Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080212235 | DATA RECORDING SLIDER HAVING AN AIR BEARING SURFACE PROVIDING HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF FOR VIBRATION DAMPING - A slider for magnetic data recording. The slider has an air bearing surface with a trailing edge pad that is configured with a series of recesses that damp slider oscillations during use. The series of recesses formed in the trailing pad of the slider reduce slider oscillations by creating localized pressure gradients within the generally high pressure area over the pad. The slider can be configured with a raised primary pad and a secondary raised pad formed on the primary raised pad. A series of recesses formed in the secondary pad prevent slider oscillations, which would otherwise be especially problematic in a slider having such a secondary raised pad and associated higher pressure area thereover. | 09-04-2008 |
20090167537 | MINIMIZING ELECTRICAL OUTLET SAFETY FAILURES DUE TO OVER TEMPERATURE CONDITION - A device and system for monitoring the condition of an electrical outlet such as a 110 volt or 220 volt outlet to alert a user to a dangerous situation and to interrupt power to the circuit in the event of the dangerous condition. The device monitors the circuit for degradation to the electrical outlet. The system can include a temperature sensor voltage meter or particle detector (smoke detector) connected with a power outlet. When a parameter of a circuit exceed a predetermined level (indicating the outlet has degraded to an unsafe level) a warning can be reported and if necessary power to the device can be adjusted or interrupted. | 07-02-2009 |
20090195237 | DUAL DIRECTION POWER AND DATA TRANSFER PROTOCOL AND SAFETY DETECTION - A device for monitoring the condition of a power outlet and for reducing or interrupting power in the event that a condition of the outlet circuitry indicates that a potentially dangerous situation exists. The device can also include a reporting function to alert a user as to the existence of the dangerous condition. | 08-06-2009 |
20100142072 | METHODS FOR DEPOSITING LUBRICANT ONTO DISKS AND SYSTEMS THEREOF - A system in one embodiment includes a disk; a reservoir having a selectively openable cover; a lubricant in the reservoir; and a sensor for detecting an event or condition that triggers opening of the cover. A method in another embodiment includes determining that a trigger event or a trigger condition is occurring or has occurred in a hard disk drive; opening a cover of a lubricant reservoir for allowing egress of lubricant therefrom upon determining that the trigger event or the trigger condition has occurred; and closing the cover of the lubricant reservoir after a period of time. Additional systems and methods are also presented. | 06-10-2010 |
20110051577 | Using an Atmospheric Pressure Sensor in a Hard-Disk Drive (HDD) - Approaches for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation, and preventing the same, using an atmospheric pressure sensor are provided. The HDD comprises an atmospheric pressure sensor capable of determining the altitude at which the HDD is currently located. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the current altitude of the HDD, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of a particle counter, differential pressure sensor, and a chemical vapor sensor for use by the risk assessment component. If the HDD is above a particular altitude, the Thermal Fly-Height control settings of the heads may be adjusted to reduce risk of error. | 03-03-2011 |
20110051582 | Predicting Operational Problems in a Hard-Disk Drive (HDD) - A method and apparatus for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation is provided. The HDD comprises a differential pressure sensor capable of measuring the difference in the pressure between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. The differential pressure sensor may reside in a breather filter covering an air passage within the enclosure. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the difference in pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a particle counter, and a chemical vapor sensor which may be used by the risk assessment component. | 03-03-2011 |
20110075300 | Reducing the Propagation of Vibrations to an HDD Head - Approaches for reducing vibrations, such as resonance vibrations, that are propagated to a hard-disk drive (HDD) head are disclosed. A hard-disk drive may compromise a lead suspension that includes a magnetic read/write head. The magnetic read/write head may be connected to the lead suspension by a plurality of leads. A portion of each of the plurality of leads, such as the solder ball joints, may be covered by a dampening material that is designed to absorb vibrations occurring in the lead suspension to prevent transmission of the vibrations to the magnetic read/write head. Alternately, the dampening material may be applied to other locations, such as the limiter engagements, which can transmit vibrations to the magnetic read/write head. | 03-31-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130312767 | Partially Erodable Systems for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration. | 11-28-2013 |
20140007885 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - Methods for treating sleep apnea. A method includes implanting at least first and second elongated implants in a tongue or soft palate of a patient, wherein each of the first and second implants is configured to have a first, expanded configuration and a second, contracted configuration, wherein implanting comprises implanting the first and second implants having their first, expanded configurations. The invention also provides systems for treating sleep apnea that can be used with the methods. | 01-09-2014 |
20140014116 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A self-adjusting implant includes a first anchor configured to anchor to a first tissue location and apply a first tension force thereto; a second anchor configured to anchor to a second tissue location spaced apart from the first tissue location and apply a second tension to the second tissue location; a third anchor configured to anchor to a third tissue location spaced apart from and non-collinear with the first and the second tissue locations; a first tension-bearing segment spanning between the first and the third anchors, comprising a first deformable portion; and a second tension-bearing segment spanning between the second and the third anchors wherein the third anchor is configured to generally distribute a tension of the first tension-bearing segment with a tension of the second tension-bearing segment. The invention also includes methods for treating airway disorders that can be used with described implants. | 01-16-2014 |
20140246027 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 09-04-2014 |
20140251344 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration. | 09-11-2014 |
20140261451 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20150032028 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF AN AIRWAY DISORDER - Methods and systems for treating an airway disorder and delivering an implant to airway tissue are provided. A method includes partially inserting at least a first and second wire into airway forming tissue, wherein the first and second wires' axes define implant positions for a first and second implant, respectively. A wire guide can be used to maintain an orientation of the first and second axis relative to each other. | 01-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090025734 | Devices, systems, and methods to move or restrain the hyoid bone - Systems and methods employ implants attached to the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and a source of magnetic force to move the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, using attracting, repelling or a combination of attracting and repelling magnetic forces. | 01-29-2009 |
