Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090259107 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO DECREASE TISSUE TRAUMA DURING SURGERY - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce the tissue trauma that occurs when a physician retracts or otherwise deforms a patient's tissues for surgery or other medical procedures. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling the force and pace of retraction to reduce tissue trauma. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for applying an oscillating load when opening. In another part, pads that cool the tissue around the incision are disclosed. In another part, pads that elute drugs into the tissues of the tissue margin are disclosed. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that self-align components of the retractor and engage hard tissues directly to avoid soft tissue damage. In another part, pads that engage tissues to cushion, to sense tissue state, and to modulate tissue state are disclosed. | 10-15-2009 |
20090287060 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO DECREASE TISSUE TRAUMA DURING SURGERY - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce the tissue trauma that occurs when a physician retracts or otherwise deforms a patient's tissues for surgery or other medical procedures. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for cooling the tissue around the incision. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that elute drugs into the tissues of the tissue margin. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to engage tissues during retraction to cushion, to sense tissue state, and to modulate tissue state. | 11-19-2009 |
20120130180 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO DECREASE TISSUE TRAUMA DURING SURGERY - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling retraction force and pace. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for oscillating force when opening. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for detecting trauma during retraction. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for balancing forces on multiple retraction elements. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for reducing forces in multiple dimensions. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for engaging ribs. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to compensate for deformation of a retractor under load. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that combine these methods and devices. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling pressure inside inflatable devices used for deforming biological tissues. | 05-24-2012 |
20120203070 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO DECREASE TISSUE TRAUMA DURING SURGERY - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling retraction force and pace. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for oscillating force when opening. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for detecting trauma during retraction. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for balancing forces on multiple retraction elements. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for reducing forces in multiple dimensions. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for engaging ribs. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to compensate for deformation of a retractor under load. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that combine these methods and devices. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling pressure inside inflatable devices used for deforming biological tissues. | 08-09-2012 |
20130237766 | RIB-PROTECTING DEVICES FOR THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY, AND RELATED METHODS - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a surgeon performs surgery by thoracoscopy. Methods and devices are disclosed for protecting tissues adjacent to an intercostal incision from trauma caused by impingement of instruments into an intercostal incision. In one part, these methods and devices include devices that have controls that stick up out of the incision, permitting adjustment by the surgeon. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for smaller devices that reside entirely under this skin and require no adjustment by the surgeon. | 09-12-2013 |
20130310869 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SOFT TISSUE DISSECTION - A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue. | 11-21-2013 |
20140364890 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SOFT TISSUE DISSECTION - Embodiments disclosed include methods and devices for blunt dissection, which differentially disrupt a patient's soft tissues while not disrupting that patient's firm tissues. In one embodiment, a differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle, a central longitudinal axis, and an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The differential dissecting instrument also comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the distal end, the differential dissecting member comprising at least one tissue engaging surface, a first torque-point, the first torque-point disposed to a first side of the axis of rotation of the differential dissecting member, and a mechanism, configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around the axis of rotation thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The mechanism comprises at least one force-transmitting member possessing a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being attached to the first torque-point member. The proximal end of the at least one force-transmitting member is attached to a motive source configured to oscillate the differential dissecting member. Further, the at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that when the differential dissecting member is pressed by the surgeon into the patient's complex tissue, the at least one tissue engaging surface moves across the complex tissue and the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue. | 12-11-2014 |
