Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140052012 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY UPDATING CARDIAC MORPHOLOGY DISCRIMINATION TEMPLATES FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are provided for updating a morphology template used to discriminate abnormal cardiac rhythms. In one example, a non-weighted candidate morphology template is generated based on far-field R-wave morphology. A weighted candidate morphology template is generated based on an ensemble average of the non-weighted candidate morphology template and a previous (i.e. active) morphology template. The previous morphology template is then selectively updated based on a comparison of additional R-waves against both the non-weighted and the weighted candidate templates. Thereafter, abnormal cardiac rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia are discriminated using the updated morphology template based on newly-detected far-field R-waves. These techniques provide a method for updating the morphology discrimination template in response to long-term changes in morphology due to cardiac remodeling or cardiac disease progression. | 02-20-2014 |
20140243917 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING IMPEDANCE DATA QUALITY IN THE PRESENCE OF PACING PULSES - An implantable medical device, comprised of at least one lead configured to be located proximate to a heart, the at least one lead including electrodes, at least a portion of the electrodes configured to sense cardiac activity. A therapy module configured to control delivery of pacing pulses in accordance with a therapy timing and based on the cardiac sensed activity sensed. Cardiac impedance (CI) sensor circuitry configured to be coupled to at least a first combination of the electrodes to sense cardiac impedance (CI), the CI sensor circuitry generating an impedance data stream associated with a corresponding CI sensing vector. | 08-28-2014 |
20140276125 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING CARDIAC FUNCTION BASED ON DYNAMIC IMPEDANCE - A method and system are provided for characterizing cardiac function. The method and system comprise collecting cardiac signals associated with electrical or mechanical behavior of a heart over at least one cardiac cycle; identifying a timing feature of interest (FOI) from the cardiac signals; collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data over at least one cardiac cycle (CC), designated by the timing FOI, along at least one of i) a venous return (VR) vector or ii) a right ventricular function (RVF) vector; and analyzing at least one morphologic characteristic from the DI data based on at least one of i) a VR-DI correlation metric to obtain a VR indicator associated with the CC or ii) a RVF-DI correlation metric to obtain a RVF indicator associated with CC. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110017243 | PORTIONED PACKAGES FOR MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS AND OPHTHALMIC LENSES - A package for a portion of maintenance solution and an ophthalmic lens and methods of using the same. | 01-27-2011 |
20110092925 | LIQUID DISPENSING WITH BLINK DETECTION - This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel. | 04-21-2011 |
20110106025 | OPHTHALMIC FLUID PUMP - This invention discloses apparatus and methods of providing a pump for dispensing a liquid into the eye and in some embodiments, a pump coupled to a blink detecting mechanism to time administration of a liquid into the eye. | 05-05-2011 |
20130085459 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION FEEDBACK - This invention provides for a method and an EMDU used to dispense precise quantities of liquids with an image sensor being capable of providing feedback to the user as to both, when an eye is properly aligned with the EMDU, and to detect and track the quantity of the dose administered on to the eye. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085460 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIQUID DISPENSING - This invention provides for a method and a device for dispensing precise quantities of a predetermined volume of medicaments or other liquids onto the eye, via one or more discrete drop(s) generated by the device in a practical and innoxious way to users. | 04-04-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100262553 | METHOD FOR COMPLYING WITH EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS - A method is provided for determining employer compliance in determining employment eligibility requirements in accordance with federal immigration regulations. Compliance alerts and compliance tips are displayed for guiding employers in verifying employment eligibility. Completed employment eligibility forms are automatically audited to analyze whether the employer has accurately completed the employment verification. The completed forms are audited by applying various compliance rules to a completed employment eligibility form, presently a Form I-9, to determine compliance with the applicable regulations. A listing is provided of various errors and additional data required to complete the audited form. The method is preferably administered by a single service provider for multiple employers, to assure that changes in the applicable regulations are regularly incorporated. A central system is provided for managing all of the employment eligibility forms associated with particular employers, to assure continued compliance with federal regulations. | 10-14-2010 |
