Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100161327 | SYSTEM-EFFECTED METHODS FOR ANALYZING, PREDICTING, AND/OR MODIFYING ACOUSTIC UNITS OF HUMAN UTTERANCES FOR USE IN SPEECH SYNTHESIS AND RECOGNITION - A computer-implemented method for automatically analyzing, predicting, and/or modifying acoustic units of prosodic human speech utterances for use in speech synthesis or speech recognition. Possible steps include: initiating analysis of acoustic wave data representing the human speech utterances, via the phase state of the acoustic wave data; using one or more phase state defined acoustic wave metrics as common elements for analyzing, and optionally modifying, pitch, amplitude, duration, and other measurable acoustic parameters of the acoustic wave data, at predetermined time intervals; analyzing acoustic wave data representing a selected acoustic unit to determine the phase state of the acoustic unit; and analyzing the acoustic wave data representing the selected acoustic unit to determine at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic unit with reference to the determined phase state of the selected acoustic unit. Also included are systems for implementing the described and related methods. | 06-24-2010 |
20130226569 | METHODS EMPLOYING PHASE STATE ANALYSIS FOR USE IN SPEECH SYNTHESIS AND RECOGNITION - A computer-implemented method for automatically analyzing, predicting, and/or modifying acoustic units of prosodic human speech utterances for use in speech synthesis or speech recognition. Possible steps include: initiating analysis of acoustic wave data representing the human speech utterances, via the phase state of the acoustic wave data; using one or more phase state defined acoustic wave metrics as common elements for analyzing, and optionally modifying, pitch, amplitude, duration, and other measurable acoustic parameters of the acoustic wave data, at predetermined time intervals; analyzing acoustic wave data representing a selected acoustic unit to determine the phase state of the acoustic unit; and analyzing the acoustic wave data representing the selected acoustic unit to determine at least one acoustic parameter of the acoustic unit with reference to the determined phase state of the selected acoustic unit. Also included are systems for implementing the described and related methods. | 08-29-2013 |
20130262096 | METHODS FOR ALIGNING EXPRESSIVE SPEECH UTTERANCES WITH TEXT AND SYSTEMS THEREFOR - A system-effected method for synthesizing speech, or recognizing speech including a sequence of expressive speech utterances. The method can be computer-implemented and can include system-generating a speech signal embodying the sequence of expressive speech utterances. Other possible steps include: system-marking the speech signal with a pitch marker indicating a pitch change at or near a first zero amplitude crossing point of the speech signal following a glottal closure point, at a minimum, at a maximum or at another location; system marking the speech signal with at least one further pitch marker; system-aligning a sequence of prosodically marked text with the pitch-marked speech signal according to the pitch markers; and system outputting the aligned text or the aligned speech signal, respectively. Computerized systems, and stored programs for implementing method embodiments of the invention are also disclosed. | 10-03-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110315667 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, and laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds. | 12-29-2011 |
20120043306 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMALLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds. | 02-23-2012 |
20130143013 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for laser marking a stainless steel specimen with commercially desirable marks. The method includes providing a laser processing system having a laser, and laser optics and a controller with pre-determined laser pulse parameters, selecting the pre-determined laser pulse parameters associated with the desired mark, and directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired marks including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds. | 06-06-2013 |
20140015170 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARKING AN ARTICLE - Numerous embodiments of methods and apparatus for marking articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of marking an article includes providing an article having a preliminary visual appearance; modifying a region of the article; and directing a plurality of optical pulses into the modified region of the article. The plurality of optical pulses can be configured to produce a visible mark on the article. Generally, the mark can be characterized as having a modified visual appearance different from the preliminary visual appearance. | 01-16-2014 |
20140016103 | INTERACTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM, METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME, AND DEVICES INCORPORATING THE SAME - Numerous embodiments of interactive control systems, methods of making the same, and devices incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a light-resistant material; light-transmissive holes penetrating in a light-transmissive pattern through the light resistant material; and a lens disposed adjacent to the light-transmissive pattern. | 01-16-2014 |
20140110384 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARKING AN ARTICLE - The invention is a method and an apparatus for marking an article and the article thus marked. It includes providing the article. Generating a plurality of groups of laser pulses. At least one of the plurality of groups is generated by modulating a beam of laser pulses to form a plurality of beamlets. Each, of the plurality of beamlets, include at least one laser pulse. It also includes directing the plurality of groups of laser pulses onto the article such that laser pulses within the at least one of the plurality of groups impinge upon the article at spot areas that do not overlap one another, wherein laser pulses within the plurality of groups are configured to produce a visible mark on the article. | 04-24-2014 |
20140175067 | METHODS OF FORMING IMAGES BY LASER MICROMACHINING - A method and laser processing system ( | 06-26-2014 |
