Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150062131 | RUN-TIME TECHNIQUES FOR PLAYING LARGE-SCALE CLOUD-BASED ANIMATIONS - Various of the disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing animated multimedia, e.g. animated shows, to an audience over a network. Particularly, some embodiments provide systems and methods for generating and providing audio, animation, and other experience-related information so that user's may readily experience the content in a seamless manner (e.g., as an audience member watching a show, playing a video game, etc.). Various embodiments animate “to the audience” based, e.g., on what content the audience is consuming. The animations may be generated in real-time from constituent components and assets in response to user behavior. | 03-05-2015 |
20150062132 | MULTI-CHARACTER AUTHORING INTERFACE FOR LARGE SCALE ANIMATIONS - Various of the disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing animated multimedia, e.g. animated shows, to an audience over a network. Particularly, some embodiments provide systems and methods for generating and providing audio, animation, and other experience-related information so that user's may readily experience the content in a seamless manner (e.g., as an audience member watching a show, playing a video game, etc.). Various embodiments animate “to the audience” based, e.g., on what content the audience is consuming. The animations may be generated in real-time from constituent components and assets in response to user behavior. | 03-05-2015 |
20150243279 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECOMMENDING RESPONSES - Various of the disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods for identifying and recommending interesting user responses that are obtained by an interactive device (e.g., audio responses to a virtual character as part of a virtual interaction). In some embodiments, a user may interact with one or more virtual characters via a mobile device, tablet, desktop computer, or the like. During the interaction, the user may respond to one or more questions posed by the virtual characters or to contexts presented by the interactive device. The system may record these user responses, analyze the audio data to extract one or more features, and prepare a ranking of the user responses. The extracted features can be augmented with human-generated metadata or ground truth values. A reviewer can review, share, etc., the user response. | 08-27-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130290256 | System and Method for Managing User Data in a Plurality of Storage Appliances Over a Wide Area Network for Collaboration, Protection, Publication, or Sharing - In various embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of operating a server to manage user data in a plurality of storage appliances. The method involves establishing in a database system, via the server, information for each registered user; establishing and storing in the database system a set of relationships, based on designations by the users, among registered storage appliances and container designations; and using a central service running on the server to deliver storage appliance-container relationship data to the storage appliances so as to enable the appliances to substantiate the containers therein, and to replicate user data with other storage appliances that have substantiated corresponding containers, in a manner consistent with the stored relationships, and wherein the central service operates without interaction with user data stored in the containers. | 10-31-2013 |
20130290464 | System and Method for Socially Organized Storage and Shared Access to Storage Appliances - In various embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods for managing user data in a plurality of storage appliances coupled to a wide area network. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods that allow users to view and manipulate files in a shared virtual container. In other embodiments, the present invention also relates to systems and methods that allow users to access virtual containers located on storage appliances that are owned by other users. | 10-31-2013 |
20140145571 | Assembly for Digital Storage Appliance - A carrier for a disk drive includes a back member configured to abut a face of the disk drive; a pair of side members coupled to the back member, configured to abut opposing sides of the disk drive; and a pair of flexible tangs, each tang coupled to one of the side members and configured to removably mount the carrier in a base. The back member is, or the side members are, or the back member and side members are, configured with a set of attachment mechanisms in locations that correspond to locations, in the disk drive, of screw holes used for mounting so that the disk drive is removably mountable in the carrier using the attachment mechanisms and an assembly of the carrier with the disk drive is removably mountable in the base. | 05-29-2014 |