20150141906 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO DECREASE TISSUE TRAUMA DURING SURGERY - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce the tissue trauma that occurs when a physician retracts or otherwise deforms a patient's tissues for surgery or other medical procedures. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for cooling the tissue around the incision. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that elute drugs into the tissues of the tissue margin. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to engage tissues during retraction to cushion, to sense tissue state, and to modulate tissue state. | 05-21-2015 |
20150351734 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO DECREASE TISSUE TRAUMA DURING SURGERY - Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling retraction force and pace. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for oscillating force when opening. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for detecting trauma during retraction. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for balancing forces on multiple retraction elements. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for reducing forces in multiple dimensions. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for engaging ribs. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed to compensate for deformation of a retractor under load. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that combine these methods and devices. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling pressure inside inflatable devices used for deforming biological tissues. | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120138879 | APPARATUS FOR PUSHING A FASTENER FROM A HOST MATERIAL - An apparatus for pushing a fastener from a host material with, for example, an air hammer includes a punch shank a compression spring, a hollow sleeve, a fastener and a punch. The hollow sleeve includes an opening formed therein for interfitment over a central portion of the punch shank, and a set screw placed therein for engagement with a retention flat portion of a central portion of the punch shank. The punch includes a top that operably engages with the air hammer, and a bottom end having a recess formed therein, where the recess is configured and arranged for retention of a top of the punch shank. The spring fits over the punch shank, and contacts the bottom end of the punch and the top end of the sleeve. | 06-07-2012 |
20150028273 | APPARATUS FOR PUSHING A FASTENER FROM A HOST MATERIAL - An apparatus for pushing a fastener from a host material with, for example, an air hammer includes a punch shank, a compression spring, a hollow sleeve, a fastener and a punch. The hollow sleeve includes an opening fowled therein for interfitment over a central portion of the punch shank, and a set screw placed therein for engagement with a retention flat portion of a central portion of the punch shank The punch includes a top that operably engages with the air hammer, and a bottom end having a recess formed therein, where the recess is configured and arranged for retention of a top of the punch shank. The spring fits over the punch shank, and contacts the bottom end of the punch and the top end of the sleeve. | 01-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150219130 | MAGNETIC CLIP - A clip for selectively gripping objects includes a first body member having a forward portion, a rearward portion and a middle portion disposed between the forward and rearward portions. The first body member includes an exteriorly facing surface and an interiorly facing surface, with the forward portion including an interiorly facing gripping jaw, and the middle portion including a strengthening member. A second body member includes a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a middle portion disposed between the forward and rearward portion. Second body member also includes an exteriorly facing surface and an interiorly facing surface, a forward portion that includes an interiorly facing gripping jaw, and a middle portion that includes a strengthening member. A biasing member urges the gripping jaws of the first and second body members into engagement. A pivot assembly pivotably couples the first body member to the second body member to permit the gripping jaws to pivot between an engaged position and a released position. The first strengthening member has an arcuately convex surface and the second strengthening member includes an arcuately concave surface that is sized and positioned to slideably engage the arcuately convex surface of the first body. | 08-06-2015 |
20160033092 | FLASHLIGHT - A flashlight includes a casing having a first end, a second end, a first side surface and a second side surface. The casing has a first casing member joined to a second casing member, with the first and second casing members defining an interior cavity there between. An electronics package is provided that includes a power source, an actuable switch member and a light array coupled to the power source and switch member. The light source is capable of projecting light outwardly from the first end of the flashlight and into a cavity. The first casing member includes a light passable portion through which the light projected into the cavity can pass to the exterior of the cavity. | 02-04-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090144234 | Providing Suggestions During Formation of a Search Query - Various embodiments enable information, in addition to textual information, to be presented to a user when the user enters a search query in a search box forming part of a user interface of an application. In one or more embodiments, a Web browser provides a search box in which a user can enter a search query. While the user is entering a search query, the Web browser can communicate with a third-party search provider to receive information, such as non-textual information, which can be presented to the user to assist in formulating their search query. The non-textual information can include images and other visual information of a non-textual nature. | 06-04-2009 |
