Allen, CT
Andrew Allen, Norwalk, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20130263027 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION SYSTEM - A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code representing instructions to be executed by a processor to receive a set of data elements associated with a user-defined content having a content type. The processor interpolates the set of data elements to produce a first set of content data based on a filter domain associated with the user-defined content. The processor further refines the first set of content data based, at least in part, on the content type to produce a second set of content data. The processor also sends a signal representing the second set of content data such that the user-defined content is displayed based on the second set of content data. | 10-03-2013 |
Andrew S. Allen, Norwalk, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20120242664 | ACCELEROMETER-BASED LIGHTING AND EFFECTS FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A mobile device and method for rendering graphical objects and dynamic effects associated therewith to a display of the mobile device are described. The mobile device includes a position and rotation tracking module, a graphics rendering module, and a display. The position and rotation tracking module generates data indicative of a change in position and/or rotation of the mobile device. The graphics rendering module processes the data to determine a spatial relationship between a graphical object to be rendered to the display and a virtual source. The graphics rendering module then renders the graphical object and at least one dynamic effect in association therewith to the display. The graphics rendering module renders the dynamic effect in a manner that is based at least in part on the determined spatial relationship between the graphical object and the virtual source. | 09-27-2012 |
20130263047 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING GRAPHICAL VIEW OF DIGITAL CONTENT - A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code representing instructions to be executed by a processor to define a set of indicators encoding a set of content segments from the set of content segments. The processor further defines, for each content segment, a first link between that content segment and an indicator from the set of indicators, such that the first link associates a center component of the content segment to that indicator. The processor also defines, for each content segment, a second link between that content segment and an adjacent content segment within the sequence of content segments, such that the second link associates an edge component of that content segment to an edge component of the adjacent content segment. The processor also defines a presentation of the set of content segments based on the first link and the second link, for each content segment. | 10-03-2013 |
20140111539 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING COLOR PALETTE MANAGEMENT WITHIN A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - A method is provided that comprises receiving, from a user device, a first input indicating a first color, from a color palette, as a source color. The method further comprises receiving, from the user device, a second input indicating a second color from the color palette as a target color. The method also comprises receiving, from the user device, a plurality of user movement indicators representing an incremental mixing of the target color into the source color. The method further comprises defining a plurality of colors based on the first input, the second input and the plurality of user movement indicators. The method also comprises storing, data associated with each color from the plurality of colors. The method further comprises sending, for each color from the plurality of colors, a signal to display a representation of that color on the user interface associated with the user device. | 04-24-2014 |
20140337783 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING PARTIAL MODIFICATION OF A DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION - A graphical user interface (GUI) including an illustration can be rendered. In response to receiving a signal from an input device indicating a location within the illustration, a layer can be defined. When the layer is applied to the illustration, the GUI can be updated such that a portion of the illustration under a filter is displayed as an altered feature. The filter can overlay the indicated location. In some embodiments, another portion of the illustration different from indicated location may not be filtered. Similarly stated, only a portion of the layer can include the filter and/or the layer may not overlay the entire illustration. A signal can be received from the input device indicating a use of the tool on the layer and, in response, the altered feature can be modified. | 11-13-2014 |
Bill Allen, Kensington, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20160052298 | ADA-COMPLIANT BRAILLE SIGNAGE PRINTER AND METHOD OF PRINTING UV LED CURABLE INK USING A FLAT BED INK JET PRINTER - A printer includes a substrate and a print head. The print head is movable in a print direction. The print head includes an ink jet dispenser configured to jet ink toward the substrate. The print head further includes a UV source coupled to the ink jet dispenser in a following direction. The UV source is configured to emit UV irradiance. The plurality of mirrors are coupled to the UV source and configured to deflect UV irradiance from the UV source in a direction perpendicular to the print direction. | 02-25-2016 |
