Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090036979 | Annuloplasty device for tricuspid valve repair - Annuloplasty device for implantation adjacent an annulus of a tricuspid valve, the annulus comprising anterior, posterior and septal aspects adjacent anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, respectively, of the tricuspid valve, the device comprising: a ring body comprising: an anterior portion, a posterior portion and a septal portion shaped to conform to, and for implantation adjacent, the anterior, posterior and septal aspects of the annulus, respectively; and first and second ends; wherein the ring body is curvilinear, with substantially no flat portions, forming a shape, and the ends are configured such that when the device is implanted, the first end will be located near the junction of the septal and anterior aspects of the annulus and the second end will be located near the septal aspect of the annulus. Related methods. | 02-05-2009 |
20090281618 | Prosthetic Heart Valve Devices and Methods of Valve Replacement - A stented valve of two or more leaflets made of pericardium or other material having a relatively thin profile at the annulus. The leaflet surfaces are attached via chords to a stent frame, where the chords are positioned to mimic the native valve anatomy and functionality. In particular, the valves of one exemplary embodiment of the invention are sized to replace a mitral valve and therefore the chords are arranged to prevent prolapse of the leaflets into the atrium. The stented valve has a relatively short height at its annulus due to the positioning of the chords. In addition, the stented valve is capable of being crimped to a small enough size that it can be delivered to the implantation site via transcatheter delivery systems and methods. | 11-12-2009 |
20100036479 | Stented Heart Valve Devices - A stent frame including an annular portion having first and second ends, a central longitudinal axis, and a wire portion with at least two extending posts and a generally sinusoidal series of peaks and valleys between each of the at least two extending posts; an atrial portion extending from the first end of the annular portion, wherein the atrial portion includes a plurality of flares that extend radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular portion; and a ventricular portion extending from the second end of the annular portion, wherein the ventricular portion includes at least one flare that extends radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular portion. | 02-11-2010 |
20100198346 | Method for Guiding a Medical Device - A device and method for valve replacement or valve repair is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding a valve replacement delivery member or a valve repair delivery member within the patient while tracking the position of the delivery member in the patient, positioning the valve replacement member or valve repair member in a desired position to place a valve or repair valve and removing the delivery member from the patient. In one aspect of the invention, a delivery system is provided for percutaneous delivery of a heart valve to a predetermined position in the heart of a patient, where the delivery system itself includes features that allow it to be accurately positioned in the heart. In another aspect of the invention, a delivery system is provided for percutaneous repair of a heart valve in the heart of a patient, where the repair system itself includes features that allow it to be accurately positioned in the heart. In another aspect of the invention, a method and device are provided that involve imaging a native root using an interoperative technique, then introducing a device that is easily visualized in a chosen imaging modality. | 08-05-2010 |
20100274091 | Auto-Closure Apical Access Positioner Device and Method - A positioning device for providing access to a ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, the device includes a cup positionable over an apex of the heart and at least a first access valve in the cup for accessing an entry point to the ventricle of the heart. | 10-28-2010 |
20110022169 | Annuloplasty Device for Tricuspid Valve Repair - Annuloplasty device for implantation adjacent an annulus of a tricuspid valve, the annulus comprising anterior, posterior and septal aspects adjacent anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, respectively, of the tricuspid valve, the device comprising: a ring body comprising: an anterior portion, a posterior portion and a septal portion shaped to conform to, and for implantation adjacent, the anterior, posterior and septal aspects of the annulus, respectively; and first and second end portions that are more flexible than a remainder of the ring body to provide a gradual transition from the remainder of the ring body to tissue of the tricuspid valve annulus; wherein the ring body is curvilinear, with substantially no flat portions, and forming a shape. Related devices, kits and sizer devices. | 01-27-2011 |
20110054466 | Paravalvular Leak Closure Devices and Methods - An ablation catheter including an inner tube having a length, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of needles extending from the distal end of the inner tube and biased away from the longitudinal axis, an outer sheath slideably moveable relative to the inner tube to surround at least a portion of the length of the inner tube and its extending needles, and a radio frequency energy source electrically connected to the plurality of needles. | 03-03-2011 |
20120271340 | Method and Apparatus for Embolic Protection During Heart Procedure - A method and apparatus is provided for embolic protection during a heart procedure to ablate an arrhythmia of the heart of the patient. The method may include placing an embolic protection filter and reshaping the mitral valve annulus. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271341 | Method and Apparatus for Treating a Mitral Valve Prolapse and Providing Embolic Protection - A method and apparatus for treating a mitral valve prolapse and providing embolic protection in a patient is disclosed. An embolic protection filter is delivered to the left atrium and placed in the blood flow exiting the left atrium of the heart. The filter is secured in the heart of a patient. A shaping member is delivered to the mitral valve of the heart and secured in the heart. | 10-25-2012 |
20130072786 | IMAGE-GUIDED HEART VALVE PLACEMENT OR REPAIR - A device and method for valve replacement or valve repair is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding a valve replacement delivery member or a valve repair delivery member within the patient while tracking the position of the delivery member in the patient, positioning the valve replacement member or valve repair member in a desired position to replace a valve or repair valve and removing the delivery member from the patient. | 03-21-2013 |
