| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20100222801 | Bladeless Obturator - A surgical obturator adapted to penetrate a body wall includes an elongate shaft having an axis which extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A bladeless tip, disposed at the distal end of the shaft has an outer surface which extends to a blunt point The outer surface has a pair of side sections separated by an intermediate section The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. These side sections include a distal portion in proximity to the blunt point, and a proximal portion in proximity to the shaft. The distal portion of the side section is twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side section. The outer surface in radial cross section has the general configuration of a geometric shape which rotates in a first direction about the axis with progressive proximal radial cross sections along the axis | 09-02-2010 |
| 20110190592 | BLADELESS OPTICAL OBTURATOR - The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The side sections include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the side sections being twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side sections. The intermediate section includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a first radial direction and the proximal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110251560 | PLEATED TROCAR SHIELD - A surgical access device or trocar defines an access channel for instruments extending from a proximal end to the distal end thereof. The trocar comprises a cannula and a seal assembly disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The seal assembly comprises a first or zero seal, a second or instrument seal, and a trocar shield disposed proximally of the first seal and the second seal. The first seal seals the access channel in the absence of an instrument extending therethrough. The second seal seals the access channel in the presence of an instrument extending therethrough. The trocar shield protects the first seal and second seal from damage as an instrument is advanced through the access channel. The trocar shield comprises an open proximal end and a tapered distal end comprising a plurality of longitudinal pleats, converging in an opening. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20120179001 | ACCESS SEALING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or movable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120215070 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ACCESS DEVICE - A surgical access device includes a valve that forms a seal with a body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal for an instrument. The valve can include a gel material and the access channel can include a protective shield to provide for wound protection during insertion and withdrawal of a sharp surgical instrument. The valve further comprises a cap ring which may be inserted or molded with the gel material. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120277539 | WOUND RETRACTOR - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor ( | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120316501 | PLEATED TROCAR SHIELD - A surgical access device or trocar defines an access channel for instruments extending from a proximal end to the distal end thereof. The trocar comprises a cannula and a seal assembly disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The seal assembly comprises a first or zero seal, a second or instrument seal, and a trocar shield disposed proximally of the first seal and the second seal. The first seal seals the access channel in the absence of an instrument extending therethrough. The second seal seals the access channel in the presence of an instrument extending therethrough. The trocar shield protects the first seal and second seal from damage as an instrument is advanced through the access channel. The trocar shield comprises an open proximal end and a tapered distal end comprising a plurality of longitudinal pleats, converging in an opening. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316595 | BLADELESS OPTICAL OBTURATOR - A surgical access device comprising a tissue separating obturator suitable for connection with a cannula is disclosed. The obturator includes an elongate shaft having a transparent distal tip. The elongate shaft extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a lumen. The transparent distal tip has a tapered configuration and includes an inner surface and an outer surface adapted for penetrating tissue. The lumen is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument such as a laparoscope. The surgical access device further includes a scope lock at the proximal end of the shaft portion. The lock includes a multi-fingered collet coaxial with the lumen. The inner diameter of the collet is smaller than an outer diameter of the optical instrument and the fingers of the collet provide frictional engagement with the outer diameter of the optical instrument that is inserted into the lumen of the obturator. | 12-13-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20120005473 | Secure Dynamically Reconfigurable Logic - A mechanism for securely and dynamically reconfiguring reconfigurable logic is provided. A state machine within a data processing system establishes a hardware boundary to the reconfigurable logic within the data processing system thereby forming isolated reconfigurable logic. The state machine clears any prior state existing within the isolated reconfigurable logic. The state machine authenticates a new configuration to be loaded into the isolated reconfigurable logic. The state machine determines whether the authentication of the new configuration is successful. Responsive to the authentication of the new configuration being successful, the state machine loads the new configuration into the isolated reconfigurable logic. The state machine then starts operation of the isolated reconfigurable logic. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120096084 | SHARED MEDIA EXPERIENCE DISTRIBUTION AND PLAYBACK - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for providing a shared user experience during media playback. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a shared user experience during media playback is provided. The method includes selecting for a particular user a media file for playback in a media player executing in memory by a processor of a computer. The method also includes retrieving a shared user experience audio file recorded for a different user during a previous playback of the selected media file. Finally, the method includes playing back for the particular user both the selected media file and the retrieved shared user experience audio file concurrently in the media player. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120216004 | THREAD TRANSITION MANAGEMENT - Various systems, processes, products, and techniques may be used to manage thread transitions. In particular implementations, a system and process for managing thread transitions may include the ability to determine that a transition is to be made regarding the relative use of two data register sets and determine, based on the transition determination, whether to move thread data in at least one of the data register sets to second-level registers. The system and process may also include the ability to move the thread data from at least one data register set to second-level registers based on the move determination. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120284720 | HARDWARE ASSISTED SCHEDULING IN COMPUTER SYSTEM - Apparatus and methods for hardware assisted scheduling of software tasks in a computer system are disclosed. For example, a computer system comprises a first pool for maintaining a set of executable software threads, a first scheduler, a second pool for maintaining a set of active software threads, and a second scheduler. The first scheduler assigns a subset of the set of executable software threads to the set of active software threads and the second scheduler dispatches one or more threads from the set of active software threads to a set of hardware threads for execution. In one embodiment, the first scheduler is implemented as part of the operating system of the computer system, and the second scheduler is implemented in hardware. | 11-08-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080235647 | MODULAR DESIGN METHOD AND APPARATUS - Disclosed is a procedure or design approach for functional modules that may be used in connection with a multiprocessor integrated circuit chip. The approach includes keeping the dimensions of each module substantially the same and having the bus, power, clock and I/O connection configured the same on all modules. Further requirements for ease of use are to generalize the capability of each module as much as possible and to decentralize functions such as testing to be primarily performed within each module. The use of such considerations or rules substantially eases the design of a given type of custom chips, and based upon an initial chip design greatly facilitates the design of further custom chips, similar in application, but subsequent to the successful completion of the initial chip. The standardization modules and replication of the modules on a given chip also reduces physical verification time in initial chip design as well as redesign time of the initial chip when requirements for chip capability are redefined or otherwise changed. Any subsequent or further custom chips can include more or less of specific modules based upon already established parameters. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080256275 | Multi-Chip Module With Third Dimension Interconnect - A computer architecture and programming model for high speed processing over broadband networks are provided. The architecture employs a consistent modular structure, a common computing module and uniform software cells. The common computing module includes a control processor, a plurality of processing units, a plurality of local memories from which the processing units process programs, a direct memory access controller and a shared main memory. A synchronized system and method for the coordinated reading and writing of data to and from the shared main memory by the processing units also are provided. A hardware sandbox structure is provided for security against the corruption of data among the programs being processed by the processing units. The uniform software cells contain both data and applications and are structured for processing by any of the processors of the network. Each software cell is uniquely identified on the network. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20090070609 | POWER THROTTLING APPARATUS - Disclosed is an apparatus which deactivates both the AC as well as the DC component of power for various functions in a CPU. The CPU partitions dataflow registers and arithmetic units such that voltage can be removed from the upper portion of dataflow registers when the software is not utilizing same. Clock signals are also prevented from being applied to these non-utilized components. As an example, if a 64 bit CPU (processor unit) is to be used with both 32 and 64 bit software, the mentioned components may be partitioned in equal sized upper and lower portions. The logic signal for activating the removal of voltage may be obtained from a software-accessible architected control register designated as a machine state register in some CPUs. The same logic may be used in connection with removing voltage and clocks from other specialized functional components such as the floating point unit when software instructions do not presently require same. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090083542 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICATION CODE AND CONTENT DATA WITHIN A COMPUTER NETWORK - A secure communication methodology is presented. The client device is configured to download application code and/or content data from a server operated by a service provider. Embedded within the client is a client private key, a client serial number, and a copy of a server public key. The client forms a request, which includes the client serial number, encrypts the request with the server public key, and sends the download request to the server. The server decrypts the request with the server's private key and authenticates the client. The received client serial number is used to search for a client public key that corresponds to the embedded client private key. The server encrypts its response, which includes the requested information, with the client public key of the requesting client, and only the private key in the requesting client can be used to decrypt the information downloaded from the server. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20120030386 | Configurable Interface Controller - A flexible input/output controller logic interfaces with existing input/output controllers (IOC's) in order to configure the amount of data sent to and received from the IOC's. The flexible I/O interface receives data from a component at a rate determined by the particular component. The flexible I/O interface then feeds the received data to a traditional I/O controller at a rate suitable for the I/O controller. Thus, the interface to the individual I/O controllers is maintained. The flexible I/O logic balances bandwidth between a plurality of individual I/O controllers in order to better utilize the overall system I/O bandwidth. In one embodiment, the I/O configuration managed by the flexible I/O logic is determined during system-build, while in another embodiment, the I/O configuration is set during system initialization. | 02-02-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090178816 | LOADER ELEVATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A system for determining the elevation of a part of an implement, with the implement being attached to the ends of a pair of lift arms of a loader machine, includes a laser transmitter providing a reference beam of laser light. The beam may be a thin beam that is swept in a reference plane, or it may be a pair of fan shaped beams that are continuously rotated. A first beam detector is mounted on one of the pair of lift arms of the loader machine for detecting said reference beam and providing a first output. A second beam detector is mounted on the same lift arm and is spaced along the lift arm from the first beam detector for detecting the reference beam and providing a second output. A control circuit, responsive to the first beam detector and to the second beam detector, determines the elevation of the part of the implement based on the first and second outputs, and provides a projected implement elevation. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20100131157 | VEHICLE AND VEHICLE ATTACHMENT - A vehicle and work attachment for the vehicle are disclosed in which the vehicle is of the type having a vehicle body, forward extending support arms, a motor-driven hydraulic fluid pump, hydraulic lines for carrying hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and hydraulic cylinders for moving the arms with respect to the body. Controls may be provided for controlling the valves that control supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. These hydraulic valves may be mounted on the work attachment. Additionally, the work attachment may include hydraulic cylinders that are controlled by a control on the vehicle via valves mounted on the attachment. Processing circuitry on the attachment conditions the valve control signals. The attachment may also carry valves that control the supply of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders on the attachment for effecting movement of attachment elements. Quick connect hydraulic couplings facilitate changing attachments. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100221067 | POWERED SCREED AND METHOD OF OPERATING - A lightweight, powered screed machine for screeding the surface of a quantity of concrete having a pair of rails extending to either side, includes a frame having a handle arrangement, for manual engagement by an operator, and an elongated screed blade extending between the support rails. The machine further includes a powered vibration mechanism mounted on the frame. A pair of posts or masts are provided with one of the pair of posts attached to the frame adjacent each end of the blade and extending upward. Each of a pair of supports is positioned adjacent an associated end of the blade. Each support has rollers for engaging and riding on one of the pair of support rails, and each of the supports is attached to the frame so as to support the frame over the concrete. Each of the supports includes a linear actuator for raising and lowering the frame adjacent the rail. A pair of laser receivers is provided with each of the pair of laser receivers mounted on an associated one of the pair of posts. A control controls the linear actuators such that the screed blade is maintained at a desired height as the screed blade is moved over the concrete. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20110133990 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING POSITION IN A WORK SPACE - A system for determining the dimensional coordinates of a point of interest in a work space, includes a plurality of fixed-position ranging radios, located at known positions in the work space, and a wand having a first end configured for indicating a point of interest. A pair of ranging radios are mounted on the wand. A measurement circuit, responsive to the pair of ranging radios, determines the position of each of the pair of ranging radios with respect to the plurality of fixed-position ranging radios, and determines the position of the first end of the wand with respect to the plurality of fixed position ranging radios. A robotic total station may be used in lieu of the fixed-position ranging radios to monitor the positions of retroreflective elements on the wand. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110153167 | EXCAVATOR CONTROL USING RANGING RADIOS - A system for use with an excavator of the type having a chassis, bucket support elements including a boom extending from the chassis and a dipper stick pivotally mounted on the end of the boom, and an excavator bucket pivotally mounted on the end of the dipper stick, determines the position of the excavator bucket during operation of the excavator at a worksite. The system includes a plurality of fixed ranging radios that are positioned at known locations at the worksite. A pair of ranging radios is mounted on the chassis of the excavator. A third ranging radio is mounted on one of the bucket support elements. A measurement circuit is responsive to the pair of ranging radios and to the third ranging radio, and determines the position and orientation of the excavator chassis, the bucket support elements, and the bucket with respect to the plurality of fixed ranging radios. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20120136475 | SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING A TOOL IN A WORK SPACE - A system for assisting in the use by an operator of the operating element of a tool at desired locations at a worksite, includes a stationary control and a position sensor secured to the tool. The stationary control is located at the worksite, and has data stored therein specifying one or more desired locations for operation of the operating element of the tool at the worksite. A position sensor is mounted on the tool. The position sensor determines the position of the operating element of the tool. The position sensor includes a communication device for communicating with said stationary control, a sensor for determining its relative position with respect to said stationary control, and a display for providing indications to the user of the tool of the desired location for the operating element of the tool and of the actual location of the operating element of the tool. | 05-31-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080284847 | Digital Microform Imaging Apparatus - A digital microform imaging apparatus which includes an approximately monochromatic illumination source transmitting an incident light through a diffuse window along a first optical axis of the apparatus. A microform media support is configured to support a microform media after the diffuse window and along the first optical axis. An approximately 45 degree fold mirror reflects the incident light transmitted through the microform media approximately 90 degrees along a second optical axis. An imaging subsystem includes a lens connected to a first carriage which is linearly adjustable approximately parallel with the second optical axis, and an area sensor connected to a second carriage which is linearly adjustable approximately parallel with the second optical axis. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288888 | Computer User Interface for a Digital Microform Imaging Apparatus - A computer implemented method of viewing a microform segment which has been imaged by a digital microform imaging apparatus connected to a computer. The digital microform imaging apparatus images the microform segment and provides a corresponding image data of the microform segment to the computer. The method comprises the steps of: displaying the image data of the microform segment on a display connected to the computer using a computer user interface having a display area; and creating a magnification window within the computer user interface. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20120008820 | Microform Word Search Method and Apparatus - An apparatus for searching for expressions that appear on a microform medium, the apparatus comprising a microform imager including a sensor for generating digital microform images of one segment of the microform medium at a time, a display screen; and a processor programmed to, while the microform imager is generating a digital microform image: (i) use the digital microform image generated by the microform imager to drive the display screen, (ii) search the digital microform image presented via the display screen for instances of a search expression and (iii) visually distinguish the located search expressions in the digital microform image presented via the display screen. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120293845 | DIGITAL MICROFORM IMAGING APPARATUS - A microform imaging apparatus comprising a chassis including a microform media support structure configured to support a microform media within a plane substantially orthogonal to a first optical axis, a fold mirror supported along the first optical axis to reflect light along a second optical axis that is angled with respect to the first optical axis, a lens supported along one of the first and second optical axis, an area sensor supported along the second optical axis, a first adjuster for moving the area sensor along at least a portion of the second optical axis and a second adjuster for moving the lens along at least a portion of the one of the first and second optical axis. | 11-22-2012 |