Blair Allen, Cromwell, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20160052298 | ADA-COMPLIANT BRAILLE SIGNAGE PRINTER AND METHOD OF PRINTING UV LED CURABLE INK USING A FLAT BED INK JET PRINTER - A printer includes a substrate and a print head. The print head is movable in a print direction. The print head includes an ink jet dispenser configured to jet ink toward the substrate. The print head further includes a UV source coupled to the ink jet dispenser in a following direction. The UV source is configured to emit UV irradiance. The plurality of mirrors are coupled to the UV source and configured to deflect UV irradiance from the UV source in a direction perpendicular to the print direction. | 02-25-2016 |
Bobby Allen, Manchester, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20140178175 | AIR TURBINE STARTER MONITOR SYSTEM - A method of monitoring a rotational system includes identifying a non-nominal spool-down profile. | 06-26-2014 |
Bruce F. Allen, Granby, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20120148007 | NUCLEAR REACTOR INTERNAL ELECTRIC CONTROL ROD DRIVE MECHANISM ASSEMBLY - A magnetic jack control rod drive rod drive system having the magnetic coils that operate the moving parts of the drive system wound from anodized aluminum magnet wire or ceramic coated nickel clad copper and enclosed within a hermetically sealed housing that is pressurized with helium. | 06-14-2012 |
20120148008 | NUCLEAR REACTOR INTERNAL HYDRAULIC CONTROL ROD DRIVE MECHANISM ASSEMBLY - A control rod drive system for a nuclear reactor that employs hydraulic cylinders to operate a conventional plunger/gripper drive system to incrementally move control rods into and out of the core of a reactor. The pressure differential for driving hydraulic pistons within the cylinders is obtained from the difference in pressure between the outside and inside of the core barrel of the reactor and control of the pistons is obtained from external solenoids attached to the reactor control system. The external solenoids regulate a charging pump feed to Poppet valves that control the hydraulic feed to the cylinders. A hydraulic piston/cylinder drive is also provided for the shutdown rods which operate in either an all in or out of the core condition. | 06-14-2012 |
20130223579 | CONTROL ROD DRIVE MECHANISM ("CRDM") ASSEMBLY FOR A NUCLEAR REACTOR - The present invention relates to a control rod drive mechanism assembly for a nuclear reactor having a nuclear reactor vessel, a nuclear reactor core, a reactor vessel head, a latch housing nozzle, a latch housing, a rod travel housing, a latch assembly, a drive rod assembly and a rod control cluster assembly. The latch housing is integrated with the latch housing nozzle, the rod travel housing is welded to the latch housing, and the latch assembly is connected to the rod travel housing. The latch assembly includes the drive rod assembly and the rod control cluster assembly which is attached to the drive rod assembly. | 08-29-2013 |
Christopher J. Allen, West Hartford, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20150194041 | REMOTE COOKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A remote temperature monitoring system includes a first unit operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of one or more materials or food items being cooked or heated. The first unit transmits the sensed temperature to a second unit that is located remotely from the first unit during heating. The second unit is programmable with the desired temperature and/or heating parameters of the item. By monitoring the temperature status of the item over time, the system determines when the food has reached the desired temperature or degree of cooking, and notifies the user. | 07-09-2015 |
Douglas Allen, Middletown, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20110179404 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CODE AUTOMATION - A system is provided for computer application code automation comprising a code automation computer server configured for presenting an electronic user interface for receiving user input for generating a Structured Query Language (SQL) query, the user input comprising a plurality of SQL tokens, a processor, associated with the code automation computer server, for receiving the plurality of SQL tokens, the processor retrieving from memory and executing computer executable instructions for at least one of: (a) optimizing performance of the SQL query while receiving the user input, and (b) error checking the SQL query while receiving the user input, wherein the processor is adapted for automatically incorporating the generated SQL query into the computer application code and storing the computer application code in a non-transitory computer readable medium. | 07-21-2011 |
Douglas J.m. Allen, New London, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20100062046 | POLYMORPHS OF NICOTINIC INTERMEDIATES - Crystalline forms of compounds (II), (III) and (IV) and processes to produce them are provided. | 03-11-2010 |
George E. Allen, Manchester, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20090010751 | ANGLED ON-BOARD INJECTOR - A secondary flow system provides a compact injector cooling structure for turbine blades which includes an Angled On-board Injector (AOBI) that locates a metering throat at an inward angle relative to an engine centerline. The AOBI positions the metering throat at the inward angle relative to an engine centerline to communicate cooling airflow to an angled annular section of a turbine rotor disk coverplate. | 01-08-2009 |
Glenn M. Allen, Vernon, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20120003382 | METHOD OF TREATING A MATERIAL TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT HYROPHILICITY FOR MAKING HYROPHILIC ARTICLES - An exemplary method of treating a material such as carbon or graphite to render at least some surfaces of the material hydrophilic includes coating at least a portion of the at least some surfaces with an oxygenated element and controlling a rate of a breakdown of the oxygenated element to leave a corresponding elemental oxide on the surfaces. In one example, the material is treated before being incorporated into an article comprising the material. Another example method includes treating an article comprising the material. Disclosed examples include precipitation or decomposition as the breakdown of the oxygenated element. | 01-05-2012 |