20160117377 | System and Method for Managing User Data in a Plurality of Storage Appliances Over a Wide Area Network for Collaboration, Protection, Publication, or Sharing - In various embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of operating a server to manage user data in a plurality of storage appliances. The method involves establishing in a database system, via the server, information for each registered user; establishing and storing in the database system a set of relationships, based on designations by the users, among registered storage appliances and container designations; and using a central service running on the server to deliver storage appliance-container relationship data to the storage appliances so as to enable the appliances to substantiate the containers therein, and to replicate user data with other storage appliances that have substantiated corresponding containers, in a manner consistent with the stored relationships, and wherein the central service operates without interaction with user data stored in the containers. | 04-28-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110164303 | Polymer Shutter Compositions and Devices for Infrared Systems - The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions and devices operable for infra-red transmission and blocking comprising a layered structure having a first electrically conducting layer, a conjugated electrochromic polymer layer, an electrolyte layer and a second electrically conducting layer, wherein the first and second electrically conducting layers have an infrared transparency and the conjugated electrochromic polymers may be operable to be electrically switched between a transparent state that transmits infrared light to an opaque state that does not transmit infrared light. In some embodiments, a device of the disclosure may also have one or more outer substrates sandwiching the other layers. Some embodiments relate to single-layered devices. Some embodiments relate to combined layers. Compositions and devices of the disclosure may be integrated into a wide variety of infrared systems for transmission, shuttering and calibration applications. | 07-07-2011 |
20120025147 | METHOD FOR PREPARING UNIQUE COMPOSITION HIGH PERFORMANCE ANODE MATERIALS FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES - A novel method for preparing unique composition high-performance anode materials with high energy density, high power density, high stability, and excellent cyclability for electrochemical energy storage devices, in particular for lithium ion batteries, wherein this method and material circumvent and surpass the limitations of those methods and materials currently available. | 02-02-2012 |
20130022873 | HIGH-POWER NANOCOMPOSITE CATHODES FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES - A method of growing electrochemically active materials in situ within a dispersed conductive matrix to yield nanocomposite cathodes or anodes for electrochemical devices, such as lithium-ion batteries. The method involves an in situ formation of a precursor of the electrochemically active materials within the dispersed conductive matrix followed by a chemical reaction to subsequently produce the nanocomposite cathodes or anodes, wherein: the electrochemically active materials comprise nanocrystalline or microcrystalline electrochemically active metal oxides, metal phosphates or other electrochemically active materials; the dispersed conductive matrix forms an interconnected percolation network of electrically conductive filaments or particles, such as carbon nanotubes; and the nanocomposite cathodes or anodes comprise a homogeneous distribution of the electrochemically active materials within the dispersed conductive matrix. | 01-24-2013 |
20150357075 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IN SITU SYNTHESIS OF METAL OXIDES IN CARBON NANOTUBE ARRAYS - A method for controlling microstructural and nanostructural arrangement of nominally-aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. The method comprises synthesizing metal oxide particles in situ in nominally-aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) after synthesis of CNTs. The particles can be SnO | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090315706 | ADAPTABLE USER INTERFACE FOR MONITORING LOCATION TRACKING DEVICES OUT OF GPS MONITORING RANGE - A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code. | 12-24-2009 |
20120086571 | Adaptable user interface for monitoring location tracking devices out of GPS monitoring range - A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code. | 04-12-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090111393 | Apparatus and Method for Manufacturing an Electronic Package - An apparatus to package an electronic device. The apparatus includes a composite plastic package that is durable to environmental conditions. In particular, a mold process to produce a plastic composite material package and support an electronic component inserted therein. At least one injection nozzle supplies a specified level of plastic composite material into the mold to produce a substantially hermetically sealed package. A multi-patch antenna provides increased receiver sensitivity. An inductive battery power option provides a user flexibility to charge a tracking device and communicate near-field signals and energy with a tracking monitoring station. | 04-30-2009 |