20090150826 | SWITCHING SEARCH PROVIDERS WITHIN A BROWSER SEARCH BOX - A Web browser includes a quick pick search provider menu that provides a user interface which provides a user with the ability to quickly select a new search provider which appears when the user places focus in the Web browser's search box. In one or more embodiments, the Web browser's search box comprises a native part of the Web browser and is not a search box associated with an installed tool bar. In other embodiments, search box functionality is provided as an extension to the Web browser. Further, various embodiments enable the user to switch between search providers in an easy and intuitive way. Yet other embodiments provide an opportunity for users to switch between search providers using keywords in the search box. Further embodiments enable users to define collections of search providers to which individual searches can be sent. | 06-11-2009 |
20100287479 | MOBILE INFORMATION SERVICES - Mobile communications devices display contextually relevant information based on the presence, status, and identification of a user. Lens templates control how the information is displayed and can be customized and designed for specific usage profiles. The lenses that are used can be updated at any time to accommodate changes in a user's presence. The granularity of the lenses and corresponding information can also vary to accommodate different needs and preferences. Lenses can also be specialized for different events or venues. The lenses allow a user to access contextually relevant information from a mobile communications device having limited display and/or browse capabilities without requiring a user to navigate through undesired information, wasting valuable resources in the process. | 11-11-2010 |
20120060110 | NOTIFICATION BAR USER INTERFACE CONTROL - Various embodiments provide a notification bar user interface control that is designed to help users maintain focus on their browsing activities, while offering notifications in the form of suggestions. In at least some embodiments, the notification bar user interface control is non-modal and is presented at a location within the browsing field-of-view that is selected to reduce user distraction. Further, in at least some embodiments, the notification bar user interface control is presented in a manner which overlays content of the web page and thus, does not cause layout of the web page to be changed. | 03-08-2012 |
20120066628 | DRAG-ABLE TABS - Various embodiments enable a tab within a web browser user interface to be dragged out of an associated tab band in which it appears. When dragged outside of the tab band, content can be rendered within a window associated with the tab. This permits side-by-side viewing of content in the primary web browser user interface as well as the window associated with the tab that has been dragged out of the tab band. In one or more embodiments, content that is associated with a dragged tab's window can include live content, such as multimedia presentations. | 03-15-2012 |
20130298049 | SWITCHING SEARCH PROVIDERS WITHIN AN APPLICATION SEARCH BOX - An application provides a search box that is configured to enable a user to enter searchable text. The application provides a quick pick search provider menu that is configured to include different sections that provide suggestions as text is entered into the search box. At least some of the suggestions are locally maintained, and at least some other of the suggestions are received from one or more remote search providers. In some embodiments, the application can comprise a web browser. | 11-07-2013 |
20140096028 | MOBILE INFORMATION SERVICES - Building a data template for a mobile computing device. An aggregate usage profile correlates past usage of services by a mobile computing device that is associated with a user identifier with past usage of the services by other computing devices that are also associated with the user identifier. Presence information concerning a current presence of the mobile computing device includes a physical location and/or a temporal state. Portions of information, which are relevant to the current presence of the mobile computing device, are identified based on the aggregate usage profile. The portions of information include data from the services that is identified as being data that the user will want to access given the current presence of the mobile computing device. A data template, which is configured to present the portions of information at the mobile computing device, is built and pushed to the mobile computing device. | 04-03-2014 |
