28th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 43 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100179619 | Medical Device With an Electrically Conductive Anti-Antenna Member - A lead includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end and a resonant circuit connected to the conductor. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency approximately equal to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner or a resonance frequency not tuned to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner so as to reduce the current flow through a tissue area, thereby reducing tissue damage. The resonant circuit may be included in an adapter that provides an electrical bridge between a lead a medical device such as an electrode, sensor, or signal generator. The resonant circuit may also be included directly in the housing of a medical device. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179620 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING DIURESIS AND NATRIURESIS BY THE APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS TO THE KIDNEY - A system and method of applying an electric field to the kidney of a subject can reduce renal salt and water retention through the process of electrophoresis. The system includes a first and a second electrode, at least of which is implantably associated with the kidney. The electric field can be controlled to affect the removal of a first constituent (e.g. sodium) from the kidney while the level of a second constituent (e.g. potassium) is maintained within normal physiological range. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179621 | ELECTRODES FOR APPLYING AN ELECTRIC FIELD IN-VIVO OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME - As compared to conventional electrodes, the electrode configurations disclosed herein minimize irritation and damage to the skin when they are placed in contact with a patient's body over extended of time. The electrodes are formed from a conductive substrate coated with a thin dielectric material, and a plurality of open spaces pass through the electrodes. Those open spaces are distributed and sized to permit moisture on the surface of the patient's body to escape when the electrode is placed in contact with the patient's body. One intended use for the electrodes is for treating tumors by applying an AC electric field with specific frequency and field strength characteristics over an extended period of time. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179622 | SKIN TREATMENT DEVICE, LAMP AND USE - The invention relates to a skin treatment device, a lamp for use in such a skin treatment device, and its use. The skin treatment device according to the invention uses a combination of tanning-effective and/or anti-acne effective amounts of blue light in the spectral range from 400-440 nm in addition to the UV-light known in the art. An important advantage is that a lower UV dose can be used, leading to lower health risks, while the exposure times can be kept within acceptable limits, without compromising the skin treatment result. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179623 | HAND-HELD DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THERMAL TREATMENT OF AN AREA AFFECTED BY AN INSECT STING OR BITE - Different designs of hand-held devices for therapeutic skin treatment by application of heat are known. Inexpensive hand-held devices use heat radiation. In practice, however, there is no inexpensive hand-held device available that can be placed on the skin to be treated and that operates according to the principle of heat conduction and allows the skin to be treated within a defined temperature range without the use of a temperature sensor and control elements. To provide the user with an easy-to-use hand-held device that is inexpensive to produce and is based on the principle of heat conduction, the hand-held device according to the invention for thermal treatment of an area affected by an insect sting or bite comprises: a heat-conducting body (K) which is mounted in the housing (G) of the hand-held device and can be brought into contact with the skin (H) of the user, a temperature-dependent resistor which is arranged on or in the heat-conducting body (K) and is thermally coupled to the latter and has a positive characteristic curve (PTC), a keypad element (T) that can be manually actuated by the user, and a voltage source (B) arranged in the housing (G) of the hand-held device, such that, depending on the duration of actuation of the keypad element (T) and depending on the heat transfer resistances (R | 2010-07-15 |
20100179624 | Warming device constructions with a poncho-type patient gown - A warming device includes a poncho-type patient gown having a major body portion with inside and outside surfaces, a central panel in the major body portion, opposing sleeve portions in the central panel, and a head opening in the central panel, between the sleeve portions. An inflatable convective warming apparatus is supported on a surface of the patient gown, extending from a lower edge of the patient gown at least to the head opening. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179625 | Implantable Heating Apparatus for a Living Being and Method for Charging the Same - An implantable heating apparatus for a living being of the present invention includes a heating unit, a control unit for controlling operations of the heating unit and an induction driven charge/discharge unit for powering the heating unit. The induction driven charge/discharge unit is composed of a core, a coil set wrapping around the core in at least three axial directions and an energy storing unit for electrically coupling to the coil set. Such that when an external alternate magnetic field is approaching the induction driven charge/discharge unit, the coil set is able to generate induction current that can be stored in the energy storing unit. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179626 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A PADDLE LEAD - A method includes
| 2010-07-15 |
20100179627 | Medical Lead Termination Sleeve for Implantable Medical Devices - A wire and electrode combination suitable for use with implanted medical devices, and a method for coupling the wire and electrode to achieve a robust electrical connection suitable for use with such medical devices are disclosed. The apparatus employs a wire that is optimized for strength, an electrode optimized for biocompatibility, and a termination sleeve with a closed distal end for coupling the wire to the electrode, while eliminating the potential for galvanic corrosion, enhancing weld quality, and facilitating manufacture of the apparatus. The method involves compressing the sleeve to engage the wire at two locations, where contact between the sleeve and wire at the first location seals the interior of the sleeve, and contact between the sleeve and wire at the second location electrically couples the wire to the sleeve. The sleeve, which is easier to manipulate than the wire, is then spot welded to the electrode. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179628 | Neurostimulator - Methods and devices of stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry ( | 2010-07-15 |
20100179629 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - In a medical implantable lead for monitoring and/or controlling of an organ inside a human or animal body, and a method for the manufacture thereof, two electrical conductors are each connected to a respective electrode for receiving or transmitting of electrical signals from or to the organ, and a tubular header is provided in a distal end of the lead. One electrode is positioned in the outermost distal end of the lead whereas the other is a ring electrode that is mounted by a coupling on the outside of the header. The coupling and the header are integrated into one unitary piece of an electrically insulating material having a coupling portion, and the coupling portion is adapted configured for quick fixing connection of the ring electrode to the header. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179630 | MEDICAL LEAD WITH STIFFENING COIL - An implantable lead for a medical device includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end of the lead body, an electrode coupled to the distal end of the lead body, and electrically conductive conductor coil extending between the proximal and the distal end of the lead body, the conductor coil wound in a first winding direction under tension. The lead body also includes a plastic ribbon wound around the conductor coil in a second winding direction opposite to the first winding direction without releasing the tension of the conductor coil. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179631 | SENSOR SIGNAL ALIGNMENT - Methods and systems, including computer readable mediums, are provided for transforming a measurement made relative to a first reference frame into a corresponding measurement relative to a second reference frame. Sensor signals that are produced by sensors in response to the sensors' motion relative to the first reference frame are transformed using a transformation matrix. The transformation generates corrected sensor signals that are relative to the axes of the second reference frame. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179632 | Robotic Fenestration Device Having Impedance Measurement - A method and system for real-time continuous impedance monitoring along the surface of a graft implanted within a main vessel to aid in optimally positioning an electrode at a branch vessel ostium. Due to the conductivity differences among various kinds of solid tissue and blood, a fenestration catheter system uses impedance monitoring as a tool to detect the location of branch ostia through graft cloth. Such information enables the fenestration electrode to be properly positioned for creation of a fenestration in the graft cloth in situ. In addition, the fenestration catheter system may utilize impedance information to avoid contact between the electrode and metal stent structures used to anchor the graft during an in situ fenestration procedure. The fenestration catheter system includes a catheter shaft, an electrode, one or more reference or indifferent electrodes, an impedance analyzer, a power source and an electrode position reference to record impedance measurements in relation to position. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179633 | Tissue Penetration Device and Method - A medical device for canalization of a tissue of a body portion by penetration thereof, a kit, a manufacturing method and a method of canalization are disclosed. The device is adapted for trans-catheter delivery to the body portion, and comprises a radially expandable and crimpable or collapsible substantially tubular member that has a rear end, a front end, and a pattern of struts or a mesh of wires arranged in-between the rear end and the front end, arranged around an interior of the device. The tubular member has extensions, which are arranged towards the interior of the device in a first state of the device, and towards an exterior of the medical device in a second state of the device, wherein the second state of the medical device is the tubular member turned inside out. During storage, the device is restrained in a delivery catheter in the second state. During delivery the device turns outside in and digs into the tissue to create a channel therein, thus preventing or fixating debris or other matter to spread from the channel. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179634 | Methods and Devices for Delivery of Prosthetic Heart Valves and Other Prosthetics - Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179635 | PROSTHESIS DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - An introducer for an expandable endovascular prosthesis having a self expanding stent has a distal prosthesis positioning mechanism and a proximal prosthesis retention mechanism. The proximal prosthesis retention mechanism includes a cylindrical sleeve adapted to retain the self expanding stent. A release mechanism extends proximally from the distal prosthesis positioning mechanism exerts a force in the proximal direction on the self expanding stent to retain the self expanding stent in the cylindrical sleeve. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179636 | GRAFT DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - A deployment catheter for deploying endoluminal vascular prosthesis that has at least a main graft portion and a first branch graft portion includes an elongate, flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising an outer sheath and an inner core that is axially moveable with respect to the outer sheath. The catheter includes a main graft restraint that has a main graft release mechanism comprising a plurality of axially spaced restraint members. The catheter further includes a branch graft restraint comprising a branch graft release mechanism. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179637 | TRANS-LUMINAL SURGICAL DEVICE - A device for trans-luminal delivery of a self-expanding stent or other surgical device and which is designed for rapid exchange over a guidewire has a guidewire lumen that adjacent its proximal exit port lies side-by-side with the line of the shaft of the device. A sleeve which surrounds and confines the stent has a proximal end that is shaped around the guidewire exit port to show in profile a shape reminiscent of the nose of a dolphin. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve also has a tapered distal tip that is withdrawn proximally over the length of the stent to release it, progressively, from its distal end. The configuration delivers simplicity of design, enhanced performance and reliability in use. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179638 | SINGLE PUNCTURE BIFURCATION GRAFT DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - The present invention relates to the endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the aortic and iliac bifurcation. In particular, a deployment system and graft are disclosed for deploying the bifurcated graft within both iliac branches, as well as the aortic trunk, from a single vascular access. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179639 | VASCULAR IMPLANT - A vascular implant derived from natural vascular tissue material, wherein the vascular implant is substantially free of non-fibrous tissue proteins, cells and cellular elements and lipids or lipid residues and comprises collagenous material displaying the original fibre architecture and molecular ultrastructure of the natural vascular tissue material from which it is derived. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179640 | Radially Expandable System For Use In Body Tubes - A radially expandable system ( | 2010-07-15 |
20100179641 | MULTI-LAYERED STENTS AND METHODS OF IMPLANTING - A method of percutaneously delivering a multi-layered stent assembly to a desired implantation location of a patient including the steps of radially compressing a multi-layered stent assembly to a compressed size for implantation in a patient, the multi-layered stent assembly including a first stent, a second stent coaxially positioned within at least a portion of a length of the first stent, and a valve, wherein the first stent comprises at least one different material property than the second stent. The method further includes delivering the multi-layered stent assembly to the desired implantation location of the patient using a delivery system and substantially simultaneously expanding the first stent and the second stent of the multi-layered stent assembly at the desired implantation location to a radially expanded size that is larger than the compressed size. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179642 | Vascular Graft With Kink Resistance After Clamping - A self-sealing vascular graft with kink resistance is described. The vascular graft includes a substrate that can be a PTFE, having a self-sealing region that may include several layers of material. The central section of the vascular graft may be constructed differently from surrounding self-sealing regions, in order to provide kink resistance following the clamping of the graft. Also described is a graft with a flared cuff attached to one or both ends, the attachment or transition region including reinforcement beading. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179643 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE - A narrowing intraluminal stent is disclosed and comprises a hollow body and a flow passage therethrough, the hollow body designed for intraluminal placement and having “at least one portion of an inner cross sectional dimension smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the lumen, so as to artificially narrow a passage through the body lumen. A method of artificially narrowing a passage through a body lumen using the stent is also disclosed. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179644 | BARRIER STENT AND USE THEREOF - The present invention relates to a vascular stent that includes an expandable stent defining an interior compartment, a first polymeric layer exposed to the interior compartment defined by the stent, the first layer comprising an agent that promotes re-endothelialization, an agent that inhibits thrombosis, or a combination thereof, and a second polymeric layer at least partially external of the stent, the second layer being adapted for contacting a vascular surface and being characterized by pores that are substantially impermeable to vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Method of making and using the vascular stent are also disclosed. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179645 | MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING MULTIPLE LAYERS - Described herein are medical devices which are configured for implantation or insertion into a subject, preferably a mammalian subject. The medical devices contain one or more multilayer regions, which contain: (a) one or more (typically a plurality of) charged nanoparticle layers and (b) one or more (typically a plurality of) charged polyelectroyte layers. Such multilayers have a number of desirable attributes, including high strength, non-compliance, and flexibility. Also described herein are methods of making such devices. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179646 | GLUCOSE OXIDASE TECHNIQUES - Apparatus and methods are described including an implantable medical device for implanting in contact with a portion of a subject's body. Glucose oxidase, having a mass thereof, is coupled to the medical device. The medical device does not have coupled thereto a mass of glucose that exceeds 0.01 percent of the mass of the glucose oxidase. Other embodiments are also described. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179647 | METHODS OF REDUCING EMBOLISM TO CEREBRAL CIRCULATION AS A CONSEQUENCE OF AN INDEX CARDIAC PROCEDURE - There is disclosed a porous emboli deflector for preventing cerebral emboli while maintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascular or open surgical procedure. The device prevents the entrance of emboli of a size able to cause stroke (such as greater than 100 microns) from entering either the right or left common carotid arteries, and/or the right or left vertebral arteries by deflecting emboli downstream of these vessels. The device can be placed prior to any manipulation of the heart or aorta allowing maximal protection of the brain during the index procedure. The deflector has a low profile within the aorta which allows sheaths, catheters, or wires used in the index procedure to pass. Also disclosed are methods for insertion and removal of the deflector. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179648 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLACING A PERCUTANEOUS VALVE DEVICE - A system and process for placing a percutaneous valve device in a body lumen at the location of implantation is provided. The placement system and method are simple and enhance the accuracy of the placement of the valve device. Anchors and placement wires or sutures are used to fix the implantation target and guide the device to the implantation site. The system and method are applicable to pre-assembled percutaneous valve devices as well as a modular prosthetic valve device, which modular device is also provided. The modular valve device comprises two or more device modules and is designed to be delivered unassembled and then assembled in the body lumen at or near the site where implantation occurs. The device modules may be assembled before or after the implantation target is fixed with the anchor, and then placed using the placement system in a manner similar to how a pre-assembled percutaneous valve device may be placed in accordance with the invention. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179649 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FINE ADJUSTMENT OF A PERCUTANEOUS VALVE STRUCTURE - The invention provides a device for fine adjustment of a prosthetic valve device and a method of adjusting the position of a prosthetic valve after implantation. The adjustment mechanism includes complementary structures on a valve member and device frame that cooperate to provide relative axial and/or angular motion between the valve member and device frame (and thus the native vessel). The adjustment mechanism of the invention may also include a means for selectively maintaining the relative position of the valve member and device frame. The device and method are particularly applicable for use with a modular prosthetic valve device that is assembled in the body lumen. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179650 | SEPARATE AORTIC ARTIFICIAL VALVE LEAFLET AND TEMPLATE FOR PREPARATION THEREOF - Provided is an artificial aortic valve leaflet useful in the surgical treatment of aortic valve disorders through the reconstruction of aortic leaflets. The artificial aortic valve leaflet comprising a plane having four sides, three sides of which are linear and a remaining side of which is curved. The distance between a center of the curved side and a center of a side opposite the curved side ranges from 0.35 to 0.70 times a length of the side opposite the curved side. The length of each side adjacent to the curved side ranges from 0.20 to 0.50 times the length of the side opposite the curved side. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179651 | MULTI-PLANAR TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A multi-planar annuloplasty ring for implantation adjacent to the tricuspid valve with a gap adjacent to the apex of the triangle of Koch. The anterior part of the ring body extending from the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure down to a lower plane at the anteroposterior commissure. During this course it is curved upwards. The posterior part of the ring body extends downward towards the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure in a relatively straight course. The septal part of the ring body extending from the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure upwards towards the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure. During this course it is curved upward. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179652 | Treatment of ocular disease - The invention relates to a novel apparatus for the treatment of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma. The apparatus consists of a locating device to locate Schlemm's Canal within the anterior portion of the eye and a surgical tool to access the canal for treatment. The apparatus allows for guided, minimally invasive surgical access to Schlemm's Canal to enable surgical procedures to be performed on the canal and trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure. The apparatus may also deliver devices or substances to Schlemm's Canal in the treatment of glaucoma. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179653 | Intraocular Lenses and Methods of Accounting for Capsule Size Variability and Post-Implant Changes in the Eye - Accommodating intraocular lenses and methods of use which account for changes to a capsular bag post-implantation as well as a mismatch is size between the accommodating intraocular lens and capsule. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179654 | DIVERSION OF MECHANICAL OSCILLATIONS - A device according to the invention for deflecting mechanical oscillations, at an oscillation receiver location may be set into oscillation along a first axis, and transmits such an oscillation into an oscillation along a second axis at an oscillation output location, wherein the first and the second axis form an angle to one another. The device in characterized essentially by the fact that it includes an elongate, bent oscillation element, on whose one end a coupling-in point and at whose other end a coupling-out point is arranged, wherein the device is designed in a manner such that the oscillation element oscillates transversally at the coupling-in point and at the coupling-out point, when the oscillation receiver location is subjected to an oscillation. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179655 | Expandable Vertebral Prosthesis - The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, gear member and a locking assembly positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179656 | EXPANDABLE CAGE WITH LOCKING DEVICE - An apparatus supports the spine between vertebrae and promotes spinal fusion. The apparatus generally includes a first supporting member, a second support member, and an expansion member. The first support member has a first longitudinal passage extending there through and a first supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second supporting member contains a second longitudinal passage extending there through and a second supporting end configured to engage tissue. The second longitudinal passage is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first supporting member. The first and second supporting members are configured to move with respect to each other. The expansion member is removably positioned between the first and second supporting members and is adapted to maintain the first and second supporting members in a fixed relative position. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179657 | EXPANDABLE SUPPORT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - An expandable support device and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The expandable support device can expand longitudinally. The expandable support device can be deployed in a bone, such as a vertebra, for example to repair a compression fraction or replacement of removed tissue, such as a vertebra or vertebral body. The expandable support device can be deployed into or in place of all or part of an intervertebral disc. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179658 | Vertebral Body Cage - A intervertebral body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one containment portion and one communicating portion. The containment portion and communication portion provide two distinct functional regions within the cage. One region of the cage provides for the use of a biologic material, and the region of the cage provides holes in the side or the front of the cage in order to allow bony ingrowth into that portion of the cage. Where numerous segments are needed, these components can be arranged in any combination. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179659 | CELL-NANOFIBER COMPOSITE AND CELL-NANOFIBER-HYDROGEL COMPOSITE AMALGAM BASED ENGINEERED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC - The instant invention is directed to a tissue engineered intervertebral disc comprising at least one inner layer and an exterior layer, wherein: the exterior layer comprises a nanofibrous polymer support comprising one or more polymer nanofibers; the at least one inner layer comprises a hydrogel composition comprising at least one or more hydrogel materials and/or one or more polymer nanofibers; and a plurality of cells which are dispersed throughout the tissue engineered intervertebral disc. Additionally, the instant invention is directed to methods of making such intervertebral discs and methods of treating intervertebral disc damage. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179660 | Intervertebral implant and handling instrument for this intervertebral implant - In an intervertebral implant having an abutment element for abutment on at least one vertebral body, in order to be able to apply pulling forces to the abutment element without the risk of damage to the abutment element, it is proposed that the abutment element carry at a side edge a pull element which extends along the side wall of the abutment element and is held on the abutment element by pull members extending at the sides of the abutment element in the direction towards the opposite side edge, the pull element being made of a material whose tensile strength is greater than the tensile strength of the material of the abutment element, and that an interspace for receiving a handling instrument engaging the pull element from behind be arranged at least in a section along the pull element between the pull element and the abutment element. A handling instrument for handling such an intervertebral implant is also described. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179661 | ELBOW PROSTHESIS - A method and apparatus for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is described. In particular, a prosthesis can be provided to replace a portion of an articulating joint, such as an elbow. The apparatus can be modular for various reasons and each of the modular portions can include a different dimension to achieve a selected result. For example, the prosthesis can achieve a different size condylar replacement, a selected offset, a selected articulation, or combinations thereof. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179662 | MONOBLOCK CERAMIC PROSTHESIS DEVICES - Single-piece prosthesis elements chosen from among acetabular cup for hip prosthesis, tibial component and femoral component for knee prosthesis, comprising a body ( | 2010-07-15 |
