Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090324614 | FC RECEPTOR BINDING PROTEINS - This disclosure provides, inter alia, proteins that bind to FcRn, e.g., immunoglobulins that inhibit FcRn with high affinity and selectivity. The FcRn-binding proteins can be used to treat a variety of disorders including autoimmune disorders. | 12-31-2009 |
20110033884 | PD-1, A Receptor for B7-4, and Uses Therefor - Disclosed is a method for modulating an immune response by modulating signaling via PD-1. The immune response may be downregulated by increasing signaling via PD-1, or may be upregulated by decreasing signaling via PD-1. Agents which are useful for stimulating signaling via PD-1 to downregulate an immune response include an activating antibody that recognizes PD-1, a form of B7-4 that binds to an inhibitory receptor, and a small molecule that binds to PD-1. Agents which are useful for inhibiting signaling via PD-1 to upregulate an immune response include a blocking antibody that recognizes PD-1, a non-activating form of B7-4, an antibody that recognizes B7-4, and a soluble form of PD-1. Also disclosed is a method for modulating the interaction of B7-4 with an inhibitory receptor on an immune cell. The method comprises contacting an antigen presenting cell which expresses B7-4 with an agent such as a form of B7-4, a form of PD-1, or an agent that modulates the interaction of B7-4 and PD-1. Also disclosed is a method for inhibiting activation of an immune cell via a non-apoptotic mechanism by increasing the activity or expression of PD-1 in the immune cell. The disclosed methods for modulating an immune response are useful, for instance as therapeutic treatment of a subject with conditions that would benefit from immune response modulation. For instance, a condition such as a tumor, a neurological disease, or an immunosuppressive disease, would be treated by upregulating an immune response, and conditions such as a transplant, an allergy, or an autoimmune disorder would benefit from downregulation of an immune response. Assays for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of, or signaling via, B7-4, or PD-1, especially which modulate the binding of B7-4 or PD-1 to a target molecule are also disclosed. Further disclosed are a vaccine and also other compositions which contain agents that modulate signaling via PD-1. | 02-10-2011 |
20130045218 | FC RECEPTOR BINDING PROTEINS - This disclosure provides, inter alia, proteins that bind to FcRn, e.g., immunoglobulins that inhibit FcRn with high affinity and selectivity. The FcRn-binding proteins can be used to treat a variety of disorders including autoimmune disorders. | 02-21-2013 |
20130078262 | FC RECEPTOR BINDING PROTEINS - This disclosure provides, inter alia, proteins that bind to FcRn, e.g., immunoglobulins that inhibit FcRn with high affinity and selectivity. The FcRn-binding proteins can be used to treat a variety of disorders including autoimmune disorders. | 03-28-2013 |
20140248287 | FC RECEPTOR BINDING PROTEINS - This disclosure provides, inter alia, proteins that bind to FcRn, e.g., immunoglobulins that inhibit FcRn with high affinity and selectivity. The FcRn-binding proteins can be used to treat a variety of disorders including autoimmune disorders. | 09-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100115941 | System and Method for Electrically-Coupled Thermal Cycle - In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle. | 05-13-2010 |
20100115942 | System and Method for Electrically-Coupled Thermal Cycle - In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle. | 05-13-2010 |
20100127506 | System and Method for Electrically-Coupled Thermal Cycle - In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle. | 05-27-2010 |
20100302047 | INTEGRATED WATER DETECTOR - A leak detector pad comprising a circuit board having a bottom surface and a top surface, spaced first and second electrically conductive traces located on the bottom surface, and an electronic circuit mounted on the top surface. The circuit includes a first segment adapted to create an alternating current (AC) voltage waveform, a second segment adapted to apply the AC voltage waveform between the traces on the bottom surface of the circuit board, a third segment adapted to create a measure of a capacitance between the traces based upon an AC current flowing between the traces as a result of the AC voltage waveform, and a fourth segment adapted to create a direct current (DC) voltage alarm signal if the measure of capacitance provided by the third segment indicates the presence of fluid. | 12-02-2010 |
20110044476 | SYSTEM TO GENERATE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FOR A LOUDSPEAKER - The present disclosure describes an apparatus and a system for generating electrical signals for a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker may include one or more piezoelectric actuators configured to deflect a diaphragm of the loudspeaker in response to an input signal. The apparatus may be configured to receive the input signal and to drive the piezoelectric actuators to deflect the diaphragm based on the received input signal. | 02-24-2011 |
