43rd week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140316462 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ANNULUS REPAIR SYSTEM AND BONE ANCHOR DELIVERY TOOL - An intervertebral disc repair system comprises an implant and a delivery tool configured to deploy the implant at least partially in a vertebral body of a patient. The implant includes an anchor member and an adjustable suture assembly coupled thereto. The delivery tool includes a proximal handle, an outer tubular member extending distally from the handle, a needle cannula slidably received within the outer tubular member having a sharpened tip for penetrating tissue (e.g., the vertebral body), an inner pusher member slidably received within the needle cannula, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the handle for selectively retracting the needle cannula relative to the outer tubular member and the inner pusher member. At least the anchor member of the implant is releasably received within the needle cannula. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316463 | LIGAMENT SCREW ATTACHMENT DEVICE - A bone block assembly including a bone block having a proximal end, a distal end, a central axis defined therethrough, and a hole formed therethrough, and a threaded screw having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first eyelet formed on the proximal end of the threaded screw, the threaded screw configured to be received within the hole of the bone block. The first eyelet of the threaded screw is, at least partially, exposed on the proximal end of the bone block when the threaded screw is fully engaged with the bone block. The first eyelet of the threaded screw is configured to receive a suture. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316464 | DISSOLVABLE SUCK TRAINING DEVICE - A device placeable over a nipple and shaped for easy latching. Sucking on the device draws the nipple inside the device to shape the nipple and draw it into the infant's mouth. The device then dissolves leaving the infant's mouth in direct contact with the nipple. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316465 | "Apparatus and Method For Spinal And/or Neck Decompression" - A device for relieving back and/or neck pain of a seated user through spinal decompression includes a frame, a seat base connected to the frame, and a seat back connected to the frame. The seat base has a front portion and a rear portion, with the seat back extending from the rear portion of the seat base. At least one of the seat base and the seat back is movable relative to the other of the seat base and the seat back to increase a distance between the seat base and the seat back to decompress a spine of the seated user. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316466 | INTERSPINOUS IMPLANT AND INSTRUMENT FOR IMPLANTING AN INTERSPINOUS IMPLANT - The present invention relates to an interspinous implant ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316467 | BONY STRUCTURE FIXATION CLAMP - A clamp comprises a first structure configured to exert force on a first bony structure at a first point of contact, a second structure configured to exert force on a second bony structure at a second point of contact, a spacer pivot positionable between the first and second bony structures and comprising a pivot point offset in an anterior (or posterior) direction relative to a line between the first and second points of contact when (i) the first structure is deployed to engage the first bony structure and (ii) the second structure is deployed to engage the second bony structure. The clamp may include a clamping structure, adjusting a distance between the first and second structures, and preferably also connecting the spacer pivot. The deployed spacer pivot is operatively connected to the first and second structures when the first and second structures are deployed. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316468 | CROSS CONNECTOR SYSTEM - The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A cross connector system for use during a spinal fixation procedure is provided. The system includes at least one bridge defining a coupling bore and having a pair of downwardly extending arms for coupling to a first bone engaging member. The system includes a contoured bar having a first end offset from a second end, and a bore having a central axis. The system includes an expansion ring received within the bore, and a locking device received through the expansion ring and the coupling bore. The locking device is operable in a first state in which the contoured bar is movable about the central axis of the bore and in a second state in which the contoured bar fixed relative to the central axis of the bore. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316469 | ROD-SHAPED IMPLANT ELEMENT WITH FLEXIBLE SECTION - A rod-shaped implant element for the connection of bone anchoring elements includes at least one rigid section that is configured to be placed in a receiver member of a bone anchoring element and a flexible section that is adjacent to the rigid section. The flexible section and the rigid section are formed as a continuous one-piece element. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316470 | COMPRESSION BRACE - A surgical device for pressing and retaining adjacent bones against one another comprising a compression brace and separate fasteners. The compression brace has at least two fastener retaining portions. Each fastener retaining portion has a fastener hole therethrough for receiving a fastener, such as a screw or pin. A pair of bridge members are positioned between the fastener retaining portions, and are spaced apart from one another to form a compression opening. The compression bracket can include a plurality of fastener retaining portions and a plurality of compression openings. In some embodiments, the fasteners are maintained in a substantially fixed relation with the fastener retaining portion. The brace is installed on adjacent bones such that a fastener engages each bone. The compression opening is spread apart to draw the fasteners toward one another, and thereby compress the adjacent bones together. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316471 | Bone Repair System and Method - A bone repair system and method for percutaneously fixing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, such as rib bone segments, in a body of a patient include drilling a first hole through the first bone segment and a second hole through the second bone segment, and feeding a first tether through the first hole and a second tether through the second hole, each tether having a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second tether distal ends are withdrawn from the body while the first and second tether proximal ends have not passed through the first and second bone segments, respectively. A reinforcing member, such as a bone plate, having first and second openings, is passed onto the first and second tether distal ends, and the reinforcing member is pulled into engagement with the first and second bone segments guided by the tethers. The reinforcing member is secured to the first bone segment with a first fastener assembly through the first hole and the first opening and to the second bone segment with a second fastener assembly through the second hole and the second opening to fix the first bone segment to the second bone segment. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316472 | Low-Profile, High Tension Mesh Plate for Subcutaneous Fracture Fixation - A fixation device and method for the subcutaneous fixation of bone fragments. A fixation mesh is formed by the intersection of a plurality of linear legs that are interconnected in sagittal planes to form linear sagittal lines and a plurality of crimped legs that are interconnected in transverse planes to form transverse lines. The mesh resists expansive forces that are created in the linear sagittal lines and a compressive stress is created in the transverse lines when tensile loads are applied to the linear sagittal lines resulting in a device that minimizes the gap distance between bone fragments. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316473 | BONE PLATE - The invention relates to a bone plate ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316474 | Interphalangeal Joint Implant Methods - A method and apparatus for correcting malformed joints, in particular the “hammer toe” contraction of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The disclosure comprises a two-component implant: a proximal phalanx component and a middle phalanx component. An endosseous stem on each component is inserted axially into the end of a respective host bone and, after insertion, the components are attached. The attached components are held together in various ways, for example a detent arm/aperture mechanism. Each component can be cannulated to allow for the passage of a kirschner wire, if necessary, to stabilize adjacent joints such as the proximal interphalangeal joint. The bones of the treated joint can be set to form a desired angle by adjusting the angle formed by the corresponding endosseous stems. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316475 | SPINAL DEFORMITY CORRECTION INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS - An instrument for correction of spinal deformities includes an inner member with a proximal portion configured to receive a corrective force and a distal coupling portion configured to transfer the corrective force to a spinal implant in a vertebra. A slot extends transversely through the coupling portion and is configured to guide a fixation rod into the spinal implant. A threaded sleeve includes an external thread and a thru-bore that slides relative to the proximal portion. An outer member couples with the proximal portion and threadably engages the external thread to apply a reduction force as the outer member rotates relative to the inner member. A reduction blade includes a proximal interlocking portion that removably couples with the threaded sleeve and a distal rod engagement feature configured to engage the fixation rod and transfer the reduction force to reduce the fixation rod into the spinal implant. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316476 | Method for Using a Guard for Creating a Socket Posteriorly in the Lumbar Spine - A method for guiding a bone removal device to form a socket in the human spine and for inserting a cortical bone implant into the socket. The method includes placing a guard against the posterior aspect of the spine, the guard having a passage therethrough, inserting the bone removal device into the passage, removing a portion of a facet joint with the bone removal device to create the socket having a maximum height, and inserting the cortical bone implant into the socket. The cortical bone implant has a leading end, a trailing end, a mid-longitudinal axis through the ends, and a height transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis, the height of the cortical bone implant being greater than the maximum height of the socket. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316477 | INSERTION INSTRUMENT FOR INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANTS - An insertion tool for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end and a distal end, a T-handle secured to the proximal end and a pair of alignment rails extending to the distal end. The insertion tool includes a handle secured to the proximal end of the guide rails, and a shaft that extends through the handle, whereby the shaft has a threaded portion that extends to the T-handle. The insertion tool also includes a blocker that is secured to the distal end of the shaft. The blocker includes stop arms that guide the blocker through the guide rails and toward the distal end of the shaft. The blocker may be provided in a plurality of different sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants to be inserted into a disc space. A lock is provided for locking the implant to the shaft. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316478 | SYSTEMS FOR REGULATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE - A method and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired blood pressure and/or heart rate in a subject comprising applying an electrical treatment signal, wherein the electrical treatment signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses, or in some embodiments, to augment nerve impulses. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316479 | Implantable Medical Device - An implantable medical device includes an actuator and/or sensor portion to be fixed to bodily tissue by means of a fixation mechanism, to act on the tissue and/or to detect a signal from the tissue, wherein at least one detector element, preferably a plurality of detector elements, adapted for detecting the close proximity of bodily tissue, is arranged on the actuator and/or sensor portion of the device, and an output of the or each detector element being connected or connectable to a detection signal evaluation unit for deriving a fixation state verification from detection signals provided by the or each detector element. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316480 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH RESPONSIVE VASCULAR AND CARDIAC CONTROLLERS - Exemplary methods are described for providing responsive vascular control with or without cardiac pacing. An implantable device with responsive vascular and cardiac controllers interprets physiological conditions and responds with an appropriate degree of vascular therapy applied as electrical pulses to a sympathetic nerve. In one implementation, an implantable device is programmed to deliver the vascular therapy in response to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. The device may stimulate the greater splanchnic nerve, to effect therapeutic vasoconstriction. The vascular therapy is dynamically adjusted as the condition improves. In one implementation to benefit impaired physical mobility, vascular therapy comprises vasoconstriction and is timed to coincide with a recurring segment of the cardiac cycle. The vasoconstriction assists circulation and venous return in the lower limbs of inactive and bedridden individuals. In various implementations, cardiac pacing therapy that is synergistic with the vascular therapy may be added to augment treatment. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316481 | PROGRAMMER FOR CARDIAC IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES, HAVING AN ACCELERATED TEST MODE OF THE PARAMETERS - A programmer for cardiac implantable medical devices, including an accelerated test mode of the operating parameters. The programmer includes a user interface that is used to define the tests to be performed on the implant and display the results thereof. These tests includes: ventricular and atrial sensing sensitivity, ventricular and atrial lead impedance, and ventricular and atrial capture threshold. Each test step involves (i) a predetermined setting of the operating mode, pacing rate and atrio-ventricular delay of the implantable device, (ii) collection of the operating data of the implantable device according to said predetermined settings, and (iii) processing and display of thus collected data. There further exists one test step of time compression along which at least some of the ventricular and atrial tests for a same parameter are executed simultaneously during a common step, preferably the tests of sensing sensitivity and lead impedance. The user interface allows for a preliminary selection of the tests to be performed, and the programmer is operated to execute these tests, linked in sequence, without any intervention by the user. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316482 | MEDICAL IMPLANT HAVING A CONDUCTIVE COATING - A coated medical implant and associated method are disclosed. The coated medical implant can include a metallic outer surface. An intermediary layer can be coated on at least a portion of the metallic outer surface. A polyethylene glycol (PEG) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) can be formed on at least a portion of the intermediary layer. The SAM can be configured to be substantially hypoallergenic or conductive. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316483 | Plurality of Electrons for Use in the Restoration of a Patient's Health - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-invasive stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair-system using a plurality of electrons. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health in a number of medical conditions. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treatment using a plurality of electrons for use in the restoration of a patient's health, preferably a human patient's health. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of stimulatory adjustment of the body's own self-repair system using a plurality of electrons. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316485 | NASAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316486 | VAGAL STIMULATION - The disclosure herein relates generally to methods for treating heart conditions using vagal stimulation, and further to systems and devices for performing such treatment. Such methods may include monitoring physiological parameters of a patient, detecting cardiac conditions, and delivering vagal stimulation (e.g., electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve or neurons having parasympathetic function) to the patient to treat the detected cardiac conditions. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316487 | VAGAL NERVE STIMULATOR WITH MODE SWITCHING - Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least electrode, stimulation circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide at least one neural stimulation therapy to at least one neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode, sensing circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide a sensed signal, and a controller connected to the stimulation circuitry to provide the at least one neural stimulation therapy and to the sensing circuitry to receive the sensed signal. In response to a triggering event, the controller is adapted to switch between at least two modes. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316488 | NEURAL STIMULATION MODULATION BASED ON MONITORED CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETER - An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316489 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICES USING CACHED PLUG-IN SOFTWARE DRIVERS - A system for programming a plurality of different models, or generations, of neurostimulation devices includes a plurality of plug in software drivers stored on a hard drive of the system, wherein the plurality of plug-in software drivers are respectively configured for facilitating communication between the plurality of different models of neurostimulation devices and the system processor via a transceiver. In a method of programming a plurality of different models of neurostimulation devices, the system processor dynamically identifies the model of an interrogated neurostimulator and determines which plug-in software driver to use for programming the interrogated neurostimulator. The plug-in software drivers are cached into memory upon start-up of the system. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316490 | ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE WITH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - An active implantable medical device includes a VNS pulse bursts generator for stimulation of the vagus nerve according to several selectable configurations. The device may further include a sensor of the current activity level of the patient. The generator is controlled on the activity signal via a classifier determining the of class the current level of activity among a plurality of classes of activity. A controller selects a configuration of VNS therapy depending on the class of activity thus determined. Limits of the activity classes are dynamically changeable by a calibration module that conducts a historical analysis of the successive current activity levels over a predetermined analysis period. The calibration module can prepare a histogram of the historical analysis, and can define the limits of the activity classes depending on the outcome of the historical analysis and the histogram. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316491 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING PHOTOSENSITIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY - The present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing photosensitivity induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The compositions and methods of the present method employ porphyrin complexing molecules as agents for reducing photosensitivity. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316492 | LED PHOTOTHERAPY APPARATUS FOR SKIN - Disclosed therein is an LED phototherapy apparatus for skin including: a support part on which a user lies with the back of the head; a rotation part rotatably hinge-coupled to the support part, the rotation part having a space for accommodating the user's head; a light emitting member formed inside the rotation part; and a control circuit part adapted for supplying electric power to the light emitting member and controlling light intensity and irradiation time. The LED phototherapy apparatus can be utilized as a pillow enabling a user to take sleep on the pillow and irradiate light of wavelength helpful to the skin of the face, the scalp or the neck in the user's sleep so as to provide skin improvement and treatment effects. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316493 | Lumbar Cryotherapy Belt with Access Window - The present invention comprises a cryo therapy system suitable for use on a patient's lumbar area. A belt is provided with a front closure and a posterior window. The belt is looped around the patient's abdomen, with the posterior window lying over the lumbar spine. The front closure is secured using VELCRO fasteners. A pocket is preferably provided on each end of the belt. The pockets allow the user to more easily apply and tighten the belt. A cover panel is provided to selectively cover and close the posterior window in the belt. The cover panel includes an inward facing surface which is at least partially covered in loop material. One or more cold packs are provided. Each cold pack includes a hook panel configured to engage the loop material on the inward facing surface of the cover panel. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316494 | CONFORMABLE HEATING BLANKET - Embodiments include a heating blanket. The heating blanket may include a heating element and a shell covering the heating element. The heating element has elastic properties and is disposed in the shape of a sheet. The shell may have one or more sheets of polymeric material bonded together adjacent a perimeter of the heating element. One or more wires having malleable properties are secured within the shell. The wires allow the heating blanket to be secured to a patient. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316495 | CONFORMABLE HEATED MATTRESS - Embodiments include a conformable heated mattress for patient warming during surgery. The mattress may include a base layer coupled to an operating table and a heated layer coupled to the base layer. The heated layer may include an electrical heating element. The heated layer is coupled to an opposing surface of the base layer at a portion of the opposing surface forming an attached area. The attached area is less than an area of the opposing surface allowing at least a portion of the heated layer to be folded substantially independently of the base layer. Embodiments also include a method of positioning a patient on such a heated mattress. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316496 | Intravascular Electrode Arrays for Neuromodulation - A neuromodulation catheter positionable within a blood vessel for transvascular nerve stimulation includes a catheter body and an electrically insulative substrate carried at a distal end of the catheter body. A distal end of the substrate includes a plurality of laterally spaced-apart fingers. The substrate includes a first face and a second face on an opposite side of the substrate from the first face. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the first face of the substrate such that each of the fingers has a plurality of the electrodes longitudinally spaced thereon. A support at the distal end of the catheter is expandable within the blood vessel to bias the first faces of the fingers against the wall of a blood vessel so as to bias at least a portion of the electrodes in contact with the wall. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316497 | METHOD OF ROUTING ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO BODILY TISSUES VIA IMPLANTED PASSIVE CONDUCTORS - The invention provides an implant, system and method for electrically stimulating a target tissue to either activate or block neural impulses. The implant provides a conductive pathway for a portion of electrical current flowing between surface electrodes positioned on the skin and transmits that current to the target tissue. The implant has a passive electrical conductor of sufficient length to extend from subcutaneous tissue located below a surface cathodic electrode to the target tissue. The conductor has a pick-up end which forms an electrical termination having a sufficient surface area to allow a sufficient portion of the electrical current to flow through the conductor, in preference to flowing through body tissue between the surface electrodes, such that the target tissue is stimulated to either activate or block neural impulses. The conductor also has a stimulating end which forms an electrical termination for delivering the current to the target body tissue. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316498 | Releasable Contact Connection Arrangement for Electrodes on an Electromedical Device - A releasable contact connection arrangement for electrodes on an electromedical device, in particular for electrodes of active implants, such as neurostimulator devices, includes a contact end, which is provided on the electrode and comprises at least one electrical contact, a device-side connector head on the electromedical device, a connector opening on the connector head for anchoring the contact end of the electrode so as to produce an electrical contact connection and releasable mechanical fixing, and an anti-kink device at the exit of the contact end from the connector opening, wherein the anti-kink device includes a flexible anti-kink sleeve sitting on the contact end of the electrode before the at least one electrical contact, said anti-kink sleeve being slid via its fixing end facing the connector head into a receiving recess that is enlarged compared to the connector opening and being fastened therein. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316499 | NEUROSTIMULATOR - Methods and devices for stimulating nerves are disclosed. In one embodiment adapted for stimulating excitable tissue, the invention includes drive circuitry, an acoustic transducer and a pair of electrodes. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316500 | LEAD SET FOR NERVE STIMULATOR AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - Single-use electrical leads for a nerve stimulator are disclosed. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. Preferably the fuse is electrically isolated from the leads that contact the patient. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316501 | SUTURE HOLES ON A FLEXIBLE IMPLANT - A device according to some embodiments may include an implant unit which may include a flexible carrier, an antenna arranged on the flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, at least one implantable circuit electrically connected to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the antenna; and at least one pair of suture holes passing through the flexible carrier. The at least one pair of suture holes may be arranged on the flexible carrier such that the flexible carrier may be configured to conform to tissue in a subject's body, and such that each suture hole of the at least one pair of suture holes may be positioned to allow suturing to tissue adjacent to the suture holes. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316502 | Modular Lead End - Various embodiments of this disclosure concern assembly of a lead having one or two modular lead ends. A modular lead end can be made by aligning a plurality of wires exposed on an end of a main lead body with a plurality of conductors exposed on an end of a lead end. The lead end may comprise a spine, the plurality of conductors circumferentially arrayed about the spine, and an outer surface comprising a plurality of exposed electrical elements and polymer material, the plurality of electrical elements arrayed on the spine and electrically connected with the plurality of conductors. The assembly can further include making electrical connections between the plurality of electrical wires and the plurality of conductors and insulating the plurality of wires and the plurality of conductors. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316503 | PARYLENE-BASED MICROELECTRODE ARRAY IMPLANT FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - An implantable electrode array assembly configured to apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. A substantially electrically nonconductive layer of the device has a first portion positionable alongside the spinal cord that includes a plurality of first openings. The layer has a second portion that includes a plurality of second openings. Electrodes and traces are positioned inside a peripheral portion of a body portion of the device and alongside the layer. At least one of the first openings is adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. At least one of the second openings is adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation. At least one trace is connected to each electrode and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the trace(s) to the electrode. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316504 | IMPLANTABLE INDIFFERENT ELECTRODE - The present invention relates to an electrode arrangement, preferably for the temporary Stimulation or defibrillation of the heart, consisting of at least one unipolar electrode (cathode) ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316505 | ELECTRODE FOR USE WITH TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION - The present invention is directed to signing up at a single site to receive both credit and business information, and the combining of personal credit information for an individual and business credit information of a business with which the individual is associated. For example, the invention can provide a website where a user can lrequest to view an individual's personal credit information and the business credit information of a business that the individual owns. In this manner, the user can quickly and easily obtain a more complete view of the financial status of an individual or a business in a single location. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316506 | PORTABLE DEVICE FOR TREATING INSECT BITES AND THE LIKE - A portable device for treating the bites or stings of insects and harmful creatures, comprising a monolithic containing body made in a single piece and defining an internal housing space, a piezoelectric element configured for producing a predetermined difference in electrical potential, and an actuating element operable by a user and associated with said piezoelectric element to impart to the piezoelectric element a predetermined state of stress/deformation; the actuating element, the piezoelectric element and the discharge area are aligned along the operating axis. The monolithic containing body presenting a bottom part developing along the operating axis below a guide and housing portion, the bottom part defining part of the internal housing space with an overall span orthogonal to the operating axis which is constantly smaller than an overall span of the internal housing space defined by the guide and housing portion. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316507 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERAPEUTIC ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316508 | IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MARKER INTERLOCK - An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316509 | INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN SELECTIVELY-EXPANDABLE AND SELF-EXPANDABLE SECTIONS OF AN OSTIAL STENT - An ostial stent is operable to be placed at the ostium of a patient's vascular system so as to improve vessel patency in the ostial region. The ostial stent includes a stent tube that presents spaced apart proximal and distal stent openings and a longitudinal stent passage that extends between the openings. The stent tube includes a selectively-expandable tube section and a self-expandable tube section. The self-expandable tube section projects longitudinally from one of the stent openings, and is automatically expandable to a flared condition for placement within the ostium. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316510 | DUAL CAPTURE DEVICE FOR STENT GRAFT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING A STENT GRAFT - A delivery system for delivering and deploying stents with proximal and distal apices includes a guidewire catheter, a nose cone assembly, a proximal capture portion and a stent graft with proximal and distal stents. The nose cone assembly is at the distal end of the guidewire catheter and includes a nose cone and a distal capture portion. The proximal capture portion is proximal to the distal capture portion of the nose cone assembly. The proximal stent is releasably secured to the distal capture portion and the distal stent is releasably secured to the proximal capture portion. The stent graft can be deployed by releasing the proximal stent and the distal stent from proximal and distal capture portions of the delivery system. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316511 | ENDOVASCULAR GRAFT - An endovascular graft, which is configured to conform to the morphology of a vessel to be treated, includes a tubular ePTFE structure; an inflatable ePTFE structure disposed over at least a portion of the ePTFE tubular structure; and an injection port in fluid communication with the inflatable ePTFE structure for inflation of the inflatable ePTFE structure with an inflation medium. The inflatable ePTFE structure may be longitudinally disposed over the tubular ePTFE structure. The ePTFE structure may be a bifurcated structure having first and second bifurcated tubular structures, where the inflatable ePTFE structure is disposed over at least a portion of the first and second bifurcated tubular structures. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316512 | STENT AND LIVING ORGAN DILATOR - A stent configured to closely contact tissue in vivo by being deformed when set indwelling in vivo. The stent has a plurality of axially arranged annular members, with axially adjacent annular members being interconnected by at least one link part; and a metallic wavy-linear annular member positioned at each end of the stent. The plurality of axially arranged annular members include a plurality of linear components, the linear components including a plurality of metallic linear components and a plurality of biodegradable material-made linear components. The at least one link part is defined by one of the metallic linear components. After a predetermined period of time when the stent is left indwelling in vivo and biodegradation of the biodegradable material-made linear components proceeds, the plurality of metallic linear components and the at least one link part remain intact such that a unitary metallic structure is maintained in vivo. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316513 | HEART VALVE AND ENDOVASCULAR GRAFT COMPONENTS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY - A medical device including a valve member with an elongate tubular portion with at least one aperture disposed in a sidewall at a location between the proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of leaflets; a first endovascular graft coupled to the valve member; and a second endovascular graft coupled to the first endovascular graft; and an expandable anchor member coupled to the second endovascular graft. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316514 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF THE AORTIC ARCH - The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis comprising a descending stent-graft, an ascending stent-graft, and/or a side-branch stent-graft. In various embodiments, an ascending stent-graft is capable of being coupled to a descending stent-graft, and/or a descending stent-graft can comprise a fenestration capable of being coupled to a side-branch stent-graft. In addition, in various embodiments, a descending and/or ascending stent-graft can comprise a reduced diameter portion that, when implanted within an aortic arch, recedes from a luminal surface of the aortic arch to allow a side-branch stent-graft to be maneuvered within the aortic arch. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316515 | Method for producing a bioactive surface on an endoprosthesis or on the balloon of a balloon catheter - In a method for producing a bioactive surface on an endoprosthesis or on the balloon of a balloon catheter, the surface of the endoprosthesis or the surface of the balloon is softened. The surface of the endoprosthesis or of the balloon is moistened with a solution of an active ingredient and the solvent is separated from the active ingredient. The solvent can be a water-miscible solvent. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316516 | MULTI-COMPONENT CUFF DESIGNS FOR TRANSCATHETER MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT SUBVALVULAR SEALING APPARATUS FOR TRANSCATHETER MITRAL VALVES AND WIRE FRAMED LEAFLET ASSEMBLY - This invention relates to improved devices and methods for deploying and sealing a prosthetic cardiac valve, including (i) a mitral valve with a cuff or atrial sealing gasket formed from tissue or fabric-covered wire or laser cut metal originating from one end of an expandable stent, wherein such cuff or gasket is contoured to fill the zone of coaptation between the commissures of the native valve, (ii) an articulating cuff comprised of a series of radially extending tines having a loop terminus to improve sealing a prosthetic mitral valve against hemodynamic leaking, methods of fitting a prosthetic valve with such an articulating cuff wherein such cuff is contoured to fill the zone of coaptation between the commissures of the native valve, and/or (iii) an expandable leaflet assembly comprising tissue or fabric leaflets extending to cover a wire frame of three or more repeating arches. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316517 | 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. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316518 | HANDLE MECHANISM AND FUNCTIONALITY FOR REPOSITIONING AND RETRIEVAL OF TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVES - Improved catheter devices for delivery, repositioning and/or percutaneous retrieval of percutaneously implanted heart valves are described, including a medical device handle that provides an array of features helpful in conducting a percutaneous heart valve implantation procedure while variously enabling radial expansion or contraction and/or lateral positioning control over the heart valve during the medical procedure. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316519 | CARDIAC VALVE WITH SHIELDS FOR TISSUE RETRACTION - A tissue retraction system for a bioprosthetic cardiac valve base configured for attachment to a separate leaflet set includes a plurality of retraction shields releasably attached to the valve base. The retraction shields are configured to restrain tissue within a surgical site. The retraction shields may be flexible and transparent. Shield extenders can be attached to the retraction shields and used to further secure the retraction shields to a device for providing tissue retraction during a surgical procedure. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316520 | SUPPORT SEGMENT FOR OCULAR STRUCTURES - Devices and methods for providing capsular support to areas of zonular weakness and for iris dilation in complex cataract surgery and other ophthalmological procedures. In one embodiment, a device for implantation into an eye includes at least one engagement feature and at least one attachment mechanism. The engagement feature is adapted to engage with the edge of an ocular structure, e.g., the anterior edge of the capsular bag or an iris. The attachment mechanism, e.g., a hole, is coupled to the engagement feature and adapted to receive an anchor, e.g., an iris hook or suture, that biases the device towards the edge of the ocular structure. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316521 | Rewriteable Aberration-Corrected Gradient-Index Intraocular Lenses - Systems and methods for rewritable aberration-corrected gradient-index intraocular lenses are provided. Various embodiments relate to rewritable aberration-corrected gradient-index intraocular lenses. Some embodiments provide for polymer materials and processing to create full or partial rewritable phakic or pseudophakic intraocular lenses which allow for adjustable visual performance by doctors. Various methods to fabricate and adjust the lenses with optical and/or mechanical properties customized to the individual patient are also disclosed. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316522 | Articulating and Expandable Vertebral Implant - An implant is insertable in the joint space to separate bones of the joint. The implant has two endplates each configured to engage a separate articulating bone of the joint, and a threaded member positioned between the two endplates and configured to increase the space between the two endplates when the threaded member is rotated. A rotatable gear is engaged with the threaded member, and is engageable with a rotating gear of a connected implantation tool, so that rotation of the gear on the tool causes rotation of the threaded member and expansion of the implant to separate the bones. Connector portions on the tool and the implant may be rotated together to securely engage the implant and the tool so that the gears of the tool and the implant can be rotated using an actuator outside of the body, when the implant is inside the body. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316523 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC AND INSERTION METHODS THEREFOR - A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316524 | ARTIFICIAL DISC - An artificial disc to replace a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core which is fixedly connected to first and second plates. The first and second plates engage upper and lower vertebra in the patient's spine. The inner side of at least one of the first and second plates has an array of recesses into which said resilient core extends. The array of recesses includes a plurality of recesses. Each of the recesses of the plurality of recesses has surfaces which are integrally formed as one piece with the plate. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316525 | BIOACTIVE SPINAL IMPLANTS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316526 | RESILIENT INTERPOSITIONAL ARTHROPLASTY DEVICE - This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316527 | TIBIAL COMPONENT - Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a tibial component having shock absorbing features. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316528 | FEMORAL IMPLANT FOR PRESERVING CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS - A femoral prosthetic component comprises a pair of condyles having an intercondylar notch interposed substantially therebetween. Each of the pair of condyles comprises an edge that borders the intercondylar notch. At least one of the pair of condyles comprises a condylar notch disposed within the respective edge of the at least one of the pair of condyles. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316529 | BONE PROSTHESIS FOR MAINTAINING JOINT OPERATION IN COMPLEX JOINTS - A prosthesis for reconstructing a multibone joint such as a wrist. A patient's scaphoid is removed to create a void. The scaphoid has a plurality of adjacent bones, each of the adjacent bones comprising a surface generally facing the void. The surface of at least two of the adjacent bones is prepared by affixing a magnetic element thereto and a magnetic scaphoid implant is inserted into the void. A magnetic relationship exists between the magnetic elements and the magnetic scaphoid implant. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316530 | Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Apprartus and Method - A metatarsalphalangeal joint apparatus and method includes a metatarsal stem conformed to make cortical contact at the isthmus of a metatarsal bone and metatarsal head conformed to connect with the metatarsal stem. A phalangeal stem is conformed to make cortical contact at the isthmus of a phalangeal bone and a phalangeal base is conformed to connect with the phalangeal stem. A bearing surface is provided between the metatarsal head and the phalangeal base. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316531 | Method and System for Modular Hip Resurfacing - A scalable modular hip resurfacing arthroplasty system includes (1) an alignment guide for precise guide pin insertion, (2) a modular cannulated cylindrical reamer assembly for accurate femoral head cylindrical reaming and central bone channel drilling, (3) a saw guide for an accurate femoral head osteotomy, (4) a soft tissue protector with a stepped design to shield and retract tissues, (5) a hip retractor that seats onto a prepared femur, (6) an outer hole drill guide aiding drilling of peripheral holes, and (7) a femoral resurfacing implant with a cap portion and central stem adapted for multiple modular attachments including plates. A method for preparing the proximal femur for hip resurfacing with novel stepped cylindrical femoral head osteotomy and central bone channel drilling, leaving an intact collar of cortical bone above the femoral head articular rim. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316532 | PROSTHESIS - A prosthesis ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316533 | ENDOSSEOUS IMPLANT - Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316534 | STENT - This invention relates to the treatment and diagnosis of abnormalities of the epithelial-lined surface of the esophagus and, in particular, to esophageal stents having a surface coating comprising a photosensitizing agent or a precursor thereof for use in methods of photodynamic treatment (PDT) or photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of the esophagus. The stents find particular use in methods of diagnosing and/or treating Barrett's esophagus and in diagnostic methods for monitoring the progression of the disease. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316535 | ECU MONITORING SYSTEM AND MONITORING METHOD - An ECU monitoring system includes: an ECU that includes an input interface unit, a computer unit, and an output interface unit; a storage unit that stores a normal input signal and a normal output signal; a comparing unit that calculates a compared difference by comparing the current input signal with a previous input signal stored in the storage unit, and outputs an alarming signal showing the current input signal is abnormal, when the compared difference is out of a predetermined range; and a circulator that receives the output signal, provides the output signal when the output signal is a normal output signal, and provides a normal output signal to the output interface unit, instead of the output signal outputted from the computer in response to the abnormal input signal, when receiving the alarming signal from the comparing unit. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316536 | DNC OPERATION SYSTEM - When a numerical controller enters a DNC operation mode, a host apparatus transmits NC data to the numerical controller. When the received NC data includes a sub program call, a repeat instruction or a branch instruction, the numerical controller stores search information that is required for executing these instructions. When the numerical controller includes search information, the host apparatus transmits, to the numerical controller, NC data corresponding to the search information. The numerical controller analyzes the received NC data and executes operation. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316537 | SAFETY CRITICAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - This disclosure involves a method of controlling a safety critical control device, the method comprising: sending user inputs to a first state machine, identifying user inputs by the first state machine, determining the correct state to communicate to a second state machine, the correct state being determined by selecting one state of a plurality of states depending on the user inputs, communicating the correct state to a second state machine through a control bus, and determining the correct state for the second state machine based on communication from the control bus. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316538 | ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - The invention relates to an assistance system ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316539 | DRIVERS AND CONTROLLERS - Disclosed herein is a technique to transfer at least one unfinished operation from one controller to a second controller, if the first controller has ceased. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316540 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING PLC AND HMI TAG DATABASE AND SYSTEM - A method and system for producing a plc tag database is provided. The method is for use with a set of fragment types, a set of tag values for each fragment type and a collection of PLC programming logic. The collection contains a PLC programming code for each of a plurality of classes of equipment. A PLC tag database is produced for a project. The classes of equipment required for the project are selected together with a quantity required for each class of equipment selected. A PLC logic associated with the PLC programming code for said each class, and tags defined by the PLC logic, are replicated a number of times equal to the quantity of each class selected. A specific PLC card type, rack and slot is assigned to selected tags in accordance with the requirements of the project. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316541 | Intelligent Building Automation Node - Apparatuses and methods for use in connection with a Building Automation System (BAS) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an intelligent power node comprising a JAVA-enabled device and serial communication cable that provide a seamless open protocol and aggregation point to broadcast internet protocol communications. In another embodiment, the present invention enables energy monitoring and control of individual ports and outlets. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of configuring and operating fieldbus devices. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316542 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FITTING GOLF CLUBS AND SETS - The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for fitting golf clubs. A golf club set is selected from among many golf clubs. A golfer can give information about an existing club set or hitting abilities. Systems of the invention use that information to identify a yardage gap to be covered by clubs and a number of clubs to span that yardage gap. The system can determine one or more yardage for each of the number of clubs and then propose a specific club for each yardage. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316543 | CONFIGURING AUDIO FOR A COORDINATED DISPLAY SESSION BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF PROXIMATE CLIENT DEVICES - In an embodiment, a control device configures audio parameters for an audio component of a coordinated display session. The control devices maps, for proximate client devices registered as presentation devices for the coordinated display session, a different portion of visual data for the coordinated display session to respective display screens, and delivers the mapped portions of the visual data to the proximate client devices for presentation by the respective display screens during the coordinated display session. The control device evaluates video content data within the mapped portions of the visual data, identifies a subset of the mapped portions as a target for an audio focus of the coordinated display session based on the evaluation and reconfigures the audio parameters so as to transition the audio focus of the coordinated display session to the identified subset. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316544 | Electronic Music Box - Music data memory includes pieces of music within a group and other pieces of music outside the group. The next piece to be played is automatically determined by random table among pieces within the group. Favorite or newest piece is weighted to be more frequently played in the group. Piece in music data memory is automatically included into the group by random table. Newly downloaded piece into music data memory is included into the group by priority. Most frequently played piece is excluded from the group in place of newly included piece. Favorite or newest piece may be an exception of exclusion. Next piece is capable of being played in tempo similar to that of preceding piece by means of tempo-adjusted or piece replacement or repetition of the same piece for the purpose of continued baby cradling in synchronism with the same tempo of succeeding pieces. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316545 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLANNING/GUIDING ALTERATIONS TO A BONE - A computer-assisted surgery system for guiding alterations to a bone, comprises a trackable member secured to the bone. The trackable member has a first inertial sensor unit producing orientation-based data. A positioning block is secured to the bone, and is adjustable once the positioning block is secured to the bone to be used to guide tools in altering the bone. The positioning block has a second inertial sensor unit producing orientation-based data. A processing system providing an orientation reference associating the bone to the trackable member comprises a signal interpreter for determining an orientation of the trackable member and of the positioning block. A parameter calculator calculates alteration parameters related to an actual orientation of the positioning block with respect to the bone. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316546 | Method And System For Direct Additive Manufacturing From An Advertisement - A method and system form physical objects from digital files generated from transactions carried out on internet enabled devices. The system comprises: (a) an internet enabled device capable of receiving an advertised offer and transmitting communications from a user regarding a purchase based upon the advertised offer; (b) a digital rendering device capable of forming a physical object from a digital file containing user specified instructions; (c) a vendor capable of receiving information regarding the purchase and providing the digital file in a downloadable format; (d) a payment processor capable of (i) receiving monetary funds transfer authorization from the user, (ii) effecting the monetary funds transfer, (iii) issuing a communication to the vendor when the monetary funds transfer is successfully effected, and (iv) transferring at least a portion of the monetary funds to the vendor. The digital rendering device can be a three-dimensional printer or an additive manufacturing device. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316547 | DESIGN FOR A PART MADE FROM 3D WOVEN COMPOSITE MATERIAL - A method designing a part made of 3D woven composite material, performed by a computer, the method including: obtaining shape data representing an outside surface of the part; for each point of a set of points of the outside surface, determining a distance between the point and a projection of the point onto a target surface, the projection being along a predetermined projection direction; determining a structure of a 3D woven preform as a function of the determined distances; and obtaining projection data specifying a projection direction as a function of a position of a point on the outside surface of the part, wherein the projection direction that is used for at least some of the points of the set of points is determined during the determining a distance, as a function of the projection and as a function of the position of the point. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316548 | SIBLING LOT PROCESSING - A supply chain management system for controlling component processes includes a computer device that is adapted to: detect a plurality of component processes; create a relative value of each one of the plurality of component processes; prioritize each one of the plurality of component processes according to sibling relationships; and control a flow of the plurality of component processes in a manufacturing line based on the prioritizing. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316549 | Method for Producing A Three-Dimensional Object by Means of a Stereolithography Process, Including A Computer Graphic Design of Said Object - A three-dimensional object ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316550 | Spectra Based Endpointing for Chemical Mechanical Polishing - A computer implemented method of monitoring a polishing process includes, for each sweep of a plurality of sweeps of an optical sensor across a substrate undergoing polishing, obtaining a plurality of current spectra, each current spectrum of the plurality of current spectra being a spectrum resulting from reflection of white light from the substrate, for each sweep of the plurality of sweeps, determining a difference between each current spectrum and each reference spectrum of a plurality of reference spectra to generate a plurality of differences, for each sweep of the plurality of sweeps, determining a smallest difference of the plurality of differences, thus generating a sequence of smallest difference, and determining a polishing endpoint based on the sequence of smallest differences. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316551 | METHOD FOR ON-LINE CONTROL OF A MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR A MULTICOMPONENT SHEET MATERIAL - A method of controlling a process for the manufacture of a multicomponent sheet material having a desired pre-determined parameter comprising applying an acoustic or an electromagnetic signal to interact with the sheet material whereby the interaction modifies the applied signal, detecting the modified signal, comparing the modified signal or data derived from it with data relating to the pre-determined parameter and modifying at least one step of the process whereby the data relating to the modified signal is modified towards the data relating to the pre-determined parameter. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316552 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A MACHINING MEANS IN HYBRID ULTRAPRECISION MACHINING DEVICE, AND HYBRID ULTRAPRECISION MACHINING DEVICE - There is provided a method for determining a machining means in a hybrid ultraprecision machining device for manufacturing a micro-machined product from a workpiece, the machining device comprising: an electromagnetic-wave-machining means for roughly machining the workpiece; a precision-machining means for precisely machining the roughly machined workpiece; and a shape-measurement means for measuring a shape of the workpiece upon use of the electromagnetic-wave machining means and the precision-machining means, wherein a choice is made between the electromagnetic-wave-machining means and the precision-machining means in the determination of the machining means, on the basis of: information on a stereoscopic model of the micro-machined product; information on a removal volume to be removed from a volume of the workpiece in the manufacturing of the micro-machined product; and data on a removal process time of the electromagnetic-wave-machining means and data on a removal process time of the precision-machining means. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316553 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING AND INPUTTING TOOL DIRECTION RELATIVE TO WORKPIECE - A numerical controller controls a five-axis machine which machines a workpiece mounted on a table by means of at least three linear axes and two rotation axes. The numerical controller calculates a tool direction relative to the workpiece as a tool direction vector, roll-pitch-yaw angles, or Euler angles, based on respective positions of the two rotation axes, and displays the tool direction relative to the workpiece on a display, based on the result of the calculation. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316554 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING MACHINE MARKING INSTRUCTIONS - A system and method of generating machine marking instructions for marking an ophthalmic lens is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving lens order data related to a lens order, receiving an initial marking layout and calculating, using the lens order data, ophthalmic lens data of an ophthalmic lens related to the lens order. The method also comprises the steps of determining, using the ophthalmic lens data, marking parameters relating to the ophthalmic lens, producing an additional marking layout by modifying the initial marking layout using the marking parameters and the lens order data, the additional marking layout representing the markings to be applied to the ophthahmc lens, and generating machine marking instructions arranged to cause a marking machine to mark the ophthalmic lens in accordance with the additional marking layout. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316555 | METHOD OF GENERATING A TOOL PATH - Method for determining an adaptive tool path: provides an aerofoil with deposition plane; determines deposition plane points corresponding to leading and trailing edges and circle centre constrained by suction and pressure surfaces at their greatest distance apart; determines circle centre point edge position passing through deposition plane points; determines trailing and leading edge reference lines extending from the circle centre point through trailing and leading edge points, respectively and mid-reference line(s) extending from the circle centre point through mid-reference point(s) between leading and trailing edge points; trims and determines each mid reference line to the bounds of the suction and pressure surfaces; applies an adaptive factor to each mid reference line providing an adaptive point for each mid-reference line; determines an spline extending through the leading and trailing edge points and each adaptive point; and traverses a tool along the spline or offset path from the spline by a factor. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316556 | PHARMACY PICKING DEVICE COMPRISING A UNIVERSAL SUPPLY- AND- CONTROL MODULE - The invention relates to a pharmacy picking device (I) comprising a housing (I | 2014-10-23 |
20140316557 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAINTENANCE AND OTHER PROCESSING OF CONTAINER-GROWN PLANTS USING AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOTS - A system is provided for processing container-grown plants positioned in a given area. The system includes a processing station positioned in the area for processing the container-grown plants. It also includes one or more autonomous mobile container handling robots configured to: (i) travel to a source location in the area and pick up a container-grown plant, (ii) transport the container-grown plant to the processing station where a process is performed on the container-grown plant, (iii) transport the container-grown plant from the processing station to a destination location in the area, (iv) deposit the container-grown plant at the destination location, and (v) repeat (i) through (iv) for a set of container-grown plants in the source location. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316558 | AUTOMATED MAILPIECE PROCESSING - System and method for the addressing of mail pieces by a variable printing system. Information allowing a mail piece to be associated with a mailing list of address information is printed on the mail piece prior to processing of the piece by a variable printing system. As the piece is processed by the variable printing system, the information printed on the piece is read and used to identify a mailing list from among a plurality of available mailing lists. Address information for that mail piece is obtained from the identified mailing list and printed on the mail piece by the variable printing system. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316559 | APPARATUS FOR THE HANDLING OF CONTAINERS WITH A MOBILE DISPLAY - An apparatus ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316560 | VENDING MACHINE CONTROLLER WITH INNOVATIVE DISPLAY FEATURES - A vending having a vending machine controller for calculating credit acceptance, calculating credit return, signaling product dispensing, displaying information on a display, monitoring environmental conditions, and controlling lighting. Coin and bill acceptors are also included that receive and validate coins and bills and, optionally, pay coins and bills back as change. A product dispenser vends product in response to a signal from the vending machine controller. A cashless payment device reads a customer's cashless payment device and transmits the cashless payment information to the vending machine controller. Finally, the vending machine controller includes a network interface controller for communicating information about the customer's cashless payment device across a network and for receiving information about whether the cashless payment device is valid for making a purchase from the vending machine. A touch screen display communicates messages from the vending machine controller to a customer and interprets customer contact with the display. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316561 | VENDING KIT AND METHOD - One variation of a method for controlling access to products from a vending machine includes: locking a door of the vending machine; recording an initial inventory of products arranged within the vending machine based on signals received by a radio antenna arranged within the vending machine and read by a radio frequency identification reader; initiating a transaction in response to receiving a cashless payment mechanism from a patron; unlocking the door in response to authentication of the cashless payment mechanism; in response to closure of the door, recording a final inventory of products within the vending machine based on signals received by the radio antenna and read by the radio frequency identification reader; and initiating a payment with the cashless payment mechanism for a difference between the initial inventory and the final inventory to complete the transaction. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316562 | IDENTIFICATION CARD DISPENSER AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - Identification card (ID) dispenser comprising an ID card storage module ( | 2014-10-23 |