20150288005 | LOW COST FUEL CELL COMPONENTS - Fuel cell reactant flow field plates ( | 10-08-2015 |
Glenn Michael Allen, Vernon, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20110008698 | SEPARATOR PLATE CONFIGURATION FOR A FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly comprised of a membrane sandwiched between anode and cathode catalyst structures. An anode separator plate and a cathode separator plate are arranged adjacent to the membrane electrode assembly opposite from one another. The anode and cathode separator plates include opposing sides in which one of the opposing sides of the anode and cathode respectively have fuel and oxidant flow fields in communication with the membrane. The anode separator plate is a structure having a first water permeability and is configured to permit passage of water between its opposing sides and with its flow field, and the cathode separator plate comprises a structure having a second water permeability less than the first water permeability of the anode separator plate. In one example, the anode is provided by a porous separator plate, and the cathode is provided by a non-porous, or solid, plate. | 01-13-2011 |
20120168975 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING A POROUS ARTICLE - A method of processing a porous article includes distributing a blended material that includes an electrically conductive material and a binder into a cavity of a mold that is at a temperature below a curing temperature of the binder. The electrically conductive material is formed from particles of the electrically conductive material that have a size distribution such that 10 vol % of the particles are less than 12 micrometers in diameter, 50 vol % of the particles are less than 27 micrometers in diameter, and 90 vol % of the particles are less than 53 micrometers. The blended material is compressed within the cavity under a molding pressure, and the mold is heated to a curing temperature of the binder to form a molded article. | 07-05-2012 |
20130337363 | FUEL CELL COMPONENT WITH EMBEDDED POWER CONNECTOR - An exemplary fuel cell component includes a plate comprising an electrically conductive material. An electrical connector includes a first portion embedded in the plate. A second portion of the electrical connector extends from the plate. The second portion is configured to make an electrically conductive connection with another device. | 12-19-2013 |
20150030964 | METHOD OF MAKING A FUEL CELL COMPONENT HAVING AN INTERDIGITATED FLOW FIELD CONFIGURATION - According to an illustrative embodiment, a method of making a fuel cell component includes removing material from a first plurality of locations along at least one surface on a plate to simultaneously establish a plurality of first channels on the surface. Each first channel has a length between a first end near a first edge of the surface and a second end spaced from a second, opposite edge of the surface. Material is also removed from a second plurality of locations along the surface to simultaneously establish a plurality of second channels on the surface. Each second channel has a length beginning at a first end spaced from the first edge and a second end near the second edge. Material is also removed from the surface near the first ends of at least some of the first channels to simultaneously establish an inlet portion for directing a fluid into the corresponding first channels. | 01-29-2015 |
20150263356 | METHOD OF PROCESSING A POROUS ARTICLE - A method of processing a porous article includes distributing a blended powder material including loose electrically conductive particles and loose resin particles into a mold. The blended powder material is consolidated within the mold under a molding pressure and a molding temperature into a consolidated article. The loose resin particles of the blended powder material are selected to be within a predefined particle size distribution to control a physical property of the porous article. | 09-17-2015 |
Jeffrey Peter Allen, Naugatuck, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20090123806 | FUEL CELL END PLATE - A fuel cell end plate configured to transmit substantially constant compressive forces along a surface of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell end plate is configured such that the compressive force is substantially constant along the surface of the fuel cell even when the surface of the fuel cell is non-parallel. The fuel cell end plate is also configured such that the surfaces of the end plate remain substantially parallel when the fuel cell end plate is in contact with a non-parallel surface of a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. The fuel cell end plate is also configured to act as a distribution manifold for the distribution of reactants and coolants to the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell assemblies including the fuel cell end plate and methods of assembling the fuel cell end plate are also disclosed. | 05-14-2009 |
Jennifer R. Allen, New London, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20080260932 | Corn Plant and Seed Corresponding to Transgenic Event MON89034 and Methods For Detection and Use Thereof - The present invention provides a transgenic corn event MON89034, and cells, seeds, and plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the corn event. The invention also provides compositions comprising nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for said corn event in a sample, methods for detecting the presence of said corn event nucleotide sequences in a sample, probes and primers for use in detecting nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for the presence of said corn event in a sample, growing the seeds of such corn event into corn plants, and breeding to produce corn plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the corn event. | 10-23-2008 |
