Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120239047 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STYLET-GUIDED VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION - A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure. | 09-20-2012 |
20120239050 | MULTISTATE-CURVATURE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A CURABLE MATERIAL INTO BONE - A curable material delivery cannula device and method are disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a plurality of pre-set curves, each of which corresponds to a pre-determined temperature of the cannula, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When distally extended from the guide cannula, and upon being heated to a predetermined temperature (before, during, or after extension), the deflectable segment assumes a curved shape, which may be used to create a void in the bone for receiving curable material. The distal cannula end includes a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen. | 09-20-2012 |
20140046334 | METHOD FOR BALLOON-AIDED VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION - An expandable member bone augmentation system and single-access-point methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure. An expandable member such as, for example, a balloon can be used to create a plurality of voids by displacing bone material, where the voids can be filled with curable material to augment the bone. | 02-13-2014 |
20140236144 | INTRAVERTEBRAL TISSUE ABLATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A tissue ablation device is provided for use in soft tissue and/or in bone. It is configured to include an inner probe with a first electrode and a second electrode and an outer needle through which the inner probe extends. After the inner probe is directed therewithin to a target, the outer needle can be withdrawn to expose space between the first and second electrodes to form an RF or other energy field for tissue ablation therebetween upon actuation of an energy source. Such embodiments may include methods for tissue ablation and placement of stabilizing materials. | 08-21-2014 |
20140303632 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A CURABLE MATERIAL INTO BONE - A curable material delivery cannula device and method are disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end and a deflectable distal segment, and a distal orifice(s) fluidly connected to the lumen. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment assumes a curved shape, which may be used to create a void in the bone for receiving curable material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the distal orifice(s). | 10-09-2014 |
20150051604 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STYLET-GUIDED VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION - A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure. | 02-19-2015 |
20160022343 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STYLET-GUIDED VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION - A stylet-guided balloon vertebroplasty system, as well as methods for bone augmentation using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target an approximately centered target site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height and/or to reinforce the bone structure. | 01-28-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100087828 | DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A CURABLE MATERIAL INTO BONE - A curable material delivery cannula device and method are disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape, which may be used to create a void in the bone for receiving curable material. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen. | 04-08-2010 |
20100121336 | DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR FORMING A CAVITY IN AND DELIVERING A CURABLE MATERIAL INTO BONE - A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen. The device may be used to create voids for receiving curable material, and may include spacers configured to control location and/or orientation of the voids. | 05-13-2010 |
20110004220 | CURABLE MATERIAL DELIVERY DEVICE WITH A ROTATABLE SUPPLY SECTION - An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be pre-loaded into the carrier so that the material is delivered to a distal end of the carrier from the injector and the carrier is thus pre-loaded with material. A portion of the distal end of the pre-loaded carrier is inserted into the cannula and material is delivered to an injection site. The supply section can be rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner section. | 01-06-2011 |
20110112507 | CURABLE MATERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A distal end of a cannula immediately proximate a target site within bone. A portion of a cavity-forming device is extended through the cannula and distally beyond the distal end, and then operated to form a cavity at the target site. A track is defined in tissue of the target site between the distal end of the cannula and the cavity. The cavity-forming device is removed from the cannula, and replaced with a delivery tube. A distal tip of the delivery tube is directed distally beyond the distal end of the cannula, through the track and into the cavity. Finally, a material (e.g., a curable material) is delivered through the delivery tube and into the cavity. The cannula can remain stationary following initial insertion, and curable material is not directly deposited into the normally occurring “dead space”. | 05-12-2011 |
