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| 20110174637 | ELECTRODE LAYOUT FOR BLOOD TEST SENSOR STRIP - An improved electrode layout for a continuous strip sensor is provided which reduces misalignment of the electrodes with the contacts which read the position of the strip. Better contact with the electrodes reduces or eliminates transient signals between stop positions of the sensor strip. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110178433 | SENSOR STRIP POSITIONING MECHANISM - A blood sample test device has a continuous strip sensor which is advanced through the device so that multiple blood sample tests can be conducted on a single strip. The device is provided with a sprocket having an encoder which engages sprocket holes on the strip to precisely control the advancement of the strip through the device. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110319812 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAIN REDUCTION DURING SKIN PUNCTURE AND BREAKABLE TIP THEREFOR - An instrument, article and method are provided for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic. The instrument has a forward end. A lightpipe mounted freely for vibration projects out of the forward end. The article, a single use tip, is composed of a tip sleeve removably mounted on the forward end of the instrument and a tip member removably mounted on the projecting lightpipe to vibrate a preselected injection site on a human or animal. The tip sleeve and tip member are covered by an elastic overmold that enables the tip member to vibrate freely with respect to the tip sleeve and light from the lightpipe to illuminate the injection site. The overmold of the single use tip is torn during removal of the single use tip from the instrument. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120016292 | APPARATUS, ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING PAIN DURING SKIN PUNCTURING PROCEDURES - An instrument, article and method are provided for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic. The instrument has a forward end. A lightpipe mounted freely for vibration projects out of the forward end. The article, a single use tip, is composed of a tip sleeve removably mounted on the forward end of the instrument and a tip member removably mounted on the projecting lightpipe to vibrate a preselected injection site on a human or animal. The tip sleeve and tip member are covered by an elastic overmold that enables the tip member to vibrate freely with respect to the tip sleeve and light from the lightpipe to illuminate the injection site. A vibration unit mounted in the instrument is coupled to the lightpipe. The method is carried out by imparting vibrations and illumination via the lightpipe to the tip member. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120029422 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAIN REDUCTION DURING SKIN PUNCTURE AND BREAKABLE TIP THEREFOR - An instrument, article and method are provided for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic. The instrument has a forward end. A rod or lightpipe mounted freely for vibration projects out of the forward end. The article, a single use tip, is composed of a tip sleeve removably mounted on the forward end of the instrument and a tip member removably mounted on the projecting rod or lightpipe to vibrate a preselected injection site on a human or animal. The tip sleeve and tip member are covered by an elastic overmold that enables the tip member to vibrate freely with respect to the tip sleeve and light from the lightpipe to illuminate the injection site. The overmold of the single use tip is torn during removal of the single use tip from the instrument. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120226123 | LANCING DEVICE HAVING SADDLE-SHAPED TIP | 09-06-2012 |
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| 20090289085 | Beverage Dispensing Device - A beverage dispensing device using a pressure regulator to maintain the pressure inside the beverage container as the beverage is dispensed is disclosed. The pressure regulator includes a second chamber separate from the space containing the beverage. The second chamber contains a sorbent on which a propellant gas is adsorbed. The pressure inside the beverage container controls the opening and closing of a flow regulator that allows either the beverage being dispensed or a displacing agent contained in a third chamber to flow into the second chamber when the pressure in the beverage container is decreased. If either the beverage or the displacing agent flow into the second chamber, it will liberate the propellant gas adsorbed to the sorbent, and the gas is released through an outlet into the beverage container. This increases the pressure in the beverage, which in turn closes the flow regulator and stops the liberation of the propellant gas from the sorbent. This process is repeated as the beverage is being dispensed to maintain the pressure of the beverage inside the dispenser. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20100137812 | Pen style liquid dispenser - A hand-held device ( | 06-03-2010 |
