Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080318740 | RESISTANCE SYSTEM FOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT - A resistance system for an exercise device includes a frame, a resistance element such as elastic bands, coil springs, weight plates, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. An interference element such as a plate, chain or one or more links is supported by a support plate mounted on the frame. Selective engagement with the resistance element is provided by actuation of a dial, other actuator or controller or directly by the user. Thereby the resistance element can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the resistance to the user. | 12-25-2008 |
20090023561 | RESISTANCE SYSTEM FOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT - A resistance system for fitness equipment includes a frame, a resistance source such as an elastic cord, coil or any other type of spring, weight, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The resistance source is mounted to a resistance block with a load support. A support disk is provided that is movably mounted to the frame and adapted to enable selective engagement with the load support. A transmission member, including a pliable member such as a cable, belt or other member, is coupled to the resistance source. Movement of the support disk enables selective engagement of the resistance source. In this way one or more individual resistance sources can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the resistance to the user by actuation of a dial or other actuator as directed by the user. | 01-22-2009 |
20110039662 | EXERCISE DEVICE WITH VARIED GAIT MOVEMENTS - An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having an upper link pivotally mounted to a lower leg link and a foot support on a distal end of the lower leg link. A first transfer system is movably coupled to a frame and including a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link and a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, thereby enabling substantially reciprocating motion of the first leg link relative to the second leg link. A second transfer system is also provided and may be movably coupled to the frame and including a pair of third transfer members coupled to each of a pair of fourth transfer members by way of each of a pair of transfer couplings, each movably mounted to the frame. The fourth transfer members may be coupled to the first lower leg link and the second lower leg link, whereby movement of the first lower leg link causes movement of the second lower leg link irrespective of movement of the upper leg links thereby providing a stable platform for the user and also enabling an infinite number of gait patters by the user. | 02-17-2011 |
20120100963 | VARIED GAIT EXERCISE DEVICE WITH PIVOT BAR TRANSFER SYSTEM - An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having upper right and left leg links pivotally mounted to lower right and left leg links respectively. The upper leg links are pivotally coupled to the frame. A foot support is provided on the distal end of the lower leg links. The device includes first and second transfer systems for coordinating movement of the right and left sets of upper and lower leg links. The first transfer system is movably coupled to the frame and includes a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link, a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, and a pivot bar pivotally mounted to the frame between a first end and a second end thereof with the first end coupled to the first transfer member and the second end coupled to the second transfer member. | 04-26-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080284187 | MICROFABRICATED MECHANICALLY ACTUATED MICROTOOL AND METHODS - Apparatus and processes are disclosed that provide a microfabricated microtool having a mechanically actuated manipulating mechanism. The microtool comprises a tweezer having flexible arms, and an actuating mechanism. A biological, electrical, or mechanical component is grasped, cut, sensed, or measured by the flexible arms. The actuating mechanism requires no electric power and is achieved by the reciprocating motion of a smooth, rigid microstructure applied against the flexible arms of the microtool. In certain implementations, actuator motion is controlled distally by a tethered cable. A process is also disclosed for producing a microtool, and in particular, by micropatterning. Photolithography may be used to form micro-molds that pattern the microtool or components of the microtool. In certain implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced fully assembled. In other implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced separately and assembled together. | 11-20-2008 |
20100120626 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT NETWORK ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY AND CELLULAR ANALYSIS - Provided herein are apparatus and methods relating to the development of instrumentation for high throughput network electrophysiology and cellular analysis. More specifically, provided herein are multiwell microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and methods for the development of such an apparatus in an inexpensive fashion with a flexible, ANSI/SBS-compliant (American National Standards Institute/Society for Biomolecular Screening) format. Microelectrode arrays are a grid of tightly spaced microelectrodes useful for stimulating and sensing electrically active cells, networks and tissue. The techniques described herein relate to the use of microfabrication in combination with certain large-area processes that have been employed to achieve multiwell MEAs in ANSI/SBS-compliant culture well formats, which are also transparent for inverted/backside microscopy compatibility. These multiwell MEAs can be used to investigate two and three-dimensional networks of electrically active cells and tissue such as cardiac, neural, and muscular in a high throughput fashion. Also being ANSI/SBS-compliant, they are compatible with machinery and robotics developed for the pharmaceutical industry for drug screening applications. | 05-13-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140107981 | CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR ARTIFACT ELIMINATION - Disclosed are apparatus and methods that provide the ability to electrical stimulate a physical system, and actively eliminate interference with signal acquisition (artifacts) that arises from the stimulation. The technique implemented in the circuits and methods for eliminating interference connects a discharge path to a physical interface to the system to remove charge that is built-up during stimulation. By placing the discharge path in a feedback loop that includes a recording preamplifier and AC-coupling circuitry, the physical interface is brought back to its pre-stimulation offset voltage. The disclosed apparatus and methods may be used with piezoelectric transducers, ultrasound devices, optical diodes, and polarizable and non-polarizable electrodes. The disclosed apparatus can be employed in implantable devices, in vitro or in vivo setups with vertebrate and invertebrate neural tissue, muscle fibers, pancreatic islet cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, and plants. | 04-17-2014 |
20140303471 | Non-Invasive Segmentable Three-Dimensional Microelectrode Array Patch For Neurophysiological Diagnostics And Therapeutic Stimulation - Implementations disclosed herein provide for a microneedle electrode system comprising a microneedle electrode patch connected to external electronics. The microneedle electrode patch comprises a first flexible substrate having a plurality of conductive pads disposed thereon, a plurality of three-dimensional, individually addressable microneedle electrode arrays where each array has a plurality of microneedles extending from an upper surface thereof and a lower surface adapted to contact a corresponding one of the plurality of conductive pads disposed on the first substrate, and a second flexible substrate having a plurality of openings defined therein dimensioned to accommodate at least a portion of the upper surface of the microneedle electrode array from which the microneedles extend. Each of the conductive pads is disposed in electrical communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of microneedle electrode arrays and the first and second substrate are bonded together such that each one of the plurality of microneedle electrode arrays extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of openings defined in the second substrate. | 10-09-2014 |
20150027885 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY - Electrophysiology culture plates are provided and are formed from a transparent microelectrode array (MEA) plate. The MEA plate comprises a substrate, a first layer and a first insulating layer. The substrate has a plurality of vias extending from an upper to a lower surface, each via being in electrical contact with each of a plurality of contact pads disposed on the lower surface. The first layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and has a plurality of MEA arrays in in electrical communication with at least a first routing layer. Each MEA array comprises a plurality of reference electrodes and a plurality of microelectrodes and the first routing layer is in electrical communication with a select number of the plurality of vias. A first insulating layer is disposed on the first layer. The MEA plate is joined to a biologic culture plate having a plurality of culture wells such that each culture well defines an interior cavity having a bottom surface that is at least partially transparent and in positioned in registration with a select optical port. The MEA plate is coupled to the biologic culture well plate such that each MEA array is operatively coupled to one culture well wherein each microelectrode and each reference electrode are in electrical communication with the interior cavity through the bottom surface of the culture well. | 01-29-2015 |
20150301026 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY - Electrophysiology culture plates are provided and are formed from a transparent micro-electrode array (MEA) plate. The MEA plate comprises a substrate, a first layer and a first insulating layer. The substrate has a plurality of vias extending from an upper to a lower surface, each via being in electrical contact with each of a plurality of contact pads disposed on the lower surface. The first layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and has a plurality of MEA arrays in in electrical communication with at least a first routing layer. Each MEA array comprises a plurality of reference electrodes and a plurality of microelectrodes and the first routing layer is in electrical communication with a select number of the plurality of vias. A first insulating layer is disposed on the first layer. The MEA plate is joined to a biologic culture plate having a plurality of culture wells such that each culture well defines an interior cavity having a bottom surface that is at least partially transparent and in positioned in registration with a select optical port. The MEA plate is coupled to the biologic culture well plate such that each MEA array is operatively coupled to one culture well wherein each microelectrode and each reference electrode are in electrical communication with the interior cavity through the bottom surface of the culture well. | 10-22-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100159778 | CONFORMABLE ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE FOR FORMING A SEAL WITH THE SKIN - The present invention is directed to an article suitable for attachment to the skin of a user, the article including a compressible material and a means for attaching the compressible material to skin, wherein the compressible material has Compressibility under a 1.4 kilopascal load greater than about 14 percent, and further wherein the compressible material has an Initial Shear Modulus in a first direction less than about 200 kilopascals. | 06-24-2010 |
20110144591 | Transdermal Delivery Device - The present invention relates generally to a transdermal delivery device which is suitable for the transdermal delivery or removal of substances, and in particular relates to a transdermal delivery device having a support and a plurality of microneedles projecting outwardly from the support, at least one microneedle including a channel positioned on the exterior surface which aligns with at least one aperture being formed in the support. | 06-16-2011 |