20140052657 | METHOD FOR COMPLYING WITH EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS - A method is provided for determining employer compliance in determining employment eligibility requirements in accordance with federal immigration regulations. Compliance alerts and compliance tips are displayed for guiding employers in verifying employment eligibility. Completed employment eligibility forms are automatically audited to analyze whether the employer has accurately completed the employment verification. The completed forms are audited by applying various compliance rules to a completed employment eligibility form, presently a Form I-9, to determine compliance with the applicable regulations. A listing is provided of various errors and additional data required to complete the audited form. The method is preferably administered by a single service provider for multiple employers, to assure that changes in the applicable regulations are regularly incorporated. A central system is provided for managing all of the employment eligibility forms associated with particular employers, to assure continued compliance with federal regulations. | 02-20-2014 |
20140304179 | Method for Complying with Employment Eligibility Verification Requirements - A method is provided for determining employer compliance in determining employment eligibility requirements in accordance with federal immigration regulations. Compliance alerts and compliance tips are displayed for guiding employers in verifying employment eligibility. Completed employment eligibility forms are automatically audited to analyze whether the employer has accurately completed the employment verification. The completed forms are audited by applying various compliance rules to a completed employment eligibility form, presently a Form I-9, to determine compliance with the applicable regulations. A listing is provided of various errors and additional data required to complete the audited form. The method is preferably administered by a single service provider for multiple employers, to assure that changes in the applicable regulations are regularly incorporated. A central system is provided for managing all of the employment eligibility forms associated with particular employers, to assure continued compliance with federal regulations. | 10-09-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110298462 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING AND CORRECTING FOR COHERENT NOISE IN CASING DETECTION - Systems and methods for improved acquisition of magnetic field data for magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In one embodiment, such a system may include a borehole assembly and data processing circuitry. The borehole assembly may include an electric current driving tool configured to cause a current to flow across a drill collar of the borehole assembly and an internal magnetometer disposed within the drill collar and between the insulated gap and an end of the borehole assembly, which may be configured to measure magnetic field signals that penetrate the drill collar. The data processing circuitry may be configured to remove all or part of a noise component of the magnetic field signals that arises due to an eccentricity in the drill collar | 12-08-2011 |
20130075084 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRILLING MULTILATERAL WELLS USING MAGNETIC RANGING WHILE DRILLING - Systems and methods for drilling a multilateral well using magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a multilateral well includes drilling and casing a mother wellbore, installing a multilateral junction, drilling and casing a first lateral well from the multilateral junction, and drilling a second lateral well from the multilateral junction using magnetic ranging while drilling such that the second lateral well has a controlled relationship relative to the first lateral well. The first and second lateral wells may form a SAGD well pair, in which case the first lateral well may be a producer well and the second lateral well may be an injector well. | 03-28-2013 |
20130231787 | DYNAMIC PHASE MACHINE AUTOMATION OF OIL & GAS PROCESSES - A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents. | 09-05-2013 |
20130239673 | Systems and Methods for Collecting One or More Measurements in a Borehole - A system and method collects at least one measurement within a borehole formed in a formation. The system and method provides a drill collar made of a non-conductive or substantially non-conductive composite material positioned within the borehole. A downhole component is capable of collecting at least one measurement and is embedded within the composite material of the drill collar. The at least one measurement collectable by the downhole component is related to the borehole or the formation about the borehole. | 09-19-2013 |
20140174733 | Power Generation Via Drillstring Pipe Reciprocation - A wireline configurable toolstring is conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation via a tubular string to which the wireline configurable tool string is coupled in a manner permitting relative motion of the wireline configurable toolstring and the tubular string. The wireline configurable toolstring converts rotary motion imparted by rotation of the tubular string, or by fluid flow resulting from reciprocation of the tubular string, into electrical energy. The wireline configurable toolstring also comprises at least one wireline configurable instrument powered by the electrical energy. | 06-26-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090255661 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRILLING MULTILATERAL WELLS USING MAGNETIC RANGING WHILE DRILLING - Systems and methods for drilling a multilateral well using magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a multilateral well includes drilling and casing a mother wellbore, installing a multilateral junction, drilling and casing a first lateral well from the multilateral junction, and drilling a second lateral well from the multilateral junction using magnetic ranging while drilling such that the second lateral well has a controlled relationship relative to the first lateral well. The first and second lateral wells may form a SAGD well pair, in which case the first lateral well may be a producer well and the second lateral well may be an injector well. | 10-15-2009 |