20110174271 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY-COUPLED HEAT ENGINE AND THERMAL CYCLE - In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The device comprises at least one piston movably mounted in a container to form a working chamber between the at least one piston and the container, the working chamber containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle. An electrical circuit is mounted stationary relative to the container, the electrical circuit being electromagnetically coupled to provide a motive force to the at least one piston. An electronic power converter is electrically connected to the electrical circuit and to an electrical bus, and an electrical storage device is electrically connected to the electrical bus. The at least one piston is movably mounted such that its motion electromagnetically induces current in the electrical circuit. An electronic controller is electronically connected to the electronic power converter to control motion of the at least one piston to perform, in the thermal cycle, at least one of: (i) expanding the working gas beyond the volume at which compression of the working gas is begun within the thermal cycle or (ii) exhausting the working gas to a remaining volume less than the smallest volume of compressed gas within the thermal cycle. The electronic controller further controls flow of electrical energy to and from the electrical bus to effect a net positive average power transfer from the working gas to the electrical bus over the course of the thermal cycle. | 07-21-2011 |
20140209067 | System And Method For Electrically-Coupled Heat Engine And Thermal Cycle - In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The device comprises at least one piston movably mounted in a container to form a working chamber between the at least one piston and the container, the working chamber containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle. An electrical circuit is mounted stationary relative to the container, the electrical circuit being electromagnetically coupled to provide a motive force to the at least one piston. An electronic power converter is electrically connected to the electrical circuit and to an electrical bus, and an electrical storage device is electrically connected to the electrical bus. The at least one piston is movably mounted such that its motion electromagnetically induces current in the electrical circuit. An electronic controller is electronically connected to the electronic power converter to control motion of the at least one piston to perform, in the thermal cycle, at least one of: (i) expanding the working gas beyond the volume at which compression of the working gas is begun within the thermal cycle or (ii) exhausting the working gas to a remaining volume less than the smallest volume of compressed gas within the thermal cycle. The electronic controller further controls flow of electrical energy to and from the electrical bus to effect a net positive average power transfer from the working gas to the electrical bus over the course of the thermal cycle. | 07-31-2014 |
20140283511 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY-COUPLED THERMAL CYCLE - In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle. | 09-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080262592 | INTRALUMINARY STENT RELOCATING APPARATUS - An apparatus for moving an object disposed within a body lumen. The apparatus includes a first sheath, a coupling member and at least one contraction member for engaging at least a portion of the object. The coupling member is movable relative to the first sheath between a retracted position and a capture position. In the retracted position, a distal portion of the coupling member is disposed within the first sheath. In the capture position, the coupling member distal portion is disposed outside the first sheath. The coupling member is also selectively attachable to the object in at least the capture position. When the coupling member is attached to the object and the contraction member is directly engaged with the object, a predetermined coupling member movement relative to the contraction member radially contracts at least a portion of the object thereby facilitating movement of the object within the body lumen. | 10-23-2008 |
20090182407 | LUER OR CLAMP-TYPE SUTURE RELEASE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING AND DELIVERING A STENT - An assembly for delivering a self-expanding stent within a body lumen is includes a self-expanding stent, a delivery catheter for delivering the stent, a transfer member removeably engagable with a distal end of the delivery catheter, and an elongate filament for manipulating the stent through the passage of the transfer member. The delivery catheter includes an elongate flexible shaft having a stent holder at its distal end for restraining axial movement of the stent when the stent is disposed within a hollow cylindrical passage of an elongate tube moveably disposed over a portion of the shaft, and a handle secured to the proximal end of the flexible shaft. The elongate filament is releasably secured to the stent, and the ends of the filament are accessible at the handle to permit movement of the stent within the device by manipulation of the filament. | 07-16-2009 |