20150050468 | LASER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERNALLY MARKING THIN LAYERS, AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY - Laser output ( | 02-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100006479 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES USING ASYMMETRICAL PARTICLE SHIFTING - An apparatus and method disperse particles suspended in a fluid with an obstacle field in the flow path of the fluid. The particles may be dispersed after an interaction with obstacles in the obstacle field. The obstacle-particle interactions may result in an asymmetrical particle shift in which the particles are dispersed in an asymmetrical manner relative to the obstacle and the fluid flow. The obstacle field may have a configuration that causes the particles suspended in the fluid to disperse in a differential manner in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow. | 01-14-2010 |
20100298625 | Multi-lumen Cannula - This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305692 | MONITORING OF REDUNDANT CONDUCTORS - This document relates to continuity monitoring of electrical conductors. For example, materials and methods for continuity monitoring of conductors for use providing power to a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided. | 12-02-2010 |
20110118766 | Attachment System, Device and Method - A ventricular assist system and a method of implanting the system are disclosed. The system can have a pump, an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, attachment ring, ring clamp, and a valvular structure. The attachment ring can be attached to the apex of the heart. The valvular structure can have a flexible, one-way valve in a rigid housing. The inflow conduit can be passed through the valvular structure and the attachment ring into a beating heart with minimal loss of blood. Devices such as slitting tool, coring knife, and/or C-clamp and use of the devices can form part of the system and method for implanting the ventricular assist device. | 05-19-2011 |
20110118829 | Attachment device and method - A ventricular assist system and a method of implanting the system are disclosed. The system can have a pump, an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, and attachment ring and a valvular structure. The attachment ring can be attached to the apex of the heart. The valvular structure can have a flexible, one-way valve in a rigid housing. The inflow conduit can be passed through the valvular structure and the attachment ring into a beating heart with minimal loss of blood. | 05-19-2011 |
20110118833 | Attachment device and method - A ventricular assist system and a method of implanting the system are disclosed. The system can have a pump, an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, and attachment ring and a valvular structure. The attachment ring can be attached to the apex of the heart. The valvular structure can have a flexible, one-way valve in a rigid housing. The inflow conduit can be passed through the valvular structure and the attachment ring into a beating heart with minimal loss of blood. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125256 | Slitting Tool - A slitting tool can be used to make a linear incision. The slitting can include a flat blade contained within a housing, and an actuator for extending the flat blade out of a housing. | 05-26-2011 |
20110144680 | Coring Knife - A coring knife can be used to make a circular incision. The coring knife can include an abutment that can be inserted into heart tissue. The circular incision is made by pressing the circular cutting edge of the coring knife against the abutment. | 06-16-2011 |
20110313238 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - A fluid delivery system includes an electric motor, a pump driven by the electric motor, and a control system. The control system is programmed to supply a variable voltage to the electric motor, to sense a response of a current of the electric motor to the variable voltage, and to obtain frequency domain information about the response of the current of the electric motor. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313517 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING PRESSURE-FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF A PUMP - A method for modifying a pump of a ventricular assist device includes the step of modifying pressure-flow characteristics of a pump of a ventricular assist device to simulate different pressure-flow characteristics or to make the flow rate of the pump more responsive to changes in the pressure differential of the pump. The step of modifying the pressure-flow characteristics of the pump may includes one or both of the steps of (1) estimating a flow rate of the pump from the speed of an electric motor of the ventricular assist device and from the current or power consumption of the electric motor, wherein the electric motor drives the pump, and (2) adjusting the speed of the electric motor as a function of the estimated flow rate of the pump and a set speed of the electric motor to simulate the different pressure-flow characteristics or to make the flow rate of the pump more responsive to changes in the pressure differential of the pump. | 12-22-2011 |
20120010455 | Attachment Method - Preparing the heart for connection with a ventricular assist device (VAD) can include attaching an attachment ring to a ventricular apex of the heart. The attachment ring optionally includes a seal or a valve to allow the procedure to be performed with or without a heart-lung bypass. A valve can be temporarily attached to the attachment ring. Tissue is removed from the ventricular apex through the attachment ring to form a hole through which an inflow conduit of the VAD can be inserted. A slit can first be made in the ventricular apex to facilitate removal of the tissue. A clamp can be closed around the attachment ring to secure the inflow conduit. | 01-12-2012 |
20120046515 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR STABILIZING A PERCUTANEOUS CABLE - A percutaneous cable is attached to a mechanical cardiac pump and is passed through the skin. Sutures can be used to stabilize the cable against movement to prevent disturbing tissue surrounding cable and thereby reduce the incidence of infection. A funnel-shaped tubular device can be used where the cable exits the skin to allow the cable to flex below or near the skin surface as may be desired to accommodate physical activity of a patient. An anchor can be attached to the cable and implanted below the skin surface to stabilize the cable against movement. The anchor can include any one or a combination of a flat mesh material, a bundle of ultrafine filaments, and a barbed filament. | 02-23-2012 |
20120095281 | PUMPING BLOOD - A blood pump includes a rotor having a flared portion downstream proximate a downstream bearing that supports the rotor. The flared portion of the rotor includes a width greater than a width of an upstream portion of the rotor. A blood pump also includes a housing having an internal wall with a flared portion downstream of a motor stator and proximate a transverse outlet. | 04-19-2012 |
