Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100331994 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSERTING AN IMPLANT - An implant includes a body configured to be implanted at least partially within a bone canal. The body has a proximal end, a longitudinal axis and a cavity located at the proximal end. The cavity is configured to mate with an insertion tool and defines a cavity axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the implant. | 12-30-2010 |
20130325076 | LOWER EXTREMITY FUSION DEVICES AND METHODS - A fusion implant and fusion members for fusing target fusion bones of a lower extremity. The fusion implant including internally threaded apertures of a first thread lead, and fusion members including threading of the first thread lead and threading of a second thread lead that is less than the first thread lead. The fusion implant and a targeting instrument being configured to couple to one another in a predefined orientation. The predetermined orientation resulting in alignment of aspects of the fusion implant with aspects of the targeting instrument. The targeting instrument providing both distraction and compression to the joint between the target fusion bones. A guide instrument for preparing one of the target fusion bones for fusion thereof. A surgical method for applying compression to the joint between the target fusion bones to facilitate fusion thereof utilizing a fusion implant, fusion members, a targeting instrument and a guide instrument. | 12-05-2013 |
20130331947 | UPPER EXTREMITY FUSION DEVICES AND METHODS - A fusion implant and fusion members for fusing target bones of an upper extremity. The fusion implant including internally threaded apertures of a first thread lead, and the fusion members including threading of the first thread lead and threading of a second thread lead that is less than the first thread lead. The fusion implant and a targeting instrument being configured to couple to one another in a predefined orientation. The predetermined orientation resulting in alignment of aspects of the fusion implant with aspects of the targeting instrument. A guide clamp for facilitating forming of an implant cavity in adjacent bones for implantation of the fusion implant therein. A surgical method for facilitating fusion of adjacent target bones utilizing a fusion implant, fusion members, a targeting instrument and a guide clamp to reduce space between the adjacent bones such that they at least abut one another. | 12-12-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110213371 | RECIPROCATING RASPS FOR USE IN AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL PROCEDURE - Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213372 | RECIPROCATING RASPS FOR USE IN AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL PROCEDURE - Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. | 09-01-2011 |
20130226184 | PROXIMAL REAMER - A method for providing joint arthroplasty includes resecting an end portion of a long bone, preparing a central longitudinal opening in a medullary canal of the long bone, providing a prosthetic stem component, installing the prosthetic stem component into the opening in a medullary canal, providing a reamer including an opening for receiving the prosthetic stem component, positioning the reamer onto the prosthetic stem component with the opening of the reamer positioned at least partially over the prosthetic stem component, reaming a portion of the long bone with the reamer, removing the reamer, and installing a prosthetic body component onto the prosthetic stem component. | 08-29-2013 |
20130289567 | PROXIMAL REAMER - A kit includes an orthopaedic implant stem, and a reamer assembly for reaming a proximal portion of a cavity, said reamer assembly cooperating with a proximal portion of the orthopaedic implant stem, said reamer assembly comprising, a sleeve defining an inner periphery, said sleeve configured to fit over the proximal portion of the orthopaedic implant stem, said sleeve defining an outer periphery, and a reamer including a body defining a cavity formed therein for receiving at least a portion of the outer periphery of said sleeve, a plurality of cutting edges extending outwardly from said body, said cutting edges adapted for cooperation with bone, and a stem extending from an end of the body, wherein the sleeve comprises a locking feature and the stem comprises a connection feature to removably secure the sleeve to the proximal portion of the orthopaedic implant stem when assembled together. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296870 | RECIPROCATING RASPS FOR USE IN AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL PROCEDURE - Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. | 11-07-2013 |
20140039505 | RECIPROCATING RASPS FOR USE IN AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL PROCEDURE - Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. Some of the methods include inserting a guide pin into the glenoid of the patient, advancing a reciprocating surgical rasp over the guide pin, reciprocating the surgical rasp so as to abrade bone tissue to form a cavity shaped to receive the glenoid component, and implanting the glenoid component in the cavity. | 02-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090000190 | Gasification system - A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means. | 01-01-2009 |
20090023821 | Method and apparatus for synthesizing hydrocarbons using sonic mixing and solid catalysts - Gasses containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen are converted into hydrocarbons using a reactor vessel having a liquid, a catalyst dispersed in the liquid, and a sonic mixing system interfaced with the reactor vessel. The sonic mixing system is used to agitate the mixture. In combination with the catalysts, the agitation increases reaction kinetics, thereby promoting chemical reactions used to efficiently convert gasses containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons. | 01-22-2009 |
20090178337 | Grate for high temperature gasification systems - An improved active grate consisting of at least two elongated rockers positioned parallel to one and another, each rocker having a lower surface and an upper surface and configured to rotate back and forth about their longitudinal axis. Each individual rocker is further configured to rotate in the opposite direction of the adjacent rockers such that any pair of adjacent rockers alternately forms a void allowing material to pass through active grate when rotating in one direction into a first position, and closes the void when rotated in the opposite direction in a second position. The active grate finds particular utility in a combined gasification/vitrification waste treatment system, where it is used to pass partially oxidized materials from a gasification chamber to a vitrification chamber. The rockers include a coolant loop through the longitudinal axis of the rockers. | 07-16-2009 |