20090260878 | METHOD FOR DRILLING WELLS IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIP USING MAGNETIC RANGING WHILE DRILLING - Methods for drilling wells using magnetic ranging while drilling to position the wells with respect to one another are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a well includes leaving a drill string in position within a primary well, and drilling a secondary well using the drill string as a target for magnetic ranging while drilling such that the secondary well is positioned with a specified orientation relative to the drill string. | 10-22-2009 |
20090308657 | MAGNETIC RANGING AND CONTROLLED EARTH BOREHOLE DRILLING - A method for determining the distance and/or direction of a second earth borehole with respect to a first earth borehole, includes the following steps: providing, in the first borehole, first and second spaced apart magnetic field sources; providing, in the second borehole, a magnetic field sensor subsystem for sensing directional magnetic field components; activating the first and second magnetic field sources, and producing respective first and second outputs of the magnetic field sensor subsystem, the first output being responsive to the magnetic field produced by the first magnetic field source, and the second output being responsive to the magnetic field produced by the second magnetic field source; and determining distance and/or direction of the second earth borehole with respect to the first earth borehole as a function of the first output and the second output. | 12-17-2009 |
20110109470 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING CASING IN A FORMATION USING CURRENT - The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for relative positioning of wells. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include drilling a new well in a field having at least three completed wells using a drilling tool that includes a magnetometer. The method may further include driving current on a first pair of the at least three completed wells and then driving current on a second pair of the at least three completed wells, wherein the current is driven on each of the first and second pairs in a balanced mode. The method may also include measuring a direction of a first magnetic field generated by the current on the first pair using the magnetometer, measuring a direction of a second magnetic field generated by the current on the second pair using the magnetometer, and determining a location of the drilling tool relative to the completed wells based on the direction of the first magnetic field and the direction of the second magnetic field. | 05-12-2011 |
20120067644 | Method and Apparatus for Directional Well Logging - A method and apparatus are provided for making directional measurements toward a formation of different resistivity that is proximate to the borehole, but which is not penetrated by the borehole. The disclosed methods and apparatus include the use of at least one insulated gap and at least one magnetometer positioned within a non-magnetic housing that is disposed within a non-magnetic tubular. An electric current is applied across the insulated gap, which results in current leaking into the surrounding formations. When a formation of contrasting resistivity is proximate to the logging apparatus, the magnetometer detects a secondary magnetic due to the contrasting formation. The direction of the secondary magnetic field can be used to determine the direction to the contrasting formation. The magnitude of the secondary magnetic field can be used to determine the distance position to the contrasting formation. | 03-22-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120169458 | Method and System for Monitoring Physical Security and Notifying if Anomalies - A method and system for monitoring access requests for physical access to a location includes a plurality of access control devices for control accessing to specific locations. The system determines if access is authorized based on comparing information associated with the request with a database. Access is granted to a physical location based on the comparison of information. In addition, the system compares an access request to prior access requests. The system determines if the access request is an anomaly from previous requests. If the access request is an anomaly from previous requests, the system notifies an operator that the access request is an anomaly. | 07-05-2012 |
20130088324 | Method and System for Training Users Related to a Physical Access Control System - A system and method for training users of an access control system. In particular, the system and method allow for the imposition of “penalties” for improper behavior so as to balance the training of the user with the burden placed on the operators of the system reacting to violations, while allowing the users to accomplish their tasks. The system can also track the location of users or items, determine if a request to pass through a control point is proper based on various factors, and if appropriate, administer a “penalty” based on several contributing factors. | 04-11-2013 |
20130099928 | Method and System for Detecting Duress Using Proximity Card - The system and method for detecting duress using a proximity card comprising at least one transponder and a switch. The switch configured to activate with the user's touch. The switch comprising a thermistor, a piezoelectric sensor, an exposed electrode, a capacitive sensor, or the like, which is located on the proximity card. The switch is configured to modify the signal form a first transponder, or activate a second transponder, thereby sending a duress signal. If a duress pattern is recognized, then the system notifies another party of the situation, or sets a system flag. | 04-25-2013 |
