41st week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 47 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090254140 | CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY OPTIMIZATION USING PARAMETER ESTIMATION FROM REALTIME ELECTRODE MOTION TRACKING - An exemplary method includes providing at least two-dimensional position information, for at least two points in time, for an electrode located in a cardiac space; determining a local estimator based on the position information; and, based at least in part on the determined local estimator, selecting a configuration for delivering a cardiac pacing therapy or diagnosing a cardiac condition. Exemplary methods for regional estimators and exemplary methods for global estimators are also disclosed along with devices and systems configured to perform various methods. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254141 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REVERSAL OF MYOCARDIAL REMODELING WITH ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - An apparatus and method for reversing ventricular remodeling with electro-stimulatory therapy. A ventricle is paced by delivering one or more stimulatory pulses in a manner such that a stressed region of the myocardium is pre-excited relative to other regions in order to subject the stressed region to a lessened preload and afterload during systole. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254142 | Treating Medical Conditions of Hollow Organs - A minimally invasive treatment and appartus for treating medical conditions of hollow organs is described. Electrodes positioned within the organ and in surface contact with the underlying glands, nerves, and muscle walls of the organ apply energy to specific glandular, nerve, or muscular areas to alter the organ's operation. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254143 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GLUCOSE REGULATION - Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at a blocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or down-regulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, and the splanchnic is used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with or without pharmaceutical agents are used to modify the production of GLP-1 and GIP, to treat impaired glucose regulation. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254144 | System and Method of Bladder and Sphincter Control - A method and system for bladder control are disclosed. In embodiments, a method for bladder control is provided that comprises coupling an electrode to an afferent nerve that is related to the bladder. Applying a plurality of pulse burst stimulations via the electrode causes voiding of urine from the bladder. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve reduces external urethral sphincter (EUS) contractions and evokes bladder contractions to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve evokes bladder contractions alone to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, a system for bladder control is provided that comprises an electrode for applying a pulse burst stimulus to an afferent nerve or dermatome to reduce reflex contractions and a signal generator for generating the pulse burst stimulus. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254146 | DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION IMPLANT WITH MICROCOIL ARRAY - An implant for deep brain stimulation (DBS) has an array of electromagnetic microcoils dispersed over the length of the implant. The microcoils produce magnetic fields that are directed into, and induce current in, the adjacent brain tissue. The microcoils may be selectively operated to direct and focus electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain. The implant is useful in studying or treating neurophysiological conditions associated with the deep regions of the brain such as Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, and depression. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254147 | STIMULATION METHOD FOR THE SPHENOPALATINE GANGLIA, SPHENOPALATINE NERVE, OR VIDIAN NERVE FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS - A method is provided for the suppression or prevention of pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, urinary bladder disorders, abnormal metabolic states, disorders of the muscular system, and neuropsychiatric disorders in a patient. The method comprises positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of the patient's sphenopalatine ganglia (“SPG”), sphenopalatine nerves (“SPN”), or vidian nerves (“VN”), and activating the at least one electrode to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, SPN, or VN. In a further embodiment of the invention used to treat the same conditions, the electrode used is capable of dispensing a medication solution or analgesic which is applied via an electrode to at least one of the SPG, SPN, or VN. A method is also provided for surgically implanting an electrode on or proximate to at least one of the SPG, SPN, or VN of a patient. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254148 | Telemetrically Controllable System for Treatment of Nervous Sytem Injury - An apparatus ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254149 | Synchronized Diagnostic Measurement for Cochlear Implants - Objective measurement of cochlear implant operation is described which coordinates the delivery to a patient of an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The acoustic signal is developed as an acoustic stimulation input to the ear canal of a patient, and the electrical signal is developed as an electrical stimulation input to intracochlear electrodes of a cochlear implant. The evoked response in the patient to the delivered signals is then measured. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254150 | Electrical Stimulation of the Acoustic Nerve with Coherent Fine Structure - A method of enhancing temporal cues in a cochlear implant system is presented. The cochlear implant system includes an electrode array in which each electrode is stimulated based on a stimulation sequence of pulses. The method includes deriving signal c(t) from an acoustic representative electrical signal, the signal c(t) including low frequency temporal information. An estimate of spectral energy e(t) is derived from the acoustic representative electrical signal, the signal e(t) including spectral information with substantially no pitch related temporal information. The stimulation sequence is created for at least one electrode in the array as a function of c(t) and e(t). | 2009-10-08 |
20090254151 | LEAD ANCHOR FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - A lead anchor includes a body with opposing first and second major surfaces and at least one edge surface between the first and second major surfaces. The body defines a first channel, a second channel, and a notch. The first channel extends from the edge surface of the body and is open at the first major surface. The second channel extends from the edge surface of the body and is open at the second major surface. The notch extends from the edge surface of the body, defines an opening from the first major surface through the body to the second major surface, and intersects the first channel and the second channel. The first channel, the second channel, and a portion of the notch define a passage through the body so that a lead can be inserted into the notch and turned to dispose a portion of the lead within the passage. The lead anchor can be part of a kit or system that also includes a lead. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254152 | ELECTRICAL LEAD FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUCH AS AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A lead for an electronic device which resists the induction of a current from an electromagnetic field external to said lead includes one or more pairs of adjacent segments of electrical wire, each of the pairs including a first segment of electrical wire and a second segment of electrical wire. The lead also includes one or more shielded RF chokes, wherein each of the shielded RF chokes is provided between the first segment of electrical wire and the second segment of electrical wire of a respective one of the one or more pairs of adjacent segments. Also, an implantable device that includes a generator for generating one or more electrical pulse and a lead as described for delivering the pulses to tissue within a patient's body. A method for making the described implantable device is also provided. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254153 | Horizontal sauna device - A horizontal sauna device mainly includes a controller used to command a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC). The controller has two using modes, a sleep mode and a sweat mode. The maximal power value of the sleep mode is designed with one that is not to make a user awaken by swelter. The sweat mode is allowed to run with a larger maximal power value but strictly limited within a certain period of using time. So, with the sleep mode, a user can comfortably sleep for a long period of time, and with the sweat mode, a user can be prevented from dehydrated as it is restricted in using time. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254154 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IRRADIATING A SURFACE WITH PULSED LIGHT - A method and apparatus irradiates a surface with at least one pulsed light beam emitted from an emission surface of an optical element. The at least one pulsed light beam comprises a plurality of pulses having a temporal pulsewidth in a range between about 0.1 millisecond and about 150 seconds. The at least one pulsed light beam has a beam cross-sectional area at the emission surface greater than about 2 cm | 2009-10-08 |
20090254155 | THERAPEUTIC EMITTER RETAINING DEVICE - A therapeutic device and related method of use are described. The device features a flexible member that includes one or more emitters of for example, electromagnetic radiation, thermal energy, magnetic fields, and/or electrical fields. The device can be readily attached and removed from a user's skin by sealingly contacting the flexible member upon a region of the user's body of interest to create a vacuum. The device may also impart other therapeutically beneficial results such as intensified blood circulation from formation of the vacuum along the user's skin, and can also be used for blood irradiation. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254156 | SKIN TREATMENT PHOTOTHERAPY DEVICE - A light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy device is disclosed. The phototherapy device may be used in the treatment of various skin conditions. The phototherapy device may include multi-color LEDs for emitting multiple wavelengths of light for skin treatment. Furthermore, the phototherapy device may include a control system that receives, from a user, an indication of the skin condition to be treated, and in response the phototherapy device provides the corresponding wavelengths, intensity levels, and time interval for treatment of the skin condition. The phototherapy device may comprise a clamshell structure, pen shape, facial mask, or desk lamp design. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254157 | METHOD FOR OPTIMISING FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF VEGETATIVE SYSTEMS OF AN ORGANISM AND A DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD - The invention relates to biology and to human and animal physiology. The inventive method for optimising functional status of vegetative systems of the human organism consists in exposing the biologically active areas of the human body to the action of microwave electromagnetic pulse by exposing each area to the radiation, the frequency of which is predetermined separately for each area or for several areas equivalent in linear dimensions, the constant mean energy-flux density of which is maintained during the entire session, which is amplitude modulated by a signal which is quasi-randomly variable in the range of 20 Hz-50 kHz and which is circularly polarized. The inventive device for carrying out said method comprises, in-series connected, a microwave frequency generator, a modulator in the form of a pulse generator of quasi-random signals, a radiating aerial in the form of a flat broadside array and a control unit connected to each above-listed units. The aerial is embodied in such a way that it is circularly polarized and the device is also provided with a dielectric spacer, the thickness of which is fixed, which is made of a material transparent for the operating bandwidth and which is placeable between the aerial and the radiation area. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254158 | COOLING DEVICE FOR LOCALLY ANESTHETIZING AN AREA ON THE SURFACE OF THE BODY - A cooling device for locally and superficially anesthetizing an area on the surface of the body comprising a coolant fluid contacting a cooler. The cooler is moistened by a disinfection fluid. The cooling device is held in a refrigerator till use, then allowed to warm up to operation temperature. Then, the cooler is applied to the area on the surface of the body. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254159 | Method and Device for Controlling the Temperature of Local Regions of a Patient's Body - Method and device are disclosed for controlling the temperature of local portions of a patient's body. The temperature of regions including the nails of fingers and or toes is controlled to be kept at a predetermined low level when the patient is undergoing chemotherapy. In at least one embodiment, the device for controlling the temperature includes a heat insulating body forming cavities for receiving therein the patient's fingers and/or toes, and passages in said body for flowing a coolant through regions in heat exchanging relation to said cavities receiving the nails of the patient's fingers or toes when inserted into the cavities. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254160 | Automated Temperature Contrast and Dynamic Pressure Modules for a Hot or Cold Wrap Therapy System - The present invention relates to a replaceable module for use with a thermal contrast therapy systems. The replaceable module may be an automated thermal contrast therapy module which includes a casing, a manual mixing valve, an automated mixing valve, an automated mixing valve actuator, a temperature sensor, and an interface. A cold and a hot fluid are mixed to generate a therapy fluid. The therapy fluid may be output to a therapy bladder. The second replaceable module is a compression therapy module which includes a casing, an air pump, a pneumatic solenoid, and a pressure monitor. The casing may include a pressurized air pathway including an air outlet. The pump may pressurize the air within the pathway, and the solenoid may regulate the air pressure using feedback from the pressure sensor. Additionally, a pressure relief valve may release pressure if it gets above a safety threshold. The compression therapy module may also include a fluid pathway. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254161 | METHOD FOR REDUCING MYOCARDIAL INFARCT BY APPLICATION OF INTRAVASCULAR HYPOTHERMIA - Methods and apparatus for preventing myocardial infarction, or lessening the size/severity of an evolving myocardial infarction, by cooling at least the affected area of the myocardium using an intravascular heat exchange catheter. The heat exchange catheter may be inserted into the vasculature (e.g., a vein) and advanced to a position wherein a heat exchanger on the catheter is located in or near the heart (e.g., within the vena cava near the patient's heart). Thereafter, the heat exchange catheter is used to cool the myocardium (or the entire body of the patient) to a temperature that effectively lessens the metabolic rate and/or oxygen consumption of the ischemic myocardial cells or otherwise protects the ischemic myocardium from undergoing irreversible damage or infarction. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254162 | Novel Medical Device Conductor Junctions - A method for making an elongate medical device includes coupling a conductive fitting to an elongate conductor and providing an opening through an insulative layer in proximity to the fitting in order to expose the fitting. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254163 | SECURING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE IN A PATIENT - An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes a stimulating lead assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating element positioned thereon. The stimulating lead assembly further has an expandable portion thereon configured to be inserted into said reference structure in a first dimension, expand to a second dimension, and interact with a portion of the reference structure to help longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254164 | ENERGIZED STENTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present disclosure relates to surgical systems including energized/energizable stents, and methods of using the same in the prevention of restenosis. A surgical system for treating a stenosis and/or a restenosis site s provided. The surgical system includes an electrosurgical generator; an energy transmitting conduit connectable to the electrosurgical generator; and a stent positionable in a body lumen at a site of a stenosis. The stent is fabricated from an electrically conductive material and adapted to electrically communicate with the electrosurgical generator, and the energy transmitting conduit delivers electrosurgical energy to the site of the stenosis. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254165 | Delivery Systems and Methods of Implantation for Prosthetic Heart Valves - A delivery system for delivering an implantable stented device to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a driver mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body, an elongated threaded rod located axially distal to the driver mechanism, and a sheath including an elongated tubular portion having a hollow interior portion with a first diameter that is sized for compression and retention of the implantable stented device in a compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254166 | INTERVENTIONAL CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS - An interventional catheter is adapted for treating a blood vessel. In an embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate shaft sized for insertion in a blood vessel and a stent positioned on a distal region of the elongate shaft. An expandable dilation member is coupled to a distal region of the elongate shaft. The expandable dilation member is adapted to expand outward. A stent containment member is positioned over the elongate shaft and the stent to contain the stent in a collapsed state. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254167 | BIFURCATED STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - An endovascular sleeve which can be utilized to navigate a pair of guidewires to a bifurcated body passageway such that, once in place, the guidewires are substantially untwisted or untangled. This greatly facilitates delivery of the bifurcated stent to the bifurcated artery. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254168 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL DEVICE - A system for delivery of a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient includes an introducer sheath, and a delivery assembly receivable within a passageway of the sheath. The delivery assembly comprises an inner tubular and an outer tubular member. At least a distal portion of the inner tubular member has a diameter such that the medical device is receivable thereover. The outer tubular member is generally coaxial with the inner tubular member, and has a length such that the outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to the inner tubular member distal portion. The outer tubular member has a first outer diameter at the proximal end and extends for a length of the outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point. The outer tubular member has a gradual inward taper in the distal direction from the boundary point to a second outer diameter, and has an abrupt outward taper in the distal direction from the second diameter to the first diameter. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254169 | DELIVERY CATHETER WITH CONSTRAINING SHEATH AND METHODS OF DEPLOYING MEDICAL DEVICES INTO A BODY LUMEN - A delivery catheter includes a constraining sheath coupled to a distal end of the catheter, and a medical device, such as an embolic protection device (EPD) or a stent, constrained by the sheath. A wire may extend proximally from the constraining sheath and be coupled thereto. A proximal pulling force on the wire causes the wire to tear the constraining sheath, thereby releasing the medical device from a constrained configuration to an expanded configuration. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254170 | Branch stent graft deployment and method - A deployment system for introducing stent grafts which have a side arm or into which a side arm can be deployed. For instance the stent graft can be deployed into the thoracic arch of a patient. The deployment system including an introducer ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254171 | ENHANCED PROPERTY METAL POLYMER COMPOSITE - The invention relates to a metal polymer composite having properties that are enhanced or increased in the composite. Such properties include color, magnetism, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, density, improved malleability and ductility and thermoplastic or injection molding properties. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254172 | SELF CLEANING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - The invention relates to medical devices, systems and methods for preventing the embolic material flowing about a junction of at least one branch blood vessel and another blood vessel from entering the other blood vessel. The device includes a self cleaning flexible filter and a frame. The external surface of the filter is configured to temporarily trap at least some of the embolic material flowing about the junction as a result of the blood inflow though the filter. The filter is also configured to expel the trapped embolic material into the other blood vessel. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254173 | Extendible stent apparatus - An expandable stent includes a tubular structure with an outer surface positionable adjacent to a vessel wall and an inner surface facing a lumen of a body passageway. The tubular structure further includes a plurality of expansion struts, connector struts and cells. The tubular structure has a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the tubular structure into the body passageway, and a second expanded and deformed diameter which is achieved upon the application of a radially, outwardly extending force. A plurality of cavities are formed in the outer surface of the stent. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254174 | Removable Covering for Implantable Frame Projections - The disclosure relates to medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections each having at least one edge extending from the surface of the frame, and a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material coated over at least a portion of the at least one edge. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation, thereby exposing the at least one edge. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254175 | Valved stent for chronic venous insufficiency - The invention discloses a valved stent and process of manufacture for treating chronic venous insufficiency having the geometry of the supporting frame and its coupling to the membrane of a specific geometry that provides the valvular mechanism for optimal function. The membrane may comprise a decellularized pericardial tissue via chemical treatment with cholic acid or bile salts and crosslinked. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254176 | VALVE PROSTHESIS FOR IMPLANTATION IN BODY CHANNELS - The present invention regards a valve prosthesis ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254177 | Method and Apparatuses for Deploying Minimally-Invasive Heart Valves - A system for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus includes a deployment mechanism that engages the valve and regulates the rate of expansion of both the proximal and distal ends thereof. The heart valve may be a rolled-type valve and the deployment mechanism may include a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers that engage the outer layer of the head valve. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the unwinding of the rolled heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment mechanism may include an umbrella structure that forces the rolled valve outward into its fully expanded configuration. Alternatively, a gear shaft that engages one or more gear tracks on the valve may be utilized to regulate expansion of the valve. A stabilization balloon may be used to axially and radially locate the deployment mechanism relative to the site of implantation. Methods of operation of the delivery and deployment mechanism include regulating the rate of self-expansion of the valve and forcing the valve outward into its fully expanded configuration utilizing the same or different means. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254178 | Heart Booster Pump With Magnetic Drive - A blood flow pump has a housing with an axis. The pump is mounted concentrically about the axis in the housing, defining a chamber. A pusher plate in the housing is concentric with the axis. The pusher plate is substantially non-rotatable relative to the housing and movable in forward directions along the axis. A pair of driven magnets are mounted to the pusher plate and offset from the axis. A pair of driving magnets are mounted to a support member that is driven by a drive shaft. The driving magnets are offset from the drive shaft so that when rotated, their magnetic fields pass through the magnetic fields of the driven magnets. The magnetic field are arranged to oppose each other, creating a repelling force to cause the pusher plate to push the pump element in a pressure stroke direction. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254179 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE IMPLANTS - The present invention involves a device and method capable of providing minimally invasive insertion of implants with saline, aqueous or other fluid fillers while preventing deflation and/or migration, as well as monitoring for leakage from, or leakage into, implants (such as breast implants, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, other inflatable devices and other related devices). The device described herein has the ability to be inserted minimally invasively and to sense and communicate the occurrence of loss of integrity in the shell of virtually any implant. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254180 | CUSTOMIZABLE VERTEBRAL REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLY SYSTEM - A customizable vertebral replacement assembly system and methods of using such a system to perform spinal fusions are described. The assembly generally includes a wall that encloses a hollow central core, a plurality of openings arranged in the wall that extend from the exterior or the assembly to the interior of the central core, and at least one stacking armature. The openings disposed in the surface of the wall both allow for the easy trimming and adjustment of the size and shape of the assembly and for bone to grow into the assembly once the spacer is installed in the body, which can help to secure the assembly in place, while the stacking armature allows for the facile interconnection of multiple assemblies. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254181 | Intervertebral spacers with side wall accessible interior cavity - Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254182 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT DEVICES FOR SUPPORTING VERTEBRAE AND DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INSERTION THEREOF - Implant devices for implantation within an intervertebral space are provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. Implant devices of the present invention include an implant body formed of a synthetic bone substitute material, such as a nanocrystalline calcium phosphate material. The implant body and the methods and tools used therewith are configured to optimize strength and stability of the implant, minimize areas of stress concentration in the implant body and promote bone growth through the implant body and fusion of the vertebra. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254183 | Spinal Arthroplasty Device and Method - An artificial spinal joint and methods for replacing at least a portion of a natural intervertebral disc are provided. In some embodiments, at least portions of facet joints are replaced along with the intervertebral disc. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254184 | Spinal Arthroplasty Device and Method - An artificial spinal joint and methods for replacing at least a portion of a natural intervertebral disc are provided. In some embodiments, at least portions of facet joints are replaced along with the intervertebral disc. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254185 | IMPLANT FOR THE TREATMENT OF LUMBAR SPINAL CANAL STENOSIS - Disclosed is an implant for treating lumbar spinal canal stenosis, comprising a spacer that is proved with an elongate interior space into which an insert part can be inserted. A first retaining element is fixed in the spacer in the inserted state. Said first retaining part can be folded apart by inserting the insert part while a second rear retaining element that is molded onto the insert part simultaneously comes to rest on the vertebral processes, thus making it possible to insert the implant unilaterally while reducing the rist of having to undergo possible postoperative interventions. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254186 | NUCLEAR IMPLANT - The nuclear implant according to this invention constitutes, between two overlying and underlying vertebrae Va, Vb of a spine segment Sr, an intervertebral support device that damps shock and ensures the mobility of the functional unit that is formed by the vertebrae of a vertebral column, whereby the nuclear implant includes a filling element ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254187 | Tightenable Surgical Retractor Joint - A tightenable joint for use in a surgical retractor system includes a monolithic, unitary joint body which has a top leg and a bottom leg. The top leg provides a top compression surface and the bottom leg provides a bottom compression surface operating on a ball. A handled cam is used between proximal ends of the top leg and the bottom leg. When the handle is thrown to tighten the joint, the proximal ends of the top leg and the bottom leg are driven apart by the cam, and a hinge or fulcrum portion on the joint body flexes between top and bottom leg portion such that the top compression surface and bottom compression surface tighten on the ball. The ball has flats that enable the ball to be positioned into the socket, and then an extension is fixed to the ball to prevent removal of the ball from the socket. The cam is defined with an eccentric surface relative to its pivot pin, which is received in an arcuate recess of a bearing plate. When the handle is thrown, the bearing plate slides relative to the joint body under the cam. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254188 | Articulating Surface Replacement Prosthesis - A prosthesis for attachment to the proximal humerus of a patient during a shoulder arthroplasty has a cup and a spacer. The cup has an articulation surface and an internal surface opposed to the articulation surface. At least a portion of the internal surface is concave. The spacer has a support surface and an opposed surface. The support surface is configured for intimate contact with the proximal humerus and the opposed surface is configured for assembly to the internal surface of the cup. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254189 | WRIST PROSTHESIS - A wrist replacement prosthesis includes a radial brace member to be secured to the radius bone, an ulna brace member to be secured to the ulna bone, and an articular member to be secured to the carpal bones. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254190 | System and method for trapezium bone replacement - A carpometacarpal joint replacement system for replacing the trapezium bone in the hand is provided. The system includes a trapezial implant for the carpometacarpal joint resulting in replacement of the carpal trapezium bone with a prosthesis having the same anatomical configuration as the trapezium bone. The implant device comprises a plurality of concave surfaces, with the plurality of concave surfaces articulating with the carpal and metacarpal bones. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254191 | Implant with composite coating - Systems and methods are described for implants with composite coatings to promote tissue in-growth and/or on-growth. An implant includes: a substrate; a structured surface formed on at least a portion of the substrate; and a biocompatible coating deposited on at least a fraction of the structured surface. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the implant has good biocompatibility while the biocompatible coating has good strength. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254192 | BONE FILLER AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - Provided are a bone filler for orthopedic and dental applications and a method of fabricating the same. The bone filler includes a pillar-like body having at least one through hole. In addition, the method of fabricating a bone filler includes preparing a slurry including a bioactive material, pressing the slurry to form a pillar-like body including at least one through hole, and calcining the body. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254193 | Medical Prosthesis Implant Casting Process - A method of casting a hollow hip prosthesis head comprises forming a wax pattern of a femoral head including two cores. The first is a central socket-forming core and the second a ceramic hollow-forming core. The wax pattern is coated with a ceramic slurry to form a shell in which core extensions are captivated. The wax is melted and evacuated and the shell is fired to form a mould. Metal is cast and, when cool, the shell and cores are removed and each aperture formed in the head by the hollow-forming core is sealed. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254194 | Phase-and sedimentation-stable, plastically deformable preparation with intrinsic pore forming, intended for example for filling bone defects or for use as bone substitute material, and method of producing it - The invention relates to a phase and sedimentation-stable, plastically deformable preparation with intrinsic pore formation that can be used for instance for filling bone defects and for augmentation, and also relates to a method for producing and using same. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254195 | SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING CARDIAC FUNCTION BY SEALING A PARTITIONING MEMBRANE WITHIN A VENTRICLE - Partitioning devices that may be secured and sealed within a heart chamber for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion are described herein. The partitioning devices described herein may include a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members. The reinforced membrane may have a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane. These devices may be secured within the heart chamber by sealing them to the wall of the heart chamber, for example, by inflating an inflatable element on the periphery of the device. The non-productive portion may be filled with a material, including occlusive materials. Sealing and/or filling the non-productive portion formed by the devices described herein may help prevent leakage from the non-productive region. Also described herein are systems including these devices and methods of using them, which may be suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254196 | INDIRECT SKELETAL COUPLING & DYNAMIC CONTROL OF PROSTHESIS - Provided is a prosthesis system for indirectly coupling a prosthesis to the skeletal structure of a person. The system includes a plurality of individual magnets and magnet sets attached to a prosthetic socket of a prosthetic device. The magnets may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. A second plurality of magnets is embedded within a residual limb of a person, mounted to or within a sub-dermal strut. In operation, the magnetic fields generated by the magnets of the prosthetic socket, which may be dynamic magnetic fields, interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets anchored beneath the skin of the person, to hold the prosthetic device in position during use. A power supply provides current to any electromagnets, and a controller alters any required magnetic fields based on input received from both load and position sensors in the sub-dermal strut. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254197 | Systems and methods for peer-to-peer control using an input/output network | 2009-10-08 |
20090254198 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISCRETE OR CONTINUOUS SUPPLY CHAIN CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION USING STOCHASTIC CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS APPROACH - A system includes a first controller configured to monitor processes associated with a process facility and to generate control data for optimizing the process facility. The system also includes a second controller configured to use stochastic calculus of variations calculations to modify at least a portion of the control data and provide one of (i) continuous supply chain control and optimization for the process facility and (ii) discrete supply chain control and optimization for the process facility. The system further includes third controllers configured to operate in accordance with the control data to control the processes and to optimize the process facility. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254199 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT INTEGRATE RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) TECHNOLOGY WITH AGENT-BASED CONTROL SYSTEMS - The subject invention relates to systems and methods that distribute electronic data, such as Electronic Product Code (EPC) data, obtained from RFID tags by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and/or servers to agents within an agent-based control system. The systems and methods employ a component that collects, filters, processes, and stores electronic product data. The component collects electronic product data through corresponding reader and/or server interfaces. This data can be filtered to accept particular electronic product data, processed to a format suitable to the agents, and stored. Such storage can include delineating the electronic product data across rows of a table by electronic product code and across columns of the table by various types of data. Upon receiving a subscription and/or request from an agent for electronic product data, the component can obtain and convey the information to the agent. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254200 | Method for monitoring control devices - A method for carrying out a control device monitoring, a program flow control being implemented for at least one event-synchronous process in the control device monitoring. The monitoring module is developed for carrying out a control device monitoring, A program flow control is implemented for at least one event-synchronous process in the control device monitoring. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254201 | METHOD AND USER INTERFACE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A MEDICAL EXAMINATION - In a method for the implementation of a medical examination via the user interface of at least one imaging device, parameter values in a group of measurement parameters are determined, and are entered via an input device of the user interface. Spatially resolved image information are generated by the at least one imaging device depending on the group of measurement parameters, and the image information is stored on a storage medium. The image information are presented as a data symbol on a screen of the user interface. In order to present the parameters and dependencies to enable a more efficient work process, each measurement parameter of the group of measurement parameters is respectively presented on the screen in a measurement parameter cell of a matrix with multiple rows and multiple columns. The measurement parameters can be contained at least in part in multiple measurement parameter cells. The presentation size of the multiple columns of the matrix depends on their distance from the pointer symbol on the screen. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254202 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF OPTIMAL MULTIVARIABLE MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROLLERS FOR FAST-SAMPLING CONSTRAINED DYNAMIC SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for the design and implementation of optimal multivariable MPC controllers for fast-sampling constrained dynamic systems utilizing a primal-dual feasibility approach and/or a graph approach. The primal-dual feasibility approach can compute and store matrices defining constraints of quadratic programming problems in an off-line part in order to calculate vectors of Lagrange multipliers and an optimizer. Then primal-dual feasibility can be checked in an on-line part using the Lagrange multipliers and the optimizer can provide a unique optimal solution for the constrained dynamic system. The graph approach can compute and store the matrices and the vectors, and also prepare and store a structure of directed graph in off-line part. An optimizer for a given parameter vector can be determined in on-line part using the directed graph, the matrices and the vectors. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254203 | Method of configuring power tool electronics in a hand-held power tool - A method of configuring power tool electronics in a hand-held power tool ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254204 | Waggle weight and other preparatory period equimpent measurements - A pre-swing waggle weight rotation point location and a waggle weight specification measurement are disclosed that are provided about a golf club. A process that may be computer implemented and may include a specialized test device establishes the waggle weight point location. A waggle weight scale with a fulcrum set to the waggle weight point may be utilized to determine the waggle weight. Disclosed is fitting the waggle weight specification to at least one golfer and producing golf clubs with the waggle weight measurement. Also disclosed is fitting other golf club specifications via a pre-swing and producing golf clubs with said specifications. Fitting equipment measurements during preparatory periods of performers in activities other than golf and producing equipment utilizing the determined measurements is additionally disclosed. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254205 | SEAMLESS SWITCH BETWEEN LOWER AND HIGHER QUALITY AUDIO STREAMS - A method of switching seamlessly at a receiving end is provided for converting a lower quality digital signal to a higher quality digital signal by initiating a real-time sound reconstruction and restoration process on the lower quality signal. The conversion occurs without interruption of the signal and without re-opening a connection to the signal provider. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254206 | System and method for composing individualized music - A system, apparatus, and method for generating audio information based upon information corresponding to a user. The system including one or more controllers which input user information, form one or more streams of information based upon the user information, create a pattern in accordance with the user information, and generate audio information based upon the pattern. Further, the one or more controllers can optionally communicate with each other using wired or wireless (e.g., a cellular) networking systems. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254207 | DISPLAY CARD FOR CUSTOM-MANUFACTURED ITEM AND METHOD - A system and method allows a consumer to custom-order an item, such as footwear. The system is capable of accepting a designation for the design of the item by a consumer wherein the item is custom-manufactured according to designation of a characteristic made by the consumer. A display card is associated with the system and has a card member having indicia thereon. The indicia correspond to the designation of the characteristic provided by the consumer. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254208 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING TOOL ERRORS TO STOP A PROCESS RECIPE FOR A SINGLE CHAMBER - A method for detecting tool errors to stop a process recipe for a single chamber is disclosed. When a recipe error for one of chamber of a process tool is detected, only the chamber with the recipe error is terminated and other chambers are allowed to proceed with their recipe processes for preventing excursions. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254209 | PATH MAPPING METHOD AFTER OPTICAL DEFECT DETECTION - A path mapping method after an optical defect detection is provided. The path mapping method after an optical defect detection includes steps of providing an article, detecting at least two defects on the article, providing a numerical operation model and obtaining a mapped path for connecting the at least two defects by using the numerical operation model. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254210 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOVEMENT CONTROL - A system for controlling object movement on a machine. The system controls a speed of a working point of the machine according to a dynamic decay speed determined through an exponential function after the working point passes by a buffer distance. A related method and storage medium with instructions for performance of the method also provided. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254211 | Device for adjusting the position of tools in an automatic lathe - The invention relates to a device for adjusting the position of cutting tools ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254212 | BULK FLATS INDUCTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and system for transferring flats mail from palletized bundles into a flats sorting system. The bundles are loaded into a system in which they are scanned for delivery zone information. The bundles are transported to a tray loading station based on delivery zone. The flats mail is unbundled and placed into system trays at the tray loading stations. The system trays are then transported to a flats sorting system. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254213 | Mounting device for a chip component - The present invention provides a mounting device for a chip component, allowing short operating time for mounting a chip component after cutting, and capable of reliably mounting only an undamaged, non-defective chip component. The mounting device comprises carriers | 2009-10-08 |