20100022669 | RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY CONVERSION OF LIQUID FUELS FROM HYDROCARBON FEEDSTOCKS - The present invention includes a method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel. | 01-28-2010 |
20110056133 | COMBINED GASIFICATION AND VITRIFICATION SYSTEM - An optimized gasification/vitrification processing system having a gasification unit which converts organic materials to a hydrogen rich gas and ash in communication with a joule heated vitrification unit which converts the ash formed in the gasification unit into glass, and a plasma which converts elemental carbon and products of incomplete combustion formed in the gasification unit into a hydrogen rich gas. | 03-10-2011 |
20110126460 | REGENERATOR FOR SYNGAS CLEANUP AND ENERGY RECOVERY IN GASIFIER SYSTEMS - A rotating heat regenerator is used to recover heat from the syngas at it exits the reactor vessel of a waste or biomass gasifier. In some embodiments, three or more streams are passed through the heat exchanger. One stream is the dirty syngas, which heats the rotating material. A second stream is a cold stream that is heated as it passes through the material. A third stream is a cleaning stream, which serves to remove particulates that are collected on the rotating material as the dirty syngas passes through it. This apparatus can also be used as an auto-heat exchanger, or it can exchange heat between separate flows in the gasifier process. The apparatus can also be used to reduce the heating requirement for the thermal residence chamber (TRC) used downstream from the gasification system. | 06-02-2011 |
20110126461 | HIGH PRESSURE GASIFIER SYSTEM USING ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED HEATING - The problems of the prior art are overcome by the apparatus and method disclosed herein. The reactor vessel of a plasma gasifier is operated at high pressure. To compensate for the negative effects of high pressure, various modifications to the plasma gasifier are disclosed. For example, by moving the slag, more material is exposed to the plasma, allowing better and more complete processing thereof. In some embodiments, magnetic fields are used to cause movement of the slag and molten metal within the vessel. An additional embodiment is to add microwave heating of the slag and/or the incoming material. Microwave heating can also be used as an alternative to plasma heating in a high pressure gasification system. | 06-02-2011 |
20110155720 | Directed Energy Melter - Directed energy melter. The melter includes a vessel and structure for introducing waste material into the vessel. Waveguide structure is provided for introducing millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation into the vessel to heat the waste material. A gyrotron is a preferred source for the millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation. | 06-30-2011 |
20120090237 | Gasification System - A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means. | 04-19-2012 |
20130145691 | GRATE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE GASIFICATION SYSTEMS - An improved active grate consisting of at least two elongated rockers positioned parallel to one and another, each rocker having a lower surface and an upper surface and configured to rotate back and forth about their longitudinal axis. Each individual rocker is further configured to rotate in the opposite direction of the adjacent rockers such that any pair of adjacent rockers alternately forms a void allowing material to pass through active grate when rotating in one direction into a first position, and closes the void when rotated in the opposite direction in a second position. The active grate finds particular utility in a combined gasification/vitrification waste treatment system, where it is used to pass partially oxidized materials from a gasification chamber to a vitrification chamber. The rockers include a coolant loop through the longitudinal axis of the rockers. | 06-13-2013 |
20140100294 | RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY CONVERSION OF LIQUID FUELS FROM HYDROCARBON FEEDSTOCKS - The present invention includes a method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel. | 04-10-2014 |
20140157667 | COMBINED GASIFICATION AND VITRIFICATION SYSTEM - An optimized gasification/vitrification processing system having a gasification unit which converts organic materials to a hydrogen rich gas and ash in communication with a joule heated vitrification unit which converts the ash formed in the gasification unit into glass, and a plasma which converts elemental carbon and products of incomplete combustion formed in the gasification unit into a hydrogen rich gas. | 06-12-2014 |
20140182205 | REGENERATOR FOR SYNGAS CLEANUP AND ENERGY RECOVERY IN GASIFIER SYSTEMS - A rotating heat regenerator is used to recover heat from the syngas at it exits the reactor vessel of a waste or biomass gasifier. In some embodiments, three or more streams are passed through the heat exchanger. One stream is the dirty syngas, which heats the rotating material. A second stream is a cold stream that is heated as it passes through the material. A third stream is a cleaning stream, which serves to remove particulates that are collected on the rotating material as the dirty syngas passes through it. This apparatus can also be used as an auto-heat exchanger, or it can exchange heat between separate flows in the gasifier process. The apparatus can also be used to reduce the heating requirement for the thermal residence chamber (TRC) used downstream from the gasification system. | 07-03-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080246777 | Method and apparatus for background replacement in still photographs - A first digital image is acquired of a framed area while illuminating the background and foreground object under a first lighting condition. A second digital image is then acquired of the same framed area while illuminating the background and foreground object under a second lighting condition. Preferably, the first lighting condition illuminates the background without illuminating the foreground object so that a silhouette of the foreground object is acquired in the first image. The second lighting condition illuminates the foreground object (e.g., with frontal lights). Due to the difference in the illumination between the background and silhouette in the first image, an alpha mask can be created from the first acquired image. Using the mask, the background from the second image can be removed and replaced by virtually any other desired background image. | 10-09-2008 |
