a rim, wherein at least a first and second portion of the rim extends at least a first distance along the vertical axis and a third and fourth portion of the rim tapers inward along the vertical axis, the rim blends into the concave lower face. The implant devices further have a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the convex upper face. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121452 | Methods of Use of Cartilage Implants - Methods of using cartilage implant devices are provided. The methods include locating articular cartilage having a leasion, and utilizing an implant having dimensions compatible with the lesion. The method further includes forming a cavity in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and cancellous bond, and engaging the implant with the cavity so that the lower face of the articular end of the implant abuts against the subchondral bone, and the stem of the implant abuts against the cancellous bone. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121453 | Expandable spinal implant having interlocking geometry for structural support - An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121454 | METHOD OF IMPLANTING INTERVERTEBRAL DISK PROSTHESIS - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of implanting an intervertebral disk prosthesis that can be assembled and disassembled in a minimally invasive fashion. The prosthesis comprises a first fixing element having an anchoring first face and a co-operation second face; a second fixing element having an anchoring first face and a co-operation second face; a first prosthesis element having an active first face and a co-operation second face, the co-operation faces of the first fixing element and the first prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; a second prosthesis element having an active first face and a co-operation second face, the co-operation faces of the second fixing element and the second prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; and each of the active faces of the prosthesis elements defining at least a portion of a spherical cap that is respectively concave or convex. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121455 | SOFT TISSUE IMPACTION METHODS - Methods of providing soft tissue impaction using anchored implants are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soft tissue impaction provided by the anchored implants can facilitate intervertebral disc reconstruction. A method of soft tissue impaction includes displacing soft tissue from within a defective region of an anulus into a nuclear disc space of an intervertebral disc as it is driven within an outer surface of an adjacent vertebral body. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121456 | POSTERIOR VERTEBRAL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - The invention concerns an assembly ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121457 | EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE MECHANICAL ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEMS AND IMPLANTATION METHOD - A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121458 | FEMORAL HEAD RESURFACING - A hip resurfacing femoral prosthesis has a partial ball component having an outer surface shaped to conform to an acetabular socket and has a mating sleeve component with an internal bore adapted to receive a femoral head. The head has been shaped and dimensioned to engage the bore and is retained by bone ingrowth, an interference fit or by bone cement. The ball component and sleeve axes may be offset to reposition the outer surface. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121459 | Tetra Calcium Phosphate Based Organophosphorus Compositions and Methods - Compositions and methods of their use to adhere a variety of materials together are disclosed herein. The compositions include at least tetra calcium phosphate, an effective amount of a compound that is structurally similar to phosphoserine, and can be mixed with an aqueous solution. The compositions provide adhesive and cohesive strength in both wet and dry environments and exhibit significant bond strength upon curing. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121461 | VALVE - A valve such as an esophageal valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve is closed and an open configuration in which the valve is opened for flow through the valve. A support for the valve is adapted for mounting to a pre-deployed luminal prosthesis intermediate a proximal end and a distal end of the predeployed luminal prosthesis. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121462 | VALVE - A luminal valve for placing in a body lumen comprises at least four valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the leaflets are engaged and an open configuration in which the leaflets are open. The valve may be mounted to an esophageal support. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121463 | BIOABSORBABLE AND BIOACTIVE COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE COMPOSITE - The present invention relates to a bioabsorbable and bioactive composite material for surgical musculoskeletal applications comprising a bioabsorbable polymeric matrix material which is reinforced with bioabsorbable polymeric fibers and bioabsorbable ceramic fibers. The surgical bioabsorbable polymeric matrix material is reinforced with the bioabsorbable polymeric fibers and the bioabsorbable ceramic fibers from which at least a portion is longer than 150 μm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a bioabsorbable and bioactive composite material. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121464 | Anti-slip prosthetic attachment system - An anchoring system for a transtibial or transfemoral (above or below the knee) prosthesis. The anchoring system includes a liner for enveloping an amputee limb. The liner has a first strap attached toward an upper end, and a corresponding strap fixedly attached to the distal bottom end of the liner. The anchoring system also includes a containment socket for seating the liner. The containment socket has a pair of slots there through at positions corresponding to the two straps of the liner, respectively. To apply the anchoring system, the patient first applies the liner to his/her limb. The liner is then inserted into the socket with the two fastening straps protruding out through the respective slots. The patient pulls down on the lower strap thereby drawing the liner down into the socket until the liner is securely seated in the socket. When fully seated, the two fastening straps are overlayed and secured to themselves by Velcro™. The foregoing forms a suspension which holds the prosthesis on. Moreover, the fastening straps through slots absolutely prevent lateral shift as well as rotation. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121465 | GROUP MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND GROUP MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - A group management apparatus is connected to first to nth management apparatus that collectively manage a plurality of installation equipment belonging to first to nth installation equipment groups, and collectively manages the first to nth installation equipment groups. One or more interrogation processors repeatedly carry out interrogation processing for the first to nth management apparatus regarding operating conditions of the installation equipment collectively managed by the first to nth management apparatus. Preferably, an allocation unit allocates different interrogation processors to the first to nth management apparatus, respectively, one at a time, and allocates other allocation processors to the first to nth management apparatus according to an interrogation processing state of the installation equipment by at least one of the interrogation processors. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121466 | Frozen compositions and methods for piercing a substrate - Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121467 | CONTROL ARRANGEMENT WITH CORRECTION MEANS FOR SYSTEMATIC POSITION-DEPENDENT ERRORS - A control arrangement for an electric drive with a control which processes desired values and actual values of the electric drive in relation to a desired-actual control is provided. A determination device determines a derived variable in an iterative manner in accordance with the actual values and the derived variable is fed to an evaluation device. The evaluation device associates the derived variables with position values of the drive and determines, after accumulating several derived variables, characteristic values of a systematic error in the desired values and/or the actual values. In accordance with the determined characteristic values, the evaluation device determines correction values and switches the correction values to the desired values, the actual values or the difference of desired and actual values. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121468 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZATION AND CONTROL OF USAGE DISTURBANCES IN A USAGE ENVIRONMENT OF PRINTERS AND OTHER DYNAMIC SYSTEMS - Dynamic systems with moving parts, such as printers and image forming apparatuses, for example, can shake as a result of reaction forces related to carriage movement. The characteristics of the shake are related to the particular usage environment and, therefore, can be different for the same dynamic system used in different environments. When the shake of a dynamic system is characterized while the dynamic system is in its particular usage environment, the shake can be reduced, for example, based on a degree of control specified by an operator, for every use in that same environment through adjustments based on the characterization. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121469 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL VOLLEYBALL SCORE SHEET GENERATOR - Embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, and program product to manage a volleyball match. In some embodiments, the method comprises displaying a set interface operable for a user to record at least one action associated with a volleyball set. The method further includes automatically storing information associated with the at least one action in response to user interaction with the set interface to record the at least one action. Furthermore, the method includes generating a scoresheet that includes the stored information, wherein the scoresheet is based upon a scoresheet template selected from a plurality of scoresheet templates. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121470 | METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING AN AUDIO SIGNAL - Disclosed is a method of processing an audio signal, including obtaining ratio information between a main signal and a sub-signal and gain range information of an object and modifying parameter information including at least one of an object parameter and a control parameter based on the ratio information and the gain range information. Disclosed is a method of processing an audio signal, including generating ratio information using object information, generating gain range information of an object using the ratio information, and modifying parameter information including at least one of an object parameter and a control parameter based on the gain range information. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121471 | LEARING METHOD OF ROLLING LOAD PREDICTION FOR HOT ROLLING - In the learning method of rolling load prediction in hot rolling, in the past the prediction error of the rolling load was corrected based on envisioned error factors, but in the complicated rolling phenomenon, there are many influential factors and therefore logical extraction and estimation had been difficult. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121472 | Remote High-Performance Computing Material Joining and Material Forming Modeling System and Method - A remote high-performance computing material joining and material forming modeling system ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121473 | System and method for optimizing lignocellulosic granular matter refining - A system and method for optimizing a process for refining lignocellulosic granular matter such as wood chips use a predictive model including a simulation model based on relations involving a plurality of matter properties characterizing the matter such as moisture content, density, light reflection or granular matter size, refining process operating parameters such as transfer screw speed, dilution flow, hydraulic pressure, plate gaps, or retention delays, at least one output controlled to a target such as primary motor load or pulp freeness, and at least one uncontrolled output such as specific energy consumption, energy split, long fibers, fines and shives. An adaptor is fed with measured values of matter properties and measured values of controlled and uncontrolled outputs, to adapt the simulation model accordingly. An optimizer generates a value of the target according to a predetermined condition on a predicted uncontrolled output parameter and to one or more process constraints. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121474 | Method and System for Enhancing the Yield In Semiconductor Manufacturing - Roughly described, a manufacturing process is enhanced by using TCAD and TCAD-derived models. A TCAD simulation model of the process is developed, which predicts, in dependence upon a plurality of process input parameters, a value for a performance parameter of a product to be manufactured using the process. Estimated, predicted or desired values for a calculated subset of the parameters (including either process input parameters or product performance parameters or both), are determined in dependence upon the process model, and further in dependence upon actual, estimated or desired values for a different subset of the parameters (again either process input parameters or product performance parameters or both). The determination is preferably made using a process compact model of the process, itself developed in dependence upon the simulation model. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121475 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CO-MOLDED INSERTS - A method for manufacturing a co-molded insert part for use in composite, plastic, or metal parts is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a three-dimensional molding insert produced by a layer additive manufacturing process. The method further comprises the step of applying a layer material in contact with at least a portion of the molding insert. The method further comprises the step of co-molding the layer material and the molding insert simultaneously to produce a co-molded insert part. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121476 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL FABRICATION - A method of three-dimensional fabrication of an object is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a plurality of layers in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional object, at least one layer of the plurality of layers being formed at a predetermined and different thickness selected so as to compensate for post-formation shrinkage of the layer along a vertical direction. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention spread of building material of one or more layers is diluted at least locally such as to maintain a predetermined thickness and a predetermined planar resolution for the layer. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121477 | METHOD FOR POSITIONING AND/OR GUIDING AT LEAST ONE ARBITRARY PROCESS HEAD FOR THE METALLIZATION OF THIN SUBSTRATES AT A DEFINED DISTANCE ABOVE THE SUBSTRATE SURFACE - A method for positioning or guiding at least one arbitrary print head or a printing unit having at least one pressure nozzle for the imprinting of thin substrates such as wafers at a defined distance above the surface of the substrate, which is to be provided on a support like a paddle or printing table. Distance sensors continuously acquired distance measurements to the surface of the substrate which is to be imprinted. An adjustment of the print head up to 6 degrees of freedom is ensured by actuators in such a manner that the section of the opening of the pressure nozzle of the print head can be adjusted so as to be coplanar to the section of the surface of the substrate which is to be imprinted. The print head is thus maintained or readjusted so as to adjust the section of the opening of the pressure nozzle of the print head to the surface of the substrate which is to be positioned on the support table so as to be coplanar and so as to maintain the coplanar position during the printing process. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121478 | POSITION-DEPENDENT COMPLIANCE COMPENSATION IN A MACHINE TOOL - The invention relates to a method and a device for position-dependent compliance compensation in a machine tool. To permit the lowest possible machining time or greatest possible contour fidelity in the machining of a workpiece with a machine tool, the following method steps are proposed:—deriving the compliance ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121479 | DECOMPRESSING TYPE HEATER, ITS HEATING METHOD, AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCT MANUFACTURING METHOD - An object is heated to a preheating temperature in an atmosphere of a reducing gas under the atmospheric pressure while adjusting the setting of the emissivity of a non-contact temperature measuring part and regulating the temperature of the object according to the measured value measured by a contact temperature measuring part. The pressure of the atmosphere is reduced. The object is further heated to a heating temperature under a lowered pressure while regulating the temperature of the object according to the measured value measured by the non-contact temperature measuring part whose setting of the emissivity is adjusted during the heating process to the preheating temperature. The pressure of the atmosphere is increased back to the atmospheric pressure while maintaining the heating temperature of the object. The temperature of the object is decreased under the atmospheric pressure. With this, in the process of heating an object under a lowered pressure, the actual temperature of the object is managed over the whole steps, and the object can be most suitably heated according to the actual temperature. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121480 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VISUAL SUPPORT OF COMMISSION ACTS - The invention relates to a method for the visual technical support of manual order-picking processes through a device with at least one mobile unit ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121481 | AUTOMATED SELF-STORAGE SYSTEM - An automated self storage facility which stores individual items in movable storage units and/or storage containers which are stored throughout the storage facility. Limited users access to the facility is provided at predesignated locations. The users container is transported between its storage location and the access location by the automated robotic system within the facility to provide efficient handling, storage and retrieval of goods in a storage facility. A central control system maintains a record container location throughout the facility. Upon request the system retrieves a container and delivers it. The containers may be partitioned such that a single container may have multiple compartments. In this case the automated system maintains a record of compartments and appropriately orients the container at the access location upon retrieval. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121482 | IMAGE-BASED INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM - Inventory control systems for monitoring the removal and replacement of objects are described. An exemplary system includes at least one storage drawer, each storage drawer includes at least one storage location for storing objects, and configured to move in a first direction allowing increasing access to storage locations of the drawer, and a second direction allowing decreasing access to storage locations of the drawer. An image sensing device is provided to form at least one first image of the storage locations when a respective storage drawer moves in the second direction. The system includes a data processor configured to receive information representing images of the storage locations generated by the image sensing device, and determine an inventory condition of the objects stored in the respective storage drawer according to the at least one first image. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121483 | BEVERAGE BOTTLING PLANT, IN WHICH BEVERAGE BOTTLES ARE FILLED, CLOSED, PACKED, AND TRANSPORTED ON DOLLIES AND PALLETS, AN ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSPORTING DOLLIES, AND A METHOD THEREFOR - A beverage bottling plant, in which beverage bottles are filled, closed, packed, and transported on dollies and pallets, an arrangement for transporting dollies, and a method therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121484 | SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC SELECTIVE SEPARATION OF ROTTEN CITRUS FRUITS - The invention relates to system conceived and designed to identify pieces of fruit, especially citrus fruits, affected by any amount of rot and to determine the automatic expulsion of these pieces from the conveyor moving them through the installation. The system comprises illuminating the fruits with UV-A band light in a computer vision unit, and capturing images of the illuminated fruits by means of a camera to send them to a general control member in order to detect fluorescences associated to the rot effect. The identified fruit is automatically expelled from the conveyor in an expulsion unit, the position of the defective fruit being determined with the aid of an encoder associated to the conveyor. The general control member is a PC type computer, equipped with specific application software. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121485 | Coin processing unit - A wrapping unit for wrapping and forming a predetermined number of stacked coins into a coin-roll is arranged in a lower region of a machine body. A coin storing and feeding unit and sending unit are arranged side by side in a width direction of the machine body above the wrapping unit. Thus, the machine body is downsized in its width direction. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121486 | Distributed Medicine Supplying Device, Medicine Distributing Method and Medicine Packaging Device - There is provided a distributed medicine supplying device, which allows medicines to be distributed at a time relative to a plurality of prescription data and to be distributed appropriately in response to various types of requests. The distributed medicine supplying device includes: a receiving means | 2010-05-13 |
20100121487 | SUBSTRATE TRANSFER APPARATUS - A substrate transfer apparatus that reduces the quantity of sensors used to detect the position of a substrate so as to simplify the structure and lower costs. The substrate transfer apparatus transfers a substrate (S) between a core chamber ( | 2010-05-13 |
20100121488 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING INDOOR ENVIRONMENT MAP - A method of creating an indoor environment map includes acquiring encoded position information by detecting revolutions of wheels when a mobile unit travels using encoders to predict a position of the mobile unit based on the encoded position information, acquiring a measured distance from the mobile unit to an object existing in a surrounding environment using the distance measuring sensor, predicting a position of the mobile unit to be moved, estimating a distance from the mobile unit to the object at the predicted position of the mobile unit, determining whether the estimated distance is matched with the measured distance, correcting the predicted position of the mobile unit to estimate a position of the mobile unit to be moved by the matching of the predicted position with the measured position, and creating the indoor environment map using the corrected position and the measured distance. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121489 | ROBOT AND ROBOT SYSTEM - A robot system includes a robot including a movable portion, a plurality of transmitters that is provided on the movable portion and transmits wireless signals, three or more receivers receiving the wireless signals transmitted from each of the transmitters, and a position calculating unit detecting locations of the transmitters based on the wireless signals that the plurality of the receivers receives. In the system, the position calculating unit detects a pose of the robot from information on the locations of the detected plurality of the transmitters. | 2010-05-13 |
20100121490 | BASE SEQUENCE DETECTION APPARATUS AND BASE SEQUENCE AUTOMATIC ANALYZING APPARATUS - A base sequence detection apparatus is provided with a channel formed on a base sequence detection chip. Working electrodes are formed along the channel and include a probe immobilized thereon, counter electrodes are formed on the inner surface of the channel and, reference electrodes are formed on the inner surface of the channel. An introduction port introduces solution or air from the upstream side of the channel, a delivery port delivers the solution or air in the channel, and the sample is injected into the channel through a sample injection port. | 2010-05-13 |