48th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130317560 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH LACK-OF-READINESS ALARM - A medical device for caring for a patient includes a patient utility for measuring a patient parameter or administering a therapy to the patient and an alarm system that has a receiver to accept status information about the medical device. A use detector of the alarm system is structured to determine when the medical device is being prepared for use and a status detector of the alarm system is adapted to determine from the status information that the medical device is in a ready state. The alarm system further includes an alarm that is activated when the medical device is both being prepared for use and not in the ready state. This description also includes methods of generating an alarm when the medical device is both being prepared for use and not in the ready state. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317561 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DELIVER THERAPY IN PRESENCE OF ANOTHER THERAPY - Various aspects relate to a method. In various embodiments, a therapy of a first therapy type is delivered, and it is identified whether a therapy of a second therapy type is present to affect the therapy of the first therapy type. Delivery of the therapy is controlled based on the presence of the therapy of the second therapy type. Some embodiments deliver the therapy of the first type using one set of parameters in the presence of a therapy of a second type, and deliver the therapy of the first type using another set of parameters when the therapy of the second type is not present. In various embodiments, one of the therapy types includes a cardiac rhythm management therapy, and the other includes a neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317562 | LEAD FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC PROSTHESIS WITH INTEGRATED PROTECTION AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF MRI FIELDS - A lead for an implantable cardiac prosthesis having an integrated protection against the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) fields. A protection circuit ( | 2013-11-28 |
20130317563 | DEVICES FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF A BIOLOGICAL TISSUE AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING SAME - An electrical stimulation system including: a mechanism generating at least one electrical signal to be applied to a biological tissue that is to stimulated and measuring a response of the biological tissue to each electrical signal; a calculation mechanism estimating, based on each electrical signal and on a corresponding response of the biological tissue, at least one parameter of an electrical model of the biological tissue and its interface with the electrical stimulation system and determining, using the model, at least one parameter of a stimulation pulse to be applied to the biological tissue by the electrical stimulation system; and a mechanism generating a stimulation pulse to be applied to the biological tissue. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317564 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING A NERVE SYMPTOM - An implantable electrical stimulation system for treating a nerve symptom, the system comprising an implantable device. The implantable devices includes a wave generator that is operable to generate a signal wave and a white noise, mix the signal wave and the white noise, and produce an electrical stimulating signal. The system further comprises an electrode unit located in close proximity to a target nerve and is operable to provide the electrical stimulating signal to the nerve. The system further comprises an external controlling device. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317565 | SYSTEM FOR ANALYZING AND TREATING ABNORMALITY OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL TISSUES - A patient treatment unit for analyzing and treating abnormality of human or animal tissues, includes a display; a pulse generator circuit that outputs a sequence of electrical pulses at a pulse frequency, the electrical pulses having a pulse width, the pulse generator controlling the pulse frequency and the pulse width of the electrical pulses; a pair of probes for contacting a body of a patient and electrically coupled to the pulse generator; and a voltage and current sensing circuit that senses a voltage or a current via the probes when contacting the body of the patient. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317566 | COMPENSATION CURRENT OPTIMIZATION FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEMS - An exemplary method includes 1) applying a main current to a first electrode disposed within a patient and associated with a first pitch, 2) concurrently applying a compensation current to a second electrode disposed within the patient and associated with a second pitch during the application of the main current, the compensation current being out-of-phase with the main current, and 3) optimizing an amount of the compensation current to result in a target pitch being presented to the patient that is distanced from the first pitch in a pitch direction opposite a pitch direction of the second pitch in relation to the first pitch. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317567 | REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bi-directional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317568 | ASSOCIATING THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS WITH POSTURE STATES USING A STABILITY TIMER - The disclosure describes techniques for associating therapy adjustments with posture states using a timer. The techniques may include detecting a patient adjustment to electrical stimulation therapy delivered to the patient, sensing a posture state of the patient, and associating the detected adjustment with the sensed posture state if the sensed posture state is sensed within a first period following the detection of the adjustment and if the sensed posture state does not change during a second period following the sensing of the sensed posture state. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317569 | Optogenetic Control of Reward-Related Behaviors - Provided herein are compositions and methods for disrupting at least one reward-related behavior in an individual through the use of light-responsive opsin proteins used to control the polarization state of the cholinergic interneurons of the nucleus accumbens or the striatum. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317570 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR RETINA PHOTOTHERAPY - A system and process for treating retinal diseases includes passing a laser light beam through an optical lens or mask to optically shape the light beam. The light beam is applied to at least a portion of the retina. Due to the selected parameters of the laser light beam pulse length, power and duty cycle, the laser light beam can be applied to substantially the entire retina, including the fovea, without damaging retinal or foveal tissue, while still attaining the benefits of retinal photocoagulation. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317571 | Multiple Aperture Hand-Held Laser Therapy Apparatus - A hand-held therapeutic laser apparatus with a special opto-mechanical construction, which enables changeability of a front collimating lens to create different effective laser apertures. A smaller effective aperture has a comparatively higher radiant flux density for treatment of a small area that requires a higher energy dose, while a larger effective aperture facilitates treatment of a large area at a relatively reduced radiant intensity. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317572 | LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY - A method of treating a patient with an ailment using an optical element implanted within the patient, comprising conveying low-level laser energy having a wavelength in the range of 600 nm-2500 nm from the optical element to a neuronal element of the patient, thereby modulating the neuronal element to treat the ailment. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317573 | COMBINATION ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY - A neuromodulation lead, comprising an elongated body, at least one electrode carried by the distal end of the elongated body, and at least one optical element carried by the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode(s) is configured for conveying electrical energy capable of modulating a neuronal element, and the optical element(s) is configured for conveying low-level laser energy capable of modulating a neuronal element. A method of treating a patient with an ailment comprises conveying electrical energy to a first neuronal element, thereby modulating the first neuronal element, and conveying low-level laser energy having a wavelength in the range of 600 nm-2500 nm to the first neuronal element, thereby modulating the first neuronal element. At least one of the conveyance of the electrical energy and the conveyance of the low-level laser energy treats the ailment. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317574 | Phototherapy Handpiece - A phototherapy device is disclosed including: a handpiece; and a beamshaping element housed in the handpiece. The beamshaping element is adapted to receive a beam of light from an ultraviolet light source, modify the shape of the beam, and direct the modified beam to provide illumination of a region of a treatment surface, the region, having a tilable cross section at the treatment surface with an irregularly shaped boundary. In some embodiments, the irregularly shaped boundary is composed of three or more segments, each segment being sinusoid-like. In some embodiments, the beamshaping element includes a screen disposed between the light source and the treatment surface, the screen including a light transmissive with an irregularly shaped boundary, and where the irregularly shaped boundary of the illuminated area corresponds to the irregularly shaped boundary of the light transmissive region. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317575 | Implantable Optical Stimulators - Various systems and methods are implemented for in vivo use in a living animal. One such method involves stimulating target cells having light-responsive proteins and includes providing an elongated light-delivery structure in a narrow passageway in the animal, the elongated light-delivery structure having separately-activatable light sources located along the length of the elongated light-delivery structure. The method also includes activating less than all the light sources to deliver light to light-responsive proteins adjacent to the activated light sources along the length of the elongated light-delivery structure, thereby stimulating target cells in vivo. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317576 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING BRAIN ACTIVATION VIA THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM WITH TIME-VARYING WAVEFORMS - A device for delivering caloric vestibular stimulation to an individual, includes: (a) an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the individual for delivering said caloric vestibular stimulation; (b) a power supply operatively associated with said earpiece; and (c) a controller operatively associated with said power supply and said earpiece for configuring said caloric vestibular stimulation as at least a first and second time-varying waveform. Preferably, the waveforms are actively controlled waveforms. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317577 | THERAPEUTIC COOLING DEVICE - A therapeutic cooling apparatus for cooling the human head that includes a container having a cavity that is configured to hold a volume of liquid and an indentation for supporting a human head. On one end of the container there is a contour and ramp that is designed to support the full length of the human neck when a person lies in the supine position and puts their head inside the cavity. Inside the container is a receptacle that is configured to hold at least one cooling insert. The receptacle is partitioned from the cavity by a divider. To use the apparatus, the cavity is filled with liquid. Cooling inserts are cooled and thereafter are placed within the receptacle. A person lowers their head and neck into the liquid-filled cavity so that their neck is supported by the contour and ramp and their head is supported by the indentation within the cavity. The head and neck are cooled by the passive transfer of heat from the head to the cooling insert through the liquid. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317578 | MAINTENANCE OF REDUCED CORE MAMMALIAN BODY TEMPERATURE - The present application relates to systems and methods for maintaining reduced core body temperature in a subject having a reduced core body temperature. Heat is applied to peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue of the subject to increase or maintain perfusion of blood in glabrous tissue of the subject. A cooling stimulus is applied to the glabrous tissue thereby maintaining reduced core body temperature in the subject. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317579 | NANOSHELL THERAPY - Nano-constructs comprising nanoshells and methods of using the nano-constructs for treating or ameliorating a vascular condition are provided. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317580 | VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION TO AVERT OR TREAT STROKE OR TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing a stroke and/or a transient ischemic attack in a patient. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to modulate the release of GABA, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin, thereby providing neuroprotection to the patient; to modulate the activity of resting state neuronal networks, particularly the sensory-motor network or resting state networks containing the insula; and to avert a stroke or transient ischemic attack that has been forecasted. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317581 | METHODS AND DEVICES RELATING TO NON-INVASIVE ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION - The invention provides, in certain aspects, methods and devices relating to the use of non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation in subjects to reduce ischemic and/or reperfusion injury and restenosis, and to improve physical performance. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317582 | DEVICE FOR STIMULATING NEURAL REGENERATION AND FABRICATION METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a device for stimulating neural regeneration and/or neurite outgrowth and a fabrication method thereof. A photovoltaic component having a substrate, a first conductive layer, an active layer and a second conducting stacked in sequence is formed. The photovoltaic component is encapsulated by an encapsulant with a portion of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer exposed from the encapsulant. The device is configured to be rolled to form a guiding tube having two open ends and to be placed at a damaged portion of a nerve. When the device is illuminated by light, a photovoltage exists between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer for producing an electric current, so as to stimulate neural regeneration and repair the damaged portion of a nerve. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317583 | PERCUTANEOUS IMPLANTATION OF AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD FOR STIMULATING DORSAL ROOT GANGLION - A method of implanting an electrical stimulation lead to stimulate a dorsal root ganglion includes providing an electrical stimulation lead having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead, terminals disposed on the proximal end of the body, a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the electrodes to the terminals. The method further includes sequentially inserting a series of hollow introducers into the back of a patient to open a passage to the dorsal root ganglion. Each introducer in the series has an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of a preceding introducer in the series. The method also includes implanting the electrical stimulation lead through the passage formed using the series of hollow introducers. Upon implantation of the electrical stimulation lead, at least one of the plurality of electrodes is adjacent the dorsal root ganglion. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317584 | HEADER EMBEDDED FILTER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A header block is configured to be attachable to an implantable medical device. The header block includes a header block body and a connection port disposed in the header block body configured to receive an implantable lead. A conductor is disposed in the header block body electrically coupled to the connection port at a first end and connectable at a second end to the implantable medical device. An impeding device is electrically coupled in series along the length of the conductor and disposed within the header block body. The impeding device is configured to raise the high-frequency impedance of the conductor. The impeding device may include a bandstop filter or an L-C tank circuit. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317585 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING PATIENT TISSUE ON OR AROUND ONE OR MORE BONY STRUCTURES - An implantable lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation to a patient includes a lead body; a terminal disposed along a proximal end of the lead body; and an orthopedic implant coupled to a distal end of the lead body. The orthopedic implant is configured and arranged for anchoring to a bony structure. At least one mounting region is disposed along the orthopedic implant. The at least one mounting region is configured and arranged for anchoring the orthopedic implant to the at least one bony structure. An electrode is disposed along a stimulation region of the orthopedic implant. A conductor electrically couples the terminal to the electrode. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317586 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF MULTIPLE DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA WITH A SINGLE LEAD - A method for implanting an electrical stimulation lead into a patient includes advancing a distal end of a multi-armed lead into an epidural space of the patient. The multi-armed lead includes first and second stimulation arms extending from a main body portion. The first stimulation arm is guided into and through a first intervertebral foramen. The first stimulation arm is positioned in proximity to a first dorsal root ganglion. The first stimulation arm is positioned with electrodes disposed along the first stimulation arm in operational proximity to the first dorsal root ganglion. The second stimulation arm is guided into and through a second intervertebral foramen. The second stimulation arm is positioned in proximity to a second dorsal root ganglion. The second stimulation arm is positioned with electrodes disposed along the second stimulation arm in operational proximity to the second dorsal root ganglion. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317587 | METHODS FOR STIMULATING THE DORSAL ROOT GANGLION WITH A LEAD HAVING SEGMENTED ELECTRODES - A method of stimulating a dorsal root ganglion includes providing an electrical stimulation lead having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, a circumference, a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead, a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead, and a plurality of conductors. Each conductor electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of segmented electrodes and each of the segmented electrodes extends around no more than 75% of the circumference of the lead. The method further includes implanting the electrical stimulation lead adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion and applying electrical stimulation to the dorsal root ganglion using at least one of the plurality of segmented electrodes of the electrical stimulation lead. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317588 | DISTALLY CURVED ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - An implantable electrical stimulation lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length, wherein the distal end of the lead body is formed into a hook or coil shape; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the hook or coil at the distal end of the lead body; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body; and a plurality of conductors, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The lead can be used to stimulate, for example, a dorsal root ganglion with the hook-shaped or coil-shaped distal end disposed around a portion of the dorsal root ganglion. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317589 | RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317590 | Stent And Delivery System With Reduced Chemical Degradation - Stents and delivery systems with reduced chemical degradation and methods of sterilizing the same are disclosed. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317591 | DRUG ELUTING STENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIALYSIS GRAFT STENOSES - A drug-eluting stent having a first cell pattern at one end and a second cell pattern on an opposite end. The cells in the first cell pattern have a smaller MCUSA than those in the second cell pattern. An anti-restonic drug can be coated on the first cell pattern and an anti-thrombotic drug on the second, with the anti-thrombotic drug overlaying and covering both the first and second cell patterns. The stent is operatively positionable at a distal graft-vein anastomosis with the first cell pattern adjacent the stenosis, and with the second cell pattern positioned adjacent the vein or the graft. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317592 | Device for Catheter Sheath Retraction - A device for moving an elongate member relative to an elongate body through which it extends, the device including a housing, a mover, and a pre-mover. The housing is connectable to the elongate body. The mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing. The pre-mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for adjusting the elongate member in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317593 | VARYING DIAMETER VASCULAR IMPLANT AND BALLOON - A method for deploying an expandable implant in a body passage of varying diameter includes selecting a balloon having a radial dimension that varies, when the balloon is inflated, in accordance with the varying diameter of the body passage. The balloon is inserted, in a deflated state, into the body passage, with the expandable implant fitted radially around the balloon. The balloon is inflated so as to cause the implant to open, responsively to the varying radial dimension of the balloon, into an expanded shape that approximately matches the varying diameter of the body passage, thus anchoring the implant in the body passage. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317594 | SPRING DETACH JOINT FOR DELIVERING A DETACHABLE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Methods and systems for delivering an implantable device to a target site, using a detachable link. The system can include an embolic coil mated to a delivery wire via a detachable link comprising first and second engaging members. When the detachable link is delivered through a catheter, the first and second engaging members are configured to self-detach. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317595 | STENT GRAFT - The invention relates to a stent graft comprising a stent ( | 2013-11-28 |
20130317596 | BIORESORBABLE POLYMER SCAFFOLD AND TREATMENT OF CORONARY ARTERY LESIONS - Methods of treating coronary heart disease with bioresorbable polymer stents are described. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317597 | Stent Designs With Angled Connectors - Stent including a plurality of radially-expandable rings disposed adjacent one another along a longitudinal axis to define a tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an intermediate portion, each of the radially-expandable rings including a plurality of strut members defining a series of crowns proximate opposite ends thereof. The stent includes a number of first interconnection members, each first interconnection member extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis between a crown of a first radially-expandable ring and a crown of a second radially-expandable ring. The stent includes a number of second interconnection members, each second interconnection member extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis between a crown of the second radially-expandable ring and a crown of a third radially-expandable ring. The number of first interconnection members is different than the number of second interconnection members. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317598 | RAPID DEPLOYMENT PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises a support structure that is deployed at a treatment site. The prosthetic valve further comprises a valve member configured to be quickly connected to the support structure. The support structure may take the form of a stent that is expanded at the site of a native valve. If desired, the native leaflets may remain and the stent may be used to hold the native valve open. In this case, the stent may be balloon expandable and configured to resist the powerful recoil force of the native leaflets. The support structure is provided with a coupling means for attachment to the valve member, thereby fixing the position of the valve member in the body. The valve member may be expandable or a non-expandable type. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317599 | MICRONIZED PEPTIDE COATED STENT - A coating for an implantable device such as a stent is provided including micronized peptides. A method of making the same is also provided. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317600 | DRUG ELUTING MEDICAL IMPLANT - Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317601 | MEDICAL DEVICE AMENEABLE TO FENESTRATION - The present invention is directed to a device that permits a permanent aperture to be formed in a wall, or other partition, of an implantable medical device. The present invention maintains the continuity and fluid-retaining properties of the implantable medical device by providing a breachable barrier material fully covering an opening delimited by a deformable framework. The invention is accessed with conventional interventional surgical instruments that disrupt and displace the barrier material. Following disruption of the barrier material, the opening is enlarged with surgical instruments to form a permanent framed aperture in the wall of the implantable medical device. The permanent framed aperture provides fluid communication across the wall of the implantable medical device. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317602 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - Apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve into a patient by means that are less invasive than conventional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The prosthetic valve may be collapsed while in a delivery device. When the valve reaches the desired implant site in the patient, the valve can be released from the delivery device, which allows the valve to re-expand to the configuration in which it can function as a heart valve. For example, the delivery device may be constructed to facilitate delivery of the prosthetic valve into the patient via the apex of the patient's heart. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317603 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DEVICES, PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region, and an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension with a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion transverse to the longitudinal dimension between the first portion and the second portion. The anchoring member and the valve support are configured to move from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration in which a shape of the first region of the valve support is at least partially independent of a shape of the first portion of the anchoring member. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317604 | POLYMER VALVE AND PULSATILE CATHETER-TYPE VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE USING SAME - A polymer valve and a ventricular assist device using the polymer valve are provided to allow blood to flow in a first direction but prevents blood from flowing backward in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The polymer valve comprises a base body having a hollow therethrough for passing of blood, comprising a pair of support legs formed by cutting opposing sides of an end portion of the base body along an inclined surface toward the center line of the hollow to extend toward the first direction from the body , and a leaflet formed of polymer and attached to the support legs to cover the hollow, wherein the leaflet includes a pair of opposing sides attached to the cutting surfaces of the support legs and an end portion connecting the sides of the leaflet, wherein the leaflet is formed of an opening between the support legs. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317605 | INJECTOR FOR EYE - To provide an injector for ophthalmology which can guide an implant easily to an transplant place without causing any damage to the implant when the implant is inserted into an eyeball. The injector for an eye used for inserting an implant into an eyeball comprises an outer tube, and an implant holding structure arranged in the outer tube to be slidable with respect to the outer tube. The implant holding structure has an implant holding portion which can be contained in the outer tube and forms a space for containing the implant between the implant holding portion and the inner surface of the outer tube when it is contained in the outer tube. The implant holding portion projects from the outer tube when the implant holding structure is advanced and the implant can be taken out from the outer tube. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317606 | APPARATUS FOR CREATING INCISIONS TO IMPROVE INTRAOCULAR LENS PLACEMENT - A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317607 | ACCOMODATING INTRAOCULAR COMPOSITE LENS AND RELATED METHODS - An implantable intraocular lens and methods of manufacturing them provide a target degree of optical accommodation. In various embodiments, the lens includes at least one internal optic, an outer shell for enclosing at least a portion of the internal optic, and a fluid at least partially filling the outer shell. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317608 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENSES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, FRAMES, AND METHODS - An intraocular lens for providing accommodative vision to a subject includes a frame disposed about an optical axis, a first optical element, a second optical element, and a connecting element operably coupling the frame to the optical elements. The frame comprises an anterior frame element and a posterior frame element. The connecting element is configured to convert a first displacement between the frame elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to the optical axis into a second displacement between the optical elements that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The second displacement may be translational and/or rotation. In some embodiments, the optical elements are two varifocal lenses. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317609 | ARTIFICIAL EYES AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A method of manufacturing an artificial eye for fitting as a whole or partial replacement of a patient's original eye, the method comprising the steps of:
| 2013-11-28 |
20130317610 | GEL-SIMULATING AND MODULATING BUTTRESS PROSTHESIS - An implantable mammary prosthesis includes an urchin buttress fill port structure. The fill port structure preferably comprises a shell, the shell including an opening, a compartment interior to the shell adapted to contain a filler. The urchin buttress is generally cup-shaped, and is disposed within the shell. The urchin buttress is preferably attached to the shell adjacent the opening to form a fluidic seal, optionally via a sealing flange. The urchin buttress may include one or more ribs, such as to provide structural support to the urchin buttress. Preferably, a reservoir is disposed external to the shell. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317611 | USE OF A MEDICAL IMPLANT AS ADHESION BARRIER - The present invention relates to use of a medical implant as an adhesion barrier. The medical implant is a sheet material which comprises at least one layer of a non-woven fabric of fibres of a crosslinked gelatin material. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317612 | CONTINUOUS PHASE COMPOSITIONS FOR ACL REPAIR - An implantable interference screw for use in a soft tissue repair, the screw having a bioresorbable body comprising a plurality of interconnected pores, the body having an instrument interface in one end and a thread around an exterior of the body starting from distal end. The plurality of interconnected pores of the resorbable body are substantially filled with a bioresorbable polymer. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317613 | POROUS CONTAINMENT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR STABILIZATION OF VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES - A porous containment device for implanting into the interior volume of a targeted vertebral body for use in restoring the anatomy of the targeted vertebral body. The porous containment device is expandable from an insertion configuration to an expanded configuration via, for example, a bone filler material. The porous containment device includes an enlarged proximal portion, an enlarged distal portion, and a narrower central portion located between the enlarged proximal and distal portions. The porous containment device includes at least one pore positioned between a midline of the narrower central portion and walls of the enlarged distal and proximal portions. The porous containment device may include one or more air or fluid evacuation pores to permit air or fluid to escape and internal or external constraints to form the narrower central portion. In addition, a cannulated sleeve may be used to insert the porous containment device. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317614 | METHOD AND IMPLANT DEVICE FOR GRAFTING ADJACENT VERTEBRAL BODIES - A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317615 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VERTEBRAL BODY DISTRACTION AND FUSION EMPLOYING FLEXURE MEMBERS - Improved methods and apparatuses for vertebral body distraction and fusion in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ flexure members. Flexure members connect a plurality of structural members to end plates on one end and blocks on another end. Upon insertion into the disc space, a drive screw or similar mechanism can be actuated to drive expansion blocks closer together, which causes flexure members to deflect, resulting in expansion of the structural members and distraction of the end plates. The distracted device can then remain in the body and be used for vertebral body fusion. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317616 | Insertion Instrument for an Intervertebral Implant - In an insertion instrument for a three-piece intervertebral implant that includes an upper part that can be placed against a vertebra, a lower part that can be placed against the adjacent vertebra, and a pivot element that can be inserted between these two parts, the instrument having two arms, disposed side by side and supported pivotably relative to one another on one end, which at their free ends each have one retention device for the upper part and lower part, respectively, of the intervertebral implant, it is proposed that a longitudinal guide for the pivot element is disposed in one of the arms. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317617 | UNILATERALLY PLACED EXPANSILE SPINAL PROSTHESIS - An expandable spinal prosthesis is provided for insertion unilaterally into an annulotomy hole created laterally in a spinal disc between two abutting vertebrae. The prosthesis is composed of an elongated rod having first threading at one end and second threading at its other end. A first member is threaded on the threading at one end of the rod. A second member is threaded on the threading at the other end of the rod. The members are disengageably engaged for rotation together. The first member has a plurality of resilient bands extending longitudinally between the two members, which are dependent on the spacing between the two members. The first member and the elongated rod define engagements for coupling of drivers to relatively rotate the members and rod in one sense so that the two members will move toward each other to cause the resilient bands to bend outwardly to expand the prosthesis and in an opposite sense so that the two members will move apart to cause the resilient bands to become unbent and collapse the prosthesis. A method for implanting the prosthesis from one side only and a method for explanting the prosthesis from one side only. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317618 | SYSTEM FOR STABILIZING A PORTION OF THE SPINE - A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317619 | FEMORAL EXTENSION PROSTHETIC COMPONENT AND TIBIAL SHELF PROSTHETIC COMPONENT FOR UNICONDYLAR MENISCAL BEARING KNEE PROSTHESIS AND PROSTHESIS INCLUDING SUCH A COMPONENT - A femoral extension prosthetic component for use in a unicondylar meniscal bearing unicompartmental knee replacement is described. The femoral component comprises a securing element and a bearing surface, the securing element adapted to abut and be connected to a distal end of a femur bone, and the bearing surface adapted to abut a meniscal bearing. The femoral component includes an entrapment portion adapted to extend beyond the meniscal bearing. Tibial components and meniscal bearings are also described, as well as methods of using such components. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317620 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TENSIONING LIGAMENTS AND OTHER SOFT TISSUES - Systems, methods and devices for tensioning posterior crucial ligaments during cruciate or bi-cruciate ligament-sparing arthroplasty. Non-limiting examples of such systems may include at least one series of tibial inserts of equal size; the at least one series of tibial inserts having at least one set of tibial inserts of equal thickness. The at least one set of tibial inserts of equal thickness may include at least two tibial inserts having different geometries in a posterior portion, the different geometries being configured to change the tension in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The different geometries in the posterior portions of the tibial inserts are configured so as to allow the posterior cruciate ligament to be tensioned or loosened independently of the tibial insert thickness and/or size. By providing different posterior geometries for each insert within a set of a series, a surgeon may be provided with more flexibility in choosing an insert that satisfies stability requirements in a non-invasive manner. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317621 | Knee Prosthesis Assembly With Ligament Link - A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317622 | SURGICAL METHOD FOR GRAFTING AN ARTIFICIAL IMPLANT IN A BLADDER AND/OR IN A URETHRAL OR URETERAL SEGMENT - A description is given of a method for implanting a prosthesis or artificial implant ( | 2013-11-28 |
20130317623 | LIGHTWEIGHT QUADRIAXIAL SURGICAL MESH - A method for making a lightweight surgical mesh, having the steps of applying a first set of filaments in a first wale direction and forming a first series of loops at each of a plurality of courses. Applying a second set of filaments in the first wale direction and forming a second series of loops at a first adjacent wale to the first wale direction and a third series of loops at a second adjacent wale opposite the first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Further, applying a third set of filaments in the first wale direction so that the second series of loops are formed at the second adjacent wale and the third series of loops are formed at first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Additionally, applying a fourth set of filaments that interlace repeatedly with the first set of filaments along the first wale direction. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317624 | PLACENTAL TISSUE GRAFTS AND IMPROVED METHODS OF PREPARING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317625 | TISSUE GRAFTS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE ORIENTATION OF A TISSUE GRAFT - A method for preparing placenta membrane tissue grafts for medical use, includes obtaining a placenta from a subject, cleaning the placenta, separating the chorion tissue from the amniotic membrane, mounting a selected layer of either the chorion tissue or the amniotic membrane onto a drying fixture, dehydrating the selected layer on the drying fixture, and cutting the selected layer into a plurality of tissue grafts. Preferably, the drying fixture includes grooves or raised edges that define the outer contours of each desired tissue graft, after they are cut, and further includes raised or indented logos that emboss the middle area of the tissue grafts during dehydration and that enables an end user to distinguish the top from the bottom side of the graft. The grafts are comprised of single layers of amnion or chorion, multiple layers of amnion or chorion, or multiple layers of a combination of amnion and chorion. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317626 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR USING ENERGY HARVESTING FOR VARIABLE SHOCK ABSORPTION IN A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a prosthetic limb, wherein the prosthetic limb has motion in at least one degree of freedom, may include a piston configured to receive an input motion and provide an output motion when a first motion in a degree of freedom of the prosthetic limb causes pressure and motion of hydraulic fluid. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic motor for converting mechanical energy of the output motion into corresponding electrical energy delivered to an electrical load and a variable-impedance energy harvesting circuit across terminals of the motor. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317627 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM PROSTHETIC LIMBS - An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a prosthetic limb, wherein the prosthetic limb has motion in at least one degree of freedom, may include a hydraulic amplifier mechanically coupled with a generator. The hydraulic amplifier may include an input member configured to receive an input motion when a first motion in a degree of freedom of the prosthetic limb causes pressure and motion of hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic amplifier is configured to amplify the input motion of the input member to a greater output motion. The generator is configured to convert mechanical energy of the output motion into corresponding electrical energy delivered to one of an electrical load and an electrical storage reservoir. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317628 | SELF-ALIGNING PROSTHESIS WITH HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS - A hydraulic device includes a first plate that pivots in a first direction, a second plate that pivots in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a first hydraulic system comprising a first cylinder and piston, a second cylinder and piston and, channels connecting the first cylinder to the second cylinder, the first hydraulic system filled with hydraulic fluid, wherein the transfer of fluid between the first cylinder and second cylinder pivots the first plate, and a second hydraulic system comprising a third cylinder and piston, a fourth cylinder and piston and, channels connecting the third cylinder to the fourth cylinder, the second hydraulic system filled with hydraulic fluid, wherein the transfer of fluid between the third cylinder and fourth cylinder pivots the second plate. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317629 | METHOD OF LARGE SCALE PROCESS OPTIMIZATION AND OPTIMAL PLANNING BASED ON REAL TIME DYNAMIC SIMULATION - This invention provides a system and method of Advanced Process Control for optimal operation of multi-unit plants in large scale processing and power generation industries. The invention framework includes the following components: continuous real time dynamic process simulation, automatic coefficient adjustment of dynamic and static process models, automatic construction of transfer functions, determination of globally optimal operating point specific to current conditions, provision of additional optimal operating scenarios through a variety of unit combinations, and calculation of operational forecasts in accordance with planned production. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317630 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING DITHERING IN MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for implementing dithering in motor drive system for controlling operation of a multi-phase electric machine. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317631 | SEMICONDUCTOR DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS AND ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS - The reliability in detection of toothless part is improved. A first counter counts a clock signal from an initial value for each of pulse intervals of a predetermined event pulse train and the count value of the first counter is held in a register for each of pulse intervals. Further, the second counter counts the clock signal from an initial value so that the count value thereof is equal to plural times of the count value of the first counter for each of the pulse intervals. A timer function which can detect any of a first state in which the count value of the first counter is equal to or larger than a first reference value and a second state in which the count value of the second counter is equal to or smaller than the value held in the register for each of the pulse intervals is adopted. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317632 | PLATFORM APPARATUS FOR AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A platform apparatus for an agricultural environment control system includes an application support layer unit configured to generate and execute an environment task for supporting an application corresponding to an environment to which the agricultural environment control system is applied, a service layer unit configured to provide service libraries used in the application, a function layer unit configured to perform functions necessary to execute the application, a dynamic adaptation layer unit configured to define the environment task in an application layer irrespective of the number of sensors and actuators installed within the environment to which the agricultural environment control system is applied, and a physical abstraction layer unit configured to generate a mapping table using abstraction results of the sensors and the actuators and enable the agricultural environment control system to access the sensors and the actuators through the mapping table. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317633 | SERVO SELECTION SYSTEM - A servo selection system includes a replacement-information display unit that displays at least a portion of replacement information corresponding to an input servo product before being replaced and a selected new-model servo product, and the replacement information includes a difference between a specification of the servo product before being replaced and a specification of the new-model servo product, and an operation guideline for replacing the servo product before being replaced with the selected new-model servo product. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317634 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING AND ASSESSING MOVEMENT SKILLS IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL SPACE - Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317635 | Audio Content Auditioning - Systems and methods are provided for playback of audio content in an “audition mode.” A system may be providing audio content to be rendered by a group of playback devices, when receiving a request to audition a second audio content with at least one playback device from the group of playback devices. The system may then suspend rendering of the first audio content at the at least one playback device, and provide the second audio content to be rendered by the at least one playback device for a duration of time. Upon exiting audition mode, either by completion of the second audio content, expiration of the duration of time, or request to exit audition mode, the system may resume rendering of the first audio content by the at least one playback device. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317636 | System and Method For Manufacturing Using a Virtual Frame of Reference - System and method to use a virtual frame of reference to evaluate and control a manufacturing system. Electronic images from a vision system may be analyzed using the virtual frame of reference to control the phasing of devices in the manufacturing system and to generate alerts. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317637 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING USING A VIRTUAL FRAME OF REFERENCE - The system and method uses a virtual frame of reference to evaluate and control a manufacturing system. Electronic images from a vision system may be analyzed using the virtual frame of reference to control the phasing of devices in the manufacturing system and to generate alerts. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317638 | PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF QUADRANGLE UNIT - Disclosed is a method of cutting one or more kinds of quadrangular unit pieces having a relatively small size from a quadrangular base material having a relatively large size using a cutter frame including a plurality of cutters to manufacture the quadrangular unit pieces, the method including (a) scanning a quadrangular base material in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction of the quadrangular base material to check positions of defects on the quadrangular base material, (b) calculating a yield when imaginarily cutting the quadrangular base material using two or more kinds of cutting frames, (c) selecting one of the cutting frames in which the yield calculated at the calculation step (b) is within a range of upper 30%, and (d) cutting the quadrangular base material using the cutting frame selected at the selection step (c) to manufacture quadrangular unit pieces. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317639 | AUTOMATIC CHECKING, VALIDATION, AND POST-PROCESSING OF A BATTERY OBJECT - A machine such as an industrial robot operates either in a stand-alone or in-production mode to perform a number of tests on a battery object having one of several different assembly levels and packaging geometries. The machine has selectable testing programs that correspond to various combinations of object assembly levels and geometries. The machine performs the tests either by coming into contact with a predetermined location on the conductive material of the object or viewing that location. The test results are analyzed to determining if retesting is necessary. After all of the tests are completed on an object, the tested object is assigned a grade and then sorted by grade. The tested objects may be kept at the machine location or sent on for further processing based on the assigned grade. After the testing is completed on one object, the machine tests the next object to be tested. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317640 | VACUUM PUMP CONTROLLER - A vacuum pump controller and a method of making a devise using the same are presented. The vacuum pump controller comprises detectors for detecting whether a cassette is present in a semiconductor processing load lock; and controllers for sending control signals to a vacuum pump to control the speed voltage of the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump controller may further send control signals to control the supply of N | 2013-11-28 |