20110155141 | Wearable Article That Stiffens Upon Sudden Force - A wearable article made from a nonwoven fabric that includes a plurality of coated fibers. The coated fibers have an exterior surface and a coating composition on at least a portion of the exterior surface. The coating composition includes an aminofunctionalized silane and a dialdehyde, where the weight percent of the dialdehyde in the coating composition is greater than the weight percent of the silane in the coating composition. The wearable article can be a wrap, brace, support, compression hosiery, bandage or compress. When worn, the wearable article is initially flexible but becomes rigid and stiff when the coated fibers experience a sudden force or impact. The wearable article does not include a fluid. | 06-30-2011 |
20110159759 | Puncture Resistant Fabric - The present invention is generally directed to a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of coated fibers, the coating including silane and dialdehyde, and, in certain embodiments, further including particles. | 06-30-2011 |
20120172514 | THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITIONS FOR SHEET MATERIALS HAVING IMPROVED TENSILE PROPERTIES - Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition suitable for forming sheet materials with improved tensile properties. The thermoplastic composition includes from about 1 to about 98 weight percent of a fiber-forming or film-forming polymer, from about 1 to about 98 weight percent of a low melt flow rate polymer having a melt flow rate less than 20 grams per 10 minutes, and from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be cylindrical nanoparticles having an average aspect ratio greater than about 1 and less than about 500. | 07-05-2012 |
20120220980 | Transdermal Patch Containing Microneedles - A transdermal patch that can easily deliver a controlled volume of a fluidic drug compound to the skin is provided. More particularly, the patch contains a microneedle assembly that is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a drug delivery assembly. The microneedle assembly contains a support and a plurality of microneedles that extend outwardly from the support. The microneedles are formed with one or more channels of a certain dimension such that passive capillary flow drives the flow of the drug compound. The drug delivery system contains a reservoir for the drug compound that is in fluid communication with a rate control membrane that helps control the flow rate of the drug compound by modulating its pressure downstream from the reservoir. A release member is also positioned adjacent to the microneedle and drug delivery assemblies. Prior to use, the release member acts as a barrier to the flow of the drug compound and thus inhibits premature leakage. In this manner, the patch can initially be provided in an “inactive” configuration in which the drug compound is securely retained. When it is desired to release the drug compound, the patch can simply be activated by at least partially separating the release member from the drug delivery and microneedle assemblies. | 08-30-2012 |
20140112921 | Increased Bioavailability of Transdermally Delivered Agents - A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. | 04-24-2014 |
20140287019 | Implantable Devices for Delivery of Bioactive Agents - An implantable delivery device and method for utilizing the device to delivery a bioactive agent to a subject in need thereof is described. The device includes a pattern of structures fabricated on a surface of the device to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The device may be located adjacent tissue such as an endovascular implant or a perivascular implant, and may deliver the bioactive agent without triggering an immune or foreign body response to the bioactive agent. | 09-25-2014 |
20140343532 | Transdermal Delivery of High Viscosity Bioactive Agents - A device and method for delivering a high viscosity composition is described. The composition includes a bioactive agent for delivery to a subject in need thereof. The method delivers the bioactive agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. The device includes one or more microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. | 11-20-2014 |
20150360018 | Drug Delivery Device - A drug delivery device is disclosed that may include a skin penetrating assembly having a support defining an upper surface and a lower surface. The skin penetrating assembly may also include a plurality of skin penetrating members extending outwardly from the lower surface. Each skin penetrating member may define a channel for receiving a drug formulation. In addition, the device may include a reservoir positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the support for initially retaining the drug formulation. The reservoir may include a top surface and a bottom surface and may define a plurality of passages extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The passages may be configured such that the drug formulation is retained within the passages against gravity. | 12-17-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100057034 | DYNAMIC FITTING BODY ADHERING ABSORBENT ARTICLE - A disposable personal care article comprises a shell having a unitary structure for disposition adjacent a wearer's vulva region, where the shell has a first side and a second side, the first side having a first area and a second area. The first area of the shell contacts to the wearer's skin and/or hair surrounding the vulva region. At least a portion of the first area comprises a body attachment means for adhering the shell directly to the skin and/or hair of the wearer. In addition, the shell has an anterior half and a posterior half where the posterior half exhibits a higher extension relative to the anterior half when a stretching force of 454 grams is applied. In some aspects, the article further includes an absorbent structure. | 03-04-2010 |