20100179663 | ACETABULAR PROSTHETIC DEVICES - Devices, apparatus, and systems for replacing at least some of the functionality of the natural hip joint and associated methods of implantation are disclosed. In one aspect a prosthetic acetabular cup system is provided. The system includes a metal shell comprising an outer surface for securely engaging a prepared portion of an acetabulum, an opposing inner surface, and at least one snap-fit engagement feature associated with the inner surface. The metal shell has a thickness less than about 1.0 mm between the outer surface and the inner surface. The system also includes a pliable articulating component having an outer surface including at least one snap-fit engagement feature sized and shaped to snap-fittingly engage the at least one snap-fit engagement feature of the metal shell. The pliable articulating component also includes an inner surface for articulatingly receiving a femoral head. The second component has a thickness less than about 3.0 mm. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179664 | INSTRUMENT FOR USE IN A JOINT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE - An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure comprises a head part which corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component, in which the head part has a bore formed in it, and a connector for connecting the head part to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component, which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The connector can be fitted into the bore in the head part in one of a plurality of angular orientations. It comprises a body part and a trigger which can be moved relative to the body part between an unlocked position in which the connector can be moved relative to the head part between different ones of the plurality of angular orientations and a locked position in which the connector is restrained against such movement. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179665 | IMPLANT, IN PARTICULAR DENTAL IMPLANT - A metal implant, in particular a dental implant, with a hydrophilic surface for at least partial insertion into a bone, and a method for the production of said implant are described. A particularly advantageous hydrophilic surface for improved osteointegration properties is made available if it is briefly treated, at least in some areas, in a weakly alkaline solution. These excellent osteointegration properties can be achieved in a method in which, optionally after a preceding mechanical surface modification by material removal and/or chemical surface modification, at least the areas exposed of this surface exposed to bone and/or soft tissue are chemically modified in an alkaline solution. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179666 | STENT WITH SOLUBLE BLADDER RETENTION MEMBER - Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179667 | SCAFFOLD FOR BONE AND TISSUE REPAIR IN MAMMALS - A mammalian tissue scaffold and method for making a tissue scaffold including a rigid scaffold body of biocompatible glass fibers bonded together and in special alignment to define open channels within the scaffold to allow fluid flow into and within the scaffold. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179668 | Hybrid Terrain-Adaptive Lower-Extremity Systems - Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179669 | METHOD FOR PARAMETERIZING OPERATING MEANS - The invention relates to a method for parameterizing operating means connected to a data transmission medium. In this case, for at least several of the connected operating means, in each case, a device description will be stored in a central facility, each device description containing at least one function and the parameter set belonging thereto. In addition, a list of several predefined device functions will be stored in memory, for which the corresponding parameter set will be assigned each time to the operating means that support the device function. If a device function is selected, then in response to the selected device function, at least one operating means that supports this device function will be parameterized. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179670 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLIED BY ONE OR MORE ELECTRIC UTILITIES - A server manages consumption of power supplied by at least one electric utility to multiple power consuming devices. Power flow to the consuming devices is enabled and disabled by controllable devices controlled by one or more client devices. The server includes a command processor, event manager, database, and client device manager. The command processor receives commands from the utility and issues event messages responsive thereto. The event manager maintains a power management status for each client device and issues event instructions responsive to event messages. The database stores information relating to power consumed by the consuming devices. The client device manager selects from the database, responsive to receipt of a power reduction event instruction, at least one client device to which to issue a message indicating a power reduction amount and/or identification of at least one controllable device to be instructed to disable power flow to associated consuming devices. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179671 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMBEDDING EMOTION IN LOGIC SYSTEMS - A system, method, and computer readable-media for creating a stable synthetic neural system. The method includes training an intellectual choice-driven synthetic neural system (SNS), training an emotional rule-driven SNS by generating emotions from rules, incorporating the rule-driven SNS into the choice-driven SNS through an evolvable interface, and balancing the emotional SNS and the intellectual SNS to achieve stability in a nontrivial autonomous environment with a Stability Algorithm for Neural Entities (SANE). Generating emotions from rules can include coding the rules into the rule-driven SNS in a self-consistent way. Training the emotional rule-driven SNS can occur during a training stage in parallel with training the choice-driven SNS. The training stage can include a self assessment loop which measures performance characteristics of the rule-driven SNS against core genetic code. The method uses a stability threshold to measure stability of the incorporated rule-driven SNS and choice-driven SNS using SANE. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179672 | Interactive Sound Reproducing - An audio system attachable to a computer includes a sound reproduction device for producing audible sound from audio signals. The sound reproduction device includes a radio tuner and a powered speaker. The audio system further includes a connector for connecting the sound reproduction device with a computer. The computer provides audio signals from a plurality of sources, the sources including a computer CD player, digitally encoded computer files stored on the computer, and a computer network connected to the computer. The sound reproduction device further includes control buttons for controlling at least one of the computer CD player, the digitally encoded computer files and the computer network. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179673 | MULTITRACK RECORDER AND SYNCHRONOUS RECORDING METHOD USING A PLURALITY OF MULTITRACK RECORDERS - Provided are a multitrack recorder and a synchronous recording method that are capable of exchanging a clock and a control message in synchronous recording using two multitrack recorders only by connecting therebetween by one signal line. The multitrack recorder capable of performing the synchronous recording between the two multitrack recorders (a master MTR ( | 2010-07-15 |