20120232639 | Intraluminary Stent Relocating Apparatus - An apparatus for moving an object disposed within a body lumen. The apparatus includes a first sheath, a coupling member and at least one contraction member for engaging at least a portion of the object. The coupling member is movable relative to the first sheath between a retracted position and a capture position. In the retracted position, a distal portion of the coupling member is disposed within the first sheath. In the capture position, the coupling member distal portion is disposed outside the first sheath. The coupling member is also selectively attachable to the object in at least the capture position. When the coupling member is attached to the object and the contraction member is directly engaged with the object, a predetermined coupling member movement relative to the contraction member radially contracts at least a portion of the object thereby facilitating movement of the object within the body lumen. | 09-13-2012 |
20130172855 | BILIARY ACCESS CATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING THE BILIARY TREE - Medical devices and methods are disclosed. An example method for accessing a body lumen may include providing a catheter system. The catheter system may include a catheter shaft having a lumen defined therein and an outer wall surface having a channel formed therein. A first guidewire may be disposed in the channel and a second guidewire may be disposed in the lumen. The method may also include advancing the catheter system through a body lumen to a location where the body lumen splits into a first section and a second section, advancing the first guidewire into the first section, and advancing the second guidewire into the second section, and advancing the catheter shaft along the second guidewire and into the second section. Advancing the catheter shaft along the second guidewire and into the second section may remove at least a portion of the first guidewire from the channel. | 07-04-2013 |
20130197484 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ATTACHING MEDICAL DEVICE SECTIONS - Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and systems for attaching an articulation section. In an embodiment, a medical instrument includes a first tubular member including a first end. The medical instrument also includes a second tubular member including a first end. The second tubular member includes a plurality of layers including an inner layer and a first layer including a fluorinated material. The inner layer includes a first section disposed under the first layer and a second section extending out from under the first layer. A portion of the first tubular member overlaps and is bonded to at least a portion of the second section of the inner layer of the second tubular member. | 08-01-2013 |
20140018901 | Apparatus for Loading and Delivering a Stent - A stent loading and deployment device includes an outer elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and an inner elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. When the distal ends of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member are axially aligned, a stent deployment region is defined there in between. The device further includes a stent loading member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The distal end of the stent loading member is slidable to a distal position past the distal end of the outer tubular member for receiving a stent and is further slidable toward the proximal end of the outer tubular member to a location past the stent deployment region for disengagement of a stent from the stent loading member. | 01-16-2014 |
20140277442 | ANTI-MIGRATORY STENT COATING - The invention is directed to an anti-migratory stent comprising a tubular structure having an exterior surface and a plurality of protrusions provided on the exterior surface. The plurality of protrusions includes a first set of protrusions and a second set of protrusions. Each of the first and second set of protrusions includes a base and an apex. The apex of each of the first set of protrusions is offset from the base of the first set of protrusions in a direction opposite a direction of offset of the apex of each of the second set of protrusions from the base of the second set of protrusions. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277443 | SUPERHYDROPHOBIC COATING FOR AIRWAY MUCUS PLUGGING PREVENTION - A method for reducing mucus accumulation in an airway including disposing an implantable device within an airway, wherein the implantable device has a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface has a hydrophobic polymer coating thereon, wherein a polymer coating surface has dynamic water contact angles of 145 degrees or greater; and wherein the implantable device is constructed and arranged to maintain patency of the airway; wherein accumulation of mucus is reduced as compared to a similar implantable device without the hydrophobic portion of the inner surface. An implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface and a method of making an implantable medical device having a superhydrophobic surface are also provided. An implantable medical device having a micropatterned surface with enhanced adhesion to tissue, optionally in combination with other region(s) having a superhydrophobic surface and a method of making such a device. Methods and devices for prevention of bacterial adhesion to implanted medical devices. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277562 | Anti-Migration Tissue Anchoring System for a Fully Covered Stent - A prosthesis that includes a stent comprising a plurality of circumferential bands, a plurality of linking members, at least one anchor, or a prosthesis that includes a stent comprising at least one anchoring section comprising a first circumferential band, a second circumferential band, and at least one anchor. Optionally, the prosthesis further includes at least one cover. | 09-18-2014 |