20090117921 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BANDWIDTH UTILIZATION WHEN MONITORING LOCATION INFORMATION - A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A graphical mapping module is disclosed to provide mapping tiles from multiple mapping service providers in response to user request for location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. A wizard menu enables the user to reorient an initial request for mapping tiles in a different layout or view format without requiring additional access to a mapping service provider website. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected alert zones. Dashboard management tools may be included or associated with a software file readily accessible and functionally equipped to interpret user requests for mapping reorientation and zoom capabilities. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119119 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A PERSONALIZED WEB INTERFACE FOR MONITORING LOCATION INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUALS AND OBJECTS USING TRACKING DEVICES - A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A management dashboard module is disclosed to provide a user access to location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. An account services module provides menu options to the user. A wizard menu enables the user to enter billing information, identification settings of the tracking device, and coverage zones. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected coverage zones and provided to the user. | 05-07-2009 |
20120089492 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A PERSONALIZED WEB INTERFACE FOR MONITORING LOCATION INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUALS AND OBJECTS USING TRACKING DEVICES - A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A management dashboard module is disclosed to provide a user access to location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. An account services module provides menu options to the user. A wizard menu enables the user to enter billing information, identification settings of the tracking device, and coverage zones. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected coverage zones and provided to the user. | 04-12-2012 |
20120238291 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR INDUCTIVE TRANSFER OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY - Devices and systems are described for inductively charging a portable electronic device, such as a tracking device, and for communicatively coupling the portable electronic device to a computer monitoring station or other computing device. | 09-20-2012 |
20130157691 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND MANAGING A PERSONALIZED WEB INTERFACE FOR MONITORING LOCATION INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUALS AND OBJECTS USING TRACKING DEVICES - A personalized format webpage is generated to monitor location information. A graphical mapping module is disclosed to provide mapping tiles from multiple mapping service providers in response to user request for location information of a tracking device associated with an object or an individual. A wizard menu enables the user to reorient an initial request for mapping tiles in a different layout or view format without requiring additional access to a mapping service provider website. Alert messages associated with the tracking device are generated in accordance with selected alert zones. Dashboard management tools may be included or associated with a software file readily accessible and functionally equipped to interpret user requests for mapping reorientation and zoom capabilities. | 06-20-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080200161 | PROVIDING RELEVANT NON- REQUESTED CONTENT TO A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal. | 08-21-2008 |
20130238753 | PROVIDING RELEVANT NON-REQUESTED CONTENT TO A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal. | 09-12-2013 |
20140214878 | PROVIDING RELEVANT NON-REQUESTED CONTENT TO A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090184008 | METAL HYDRIDE FUEL STORAGE AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus having a first substrate having (1) a cavity, (2) one or more resistive heaters, and (3) one or more coatings forming a diffusion barrier to hydrogen; a second substrate having (1) an outlet valve comprising a pressure relief structure and (2) one or more coatings forming a diffusion barrier to hydrogen, wherein said second substrate is coupled to said first substrate forming a sealed volume in said cavity; a metal hydride material contained within said cavity; and a gas distribution system formed by coupling a microfluidic interconnect to said pressure relief structure. Additional apparatuses and methods are also disclosed. | 07-23-2009 |
20100221667 | Catalyst For Microelectromechanical Systems Microreactors - A microreactor comprising a silicon wafer, a multiplicity of microchannels in the silicon wafer, and a catalyst coating the microchannels. In one embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises a nanostructured material. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises an aerogel. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises a solgel. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises carbon nanotubes. | 09-02-2010 |
20100273090 | Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell - A phosphoric acid fuel cell system comprising a porous electrolyte support, a phosphoric acid electrolyte in the porous electrolyte support, a cathode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte, and an anode electrode contacting the phosphoric acid electrolyte. | 10-28-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110112257 | Bacterial poly(hydroxy alkanoate) polymer and natural fiber composites - A biocomposite is produced from natural fiber fabrics embedded in a matrix of biosynthetic polyhydroxy-alkanoate (PHA) polymers. The PHA is synthesized using aerobic microbial biosynthesis using mixed bacterial cultures and a feedstock containing anaerobic degradation products such as methane and volatile fatty acids derived from microbial biodegradation of organic waste materials, which may include waste biocomposites. Monomers may be added to the synthesized PHA polymer to control mechanical properties of the resulting biocomposite. The natural fibers and/or PHA may be pretreated using various techniques to improve the bond between the fibers and the PHA resin matrix and water absorption resistance of the fibers. The composite may be a laminate of treated and untreated fabric layers, or differently treated layers, to achieve good in-service performance as well as rapid and/or optimal biogas production when taken out of service and put in an anaerobic environment to degrade. | 05-12-2011 |
