24th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 51 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090149882 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MIDDLE TURBINATE MEDIALIZER - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medializing the middle turbinate following sinus surgery, thus preventing synacheiae, granulation tissue, and other complications of the prior art. The apparatus utilizes a fastening device configured to attach the middle turbinate to the nasal septum, a prong comprising a slender wand portion and a fastening module, and a handle configured to trigger deployment of the fastening means by activating the fastening module. The fastening device may be a staple, rivet, glue, or another similar device. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149883 | Suture anchor - An anchor device and system for coupling soft tissue to osseous tissue includes a stopper member that supports a loop of suture material. A fixing member includes features that allow it to be rigidly coupled to surrounding bone and thus hold the stopper member in a cavity within the bone. The loop of suture material, in turn, supports a second suture device, which is coupled to, and thus retains, the soft tissue. In certain embodiments, the stopper member includes a mechanical linkage for coupling it to the fixing member, and surface features that resist withdrawal of the fixing member from the bone. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149884 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BRIDGE ANCHOR TENDON ATTACHMENT - A tendon attachment system may include two fasteners forming a fastener assembly. The first fastener may comprise a capture body with suture apertures and a threadable capture body hole, two sharpened legs attached to the capture surface, and a tendon channel. The suture may be secured to a tendon, and slid through the apertures guiding the first fastener to the fixation site. The two sharpened legs may be driven into the bone. The capture body may provide security of the tendon to the bone and the sutures may be secured to the first fastener. The second fastener may comprise a head portion, and a threadable portion which may pass through the capture body hole and threadably engage with the bone, further advancing the first fastener toward the bone. The suture may be further secured by the engagement of the second fastener to the first fastener. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149885 | SPINAL FLEXION AND EXTENSION MOTION DAMPER - An orthopedic damper system and method to control the degree of flexion and/or extension motion of the mobile vertebral segment while providing additional stability to the spine. The damper system includes an anchor having a spring hitch, a spring coupled to the spring hitch, and a cap coupled to the spring. The anchor is adapted to connect to a spinous process. The spring includes an inner hollow area adapted to accommodate the spring hitch. The cap includes an opening connected to an inner cavity that is adapted to accommodate the spring and the spring hitch. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149886 | IMPLANTATION - The invention relates to an implant that can be located between adjacent spinous processes of two vertebral bodies of a vertebral column in order to separate adjacent vertebrae from each other, where the implant displays four projections and can be located in a stabilizing position in which two projections can be located on opposite sides of the vertebral column and where, on each side, one of the two projections can be located along the vertebral column, laterally to an upper and a lower vertebra. According to the invention, the implant comprises two at least essentially rigid implant parts, each of which displays two projections that can be located on opposite sides of the vertebral column, where the two parts of the implant are connected to each other in articulated fashion by a joint located in the middle area thereof, such that, referred to the direction of insertion of the implant into the space between vertebral processes, each of the two implant parts displays a front and a rear projection, between which the joint is located. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149887 | BONE SUPPORT APPARATUS - An apparatus for connecting a bone anchor to a support rod includes a connector body and a cap. The connector body has a channel to receive and locate the support rod relative to the bone anchor. The cap is moveable longitudinally into a partially installed position in the channel, and snaps into non-threaded engagement with the connector body by rotating from the partially installed position to an installed position without moving axially relative to the connector body. In some embodiments, a sleeve fits over a socket portion of the connector body in a temporary position in which the sleeve permits insertion of the bone anchor into the socket. The sleeve engages the connector body so as to be restrained from axial and rotational movement relative to the connector body when in the temporary position. Tools are provided for installing the connector body, sleeve, cap, and support rod. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149888 | ORTHOPEDIC ANTI BACK-OUT MECHANISM - A bone plate to be inserted into a vertebral column. The bone plate includes a hole, an eccentrically-shaped annulus, and a channel. The hole includes an eccentrically-shaped sidewall and the annulus includes an aperture positioned on an upper surface of the annulus. The hole is configured to receive a bone screw. The channel is positioned adjacent to the sidewall and adapted to hold the annulus. The channel may permit the annulus to rotate with respect to the sidewall. The channel may include a notch and the annulus may include a flared end. The flared end may be adapted to fit into the notch of the channel. A portion of the annulus may be adapted to cover a portion of the bone screw. As the annulus rotates with respect to the sidewall, the portion of the annulus may cover the portion of the bone screw. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149889 | TORSION CUTTER AND CANNULATED CUTTER FOR CUTTING ORTHOPEDIC FASTENERS - A surgical instrument includes a first component and a second component moveable about an axis relative to the first component. The second component is moveable between a first position and a second position. Movement of the second component from the first position to the second position applies a torsional force to an orthopedic fastener to remove a portion of the orthopedic fastener. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149890 | FLEXIBLE BONE SCREW - A flexible bone screw for insertion into the intramedullary cavity of a fractured bone facilitates enduring fixation of the fracture. The flexible bone screw includes a substantially smooth shaft and a threaded portion positioned at one end of the shaft, wherein the outer diameter of the threaded portion is greater than the shaft diameter and the length of the threaded portion is about 20% of the overall length of the flexible bone screw or less. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149891 | PIN SITE WOUND PROTECTION SYSTEM - An improved disposable pin site wound protection system for covering the entry or exit site of a surgical pin, wherein the system substantially reduces the time required to change a dressing at a pin site wound. The invention comprises a sponge ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149892 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANIPULATING SPINAL CONSTRUCTS - Systems of manipulating (e.g., compressing or distracting) a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system can include a surgical sleeve extending from a vertebra and a fulcrum movably coupled to some component of the system thereby allowing the fulcrum to be positioned at various location along the length of the sleeve. As indicated, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to virtually any component of the system. For example, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to the surgical sleeve, to a manipulation device sized and configured to receive the surgical sleeve, to a driver configured to apply a manipulation force, etc. Additionally, methods for manipulating a spinal construct are also provided herein. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149893 | Cancellous Bone Implant for Cartilage Repair - The invention is directed toward a cartilage repair assembly comprising a shaped allograft construct comprising a cylindrical mineralized cancellous bone base member and a demineralized cancellous bone cap member having a cylindrical top portion and a stem extending from the top portion mounted to the bone base member. The base member has a central bore and a transverse bore which intersect the central bore and the cap member stem has a through going bore which is aligned with the base member transverse bore when the stem is mounted in the central bore to receive a pin member. Milled cartilage particles having a size ranging from 10 to 212 microns are mixed with a biocompatible carrier and a cartilage growth factor, with the mixture being infused in the cap member to generate cartilage growth. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149894 | MEDICAL DEVICE INFORMATION SYSTEM - In general, the invention is directed to management of information from a plurality of emergency medical devices, such as automated external defibrillators, and associated docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. The managed information includes information pertaining to authorized access and maintenance, inspection indications and inspection certifications. In general, an authorized user can access the emergency medical device without activating alarms that would accompany an emergency. The authorized user can further use the user input interface to enter an inspection certification, which records the inspection, the maintenance performed, the date the device is returned to service, and so forth. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149895 | Method and system for cyclical neural modulation based on activity state - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively or cyclically blocking conduction in a peripheral neural structure are disclosed. Timing of delivery of blocking stimuli may be based upon overall activity level of the subject or use/activity of a portion of the body of a subject. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149896 | System for chemical modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149897 | System for transdermal chemical modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Systems for transdermal delivery of chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149898 | Systems and Methods for Providing Targeted Neural Stimulation Therapy to Address Neurological Disorders, Including Neuropyschiatric and Neuropyschological Disorders - Systems and methods for providing targeted neural stimulation therapy to address neurological disorders, including neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological disorders are disclosed. A method for treating a patient's neurological disorder in accordance with a particular embodiment includes, in a patient identified as having at least one of a neuropsychological disorder and a neuropsychiatric disorder, implanting at least one stimulation electrode within the patient's skull cavity, and outside a cortical surface of the patient's brain. The electrode is implanted at a location in a range of about 15 mm to about 35 mm anterior to a precentral sulcus reference point that is positioned at the precentral sulcus and at the patient's middle frontal gyrus. The method can further include treating the patient's disorder by applying electrical stimulation to the patient via the at least one stimulation electrode. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149899 | Functional Shoes In Which Stimulant For Extension Growth Acceleration Is Equipped - The present invention relates to a pair of functional shoes, which enables both physical stimulation and electrical stimulation to be transmitted to the heel portions of feet and specific portions of ankles, which are helpful in promoting height growth, using the force that is generating while walking, thus stimulating growth plates. Each of the functional shoes an ankle contact member mounted to the heel counter of the shoe, which supports the rear portion of a foot, which ranges from the heel of a foot to an ankle, formed in a shape that corresponds to the concave shape of the rear portion of the ankle, and coming into contact with an ankle stimulation portion; an ankle stimulating member mounted from the inside of a shoe outsole to the ankle contact member, and transmitting physical stimulation to the ankle stimulation portion, which is the concave rear portion of the ankle malleolus, using force that is applied by the foot while walking; a heel stimulating member mounted in the shoe outsole, which corresponds to the central portion of the rear portion of a sole, formed to have hardness higher than the outsole, and transmitting load stimulation, caused by applied force, to a heel stimulation portion, which corresponds to the central portion of the rear portion of the sole; and an electrical stimulation unit, comprising a power generation device which is mounted in the shoe outsole and generates power, and power generation points which are formed on an ankle stimulation part and/or the heel stimulation portion. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149900 | TRANSVASCULAR NEURAL STIMULATION DEVICE - This document discusses, among other things, apparatus, systems, and methods for transvascularly stimulation of a nerve or nerve trunk. In an example, an apparatus is configured to transvascularly stimulate a nerve trunk through a blood vessel. The apparatus includes an expandable electrode that is chronically implantable in a blood vessel proximate a nerve trunk. The expandable electrode is configured to abut a predetermined surface area of the vessel wall along a predetermined length of the vessel. An electrical lead is coupled to the expandable electrode. An implantable pulse generator is coupled to the lead and configured to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to the electrode through the lead. In an example method, an electrical signal is delivered from an implanted medical device to an electrode chronically implanted in a blood vessel proximate a nerve trunk to transvascularly deliver neural stimulation from the electrode to the nerve trunk. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149901 | INTEGRATED EXTERNAL CHEST COMPRESSION AND DEFIBRILLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATION - Integrated devices for performing external chest compression (ECC) and defibrillation on a person and methods using the devices. Integrated devices can include a backboard, at least one chest compression member operably coupled to the backboard, and a defibrillator module operably coupled to the backboard. The integrated devices can include physiological sensors, electrodes, wheels, controllers, human interface devices, cooling modules, ventilators, cameras, and voice output devices. Methods can include defibrillating, pacing, ventilating, cooling, and performing ECC in an integrated, coordinated, and/or synchronous manner using the full capabilities of the device. Some devices include controllers executing methods for automatically performing the coordinated activities utilizing the device capabilities. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149902 | IMPLANTED CARDIAC DEVICE FOR DEFIBRILLATION - An implantable medical device for delivering electrical cardiac therapy includes a first implantable housing containing a battery. There is also a second implantable housing separate from the first implantable housing and containing at least one of: electronic circuitry adapted to evaluate and initiate electrical cardiac therapy, a storage capacitor and an electrode structure comprising a sensing electrode, a pacing electrode and a therapy electrode. The electronic circuit, the storage capacitor or the electrode structure are electrically connected to the battery. Alternatively, there is an implantable medical device for delivering electrical cardiac therapy having an implantable structure containing the following electrically connected components: a battery, electronic circuitry adapted to evaluate and initiate electrical cardiac therapy, a storage capacitor and an electrode structure comprising a sensing electrode, a pacing electrode and a therapy electrode. A method of providing electrical cardiac therapy is also provided. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149903 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF DEFIBRILLATION AND CHEST COMPRESSIONS - A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient having a ventricular arrhythmia, comprising circuitry and processing configured for detection of chest compression/phase timing information indicative of the start of the decompression phase, circuitry and processing configured for delivery of electromagnetic therapy for the termination of ventricular arrhythmias, wherein the circuitry and processing for the delivery of electromagnetic therapy utilizes the chest compression phase timing information to initiate delivery of the electromagnetic therapy within 300 milliseconds of the start of the decompression phase. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149904 | LV UNIPOLAR SENSING OR PACING VECTOR - An implantable medical device configured to deliver a defibrillation energy to a heart can sense a left ventricular activation using information received from a unipolar sensing or pacing vector defined between a left ventricle and an internal thoracic location external to a heart. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149905 | CONFIGURATION OF PACING OUTPUT CHANNELS - During auto-threshold, autocapture, or other evoked response sensing, post-pace artifact is reduced by using a smaller coupling capacitor value than what is used when not in such an evoked response sensing configuration. This can be accomplished by borrowing another capacitor for use as the coupling capacitor. The borrowed capacitor can be a backup pacing capacitor from the same or a different pacing channel. The borrowed capacitor can also be a coupling capacitor from a different pacing channel. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149906 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISCONNECTING THE TIP ELECTRODE DURING MRI - A medical device includes a pulse generator, a lead, and an electrode. The lead includes an electrode and a lead conductor connecting the pulse generator with the electrode via first and second conductive paths. The medical device includes first and second switches. The first switch includes a non-conductive state in the presence of a magnetic field, the non-conductive state preventing formation of the first conductive path between the pulse generator and the electrode. The second switch includes a non-conductive state that prevents formation of the second conductive path between the pulse generator and the electrode. The first switch in the non-conductive state and the second switch in the non-conductive state electrically shields the electrode from electromagnetic radiation and induced voltages during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149907 | AV DELAY FEATURES - An atrial event and a ventricular event can be received, and an atrioventricular (AV) delay can be provided using information about the atrial and ventricular events. The AV delay can be increased after a first condition is satisfied to allow a heart to regain intrinsic control of ventricular activation, and changed after a second condition is satisfied to allow the heart to remain in intrinsic control of ventricular activation. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149908 | IMPLANTABLE HEART STIMULATING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - In an implantable biventricular heart stimulating device, and a biventricular heart stimulating method, wherein operation takes place normally with a time VV between a pacing pulse delivered, or inhibited, by a first ventricular pacing circuit and a pacing pulse delivered, or inhibited, by a second ventricular pacing circuit, and wherein a time VV | 2009-06-11 |
20090149909 | SELECTIVELY CONNECTING THE TIP ELECTRODE DURING THERAPY FOR MRI SHIELDING - A medical device includes a pulse generator and an electrode configured to contact tissue in a body vessel. The medical device includes a lead that includes a lead connector. The lead connector connects a pulse generator with an electrode via a conductive path. An electrode switch is electrically connected between the lead conductor and the electrode. The electrode switch includes an open state preventing the conductive path between the lead and the electrode. The electrode switch includes a closed state establishing the conductive path between the lead and the electrode when a voltage is applied across the electrode switch that exceeds a threshold voltage. The electrode switch in the open state electrically shields the electrode from electromagnetic radiation and induced voltages during magnetic resonance imaging. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149910 | Gastric Treatment/Diagnosis Device and Attachment Device and Method - A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. An endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149911 | System for electrical modulation of neural conduction - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with electrical stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149912 | Method for electrical modulation of neural conduction - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with electrical stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149913 | Wireless System for Epilepsy Monitoring and Measurement - A wireless system for monitoring a patient's brain tissue including (1) a plurality of electrodes abutting brain tissue, (2) main circuitry outside the patient's body to transmit power at radio frequencies and send/receive data using infrared energy, and (3) subcutaneously-implanted remote circuitry connected to the electrodes and configured to (a) receive transmitted RF power, (b) capture and digitize EEG signals from the electrodes, and (c) send/receive data to/from the main circuitry using IR energy, including sending digitized EEG signals from each electrode to capture the full bandwidth of each EEG signal. The system preferably includes circuitry to measure the electrical impedance of each electrode for real-time monitoring of the condition of the electrode/tissue interfaces to enhance interpretation of captured EEG signals. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149914 | Method for reversible chemical modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149915 | Electrode Array for Even Neural Pressure - The present invention is an electrode array for neural stimulation. In particular it is an electrode array for use with a visual prosthesis with the electrode array suitable to be positioned on the retina. The array includes multiple attachment points to provide for even pressure across the electrode array surface. The attachment points are arranged so as to not damage retinal tissue stimulated by the electrode array. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149916 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HAIR CELL STIMULATION USING ACOUSTIC SIGNALS - A method for hair cell stimulation includes determining a frequency band corresponding to damaged hair cell region in accordance with a preset algorithm, determining the frequency band corresponding to the damaged hair cell region as a target frequency band, and outputting an acoustic signal with given intensity to the target frequency band so as to stimulate the damaged hair cell region. The method treats hearing loss by acoustic signal. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149917 | MULTIMODAL NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for performing a neurostimulation trial comprises an external trial stimulator capable of delivering stimulation energy to a plurality of electrodes carried by one or more stimulation leads. The external trial stimulator is configurable to operate in a plurality of stimulation energy delivery modes to respectively emulate one of different neurostimulator types. The system may further comprise a programmer capable of configuring the external trial stimulator to operate in one of the stimulation energy delivery modes. The programmer may be capable of generating a first programming screen capable of allowing a first set of stimulation parameters to be defined for the first neurostimulator type, and a second programming screen capable of allowing a second set of stimulation parameters to be defined for a second neurostimulator type. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149918 | IMPLANTABLE ANTENNA - An antenna implantable through minimally invasive techniques, preferably comprising a coil with conductive probes is provided. The antenna is preferably superelastic nickel-titanium having an insulative coating. The antenna may conduct a signal originating from a device external to the body of the implantee, or from another implanted device connected to the antenna depending on whether the antenna is employed for sending, receiving, or transceiving signals. Signals may contain data, operational commands, and may be used to transfer power. The implantable antenna may be connected to another implanted device, such as a blood pressure monitor, or may be implanted as a stand-alone device for purposes such as stimulating tissue. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149919 | Method for thermal modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with thermal stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of thermal blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149920 | LEADS WITH HIGH SURFACE RESISTANCE - Implantable medical leads having resistance characteristics adapted to dissipate radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are disclosed. An illustrative medical device includes a lead having an inner electrical conductor operatively coupled to an electrode and a pulse generator, and one or more outer resistive shields that radially surround the inner conductor and dissipate RF energy into the surrounding body tissue along the length of the lead. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149921 | Apparatus And Method For Alleviating Nausea - A method and apparatus for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting by the simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pericardium meridian six point and pericardium meridian seven point on the ventral side of the wrist of a patient. The meridian stimulator comprises a wrist-band like housing that is worn on the ventral side of the human wrist and contains a circuitry means included within the said housing and electrically coupled to the electrodes. A negative electrode is positioned on the pericardium meridian six point and a positive electrode is placed on the pericardium meridian seven point and a low amperage current is passed through these points via electrodes positioned at these points. A liquid crystal display unit reads the current supplied to the electrodes and indicates via an indicator light when current is being supplied to the meridian stimulator and further comprises a touch screen for a power on and off button and for increasing the rate of electrical stimulations. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149922 | TREATMENT OF EAR INFECTION USING BLUE/VIOLET LIGHT - The present invention relates to the treatment of Otitis or other type ear infections with the use of blue/violet light positioned to shine into the ear canal. The treatment quickly clears up infections and reduces the reoccurrence of ear infections. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149923 | METHOD FOR EQUI-DOSED TIME FRACTIONATED PULSED UVA IRRADIATION OF COLLAGEN/RIBOFLAVIN MIXTURES FOR OCULAR STRUCTURAL AUGMENTATION - Equi-dosed time-fractionated pulsed UVA is employed to irradiate a class of riboflavin/collagen mixture in the presence of copious oxygen to cause rapid crosslinking causing gelation of the riboflavin/collagen mixture in situ and to effect adhesion to underlying structure specifically ocular tissue such as scleral and corneal tissue. Irradiation according to an embodiment of the invention results in depletion of dissolved oxygen at a rate inversely related to irradiance and more particularly depletion of dissolved oxygen occurs rapidly during the process of generation/cross-linking of reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically singlet oxygen, such that the pulsed fractionation of UVA radiation exposure increases cross-linking efficiency by allowing the re-diffusion of oxygen during pauses in exposure. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149924 | TREATMENT OF EAR INFECTION USING HANDS-FREE BLUE/VIOLET LIGHT DEVICE - The present invention relates to the treatment of Otis infection of the ear or other infection of the ear by application of blue violet light. The device of the present invention operates hands free mounting over the ear in such a way to provide light treatments without the need to hold the device by positioning the light source such that the light is positioned to shine into the ear canal. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149925 | Temperature Indicator for Warming Products - A warming product (e.g., mask, glove, sock, etc.) configured to provide heat to the body part of a user is provided. The warming product contains a thermochromic composition that undergoes a color change at a certain temperature. The color change may signal to a user that the warming product is hot, thus providing an indication that the desired treatment is still functioning. Likewise, the color change may signal that the product is cool, thus providing an indication that the treatment is complete. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149926 | System for thermal modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with thermal stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of thermal blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149927 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A WARMING THERAPY DEVICE - An apparatus and method for controlling a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a Graphical User Interlace (GUI) coupled to the warming therapy device for monitoring patient medical information, and for controlling various aspects of the warming therapy device accordingly. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149928 | Method of dynamic binary temperature therapy - In a dynamic contrast temperature system including a thermocycling block and an organism zone multi-modules temperature applicator a method of spatiotemporal temperature-physiological optimizing includes modules structure arranging and modulating a module temperature action with a law, a range and a frequency providing a cooling phase and a heating phase of a “drop-shaped” form law so, that each two side by side disposed the modules form a temperature pair with a modulated binary temperature action gradient, and a modulation comparative phase provides a phase shift to a comparative phase of an independent periodic additional action process; and gradient-wave therapeutically optimized changing the modulation parameters in dependence on the changes of the organism physiological characteristics. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149929 | MONITORING THE COOLING OF SUBCUTANEOUS LIPID-RICH CELLS, SUCH AS THE COOLING OF ADIPOSE TISSUE - A system and method of monitoring, controlling and/or detecting events during the removal of heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich tissue is described. In some examples, the system detects an increase in temperature at a treatment device in contact with the skin of a subject, determines that the increase in temperature is related to a treatment event, and performs an action based on the determination. In some examples, the system shuts off the treatment device, alerts an operator, or reduces the cooling in response to a determined treatment event. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149930 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COOLING A TREATMENT APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO NON-INVASIVELY DELIVER ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TO A PATIENT'S TISSUE - Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue. The treatment apparatus includes a closed-loop cooling system that cools the energy delivery device. The fluid forced to flow in the closed-loop cooling system is chilled to a first temperature at a location remote from the energy delivery device and is warmed to a higher second temperature near the energy delivery device. This promotes better control over the fluid temperature at the energy delivery device. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149931 | Warming device - A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with comb-shaped, interleaved, separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149932 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A catheter includes multiple primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes a resistive element located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the leads such that each lead can individually receive power. The catheter can include a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. Energy is applied until the diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced to the point where occlusion is achieved. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to place the resistive elements into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure before the application of energy. The inflated balloon impairs blood flow and facilitates the infusion of saline, or medication, to the hollow anatomical structure in order to reduce the occurrence of coagulation and to improve the heating of the structure by the catheter. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149933 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD HAVING A VARIABLE COIL CONDUCTOR PITCH - Systems and methods for shielding implantable leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. In various embodiments, the lead includes an inner conductor that is helically shaped and radially surrounded, at least in part, by one or more outer shielding conductors. The pitch of the inner conductor, and in some cases also the outer conductor, can be varied (e.g., continuously or at certain points) along the length of the lead, forming a plurality of high impedance points along the length of the lead which result in the dissipation of electromagnetic energy at an interrogation frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging device (e.g., 64 MHz, 128 MHz, or the like). In some embodiments, the variance in the pitch of the inner conductor follows a sinusoidal function, a modified square-wave function, or some other repeating pattern. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149934 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH SHIELDING - Medical device leads with magnetic shielding and methods of shielding medical device leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. An illustrative implantable medical device includes a lead including a lead conductor having a length and a helically coiled ribbon shield radially surrounding the lead conductor along at least a portion of the length of the lead. The ribbon shield can include one or more inner ribbon conductors and/or one or more outer ribbon conductors. The outer ribbon conductor can have a variable width (e.g., a necked-down configuration, an arrowhead configuration, or an undulating configuration) along the length of the lead. In some cases, the helically coiled ribbon has a variable pitch along the length of the lead that may be the same as or different from that of the lead conductor pitch. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149935 | EXPANDABLE STENT - An expandable stent designed to maintain a passageway through a body lumen of a patient is disclosed. The expandable stent is a tubular member that includes a thermoplastic material and woven or wound fibers at least partially in contact with the thermoplastic material, such that the thermoplastic material maintains the tubular member in at least one of an expanded state and a collapsed state. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149936 | REINFORCED DELIVERY CATHETER - A catheter for delivering an interventional device to a target site within the body of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a plurality of lumens extending longitudinally therein. The shaft has a proximal portion defining at least two lumens, an intermediate portion having fewer lumens than the proximal portion, and a distal portion configured for carrying the interventional device. The proximal and distal portions each have a greater stiffness than the stiffness of the intermediate portion. A stiffening member is incorporated into the intermediate portion of the shaft. The stiffening member is sized and positioned along the shaft in a manner such that the stiffness of the intermediate portion is increased relative to the stiffness of the proximal portion and the distal portion. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149937 | SHEATHING FOR RESTORING THE FUNCTION OF VALVES OF VARICOSE VEINS AND USE OF THE SHEATHING IN SURGERY - A sheathing has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction for restoring function of venous valves of varicose veins in the form of a planar, flexible piece of material, wherein the piece of material includes a nonwoven material. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149938 | Lubrication Apparatus for a Delivery and Deployment Device - A delivery and deployment device comprises a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen disposed therebetween; a dilator having a distal end slidingly disposed within the sheath lumen; a valve assembly comprising a valve housing affixed to the sheath and a valve disposed within the housing between the sheath and the dilator; and a valve lubrication mechanism disposed between the valve and the dilator. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149939 | STENT-GRAFT COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE REINFORCED HOLE - The present embodiments provide a stent-graft for use in a medical procedure that comprises a graft having at least first and second reinforced holes disposed in the graft. The first and second reinforced holes may comprise first and second grommets. In one embodiment, a first stent may be coupled to the graft using at least one suture disposed through the first and second grommets. Alternatively, a first stent may be coupled to the graft, such that the first stent itself is disposed through the first and second grommets. The grommets may comprise self-sealing properties to reduce leakage around the sutures and/or stent segments that are disposed through the grommets. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149940 | BIOABSORBABLE STENT WITH RADIOPAQUE LAYER AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - Embodiments of a stent and methods of fabricating the same with a bioabsorbable radiopaque layer are disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149941 | Compressible tubular tissue supports - The invention provides a novel compressed tubular tissue supports ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149942 | ENDOPROSTHESIS HAVING A NON-FOULING SURFACE - An endoprosthesis, e.g., a stent, that includes a pro-healing surface and a temporary non-fouling material attached to the surface, and a method of making the same are disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149943 | FLEXIBLE STENT - This invention involves a radially expandable stent that has wire wound circular sections that are cojoined to create a cylinder by a series of single strand wire hinges. The hinges are situated to provide the stent created by the expanded sections with enhanced flexibility without sacrificing the overall support strength of the stent. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149944 | Medical Devices and EFAB Methods and Apparatus for Producing Them - Various embodiments of the invention present miniature medical devices that may be formed totally or in part using electrochemical fabrication techniques. Sample medical devices include micro-tweezers or forceps, internally expandable stents, bifurcated or side branch stents, drug eluting stents, micro-valves and pumps, rotary ablation devices, electrical ablation devices (e.g. RF devices), micro-staplers, ultrasound catheters, and fluid filters. In some embodiments devices may be made out of a metal material while in other embodiments they may be made from a material (e.g. a polymer) that is molded from an electrochemically fabricated mold. Structural materials may include gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel, titanium or pyrolytic carbon-coated materials such as nickel, copper, and the like. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149945 | PROSTHETIC SUPPORT FOR FLACCID ARTERIAL SEGMENTS - A supplemental elasticity device is attached to an artery in the knee to replace lost elastic behavior. The supplemental elasticity device is attached near both ends of the vessel section which it is intended to compress. In this case, the vessel section extends from the adductor canal to below the knee joint. Supplemental elasticity device fixation can be achieved by tabs, spikes or hooks extending from the supplemental elasticity device or increased friction between the supplemental elasticity device and vessel wall, or a combination of both. To assist with maintaining hemostasis, the fixation points may include fabric patches on the supplemental elasticity device surface. The supplemental elasticity device can be deployed in an un-stretched or nominal length when the leg is bent. It is also possible to deploy when the leg is straight if the supplemental elasticity device is in an elongated configuration during deployment. In one embodiment, the supplemental elasticity device has the ability to elongate 15% of its length and return to its nominal length for the life of the supplemental elasticity device. For an annual duty cycle of 62,000 cycles per year, a ten year life would require the supplemental elasticity device to remain intact for 620,000 cycles. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149946 | STENT HAVING AT LEAST ONE BARB AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - The present embodiments provide a barbed stent having at least one integrally-formed barb. In one embodiment, the barbed stent comprises a stent having at least one segment forming a strut. A slit is formed in the strut, preferably such that the slit is disposed partially but not entirely through the strut. A barbed portion is formed extending from the strut, whereby the slit separates the barbed portion from a remainder of the strut. The barbed portion then may be bent at an angle with respect to the strut, and a sharpened tip suitable for engaging tissue may be formed, for example, by grinding an end region of the barbed portion. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149947 | Implantable device for drug delivery and improved visibility - The present invention provides an implantable device as delivery device for at least one therapeutic agent being composed of at least one type of base material comprising at least two types of reservoirs for at least one therapeutic agent whereby each type of reservoir independently provides identical or different release rates for the at least one therapeutic agent. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149948 | MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING SILICATE AND CARBON PARTICLES - According to one aspect of the present invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided which contain one or more particle-containing regions that comprise silicate particles and carbon particles. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149949 | MEDICAL DEVICE SUITABLE FOR USE IN TREATMENT OF A VALVE - A medical device ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149950 | HEART ASSIST DEVICE - A heart assist device comprising a rotary pump housing having a cylindrical bore, a pumping chamber and a motor stator including an electrically conductive coil located within the housing and surrounding a portion of the cylindrical bore. A rotor has a cylindrical shaft, at least one impeller appended to one end of the shaft, and a plurality of magnets located within the shaft. The rotor shaft is positioned within the housing bore with the magnets opposite the motor stator, and the impeller is positioned within the pumping chamber. The housing bore is closely fitted to the outer surface of the shaft forming a hydrodynamic journal bearing, with the pumping chamber and journal bearing connected by a leak path of blood flow between the pumping chamber and the journal bearing. A backiron of the motor stator attracts the rotor magnets to resist longitudinal displacement of the rotor within the housing during operation. The relative orientation of positions of the inflow, outflow, and leakage flow paths may be varied within the pump, such as to accommodate different intended methods for implantation and/or use. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149951 | Dual communication interface for artificial heart system - An artificial heart pump system has a heart pump is-implanted in a patient. A pump control unit worn by a patient includes a programmable device for adapting a secure aspect of heart pump operation in response to pump operating commands. The pump control unit has a wired interface and a wireless interface. A clinical external unit is adapted to be connected to the wired interface for delivering a pump operating command to the pump control unit. An auxiliary external unit is adapted to be connected to the wireless interface for collecting patient and/or pump system performance-related data from the pump control unit. The wireless interface is unable to consummate a pump operating command. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149952 | Intraocular Lenses and Business Methods - An intraocular accommodating lens comprising a resilient polymer monolith with a peripheral component that has a Young's modulus and an equilibrium memory shape that imparts to the capsular sac's periphery the natural shape of the capsule in an accommodated state. The intraocular lens includes a central deformable optic that provides accommodated and disaccommodated shapes. The peripheral component is deformable to a disequilibrium, stressed shape in responsive to equatorial tensioning—and is capable of applying restorative forces to move the lens toward the accommodated shape from a disequilibrium disaccommodated shape. In one embodiment, the central optic portion includes a displaceable media than can be displaced by very low forces of zonular excursion, wherein the displaceable media can comprise a very low modulus polymer or an index-matched fluid. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149953 | FORM STABLE BREAST IMPLANT SIZER AND METHOD OF USE - An insertable preformed sizer for a breast implant that regains its form after deformation and insertion into a cavity formed within breast tissue. The sizer is used to evaluate the size of the cavity and help determine proper sizes and shapes of breast implants to use. The implant sizer is intended to be disposable and is made of a cost-efficient material such as a medical grade foam or elastomer. The foam or elastomer material has the ability to be squeezed or collapsed into an extremely small delivery shape and then resiliently expand back to its original shape against the constraining forces of surrounding breast tissue. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149954 | Bone substitute - A bone substitute suitable for both load bearing and non load bearing applications having an aqueous phase, preferably a hydrogel phase formed by macromers, a low water content (hydrophobic) phase formed by amphiphilic monomers, and an inorganic filler. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149955 | SPINAL PROSTHESES - A spinal prosthesis has a prosthetic vertebral body in the form of a hollow cylinder ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149956 | EXPANDABLE SUPPORT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone. The expandable support device can have interconnected struts. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The expandable support device can be inserted into a damaged bone and radial expanded. The radial expansion of the expandable support device struts can cause the struts to cut mechanically support and/or the bone. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149957 | MODULAR LATERAL EXPANSION DEVICE - A modular lateral expansion device to be inserted into a vertebral body. The modular lateral expansion device comprises a pair of complementary lateral members. Each of the lateral members includes a first end, a second end, a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a cavity configured through the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall includes a top ridge and a top contour surface and the bottom wall includes a bottom ridge and a bottom contour surface. The top ridge and the bottom ridge are inwardly angled into the second lateral portion. The first lateral portion includes a plurality of cuts. The second lateral portion includes a first slot positioned at an edge of the second lateral portion and a second slot positioned in a substantially central area of the second lateral portion. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149958 | STRUCTURALLY REINFORCED SPINAL NUCLEUS IMPLANTS - A spinal nucleus implant is provided which includes a braided three-dimensional reinforcement member having a polymeric matrix imbued therein, the implant configured to have a shape consistent with a cavity within an intervertebral disc space. The polymeric matrix may be a fluid absorbing polymer, e.g., a hydrogel or a substantially non-fluid absorbing in-situ curable elastic polymer. A method of making a spinal nucleus implant is provided which includes providing a braided three-dimensional reinforcement member configured and dimensioned to have a shape consistent with a cavity in an intervertebral space and infusing the braided three-dimensional reinforcement member with a liquid polymer capable of forming a polymeric matrix. Also provided is a spinal nucleus implant including a three-dimensional reinforcement member adapted and configured to undergo anisotropic expansion, the implant configured to have a shape consistent with a cavity within an intervertebral disc space. A method of treating a degenerating intervertebral disc includes creating an incision in an annulus; removing at least a portion of a nucleus pulposus; and inserting, through the incision, a spinal nucleus implant according to the present disclosure. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149959 | SPINAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - Spinal implants are disclosed that can be used for annular repair, facet unloading, disc height preservation, disc decompression, or for sealing a portal through which an intervertebral implant was placed. In some embodiments, an implant is placed within the intervertebral disc space, primarily within the region of the annulus fibrosus. In some embodiments, the implant is expandable. In some embodiments, the implant has a sealing tail structure comprising a tail flange and a linkage. In some embodiments, the sealing tail structure limits the extrusion or expulsion of disc material, either annulus fibrosus or nucleus, into the posterior region of the spine where it could impinge on nerves. In some embodiments, the tail structure is retained in place within the annulus fibrosus by means of an anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is constructed from multiple components. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149960 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERTEBRAL DISC REPLACEMENT - Methods and instrumentation for implantation of an intervertebral disc prosthesis are provided. A guide tool with sagittal and coronal reference features guides placement of guide pins relative to a sagittal plane and a coronal plane of the vertebrae. A retainer lockable to the guide pins has a ratcheting mechanism providing distraction or compression. A rasp, planer or other tools may be aligned to the retainer and inserted into the intervertebral space to prepare the vertebral endplates. An interoperatively adjustable trial is alignable to the retainer and measures an angularity of the intervertebral space. A prosthesis with keying features may be mounted to a prosthesis inserter with complementary features, held by pivotable arms and compressed between prongs. The inserter may be aligned to the retainer and advanced to implant the prosthesis in the intervertebral space. A prosthesis remover may grip one prosthetic end plate and extract the entire prosthesis. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149961 | Shoulder Prosthesis having a Protrusion on the Base Plate - A shoulder prosthesis comprising a socket and a condyle that cooperates with the socket. The condyle also cooperates with a base plate facing the scapula similar to a clamping connection, the condyle being plugged onto the base plate by means of a receptacle that is embodied on the condyle and is concentric to the center line thereof. the base plate can be anchored to the glenoid fossa of the scapula with the aid of a protrusion located on the base plate as well as anchoring elements which can be accommodated within sleeves provided on the base plate. According to the invention, the base plate has a dome-shaped bottom surface that is to rest against the glenoid fossa of the scapula, the center of the dome shape being eccentric to the center line of the base plate. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149962 | Artificial Elbow Joint - An artificial elbow joint of constraint type that makes it easier to assemble a joint section even when a surgery for replacing an elbow joint is in process, and is effective in improving the safety of surgery and reducing the time taken to complete the surgery. The artificial elbow joint of the present invention comprises: a humeral component comprising a humeral stem, a shaft and a anterior flange; and an ulnar component comprising an ulnar stem and a sleeve, wherein the shaft of the humeral component is fitted in the sleeve of the ulnar component rotatably. The sleeve has a slit-like sleeve opening a width of which is smaller than an outside diameter of the shaft and having a flexible sleeve insert on inner surface of the sleeve to be contacted with the shaft whereby the sleeve is fitted with a snap into the sleeve through the sleeve opening, and a centerline of the sleeve opening is oriented toward an anterior cubital region at an angle between 45 to 90 degrees with respect to a downward direction of an axis of the ulnar stem. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149963 | PROSTHESIS ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ANGLE AND POSITION ADAPTORS - A modular prosthesis assembly for insertion in bone, the assembly comprising: a tray element having a first surface including an extension member depending therefrom and an opposite second surface; a first adaptor having first and second ends, the first end having a profile part which receives and retains the extension member; a second adaptor comprising, a first end and a second end; the first end engagable with the second end of the first adaptor; a stem having first and second end, the first end including a formation which allows engagement of the stem with the second end of the second adaptor. The second end of said stem has a profile suitable for insertion in bone. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149964 | KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION - A method for preparing at least a first bone for receiving a prosthesis can include positioning an IM member in a bone. A scaffold, skeleton or frame can be located onto the bone at a desired location. An alignment assembly can be coupled to the frame. The alignment assembly can be moved relative to the IM member to position the frame at a desired location relative to the bone. The frame can be fixed to the bone at the desired location. A cavity can be reamed into the bone using at least a portion of the alignment assembly as a guide. The alignment assembly can be removed from the frame. A cutting block can be coupled to the first attachment portion. Cuts can be prepared in the bone using the cutting block as a guide. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149965 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING A BONE TO RECEIVE A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A substantially cup-shaped prosthetic device for a joint is provided. The prosthetic device includes an outer surface configured to operatively engage at least one of a first bone of the joint and a component and an inner surface configured to connect to a second bone of the joint. The inner surface is rotationally asymmetric to minimize intrusion on a vascular region of the second bone. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149966 | TRANSCUTANEOUS PROSTHESIS - A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component configured for attachment to a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149967 | Management System for Operation Items Used in Manufacturing - A management system for operation items used in manufacturing on a production line includes a module on which one of several production based operation items is storable as a header of a group list in relation to a manufacturing sub-system. For each production based operation item, at least one non-production based operation item is storable as a content of the corresponding group list, so that a hierarchical subdivision of production/non-production operation items in a plurality of group lists is provided in order to input them on a processing unit in a standard form. Since a hierarchical subdivision of production/non-production operation items in a plurality of group lists is permanently provided for each subsystem and their processes to be managed, a very simple and uniform/universal structure for management of all items can be advantageously obtained in a central way at the processing unit. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149968 | CONTROL APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A control apparatus for controlling procedure of a controlled apparatus includes an update controller that determines, when the software is updated, whether a post-update software is to be selected based on an actual operation result of operating the controlled apparatus using the post-update software. The update controller puts the pre-update software back in use if the operation result is not within a predetermined acceptable range. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149969 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR FEEDBACK CONTROL OR MONITORING OF AN OIL OR GAS PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A method for automatic feedback control and/or monitoring of an oil and/or gas production system, or part(s) thereof, which includes one or more processing unit(s) and/or one or more flow line(s) and/or one or more controls. The method includes measuring or estimating value(s) of at least one level or pressure or flow rate or load indicator associated with at least one of the processing unit(s) and/or flow line(s) and at least one of calculating setting(s) for the controls based on at least one controlled variable in form of the measured or estimated level or pressure or flow rate or load indicator, including compensating for nonlinearities of the control means or estimating at least one of the oil-, gas-, water-, or liquid flow rate(s) into and/or out of at least one of the processing units and/or flow line(s). | 2009-06-11 |
20090149970 | SYSTEM CONTROL DEVICE - Disclosed is a system control device that includes a semiconductor element; an actual control value acquisition section; a deviation computation section for computing the deviation between the actual control value and a target control value; an integral term computation means for computing an integral term contained in a control command value; a first control command value computation section for determining the next control command value from the immediately preceding integral term and the deviation; a first feedback control section for exercising control in accordance with the first control command value; a protective control section for providing protective control while allowing the first control command value computation section to perform computations during a period during which the first feedback control section exercises control; a control command value decrease section; a termination time acquisition section for acquiring the information about the termination time for the protective control; and a termination control section which uses a control command value decreased by the control command value decrease section as the initial control command value after the termination time. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149971 | INTELLIGENT MEDICAL CONSUMABLES - The present invention is directed to a host device and an associated consumable item that electronically communicates with the device. Exchanged information between the device and attachment is used to prevent improper device operation, limiting injury and ensuring reliable and proper operation. Communication between the host device and consumable electrodes allow for the continuous monitoring and adjustment of therapeutic electrical signals, ensuring the accurate and safe delivery of therapeutic energy into deep tissue. Embodiments include consumable items that exchange information including a physical type, a status, and/or quality control standards of the consumable item. Embodiments include an assembly or group of consumables that can communicate among themselves and with a host device; performing fixed or varied tasks for one another and/or the host device. Embodiments of the consumable item include medical consumable items. Methods of operation thereof are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149972 | REAL-TIME SYSTEM FOR VERIFICATION AND MONITORING OF PROTECTIVE DEVICE SETTINGS WITHIN AN ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND AUTOMATIC CORRECTION OF DEVIANCES FOUND - A system for real-time verification of protective device system configuration settings on a monitored system, is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a virtual system model database, a protective device system verification engine. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to real-time protective device configuration data output from a protective device that is part of the monitored system. The virtual system model database is configured to update a virtual mode of the system based on the status of the protective devices and to store a virtual system model of the monitored system, including preset protective device configuration settings for the protective device. The protective device system verification engine configured to monitor the real-time protective device configuration data and the preset protective device configuration settings and generate a warning when there is a difference between the real-time protective device configuration data and the preset protective device configuration settings. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149973 | AUTOMATED LIGHTING AND BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM - An automated lighting and building control system that is operative to control a large number of lights and to provide control to other control systems, such as security systems, powered window coverings, and HVAC systems, within a geographic area based on a large amount of input data, including day light conditions, occupancy data, security information, HVAC data, etc. The savings generated by the control system are measurable and verifiable and enable the operator of the controlled space to analyze exactly how the controlled space is being utilized. To improve the quality of the overall control system, the present invention utilizes a universal occupancy adapter for converting any motion detector for a security system, into a component of the lighting/building controller. Further, the entire system can be controlled remotely over the Internet without the need for special software. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149974 | METHOD OF EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF A RELIEF PITCHER IN INSTANCES WITH INHERITED BASE RUNNERS - A method of evaluating the performance of a relief pitcher in instances with inherited base runners factors through storage and processing of data as to when a pitcher inherits at least one player on base. The following steps of the method are disclosed: first, establishing the number of runs Ri scored by such inherited runners; second, establishing the number of appearances A in instances with inherited runners; third, establishing the number of outs; and, finally, evaluating the Relief Quotient “RQ” according to the formula: RQ=k(Ri+E)/A) | 2009-06-11 |
20090149975 | Systems for Predicting Sporting Success Conditions - A hand held or portable device ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149976 | Method and system providing a customized audio presentation tailored to a predetermined event sequence - There is provided a method of customizing an audio presentation for tailoring to a predetermined event sequence, one embodiment comprising identifying the predetermined event sequence from a predetermined event sequence database, associating a first audio asset with one or more selected events of the predetermined event sequence, synchronizing the timing of the first audio assets with the timing of the selected events, and linking the first audio assets to produce a customized audio presentation tailored to the predetermined event sequence. In one embodiment, the method includes downloading an interactive audio presentation content including an interactive audio presentation program, an audio assets database, and the predetermined event sequence database to a client computer. In one embodiment, a system for customizing an audio presentation tailored to a predetermined event sequence comprises a client computer, a client memory located on the client computer, and interactive audio presentation content. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149977 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR SHAPING MEDICAL IMPLANTS DIRECTLY FROM VIRTUAL REALITY MODELS - A virtual interactive environment enables a surgeon or other medical professional to manipulate implants, prostheses, or other instruments using patient-specific data from virtual reality models. The patient data includes a combination of volumetric data, surface data, and fused images from various sources (e.g., CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, laser interferometry, PET, etc.). The patient data is visualized to permit a surgeon to manipulate a virtual image of the patient's anatomy, the implant, or both, until the implant is ideally positioned within the virtual model as the surgeon would position a physical implant in actual surgery. Thus, the interactive tools can simulate changes in an anatomical structure (e.g., bones or soft tissue), and their effects on the external, visual appearance of the patient. CAM software is executed to fabricate the implant, such that it is customized for the patient without having to modify the structures during surgery or to produce a better fit. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149978 | METHOD FOR SELF-SYNCHRONIZATION OF MODULAR PRODUCTION SYSTEMS - A system and method for self-synchronization of modular production systems having components with various alternative capabilities for processing and transporting work units along transport highways, for various component/transport highway configurations. The method includes determining jobs of interest, with each job requiring the production of at least one work unit. The configuration of the components, including at least one machine module, and the transport highway is determined. Each component duration time is determined and a default self-synchronization time is identified. The default self-synchronization time is optimized by adjusting not less than one component duration time. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149979 | RUN-TIME DISPATCH SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED PRODUCT CHARACTERIZATION CAPABILITY - Disclosed herein are embodiments of an automated manufacturing system that is used to process multiple jobs in a product fabrication environment, where such processing comprises performing the same multiple consecutive process steps for each job and where each process step can be accomplished using one or more different available processing tools. The manufacturing system incorporates a unique run-time dispatch system. This dispatch system schedules the order in which jobs will be processed and further randomly assigns a particular combination of process steps and tools to each job in such a way that the processing tools are evenly distributed across the jobs. Ensuring even distribution of processing tools allows a statistical process control system to not only detect, for a given process step, product variability outside desired specifications, but also to efficiently de-convolve such product variability. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149980 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PORTIONING WORKPIECES TO DIRECTLY-CONTROLLED AND INDIRECTLY-CONTROLLED SPECIFICATIONS - A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, into both shape and other user-defined specification(s). Workpieces are portioned both to shape and weight, such as to a weight-specific uniform shape, by adjusting (e.g., scaling up and down or slightly modifying) a desired template shape until the desired weight is achieved depending on the varying thickness of each workpiece. For example, from a thicker workpiece, a smaller-sized piece having a predefined shape and weight is portioned, while from a thinner workpiece, a larger-sized piece having the same predefined shape and weight is portioned. The system permits a user to scan in and edit a desired (reference) shape to be used as a template in the portioning process. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149981 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS, ONLINE MONITORING OF A CHEMICAL PLANT OR REFINERY - A near real-time system and method for continuous online monitoring of a plurality of operations in a continuous chemical process facility is described. The method of monitoring the operations is based on a multivariate statistical model developed using off-line, selected process-specific historical process data. Such a model is used by an online monitoring system to monitor the continual operation of a chemical manufacturing facility or refinery in real-time from a remote location. Such real-time monitoring allows for determination of whether one or more of the plurality of operations are operating within their normal operational parameters. This real-time, continuous monitoring system can further be used to predict impending failures or trouble-spots within the continuous production process, or to minimize catastrophic process failures which may occur in a continuous chemical manufacturing process. Process variables, or “tags”, that are most likely related to predicted process failures can be identified by the model system, such that appropriate control actions can be taken to prevent an actual process failure occurrence, which can lead to costly production down times. | 2009-06-11 |