20100179674 | UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRODUCTION SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE MODES OF OPERATION - A universal music production system and related software is provided that enables an open source microprocessor and its operating system to provide ergonomic and user friendly control of editing audio processing configurations of one or more systems, instruments or synthesizers in a music studio edit mode environment and then utilize the studio edit mode song/performance configurations in a live mode performance environment that disables the user from certain studio edit mode functions. When in edit mode, the universal music production system may check for illogical sound and effect plug-in order in a user created signal/sound stream and automatically stop its creation or warn the user of the illogical order. User created virtual controls can be displayed on a touch sensitive display screen enabling a user to control predetermined sound parameters easily during a live performance. Also, reconfiguration of any or all of the sound signal chains for various sound tracks can be accomplished substantially instantaneously via VST instrument and effect plug-ins. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179675 | PROCESSING APPARATUS, CENTER-HOLE WORKING SYSTEM, CENTER-HOLE POSITION DECIDING PROGRAM, AND CENTER-HOLE POSITION DECIDING METHOD - A processing apparatus includes a three-dimensional shape data acquiring section, a tentative center-hole position determining section, a shape simulating section, a balance deciding section, and a center-hole deciding section. The tentative center-hole position determining section is configured to determine a tentative position of the center holes based on the three-dimensional shape data. The shape simulating section is configured to obtain a simulated shape of the material crankshaft after a working is simulated for the material crankshaft based on the tentative position of the center holes as a reference. The balance deciding section is configured to decide whether a rotational imbalance amount in the simulated shape is within a predetermined allowable range. The center-hole deciding section is configured to decide the tentative position as an actual boring position of the center holes when the rotational imbalance amount is within the predetermined allowable range. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179676 | SYSTEM FOR THE FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION OF A PLURALITY OF TYPES OF MOULDED FOOD PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY CHOCOLATE-BASED PRODUCTS AND THE LIKE - The system comprises a conveyor for conveying a plurality of moulds along a production path on which is located a plurality of stations, each of which can execute at least one corresponding operation. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179677 | PRODUCTION OPERATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - There is provided a production operation management system capable of executing efficient management of production operation by enabling exchange of information with a distributed control system. The production operation management system comprises registration-acceptance means for accepting registration of jobs necessary for the production operation, progress-state acceptance means for accepting an input of a progress-state of each of the jobs, the registration thereof being accepted by the registration-acceptance means, progress-state storage means for storing a progress-state of each of the jobs, inputted by the progress-state acceptance means, presentation-request acceptance means for accepting a presentation-request for a progress-state of each of the jobs, stored by the progress-state storage means, progress-state presentation means for presenting the progress-state of each of the jobs, stored by the progress-state storage means, according to the presentation-request accepted by the presentation-request acceptance means, and information processing means for executing exchange of information with a distributed control system for controlling respective sections of the plant according to the progress-state. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179678 | PV Wind Performance Enhancing Methods - Pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules can be enhanced in several ways. Air gaps opening into the air volume, defined between the PV modules and the support surface, should be provided between adjacent PV modules and along the periphery of the array. The ratio of this air volume to the total area of the air gaps should be minimized. Peripheral wind deflectors should be used to minimize aerodynamic drag forces on the PV modules. The time to equalize pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the PV modules should be maintained below, for example, 10-20 milliseconds. The displacement created by wind gusts should be limited to, for example, 2-5 millimeters or less. For inclined PV modules, rear air deflectors are advised for each PV module and side air deflectors are advised for the periphery of the array. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179679 | Generating Cutting Forms Along Current Flow Direction In A Circuit Layout - Metal is deleted from portions of metal wires in an integrated circuit layout, based upon a width of the metal wires. Preliminary cutting forms having a length and a width are inserted with a first orientation in the portions of metal wire. It is determined if the width of each of the preliminary cutting forms is parallel to a width of the metal wire portions where the preliminary cutting forms are inserted. If the preliminary cutting forms have width parallel to the width of the metal wire portion, the preliminary cutting forms become part of a cutting form final layout. Cutting forms not having widths parallel to the width of the metal wire portions are removed. Cutting forms at different orientations are then inserted where the prior cutting forms were removed from and the process repeats until all portions of the metal wire have cutting forms inserted parallel to the current flow direction. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179680 | APPARATUS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF CARDS ON PAPER CARRIERS AND RELATED ENVELOPING APPARATUS - An apparatus ( | 2010-07-15 |
20100179681 | DEVICE FOR STORING SUBSTRATES - The invention relates to a device for storing platelike substrates, particularly wafers or test wafers, like those, in particular, used for manufacturing electronic components. The aim of the invention is to make a reliable access to the substrates possible even when storage elements, which can be separated from one another, of the device are affected by manufacturing mistakes. For such a device that, for each substrate, has a number of storage elements, which follow one another in a direction of stacking and which can move relative to one another, in which the storage elements have a stacking area, which is provided for placing the respective storage element inside a stack of storage elements, compensating means are therefore provided in order to compensate for stacking errors in the direction of stacking. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179682 | PAPER MONEY PROCESSING APPARATUS - A banknote handling apparatus includes general-purpose storages that store therein either a banknote or a cash voucher based on a structure capable of storing therein and feeding therefrom both the banknote and the cash voucher, a depositing/dispensing mechanism that holds both the banknote and the cash voucher so that a user can take out the banknote and the cash voucher, a transport path for transporting both the banknote and the cash voucher from the general-purpose storages to the depositing/dispensing mechanism, and a recognition/determination mechanism that recognizes each type of the banknote and the cash voucher fed from the general-purpose storages. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179683 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR RAPID EXCHANGE OF WORK MATERIAL - Systems, apparatus and methods for the rapid exchange of work material in a facility processing substrates (e.g., LCD panels, solar panels, semiconductor wafers, or the like) are disclosed. The system may include load ports associated with a process tool, local storage units, and a work material exchange apparatus adapted to rapidly exchange work material at the ports, units, or other exchange locations. The work material exchange apparatus may include two or more end effectors coupled to one or more actuator members and which may be adapted to rapidly exchange two or more carriers containing work material at an exchange location. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179684 | CLASSIFYING WORKPIECES TO BE PORTIONED INTO VARIOUS END PRODUCTS TO OPTIMALLY MEET OVERALL PRODUCTION GOALS - A method is provided for classifying incoming products (e.g., chicken butterflies) to be portioned into two or more types of end products (e.g., sandwich portions, strips, nuggets, etc.) to meet production goals. The method includes generally five steps. First, information on incoming products is received. Second, for each incoming product, a parameter value (e.g., the weight of an end product to be produced from the incoming product) is calculated for each of the two or more types of end products that may be produced from the incoming product. Third, the calculated parameter values for the incoming products for the two or more types of end products, respectively, are normalized so as to meet the production goals while at the same time achieving optimum parameter values. Fourth, for each incoming product, the end product with the best (e.g., largest) normalized parameter value is selected as the end product to be produced from the incoming product. Fifth, each incoming product is portioned to produce the end product selected in the fourth step. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179685 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND LOGISTICS SYSTEM FOR CARRYING A MAIL DISPATCH - There is provided a method for conveying a mailpiece, whereby a first machine-readable code is applied onto the mailpiece as a data matrix code or stored in a transponder. An exemplary method comprises detecting the machine-readable code by at least one reading unit. The exemplary method also comprises applying a second machine-readable code onto the mailpiece as a linear code or storing the second machine-readable code in the transponder. The exemplary method additionally comprises storing information about a link between the first code and the second code in a data processing system. A service request is received and, depending on content of the service request, the service request is converted and forwarded to a provider server for a service. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179686 | DUAL POWER MOTORIZED ROLLER - A conveying system may include a frame that supports a plurality of rollers which carry articles thereon. At least one of the rollers may be a motorized roller with first and second motors adapted to rotate an outer cylindrical shell of the motorized roller. A controller external to the motorized roller may send speed control commands to the motorized roller to control both the first and second motors in a manner that increases torque of the motorized roller. The motors may be controlled in four quadrant mode, or two quadrant mode, or a combination thereof. The motorized roller may be used in a right angle transfer mechanism, or in other components of a conveying system. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179687 | Interlacing pipette or dispenser tips in a liquid handling system - A liquid handling system has a robot manipulator for orienting pipette or dispenser tips in relation to sample containers situated in or on the system, pipette or dispenser tips, drives for moving the robot manipulator, and processors for controlling the movements and actions of the robot manipulator and/or of the pipette or dispenser tips. The system also includes at least two blocks situated on two arms of the robot manipulator, at least two of the pipette or dispenser tips being situated on each block and at an axial distance to one another. The axial distance essentially corresponds to the grid spacing of wells of a microplate. At least one of these blocks, for the alternating interlaced orientation of the pipette or dispenser tips of at least two blocks along a shared line, are individually movable at least in the X direction. A method allows the time-saving pipetting over of liquid samples between diverse sample containers, e.g., between sample tubes and microplates having 24, 96, 384, or 1536 wells. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179688 | Robot and walking control apparatus and method thereof - Disclosed are a robot, in which a walking pattern of the robot is changed into a new walking pattern by stages when it is necessary to suddenly change the walking pattern to promote stabilization in walking, and a walking control apparatus and method thereof. When the walking pattern is changed, a preview time is decreased by stages and then is restored to its original state and thus it is possible to prevent the robot from losing its balance. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179689 | METHOD OF TEACHING ROBOTIC SYSTEM - First, an object model library and an operation module library are provided. The object model library contains at least an object model geometrically similar to a real object to be processed. The operation module library contains at least an operation module for each operation to be performed. Then, for each real object to be processed, a virtual object is defined by association with an object model in the object model library and by specification of the object model's geometric parameters. Subsequently, for each operation to be performed, the operation is defined by selecting an operation module from the operation module library and specifying its operation parameters. Optionally, for each virtual object defined, at least a two-dimensional image previously taken of the corresponding real object is associated with the virtual object. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179690 | PROCESS CONTROL, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR THE AUTOMATED ADAPTATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS OF AT LEAST ONE HANDLING DEVICE - A system for automated adaption of a process parameter of a handling device includes a supervision device configured to selectively monitor at least one process parameter and/or to adapt the at least one process parameter of the handling device in an automated manner based on specifications and/or the environment and/or in a rule-based manner in interaction with a control/regulation device, wherein environment/safety-specific specifications and/or regulations are complied with and/or implemented irrespective of the type of a respective working process, wherein the system is configured to interact with the control/regulation device configured to monitor, control and/or regulate the handling device. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179691 | Robotic Platform - The present invention is a robotic mobile platform vehicle that can be thrown into hostile or hazardous environments for gathering information and transmitting that information to a remotely located control station and a system comprising the robotic mobile platform. The system of the invention is adapted to provide it's operator with significant information without being exposed directly to actual or potential danger. One of the key features of the invention is that at least four imaging assemblies are mounted on the robotic platform and that the system has the processing ability to stitch the views taken by the four imaging devices together into an Omni-directional image, allowing simultaneous viewing of a 360 degree field of view surrounding the mobile platform. Another feature is that the system comprises a touch screen GUI and the robotic mobile platform is equipped with processing means and appropriate software. This combination enables the user to steer the robotic platform simply by touching an object in one of the displayed images that he wants to investigate. The robotic platform can then either point its sensors towards that object or, if so instructed, compute the direction to the object and travel to it without any further input from the user. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179692 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTOR PARAMETER ESTIMATION - A system and method for determining unknown values of certain motor parameters includes a motor input device connectable to an electric motor having associated therewith values for known motor parameters and an unknown value of at least one motor parameter. The motor input device includes a processing unit that receives a first input from the electric motor comprising values for the known motor parameters for the electric motor and receive a second input comprising motor data on a plurality of reference motors, including values for motor parameters corresponding to the known motor parameters of the electric motor and values for motor parameters corresponding to the at least one unknown motor parameter value of the electric motor. The processor determines the unknown value of the at least one motor parameter from the first input and the second input and determines a motor management strategy for the electric motor based thereon. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179693 | REFRIGERATOR AND THE CONTROLLING METHOD - There are provided a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same. The method of controlling a refrigerator includes varying stroke of an inverter linear compressor to operate the inverter linear compressor by a maximum output when a temperature of an inside of a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment is higher than a maximum output temperature and varying the stroke of the inverter linear compressor at one period interval to operate the inverter linear compressor when the temperature of the inside of the freezer compartment or the refrigerator compartment is no more than the maximum output temperature. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179694 | AMBULATORY INFUSION DEVICE WITH PLUNGER POSITION MEMORY - An ambulatory infusion device for the infusion of a liquid drug into a patient's body over an extended time period is disclosed. The infusion device provides a housing having a cartridge compartment designed to receive a cartridge, a drive having a plunger adapted to engage a plug of the cartridge and to displace the plug within the cartridge in a controlled way, and an electronic controller controlling operation of the drive. The infusion device further has a position memory which stores at least one stored loading position of the plunger, and in which the controller retrieves a stored loading position from the position memory and controls the drive to displace the plunger into the retrieved loading position. A system for ambulatory drug infusion comprising such an ambulatory infusion device as well as a filling apparatus and a method for loading a cartridge into such a device are also disclosed. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179695 | System and Method for Temperature Management of a Data Center - A system and method for managing the temperature of a data center is disclosed in which a target computer system is identified. The target computer system is the system that requires access or service. The operation of the computer systems in the vicinity of the target computer system is modified to reduce the temperature in the vicinity of the target computer system or along the pathway between the entrance to the data center and the target computer system. After the target computer system is accessed or serviced, the computer systems in the vicinity of the target computer system or along the pathway between the entrance to the data center and the target computer system can be returned to their original state. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179696 | DEVICE ABSTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED-ARCHITECTURE HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the method includes configuring a user interface to receive a first parameter setting associated with a system device. The user interface is further configured to send a message to the system device including the first parameter setting. The user interface is further configured to receive from the system device a second parameter setting that is dependent on the first parameter setting. The user interface is further configured to make the second parameter setting available for viewing. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179697 | METHOD FOR POSITION-DEPENDENT ELECTRONIC WEAR STATE DETERMINATION OF A VALVE MECHANISM, AND A PNEUMATIC VALVE - A method and a valve arrangement are provided for electronic wear state determination of the valve arrangement for controlling a process medium flow. A valve element, which is arranged so as to move axially within a valve housing, is moved via electrically drivable linear drive means on the basis of positioning regulation. The valve element has an essentially constant drive force applied to it, and a position speed profile over the switching travel of the valve element is determined by detecting the speed as a function of the current position of the valve element. A change profile is created by comparing the determined speed profile with previous position speed profiles, as a measure of the position-dependent wear state of the valve mechanism. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179698 | CARRYING DEVICE, CONTROL DEVICE AND PROGRAM - The carrying device comprises a carrying mechanism carrying a fluid vessel containing liquid, a detection device detecting depth information changing with depth of the liquid in the fluid vessel, and a control device controlling the carrying mechanism. The control device comprises: an information acquisition unit acquiring the depth information detected by the detection device; a computing unit calculating a maximum value of an acceleration which can be given to the fluid vessel when carried based on the depth information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and a carry command unit giving the carrying mechanism a command for carrying the fluid vessel at acceleration of the maximum value or smaller. The computing unit calculates a greater value as the maximum value of the acceleration as the depth of the liquid in the fluid vessel increases, and a smaller value as the maximum value of the acceleration as the depth of the liquid in the fluid vessel decreases. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179699 | METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR COMPENSATION FOR THE DRIFT BEHAVIOR OF A PNEUMATIC ACTUATING ELEMENT DURING OPERATION - A method and an electronic device for compensation of the drift behavior during operation of a pneumatic actuating drive whose electropneumatic valve is operated in order to produce a control pressure in a closed control loop for position regulation of a switching element on the basis of a position regulator. A velocity profile v(t) of the switching element is recorded along the time axis during operation of the regulation, and at the same time, the opening cross-section profile A(t) of the fitting which is predetermined for the position regulator as a nominal value, is also recorded. The velocity profile v(t) and the corresponding opening cross-section profile A(t) are converted by elimination of the time to a velocity opening cross-section characteristic (v-A-characteristic). The v-A-characteristic is analyzed by pattern recognition for the presence of a braking profile which is characteristic of sealed closure, and before sealed closure, at least the last two measurement points in the braking profile are extrapolated to a point which is determined to be the opening point and is actually not zero. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179700 | STEPPER MOTOR GAS VALVE AND METHOD OF CONTROL - A controller for a variable heating system is operable to control a stepper motor operated gas valve to adjust gas flow to vary the heating level. The controller includes a first terminal for receiving a thermostat signal requesting heating, an electronic memory, and a microprocessor in communication with the electronic memory and first terminal. The microprocessor detects a thermostat signal requesting heating, and generates a control signal for the stepper motor to operate the gas valve. The microprocessor includes a programmable read-only-memory encoded with an instruction to store a time duration during which the microprocessor detects a thermostat signal requesting heating, and further encoded with an instruction operable to determine a desired heating level based on the stored time duration. The microprocessor responds to a thermostat signal requesting heating by determining the number of steps the motor must move to vary the gas flow corresponding to the desired heating level. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179701 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS CONTROL - A disclosed method of weather forecasting with respect to a set of irrigation criteria includes enabling an irrigation system controller operating on a user defined schedule to wirelessly receive soil condition information from an environmental sensor, evaluate the soil condition information for satisfaction of an irrigation criterion, and activate an irrigation valve associated with the environmental sensor when the irrigation criterion is satisfied. The soil condition information may indicate a chemical composition or moisture content of the soil. The irrigation system controller is further enabled to generate a warning message based on the soil condition. The irrigation system controller is further enabled to send the warning message to a lawn care service. The irrigation system controller is further enabled to generate a report of the soil condition. The irrigation system controller is further enabled to generate a report indicative of water consumption per irrigation valve. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179702 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REALIZING POWER CONTROL ON A CONTROL CHANNEL - A method and apparatus for realizing power control on a control channel including measuring the interval between the current control channel transmission and the last control channel transmission; comparing the measured interval with a preset threshold, and if the interval is larger than or equal to the preset threshold, carrying out the current control channel transmission by using the initial transmit power, or controlling the current control channel transmission by using the open loop power control and, otherwise, controlling the current control channel transmission by using the closed loop power control. When the control channel is an uplink control channel, it may be determined whether a compensation for path loss variance should be added based on the closed loop power control according to a related command, so as to enable that the power control can be provided effectively when the control channel transmission is discontinuous. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179703 | REFRIGERATION SYSTEM ENERGY MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS - A management center is configured to communicate with a refrigeration system controller for a refrigeration system at a remote location. The management center is configured to receive ambient temperature data corresponding to an ambient temperature at the remote location, to calculate a projected energy consumption value for at least one component of the refrigeration system based on the ambient temperature data, and to receive an actual energy consumption value for the at least one component from the refrigeration system controller. The management center is also configured to compare the actual energy consumption value with the projected energy consumption value and to generate an output based on the comparison. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179704 | OPTIMIZATION OF MICROGRID ENERGY USE AND DISTRIBUTION - An energy distribution may include a server and one or more databases. The system may communicate with an energy provider to receive energy provider data, at least one information collector to receive information collector data such as individualized energy usage data, customer preferences, and customer or location characteristics, and the one or more databases for receiving data for optimization. The system may calculate a cost of service or avoided cost using at least one of the individualized energy usage data and a system generation cost at a nearest bus. The system may also forecast individualized demand by end-use, individualized demand by location, energy prices, or energy costs. The system may optimize energy distribution, energy use, cost of service, or avoided cost using the forecasted individualized demand by end-use, the forecasted individualized demand by location, the forecasted energy prices, and the forecasted energy costs. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179705 | METHODS, CIRCUITS, WATER HEATERS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF SEPARATE HEATING ELEMENTS IN STORAGE WATER HEATERS - A method of managing excess electrical power generation can be provided by remotely controlling operation of one of at least two heating elements included in a single water heater, where the heating elements are controlled separately from one another, at a customer location in response to availability of generated electricity to the customer location. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179706 | Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Providing Continuous Power to a Fixture in a Manufacturing Process - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing continuous power and utilities to a fixture in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment of the invention, a system with robot, such as a robotic arm, and a workstation can be deployed in a manufacturing process. A fixture associated with the manufacturing process can include a mount operable for receiving power from the robot or robot arm, and another mount operable for receiving power from the workstation. An associated control device, such as a programmable logic circuit, can selectively provide power via either mount depending on whether the fixture is mounted to the robot or robotic arm, or to the workstation. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179707 | UTILITY LOAD CONTROL MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL - A method for managing a utility load by controlling electrical consumption of electrically powered devices. The method includes selecting a target for load control forming a single variable length load control message according to a communication protocol. The load control message includes the target address and a plurality of unique concatenated command messages, each of the plurality of unique concatenated command messages being selected from the set consisting of a command message having a predetermined message type and a fixed length message defined for the predetermined message type and a command message having a predetermined message type and a variable length message corresponding to values in a command message control flag field defined for the predetermined message type. The method also includes causing the single variable length load control message to be transmitted to the target and receiving a reply message formed according to the communication protocol from the target. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179708 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES - A system and method of managing energy use in a home, and more particularly to energy management of household consumer appliances, are provided. Existing appliances can be modified with add-on features or modules, and likewise new energy saving features and functions can be incorporated into new appliances. Communication among a home energy manager, an appliance, and a utility meter measures energy usage and/or a local generator controls operation of various appliances such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven/range, microwave oven, dishwasher, HVAC system hot water heater, and the like. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179709 | Method and a system for controlling and monitoring operation of a device - A method of controlling and monitoring operation of a device is disclosed. The method includes communicating an authorization code via a management source to a processor having a memory. The processor is configured for regulating operation of the device, and is operatively connected to a keyless start arrangement configured to activate the device. The method additionally includes receiving the authorization code by the processor and storing the authorization code within the controller memory. Furthermore, the method includes entering an access code via a selective input, receiving the access code by the processor, and authorizing operation of the device if the access code matches the authorization code. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179710 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING, PROCESSING AND MONITORING PARAMETERS USED ON BOARD AIRCRAFT - A standardized identification code is used to identify each flight parameter used on board an aircraft and to provide some of its characteristic information. Descriptive complementary information is advantageously associated with the identification codes to form parameter identification maps stored, for example, in a shared database. The parameter identification codes may in particular be used to perform certain checks when parameter values are received. These checks make it possible to process only the monitored parameter values and to generate alerts if an inconsistency is detected. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179711 | SPACECRAFT PAYLOAD ORIENTATION STEERING - Spacecraft payload orientation steering is provided for an orbiting spacecraft in motion along an orbit track around a celestial body, the orbit track having a nominal inclination with respect to an equatorial orbit, a substantial eccentricity, and a drift angle with respect to the nominal inclination. Coordinates of an optimal payload target location as a function of a spacecraft position along the orbit track are determined, the target location being on the surface of the celestial body and having a substantial motion with respect to the surface and with respect to a spacecraft nadir. A payload of the spacecraft is substantially aligned with the determined coordinates by steering the satellite body to correct for at least one of the inclination drift angle, and the eccentricity, thereby adjusting the spacecraft orientation as a function of the spacecraft position along the orbit track. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179712 | TRANSPARENT VEHICLE SKIN AND METHODS FOR VIEWING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND OPERATING STATUS - Systems and methods for viewing systems and status of a vehicle are provided. One system includes memory configured to store schematic data representing a schematic of the vehicle and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the schematic data. The system further includes a display coupled to the processor and configured to output an image of the schematic, the image providing a transparent direct view of the vehicle and the systems. One method includes the steps of generating an image representing a schematic of the vehicle and the systems, the image providing a transparent direct view of the vehicle and the systems and selectively rotating the image such that a user is capable of viewing the vehicle and the systems from a plurality of angles. Also provided are machine-readable mediums including instructions for executing the above method. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179713 | CONTROLLING DEVICE FOR RAILWAY ELECTRIC CAR - Provided is a controlling device for a railway electric car, the controlling device being able to detect a slipping/sliding phenomenon during, in particular, high-speed travel and to exercise slipping/sliding control in an appropriate manner. A slip controlling unit | 2010-07-15 |
20100179714 | VEHICLE DRIVE POWER GENERATION CONTROL APPARATUS - Past limit electric power generation costs and past limit electric assist costs are stored as pieces of planning information, based on each of which a fuel consumption amount is estimated assuming that a vehicle travels according to a past traveling pattern. An average estimated fuel consumption amount is computed by averaging the fuel consumption amounts estimated for the pieces of planning information. The piece of planning information including the lowest average estimated fuel consumption amount is selected for the next traveling. An improvement amount during electric power generation and an improvement amount during assistance are computed based on the selected piece of planning information (limit electric power generation cost), the limit electric assist cost, and the present generating and electric assist costs required actually while the vehicle is traveling. An engine and a motor/generator of the vehicle are controlled based on the two improvement amounts. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179715 | CONTROLLING AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SYSTEM - A system is adapted to transfer control of movement of a vehicle to and/or from an autonomous vehicle system. The control system includes an activation sub-system that has an input device configured to receive an activation signal indicating that an autonomous vehicle system is to be activated. A test device checks, upon receipt of the activation signal by the input device, if the autonomous vehicle system is in a ready state to be activated. If so, an activation device can activate the autonomous vehicle system. The system may also include at least one deactivation switch that is configured, upon being switched on, to deactivate an autonomous vehicle system from controlling movement of the vehicle. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179716 | Method for Creating Spiral Swath Patterns for Convex Polygon Shaped Field Boundaries - A computationally efficient method for generating a spiral swath pattern for a region of a field bounded by a convex polygon, the method automatically generating curved portions for the swath pattern having radii of curvature greater than a minimum turning radius based on the minimum turning radius and a definition of the field boundary. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179717 | Data Meter with Bar Graph and Histogram - A technique and apparatus of displaying a vehicle's information on a display device is provided and include measuring a set of diagnostic and state values of the vehicle, comparing the set of measured values with a set of related predetermined values, the set of predetermined values being within a preset range for operation of the vehicle, displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the present measured value, and displaying on the same video image, a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the related predetermined set of values, with the comparison changing color of a certain portion of the graphical depiction. | 2010-07-15 |
20100179718 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE STATE OF TIRES - Method for monitoring the state of a tire, in which at least one analysis value (U | 2010-07-15 |