20120077254 | Method for anaerobic biodegradation of bioplastics - Semicrystalline bioplastic materials are processed by thermally annealing the bioplastic to increase degree of crystallinity in the bioplastic; and anaerobically biodegrading the thermally annealed bioplastic. The thermal annealing may be performed using a commercial annealing oven. The anaerobic biodegradation may be performed in an anaerobic digester, a landfill, or other suitable environment. | 03-29-2012 |
20130071890 | Production of PHA using Biogas as Feedstock and Power Source - Methods for producing bioplastics from biogas include techniques for the production of PHB using a dirty biogas (e.g., methane from landfill, digester) as both a power source for the process and as feedstock. Biogas is split into two streams, one for energy to drive the process, another as feedstock. Advantageously, the techniques may be implemented off the power grid with no dependence upon agricultural products for feedstock. | 03-21-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120247560 | Thin Silicon Solar Cell And Method Of Manufacture - A method of fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a sacrificial layer on a silicon substrate, forming a doped silicon layer atop the sacrificial substrate, forming a silicon film atop the doped silicon layer, forming a plurality of interdigitated contacts on the silicon film, contacting each of the plurality of interdigitated contacts with a metal contact, and removing the sacrificial layer. | 10-04-2012 |
20140034128 | THIN SILICON SOLAR CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A method of fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a sacrificial layer on a silicon substrate, forming a doped silicon layer atop the sacrificial substrate, forming a silicon film atop the doped silicon layer, forming a plurality of interdigitated contacts on the silicon film, contacting each of the plurality of interdigitated contacts with a metal contact, and removing the sacrificial layer. | 02-06-2014 |
20140170800 | SOLAR CELL EMITTER REGION FABRICATION USING SILICON NANO-PARTICLES - Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions using silicon nano-particles and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a method of fabricating an emitter region of a solar cell includes forming a region of doped silicon nano-particles above a dielectric layer disposed above a surface of a substrate of the solar cell. A layer of silicon is formed on the region of doped silicon nano-particles. At least a portion of the layer of silicon is mixed with at least a portion of the region of doped silicon nano-particles to form a doped polycrystalline silicon layer disposed on the dielectric layer. | 06-19-2014 |
20140179056 | LASER-ABSORBING SEED LAYER FOR SOLAR CELL CONDUCTIVE CONTACT - Laser-absorbing seed layers for solar cell conductive contacts and methods of forming solar cell conductive contacts are described. For example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a metal seed paste above a substrate. The metal seed paste includes a laser-absorbing species. The metal seed paste is irradiated with a laser to form a metal seed layer. The irradiating includes exciting the laser-absorbing species. A conductive contact for the solar cell is then formed from the metal seed layer. | 06-26-2014 |
20140295609 | SOLAR CELL EMITTER REGION FABRICATION USING SILICON NANO-PARTICLES - Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions using silicon nano-particles and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a method of fabricating an emitter region of a solar cell includes forming a region of doped silicon nano-particles above a dielectric layer disposed above a surface of a substrate of the solar cell. A layer of silicon is formed on the region of doped silicon nano-particles. At least a portion of the layer of silicon is mixed with at least a portion of the region of doped silicon nano-particles to form a doped polycrystalline silicon layer disposed on the dielectric layer. | 10-02-2014 |
20150280021 | FOIL-BASED METALLIZATION OF SOLAR CELLS - Approaches for the foil-based metallization of solar cells and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions is disposed in or above the substrate. A conductive contact structure is disposed above the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The conductive contact structure includes a plurality of metal seed material regions providing a metal seed material region disposed on each of the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. A metal foil is disposed on the plurality of metal seed material regions, the metal foil having anodized portions isolating metal regions of the metal foil corresponding to the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. | 10-01-2015 |
