| 47th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 53 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120296373 | CLOSURE DEVICES AND METHODS - A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device includes an elongate member through which needles may be deployed. The closure device also includes a closure element having a foot portion and a needle guide portion. The foot portion and the needle guide portion are each movable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The foot portion includes cuffs removably mounted thereon and having sutures connected therebetween. The needle guide portion includes needle guide apertures that guide the needles to the cuffs. The needles securely engage the cuffs and draw the cuffs and suture through the lumen wall so that the opening in the lumen wall can be closed with the sutures. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296374 | TISSUE EVERSION APPARATUS AND TISSUE CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - Methods and apparatuses for closure of vascular punctures or other openings in bodily tissues. The apparatuses and methods described herein are configured for everting a portion of tissue around a puncture site for wound closure on the external surface of the wound. For example, the tissue eversion apparatus may be configured for drawing up a portion of a vessel surrounding a venous or arterial puncture and orienting the inner surface of the vessel at least partially outward so that a closure element may be placed around the inverted region on the exterior surface of the vessel. In some embodiments, the devices are bioabsorbable. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296375 | MULTI-LOOP ADJUSTABLE KNOTLESS ANCHOR ASSEMBLY, ADJUSTABLE CAPTURE MECHANISM, AND METHOD FOR REPAIR - A suture anchoring system includes a mounting sleeve having an open distal end and an open proximal end defining a passageway therethrough. The system also includes a first elongated member with an anchor suture secured thereto and a tissue suture loop. A method for securing tissue includes passing a tissue suture loop through the tissue such that opposed first and second loop sections are formed, passing an anchor suture through first and second openings respectively defined by the opposed first and second loop sections, capturing the anchor suture after passing through the first and second openings with a first elongated member attached to the anchor suture, and securing the first elongated member attached to the anchor suture to a desired anchor hole in an anatomical site. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296376 | DIGITAL SUTURE FIXATION SYSTEM - A digital suture fixation system includes an anchor, an introducer that is attachable to a finger of a person such that at least a distal tip of the finger is available to palpate tissue and identify a landmark within a patient, and a delivery device attached to the introducer. The anchor is removably attached to the delivery device. The anchor is exposed on an exterior of the delivery device and the delivery device is positioned to allow the finger to push the anchor into the landmark. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296377 | Methods and Apparatus for Treating Spinal Stenosis - This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296378 | ADJUSTABLE SPINE DISTRACTION IMPLANT - An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296379 | EXPANDABLE INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACER WITH LATERAL SUPPORT AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION - An interspinous process spacer and method of implanting same is provided for maintaining separation between adjacent spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer has two lateral portions and a medial portion therebetween, the medial portion adapted to reside between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes in the deployed configuration and the lateral portions each comprise a superior lateral portion and an inferior lateral portion adapted to reside on the lateral side of the respective superior and inferior spinous process in the deployed configuration to maintain positioning of the interspinous process spacer between the two adjacent vertebrae. The lateral portions each comprise an expandable lateral member. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296380 | HINGED BONE SCREW WITH A TULIP BULB CONNECTOR IN A SPINAL FIXATION ASSEMBLY - A spinal fixation assembly using a hinged bone screw with a tulip blob connector, a variable height, hinged bone screw with a tulip bulb connector or both. The bone screws have a post section connected to a screw section by a hinge. In the basic hinged bone screw, a bulb shaped head is formed at the end of the post section opposite the hinge and a tulip bulb connector is attached to the bulb shaped head. For the variable height hinged bone screw, a collet is used with an interior bore that slides over the post section of the bone screw. The collet has a cylindrically shaped sleeve at one end and a bulb shaped head at the other end. The tulip bulb connector is attached to the bulb shaped head of the collet. In both cases, the tulip bulb connector has a cavity for receiving a connector rod and a set screw for firmly attaching said connector rod within said tulip bulb connector cavity. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296381 | CONTROL OF A DEFIBRILLATOR AND/OR PACEMAKER - An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296382 | INTEGRATED CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH HEART VALVE - Systems and methods using a heart valve and an implantable medical device, such as for event detection and optimization of cardiac output. The cardiac management system includes a heart valve, having a physiological sensor. The physiological sensor is adapted to measure at least one of an intrinsic electrical cardiac parameter, a hemodynamic parameter or the like. The system further includes an implantable electronics unit, such as a cardiac rhythm management unit, coupled to the physiological sensor of the heart valve to receive physiological information. The electronics unit is adapted to use the received physiological information to control delivery of an electrical output to the subject. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296383 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ANTI-TACHYARRHYTHMIA THERAPY - Various system embodiments comprise at least one sensor input adapted to receive at least one sensed signal associated with a tachyarrhythmia, a feature set extractor adapted to extract at least two features from the at least one sensed signal associated with the tachyarrhythmia, a feature set generator adapted to form a feature set using the at least two features extracted by the feature set extractor, at least one generator adapted for use to selectively apply an anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy and a neural stimulation (NS) therapy, and a controller adapted to respond to the feature set. The controller is adapted to initiate the NS therapy when the feature set corresponds to criteria for applying the NS therapy to modify the tachyarrhythmia, and initiate the ATP therapy to terminate the modified tachyarrhythmia. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296384 | MEDICAL DEVICES ALERTING USER ABOUT POTENTIAL INTERRUPTION OF WIRELESS PATIENT DATA TRANSFER - An external defibrillator can receive wirelessly a data signal transmitted by a transmitting device over a communication link. The defibrillator can include a processor configured to monitor a reception parameter of the communication link while the data signal is being received and to set an alert flag if the processor determines from the reception parameter that reception of the data signal may be discontinued prematurely. The defibrillator can also include a user interface capable of outputting an alerting user notification responsive to the alert flag being set. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296385 | Vector Configuration Detection and Corrective Response Systems and Methods - In one aspect a system includes an external communication device configured to interrogate a pulse generator, an external programmer device communicatively coupled to the external communication device; the external programmer device configured to receive a listing of valid electrode pairs from the pulse generator through the external communication device, the external programmer device configured to prevent a pacing, sensing, or shocking vector from being programmed by the user if a pair of electrodes needed for the vector are not included within the listing of valid electrode pairs. In another aspect a system includes an implantable medical device configured to detect the presence or absence of electrodes on an implanted stimulation lead coupled to the implantable medical device and to generate a valid electrode pair listing and compare the programmed electrode pairs with the valid electrode pair listing. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296386 | NON-SUSTAINED TACHYARRHYTHMIA ANALYSIS TO IDENTIFY LEAD RELATED CONDITION - Techniques for determining whether a lead related condition exists based on analysis of a cardiac electrical signal associated with a non-sustained tachyarrhythmia (NST) are described. In some examples, the techniques include determining the duration of intervals between consecutive cardiac events, e.g., R-R intervals, during an NST. The techniques may further include determining one or more metrics based on the durations of the intervals during the NST. Examples of metrics include an average, a minimum, a maximum, a range, a median, a mode, or a mean. A lead related condition is identified based on the values of the one or more metrics, e.g., by comparison to respective thresholds. In some examples, an alert is provided or a therapy modification is suggested if a lead related condition is identified. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296387 | PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION DETECTION USING HEART SOUNDS - A method of delivering phrenic nerve stimulation in a medical device system that includes detecting an activation event, delivering phrenic nerve stimulation therapy in response to the detected activation event, sensing a heart sound signal, in response to the delivered phrenic nerve stimulation therapy, monitoring a portion of the sensed heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window ocurring after the delivered phrenic nerve stimulation therapy, and determining whether the delivered phrenic nerve stimulation therapy was successful in response to the monitoring. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296388 | PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION DETECTION USING HEART SOUNDS - A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296389 | HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTRICAL NERVE BLOCK - A method and apparatus that resulted in blocking an action potential in a nerve. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296390 | ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM ACTIVATION APPARATUS - Provided is an electroencephalogram activation apparatus, including: an electroencephalogram acquisition unit configured to acquire brain waves of a user; an electrical stimulation unit configured to apply transcranial electrical stimulation to the scalp of the user; and a control unit configured to control the electrical stimulation unit based on the brain waves acquired by the electroencephalogram acquisition unit. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296391 | Measuring Load Impedance with Active Stimulation Pulses in an Implanted Pulse Generator - The present disclosure provides a medical stimulation system that includes a plurality of implantable channels each operable to obtain a voltage signal from a designated area of a body tissue. The medical stimulation system includes an impedance measurement device. The impedance measurement device includes a plurality of attenuators each coupled to a respective one of the channels. The attenuators are each operable to attenuate an amplitude of the voltage signal received from its respectively-coupled channel. The impedance measurement device includes a multiplexing component that receives the amplitude-attenuated voltage signals from each of the attenuators. The multiplexing component selectively outputs two of the amplitude-attenuated voltage signals. The impedance measurement device includes a differential amplifier that receives the two amplitude-attenuated voltage signals outputted from the multiplexing component as a differential input signal. The differential amplifier generates an amplifier output signal that includes at least partially an amplified version of the differential input signal. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296392 | Display of region of activation in neurostimulation programming screen - A system for use with a neurostimulator coupled to one or more electrodes implanted adjacent neural tissue of a patient. The system comprises a user input device configured for allowing a user to select different nerve fiber diameters and to select a set of stimulation parameters. The system further comprises processing circuitry configured estimating regions of activation within the neural tissue of the patient based on the selected nerve fiber diameters and the selected stimulation parameter set. The system further comprises a display device configured for displaying the estimated regions of tissue activation. The user input device may further be configured for allowing the user to select different tissue regions of therapy, in which case, the display device may display the different tissue region on a human body map, and different indicia associating the displayed tissue regions for therapy to displayed estimated regions of tissue activation. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296393 | SURGICAL IMPLANT FOR ELECTRONIC ACTIVATION OF DYSFUNCTIONAL EUSTACHIAN TUBE - This invention comprises a totally implantable Eustachian tube activation device which is intended for patients suffering from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction ailment. The device electrically stimulates the muscles activating the Eustachian tube to perform the opening maneuver of the Eustachian tube valve to aerate the middle ear cavity. The unit is hermetically sealed in a suitable biocompatible container and implanted in a suitable location in close proximity to Eustachian tube. The frequency of the stimulation of the implant may be fixed or can be altered depending on the condition of the patient. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296394 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING OCULAR SURGICAL AND RELAXING INCISIONS - A system and method of treating target tissue in a patient's eye, which includes generating a light beam, deflecting the light beam using a scanner to form first and second treatment patterns, delivering the first treatment pattern to the target tissue to form an incision that provides access to an eye chamber of the patient's eye, and delivering the second treatment pattern to the target tissue to form a relaxation incision along or near limbus tissue or along corneal tissue anterior to the limbus tissue of the patient's eye to reduce astigmatism thereof. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296395 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NEUROSTIMULATION WITH PREVENTION OF NEURAL ACCOMMODATION - A neurostimulation system delivers neurostimulation to a patient using one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters are controlled for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters are adjusted for preventing the patient from developing neural accommodation. In various embodiments, values for the one or more secondary parameters are varied during the delivery of the neurostimulation for prevention of neural accommodation that may result from a constant or periodic pattern of stimulation pulses. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296396 | USER-DEFINED GRAPHICAL SHAPES USED AS A VISUALIZATION AID FOR STIMULATOR PROGRAMMING - A system for programming a neurostimulation device coupled to one or more electrodes. The system comprises a user interface configured for allowing a user to select a set of stimulation parameters and to define a graphical shape representative of an anatomical region of interest. The system further comprises memory configured for storing the graphical shape in registration with an anatomical reference, and output circuitry configured for communicating with the neurostimulation device. The system further comprises a controller configured for recalling the registered graphical shape and anatomical reference from the memory, generating display signals capable of prompting the user interface to concurrently display a representation of the electrode(s) relative to the recalled graphical shape and anatomical reference, and programming the neurostimulation device with the selected stimulation parameter set via the output circuitry. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296397 | 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. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296398 | TELEMETRY WAND - A telemetry wand to facilitate communication between a programmer and a neurostimulator device. The telemetry wand comprises an antenna, telemetry circuitry configured for transmitting signals between the programmer and the neurostimulator device via the antenna coil, a threaded screw receptacle configured for receiving a bolt of a conventional camera tripod, and a housing carrying the antenna coil, the telemetry circuitry, and the threaded screw receptacle. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296399 | Array of Joined Microtransponders for Implantation - A wireless microtransponder array constructed as a single structure of joined microtransponders. The microtransponders can be configured as a linear array strip with connective material in between. The microtransponders can also be entirely embedded within a strip of material, or joined by a single, common substrate structure. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296400 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING ADJUSTING A CIRCADIAN PACEMAKER - A method and system for facilitating adjusting a user's circadian pacemaker are provided, including determining a current circadian pacemaker state of the user, as well as potential future states of the user's circadian pacemaker. The potential future states are related to a target circadian pacemaker state representing a circadian pacemaker goal for the user. This is accomplished on a state-variable plane using vectors. An optimum potential future state is selected as a basis for constructing a light exposure treatment schedule for the user. A light exposure treatment schedule is then constructed and provided to the user to facilitate taking control of the user's circadian pacemaker and manipulating it for benefits such as health and performance benefits. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296401 | Microprocessor Controlled Medical Laser Device - A microprocessor controlled medical laser device that has a precise laser beam alignment system indicated by a series of sequentially color changing LEDS. The power management system adjusts the LED'S power input so as maximize battery life, increasing it by up to six times. It's alignment is enabled by a triaxial accelerometer that may be accurately calibrated horizontally or to a plethora of angles relative to the horizontal axis. It is shock resistant and times out to turn the laser off after a predetermined time. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296402 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR BROWN ADIPOSE TISSUE ACTIVATION - The present disclosure is drawn to devices and methods of activating brown adipose tissue. One method comprises applying a cooling device on a subject at a supraclavicular region or paravertebral region of skin overlying brown adipose tissue; and maintaining the cooling device in contact with the skin at a temperature from 45° F. to 70° F. for a duration of at least 90 minutes so as to cool the region sufficiently to activate the brown adipose tissue. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296403 | METHODS AND COMPOUNDS FOR MUSCLE GROWTH - The disclosure relates to treating muscle wasting-associated disorders in a patient, using a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist of Fbxo40, wherein the antagonist reduces the expression, level or activity of Fbxo40. The Fbxo40 antagonist increases muscle mass, or prevents, limits or reduces muscle mass loss, in the patient. The Fbxo40 antagonist can be a low molecular weight (LMW) compound, a protein, an antibody, or an inhibitory nucleic acid, such as a siRNA. The disclosure also relates to methods of screening for antagonists of Fbxo40, and methods of diagnosing or monitoring levels of muscle mass maintenance, loss or increase. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296404 | INTRACEREBRAL ELECTRODE - An intracerebral electrode ( | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296405 | COCHLEAR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrode assemblies partially embedded in a flexible body configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a flexible electrically conductive material forming a plurality of support structures and an electrode pad attached a support structure, the electrode pad having a surface that is configured to be exposed to cochlear tissue and fluids and has a charge transfer to the cochlear tissue and fluids that is higher than the flexible electrically conductive material. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296406 | GRAFT WITHIN A GRAFT ENDOLUMINAL GRAFT - A segmented endograft includes at least one positioning segment and at least one main body segment which are separately deployable. The at least one positioning segment and at least one main body segment may be connected one to another. In an embodiment, the at least one positioning segment and at least one main body segment are connected along a portion of a circumference thereof, but unconnected along a remainder of the circumference thereof. The at least one positioning segment overlaps a portion of the at least one main body segment. Deployment systems including the segmented endograft and methods for deploying a segmented endograft are described. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296407 | Apparatus And Method for Proximal-to-Distal Endoluminal Stent Deployment - A prosthetic delivery device is adapted for introducing a stent within a patient's vasculature through a reverse deployment procedure, beginning at a proximal location and finishing at a distal location. The device comprises: a guide tube, a rotation tube, and an outer tube. The guide tube threadably receives the rotation tube thereon. The rotation tube comprises a sheath rotatably secured at one end to overhang over a portion of the outer tube, which is received over a portion of the rotation tube, and which is fixedly secured to the guide tube. Rotating the rotation tube causes its translation relative to the outer tube. A stent crimped to be disposed beneath the sheath is forced to deploy proximally by relative movement of an annular deployment ring on the outer tube. A key on the outer tube is received within a key way of the sheath to prevent its rotation. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296408 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING VASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION - Devices, systems and methods are provided for performing intra-lumenal medical procedures in a desired area of the body. Stents, stent delivery devices and methods of performing medical procedures to redirect and or re-establish the intravascular flow of blood are provided for the treatment of hemorrhagic and ischemic disease states. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296409 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system is provided with a stent which, when inserted into an organism, is compressed in the center axis direction and which, when placed in the organism, can be expanded outward and restored to the shape which the stent has before being compressed; an inner tube body (inner tube); and a stent housing tube body (sheath) in which the stent is housed. The stent can be discharged by moving the stent housing tube body to the proximal side relative to the inner tube body. At least a portion of an inner surface of the stent housing tube body is a substantially polygonal prism-shaped inner surface which extends in the axial direction of the stent housing tube body. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296410 | STENT DESIGNS FOR USE IN PERIPHERAL VESSELS - System including a delivery catheter and a stent disposed at a distal end of the delivery catheter. The stent includes a plurality of radially expandable rings disposed adjacent to one another to define a tubular member having a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, and a middle portion, each of the radially expandable rings including a plurality of strut members. The middle portion of the tubular member include a plurality of interconnection members extending between longitudinally adjacent expandable rings, the number of the plurality of the interconnection members being greater than that of the end portion of the tubular member. The stent also includes a transition section between the end portion and the middle portion, the transition section including at least one open cell and at least one closed cell. The stent can be self-expandable or balloon expandable. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296411 | SIDE BRANCHED ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS AND METHODS OF DELIVERY THEREOF - An expandable prosthetic device and method of delivery that allows the initial placement of multiple guidewires into selected target sites. The prosthesis includes a main body device. This main body device has a separate side branch guidewire lumen that passes through the main body device and through a side opening in the main body device. As the main body device is advanced, the side opening is self guided (by the side branch guidewire) and self-aligns to the side branch vessel ostium. The main body device is then deployed, leaving the side branch guidewire in place. A side branch device is then advanced along the side branch guidewire through the main body device, through the side wall opening and into the native side branch vessel. The side branch device can then be deployed to engage the main body device and the native side branch vessel. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296412 | DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH MEDICAL DEVICE RELEASE BY EVERTABLE SLEEVE - A medical device delivery system has a tubular member defining a passageway and an inner member slideably disposed within the passageway. An expandable intraluminal medical device is disposed on a chamber of the inner member, and an evertable sleeve is attached to the inner member proximal to the chamber and to an inner surface of the tubular member. Relative movement between the tubular and outer members moves the evertable sleeve from a first position substantially overlying the expandable intraluminal medical device to a second position substantially proximal to the chamber. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296413 | METHODS OF IMPLANTING A PROSTHESIS - A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site includes advancing an outer catheter of a prosthesis delivery system in the patient and advancing an inner sheath and a guidewire lumen of the delivery system from the outer catheter to the treatment site along a guidewire while the outer catheter remains stationary relative to the patient. The method also includes locking an apex release lumen, a sheath lumen and a guidewire lumen within the apex release lumen, with respect to an outer catheter and rotationally locking the apex release lumen, the sheath lumen and the guidewire lumen. The apex release lumen, the sheath lumen and the guidewire lumen are threaded onto a guidewire and directed into a patient and the apex release lumen and the sheath lumen are unlocked with respect to the outer catheter. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296414 | THORACIC AORTA STENT GRAFT - A stent graft for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a tubular body defining a main lumen therethrough, a plurality of zig zag stents along the tubular body, each of the stents comprising a plurality of struts and bends, the bends being between adjacent struts. At least a first stent and an adjacent second stent having at least a pair of adjacent bends on the first stent aligned with an adjacent pair of bends on the second stent, whereby a first pair of adjacent struts of the first stent and a second pair of adjacent struts of the second adjacent stent together define a diamond shape region. A recess is within the diamond shaped region with the recess extending into the lumen of the tubular body. A fenestration extending into the tubular body within the recess in the diamond shaped region and a graft tube leading from the fenestration into the main lumen. There can be one, two or three diamond shaped regions, recesses, fenestrations and graft tubes Proximally of the or each diamond shaped region the tubular body has a first diameter, distally of the diamond shaped region the tubular body has a second diameter and in the region of the tubular body around the diamond shaped region the tubular body has a third diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter and both the first and second diameter being greater than the third diameter whereby a central region is defined which will allow circumferential blood flow during an operation out of the graft tube into the recess and then into the central region. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296415 | BIOABSORBABLE STENT - A bioabsorbable stent has a relatively high radial force and can be placed directly at the lesion without the possibility or reducing the possibility of occluding the lesion again after placement. The bioabsorbable stent is formed from a mixture composed of a bioabsorbable aliphatic polyester and an aromatic compound having one or more aromatic rings. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296416 | Stent Graft Assembly and Method - A method for assembling a stent graft onto a- balloon delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a graft over a stent with attached security rings and inserting the ends of the graft between the stent and the rings; placing the assembled stent graft on the delivery balloon of the delivery catheter; and crimping the stent graft onto the balloon. The stent may include a plurality of axially aligned belts that include a plurality of mid belts, and first and second end belts, where each of the mid belts includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts having first and second ends adjoining first sinusoidal-shaped elements, and each of the first and second end belts includes at least about twice the number of circumferentially spaced struts adjoining second sinusoidal-shaped elements. Also disclosed is a stent graft for use in practicing the method. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296417 | Corkscrew Annuloplasty Device - An annuloplasty device having a plurality of corkscrew anchors is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the annuloplasty device includes a core wire extending along the length of the device, and at least one corkscrew wire which is operably connected to the corkscrews to screw the corkscrews into heart tissue. In certain embodiments, one or more of the corkscrew wires includes a drive key and the corkscrew anchors are connected to a sleeve with a keyway that engages the drive key on the corkscrew wires. In addition, in some embodiments, the device includes a retractable sheath, which is disposed over the corkscrews to protect them during insertion of the device. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296418 | ENCAPSULATED HEART VALVE - The present disclosure concerns embodiments of implantable prosthetic devices, and in particular, implantable prosthetic valves, and methods for making such devices. In one aspect, a prosthetic device includes encapsulating layers that extend over a fabric layer and secure the fabric layer to another component of the device. In particular embodiments, the prosthetic device comprises a prosthetic heart valve, and can be configured to be implanted in any of the native heart valves. In addition, the prosthetic heart valve can be, for example, a transcatheter heart valve, a surgical heart valve, or a minimally-invasive heart valve. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296419 | Annuloplasty Ring with Anchors Fixed by Curing Polymer - Annuloplasty rings and methods for inserting annuloplasty rings are herein disclosed. The annuloplasty ring has a ring shell and a plurality of anchoring fasteners for anchoring the ring shell to adjacent hear tissue. To maintain the shape of the annuloplasty ring upon attachment of the ring to the patient's heart, a hardening polymer is inserted into the ring shell, which is permitted to cure, thereby providing support for the annuloplasty ring and the patient's heart valve. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296420 | Annuloplasty Ring with Piercing Wire and Segmented Wire Lumen - An annuloplasty device having an expandable member, a plurality of lobes, and a piercing wire is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the lobes extend radially outwardly from the expandable member. The lobes each have a wire lumen disposed therethrough, and the piercing wire is extendable through the wire lumen of each lobe to secure the device to adjacent heart tissue. In some embodiments, the expandable member comprises an inflatable medical balloon. In addition, a method of implanting an annuloplasty device is disclosed. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296421 | MANUFACTURING METHOD OF FOLDABLE ARTIFICIAL VITREOUS BODY AND MOULD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB), and its mould design, method for manufacturing, product appearance, and drug delivery property and so on. A mould for molding a foldable artificial vitreous body comprises an upper mould ( | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296422 | METHOD FOR DESIGNING, EVALUATING AND OPTIMIZING OPHTHALMIC LENSES AND LASER VISION CORRECTION - The present invention relates generally to lens design and, more particularly, to a method for designing, evaluating and optimizing ophthalmic lenses and laser vision correction in order to optimally manage issues resulting from, or related to, halos. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296423 | FILLING AND IMPLANTING ACCOMMODATIVE INTRAOCULAR LENSES - Advances in filling apparatus, handheld tools, surgical techniques and intraoperative biometry for implanting and adjusting an accommodative liquid lens are disclosed. The lens may be attached to or retained within a handheld surgical tool, which can be fluidly connectable to a filling console to fill the lens with a liquid. In various embodiments, a filling console facilitates aspirating liquid out of the lens in order to ensure the absence of residual bubbles and filling of the lens with fluid during surgery, as well as during post-operative adjustments to the lens. Actuated by the surgeon, the filling console can aspirate fluid from the lens and inject fluid into the lens following insertion thereof. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296424 | ACCOMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) ( | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296425 | Variable Focus Intraocular Lens - A variable focus intraocular lens comprises an optic coupled to at least one haptic at a flexion that sets a non-zero angle between the optic and the haptic. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296426 | HAPTIC FOR ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - A haptic is provided for use in an accommodating intraocular lens. The haptic has multiple filaments, each connected to the edge of the optic at one end. Each filament has a shape that conforms to an equatorial region of the capsular bag. The haptic couples the forces exerted by the capsular bag of the eye during accommodation radially to the edge of the optic, produce a diametric expansion or compression of the optic. This diametric motion distorts the optic, producing a change in any or all of the anterior radius, the posterior radius, and the thickness. These changes affect the power of the lens and/or location of the image. The haptic may optionally have a thin membrane joining the filaments at the optic end, and may optionally have a connecting ring that joins the filaments at the end opposite that of the optic. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296427 | Method and Apparatus for Tibial Fixation of an ACL Graft - A tensioner system for use in tensioning graft strands in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a handle assembly, a tensioner assembly coupled relative to the handle assembly, and a drive shaft slidably received through and supported by the handle assembly. The tensioner assembly can include an arm support member rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and first and second arm members each rotatably coupled to lateral sides of the arm support member. Each arm member can include at least one graft attachment area adapted to be coupled to a graft strand. The arm support member can be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tensioner system and perpendicular to an axis of rotation of each of the arm members. The drive shaft can include proximal and distal ends that extend beyond respective proximal and distal ends of the handle assembly. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296428 | SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF FUSING A SACROILIAC JOINT - A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, anchor element and delivery tool. The joint implant includes a bore extending non-parallel to the implant longitudinal axis. The anchor element is for receiving in the bore. The delivery tool includes an implant arm and anchor arm. The implant arm distal end is releasably coupled to the joint implant proximal end so the implant arm longitudinal axis is coaxial or parallel with the implant body longitudinal axis. An anchor arm distal end is engaged to the anchor element proximal end. The anchor arm is coupled to the implant arm such that the anchor element longitudinal axis is coaxially aligned with the bore longitudinal axis when the implant arm distal end is releasably coupled with the implant proximal end and the anchor arm distal end is engaged with the anchor element proximal end. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296429 | PROSTHETIC INTERVERTEBRAL DISK - An intervertebral disk prostheses for the total replacement of an intervertebral disk of the lumbar and cervical spine has an upper plate having upwardly projecting formations anchoring it to an upper vertebra on its upper face and a concavity on its inner face surrounded by an edge. A lower plate is provided with downwardly projecting formations anchoring it to a lower vertebra on its lower face and a flat inner face surrounding a groove extending front-to-back. A middle plate between the upper and lower plate has on its upper face a convexity that is identically or differently shaped to the concavity on the inner face of the upper plate and a ridge extending front-to-back surrounded by a flat lower face of the middle plate. The ridge has flanks and the groove houses the ridge of the middle plate and permits the ridge to slide front-to-back in the groove. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296430 | EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL SPACERS AND METHODS OF USE - An intervertebral spacer is inserted between vertebral members in a compact configuration and expanded post-insertion to contact the adjacent vertebral members. The intervertebral spacer comprises a first member and a second member movable with respect to the first member between retracted and extended positions. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296431 | Prosthetic Intervertebral Disc Implants - Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296432 | Advanced Intra-spinal Decompression Implant - A new Intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced that comprises of two plate attachments to a titanium metal implant that fits between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the lower back, decompressing the neuro elements. The invention has a number of new design features including: double axis adjustable side plates, stepped conical tipped body and piercing tips on side plates, among many mentioned in this disclosure, that improves the quality of the surgery and the result for the patient. More examples are given in this application. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296433 | SPINE SURGERY DEVICE - The invention relates to a device intended to replace or partially replace one or more vertebral bodies or intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, and includes methods for its use and deployment. The invention may be used to restore biomechanical parameters correlating with improved patient outcomes and also involves a method for a more effective discectomy or corpectomy prior to graft deployment. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296434 | KNEE PROSTHESIS - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disease affecting human joints. Mechanical stress through the joint is one of the most important independent etiological factors. The present invention provides a prosthesis that bypasses some of the stress from the joint without destroying the joint surface. It allows full range of joint movement, while sharing the load with the physiological joint, thereby maintaining the viability of the physiological joint surface. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296435 | SHOULDER PROSTHESIS - The present disclosure relates to a stemless shoulder prosthesis comprising a fixation device for fixing the prosthesis to a resected humerus bone, the fixation device comprising a base portion and anchoring means, the base portion having a distal side adapted to contact a resection plane of the bone and a proximal side for carrying a humeral head. The anchoring means are connected to the distal side of the base portion and adapted to fix the prosthesis to the bone. The anchoring means define a central axis perpendicular to the distal side of the base portion and a free central space around the central axis. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296436 | HUMERAL HEAD RESURFACING IMPLANT - A humeral head resurfacing implant ( | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296437 | Posterior Stabilized Orthopaedic Knee Prothesis Having Controlled Condylar Curvature - An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a posterior cam configured to contact a spine of the tibial bearing and a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the condyle surface may be increased during mid-flexion. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296438 | KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION - A prosthesis system for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a first femoral component including a first condylar portion, a second condylar portion, a first sidewall extending superiorly from the first condylar portion and a second sidewall offset from the first sidewall a first distance and extending superiorly from the second condylar portion. A tibial component can have a bone engaging inferior surface and a bearing engaging superior surface. A bearing can have an inferior surface that engages the bearing engaging surface and a superior femoral engaging surface. The bearing can define an opening and a bearing keyway. A first yoke and a second yoke can each have an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a yoke keyway extending therethrough. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296439 | Joint Resurfacing Prosthetic Implant System - A joint resurfacing prosthetic implant system is disclosed having an anatomically-shaped implant to replace a joint at a pedal digit or finger, including a head having an elliptical bearing surface disposed for engaging the end of an adjacent bone and a seating surface opposite the bearing surface, an elongated stem extending distally from the seating surface, and a flange on the circumference of the device and extending distally from the seating surface. The flange includes one or more portals and a removed section configured to avoid impinging upon a tendon during and after implantation of the prosthetic. A specialized tool is also provided to facilitate the resection of the bone for implantation. The specialized tool includes an elliptical template having a cutting edge and a center insert that is sized and configured to match a reamer used to bore into the bone for insertion of the implant. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296440 | DEVICE FOR OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF THE THORACIC WALL - A device made up of a textile tubular sheath, which can be implanted in the human body, suitable for containing a filling material and the ends of which are suitable for covering the ends of two portions of a single resected rib. The sheath contains a braid, in which the yarns allow relative movement in relation to one another in order locally to modify the diameter and the shape of the braid, such that the braid not only covers but also encloses the end of one portion of the rib. The sheath is secured to a tip which, allowing the injection of a biocompatible material for filling the sheath, the packing of the braid and the connection by adhesion of the sheath and the braid with the ends of the portions of the rib, is in turn sectional. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296441 | Graft Collection and Containment System for Bone Defects - A device for containing bone graft material comprises a body including an inner sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve and extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end such that a bone graft collecting space is formed therebetween. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296442 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONAL STIMULATION - Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. Embodiments of methods according to the present invention provide the ability to intra-operatively simulate post-operative physiologic function of a body part. Such methods may be used during various surgical procedures, including nerve transfer procedures. Included are one or more steps of confirming paralysis or a weakened condition of a body part, confirming responsivity or operability of transfer tissue to supplement the functionality of the paralyzed or weakened part, and intra-operatively simulating post-operative functionality of the transfer tissue to enhance and/or predict the outcome of the surgical procedure. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296443 | SERICIN EXTRACTED FABRICS - Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296444 | Cortical Interface for Motor Signal Recording and Sensory Signal Stimulation - The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that sends and receives data or signals, and optionally power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to the at least one package and processes the data, including recordings of neural activity, and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that is/are attached to the at least one package. The device is adapted to electrocorticographic (ECoG) and local field potential (LFP) signals. The output signals provide control for a motor prosthesis and the inputs signals provide sensory feedback for the motor prosthesis. The invention, or components thereof, is/are intended to be installed in the head, or on or in the cranium or on the dura, or on or in the brain. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296445 | LINER HAVING AN INTEGRATED ELECTRODE - The invention relates to a liner that is intended to be pulled over an amputation stump, is made of an electrically non-conducting material, has a form that is adapted or that adapts to the amputation stump, has an inner wall ( | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296446 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING SAFETY-CRITICAL AND NON-SAFETY-CRITICAL PROCESSES - A control system controls safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes and/or system components. The system includes a first control unit for controlling the non-safety-critical process and/or the non-safety-critical system components, at least one input/output unit connected to the first control unit, a communication coupler, which is connected to the first control unit via an internal coupler bus, and a second control unit for controlling the safety-critical process and/or the safety-critical system components. For providing safety-related functions, the second control unit includes a first dual-port RAM and at least two processors, only one of which is connected to the first dual-port RAM. The second control unit communicates with the first control unit via the first dual-port RAM and the internal coupler bus, and the first control unit transmits data from the second control unit to the communication coupler via the internal coupler bus and a second dual-port RAM integrated into the communication coupler. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296447 | CONTROLLER - A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296448 | SOFTWARE LOCKOUT COORDINATION BETWEEN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND AN ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A process control system coordinates with an associated asset management system to implement a plant safety mechanism and, in particular, to prevent unintended changes to, or otherwise undesired operation of, one or more process control equipment resources in a process plant. A maintenance technician uses the asset management system to request access to one or more of the process control equipment resources. A process operator receives the request via the process control system and grants or denies the request. Process control equipment resources for which a process operator grants a request are inoperable, in part or in whole, by the process control system. Upon completion of the maintenance task, the maintenance technician requests to return control of the process control equipment resource to the process operator. The return is complete when the process operator acknowledges the return of the resource to the process control system. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296449 | Positioning Control Apparatus and Machine Tool Provided Therewith - A positioning control apparatus has a moving body, a feed device having a guide mechanism for guiding the moving body in the direction of its feed axis and a drive mechanism for moving the moving body, a structural body supporting the feed device and a controller for controlling a moving position of the moving body with respect to a reference position on a machine tool by controlling the operation of the drive mechanism, and further has a calculating section calculating displacement of the feed device in the feed-axis direction with respect to the reference position caused by displacement of the structural body and a compensating section receiving the displacement data measured by the calculating section and adding modification data for eliminating the displacement to a control signal in the controller. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296450 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR MACHINE - Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and devices for controlling a machine. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system for a machine, the system comprising: a device including: a module adapted to perform a support function associated with a machine; and a power cable for connecting the module to an electrical supply, the power cable including an identifier operable to be read by the device; and a host computer operable to: receive from the device a request for a network identifier for the device, the request including information from the identifier; and obtain the network identifier using the information from the identifier. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296451 | BUILDING AUTOMATION AND BUILDING INFORMATION SYSTEM - A building automation and building information system has a central unit, at least one control unit and first components. The central unit is connected to the at least one control unit via a bidirectional data line, as means for reception of data from the at least one control unit, and means for open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the at least one control unit. Each control unit is associated with at least one first component, to which the control unit is connected by radio. The control unit has means for open-loop and/or closed-loop radio control of the associated first components. The first components associated with each control unit can be connected to one another by radio. The central unit, the at least one control unit and the first components each have a plug-and-play capability. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296452 | WEB-BASED VISUALIZATION MASH-UPS FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION - A visualization system that generates visual mash-ups for industrial automation includes a ash-up component that combines output from a subset of disparate sources into a common interface. The disparate sources include at least one of equipment, computers, or devices within an industrial automation environment. A visualization component generates and displays a mash-up visualization that includes information associated with the common interface. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296453 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING PROXIMITY SENSING FOR AUGMENTED REALITY GAMING - Apparatuses for wireless communication is disclosed that includes a receiver configured to receive ranging information from at least one of one or more sensors arranged with an object and one or more sensors remote from the object; and a processing system configured to track the object with respect to the one or more sensors remote from the object based on the ranging information. A method for wireless communication is disclosed that includes receiving ranging information from at least one of one or more sensors arranged with an object and one or more sensors remote from the object; and tracking the object with respect to the one or more sensors remote from the object based on the ranging information. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296454 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING POSTURES - A posture analyzing system has a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of a sports apparatus and is configured to collect and transmit data of the sports apparatus. A mobile terminal is configured to read the data and to draw a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus. Further, a posture analyzing system collects and sends data of the sports apparatus by a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of the sports apparatus and receives the data and draws a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus by a mobile terminal. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296455 | OPTICAL DATA CAPTURE OF EXERCISE DATA IN FURTHERANCE OF A HEALTH SCORE COMPUTATION - A computer implemented method for managing health-related data captures an image from a display of an exercise machine using a camera, has the images processed to extract the text data from the captured images, and analyzes the text data to identify information relating to extrinsic physical activity performed by a person at the exercise machine. The results are stored in memory and a profile specific to the person is updated. The profile comprises a log of past exercise activity that allows the person to track his or her activity and progress and overall health. The profile can be accessed by the person through a portal such as using a smart phone or a computer program or web browser. The results can be combined with other data to arrive at a health score which can be published through the portal while personal data remains masked from public inspection. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296456 | GOLF HANDICAP APPLICATION FOR MOBILE DEVICES - Technology is described for tracking golf handicaps. The technology receives an identification of one of at least two golf handicap rating agencies a user is affiliated with; receives a golf score for the user; and electronically provides the received golf score to the identified rating agency. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296457 | SIGNAL TRANSFORMING METHOD, TRANSFORMING DEVICE THROUGH AUDIO INTERFACE AND APPLICATION PROGRAM FOR EXECUTING THE SAME - A signal transforming method receives external analog audio signal through an audio I/O interface on a mobile device. The mobile device installs an application program therein, and the mobile device transforms the received analog audio signal into a digital signal according to a predetermined decoding reference via the application program. The mobile device can then execute corresponding works according to the transformed digital signal. In the other hand, the mobile device can also transform any type of digital signal into analog audio signal and transmits and receives the transformed analog audio signal via the audio I/O interface on the mobile device, therefore, the arrangement of other data transmitting interfaces of the mobile device can be saved. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296458 | Background Audio Listening for Content Recognition - Various embodiments enable audio data, such as music data, to be captured, by a device, from a background environment and processed to formulate a query that can then be transmitted to a content recognition service. In one or more embodiments, the audio data is captured prior to receiving user input associated with audio data capture, e.g., launch of an application associated with the content recognition service, provision of user input proactively indicating that audio data capture is desired, and the like. Responsive to transmitting the query, displayable information associated with the audio data is returned by the content recognition service and can be consumed by the device. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296459 | AUDIO APPARATUS - An audio apparatus according to an embodiment includes an audio signal receiving unit, a music gap signal receiving unit, a playback unit, and a determining unit. The audio signal receiving unit receives an audio signal in which successive multiple music data are contained in a single block of data. The determining unit determines a boundary of the music data on the basis of the time at which the music gap signal that indicates the boundary of the music data by the music gap signal receiving unit and the duration of a silent period in the audio signal that is played back by the playback unit. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296460 | Bonded Rework Template System - A method and apparatus for processing an inconsistency. A shape of the inconsistency is identified in a location having layers of composite materials. A model of the location is created with a portion of a number of layers in the layers of composite materials removed to form a section based on the shape of the inconsistency and a policy for rework. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296461 | FLEXIBLE LASER MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE - Embodiments of flexible laser manufacturing systems are disclosed herein. A flexible laser manufacturing system configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a plurality of laser processing stations. Each laser processing station can include a laser source configured to generate a laser beam for processing target material, and a first controller coupled to the laser source. The flexible laser manufacturing system also includes a second controller coupled to the first controller of the individual laser processing stations. The second controller is configured to monitor and instruct each of the first controllers for processing target material of each of the corresponding laser processing stations. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296462 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER WITH MACHINING TIME PREDICTION UNIT AND MACHINING ERROR PREDICTION UNIT - In connection with a machining program used in machining a workpiece by means of a machine tool controlled by a numerical controller, interpolation data, a command position point sequence, and a servo position point sequence for each processing period are determined by simulation by designating speed data for giving a machining speed and precision data for giving a machining precision. A predicted machining time for workpiece machining is determined based on the determined interpolation data, and a predicted machining error for workpiece machining is determined based on the determined command and servo position point sequences. Further, the precision data and the speed data are determined for the shortest predicted machining time within a preset machining error tolerance, based on a plurality of predicted machining times and a plurality of predicted machining errors. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296463 | AUTOMATICALLY GUIDED TOOLS - A position correcting system, method and tool for guiding a tool during its use based on its location relative to the material being worked on. Provided is a system and tool which uses its auto correcting technology to precisely rout or cut material. The invention provides a camera which is used to track the visual features of the surface of the material being cut to build a map and locate an image on that map used to reference the location of the tool for auto-correction of the cutting path. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296464 | PARALLEL INPUT/OUTPUT SIGNAL DISTRIBUTOR AND PARALLEL INPUT/OUTPUT SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION METHOD - Provided is a parallel input/output signal distributor for distributing the contents of parallel input/output communication between a facility-side controller of a semiconductor manufacturing process automating facility and a semiconductor manufacturing device, said parallel input/output signal distributor comprising an input unit to which a parallel input/output signal containing the contents of parallel input/output communication between the facility-side controller and the semiconductor manufacturing device is inputted from a parallel input/output signal sensor end on the facility-side controller side, a first output unit which outputs the inputted parallel input/output signal to the facility-side controller, and a second output unit which outputs the inputted parallel input/output signal. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296465 | Interactive knitting and crocheting system - The interactive knitting and crocheting system includes at least one crocheting or knitting needle with a motion-based sensing capability integrated therein and a computing means. The computing means monitors movement of the respective needle to monitor proper crocheting or knitting technique, and upon detection of improper technique will provide an alert that an error has occurred, which shall prevent waste in work. The computing means provides notice of improper technique in the form of an audiovisual means, which can double as an instructional aid in teaching how to crochet or knit. The computing means also provides progress as to the stitch and pattern formed. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296466 | CONTROL METHOD FOR THE CASTING LEVEL OF A CONTINUOUS CASTING MOLD - A method is provided for adjusting the inflow of liquid metal into a continuous casting mold using a closing device. The partially solidified metal strand is drawn out of the continuous casting mold. A measured actual value of the casting level is fed into a casting level controller, which derives a target setting for the closing device. The measured actual value and a target setting of the closing device are fed to an interference compensator, which determines an expected value for the casting level, which is subtracted from the measured actual value. The difference is fed to a differential controller that derives a controller output signal therefrom, which is multiplied by a superposition factor and superimposed on the target setting as an interference compensation value. An inflow signal derived from the actual setting is further superimposed on the controller output signal and fed to an integrator, which generates an output signal corresponding to the expected value for the casting level. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296467 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRESORT BREAK SORTING OF MAILPIECES - The present subject matter relates to techniques and equipment for processing mailpieces. The mailpieces have been manufacture on a mailpiece inserter or directly from a printer The manufactured mailpieces are processed on a mail sorter to produce trays of mail that are grouped by zone improvement program. The mailpieces are sorted without a predefined sort scheme loaded on the mail sorter. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296468 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SORTING PLANT MATERIAL - An apparatus and method for sorting plant material based on the presence or absence of a visual marker on the plant material. The visible marker may be a visible genetic color marker in the corn seed which is used in double haploid breeding. The absence or presence of the visible marker identifies correctly pollinated seeds as well as putative haploid seeds. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296469 | SUCKING-CONVEYING DEVICE HAVING VISION SENSOR AND SUCTION UNIT - A sucking-conveying device capable of sequentially and efficiently taking out and conveying a workpiece one-by-one, even when a taking-out means attached to the robot is not correctly positioned relative to a workpiece to be taken out. The sucking-conveying device includes a robot and a vision sensor capable of detecting a plurality of workpieces randomly located in a container. A suction nozzle, configured to suck and take out the workpieces one-by-one, is mounted on the robot. By attaching the nozzle to a robot arm, the position and orientation of the nozzle may be changed. The suction nozzle is fluidly connected to a suction unit via a blow member. The suction unit sucks air through the nozzle, and generates suction force at the nozzle for sucking a target workpiece to be taken out toward the nozzle, whereby the nozzle can suck and hold the target workpiece. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296470 | Blending Color and Control Management System - In but one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system having a display to indicate the amount of a material being added to a scale. The system includes tolerance indication software configured to indicate predefined ranged tolerances above and/or below the recommended amounts, such that a user is able to identify whether the amount added to the scale for a colorant and/or dye blending material is within the predefined ranged tolerances. In yet another aspect the memory includes instructions to recreate formulas based on a specific product brand. Software can be provided to permit a user to convert the formula, either a portion or the entire formula, to a second product brand. | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296471 | ROBOT AND SPOT WELDING ROBOT WITH LEARNING CONTROL FUNCTION | 2012-11-22 |
| 20120296472 | FORCE CONTROL ROBOT - A force control robot which controls a motion of a robotic arm based on a detection value of a force detector, the force control robot including: the robotic arm having one end as a fixed end and another end as a movable end; an end effector connected to the movable end of the arm through an elastic member, the end effector having a grip driving portion and a grip mechanism portion configured to grip a part; the force detector configured to detect an external force exerted on the grip mechanism portion of the end effector, based on a deformation amount of the elastic member; an end effector controller disposed at the movable end of the arm and configured to control the grip driving portion of the end effector; and a robotic controller configured to control the motion of the arm. | 2012-11-22 |