20110270221 | Nanopatterned Medical Device with Enhanced Cellular Interaction - Disclosed are nanotopography-based methods and devices for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. Devices include structures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component. | 11-03-2011 |
20120107570 | Synthetic Gecko Adhesive Attachments - An adhesive material that contains a plurality of setae that include a stalk and spatula extending therefrom is provided. To form the adhesive material, a substantially planar substrate may be initially molded to define the setae. In this initial configuration, the setae are positioned substantially in the plane of the substrate. The substrate is then physically manipulated (e.g., folded, bent, corrugated, rotated, etc.) so that the setae become extended in an outwardly direction from the plane. Among other things, this provides a three-dimensional material having enhanced adhesive properties. | 05-03-2012 |
20120151659 | Material With Enhanced Features - The present invention is generally directed to a grip enhancing material that includes a polymeric sheet having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of elongated flexible bristles contiguous with the first surface, the elongated flexible bristles having a root proximate to the first surface, a tip spaced apart from the first surface, wherein at least a portion of the flexible bristles have an average aspect ratio of at least about 1:5, and wherein at least a portion of the flexible bristles have an average length of less than about 15 microns. | 06-21-2012 |
20120316503 | Transdermal Device Containing Microneedles - The present invention includes a microneedle assembly having a support that includes a first surface and a second surface, the second surface further including a slanted surface. A plurality of microneedles are provided which project outwardly from the second surface of the support. A pathway through the microneedle assembly is formed and includes an aperture extending between the first surface of the support and the second surface of the support, a channel disposed on the exterior surface of at least one microneedle, the channel having a surface, the channel being in alignment with at least a portion of the aperture to form a junction through which fluids may pass. | 12-13-2012 |
20130018344 | Dynamic Fitting Body Adhering Absorbent Article - A disposable personal care article includes a shell having a unitary structure for disposition adjacent a wearer's vulva region; wherein the shell has a first side and a second side, the first side having a first area and a second area, the first area including body adhesive properties; wherein at least a portion of the first area comprises a body attachment means for adhering the shell directly to the skin and/or hair of the wearer; and wherein the shell has an anterior portion and a posterior portion where the posterior portion exhibits a higher % Extension relative to the anterior portion when a stretching force of 454 grams is applied, as measured by the % Strain Differential Test; and an absorbent structure present in the second area of the shell, wherein the first area is longitudinally separated from the second area. | 01-17-2013 |
20130144217 | INJECTION MOLDED MICRONEEDLE ARRAY AND METHOD FOR FORMING THE MICRONEEDLE ARRAY - Disclosed are injection molded devices including microneedles on a substrate base. The microneedles may include a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. The molds used to form the microneedles are assembled from a plurality of mold segments, each defining portions of the microneedles. Upon assembly of the multiple mold segments, microneedle negative cavities are formed. The molds may be used in an injection molding process to form microneedle arrays. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144257 | DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS MEDICATION - Disclosed are devices for delivering a rheumatoid arthritis drug across a dermal barrier. The devices include microneedles for penetrating the stratum corneum and also include structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The pattern of structures on the surface of the microneedles may include nano-sized structures. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150822 | METHOD FOR INCREASING THE PERMEABILITY OF AN EPITHELIAL BARRIER - Disclosed are nanotopography-based methods and devices for interacting with a component of epithelial tissue and increasing the permeability of the tissue. Devices include structures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the components of epithelial tissue. | 06-13-2013 |
20130158505 | MEDICAL DEVICES FOR DELIVERY OF siRNA - Disclosed are medical devices that incorporate siRNA. In addition to one or more siRNA constructs, devices include nanostructures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be incorporated on devices. The pattern including nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microneedles. | 06-20-2013 |
20130165861 | COMPOSITE MICRONEEDLE ARRAY INCLUDING NANOSTRUCTURES THEREON - Disclosed are composite microneedles arrays including microneedles and a film overlaying the microneedles. The film includes a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Devices may be beneficially utilized for delivery of an agent to a cell or tissue. Devices may be utilized to directly or indirectly alter cell behavior through the interaction of a fabricated nanotopography with the plasma membrane of a cell and/or with an extracellular matrix component. | 06-27-2013 |
20150174386 | TRANSDERMAL DEVICE CONTAINING MICRONEEDLES - The present invention includes a microneedle assembly having a support that includes a first surface and a second surface, the second surface further including a slanted surface. A plurality of microneedles are provided which project outwardly from the second surface of the support. A pathway through the microneedle assembly is formed and includes an aperture extending between the first surface of the support and the second surface of the support, a channel disposed on the exterior surface of at least one microneedle, the channel having a surface, the channel being in alignment with at least a portion of the aperture to form a junction through which fluids may pass. | 06-25-2015 |