20140333763 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS USING A SMART OPTICAL SENSOR - The system and method for an access control system using a smart optical sensor to determine whether or not access to a physical location is required. The smart optical sensor can be a stand-alone unit or as a complement to existing access control systems by providing advanced analytics for determining the direction and/or speed of objects in the vicinity of a physical location. The system then takes appropriate action, which can include automatically unlocking and/or opening a door. | 11-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140278622 | ITERATIVE PROCESS FOR LARGE SCALE MARKETING SPEND OPTIMIZATION - A facility comprising systems and methods for calculating, for a given budget, an allocation of resources to improve a particular outcome, such as revenue, profit, target miss, etc. The facility takes advantage of first-order derivate information and can decrease both the computation time and memory use in the calculation of suggested spends or allocations, such as the amount of marketing resources to be allocated to various marketing channels. The facility comprises techniques for 1) determining, for a given budget and a response model, resource allocations that will improve the modeled business outcome, 2) determining, for a given budget and revenue response model, resource allocations that will increase profits, and 3) determining, for a given budget, a given set of revenue response models, and a given set of revenue targets, resource allocations that will reduce total target misses. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140262826 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PURIFYING FLUIDS USING ELECTROMAGNETIC AND HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTROSTATIC FIELDS - A modularized fluid purification device and a method for fluid purification are provided that utilizes electrical power to create a high voltage electrostatic field through which the fluid is passed in combination with filtration to remove or neutralize both organic and inorganic contaminants. The electrostatic field may be focused using an electromagnetic field, and one or more filters downstream of the electrostatic field may be charged to attract correspondingly charged contaminants. The electrical power for creating the electrostatic field and/or charging the filters may be generated via a power generation module of the device or from an external source of power. Fluid, such as water, that is passed through the device and purified may, as a result, be suitable for human consumption, as well as agricultural and industrial applications. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263077 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING MAGNETIC FIELDS TO FLUID FLOWS - Devices and methods are provided for in-line water treatment using strong magnetic fields to influence corrosion, separate toxins, suppress bacteria and bio-fouling, as well as inhibit or greatly reduce mineral scaling due to fluid flow in or around equipment components. For example, a device is provided for applying a magnetic field to a portion of tubing through which a fluid flow, such as water, is conveyed. The device includes a number of links joined together via detachable pivoting connections, such that links may be removed and/or links may be added, thereby allowing a diameter of the device to be adjusted so as to accommodate larger or smaller piping, as necessary, for retrofitting applications. The use of magnetic treatment of fluids such as water may allow extended cycles of operation with higher concentration of mineral salts without the use of chemical scaling suppressants. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110289906 | Miniature Regeneration Unit - A system for controlling the temperature of an exhaust stream from an engine at a location upstream from an exhaust aftertreatment apparatus includes a main exhaust passageway adapted to receive the exhaust stream from the engine. A side branch is in communication with the main exhaust passageway. A regeneration unit is positioned within the side branch for combusting a fuel and heating the exhaust flowing through the main exhaust passageway. An ion sensor is operable to output a signal indicative of the presence of fuel combustion. A controller selectively operates the regeneration unit to increase the exhaust temperature. The controller is operable to control a supply of fuel to the regeneration unit based on the ion sensor signal. | 12-01-2011 |
20120192547 | DUAL AIR CIRCUIT FOR EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT - An exhaust treatment system for an engine includes a regeneration device being in receipt of exhaust from the engine and positioned upstream of a diesel particulate filter. A compressor provides a source of compressed air. An air/fuel nozzle is coupled to the regeneration device, in receipt of a fuel supply as well as the compressed air. The fuel and compressed air are forced through an orifice of the nozzle to atomize the fuel. A bypass line provides compressed air from the compressor to the regeneration device without passing through the orifice of the nozzle. A valve is operable to allow compressed air to flow through the bypass line when a predetermined condition exists. | 08-02-2012 |
20120192551 | COAXIAL INLET AND OUTLET EXHAUST TREATMENT DEVICE - A burner for an exhaust gas treatment system treats an exhaust flow from an engine and includes an inner housing defining a primary combustion zone and a secondary combustion zone. The inner housing includes a plurality of apertures upstream of the secondary combustion zone for receipt of a first portion of the exhaust flow. An outer housing surrounds the inner housing to define a bypass flow path between the inner and outer housings to bypass a second portion of the exhaust flow around the inner housing outside of the primary and secondary combustion zones. The outer housing includes an exhaust inlet coaxially aligned with an exhaust outlet along a central longitudinal axis. A mixing zone is provided downstream of the second combustion chamber in receipt of the first and second portions of the exhaust flow. | 08-02-2012 |