20110321185 | CORN PLANT AND SEED CORRESPONDING TO TRANSGENIC EVENT MON89034 AND METHODS FOR DETECTION AND USE THEREOF - The present invention provides a transgenic corn event MON89034, and cells, seeds, and plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the corn event. The invention also provides compositions comprising nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for said corn event in a sample, methods for detecting the presence of said corn event nucleotide sequences in a sample, probes and primers for use in detecting nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for the presence of said corn event in a sample, growing the seeds of such corn event into corn plants, and breeding to produce corn plants comprising DNA diagnostic for the corn event. | 12-29-2011 |
Martin Patrick Allen, North Stonington, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20080227793 | Benzimidazole and Pyridylimidazole Derivatives - This invention relates to benzimidazoles, pyridylimidazoles and related bicyclic heteroaryl compounds, all of which may be described by of Formula I | 09-18-2008 |
20100267698 | Benzimidazole and Pyridylimidazole Derivatives - This invention relates to benzimidazoles, pyridylimidazoles and related bicyclic heteroaryl compounds, all of which may be described by of Formula I | 10-21-2010 |
Martin Patrick Allen, Voluntown, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20090023756 | SUBSTITUTED QUINAZOLINES AS PDE10 INHIBITORS - The invention pertains to substituted quinazoline compounds of structures (I) and (II) that serve as effective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. The invention also relates to compounds which are selective inhibitors of PDE-10. The invention further relates to intermediates for preparation of such compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and the use of such compounds in methods for treating certain central nervous system (CNS) or other disorders. The invention relates also to methods for treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, for example psychosis and disorders comprising deficient cognition as a symptom. (I, II). | 01-22-2009 |
Matthew David Allen, Enfield, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20140071266 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING QUALITY OF TUBES - Disclosed herein is a system having an optically transparent substrate having a first side and a second side that are opposed to each other, a microprocessor, a database, a camera disposed upon the first side of the optically transparent substrate and a source of illumination. The source of illumination is disposed in a ring around the camera on the first side and is operative to illuminate the object disposed on the second side of the optically transparent substrate. Further the camera is in operative communication with the microprocessor and the database. The camera is operative to capture an image of an object disposed upon the second side of the optically transparent substrate. The microprocessor is operative to calculate dimensions and geometry of the object from the image and facilitate acceptance or rejection of the object based upon a standard, a parameter or a calibration chart. | 03-13-2014 |
Michael J. Allen, Storrs, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20140284020 | ENERGY STORAGE AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT USING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS IN CONJUNCTION WITH HEAT PIPES AND FOILS, FOAMS OR OTHER POROUS MEDIA - In one aspect an apparatus to store energy comprises a housing defining an enclosed chamber, foils or foam formed from a thermally conductive material disposed in the chamber, a phase change material disposed within the chamber, and at least one heat pipe extending through the housing in thermal communication with the foam, or foil, and the phase change material. Other aspects may be described. | 09-25-2014 |
Peter Wilcox Allen, Southbury, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20090123806 | FUEL CELL END PLATE - A fuel cell end plate configured to transmit substantially constant compressive forces along a surface of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell end plate is configured such that the compressive force is substantially constant along the surface of the fuel cell even when the surface of the fuel cell is non-parallel. The fuel cell end plate is also configured such that the surfaces of the end plate remain substantially parallel when the fuel cell end plate is in contact with a non-parallel surface of a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. The fuel cell end plate is also configured to act as a distribution manifold for the distribution of reactants and coolants to the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell assemblies including the fuel cell end plate and methods of assembling the fuel cell end plate are also disclosed. | 05-14-2009 |
Richard N. Allen, West Hartford, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20150354385 | FLAPPER SEAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - An engine component for isolating a first pressure and/or first flow and a second pressure and/or second flow is provided. The engine component may comprise a body portion, a first seal element and a second seal element. The body portion may include a first standoff and a second standoff. The first seal element housed within the body portion. The second seal element may also be housed within the body portion. The second seal element may be coupled to the first seal element. | 12-10-2015 |