20150280028 | SOLAR CELL HAVING A PLURALITY OF SUB-CELLS COUPLED BY A METALLIZATION STRUCTURE - Solar cells having a plurality of sub-cells coupled by metallization structures, and singulation approaches to forming solar cells having a plurality of sub-cells coupled by metallization structures, are described. In an example, a solar cell, includes a plurality of sub-cells, each of the sub-cells having a singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portion. Adjacent ones of the singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portions have a groove there between. The solar cell also includes a monolithic metallization structure. A portion of the monolithic metallization structure couples ones of the plurality of sub-cells. The groove between adjacent ones of the singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portions exposes a portion of the monolithic metallization structure. | 10-01-2015 |
20150380577 | FIRING METAL FOR SOLAR CELLS - A solar cell can include a substrate and a semiconductor region disposed in or above the substrate. Selective firing of a conductive paste can be used to form a conductive contact for a solar cell. The solar cell can also include a conductive contact disposed on the semiconductor region with the conductive contact including a conductive paste that has a top and bottom portion with the top portion having particles coalesced together. | 12-31-2015 |
20160071999 | SOLAR CELL EMITTER REGION FABRICATION USING SILICON NANO-PARTICLES - Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions using silicon nano-particles and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a method of fabricating an emitter region of a solar cell includes forming a region of doped silicon nano-particles above a dielectric layer disposed above a surface of a substrate of the solar cell. A layer of silicon is formed on the region of doped silicon nano-particles. At least a portion of the layer of silicon is mixed with at least a portion of the region of doped silicon nano-particles to form a doped polycrystalline silicon layer disposed on the dielectric layer. | 03-10-2016 |
20160079450 | FOIL-BASED METALLIZATION OF SOLAR CELLS - Approaches for the foil-based metallization of solar cells and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions is disposed in or above the substrate. A conductive contact structure is disposed above the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The conductive contact structure includes a plurality of metal seed material regions providing a metal seed material region disposed on each of the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. A metal foil is disposed on the plurality of metal seed material regions, the metal foil having anodized portions isolating metal regions of the metal foil corresponding to the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. | 03-17-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100320502 | GERMANIUM/SILICON AVALANCHE PHOTODETECTOR WITH SEPARATE ABSORPTION AND MULTIPLICATION REGIONS - A semiconductor waveguide based optical receiver is disclosed. An apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes an absorption region including a first type of semiconductor region proximate to a second type of semiconductor region. The first type of semiconductor is to absorb light in a first range of wavelengths and the second type of semiconductor to absorb light in a second range of wavelengths. A multiplication region is defined proximate to and separate from the absorption region. The multiplication region includes an intrinsic semiconductor region in which there is an electric field to multiply the electrons created in the absorption region. | 12-23-2010 |
20100327381 | SIDEWALL PHOTODETECTOR - Sidewall photodetectors for integrated photonic devices and their method of manufacture. An embodiment includes a p-i-n film stack formed on a sidewall of a substrate semiconductor feature having sufficiently large area to accommodate the spot size of a multi-mode fiber. An embodiment includes a first sidewall photodetector coupled to a second sidewall photodetector by a waveguide, the first sidewall photodetector having an i-layer tuned to absorb a first wavelength of light incident to the first sidewall and pass a second wavelength of light to the second sidewall photodetector having an i-layer tuned to absorb the second wavelength. | 12-30-2010 |
20110073972 | VERTICAL MIRROR IN A SILICON PHOTONIC CIRCUIT - A vertical total internal reflection (TIR) mirror and fabrication thereof is made by creating a re-entrant profile using crystallographic silicon etching. Starting with an SOI wafer, a deep silicon etch is used to expose the buried oxide layer, which is then wet-etched (in HF), opening the bottom surface of the Si device layer. This bottom silicon surface is then exposed so that in a crystallographic etch, the resulting shape is a re-entrant trapezoid with facets These facets can be used in conjunction with planar silicon waveguides to reflect the light upwards based on the TIR principle. Alternately, light can be coupled into the silicon waveguides from above the wafer for such purposes as wafer level testing. | 03-31-2011 |