20120221021 | COUPLING SYSTEM, APPLICATOR TOOL, ATTACHMENT RING AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A CONDUIT TO BIOLOGICAL TISSUE - A coupling system includes an applicator tool and an attachment ring mounted on the applicator tool. Clips are contained within the applicator tool and are deployed through the attachment ring in order to anchor the attachment ring to biological tissue. When deployed, tips of the clips follow a curved trajectory through an annular cuff of the attachment ring and through the underlying tissue. The tips loop back out of the tissue and to a location where they are later trapped or clamped by the attachment ring. While the tips are trapped or clamped, the applicator tool cinches the clips by pulling rear segments of the clips. Thereafter, the applicator tool disconnects from the attachment ring which remains anchored to the tissue and serves as a coupling for a cannula. The cannula can have movable lock members that secure it to the attachment ring. | 08-30-2012 |
20120296152 | MULTI-LUMEN CANNULA - This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided. | 11-22-2012 |
20130096364 | PUMP AND METHOD FOR MIXED FLOW BLOOD PUMPING - A blood pump includes a hub having an axis of rotation and a generally cylindrical shape. The hub has an upstream end region, a central region, and a downstream end region, and the hub includes a magnetic material. Blades that are disposed on the downstream end region of the hub extend downstream of the hub. | 04-18-2013 |
20130282026 | ENGAGEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYMENT OF ANASTOMOTIC CLIPS - A coupling system includes an applicator tool, an anastomotic prosthesis mounted on the applicator tool, and an engagement device. The applicator tool deploys a securement through the prosthesis and tissue which leaves the prosthesis attached to the tissue. The engagement device selectively engages the applicator tool onto the tissue, with the use of suction, in order to facilitate accurate placement of the prosthesis on the tissue and facilitate deployment of the securement into the tissue. The applicator tool and the tissue are able to move together while the engagement device prevents or inhibits relative movement between the applicator tool and the tissue. A method for securing an anastomotic prosthesis to tissue includes applying of suction to engage an applicator tool to the tissue while a securement is deployed out of the applicator tool and into the prosthesis and the tissue. | 10-24-2013 |
20140276986 | ANASTOMOTIC DEVICE AND METHOD - An anastomotic system including a plurality of needles loaded with sutures and a delivery tool. The sutures include a suture core and crimp or fastener member at a proximal end of the core. An anchoring sleeve is optionally provided at a distal end. The anchoring sleeve is configured to collapse and prevent retraction of the suture after insertion through the tissue wall. A method of deploying the needles using the delivery tool is also disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20150250936 | MONITORING OF REDUNDANT CONDUCTORS - This document relates to continuity monitoring of electrical conductors. For example, materials and methods for continuity monitoring of conductors for use providing power to a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided. | 09-10-2015 |
20150283312 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING PRESSURE-FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF A PUMP - Blood pump systems including a continuous flow blood pump and methods for controlling a continuous flow blood pump operate the blood pump to simulate target pressure-flow characteristics that are different from native pressure-flow characteristics of the blood pump. A method for controlling a continuous flow blood pump driven by a motor includes operating the motor at a first rotational rate. A first flow rate of the continuous flow blood pump driven at the first rotational rate is measured and/or estimated. The first flow rate is used to determine a second rotational rate based on target pump characteristic data corresponding to target pressure-flow characteristics for the continuous flow blood pump different from pressure-flow characteristics of the continuous flow blood pump when driven by the motor at a constant rotational speed. The second rotational rate is different from the first rotational rate. The motor is then operated at the second rotational rate. | 10-08-2015 |
20150289877 | ENGAGEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYMENT OF ANASTOMOTIC CLIPS - A coupling system includes an applicator tool, an anastomotic prosthesis mounted on the applicator tool, and an engagement device. The applicator tool deploys a securement through the prosthesis and tissue which leaves the prosthesis attached to the tissue. The engagement device selectively engages the applicator tool onto the tissue, with the use of suction, in order to facilitate accurate placement of the prosthesis on the tissue and facilitate deployment of the securement into the tissue. The applicator tool and the tissue are able to move together while the engagement device prevents or inhibits relative movement between the applicator tool and the tissue. A method for securing an anastomotic prosthesis to tissue includes applying of suction to engage an applicator tool to the tissue while a securement is deployed out of the applicator tool and into the prosthesis and the tissue. | 10-15-2015 |
20150343124 | Coupling System, Applicator Tool, Attachment Ring and Method for Connecting a Conduit to Biological Tissue - A coupling system includes an applicator tool and an attachment ring mounted on the applicator tool. Clips are contained within the applicator tool and are deployed through the attachment ring in order to anchor the attachment ring to biological tissue. When deployed, tips of the clips follow a curved trajectory through an annular cuff of the attachment ring and through the underlying tissue. The tips loop back out of the tissue and to a location where they are later trapped or clamped by the attachment ring. While the tips are trapped or clamped, the applicator tool cinches the clips by pulling rear segments of the clips. Thereafter, the applicator tool disconnects from the attachment ring which remains anchored to the tissue and serves as a coupling for a cannula. The cannula can have movable lock members that secure it to the attachment ring. | 12-03-2015 |