20110134141 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BACKGROUND REPLACEMENT IN STILL PHOTOGRAPHS - A first digital image is acquired of a framed area while illuminating the background and foreground object under a first lighting condition. A second digital image is then acquired of the same framed area while illuminating the background and foreground object under a second lighting condition. Preferably, the first lighting condition illuminates the background without illuminating the foreground object so that a silhouette of the foreground object is acquired in the first image. The second lighting condition illuminates the foreground object (e.g., with frontal lights). Due to the difference in the illumination between the background and silhouette in the first image, an alpha mask can be created from the first acquired image. Using the mask, the background from the second image can be removed and replaced by virtually any other desired background image. | 06-09-2011 |
20120120281 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BACKGROUND REPLACEMENT IN STILL PHOTOGRAPHS - A first digital image is acquired of a framed area while illuminating the background and foreground object under a first lighting condition. A second digital image is then acquired of the same framed area while illuminating the background and foreground object under a second lighting condition. Preferably, the first lighting condition illuminates the background without illuminating the foreground object so that a silhouette of the foreground object is acquired in the first image. The second lighting condition illuminates the foreground object (e.g., with frontal lights). Due to the difference in the illumination between the background and silhouette in the first image, an alpha mask can be created from the first acquired image. Using the mask, the background from the second image can be removed and replaced by virtually any other desired background image. | 05-17-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080224865 | Illuminated sensor for security system - A security system having a control and a sensor attachable to an article to be monitored. The sensor has a plurality of different states, among which are an armed state and a breached state. The sensor and control interact so that the control causes a detectable signal to be generated as an incident of the sensor being changed from the armed state into the breached state. The sensor has a housing with a wall structure bounding a cavity. The sensor further has a source of illumination that projects light. The wall structure has a light transmissive portion through which light from the illumination source projects from within the cavity to be visible externally of the wall structure. | 09-18-2008 |
20090091448 | Security system for a portable article - A security system for portable articles is provided. The security system includes a central unit and one or more remote units. Each remote unit has a tethering system which attaches one or more portable articles to the remote unit. When a portable article is detached from the remote unit, a remote alarm signal is generated, which is conveyed to the central unit via a radiofrequency transmission. The central unit confirms receipt of an alarm transmission, and activates a dialer, which contacts one or more individuals via telephone. | 04-09-2009 |
20100007482 | Security system for portable device with arming feature - A security system and method of monitoring a portable device. The security system has a first sensor, a controller, and an alarm signal generator. The controller is capable of detecting that the first sensor, with the security system in an armed state, has changed from the secured state, and as an incident thereof, causing a signal to be generated by the alarm signal generator. The controller and first sensor are configured so that under certain conditions the first sensor must be changed from the unsecured state into the secured state and maintained in the secured state for a predetermined time period before the controller, first sensor and alarm signal generator can thereafter interact to produce a detectable signal in the event of a security breach. | 01-14-2010 |
20100300992 | THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM - Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture. | 12-02-2010 |
20110095893 | Anti-theft device for sporting goods - A theft-deterring security apparatus for articles with handles is described. The apparatus consists of a bracket that substantially surrounds an article handle and a locking body into which the bracket is telescopically inserted, to in turn compress both the bracket and the locking body about the article handle so as to be releasably fastened thereto. Fastening devices, such as a threaded screw and nut, are used to initiate and maintain compression of the bracket and locking body about the article handle. The bracket is shaped to accommodate different types of article handles. The bracket may be hinged to accommodate the insertion of article handles into the bracket periphery. The apparatus is further equipped with an electronic article surveillance element capable of setting off an alarm if an attempt is made to remove the article from the store. Alternatively, a pair of locking body elements surrounds a knob on an article handle. The locking body elements each include a cavity portion that combine to form cavities within which the knob of an article handle and an electronic article surveillance tag and/or a tethered anchor may be placed. | 04-28-2011 |
20120097622 | Theft Deterrent System - Described herein is technology for, among other things, a theft deterrent apparatus for cooperation with an elongate member attached to and extending outwardly from a forward-facing side of an article display panel. The apparatus includes a housing defining an internal chamber. The housing includes a first aperture passing through the housing into the internal chamber for receiving the elongate member, a second aperture for receiving a magnetic key, and a locking member that has a magnetic portion and is movably disposed within the internal chamber. The locking member is adapted to selectively: maintain the apparatus in locked and unlocked configurations in which the locking member respectively prevents or permits the elongate member from being at least partially withdrawn from the first aperture. Whether the locking member maintains the apparatus in the locked or unlocked configuration depends on whether or not the magnetic key is inserted into the second aperture. | 04-26-2012 |