20130299932 | VERTICAL MIRROR IN A SILICON PHOTONIC CIRCUIT - A vertical total internal reflection (TIR) mirror and fabrication thereof is made by creating a re-entrant profile using crystallographic silicon etching. Starting with an SOI wafer, a deep silicon etch is used to expose the buried oxide layer, which is then wet-etched (in HF), opening the bottom surface of the Si device layer. This bottom silicon surface is then exposed so that in a crystallographic etch, the resulting shape is a re-entrant trapezoid with facets These facets can be used in conjunction with planar silicon waveguides to reflect the light upwards based on the TIR principle. Alternately, light can be coupled into the silicon waveguides from above the wafer for such purposes as wafer level testing. | 11-14-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110022420 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSURANCE UNDERWRITING - The systems and methods described herein may automate insurance underwriting by integrating information from multiple online databases and creating decision making advice useful to insurance underwriters. One system includes a client, database, and server. The client allows an underwriter to enter applicant information, enter customized risk modifiers, and receive an underwriting decision. The database provides additional applicant information. This information can include one or more of prescription drug history, credit history, motor vehicle records, and geocentric mortality risk. The server obtains the applicant information, calculates the applicant's risk, and makes an underwriting decision. Another system calculates a prescription drug risk for an applicant from pharmacy benefits management data, drug risk category data, and application data. Another system calculates a geocentric mortality risk for an applicant from census data, mortality data, credit information, and application data. Preset external modifiers are added to systems and methods of calculating risk in order to allow the underwriter to customize the risk results. | 01-27-2011 |
20130173283 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSURANCE UNDERWRITING - The systems and methods described herein may automate insurance underwriting by integrating information from multiple online databases and creating decision making advice useful to insurance underwriters. One system includes a client, database, and server. The client allows an underwriter to enter applicant information, enter customized risk modifiers, and receive an underwriting decision. The database provides additional applicant information. This information can include one or more of prescription drug history, credit history, motor vehicle records, and geocentric mortality risk. The server obtains the applicant information, calculates the applicant's risk, and makes an underwriting decision. Another system calculates a prescription drug risk for an applicant from pharmacy benefits management data, drug risk category data, and application data. Another system calculates a geocentric mortality risk for an applicant from census data, mortality data, credit information, and application data. Preset external modifiers are added to systems and methods of calculating risk in order to allow the underwriter to customize the risk results. | 07-04-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120265069 | ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER FOR PULSE-ECHO MONITORING AND CONTROL OF THERMALLY ABLATIVE LESIONING IN LAYERED AND NONLAYERED TISSUES, CATHETER CONTACT MONITORING, TISSUE THICKNESS MEASUREMENT AND PRE-POP WARNING - An ablation catheter with acoustic monitoring comprises an elongated catheter body; a distal member disposed adjacent a distal end and including an ablation element to ablate a biological member at a target region outside the catheter body; and one or more acoustic transducers each configured to direct an acoustic beam toward a respective target ablation region and receive reflection echoes therefrom. The distal member includes a transducer housing in which the acoustic transducers are disposed, the transducer housing including at least one transducer window which is the only portion in the distal member through which the acoustic beam passes, at least the at least one transducer window portion of the distal member being made of a material comprising at least 50% carbon by volume, the transducer window material having an acoustic impedance between that of the acoustic transducers and that of the biological member. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265070 | SINGLE TRANSDUCER WITH ANGULAR ORIENTATION FOR LESION FEEDBACK IN ABLATION CATHETER - An ablation catheter comprises: an elongated catheter body extending along a longitudinal axis; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body to ablate a targeted tissue region outside the catheter body; a single pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer disposed in the distal portion and arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam along a centroid in a beam direction, at a transducer angle of about 30-60 degrees relative to a distal direction of the longitudinal axis at a location of intersection between the longitudinal axis and the beam direction of the centroid of the acoustic beam; and a mechanism to manipulate the distal portion in movement including rotation of at least the distal portion around the longitudinal axis. The single ultrasonic transducer emits and receives acoustic pulses to provide lesion information in the targeted tissue region being ablated. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265184 | OPTICAL FEEDBACK RF ABLATOR AND ABLATOR TIP - An ablation catheter comprises an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body; an illumination optical element disposed in the distal portion, the illumination optical element being light-transmissive to emit light from the illumination optical element to the targeted tissue region; and a collection optical element disposed in the distal portion, the collection optical element being light-transmissive to collect one or more of returned, backscattered or newly excited light from the targeted tissue region. The illumination or excitation optical element and the collection optical element are axially spaced from one another and axially optically isolated from one another within the distal portion to substantially prevent light from traveling between the illumination optical element and the collection optical element along a path within the distal portion. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265192 | ARRANGEMENT AND INTERFACE FOR RF ABLATION SYSTEM WITH ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK - A system for ablation with acoustic feedback comprises: a catheter which includes an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element to ablate a targeted tissue region; and a pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam along a centroid in a beam direction, at a transducer beam angle of between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees relative to a distal direction of the longitudinal axis at a location of intersection between the longitudinal axis and the beam direction of the centroid of the acoustic beam of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transducer transmits and receives acoustic pulses to provide lesion information in the targeted tissue region; an ablation power subsystem; an ultrasonic transmit and receive subsystem to operate the ultrasonic transducer; a control subsystem to control operation of the ablation power subsystem and the ultrasonic transmit and receive subsystem; and a display. | 10-18-2012 |
20120302882 | COMBINATION CATHETER FOR FORWARD AND SIDE LESIONING WITH ACOUSTIC LESION FEEDBACK CAPABILITY - An ablation system comprises a catheter including a pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer disposed in a distal portion and arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam. The transducer emits and receives acoustic pulses to provide transducer detected information regarding the targeted tissue region being ablated. A rotation mechanism rotates at least the distal portion around a longitudinal axis of the catheter. A control and interface system processes the transducer detected information and provides feedback to a user via a user interface and/or the control and interface system to be used to control ablation. The transducer detected information includes a detected lesion depth along a beam emanation direction. The control and interface system includes a lesion depth correction module which converts the detected lesion depth along the beam direction to a corrected lesion depth in a normal direction which is perpendicular to the tissue surface in contact with the ablation element. | 11-29-2012 |
20150066014 | Ultrasonic lesion feedback, antipop monitoring, and force detection - An ablation catheter comprises: an elongated catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis; a distal member disposed adjacent the distal end, the distal member including an ablation element to ablate a biological member; one or more acoustic transducers disposed in the distal member and each configured to direct an acoustic signal toward a respective target ablation region and receive reflection echoes therefrom; and an acoustic redirection member disposed in the distal member to at least partially redirect the acoustic signal from at least one of the acoustic transducers toward a tissue target. The distal member includes a most-distal portion, a proximal portion, and a deflectable portion between the most-distal portion and proximal portion to permit deflection between the most-distal portion and proximal portion of the distal member. The transducers and redirection member are mounted on opposite sides of the deflectable portion. | 03-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100168569 | IMAGE-GUIDED ABLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AN ABLATION PROCEDURE - An ablation system comprises a tool including an shaft having proximal and distal end portions, a handle at the proximal end portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal end portions. The system further includes an ablation subsystem comprised of an ablation element at the distal end portion of the shaft, and an ablation source connected to the ablation element. The system further includes an imaging subsystem comprising an ultrasound imaging transducer disposed proximate the ablation element. The transducer is pivotally attached to the shaft or the ablation element to allow the transducer to articulate between stowed and deployed positions. The imaging subsystem further comprises a processor connected to the transducer configured to receive image data acquired by the transducer, and to generate an image corresponding thereto. The imaging subsystem still further includes a display connected to the processor configured to display the generated image. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168572 | Apparatus and Methods for Acoustic Monitoring of Ablation Procedures - A system for ablating tissue includes a catheter having an elongate body, with at least one ablation element (e.g., RF electrode) and at least one acoustic transducer located within the body's tip region. The transducer receives acoustic signals from proximate the tip region. The system also includes a monitoring unit coupled to the transducer to interpret the received acoustic signals as data regarding at least one therapeutic parameter (e.g., pre-pop detection, lesion making progress, tissue interface detection, tissue contact force, tissue contact establishment, bubble spatial distribution, bubble depth, bubble size, bubble size distribution, tissue interface distance, tissue interface position, tissue attenuation, tissue thickness, lesion spectral fingerprint). The monitoring unit is operable to provide feedback to a practitioner, such as graphical, audible, and/or haptic output of sensed data, and may also be operable to control operation of the at least one ablation element in response thereto. | 07-01-2010 |