20140115526 | EXPANDED SEARCH AND FIND USER INTERFACE - A search and find user interface is provided that is integrated with a data indexing engine to allow efficient and high-speed data search and retrieval across data storage folders associated with a given software module or associated with a number of disparate software modules. An expanded form of the search and find user interface is provided for advanced searching. Where searching is required beyond a present search scope, an automatic “upscoping” mechanism is provided for expanding a search to data storage folders outside a current data storage folder on which an initial search is executed. | 04-24-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090201112 | METHOD OF ENCASING A MAGNET AND AN ENCASED MAGNET - A method of encasing a magnet to isolate the magnet from the environment is provided. The method includes introducing a magnet to a housing having at least one passage capable of passing a fluid from the environment to the magnet, introducing a hardenable fluid, for example, a resin, to the passage to obstruct the passage, and solidifying the hardenable fluid in the passage to provide a solid obstruction to the passage to isolate the magnet from environmental fluids. The housing may be provided as two mating housings and the passage may be provided by the mating surfaces between the two housings. An encased magnet is also disclosed. The encased magnet may be used in any environment that may be damaging to the magnet, for example, in surgical or prosthetic applications. | 08-13-2009 |
20100176016 | INSTRUMENT TRAY ASSEMBLY AND BRACKETS FOR INSERTING INTO AN INSTRUMENT TRAY - An instrument tray assembly and support brackets for mounting in an instrument tray assembly, for example, for retaining medical supplies and medical devices, are provided. The brackets engage the instrument tray and are adapted to facilitate installation and removal of the brackets from the tray. The support brackets include a bottom and a plurality of side walls extending from the bottom. The plurality of side walls are adapted to engage a perforation in a planar surface of the instrument tray to secure the support bracket to the instrument tray. The side walls of the brackets include outwardly biased, cantilevered projections positioned to engage a perforation in the instrument tray. The projections releasably engage the tray for installation and removal. Methods of engaging a bracket into an instrument tray are also disclosed. | 07-15-2010 |
20100180400 | HANDLE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING A HANDLE FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A handle and a method of fabricating a handle, or another article of manufacture, that minimizes or avoids the likelihood of accumulating contamination before, during, or after use. The article includes a core element, for example, a plastic core element, having an outer surface and raised indicia, such as, letters or logos, extending beyond the outer surface; and a light-transferring material completely covering the raised indicia of the core element wherein the raised indicia are visible through the light-transferring material. The complete covering of the indicia avoids separation between the cover and the indicia. The cover material may be a translucent thermoplastic elastomer. Though particularly applicable to the medical device industry, aspects of the invention may be applied to a broad range of industries. | 07-22-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110152499 | CHROMATOGRAPHY OF POLYOLEFIN POLYMERS - A method for multi-dimensional chromatography of a polyolefin polymer, comprising introducing a solution of the polyolefin polymer into a liquid flowing through a first liquid chromatography stationary phase or a field flow fractionation device and subsequently flowing the solution through a second liquid chromatography stationary phase, the second liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon, the polyolefin polymer emerging from the liquid chromatography stationary phase with a retention factor greater than zero. | 06-23-2011 |
20120227469 | CHROMATOGRAPHY OF POLYOLEFIN POLYMERS - The invention provides a method for one-dimensional chromatography of a polyolefin polymer, comprising introducing a solution of the polyolefin polymer into a liquid flowing through a liquid chromatography stationary phase, the liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon, and wherein the polyolefin polymer emerging from the liquid chromatography stationary phase has a retention factor greater than zero, and wherein the solution introduced into the liquid chromatography stationary phase is subjected to a temperature gradient, and/or the solution is subjected to a solvent gradient. The invention also provides a method for multi-dimensional chromatography of a polyolefin polymer, comprising introducing a solution of the polyolefin polymer into a liquid flowing through a first liquid chromatography stationary phase or a field flow fractionation device, and subsequently flowing the solution through a second liquid chromatography stationary phase, the second liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon, and wherein the polyolefin polymer emerging from the liquid chromatography stationary phase has a retention factor greater than zero. The invention also provides an apparatus for polyolefin polymer chromatography, comprising a liquid chromatography stationary phase, the liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon and at least one inert filler. | 09-13-2012 |
20130190534 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING CHOLINE HYDROXIDE FROM TRIMETHYLAMINE AND ETHYLENE OXIDE - Processes for preparing N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium hydroxide (choline hydroxide) and the choline hydroxide produced are described. These processes minimize the production of byproduct mono-ethoxylated and di-ethyoxylated choline in the product choline hydroxide. The processes generally include feeding ethylene oxide, trimethylamine, and water into a first reactor to create a first reactor product under temperature controlled conditions. The product of the first reactor is fed into a second reactor to form a second reactor product under uncontrolled, adiabatic, conditions. Finally, any unreacted to trimethylamine in the second reactor product is removed to form a final product comprising choline hydroxide. Additional reactors can be used for the ethylene oxide and trimethylamine reaction. | 07-25-2013 |