20110112588 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERTEBRAL OR OTHER BONE STRUCTURE HEIGHT RESTORATION AND STABILIZATION - A method for stabilizing a bone structure including directing first and second expandable members in contracted state to a first location within the bone structure. The expandable members are expanded, forming first and second cavities within the bone structure. The first expandable member is then transitioned back to the contracted state while maintaining the second expandable member in the expanded state. The first expandable member is removed, and curable material delivered into the first cavity. The second expandable structure is contracted and removed. A curable material is delivered into the second cavity. A height of the bone structure is restored via expansion of the two expandable members, and is retained throughout the procedure first by the second expandable member during delivery of curable material into the first cavity, and then by the hardened material in the first cavity during removal of the second expandable member. | 05-12-2011 |
20120143202 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A CAVITY IN, AND DELIVERING CURABLE MATERIAL INTO, BONE - Methods of injecting curable material within a bone structure, such as vertebroplasty, include locating a distal end of an access cannula within the bone structure. A channel creating device is inserted into a cannula lumen. A distal segment of the channel creating device is distally advanced from cannula distal end and into the bone structure. A curved channel is created in the bone structure with the distally advancing distal segment. A distal portion of a cavity creating device is then inserted into the cannula lumen, with the distal portion including an expandable body carried by an elongated body. The distal portion is distally advanced, following a path of the curved channel. The expandable body is transitioned to the expanded state to form a cavity in the bone structure. Finally, curable material is delivered to the cavity. | 06-07-2012 |
20120277753 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERTEBRAL OR OTHER BONE STRUCTURE HEIGHT RESTORATION AND STABILIZATION - A method for stabilizing fractured bone structure having a fractured height includes expanding the bone structure to a restored height greater than the fractured height by transitioning an expandable member inserted into the bone structure from a contracted state to an expanded state. A curable material is delivered into a cavity formed in the bone structure and allowed to harden while the expandable member maintains the bone structure at the restored height. The expandable member is then removed from the bone structure. | 11-01-2012 |
20130012951 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A SPINE THROUGH A SINGLE VERTEBRAL BODY INSERTION POINT - Methods for treating a spine include inserting a distal end of a cannula into a vertebral body. A distal segment of an access needle is inserted into the cannula lumen. The distal segment terminates at a distal tip and has a shape memory characteristic naturally assuming a curved shape in longitudinal extension. The cannula forces the distal section to deflect from the curved shape toward a straightened shape. The distal segment is distally advanced into bone structure of the vertebral body and naturally reverts toward the curved shape. With further distal advancement, the distal tip progresses through an end plate of the vertebral body. Finally, a structure of the spine is altered in at least one of: delivering a curable material, creating a cavity, or aspirating nucleus material. | 01-10-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110012264 | OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH HEAT SPREADER UNIT - Optoelectronic devices with heat spreader units are described. An optoelectronic device includes a back-contact optoelectronic cell including a plurality of back-contact metallization regions. One or more heat spreader units are disposed above the plurality of back-contact metallization regions. A heat sink is disposed above the one or more heat spreader units. | 01-20-2011 |
20110132431 | OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH BYPASS DIODE - Optoelectronic devices with bypass diodes are described. An optoelectronic device includes a bypass diode, a heat spreader unit disposed above, and extending over, the bypass diode, and a heat sink disposed above the heat spreader unit. Another optoelectronic device includes a bypass diode, a heat spreader unit disposed above, but not extending over, the bypass diode, and a heat sink disposed above the heat spreader unit. | 06-09-2011 |
20110315193 | PASSIVE FLOW ACCELERATOR - Methods and apparatuses to increase a speed of airflow through a heat exchanger are described. An optoelectronic device comprising a heat exchanger is coupled to an airflow accelerator. The airflow accelerator comprises a surface to guide the airflow towards the heat exchanger. An optical element is coupled to concentrate light onto the optoelectronic device. The size of the surface, position of the airflow accelerator relative to the heat exchanger, or both can determine increase in speed of the airflow. A photovoltaic (“PV”) system comprises rows of receivers; rows of optical elements to concentrate light onto the receivers, and rows of airflow accelerators coupled to the receivers to increase the speed of airflow through heat exchangers. The airflow can be deflected by an airflow accelerator towards a heat exchanger. A wind load can be reduced by the airflow accelerator. | 12-29-2011 |
20120012156 | OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH HEAT SPREADER UNIT - A solar module includes a solar cell, a heat spreader layer disposed above the solar cell, and a cell interconnect disposed above the solar cell. From a top-down perspective, the heat spreader layer at least partially surrounds an exposed portion of the cell interconnect. | 01-19-2012 |