20130317641 | NUMERICAL CONTROL DEVICE - A numerical control device that controls a machine tool that includes an X-axis for moving a turret, an H-axis for rotating the turret, and a C-axis for rotating a workpiece and that does not have a Y-axis orthogonal to the X-axis, including an analyzer that analyzes a virtual-Y-axis rapid-traverse command in a virtual-Y-axis interpolation mode in which an X-Y-axis movement command in a machining program is converted, and the X-axis, the H-axis, and the C-axis are cooperatively driven; a C-axis interpolation processor that interpolates a C-axis angle in response to the analyzed virtual-Y-axis rapid-traverse command; and an X-axis interpolation processor that interpolates an X-axis position based on the interpolated C-axis angle. The numerical control device controls an X-axis position so as to rotate the C-axis while keeping a C-axis velocity to a constant velocity and to enable a virtual Y-axis to move substantially linearly. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317642 | ORDER PROCESSING SYSTEMS USING PICKING ROBOTS - According to one aspect, a system for transporting products that includes at least one picking robot including at least one robot processor, and at least one order-processing device including at least one order-processing processor in data communication with the at least one robot processor. At least one of the order-processing processor and the robot processor is configured to receive at least one order including at least one product to be picked, generate at least one picking itinerary based upon the at least one order and warehouse information, generate at least one travel path for the at least one robot based upon the picking itinerary, and direct the robot along the travel path. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317643 | STORAGE MAGAZINE WITH INTEGRATED TARGETING - Embodiments include systems and methods for targeting using storage magazines. Some embodiments operate in context of a data storage environment, in which the magazines are used to hold data cartridges, and the data cartridges are installed in, removed from, and ferried between the magazines by a robotic mechanism. Magazine implementations include integrated targeting features in the magazine base structure. For example, some side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for optical targeting, while other side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for lead-in (i.e., to minimize undesirable collisions or interference between the cartridges and the magazine slot walls). Some embodiments describe novel locating functionality in context of magazines with integrated targeting features. Other embodiments include other geometric magazine features. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317644 | Vending Kiosk - An open merchandise, multi-cubicle display, vending kiosk, custom-fabricated from a plurality of visually open materials and sized to suit the products being sold. The kiosk provides a self-service customer purchase via a barcode scan or touch selector, payment facilitator, and integrated computer assembly with programming to control the kiosk. Also incorporated are audio components which attract customers to the kiosk and a webcam video device which observes the kiosk environment, serves the kiosk's security and can provide customer inquiries to a remote manager via a VoIP communication feature. When necessary, wireless Internet components connect the kiosk functions to process financial transaction services, or to a remote manager for the kiosk's inventory, records management, and programming functions. In addition to its vending attributes, the kiosk has a full closure curtain with a tubular motor which secures the kiosk after business hours. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317645 | Pharmaceutical Packaging and Method for Delivery of Same - A disease management system and therapeutic hub are provided. In certain embodiments, a dispensing apparatus used as part of a compliance monitoring system for the disease management system can function as a therapeutic hub that interacts with a plurality of peripheral devices to accumulate, communicate, and analyze a variety of medical and non-medical related data of the patient. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317646 | ROBOT PROGRAM CHANGING DEVICE - A program changing device includes a sequence interchanging unit for interchanging plural teaching points in a teaching sequence such that total movement time of a robot becomes smaller than that when the robot is moved in line with an initial teaching sequence of the teaching points, a calculating unit for calculating difference amounts between the initial teaching points and a trajectory of the robot that is obtained by executing an after-interchanged operational program by simulation, a position adjusting unit for adjusting positions of the teaching points of the after-interchanged operational program until the difference amounts become equal to or smaller than a predetermined allowable value, and a teaching point changing unit for changing the adjusted teaching points to be the initial teaching points when cycle time of the after-interchanged operational program including the adjusted teaching points is longer than initial cycle time. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317647 | CONTROL APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND CONTROL PROGRAM FOR PNEUMATIC ARTIFICIAL MUSCLE DRIVE MECHANISM - There is provided a control apparatus for a drive mechanism driven by a pneumatic artificial muscle, the control apparatus including a pressure controller that controls pressure of the pneumatic artificial muscle, a desired pressure calculator that calculates, based on a pneumatic artificial muscle model, a desired pressure of the pneumatic artificial muscle in order to control motion of the drive mechanism, a pneumatic artificial muscle model error estimator that estimates aging variation in a contraction percentage error between the pneumatic artificial muscle and the pneumatic artificial muscle model, a pneumatic artificial muscle model updater that updates the pneumatic artificial muscle model so as to reflect the aging variation based on an estimation result of the pneumatic artificial muscle model error estimator, and a lifetime predictor that predicts a lifetime of the pneumatic artificial muscle based on the estimation result of the pneumatic artificial muscle model error estimator. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317648 | BIOSLEEVE HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE - Systems and methods for sensing human muscle action and gestures in order to control machines or robotic devices are disclosed. One exemplary system employs a tight fitting sleeve worn on a user arm and including a plurality of electromyography (EMG) sensors and at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU). Power, signal processing, and communications electronics may be built into the sleeve and control data may be transmitted wirelessly to the controlled machine or robotic device. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317649 | Nodding Mechanism For A Single-Scan Sensor - A single-scanning system for a robot can include a base and a nodding mechanism that pivotably attached to the base. A single-scan sensor such as a lidar or laser sensor can be fixed to the nodding mechanism, and a controller can be connected to the single-scan sensor and motor via a gear arrangement. The controller can manipulate nodding characteristics such as nodding range and nodding angular velocity dynamically, during operation of the robot, either in response to a command from a remote user, robot autonomy system, or according to written instructions included in the controller. An encoder disk can interconnect the nodding mechanism to the controller. With this configuration, the encoder disk can receive sensor data from the single-scan sensor, for further transmission to said controller. A transceiver can route sensor data to the remote user, and can also receive commands from the remote user. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317650 | ROBOTIC DEVICE TESTER - A system, method, and device may include software and hardware which simplify and quicken configuration of the system for testing a device, enhance testing procedures which may be performed, and provide data via which to easily discern a cause and nature of an error which may result during testing. A camera may capture still images of a display screen of a tested device and another camera may capture video images of the tested device and a partner device. A wizard may be used to generate a configuration file based on one previously generated for a similar device. A mount for a tested device may be structured so that: it is suitable for mounting thereon a plurality of differently structured devices; and adjustments in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction in a plane and adjustments of an angle of the device relative to the plane may be easily made. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317651 | METHOD OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING GAS APPLIANCE AND THE REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention provides a remote control system that includes at least a gas appliance; a repeater, and a remote control device. The gas appliance is connected to the repeater through a Zigbee transmission, and the remote control device is connected to the repeater through a network (internet or telecommunication network). User inputs a command at the remote control device, and the remote control device transmits the command to the repeater through the network, and then the repeater will control the gas appliance according to the command. The gas appliance is provided with sensors to detect data in regards to the gas appliance. The data is transmitted to the remote control device and shown on a screen through the repeater and the network. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317652 | METHOD OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING GAS APPLIANCE AND THE REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention provides a remote control system that includes at least a gas appliance; a repeater, and a remote control device. The gas appliance is connected to the repeater through a Zigbee transmission, and the remote control device is connected to the repeater through a network (internet or telecommunication network). User inputs a command at the remote control device, and the remote control device transmits the command to the repeater through the network, and then the repeater will control the gas appliance according to the command. The gas appliance is provided with sensors to detect data in regards to the gas appliance. The data is transmitted to the remote control device and shown on a screen through the repeater and the network. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317653 | ELECTRONIC CAM CONTROL DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC CAM CURVE GENERATING METHOD - An electronic cam control device includes an electronic-cam-curve generating unit configured to generate an electronic cam curve to pass a plurality of designated coordinates that define a relation between a main shaft position and a driven shaft position and an output unit configured to output the driven shaft position corresponding to the main shaft position. The electronic-cam-curve generating unit generates the electronic cam curve to include a section where a waveform of cam velocity obtained by differentiating the electronic cam curve with respect to the main shaft position changes to fixed cam velocity in each of regions, which are regions among the designated coordinates, and include a monotonous acceleration or deceleration section that connects sections where the waveform of the cam velocity changes to the fixed cam velocity by accelerating or decelerating while monotonously increasing or monotonously decreasing between adjacent regions. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317654 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD - An air-conditioning control system is equipped with: a first client server containing a job management program that manages jobs for multiple electronic devices; a second client server that determines the required amount of cooling on the basis of the power information for the multiple electronic devices that is output from this first client server, and outputs information that controls the operation of multiple air-conditioners; an integrated management server that inputs information from the first and second client servers; and a control board that controls the operation of the air-conditioners on the basis of commands from the integrated management server. An environment optimization control program, which calculates the temperature distribution and airflow in an electronic device facility when the operation of the air-conditioners is controlled on the basis of the input power information for the electronic devices and the required amount of cooling, is installed in the integrated management server. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317655 | PROGRAMMABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL INCLUDING AN ENERGY TRACKING SYSTEM - A programmable control unit including a system control unit configured and disposed to receive an energy characteristic from at least one environmental control device. The system control unit determines energy usage data based on the energy characteristic pertaining to operation of the at least one environmental control device. An output device is operatively connected to the system control unit. The output device is configured and disposed to communicate the energy usage data to a user. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317656 | PEAKPOWER ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEM METHOD AND APPARATUS - An integrated Energy Management and/or Control System method and apparatus that continually monitors power consumption on each piece of equipment | 2013-11-28 |
20130317657 | DRIVE VIBRATION PREVENTION SYSTEM - A drive vibration prevention system includes a fan and a drive. The drive includes a vibration detection device and a vibration notification pin. A management engine is coupled to the drive and the fan. The management engine is operable to determine whether the vibration notification pin is being asserted in response to the vibration detection device detecting a vibration that exceeds a predetermined threshold. In response to determining that the vibration notification pin is being asserted, the management engine retrieves vibration data from the drive. The management engine then modifies a fan speed of the fan using the vibration data. Drives may be grouped into drive groups that output a single vibration notification signal to the management engine, and in response to the assertion of a vibration notification pin in the drive group, the management engine retrieves vibration data from each of the drives in that drive group. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317658 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD FOR PROCESSING INFORMATION, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM - An information processing apparatus includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to perform control, when it has been detected that there is a device among a plurality of devices each including a battery for which a state of an external power supply has changed from on to off, such that the battery for which the state of the external power supply has changed from on to off is not charged, obtain a plurality of pieces of information regarding operation states, in each of which information regarding the state of the external power supply and a power receiving state, from the plurality of devices, obtain information including a total value of power consumption of the plurality of devices corresponding to the plurality of pieces of information regarding the operation states, and calculate the power consumption of each of the plurality of devices in each operation state. | 2013-11-28 |
20130317659 | Distributed low-power wireless monitoring - A distributed wireless monitoring system with low-power remote sensors includes data encoding/compression at sensors to reduce power use from transmission and storage, event activated operation/data logging, remote configuration of event triggering thresholds and correlation templates, distributed processing capabilities, and sensor clock synchronization from a network time service. | 2013-11-28 |