20130312388 | DUAL AIR CIRCUIT FOR EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT - An exhaust treatment system for an engine includes a regeneration device being in receipt of exhaust from the engine and positioned upstream of a diesel particulate filter. A compressor provides a source of compressed air. An air/fuel nozzle is coupled to the regeneration device, in receipt of a fuel supply as well as the compressed air. The fuel and compressed air are forced through an orifice of the nozzle to atomize the fuel. A bypass line provides compressed air from the compressor to the regeneration device without passing through the orifice of the nozzle. A valve is operable to allow compressed air to flow through the bypass line when a predetermined condition exists. | 11-28-2013 |
20140150414 | Coaxial Inlet And Outlet Exhaust Treatment Device - A burner for an exhaust gas treatment system includes a tubular inner housing having a closed upstream end, a reduced diameter portion, and a plurality of apertures downstream of the reduced diameter portion. An outer housing surrounds the inner housing comprising a bypass flow path therebetween. First and second tubular supports fix the upstream end of the inner housing to the outer housing and provide fluid communication between a cavity within the inner housing to a location outside of the outer housing. A plate fixes the downstream end of the inner housing to the outer housing and cooperates with the housings to partially define an aperture formed in a portion of the bypass flow path. | 06-05-2014 |
20140238002 | Exhaust Treatment Burner and Mixer System - An exhaust aftertreatment system may include a first housing and a burner. The first housing may include first and second chambers. The first chamber may include an exhaust gas inlet receiving exhaust gas from an engine. The second chamber may receive exhaust gas from the first chamber and may include an exhaust gas outlet. The burner may include a second housing and a combustion chamber disposed within the second housing. The second housing may be at least partially disposed within the first chamber. The burner may supply heated gas to the second chamber. The heated gas within the burner may be fluidly isolated from exhaust gas in the first chamber. The second housing may be in a heat transfer relationship with exhaust gas in the first chamber. | 08-28-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090173668 | PROCESSING ASPHALTENE-CONTAINING TAILINGS - Embodiments of a method and a system for recovering energy, materials or both from asphaltene-containing tailings are disclosed. The asphaltene-containing tailings can be generated, for example, from a process for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sand. Embodiments of the method can include a flotation separation and a hydrophobic agglomeration separation. Flotation can be used to separate the asphaltene-containing tailings into an asphaltene-rich froth and an asphaltene-depleted aqueous phase. The asphaltene-rich froth, or an asphaltene-rich slurry formed from the asphaltene-rich froth, then can be separated into a heavy mineral concentrate and a light tailings. Hydrophobic agglomeration can be used to recover an asphaltene concentrate from the light tailings. Another flotation separation can be included to remove sulfur-containing minerals from the heavy mineral concentrate. Oxygen-containing minerals also can be recovered from the heavy mineral concentrate. Water removed by the various separation steps can be recycled and its heat energy recovered. | 07-09-2009 |
20090175769 | PROCESSING ASPHALTENE-CONTAINING TAILINGS - Embodiments of a method and a system for recovering energy, materials or both from asphaltene-containing tailings are disclosed. The asphaltene-containing tailings can be generated, for example, from a process for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sand. Embodiments of the method can include a flotation separation and a hydrophobic agglomeration separation. Flotation can be used to separate the asphaltene-containing tailings into an asphaltene-rich froth and an asphaltene-depleted aqueous phase. The asphaltene-rich froth, or an asphaltene-rich slurry formed from the asphaltene-rich froth, then can be separated into a heavy mineral concentrate and a light tailings. Hydrophobic agglomeration can be used to recover an asphaltene concentrate from the light tailings. Another flotation separation can be included to remove sulfur-containing minerals from the heavy mineral concentrate. Oxygen-containing minerals also can be recovered from the heavy mineral concentrate. Water removed by the various separation steps can be recycled and its heat energy recovered. | 07-09-2009 |
20100320118 | OXIDATION OF ASPHALTENES - A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes. | 12-23-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110117810 | NON-RIGID SENSOR FOR DETECTING DEFORMATION - A non-rigid electrical component includes a first layer of a compressible material. The first layer has at least one aperture therethrough. A second layer of an electrically conductive material is positioned on one side of the first layer across the aperture and a third layer of an electrically conductive material is positioned on an opposite side of the first layer across the aperture. The first layer is compressible such that the second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers upon application of a compression force. The first layer is also made of a resilient material such that when the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection. | 05-19-2011 |