20130096673 | Prosthetic Heart Valve Devices And Methods Of Valve Replacement - A stented valve having at least one leaflet made of pericardium or other material having a relatively thin profile at the annulus. The leaflets are attached via chords to a stent frame, where the chords are positioned to mimic the native valve anatomy and functionality. In particular, the valves of one exemplary embodiment of the invention are sized to replace a mitral valve and therefore the chords are arranged to prevent prolapse of the leaflets into the atrium. The stented valve has a relatively short height at its annulus due to the positioning of the chords. In addition, the stented valve is capable of being crimped to a small enough size that it can be delivered to the implantation site via transcatheter delivery systems and methods. | 04-18-2013 |
20140221823 | IMAGE-GUIDED HEART VALVE PLACEMENT OR REPAIR - A method for valve replacement or valve repair is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding a valve replacement delivery member or a valve repair delivery member within the patient while tracking the position of the delivery member in the patient, positioning the valve replacement member or valve repair member in a desired position to place a valve or repair valve and removing the delivery member from the patient. In one aspect, a method and device are provided that involve imaging a native root using an interoperative technique, then introducing a device that is easily visualized in a chosen imaging modality. | 08-07-2014 |
20150018940 | HELICAL COIL MITRAL VALVE ANNULOPLASTY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus. | 01-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110160593 | INTRACARDIAC IMAGING SYSTEM UTILIZING A MULTIPURPOSE CATHETER - A three dimensional physiological mapping system utilizing an intracardiac echo catheter capable of being located in six degrees of freedom by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system. An echocardiography image of the intracardiac echo catheter may be projected within a geometric model of the visualization, navigation, or mapping system where the location of the projected image is adjusted in response to user input identifying a structure present in the echocardiography image and the geometric model. | 06-30-2011 |
20120150106 | TORQUE-LIMITING CATHETER HANDLE - A catheter includes a handle that advantageously limits the amount of torque that can be imparted to the body of the catheter. This advantageously reduces the likelihood of catheter failure, damage to tissue, or damage to medical devices introduced into the vasculature via the catheter. The catheter handle includes a grip portion that the practitioner manipulates in order to impart a torque and a torque transmitting portion operably coupled thereto that transmits the torque to the catheter body. A torque limiting mechanism decouples the torque transmitting portion from the grip portion, the body, and/or any pull wires when the torque imparted to the grip portion exceeds a torque threshold, thereby preventing excessive torques from being transmitted to the catheter body and/or pull wires. A practitioner may be able to adjust the torque threshold and may be able to disable the torque limiting mechanism. | 06-14-2012 |
20120155723 | DETERMINATION OF CARDIAC GEOMETRY RESPONSIVE TO DOPPLER BASED IMAGING OF BLOOD FLOW CHARACTERISTICS - A system and method for identifying a location of a physical structure in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to register a first image of a portion of the body in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The electronic control unit is further configured to identify the location of the physical structure in the three-dimensional coordinate system responsive to flow of a fluid shown in the image. The fluid may comprise blood. In one embodiment, the electronic control unit is further configured to generate a second image, such as a three dimensional model, incorporating a representation of the physical structure within a larger physical environment in the three-dimensional coordinate system. | 06-21-2012 |
20120165664 | REFINEMENT OF AN ANATOMICAL MODEL USING ULTRASOUND - A method of refining an anatomical model includes acquiring a two-dimensional echocardiogram that has a variable intensity, relating the two-dimensional echocardiogram to a plurality of mapping points that exist in three-dimensional space, and determining a confidence value for each of two or more mapping points that corresponds to an intensity at a point on the two-dimensional echocardiogram. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165671 | IDENTIFICATION OF OBJECTS IN ULTRASOUND - An apparatus and method for identifying objects in an ultrasound image that includes acquiring ultrasound information from a catheter, locating the ultrasound information to a three-dimensional cardiac model having two or more distinct anatomic objects, displaying at least one of the distinct anatomic objects from the cardiac model within a visual representation of the ultrasound information, and identifying the at least one of the distinct anatomic objects within the visual representation of the ultrasound information using the identifier provided for that object in the three-dimensional cardiac model. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165672 | REFINEMENT OF AN ANATOMICAL MODEL USING ULTRASOUND - A method of displaying the influence of an aspect of a model includes acquiring a two-dimensional echocardiogram having a variable intensity; relating the two-dimensional echocardiogram to a plurality of mapping points, the mapping points existing in a three-dimensional model space; determining a degree of influence value for a mapping point; and displaying the mapping point with a visual attribute that corresponds to the determined degree of influence value. | 06-28-2012 |