20140296959 | Apparatus and method for loading and delivering a stent using a suture retaining mechanism - An assembly for delivering an intraluminary member into a body lumen including a delivery catheter including an elongated tubular member, an elongated rod disposed within and slidingly engaged with the tubular member, a handle fixed to a proximal end of the rod, and at least one securing mechanism located on the handle, and a thread-like member removably secured to one end of the intraluminary member, the thread-like member extending between the intraluminary member and the handle, the at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the thread-like member. | 10-02-2014 |
20140379080 | Stent with Deflecting Connector - This disclosure is directed primarily to a stent for use in the trachea. The stent has a nominally deployed state, an axially extended state and an axially compressed state. The stent has a length. In the axially extended state, the length is at least 20% greater than in the nominally deployed state. | 12-25-2014 |
20150031948 | MEDICAL DEVICE POSITIONING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube. | 01-29-2015 |
20150081005 | Apparatus for Loading and Delivering a Stent - A stent loading and deployment device includes an outer elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and an inner elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. When the distal ends of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member are axially aligned, a stent deployment region is defined there in between. The device further includes a stent loading member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The distal end of the stent loading member is slidable to a distal position past the distal end of the outer tubular member for receiving a stent and is further slidable toward the proximal end of the outer tubular member to a location past the stent deployment region for disengagement of a stent from the stent loading member. | 03-19-2015 |
20150374522 | ENDOSCOPE WITH PRELOADED OR PRELOADABLE STENT - The present invention is directed to an endoscopic stent delivery device. The device includes an endoscope having an elongate shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall and a longitudinal working channel through the elongate shaft defining an inner wall of the elongate shaft; a stent juxtaposingly disposed to a distal portion of the inner wall; and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the working channel and having a stent holding member engaging an interior portion of the stent for releasably securing the stent to the distal portion of the inner wall. The device may further include a viewing device disposed at the distal end of the endoscope and/or an illuminating device disposed at the distal end of the endoscope. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100295417 | Multi-Segmented Spine with Integrated Actuation - A multi-segmented spine includes a plurality of rigid segments joined with a flexible coupling and governed by a plurality of integrated actuators. Motion is generated in the multi-segmented spine via an intelligent activation sequence for the actuators, which can be in the form of shape memory alloys activated via resistance heating from electric current. | 11-25-2010 |
20120238914 | ACTIVELY CONTROLLED ORTHOTIC DEVICES - An actively controlled orthotic device includes active components that dynamically change the structural characteristics of the orthotic device according to the orientation and locomotion of the corresponding body part, or according to the changing needs of the subject over a period of use. Accordingly, the orthotic device can be effectively employed to provide locomotion assistance, gait rehabilitation, and gait training. Similarly, the orthotic device may be applied to the wrist, elbow, torso, or any other body part. The active components may be actuated to effectively transmit force to a body part, such as a limb, to assist with movement when desired. Additionally or alternatively, the active components may also be actuated to provide support of varying rigidity for the corresponding body part. | 09-20-2012 |
20120292438 | Passive Torque Balancing in a High-Frequency Oscillating System - A passively torque-balanced device includes (a) a frame; (b) a drivetrain including a drive actuator mounted to the frame and configured for reciprocating displacement, an input platform configured for displacement by the drive actuator, a plurality of rigid links, including a proximate link and remote links, wherein the rigid links are collectively mounted to the frame, and a plurality of joints joining the rigid links and providing a plurality of non-fully actuated degrees of freedom for displacement of the rigid links, the plurality of joints including a fulcrum joint that is joined both to the input platform and to the proximate rigid link; and (c) at least two end effectors respectively coupled with the remote links and configured for displacement without full actuation. | 11-22-2012 |