20160061046 | Turbine Vane With Non-Uniform Wall Thickness - A vane for use in a gas turbine engine has an airfoil extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, and is generally hollow. The vane has a radially outer platform and a radially inner platform. At least one of the radially inner and radially outer platforms has thicker portions circumferentially located beyond one of the leading edge and the trailing edge, and thinner portions circumferentially beyond circumferential edges of the airfoil. A mid-turbine frame and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed. | 03-03-2016 |
20160069200 | Turbine Vane With Platform Pad - A vane has an airfoil extending between a radially outer platform and a radially inner platform. At least one of the platforms has nominally radially thinner portions, and a pad defining a radially thicker portion. The pad has a radial thickness that is greater than a thickness of the nominal radially thinner portions. The pad surrounds an outer periphery of the airfoil on a side of the radially outer platform. The pad has a varying radial thickness. A mid-turbine frame and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed. | 03-10-2016 |
Robert J. Allen, Shelton, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20110147093 | MAILING MACHINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A mail processing system having a transport that reduces the amount of oscillation of the scale to allow for faster weighing of mail pieces is provided. A mailing machine includes a plurality of different modules through which mail pieces are fed by a transport system. A guide piece is provided in the transport path between the weighing module and the subsequent module, e.g., a printing module. The guide piece is structured such that forces imparted on the weighing platform of the weighing module by the trail edge of a mail piece being transported off of the weighing platform are reduced. Because of the reduction in this significant external force on the weighing platform, a faster weighing algorithm can be used on more mail pieces, thereby increasing the throughput of the mailing machine. | 06-23-2011 |
20140110312 | STACKING ASSEMBLY FOR A MAILPIECE SORTER - A divert assembly is described for a mailpiece sorter operative to sort mailpieces into one of a plurality of sortation bins. The divert assembly comprising a re-direct mechanism for selectively re-directing mailpieces travelling along a feed path into the sortation bin and causing each selected mailpiece to be re-directed at an angle relative to the stack of mailpieces to be accumulated in the sortation bin. The divert assembly also including a stacking assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller, a support blade, and a Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller accepts and urges each of the selected mailpieces toward a sidewall of the sortation bin while the support blade holds each of the selected mailpieces between the urge roller and the support blade and in an on-edge parallel relationship relative thereto. The support blade is moveably mounted relative to the LE urge roller to allow the accumulation of additional mailpieces between the LE urge roller and the support blade. The TE alignment device includes a stepper motor rotationally driving a cam about a rotational axis. The cam defines a surface operative to urge the trailing edge portion of each selected mailpiece toward the support blade and into alignment with the stack. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110313 | ANTI-ABRASION ASSEMBLY FOR MAILPIECE STACKING ASSEMBLY - A stacking assembly is operative to protect stacked mailpieces from damage due to abrasion. The stacking assembly includes a support blade moveably mounted to a bin for accepting a stack of mailpieces and an ingestion assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller and Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller is operative to accept mailpieces from a supply of mailpieces, and urge a leading edge portion thereof toward a sidewall of the stacking bin. The TE alignment device includes a first cam driven about an axis of rotation by a digital rotary positioning device which cam defines a surface operative to urge the trailing edge portion of each mailpiece into parallel alignment with the support blade. The stacking assembly also includes an anti-abrasion linkage responsive to rotation of the digital rotary positioning device to forcibly displace a surface of the stacked mailpieces away from a moving surface of the ingestion assembly. | 04-24-2014 |
William Allen, Stratford, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20090276037 | Method And Apparatus For Circulatory Valve Repair - An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation. | 11-05-2009 |
20120143217 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CIRCULATORY VALVE REPAIR - An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation. | 06-07-2012 |
20140296878 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CIRCULATORY VALVE REPAIR - An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation. | 10-02-2014 |
William J. Allen, Stratford, CT US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
---|---|---|
20100234813 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE MITRAL VALVE REPAIR METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue. One example of a clip-based fastener comprises a spring-loaded clip having two arms with tapered distal ends and barbs. The probe includes a deployment mechanism which causes the clip to pierce and lockingly secure the two pieces of tissue. | 09-16-2010 |
20130138121 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE MITRAL VALVE REPAIR METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue. One example of a clip-based fastener comprises a spring-loaded clip having two arms with tapered distal ends and barbs. The probe includes a deployment mechanism which causes the clip to pierce and lockingly secure the two pieces of tissue. | 05-30-2013 |