20120169712 | DISPLAY OF MEDICAL DEVICE POSITION INFORMATION IN A VOLUMETRIC RENDERING - An system and method for displaying a position of a medical device disposed within a region of interest in a body are provided. The system includes a position sensing system disposed outside of the body and configured to interact with a position sensor on the medical device upon generation of an electric and/or magnetic field. The sensor generates a position signal indicative of the position of the device within a coordinate system. The system further includes an electronic control unit comprising a registration module for registering a volumetric data set within the coordinate system. The unit further comprises a generation module for generating a volumetric rendering of the region of interest from the volumetric data set and a superimposition module for superimposing a representation of the medical device on the volumetric rendering responsive to the position signal. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172724 | AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF INTRACARDIAC DEVICES AND STRUCTURES IN AN INTRACARDIAC ECHO CATHETER IMAGE - An intracardiac imaging system configured to display electrode visualization elements within an intracardiac echocardiography image where the electrode visualization elements represent intracardiac electrodes in close proximity to the plane of the image. The system further allows cross sections of tissue structures embodied in intracardiac echocardiography images to be modeled within a visualization, navigation, or mapping system when automatically segmented to generate shell elements for modifying the modeled tissue structures. | 07-05-2012 |
20130172712 | ELECTRICALLY TRANSPARENT INTRODUCER SHEATH - An introducer sheath for a medical device is provided. The sheath includes a deformable, elongate body disposed about a longitudinal axis. The body has proximal and distal ends and defines a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and configured to allow passage of the medical device therethrough. The body is configured to allow an electric current to pass radially between a space outside of the body and the lumen such that the position of the medical device within a patient can be monitored and electrogram readings from body tissues can be measured while the device is in the sheath. In some embodiments of the invention, the body may include a one or more apertures extending from the radially outer surface of the body to the lumen or a portion of the body may be made from a conductive and/or fluid permeable material. | 07-04-2013 |
20140257071 | System and Method for Detecting Sheathing and Unsheathing of Localization Elements - A method of detecting whether a localization element is within or outside of an introducer sheath generally includes obtaining a localization signal from the localization element and detecting the state of the localization element relative to the sheath based upon the quadrature component of the localization signal. A baseline quadrature component is typically established with the localization element outside of the sheath. When the quadrature component deviates from this baseline value, it is indicative of the localization element being within the sheath. Conversely, when the quadrature component remains relatively close to the baseline value, it is indicative of the localization element being outside of the sheath. In an electrophysiology study, the state information can be used to take corrective action with respect to the data being collected. | 09-11-2014 |
20140275913 | ACTIVE DETECTION OF SENSOR TRANSITION FROM COVERED TO EXPOSED - An introducer may comprise a shaft and a proximal electrode. The shaft may have a proximal end portion and an interior lumen, the interior lumen configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The proximal electrode may be coupled with the proximal end portion and may be configured to act as an electrical source or sink so as to create an electrical field within the interior lumen. A position of an electrode coupled with the catheter may be determined according to the electrical field. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276078 | ELECTRODE CONTACT FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A sensing assembly for sensing contact with an object is disclosed. The contact sensing assembly may comprise an elongate tubular body. An electrode may be connected to the elongate tubular body. A vibration element is operatively connected with the electrode and configured to deliver a vibration-inducing signal to induce vibration of the electrode. A sensor is configured to monitor the electrode for a perturbation in the induced vibration. The perturbation results from contact between the electrode and the object. | 09-18-2014 |
20140350400 | Lesion assessment using six degree of freedom ultrasound thermography - A diagnostic device and method for assessing lesion formation by measuring temperature changes during endocardial ablation. Intracardiac echo catheter data is accurately mapped into a model maintained by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system using the position and orientation of the intracardiac echo catheter transducer within the model. For each point in the model, either a frequency shift or echo time shift is calculated from the intracardiac echo data to determine local temperature changes, and the local temperature changes are displayed within a rendering of the model for the user. | 11-27-2014 |
20150080715 | Intracardiac imaging system utilizing a multipurpose catheter - A three dimensional physiological mapping system utilizing an intracardiac echo catheter capable of being located in six degrees of freedom by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system. An echocardiography image of the intracardiac echo catheter may be projected within a geometric model of the visualization, navigation, or mapping system where the location of the projected image is adjusted in response to user input identifying a structure present in the echocardiography image and the geometric model. | 03-19-2015 |
20150201901 | Lesion assessment using six degree of freedom ultrasound thermography - A diagnostic device and method for assessing lesion formation by measuring temperature changes during endocardial ablation. Intracardiac echo catheter data is accurately mapped into a model maintained by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system using the position and orientation of the intracardiac echo catheter transducer within the model. For each point in the model, either a frequency shift or echo time shift is calculated from the intracardiac echo data to determine local temperature changes, and the local temperature changes are displayed within a rendering of the model for the user. | 07-23-2015 |