20130312541 | NON-DIFFERENTIAL ELASTOMER CURVATURE SENSOR - A hyperelastic, soft microfluidic film measures bending curvature using a novel non-differential mechanism. Disclosed embodiments of the elastomer-based solution allows for curvature sensing directly on a bending plane and thus eliminates limitations imposed by strain gauge factor (GF) and sensor thickness (Z). Due to soft lithography microfabrication and design methods the disclosed curvature sensors are elastically soft (modulus 0.1-1 MPa) and stretchable (100-1000% strain). In contrast to existing curvature sensors that measure differential strain, embodiments of the present invention measures curvature directly and allows for arbitrary gauge factor and film thickness. Moreover, the sensor is composed entirely of soft elastomer (PDMS or Ecoflex® and conductive liquid (eutectic gallium indium, (eGaIn)) and thus remains functional even when stretched to several times its natural length. Electrical resistance in the embedded eGaIn microchannel is measured as a function of bending curvature for a variety of sensor designs. | 11-28-2013 |
20140078699 | Foldable Machines - Methods to systematize the development of machines using inexpensive, fast, and convenient fabrication processes are disclosed. In an embodiment, a folding pattern and corresponding circuit design can provide the blueprints for fabrication. The folding pattern may be provided (e.g. laser machined) on a flat sheet of substrate material, such as a polymer. The circuit pattern may be generated by etching or applying (e.g. sputtering) a copper foil layer onto the substrate. Circuit components and actuators may then be added at specified locations. The flat substrate may then be folded along the predefined locations to form the final machine. The machine may operate autonomously to perform a task. | 03-20-2014 |
20140202628 | Monolithic Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Structures - A multi-layer, super-planar structure can be formed from distinctly patterned layers. The layers in the structure can include at least one rigid layer and at least one flexible layer; the rigid layer includes a plurality of rigid segments, and the flexible layer can extend between the rigid segments to serve as a joint. The layers are then stacked and bonded at selected locations to form a laminate structure with inter-layer bonds, and the laminate structure is flexed at the flexible layer between rigid segments to produce an expanded three-dimensional structure, wherein the layers are joined at the selected bonding locations and separated at other locations. | 07-24-2014 |
20140217930 | System and Method for Efficient Drive of Capacitive Actuators with Voltage Amplification - A circuit for driving a plurality of capacitive actuators, the circuit having a low-voltage side, a high voltage side and a flyback transformer between the two. The low-voltage side comprises first and second pairs of low-side switches connected in series across an input voltage. The flyback transformer has a primary winding connected to the two pairs of switches. The high-voltage side has a pair of switches connected between the secondary winding of the flyback transformer and a ground and a plurality of capacitive loads and bidirectional switches to connect the loads to the secondary winding of the flyback transformer and a ground. | 08-07-2014 |
20140238153 | ARTIFICIAL SKIN AND ELASTIC STRAIN SENSOR - An elastic strain sensor can be incorporated into an artificial skin that can sense flexing by the underlying support structure of the skin to detect and track motion of the support structure. The unidirectional elastic strain sensor can be formed by filling two or more channels in an elastic substrate material with a conductive liquid. At the ends of the channels, a loop port connects the channels to form a serpentine channel. The channels extend along the direction of strain and the loop portions have sufficiently large cross-sectional area in the direction transverse to the direction of strain that the sensor is unidirectional. The resistance is measured at the ends of the serpentine channel and can be used to determine the strain on the sensor. Additional channels can be added to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensors can be stacked on top of each other to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. In other embodiments, two sensors oriented in different directions can be stacked on top of each other and bonded together to form a bidirectional sensor. A third sensor formed by in the shape of a spiral or concentric rings can be stacked on top and used to sense contact or pressure, forming a three dimensional sensor. The three dimensional sensor can be incorporated into an artificial skin to provide advanced sensing. | 08-28-2014 |
20150044418 | Monolithic Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Structures - A multi-layer, super-planar structure can be formed from distinctly patterned layers. The layers in the structure can include at least one rigid layer and at least one flexible layer; the rigid layer includes a plurality of rigid segments, and the flexible layer can extend between the rigid segments to serve as a joint. The layers are then stacked and bonded at selected locations to form a laminate structure with inter-layer bonds, and the laminate structure is flexed at the flexible layer between rigid segments to produce an expanded three-dimensional structure, wherein the layers are joined at the selected bonding locations and separated at other locations. | 02-12-2015 |