20140073220 | PLUSH TOY WITH NON-RIGID SENSOR FOR DETECTING DEFORMATION - A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component includes a first layer of a compressible material with at least one aperture therethrough. Second and third layers of an electrically conductive material are positioned on opposite sides of the first layer across the aperture. The second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers by compression of the first layer upon application of a compression force. When the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection. Upon detection of deformation of the electrical component, the electronics activate a response by the toy, such as an audio response. | 03-13-2014 |
20150087198 | PLUSH TOY WITH NON-RIGID SENSOR FOR DETECTING DEFORMATION - A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component, also referred to as a hug sensor, has an electrically conductive and compressible material and is movable from a rest, non-compressed position towards a compressed position by way of the application of an external force thereon (e.g., a hug or squeeze). The hug sensor has a resistance there across that is monitored by a microprocessor. Compression of the hug sensor causes changes in the resistance across the hug sensor. Changes in the detected resistance across the hug sensor result in activation of responses (e.g., playing of audio and/or movement). Varying responses may be activated as a result of varying changes in resistance. | 03-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100101657 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PURGING MOISTURE FROM AN OXYGENATOR - A method and system for improving gas exchange properties of oxygenators which utilize hollow fiber membranes for removing carbon dioxide or adding oxygen to a patient's blood via extracorporeal circulation by removing moisture accumulating in the fibers are disclosed. The system utilizes a vacuum source for drawing sweep gas into the oxygenator, a moisture collection unit for storing moisture removed from the oxygenator, the moisture collecting unit being in communication with the oxygenator and the vacuum source and a flow control mechanism having an open position which allows sweep gas exiting the oxygenator to flow to the moisture collecting unit and a closed position which stops the flow of sweep gas from the oxygenator to the moisture collecting unit. The vacuum source draws sweep gas through the oxygenator and moisture collecting unit when the flow control mechanism is in the open position and the vacuum source creates a vacuum buildup in the moisture collecting unit when the flow control mechanism is in the closed position. The vacuum in the moisture collecting unit provides a sudden increase to the flow rate of the sweep gas to draw moisture with the sweep gas exiting the oxygenator when the flow control mechanism is returned to the open position. | 04-29-2010 |
20130055766 | Atraumatic Fiber Guide - The present invention discloses a fiber guide that can be used to feed delicate fibers into a machine, for example, the feeding of hollow fibers into a knitting machine. The disclosed guide utilizes dynamic friction and provides for horizontal and front-to-back positioning of the delicate fiber, keeping the delicate fiber vertically aligned while being fed into a machine. Utilizing dynamic friction and maintaining vertical alignment prevents damage to the delicate fiber. The guide also provides for the delicate fiber to be fed from a plurality of overhead angles from a feeding mechanism. | 03-07-2013 |
20140065016 | PARACORPOREAL RESPIRATORY ASSIST LUNG - A paracorporeal respiratory assist lung is configured with an annular cylindrical hollow fiber membrane (fiber bundle) that is rotated at rapidly varying speeds. Fluid (for example, blood) is introduced to the center of the device and is passed radially through the fiber bundle. The bundle is rotated at rapidly changing velocities with a rotational actuator (for example, a motor or magnetic coupling). The rotation of the fiber bundle provides centrifugal kinetic energy to the fluid giving the device pumping capabilities and may create Taylor vortexes to increase mass transfer. Rotation of the fiber bundle increases the relative velocity between the fluid and the hollow fibers and increases the mass transfer. The porosity of the fiber bundle may be varied to enhance gas exchange with the blood. Alternatively, a rotating core may be used with a stationary fiber bundle. | 03-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100261356 | RF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND CONNECTION ASSEMBLY THEREFORE - An electronic system is disclosed for RF signals, and comprises coaxial interconnection systems for interconnection with a printed circuit board and which provides an interface with the printed circuit boards. | 10-14-2010 |
20120164878 | RF MODULE - An RF module configured to be coupled to a backplane module includes a front housing that has walls that define connector cavities. The walls include a rear wall that has a plurality of openings therethrough. The connector cavities are open opposite the rear wall to receive electrical connectors. The RF module also includes RF cable assemblies having front end connectors and rear end connectors that are connected by corresponding cables. The front and rear end connectors are coaxial connectors. The front end connectors are received in corresponding connector cavities through corresponding openings. The RF module includes a connector holder extending from the front housing rearward of the rear wall. The connector holder holds the rear end connectors such that the rear end connectors are simultaneously pluggable into corresponding board connectors of the backplane module. | 06-28-2012 |