20150305680 | System and method for detecting sheathing and unsheathing of localization elements - A method of detecting whether a localization element is within or outside of an introducer sheath generally includes obtaining a localization signal from the localization element and detecting the state of the localization element relative to the sheath based upon the quadrature component of the localization signal. A baseline quadrature component is typically established with the localization element outside of the sheath. When the quadrature component deviates from this baseline value, it is indicative of the localization element being within the sheath. Conversely, when the quadrature component remains relatively close to the baseline value, it is indicative of the localization element being outside of the sheath. In an electrophysiology study, the state information can be used to take corrective action with respect to the data being collected. | 10-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110147549 | MOUNTING BRACKET FOR USE WITH A WATER HEATER - A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank. The polymeric body may also includes a threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud in a water heater tank such that the distal end of the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater. | 06-23-2011 |
20140060457 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COMPENSATING FOR SEDIMENT BUILD-UP IN TANK-STYLE WATER HEATERS - A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present. | 03-06-2014 |
20140199640 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN IGNITION SEQUENCE FOR AN INTERMITTENT FLAME-POWERED PILOT COMBUSTION SYSTEM - A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully. | 07-17-2014 |
20140202549 | MULTI-TANK WATER HEATER SYSTEMS - A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203093 | MULTI-TANK WATER HEATER SYSTEMS - A water heater system that includes a first water storage tank plumbed in series with a second water storage tank, and methods for controlling such a water heater system. In some instances, and in response to a water draw, a controller may activate both a first heat source associated with a first water storage tank and a second heat source associated for a second water storage tank. This rapid turn-on control may help reduce a drop in water temperature in the first water storage tank that might otherwise occur. The controller may also increase the setpoint temperature of the first water storage tank and/or the second water storage tank in response to a water draw. | 07-24-2014 |
20140209767 | MOUNTING BRACKET FOR USE WITH A WATER HEATER - A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank, and may include a shell disposed over at least a portion of the sensor portion. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100201100 | Hitch adapter - A hitch adapter for use with a forwardly extending tongue of an implement which enables the hitch on the forward end of the tongue to be converted from a clevis-type hitch to a hitch ball-type hitch. The hitch adapter of this invention may also be used with hitch balls having different diameters. | 08-12-2010 |
20110239492 | Gusset accessory mount - An accessory mount is bolted to the upper ends of a pair of gussets secured to the rearward side of a blade of an off-road vehicle or the like. | 10-06-2011 |
20120117833 | Method and means for converting a blade attachment of an off-road vehicle to a quick-attach blade - A quick-attach mechanism is provided for attachment to the forward end of push tubes which are secured to an off-road vehicle to enable a plow blade or other implement to be quickly attached to the forward ends of the push tubes. | 05-17-2012 |
20120121321 | Quick-attach assembly for attaching an implement to an off-road vehicle - A quick-attach assembly for quickly and easily securing an implement to the forward end of a push tube assembly mounted on an off-road vehicle. A rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the rearward end of the implement. When connected together, the rear quick-attach assembly is received within the front quick-attach assembly. | 05-17-2012 |
20120121323 | QUICK-ATTACH ASSEMBLY FOR ATTACHING AN IMPLEMENT TO AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE - A quick-attach assembly for selectively connecting an implement to the forward end of an off-road vehicle push tube assembly. A rear male quick-attach assembly is secured to the forward end of the push tube assembly and a front female quick-attach assembly is secured to the implement. The front and rear quick-attach assemblies may be interconnected and secured together by a locking pin. | 05-17-2012 |
20120267133 | Plow blade kit - A plow blade kit comprising a first plow blade section, a second plow blade section, a connector plate for connecting the first and second plow blade sections together in an end-to-end manner, a first wear bar, a second wear bar, a push tube assembly, mounting components for securing the forward end of the push tube assembly to the rearward sides of the first and second plow blade sections, and a mount for securing the rearward end of the push tube assembly to an off-road vehicle. | 10-25-2012 |
20120267407 | PUSH TUBE ADAPTER FOR AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE - A push tube adapter for an off-road vehicle which enables the rearward end of a push tube assembly to be mounted on various vehicle mounts. | 10-25-2012 |
20120325876 | Means for moving trash receptacles - A trash receptacle mover including a first quick-attach assembly secured to an off-road vehicle and a second quick-attach assembly connected to a trash receptacle attachment member. The quick-attach assemblies may be selectively connected together. The trash receptacle attachment member may be secured to a recessed bar on the trash receptacle so that the trash receptacle may be lifted from the ground and transported to a distant location. | 12-27-2012 |
20130026745 | Forward mount - A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways. | 01-31-2013 |
20130264079 | QUICK-ATTACH ASSEMBLY FOR ATTACHING AN IMPLEMENT TO AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE - A quick-attach mechanism for attaching an implement to the forward end of a push type assembly which is secured to an off-road vehicle. The quick-attach mechanism includes a front female quick-attach structure on the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear male quick-attach structure attached to the implement. The front and rear quick-attach assemblies may be quickly selectively coupled together. | 10-10-2013 |