20150088043 | ACTIVELY CONTROLLED WEARABLE ORTHOTIC DEVICES AND ACTIVE MODULAR ELASTOMER SLEEVE FOR WEARABLE ORTHOTIC DEVICES - A flexible orthotic device includes two or more active components embedded in a sheet material. Each active component can include a controller and one or more actuation elements controlled by the controller. The two or more active components can communicate with each other and cause the active components to contract and dynamically change the structural characteristics of the orthotic device. By coordinating the motion of two or more active components, the flexible orthotic device can be programmed to assist or resist the motion of a subject wearing the device. The orthotic device can be effectively employed to provide locomotion assistance, gait rehabilitation, and gait training. Similarly, the orthotic device may be applied to the wrist, elbow, torso, or any other body part. The active components may be actuated to effectively transmit force to a body part, such as a limb, to assist with movement when desired. Additionally or alternatively, the active components may also be actuated to provide support of varying rigidity for the corresponding body part. The active components can be actuated to provide specialized learning tasks to enhance exploratory learning. | 03-26-2015 |
20150292968 | MULTI-AXIS FORCE SENSING SOFT ARTIFICIAL SKIN - A sensor including a layer having viscoelastic properties, the layer comprising a void, the void filled with a fluid; and optionally, a more rigid sensing element embedded within the layer. When a force is applied to a surface of the sensor, the shape of the void changes, causing the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. When included, the more rigid sensing element can bear upon the void to cause the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. A direction and intensity of the force can be determined by measuring the change of the electrical resistance of different voids positioned about the sensing element. The layer can be an elastomer, preferably silicone rubber. The fluid can be a conductive liquid, preferably Eutectic Gallium Indium. The sensing element can be plastic and can have a “Joystick” shape. The voids can take the form of channels or microchannels having a predefined pattern and/or shape. | 10-15-2015 |
20150337874 | PNEUMATIC SENSING ACTUATOR - A pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuator body can be formed from an elastic material that includes an inflatable chamber and a restraining component, such as flexible, but inextensible fibers, that causes the actuator to contract when the chamber is inflated with fluid (e.g., air or water). The actuator body can be cylindrical or flat. The actuator body can include a sensor layer formed of an elastic material including a microchannel filled with a conductive fluid to sense the expansion of the actuator body. The sensor layer can be configured to expand when the actuator body is inflated causing the electrical resistance of the conductive fluid to change. A sensor layer between the actuator body and restraining component can be used to measure changes in the contraction force of the actuator and a sensor layer outside of the restraining component can be used to measure changes in the length of the actuator. | 11-26-2015 |
20150375817 | RESILIENT, UNTETHERED SOFT ROBOT - A pneumatically powered, fully untethered mobile soft robot is described. Composites consisting of silicone elastomer, polyaramid fabric, and hollow glass microspheres were used to fabricate a sufficiently large soft robot to carry the miniature air compressors, battery, valves, and controller needed for autonomous operation. Fabrication techniques were developed to mold a 0.65 meter long soft body with modified Pneumatic network actuators capable of operating at the elevated pressures (up to 138 kPa) required to actuate the legs of the robot and hold payloads of up to 8 kg. The soft robot is safe to handle, and its silicone body is innately resilient to a variety of adverse environmental conditions including snow, puddles of water, direct (albeit limited) exposure to flames, and the crushing force of being run over by an automobile. | 12-31-2015 |
20160040657 | Self-Folding Machines - A self-folding machine comprises a laminate including a flexible layer with a first side and a second side; a first rigid layer including at least one gap laminated to the first side of the flexible layer; a second rigid layer including at least one gap laminated to the second side of the flexible layer, wherein the rigid layers are more rigid than the flexible layer; a first contractible layer laminated to the first rigid layer and extending across at least one gap in the first rigid layer; and a second contractible layer laminated to the second rigid layer and extending across at least one gap in the second rigid layer, wherein the first and second contractible layers retract to respectively create folds in the machine across gaps in the first and second rigid layers when activated. | 02-11-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100204123 | Peripheral Administration of Proteins Including TGF-beta Superfamily Members for Treatment of Systemic Disorders and Disease - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-β superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent. | 08-12-2010 |