20090254214 | VIAL DISPENSING MECHANISM - A vial dispensing mechanism for dispensing oblong or other non-cylindrical shaped vials. The vial dispensing mechanism includes at least one spirally-disposed guide wall that defines a vial delivery chute for guiding a plurality of vials; a rotatable platter positioned below the guide wall; a motor coupled with the rotatable platter; and a control system for selectively directing the motor to rotate the platter in a first direction to load the vials into the vial dispensing mechanism or in a second direction to dispense the vials from the vial dispensing mechanism. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254215 | Programmed dispensing of consumable compositions - Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254216 | Mobile robot control system - In a mobile robot control system, it is configured to input at least one of the desired position and orientation of the robot at a time when the robot reaches the desired position by manipulation of the operator, to control the motion of the robot based on the inputted desired position and orientation, and to display a first image indicative of the inputted desired position and orientation by numeric values or language including at least the numeric values and a second image indicative of the inputted desired position and orientation by graphics on a display. With this, the operator can check the desired position and orientation of the robot with both of the numeric values and graphics. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the operator from manipulating erroneously and operate the robot to be moved or turned as desired by the operator. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254217 | Robotics Systems - A method of controlling a robot includes running multiple applications on a processor, where each application has a robot controller and an action selection engine. Each application is in communication with at least one behavior and at least one action model of at least part of the robot. The method includes running periodic action selection cycles on each action selection engine. Each action selection cycle includes selecting a command for each action space of each action model, generating a single overall command based on the accumulated commands for each action model, and sending the overall command to the robot controller for execution on the robot. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254218 | ROBOT CONFINEMENT - A robot lawmnower includes a body, a drive system carried by the body, at least one caster wheel supporting the body, a grass cutter carried by the body, a controller in communication with the drive system, and a bump sensor in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to maneuver the robot to turn in place and to redirect the robot in response to the bump sensor sensing contact with an obstacle. The drive system is configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn and includes differentially driven right and left drive wheels positioned rearward of a transverse center axis defined by the body. The at least one caster wheel is positioned substantially forward of the right and left drive wheels, and the grass cutter is positioned at least partially forward of the right and left drive wheels and at least partially behind the at least one caster wheel. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254219 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING IMPROVED WIPER OPERATION - Methods and an apparatus are provided for controlling a wiper system of a type that can operate in an automatic mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated automatically and in a manual mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated by a user, the wiper system including at least one wiper configured to move across a surface of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a motor coupled to the at least one wiper for moving the at least one wiper across the surface and a processor in operable communication with the motor. The processor is configured to detect when the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and return the at least one wiper to a predetermined position, and deactivate the wiper system, if the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and the vehicle is turned off. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254220 | Refrigerator and control method thereof - A refrigerator capable of supercooling a target object and a control method thereof are provided. The refrigerator includes a temperature sensor which senses a temperature of the target object in the cooling compartment, wherein the temperature sensor is prevented from being in contact with ambient cool air and is installed on a bottom surface on which the target object is placed so as to sense only the temperature of the target object. Further, the control method includes sensing a temperature of the target object at each interval of a specified time Δt, calculating a difference between two temperatures sensed at specified time intervals, and comparing the difference between two temperatures with a predetermined reference value ΔTc to determine the supercooled state of the target object. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254221 | REFRIGERATOR DISPENSER CONTROL TECHNOLOGY - Refrigerator dispenser control technology, in which user input related to moving a dispensing unit between a received position and a dispensing position is received and it is detected whether a dispensing unit is oriented in the received position or the dispensing position. The dispensing unit is driven based on the user input and the detection of whether the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position or the dispensing position. The dispensing unit may be driven from the received position to the dispensing position based on detecting that the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The dispensing unit also may be from the dispensing position to the received position based on detecting that the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254222 | AUTOMATED SHADE CONTROL RELECTANCE MODULE - Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254223 | Method For Operating A Wind Turbine Connected To A Utility Grid During A Utility Disturbance, Wind Turbine And Wind Park - The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine connected to a utility grid during a utility grid disturbance. The method comprises the steps of controlling active current in dependency of the frequency deviation from a reference frequency, and controlling reactive current in dependency of the voltage deviation from a reference voltage. The invention also relates to a wind turbine and wind park. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254224 | Multiprotocol Wind Turbine System And Method - A wind turbine includes at least two communication protocol handlers (PH), the protocol handlers (PH) generating and interpreting SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) related data according to an associated communication protocol. The at least two protocol handlers (PH) are associated to different communication protocols. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254225 | Enterprise Energy Automation - The preferred embodiments described herein relate to enterprise energy automation. In one preferred embodiment, a method for enterprise energy automation is provided. In another preferred embodiment, a method for delivering ancillary services to an energy supply and delivery system by a group of buildings is provided. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method for integrating an energy automation system is provided. Other preferred embodiments are also provided. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254226 | TEMPERATURE SETTING METHOD OF HEAT PROCESSING PLATE, TEMPERATURE SETTING APPARATUS OF HEAT PROCESSING PLATE, PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM THEREON - An object of the present invention is to perform temperature setting of a heating plate so that a wafer is uniformly heated in an actual heat processing time. The temperature of a wafer is measured during a heat processing period from immediately after a temperature measuring wafer is mounted on the heating plate to the time when the actual heat processing time elapses. Whether the uniformity in temperature within the wafer is allowable or not is determined from the temperature of the wafer in the heat processing period, and if the determination result is negative, a correction value for a temperature setting parameter of the heating plate is calculated using a correction value calculation model from the measurement result, and the temperature setting parameter is changed. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254227 | MRI SYSTEM EMPLOYING SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET AND ITS MAINTENANCE METHOD - There is provided an MRI system in which magnetostatic field can be stably generated by keeping the cooling capacity of a cryocooler in a proper range. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using a superconducting magnet ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254228 | CONVERSION OF SOLAR ENERGY TO ELECTRICAL AND/OR HEAT ENERGY - A parabolic primary mirror ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254229 | CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD AND UNMANNED HELICOPTER HAVING THE SAME - A control method comprises calculating a target value for at least one of a plurality of control parameters of a control target. The method also comprises performing feedback control of the control target in order for a value of a first of the control parameters to be set closer to its target value, and adjusting a target value of a second of the control parameters based at least in part on a deviation between the target value and a current value of at least one of the other control parameter. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254230 | Distributed active vibration control systems and rotary wing aircraft with suppressed vibrations - An aircraft with at least one rotating machine creating troublesome vibrations, the aircraft comprised of an aerostructure, the aircraft including:
| 2009-10-08 |
20090254231 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING AND PREPARING THE SAND SUPPLY IN A SAND TANK OF SAND SCATTERING DEVICES IN VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR RAIL VEHICLES - A method, and an apparatus, for monitoring the sand supply in a sand tank ( | 2009-10-08 |
20090254232 | Vehicle and Method for Drive Control in a Vehicle - A vehicle, including two controllable electrical drives, which are capable of being operated in mutual dependence, the rotational speed and the torque of a first drive, in particular a master drive. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254233 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE OPERATION INCORPORATING QUICK CLEARING FUNCTION - A method for operating a train includes: (a) using a processor carried by the train, creating a trip profile which is computed at so as to substantially optimize an operating parameter of the train which depends on multiple operating variables; (b) operating the train along a route at speeds determined by the trip profile; (c) identifying a target location ahead of the train which cannot be cleared in a desired time if the train operates in accordance with the trip profile; and (d) operating the train at a clearing speed substantially faster than determined by the trip profile until the target location is cleared. A computer program product is provided for carrying out the method. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254234 | Fuel cell vehicle - The present invention provides a fuel cell vehicle capable of displaying information with high usability to a driver or the like in view of appropriately planning a task related to the fuel cell vehicle. A second indicator (I | 2009-10-08 |
20090254235 | Object recognition system for autonomous mobile body - The present invention provides an object recognition system for an autonomous mobile body. The object recognition system includes a sensor unit for detecting an obstacle in a target field of view and measuring the position of the obstacle, and an electronic control unit for controlling movement of the autonomous mobile body. The electronic control unit performs the functions of determining a velocity and a travel direction of the obstacle based on changes in the position of the obstacle obtained from the sensor unit over a plurality of measurement cycles, determining a still state of the obstacle, detecting that the obstacle has changed behavior if a current measured value of position of the obstacle deviates a predetermined angle from the previously measured travel direction or if it determined that the obstacle is standing still, and calculating, when a change in the behavior of the obstacle is detected, the velocity and travel direction of the obstacle anew starting at the position where the change has been detected. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254236 | System and method for image mapping and visual attention - A method is described for mapping dense sensory data to a Sensory Ego Sphere (SES). Methods are also described for finding and ranking areas of interest in the images that form a complete visual scene on an SES. Further, attentional processing of image data is best done by performing attentional processing on individual full-size images from the image sequence, mapping each attentional location to the nearest node, and then summing all attentional locations at each node. More information is available through this method since attentional processing is repeatedly done on each image in the sequence. An attentional point that has persisted in several adjacent images will have a higher activation value and, therefore, will be deemed more salient than an attentional point found in only one image. Therefore, the confidence that a location deemed salient by this method is an actual salient feature is greater than with the alternative processing methods in which attentional processing is performed only once on the image reconstructed from the foveal windows posted on the SES. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254237 | Apparatus for failure diagnosis of a vehicular foot brake switch - An apparatus for failure diagnosis starts counting a frequency of a switching action of a foot brake switch when determining that vehicle speed is higher than a first criterion value, and ceases to count the frequency of the switching action when determining that the vehicle speed has decreased below a second criterion value set to be lower than the first criterion value. When the frequency of the switching action counted by a count section is less than a predetermined value, the apparatus for failure diagnosis determines that the foot brake switch has a failure. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254238 | IMPACT DETECTION ARRANGEMENT - An impact detection arrangement for a vehicle has at least one pressure body in a side door region of the motor vehicle. The at least one pressure body is connected to a pressure sensor via a connecting line. Additionally, the at least one pressure body is provided in an impact region that is relevant to a fixed pole side crash test, and is adapted to this region. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254239 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE CODE FOR DETECTING A PHYSICAL DEFECT ALONG A MISSION ROUTE - A route defect detection system for a powered system, the route defect detection system including a control system connected to the powered system for application of tractive effort, and a processor to determine an unplanned change in the application of tractive effort and/or otherwise associated with the tractive effort of the powered system. Based on the unplanned change, the processor determines a type of defect encountered along a mission route. A method and computer software code stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor are also disclosed for a powered system to detect a defect along a mission route. | 2009-10-08 |
20090254240 | VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system that enables a fleet of vehicles to be maintained is provided. The disclosed system allows a fleet operator to review the history of the vehicles in the fleet along with vehicle sensor data to identify earmarks in the vehicle sensor data that are predictive of faults that the vehicles have experienced. The operator develops statistical algorithms that can detect an earmark in vehicle sensor data. The system then collects vehicle sensor data and applies the statistical algorithms the vehicle data to determine if a potential fault is going to occur in a vehicle. In response to determining that a potential fault is going to occur, the disclosed system automatically alerts the vehicle driver, automatically schedule a maintenance visit, automatically check the fleet inventory for components required for a maintenance visit and order unavailable components, and automatically dispatch the components to the mechanic. | 2009-10-08 |