20130264367 | CARGO CARRIER FOR ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE TRAILER HITCH - A cargo carrier is operatively connected to a horizontally disposed hitch receiver tube secured to the rearward end of a vehicle with the cargo carrier being adapted to be moved from various positions between a position wherein it is parallel to the bed of the truck to a position wherein it is positioned well above the bed of the truck. | 10-10-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100266213 | METHOD OF ASSESSING PEOPLE'S SELF-PRESENTATION AND ACTIONS TO EVALUATE PERSONALITY TYPE, BEHAVIORAL TENDENCIES, CREDIBILITY, MOTIVATIONS AND OTHER INSIGHTS THROUGH FACIAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND EXPRESSIONS - A method of assessing an individual through facial muscle activity and expressions includes receiving a visual recording stored on a computer-readable medium of an individual's non-verbal responses to a stimulus, the non-verbal response comprising facial expressions of the individual. The recording is accessed to automatically detect and record expressional repositioning of each of a plurality of selected facial features by conducting a computerized comparison of the facial position of each selected facial feature through sequential facial images. The contemporaneously detected and recorded expressional repositionings are automatically coded to an action unit, a combination of action units, and/or at least one emotion. The action unit, combination of action units, and/or at least one emotion are analyzed to assess one or more characteristics of the individual to develop a profile of the individual's personality in relation to the objective for which the individual is being assessed. | 10-21-2010 |
20110038547 | METHODS OF FACIAL CODING SCORING FOR OPTIMALLY IDENTIFYING CONSUMERS' RESPONSES TO ARRIVE AT EFFECTIVE, INCISIVE, ACTIONABLE CONCLUSIONS - The present disclosure relates to a method of assessing consumer reaction to a stimulus, comprising receiving a visual recording stored on a computer-readable medium of facial expressions of at least one human subject as the subject is exposed to a business stimulus so as to generate a chronological sequence of recorded facial images; accessing the computer-readable medium for automatically detecting and recording expressional repositioning of each of a plurality of selected facial features by conducting a computerized comparison of the facial position of each selected facial feature through sequential facial images; automatically coding contemporaneously detected and recorded expressional repositionings to at least a first action unit, wherein the action unit maps to a first set of one or more possible emotions expressed by the human subject; assigning a numerical weight to each of the one or more possible emotions of the first set based upon both the number of emotions in the set and the common emotions in at least a second set of one or more possible emotions related to at least one other second action unit observed within a predetermined time period. | 02-17-2011 |
20120002848 | METHOD OF ASSESSING PEOPLE'S SELF-PRESENTATION AND ACTIONS TO EVALUATE PERSONALITY TYPE, BEHAVIORAL TENDENCIES, CREDIBILITY, MOTIVATIONS AND OTHER INSIGHTS THROUGH FACIAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND EXPRESSIONS - A method of assessing an individual through facial muscle activity and expressions includes receiving a visual recording stored on a computer-readable medium of an individual's non-verbal responses to a stimulus, the non-verbal response comprising facial expressions of the individual. The recording is accessed to automatically detect and record expressional repositioning of each of a plurality of selected facial features by conducting a computerized comparison of the facial position of each selected facial feature through sequential facial images. The contemporaneously detected and recorded expressional repositionings are automatically coded to an action unit, a combination of action units, and/or at least one emotion. The action unit, combination of action units, and/or at least one emotion are analyzed to assess one or more characteristics of the individual to develop a profile of the individual's personality in relation to the objective for which the individual is being assessed. | 01-05-2012 |
20120046993 | METHOD AND REPORT ASSESSING CONSUMER REACTION TO A STIMULUS BY MATCHING EYE POSITION WITH FACIAL CODING - A method of reporting consumer reaction to a stimulus and resultant report generated by (i) recording facial expressions and eye positions of a human subject while exposed to a stimulus throughout a time period, (ii) coding recorded facial expressions to emotions, and (iii) reporting recorded eye positions and coded emotions, along with an identification of the stimulus. | 02-23-2012 |
20130094722 | FACIAL CODING FOR EMOTIONAL INTERACTION ANALYSIS - Various systems and techniques using facial coding for emotional interaction analysis are described herein. Machine-readable facial observations of a subject while the subject is exposed to a stimulus can be received. The machine readable observations can include a stimulus synchronization element. An emotional component of an emotional state of the subject can be determined based on the facial observations. The determination can include assigning a numerical weight to the emotional component. An emotional state to the stimulus synchronization event can be assigned based on the emotional component. | 04-18-2013 |
20130121591 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING OBSERVED EMOTIONAL DATA - Systems and techniques using observed emotional data are described herein. A sequence of visual observations of a subject can be received during execution of an application. An emotional state of the subject can be determined based on the sequence of visual observations. Execution of the application can be modified from a baseline execution using the emotional state. | 05-16-2013 |
20140039857 | EMOTIONAL ANALYTICS FOR PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT - Systems and techniques for emotional analytics for performance improvement are described herein. Performance data of a subject can be received including a specific performance event. Emotional data of the subject corresponding to the specific performance event can be received. A plan to achieve a performance goal for the subject can be determined based on both the performance data and the emotional data. The plan can be presented to a user. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039975 | EMOTIONAL MODELING OF A SUBJECT - Systems and techniques for emotional modeling of a subject are described herein. Emotional data of a subject during exposure to a stimulus can be received. The emotional data can be interpreted to produce a result. The result can include an emotional model of the subject. The result can be presented to the user. | 02-06-2014 |