20120258917 | Peripheral Administration of Proteins Including TGF-beta Superfamily Members for Treatment of Systemic Disorders and Disease - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-β superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent. | 10-11-2012 |
20130288966 | Peripheral Administration of Proteins Including TGF-beta Superfamily Members for Treatment of Systemic Disorders and Disease - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-β superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent. | 10-31-2013 |
20140187486 | Peripheral Administration of Proteins Including TGF-beta Superfamily Members for Treatment of Systemic Disorders and Disease - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-β superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent. | 07-03-2014 |
20140336595 | PERIPHERAL ADMINISTRATION OF PROTEINS INCLUDING TGF-beta SUPERFAMILY MEMBERS FOR TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC DISORDERS AND DISEASE - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-β superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent. | 11-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100082290 | DETECTING AN ERROR IN A PREDICTION OF RESOURCE USAGE OF AN APPLICATION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - Described herein is a method for detecting an error in a prediction of resource usage of an application running in a virtual environment, comprising: providing a plurality of benchmark sets, executing the plurality of benchmark sets in a native hardware system in which the application natively resides, executing the plurality of benchmark sets in the virtual environment, collecting first traces of first resource utilization metrics in the native hardware system based on the execution of each of the plurality of benchmark sets in the native hardware system, collecting second traces of second resource utilization metrics in the virtual environment based on the execution of each of the plurality of benchmark sets in the virtual environment, generating at least one initial prediction model that maps the first traces of first resource utilization metrics to the second traces of second resource utilization metrics, computing a plurality of mean squared errors (MSE's) based on the at least one initial prediction model, each of the MSE's is further based on and associated with the collected first and second traces for a different one of the plurality of benchmark sets, and determining whether to use the initial prediction model to predict a resource usage of the application running in the virtual environment based on the plurality of MSEs. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082319 | PREDICTING RESOURCE USAGE OF AN APPLICATION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - Described herein is a system for predicting resource usage of an application running in a virtual environment. The system comprises a first hardware platform implementing a native hardware system in which an application natively resides and executes, the native hardware system operating to execute a predetermined set of benchmarks that includes at least one of: a computation-intensive workload, a network-intensive workload, and a disk-intensive workload; a second hardware platform implementing a virtual environment therein, the virtual environment operating to execute the predetermined set of benchmarks; a third hardware platform operating to collect first resource usage traces from the first hardware platform and second resource usage traces from the second hardware platform; wherein the third hardware platform further operating to generate at least one prediction model that predicts a resource usage of the application executing in the virtual environment based on the collected first and second resource usage traces. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082320 | ACCURACY IN A PREDICTION OF RESOURCE USAGE OF AN APPLICATION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - Described herein is a system for improving accuracy in a prediction of resource usage of an application running in a virtual environment. The system comprises a first hardware platform implementing a native hardware system in which an application natively resides and executes, the native hardware system operating to execute a predetermined set of benchmarks that includes at least one of a network-intensive workload and a disk-intensive workload, a second hardware platform implementing a virtual environment therein, the virtual environment operating to execute the predetermined set of benchmarks, and a third hardware platform operating to collect first resource usage traces from the first hardware platform that result from the execution of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the native hardware system and second resource usage traces from the second hardware platform that result from the execution of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the virtual environment. The third hardware platform further operating to perform a linear regression computation to generate at least one prediction model that predicts a resource usage of the application executing in the virtual environment based on the collected first and second resource usage traces. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082321 | SCALING A PREDICTION MODEL OF RESOURCE USAGE OF AN APPLICATION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - Described herein is a method for scaling a prediction model of resource usage of an application in a virtual environment, comprising: providing a predetermined set of benchmarks, wherein the predetermined set of benchmarks includes at least one of: a computation-intensive workload, a network-intensive workload, and a disk-intensive workload; executing the predetermined set of benchmarks in a first native hardware system in which the application natively resides; executing the predetermined set of benchmarks in the virtual environment; generating at least one first prediction model that predicts a resource usage of the application running in the virtual environment based on the executions of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the first native hardware system and the virtual environment; determining a resource usage of the application running in a second native hardware system in which the application also natively resides; generating at least one second prediction model based on a scaling of the at least one first prediction model by a predetermined constant; and predicting a resource usage of the application running in the virtual environment based on the resource usage of the application running in the second native hardware system and the at least one second prediction model. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082322 | OPTIMIZING A PREDICTION OF RESOURCE USAGE OF AN APPLICATION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - Described herein is a method for optimizing a prediction of resource usage of an application running in a virtual environment, comprising: providing a predetermined set of benchmarks, wherein the predetermined set of benchmarks; executing the predetermined set of benchmarks in a native hardware system in which the application natively resides; executing the predetermined set of benchmarks in the virtual environment; collecting first traces of first resource utilization metrics in the native hardware system based on the execution of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the native hardware system; collecting second traces of second resource utilization metrics in the virtual environment based on the execution of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the virtual environment; generating a first prediction model and a second prediction model; generating a third prediction model that maps all of the first traces of the selected first metric to the second traces of resource utilization metrics; comparing the first and second prediction models against the third prediction model; and predicting a resource usage of the application running in the virtual environment with either a) a combination of the first and second prediction models or b) the third prediction model based on the comparing. | 04-01-2010 |
20100083248 | OPTIMIZING A PREDICTION OF RESOURCE USAGE OF MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT - Described herein is a method for optimizing a prediction of resource usage of multiple applications running in a virtual environment, comprising: providing a predetermined set of benchmarks; executing the predetermined set of benchmarks in a native hardware system in which the application natively resides; executing the predetermined set of benchmarks in the virtual environment; collecting first traces of first resource utilization metrics in the native hardware system based on the execution of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the native hardware system; collecting second traces of second 10 resource utilization metrics in the virtual environment based on the execution of the predetermined set of benchmarks in the virtual environment; generating a first prediction model that maps a first selected set of the first traces of a selected one of the first resource utilization metrics to the second traces of resource utilization metrics; generating a second prediction model that maps a second different selected set of the first traces of the selected first resource utilization metric to the second traces of resource utilization metrics; collecting first application traces of resource utilization metrics in the native hardware system based on an execution of a first application in the native hardware system; collecting second application traces of resource utilization metrics in the native hardware system based on an execution of a second application in the native hardware system; aggregating the first application traces of the first application and the second application traces of the second application into combined application traces of resource utilization metrics; and predicting a combined resource usage of the first and second applications running in the virtual environment by applying the first and second prediction models to the combined application traces of resource utilization metrics. | 04-01-2010 |