20140206221 | DAUGHTERCARD AND BACKPLANE CONNECTORS - An electrical connector system includes a backplane connector and a daughtercard connector coupled to the backplane connector. The backplane connector includes a housing holding a plurality of backplane contact assemblies that are movable relative to the housing and each have a center contact and an outer shell surrounding the center contact configured to be terminated to coaxial cables. The daughtercard connector includes a housing holding a plurality of daughtercard contact assemblies coupled to corresponding backplane contact assemblies. The daughtercard contact assemblies are configured to be directly terminated to a daughtercard circuit board. | 07-24-2014 |
20150162696 | HIGH SPEED CONNECTOR - A connector assembly includes a shell, an insulator held by the shell and a center contact held by the insulator. The center contact has a terminating segment. The connector assembly also includes a compound dielectric surrounding the terminating segment. The compound dielectric is positioned between the terminating segment and the shell. The compound dielectric includes a first dielectric layer that at least partially surrounds the center contact. The compound dielectric also includes a second dielectric layer at least partially surrounding the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer has a different dielectric constant than the dielectric constant of the first layer. | 06-11-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080279465 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENCODING DIGITAL IMAGE DATA IN A LOSSLESS MANNER - A method of losslessly compressing and encoding signals representing image information is claimed. A lossy compressed data file and a residual compressed data file are generated. When the lossy compressed data file and the residual compressed data file are combined, a lossless data file that is substantially identical to the original data file is created. | 11-13-2008 |
20090103637 | SELECTIVE CHROMINANCE DECIMATION FOR DIGITAL IMAGES - A method of decimation of a digital image, the digital image represented by a plurality of pixels, is claimed. In the pixel domain, the digital image is divided into a plurality of blocks. Certain ones of the blocks are selectively decimated based upon predetermined criteria. In an embodiment, the chrominance portions of a given pixel block are decimated. | 04-23-2009 |
20110299594 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENCODING DIGITAL IMAGE DATA IN A LOSSLESS MANNER - A method of losslessly compressing and encoding signals representing image information is claimed. A lossy compressed data file and a residual compressed data file are generated. When the lossy compressed data file and the residual compressed data file are combined, a lossless data file that is substantially identical to the original data file is created. | 12-08-2011 |
20110299595 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENCODING DIGITAL IMAGE DATA IN A LOSSLESS MANNER - A method of losslessly compressing and encoding signals representing image information is claimed. A lossy compressed data file and a residual compressed data file are generated. When the lossy compressed data file and the residual compressed data file are combined, a lossless data file that is substantially identical to the original data file is created. | 12-08-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110213346 | ROLL-PITCH-ROLL SURGICAL TOOL - A robotic surgical tool includes an elongate shaft having a working end and a shaft axis, and a pair of linking arms each having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is pivotally mounted on the working end of the shaft to rotate around a first pitch axis to produce rotation in first pitch. A wrist member has a proximal portion pivotally connected to the distal end of the linking arm to rotate around a second pitch axis to produce rotation in second pitch. An end effector is pivotally mounted on a distal portion of the wrist member to rotate around a wrist axis of the wrist member to produce rotation in distal roll. The wrist axis extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the wrist member. The elongate shaft is rotatable around the shaft axis to produce rotation in proximal roll. At about 90° pitch, the wrist axis is generally perpendicular to the shaft axis. The proximal roll around the shaft axis and the distal roll around the wrist axis do not overlap. The use of the linking arms allows the end effector to be bent back beyond 90° pitch. The ability to operate the end effector at about 90° pitch and to bend back the end effector renders the wrist mechanism more versatile and adaptable to accessing hard to reach locations, particularly with small entry points such as those involving spinal, neural, or rectal surgical sites. | 09-01-2011 |
20120330325 | Indicator for Tool State and Communication in Multi-Arm Robotic Telesurgery - Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods provide an indicator associated with a manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. An example of an indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team. | 12-27-2012 |
20140052156 | ROLL-PITCH-ROLL SURGICAL TOOL - A robotic surgical tool includes an elongate shaft having a working end and a shaft axis. The proximal end of a wrist member is pivotally mounted on the working end of the shaft to rotate around a first pitch axis to produce rotation in first pitch. An end effector is pivotally mounted on a distal portion of the wrist member to rotate around a wrist axis of the wrist member to produce rotation in distal roll. The wrist axis extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the wrist member. The elongate shaft is rotatable around the shaft axis to produce rotation in proximal roll. | 02-20-2014 |
20150073437 | Indicator For Tool State and Communication in Multi-Arm Robotic Telesurgery - Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods provide an indicator associated with a manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. An example of an indicator comprises as multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team. | 03-12-2015 |