20090177027 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration. | 07-09-2009 |
20100261989 | CATHETER - A catheter includes an outer jacket, a shaft member, a transition member and a core member. The outer jacket has a first interior passage at a proximal end and a second interior passage at a distal end. The shaft member is arranged within the outer jacket. The transition member is fixedly secured to the shaft member and includes a window. The core member is fixedly secured to the transition member. The window in the transition member allows communication between the first interior passage and the second interior passage. | 10-14-2010 |
20100261990 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A catheter assembly for use in an anatomy can include an elongated body, which can have a proximal end and a distal end. The body can also define a lumen from the proximal end to the distal end. The assembly can include at least one electrode, which can be coupled to the distal end to sense an electrical activity within the anatomy. The assembly can include a core wire, which can be received within the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end. The core wire can be configured to move the distal end from a first configuration to a second configuration. The assembly can also include a necked portion, which can be formed between the proximal end and the distal end to provide increased stiffness to the distal end of the body. | 10-14-2010 |
20110144421 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting a device into airway-forming tissue without affixing the device to the tissue and permitting a bioerodable portion of the device to bioerode to apply a force to the airway-forming tissue to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method. | 06-16-2011 |
20110226262 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226263 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 09-22-2011 |
20110308529 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has a V-shape with first and second elongated legs configured for implantation in airway-interface tissue. The first and second elongated legs are configured to apply tensile forces to the tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 12-22-2011 |
20110308530 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has first and second end portions and a medial portion. The implant body also includes a coupler configured to couple the end portions to one another such that the medial portion encircles targeted tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 12-22-2011 |
20120017919 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A method of treating an airway disorder includes placing an implant in a patient's tongue, wherein the implant has first and second end portions that attach to tissue, and a tensioned medial portion between the first and second ends. The medial portion is configured to apply a pressure of less than a predetermined amount. Device systems associated with such methods are also provided. | 01-26-2012 |
20120024298 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method. | 02-02-2012 |
20120132214 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - An implant for treating an obstructive airway disorder includes an elongate implant body configured for implanting in airway-interface tissue. The implant body has a medial portion extending between first and second anchoring end portions. The medial portion of the implant body is axially compliant and the end portions are axially non-compliant. Methods of treating an airway disorder comprising implanting an axially-extending implant in an airway-interface tissue are also provided. | 05-31-2012 |
20120138069 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - An implant for treating an obstructive airway disorder includes an elongate implant body configured for implanting in airway-interface tissue. At least a portion of the elongate body carries a light transmission material for permitting light transmission therein. Systems and methods of treating an airway disorder comprising implanting an implant in an airway-interface tissue are also provided. | 06-07-2012 |
20120197070 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration. | 08-02-2012 |
20120240940 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MAGNETIC FORCE SYSTEMS AFFECTING THE TOUNGUE OR HYOID MUSCCLES IN THE UPPER AIRWYA - Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue. | 09-27-2012 |
20130098374 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method. | 04-25-2013 |
20140000631 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA | 01-02-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100156643 | Stimulus Delivery Device Having an Adjustable Stimulus Intensity Range - Described is an animal training system for delivering a stimulus to an animal, whereby the intensity of the stimulus is selected from a plurality of intensities that is within a selectable range of available intensities. More specifically, each of the plurality of intensities is within the range of available intensities. The range of available intensities is selected or defined by a user such that the lower limit and the upper limit of the selected range of available intensities defines the lower limit for minimum intensity and the upper limit for the maximum intensity of the plurality of intensities, respectively. Accordingly, each of the plurality of intensities is defined by the selected range of available intensities. | 06-24-2010 |
20100176955 | High-Tech Animal Training System - Described is a high-tech animal training system for delivering a stimulus to an animal and for providing a user with information relating to the ambient environment and to the operation of the animal training system, the information enabling the user to monitor and maintain the health and well-being of the animal. The animal training system delivers a stimulus to the animal such that the user is able to correct any undesired behavior exhibited by the animal and to reward any desired behavior exhibited by the animal. Additionally, the animal training system detects at least one an ambient condition and indicates the detected condition such that the user perceives the indication and is able to take action in protecting the animal from any detrimental conditions. The animal training system is also capable of storing data relating to the operation of the system and/or storing data input by the user. | 07-15-2010 |
20110180007 | Device for Dispensing a Fluidic Consumable for an Animal - Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device. | 07-28-2011 |
20110221597 | Animal Training Device Having a Programmable Stimulus Delivery Switch - Described is an animal training device having a menu-driven user interface, a programmable stimulus delivery switch, and the capability to activate a stimulus delivery device such that it delivers a customized stimulus to an animal. More specifically, the menu-driven user interface enables a user to define the programmable parameters of a customized stimulus and to associate the customized stimulus with the stimulus delivery switch such that when the stimulus delivery switch is operated, the animal training device transmits a stimulus request signal, which includes information indicative of the defined parameters. The stimulus delivery device is responsive to the stimulus request signal to the extent that when the stimulus delivery device receives the stimulus request signal, it determines the defined parameters and delivers the customized stimulus to the animal. | 09-15-2011 |
20140102373 | Device for Dispensing a Fluidic Consumable for an Animal - Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device. | 04-17-2014 |