20100228162 | Apparatus and Method for Tissue Ablation with Near-Field Cooling - A tissue ablation system facilitates lesioning deep tissue while preventing damage to superficial tissue and includes a probe having a distal end portion, at least one transducer carried on the distal end portion, and at least one acoustically transparent heat removal element thermally coupled to a target tissue within the beam path of the transducer. The transducer delivers acoustic energy to the tissue through the heat removal element in order to ablate the tissue; the heat removal element removes sufficient thermal energy from the tissue volume to prevent thermal necrosis in superficial tissue. The heat removal element may be a heat sink or a convective element. An optional temperature sensor provides advisory data to a practitioner and/or is coupled to a feedback control system operable to control delivery of acoustic energy to the tissue and/or a rate of thermal energy removal therefrom. | 09-09-2010 |
20110144491 | SELF-AIMING DIRECTABLE ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY FOR INVASIVE MEDICAL DEVICE APPLICATIONS - A directable acoustic transducer assembly is presented for use in a medical insertion device (MID). In an embodiment, the assembly aims an acoustic signal in response to a sensed or detected force or load imposed on the MID. The directable acoustic transducer assembly includes a switch array and a plurality of directional acoustic transducer elements. The switch array responds to the force or load and activates the directional acoustic transducer elements closest to the source of the force or load. The switch array may include a plurality of switches, at least one of which responses to a force or load and may activate directional acoustic transducer elements having a target tissue in the field of view. The assembly includes embodiments that are responsive to various loads. A directable acoustic transducer assembly may be part of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic system, such as an RF ablation system. | 06-16-2011 |
20120172843 | DEVICE HAVING AN ELECTROFORMED PLEATED REGION AND METHOD OF ITS MANUFACTURE - A deflectable, flexible device includes an elongate body, a convoluted tip portion at a distal end of the elongate body, and a lumen to receive one or more wires. The convoluted tip portion includes an electroformed pleated region which is formed by electrodepositing a metal on a mandrel having a pleated region. The convoluted tip portion may be hermetically sealed to permit repeated sterilization. The electroformed pleated region may include one or more fluid emission orifices. The convoluted tip portion extends or bends in response to fluid pressure manipulation, contact with tissue, manipulation with an internal spring or wire, or by a user pushing, pulling, or twisting the catheter directly or via an introducer sheath or the like. The convoluted tip portion may further include an RF ablation element or other energy-driven technique to create continuous linear lesions or a sensing element. | 07-05-2012 |
20140276006 | FORCE-SENSING ABLATION CATHETER - A force-sensing tip assembly for a catheter comprises a tip shell, an acoustic transducer, a first target, and a first spring. The tip shell is for joining to the catheter. The acoustic transducer is disposed within the tip shell and is capable of generating an acoustic ping. The first target is spaced from the acoustic transducer within the tip shell. The first spring is in the tip shell and configured to allow a relative position between the acoustic transducer and the first target to change over a range. The first target is shaped and positioned to reflect at least a portion of the acoustic ping back to the acoustic transducer as a first echo over at least a portion of the range. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276692 | Pressure Sensing of Irrigant Backpressure for Aligning Directional Medical Devices with Target Tissue - The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for aligning directionally operable medical devices with and upon target tissue. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to systems and methods for aligning medical devices such as directional ablation catheters to and upon target tissue by monitoring irrigant backpressure. | 09-18-2014 |
20150209106 | Optical feedback RF ablator and ablator tip - An ablation catheter comprises an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body; an illumination optical element disposed in the distal portion, the illumination optical element being light-transmissive to emit light from the illumination optical element to the targeted tissue region; and a collection optical element disposed in the distal portion, the collection optical element being light-transmissive to collect one or more of returned, backscattered or newly excited light from the targeted tissue region. The illumination or excitation optical element and the collection optical element are axially spaced from one another and axially optically isolated from one another within the distal portion to substantially prevent light from traveling between the illumination optical element and the collection optical element along a path within the distal portion. | 07-30-2015 |