20140162225 | METHOD OF ASSESSING PEOPLE'S SELF-PRESENTATION AND ACTIONS TO EVALUATE PERSONALITY TYPE, BEHAVIORAL TENDENCIES, CREDIBILITY, MOTIVATIONS AND OTHER INSIGHTS THROUGH FACIAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND EXPRESSIONS - A method of assessing an individual through facial muscle activity and expressions includes receiving a visual recording stored on a computer-readable medium of an individual's non-verbal responses to a stimulus, the non-verbal response comprising facial expressions of the individual. The recording is accessed to automatically detect and record expressional repositioning of each of a plurality of selected facial features by conducting a computerized comparison of the facial position of each selected facial feature through sequential facial images. The contemporaneously detected and recorded expressional repositionings are automatically coded to an action unit, a combination of action units, and/or at least one emotion. The action unit, combination of action units, and/or at least one emotion are analyzed to assess one or more characteristics of the individual to develop a profile of the individual's personality in relation to the objective for which the individual is being assessed. | 06-12-2014 |
20150081304 | SYSTEM FOR SAY-FEEL GAP ANALYSIS IN VIDEO - Systems and techniques using observed emotional data are described herein. An audio stream of a subject corresponding in time to a sequence of visual observations of the subject can be received. A transcript of speech uttered in the audio stream can be produced. A meaning of a string in the transcript can be determined. The sequence of visual observations that correspond to speech that produced the string can be received. An emotional state of the subject can be determined based on the sequence of visual observations. A correlation value can be calculated for the string by comparing the meaning and the emotional state. | 03-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100109966 | Multi-Layer Miniature Antenna For Implantable Medical Devices and Method for Forming the Same - An antenna for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided including a monolithic structure derived from a plurality of discrete dielectric layers having an antenna embedded within the monolithic structure. Superstrate dielectric layers formed above the antenna may provide improved matching gradient with the surrounding environment to mitigate energy reflection effects. A outermost biocompatible layer is positioned over the superstrates as an interface with the surrounding environment. A shielding layer is positioned under the antenna to provide electromagnetic shielding for the IMD circuitry. Substrate dielectric layers formed below the antenna may possess higher dielectric values to allow the distance between the antenna and ground shielding layer to be minimized. An electromagnetic bandgap layer may be positioned between the antenna and the shielding layer. The dielectric layers may comprise layers of ceramic material that can be co-fired together with the antenna to form a hermetically sealed monolithic antenna structure. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114246 | Co-Fired Multi-Layer Antenna for Implantable Medical Devices and Method for Forming the Same - An antenna for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided including a monolithic structure derived from a plurality of discrete dielectric layers having an antenna embedded within the plurality of dielectric layers. The antenna includes antenna portions formed within different layers of the monolithic structure with at least one conductive via formed to extend through the dielectric layers in order to provide a conductive pathway between the portions of the antenna formed on different layers, such that an antenna is formed that extends between different vertical layers. The dielectric layers may comprise layers of ceramic material that can be co-fired together with the antenna to form a hermetically sealed monolithic antenna structure. The antenna embedded within the monolithic structure can be arranged to have a substantially spiral, helical, fractal, meandering or planer serpentine spiral shape. | 05-06-2010 |
20100331914 | ACOUSTIC ACTIVATION OF COMPONENTS OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) is connected to one or more components that perform various functions of the IMD via an acoustic switching circuit. The acoustic switching circuit may include one or more switches that when open disconnect the one or more components from the power source and when closed connect the one or more components to the power source to activate the one or more components. Various techniques for connecting the components to the power source are described. These techniques aim to reduce the likelihood of inadvertently connecting the power source to the one or more components in response to acoustical signals from a source of interference. | 12-30-2010 |
20100331915 | ACOUSTIC ACTIVATION OF COMPONENTS OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) is connected to one or more components that perform various functions of the IMD via an acoustic switching circuit. The acoustic switching circuit may include one or more switches that when open disconnect the one or more components from the power source and when closed connect the one or more components to the power source to activate the one or more components. Various techniques for connecting the components to the power source are described. These techniques aim to reduce the likelihood of inadvertently connecting the power source to the one or more components in response to acoustical signals from a source of interference. | 12-30-2010 |
20110137390 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES FROM INTERFERING RADIATED FIELDS - An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and at least one lead coupled to the IMD at a proximal end to anatomic tissue of a patient at a distal end. According to various embodiments, a piezoelectric transformer permits the transmission of intended signals, such as physiologic signals or therapy signals, while preventing an interfering signal from being transmitted toward the circuitry for generating therapy or causing heating of the anatomical tissue. | 06-09-2011 |
20110166464 | TELEMETRY-SYNCHRONIZED PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND THERAPY DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A physiological monitoring or therapy delivery system includes autonomous, wirelessly linked, implantable devices located at different areas to sense physiologic signals and deliver therapy. At least one of the implantable devices can trigger synchronized action (e.g. data capture or therapy delivery) by other implantable devices via a telemetry link. | 07-07-2011 |