20120031393 | Opposing Row Linear Concentrator Architecture - A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflector facing in a first direction, a second reflector facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction, and a rotational member having a long axis transverse to the first and second directions, the rotational member disposed between and coupled to each of the first and second reflectors. | 02-09-2012 |
20120031394 | Opposing Row Linear Concentrator Architecture - A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device. | 02-09-2012 |
20120031464 | DIODE AND HEAT SPREADER FOR SOLAR MODULE - Arrangements of diodes and heat spreaders for solar modules are described. For example, a solar module may include a backsheet with a low profile, surface-mount diode disposed above the backsheet. A pair of ribbon interconnects is coupled to the low profile, surface-mount diode and may penetrate the backsheet. | 02-09-2012 |
20120074576 | INTERCONNECT FOR AN OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE - Interconnects for optoelectronic devices are described. An interconnect may include a stress relief feature. An interconnect may include an L-shaped feature. | 03-29-2012 |
20120138283 | FOLDED FIN HEAT SINK - In one embodiment, a heat sink comprising a folded fin is disclosed. The folded fin comprises a base portion, an offset portion extending away from the base portion, the offset portion having a width, a narrowing tapering portion having a maximum width equal to the width of the offset portion, and an extension portion extending away from the narrowing tapering portion, the extension portion having a width smaller than the width of the offset portion. | 06-07-2012 |
20130083413 | OPPOSING ROW LINEAR CONCENTRATOR ARCHITECTURE - A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device. | 04-04-2013 |
20130228906 | INTERCONNECT FOR AN OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE - Interconnects for optoelectronic devices are described. For example, an interconnect for an optoelectronic device includes an interconnect body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A plurality of bond pads is coupled to the inner surface of the interconnect body, between the first and second ends. A stress relief feature is disposed in the interconnect body. The stress relief feature includes a slot disposed entirely within the interconnect body without extending through to the inner surface, without extending through to the outer surface, without extending through to the first end, and without extending through to the second end of the interconnect body. | 09-05-2013 |
20140048119 | DIODE AND HEAT SPREADER FOR SOLAR MODULE - Arrangements of diodes and heat spreaders for solar modules are described. For example, a solar module may include a backsheet with a low profile, surface-mount diode disposed above the backsheet. A pair of ribbon interconnects is coupled to the low profile, surface-mount diode and may penetrate the backsheet. | 02-20-2014 |
20140078607 | OPPOSING ROW LINEAR CONCENTRATOR ARCHITECTURE - A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device. | 03-20-2014 |
20140137922 | METHODS AND STRUCTURES FOR FORMING AND IMPROVING SOLDER JOINT THICKNESS AND PLANARITY CONTROL FEATURES FOR SOLAR CELLS - A method for connecting a plurality of solar cells and an improved interconnect is disclosed. The method includes aligning an interconnect to a plurality of solar cells having solder pads, where the interconnect has a main body and tabs extending therefrom, and where each of the tabs has a downward depression, such that the tabs are positioned above the solder pads in between solar cells and pinning the interconnect against a work surface by pressing a hold down pin against the main body of the interconnect such that a lower surface of the interconnect tabs are maintained parallel to an upper surfaces of the solder pads, and such that the depression of each of the tabs flatly contacts the solder pads. The method can also include cantilevered tabs extending downwardly from the main body providing a controlled spring force between the tab lower surface and the solder pad upper surface. | 05-22-2014 |
20140182577 | DRIVE WITH INTEGRATED INCLINATION SENSOR - A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle. | 07-03-2014 |
20140291852 | INTERCONNECT FOR AN OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE - Interconnects for optoelectronic devices are described. For example, an interconnect for an optoelectronic device includes an interconnect body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A plurality of bond pads is coupled to the inner surface of the interconnect body, between the first and second ends. A stress relief feature is disposed in the interconnect body. The stress relief feature includes a slot disposed entirely within the interconnect body without extending through to the inner surface, without extending through to the outer surface, without extending through to the first end, and without extending through to the second end of the interconnect body. | 10-02-2014 |
20140352761 | OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH BYPASS DIODE - Optoelectronic devices with bypass diodes are described. An optoelectronic device includes a bypass diode, a heat spreader unit disposed above, and extending over, the bypass diode, and a heat sink disposed above the heat spreader unit. Another optoelectronic device includes a bypass diode, a heat spreader unit disposed above, but not extending over, the bypass diode, and a heat sink disposed above the heat spreader unit. | 12-04-2014 |