20110196451 | Communications Network for Distributed Sensing and Therapy in Biomedical Applications - An implantable medical device system is provided with multiple medical devices implanted in a patient's body and a wireless mesh communication network providing multiple communication pathways between the multiple medical devices. A communication pathway between a first and a second implanted device of the multiple medical devices can comprise one or more of the other implanted multiple medical devices. | 08-11-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110190870 | Covered Stent for Vascular Closure - A stent assembly includes a stent, a covering on at least a portion of the stent, and a string encircling at least a portion of the covering. The string is releasably engaged to the covering or stent or both the covering and the stent. The string can be adhered to the stent, or the stent assembly, to the covering of the stent assembly, or both the covering and the stent. The string can be wrapped around the stent or covering in an interwoven loop or knit pattern. The covering can be made to overlap a perforation in a body lumen such as an artery or blood vessel and prevent bleeding. | 08-04-2011 |
20120296160 | Positioning Cage - A positioning device and method of using are provided herein. The positioning device includes an expandable cage through which blood can flow. The expandable cage is insertable into a bodily organ, for example a heart, and expanded to temporarily secure the positioning device within the organ. Then, the cage can be used to steady the implantation of an annuloplasty device, for example. Alternatively, the expanded cage can be used to locate a desired area or feature of the body organ in which it is inserted by way of fluoroscopy. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296417 | Corkscrew Annuloplasty Device - An annuloplasty device having a plurality of corkscrew anchors is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the annuloplasty device includes a core wire extending along the length of the device, and at least one corkscrew wire which is operably connected to the corkscrews to screw the corkscrews into heart tissue. In certain embodiments, one or more of the corkscrew wires includes a drive key and the corkscrew anchors are connected to a sleeve with a keyway that engages the drive key on the corkscrew wires. In addition, in some embodiments, the device includes a retractable sheath, which is disposed over the corkscrews to protect them during insertion of the device. | 11-22-2012 |
20130131718 | EXPANDABLE DEVICE SHEATH FOR VASCULAR CLOSURE PLUG DEPLOYMENT - The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for closing and/or sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or an adjacent tissue tract. In some cases, the device includes a sheath having a distal end that can expand radially as needed. In some cases, the distal portion of the sheath is weakened so that it may tear in a predetermined manner. In some cases, the distal portion of the sheath is weakened so that it may deform plastically in a predetermined manner. In some cases, the distal portion of the sheath or the entire sheath may be folded so that it unfolds in a predetermined manner. In general, each of these sheaths may have a relatively small introduction profile, may have a distal portion that can expand to a larger diameter than the introduction profile during use, and can be collapsed again to a smaller profile for removal. | 05-23-2013 |
20140114396 | COVERED STENT FOR VASCULAR CLOSURE - A stent assembly includes a stent, a covering on at least a portion of the stent, and a string encircling at least a portion of the covering. The string is releasably engaged to the covering or stent or both the covering and the stent. The string can be adhered to the stent, or the stent assembly, to the covering of the stent assembly, or both the covering and the stent. The string can be wrapped around the stent or covering in an interwoven loop or knit pattern. The covering can be made to overlap a perforation in a body lumen such as an artery or blood vessel and prevent bleeding. | 04-24-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120110026 | DATA TABLES ACCESSIBLE BY TWO SCRIPTS - A table may be stored in a data structure and accessed by two scripts from different platforms. For example, a table of inputs from a web form may be stored with a first script for execution on a first platform. The table may be accessible to the first script when executing on the first platform and accessible to a second script when executing on a second platform. According to one embodiment, the first script may be a business information server (BIS) script and the second script may be a JavaScript. The dual compatibility table allows the web form inputs to be accessed by multiple scripts having different requirements. | 05-03-2012 |
20120131439 | SCRIPTED DYNAMIC DOCUMENT GENERATION - A dynamic document template having static data, dynamic data, and/or procedural statements may be called by an application on a server. The dynamic document template is separate from the application program and is processed to form an interim script, which is then executed by a host computer system. The script generates document records in HTML or XML format that are output to a document. The data and procedural statements in the dynamic document template may be distinguished through interpreting mark-up language surrounding the data and procedural statements. The dynamic document templates execute in a separate namespace from the application and preserve the state of data in the application. A given application may call more than one dynamic document template to generate different portions of the output document. Additionally, the dynamic document templates may be replaced with new templates without affecting the application. | 05-24-2012 |
20120143912 | EXTENDING LEGACY DATABASE ENGINES WITH OBJECT-BASED FUNCTIONALITY - Legacy database engines may be extended through the use of callback extension handlers on the client. For example, regular expression matching and arbitrary user-functions may be implemented in a legacy database engine without replacing the engine. A pattern string may be provided to the legacy database engine by a client with a pattern matching prefix. When the legacy database engine encounters the prefix, the database engine executes a callback to the client with a value from the database for pattern matching. The client performs the pattern matching through, for example, regular expressions, and returns a match status to the database engine. The process may be repeated for several rows of a table in the database and a dataset compiled by the database engine and returned to the client. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143927 | EFFICIENT STORAGE OF INFORMATION FROM MARKUP LANGUAGE DOCUMENTS - An in-memory document model may be created from a markup language document while parsing the markup language document. The model includes small fixed-size memory structures allocated from a single larger memory pool. The model stores the data contained in the markup language document and the hierarchical relationship between the data items in the markup language document. Thus, random access to the markup language document is achieved without further access to the document and without the overhead of language-specific object construction. When an object-oriented computer program instance references the document model, a language-specific object may be constructed from the model including a pointer to an element of the model. The document model may be created when parsing extensible markup language (XML) documents. | 06-07-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110270332 | THERAPY USING PERTURBATION AND EFFECT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - Methods for treating a patient and further to devices for performing such treatment, e.g., methods and devices to perturb at least one physiological system and deliver therapy to the patient based on the effects of such perturbation. For example, a method for using an implantable medical device is disclosed that involves delivering electrical stimuli to an efferent nerve associated with the selected organ. Afferent electrical activity is monitored during delivery of electrical stimuli to the efferent nerve, the monitored afferent electrical activity includes an indirect component of a compound action potential (CAP). A status of the selected organ is assessed based upon the indirect component. A determination is made as to whether to deliver therapy to the selected organ in response to assessing the status of the selected organ. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270342 | THERAPY USING PERTURBATION AND EFFECT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - Methods for treating a patient and further to devices for performing such treatment, e.g., methods and devices to perturb at least one physiological system and deliver therapy to the patient based on the effects of such perturbation. For example, a method for using an implantable medical device is disclosed that involves delivering electrical stimuli to an efferent nerve associated with the selected organ. Afferent electrical activity is monitored during delivery of electrical stimuli to the efferent nerve, the monitored afferent electrical activity includes an indirect component of a compound action potential (CAP). A status of the selected organ is assessed based upon the indirect component. A determination is made as to whether to deliver therapy to the selected organ in response to assessing the status of the selected organ. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270343 | THERAPY USING PERTURBATION AND EFFECT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - Methods for treating a patient and further to devices for performing such treatment, e.g., methods and devices to perturb at least one physiological system and deliver therapy to the patient based on the effects of such perturbation. For example, a method for using an implantable medical device is disclosed that involves a method for using an implantable medical device delivering electrical stimuli to an afferent nerve associated with the selected organ. The efferent electrical activity is monitored in an efferent nerve responsive to delivering electrical stimuli to the afferent nerve, the monitored efferent electrical activity includes an indirect component of a compound action potential (CAP). A status of the selected organ is assessed based upon the indirect component. | 11-03-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090276025 | TECHNIQUES FOR PLACING MEDICAL LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF NERVE TISSUE - This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. | 11-05-2009 |
20100004708 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NERVE STIMULATION AND CARDIAC SENSING PRIOR TO AND DURING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - A method of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. A nerve is stimulated in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a first condition, such as a stopped or slowed condition. The medical procedure is performed on the heart or another organ. The stimulation of the nerve is stopped in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a second condition, such as a beating condition. The heart itself may also be stimulated to a beating condition, such as by pacing. The stimulation of the nerve may be continued in order to allow the medical procedure to be continued. A sensor to sense a characteristic of a fluid or tissue, such as an impending contraction, may be also used during the medical procedure. Systems and devices for performing the medical procedure are also provided. | 01-07-2010 |
20100016919 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY STIMULATING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM TO IMPROVE VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION, HEART FAILURE, AND OTHER CARDIAC CONDITIONS - A method and apparatus are used to provide therapy to a patient experiencing ventricular dysfunction or heart failure. At least one electrode is located in a region associated with nervous tissue, such as nerve bundles T1-T4, in a patient's body. Electrical stimulation is applied to the at least one electrode to improve the cardiac efficiency of the patient's heart. One or more predetermined physiologic parameters of the patient are monitored, and the electrical stimulation is adjusted based on the one or more predetermined physiologic parameters. | 01-21-2010 |
20100210954 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ARTIFACTUAL HEMODYNAMIC WAVEFORM DATA - A system and method for cardiovascular analysis includes an implantable medical device capable of generating hemodynamic pressure waveform data based upon sensed pressure. Hemodynamic waveform data is analyzed to identify artifactual data represented in the hemodynamic waveform. | 08-19-2010 |
20120022605 | SYSTEM FOR NERVE STIMULATION AND CARDIAC SENSING PRIOR TO AND DURING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - A system for performing a cardiac medical procedure can included a cardiac medical device, a steerable catheter device, a cardiac stimulator, and a controller. The cardiac stimulator can be configured to adjust beating of a heart by electrically stimulating the heart. The controller can be configured to control electrical stimulation provided by the cardiac stimulator to adjust the beating of the heart to a first condition and to adjust the beating of the heart to a second condition. | 01-26-2012 |
20130150939 | TECHNIQUES FOR PLACING MEDICAL LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF NERVE TISSUE - This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. | 06-13-2013 |