20150020867 | Optoelectronic Device with Heat Spreader Unit - A solar module includes a solar cell, a heat spreader layer disposed above the solar cell, and a cell interconnect disposed above the solar cell. From a top-down perspective, the heat spreader layer at least partially surrounds an exposed portion of the cell interconnect. | 01-22-2015 |
20150195956 | DOUBLE INSULATED HEAT SPREADER - An apparatus for thermal management for an electric device. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a primary heat spreader disposed within an enclosure that contains a printed circuit board (PCB) populated with at least one electrical component, wherein the primary heat spreader is thermally conductive and wherein the interior of the enclosure is at least partially filled with an encapsulating material; a secondary heat spreader coupled to an exterior face of a first wall of the enclosure, wherein the secondary heat spreader is thermally conductive; and a thermal interface coupled between the primary head spreader and the PCB, wherein the thermal interface is thermally conductive and electrically insulating. | 07-09-2015 |
20150351264 | UNGROUNDED INVERTER ENCLOSURE AND CABLING - A system and apparatus for power conversion without a connection to ground. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inverter having an enclosure formed from an insulating material, wherein the inverter receives a DC input and generates, from the DC input and without any ground connection, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output. | 12-03-2015 |
20160111817 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING A SEGMENTED POWER CABLE FOR SHIPPING AND STORAGE - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a method and apparatus for securing a segmented cable in manufacturing and for shipping and storage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises two or more fixtures, each comprising a plurality of locking receptacles along a body of each fixture, wherein each of the plurality of locking receptacles comprises a locking mechanism to secure a connector of a plurality of connectors on a power cable. | 04-21-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130081668 | THERMAL TRACKING FOR SOLAR SYSTEMS - A thermal tracking system for a concentrating photovoltaic system is disclosed. The thermal tracking system comprises a photovoltaic receiver. The photovoltaic receiver comprises a photovoltaic laminate and a heat spreader. The thermal tracking system further comprises first and second thermal sensors coupled to the photovoltaic laminate and sensing two temperatures of the laminate. The thermal tracking system also comprises third and fourth thermal sensors positioned adjacent the heat spreader and sensing two temperatures near the heat spreader. | 04-04-2013 |
20130160495 | HEAT-REGULATING GLASS BENDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A sag-bending system is disclosed. The sag-bending system comprises a sag-bending glass support mold and a perimeter thermal manager. The support mold comprises a plurality of rib members extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of rib members having a curved upper surface shaped to form the collective upper surface having a position and shape to support a quadrilateral-shaped sag-bent glass sheet into a desired contour, each of the rib members further having a lower surface, and a plurality of support members extending in a second direction between at least two of the plurality of rib members, the second direction traverse to the first direction. The perimeter thermal manager is sized and positioned to surround, to extend at least partially over, and to extend at least partially under the periphery of the support mold. | 06-27-2013 |
20130305787 | HEAT-REGULATING GLASS BENDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A sag-bending system is disclosed. The sag-bending system comprises a sag-bending glass support mold and a perimeter thermal manager. The sag-bending glass support mold has a quadrilateral shape, a collective upper surface, and a periphery. The support mold comprises a plurality of rib members extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of rib members having a curved upper surface shaped to form the collective upper surface having a position and shape to support a quadrilateral-shaped sag-bent glass sheet into a desired contour, each of the rib members further having a lower surface, and a plurality of support members extending in a second direction between at least two of the plurality of rib members, the second direction traverse to the first direction. | 11-21-2013 |
20140090691 | THERMAL TRACKING FOR SOLAR SYSTEMS - A power generating system is disclosed. The power generating system comprises a solar cell, a support structure coupled to the solar cell and adapted to adjust the position of the solar cell, a first thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a first temperature at a first location on the solar cell, a second thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a second temperature at a second location on the solar cell, the second location spaced apart from the first location, and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a first signal from the first thermal sensor and a second signal from the second thermal sensor, compare information conveyed in the first and second signals, and adjust the position of the solar cell by operating the support structure in response to information conveyed in the first and second signals. | 04-03-2014 |