| 20110015546 | BLOOD GLUCOSE SENSOR - The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for blood sample acquisition and testing. The apparatus incorporates a test strip having a blood sample volume detection area in which a blood sample is accumulated and a minimum blood sample volume is detected. Once a minimum blood sample volume is detected, the test strip is moved with respect to the blood sample extraction site so that a bending surface of the test strip is presented to the blood sample, utilizing the surface tension of the blood sample droplet to facilitate movement of the blood sample to a measurement site on the strip where blood glucose in the sample is measured. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110220176 | PORTABLE, DURABLE, INTEGRATED SOLAR POWER GENERATION DEVICE - A solar power generation device comprising a power subunit comprising an array configured to collect solar radiation, and a control subunit removably connected to the power subunit and configured to provide control and motion to the power subunit. The array includes at least one solar module and a pivoting means configured to facilitate movement of the at least one solar module from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The power subunit includes a frame configured to support and move the array. The control subunit includes a tracking system configured to position the array relative to a the sun to maximize collection of solar radiation. When not in use, the solar power generation device may be stacked in a closed configuration with other similar devices on a pallet or other storage device. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110264216 | Unlinked Implantable Knee Unloading Device - A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20120195674 | CLEANING IMPLEMENT - A multipurpose cleaning implement that permits a user to remove at least one of loose matter, stains and stuck-on debris from floor surfaces. The device includes an elongate handle the lower end of which is connected to a cleaning head that carries cleaning material. In an embodiment, the cleaning head is selectively positionable between a broom/scrubbing position and a mop position. In various embodiments, the implement possesses characteristics of a broom, a scrubbing brush and/or a mop. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120279989 | LIQUID DISPENSING CONTAINER - A fluid dispensing assembly for use with mop-like devices. The assembly adapts to mop-like devices and utilizes a collapsible fluid reservoir pouch preferably contained within a substantially rigid housing. The collapsible fluid reservoir pouch permits fluid dispensing without need for venting. The assembly preferably utilizes one or the other of a fluid conducting needle and a venting needle found in a fluid disbursement fitment of commercially available mop-like devices, but the needles are not used to puncture membranes in a fluid reservoir. Rather, they provide mechanical force to actuate a valve that is used to permit flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid disbursement fitment. | 11-08-2012 |
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| 20100125290 | GUARDED SURGICAL KNIFE HANDLE - A guarded surgical knife handle includes a lower handle portion, an upper handle postion, and a button. The lower handle portion includes a blade holder, a proximal pair of lateral shelves, and a distal pair of lateral shelves. The upper handle portion includes a guard portion, a proximal post between the proximal pair of shelves with a first widened post portion wider than the lateral spacing between the shelves, and a distal post between the distal pair of shelves with a second widened post portion wider than the lateral spacing between the shelves. The button has a button waist narrower than the second lateral spacing and a widened button portion below the button waist wider than the second lateral spacing. A bias member connected to the button and at least one of the handle portions provides an upward force on the button. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100125293 | GUARDED SURGICAL KNIFE HANDLE - A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20120285023 | Guarded Surgical Knife Handle - A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position. | 11-15-2012 |
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| 20080254601 | METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THIN FILM FORMATION WITH REACTIVE GASES - A method for producing a Group IV semiconductor thin film in a chamber is disclosed. The method includes positioning a substrate in the chamber, wherein the chamber further has a chamber pressure. The method further includes depositing a nanoparticle ink on the substrate, the nanoparticle ink including set of Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles and a solvent, wherein each nanoparticle of the set of Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles includes a nanoparticle surface, wherein a layer of Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles is formed. The method also includes striking a hydrogen plasma; and heating the layer of Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles to a fabrication temperature of between about 300° C. and about 1350° C., and between about 1 nanosecond and about 10 minutes; wherein the Group IV semiconductor thin film is formed. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20090044661 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GROUP IV NANOPARTICLES IN A FLOW-THROUGH PLASMA REACTOR - A plasma processing apparatus for producing a set of Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles from a precursor gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer dielectric tube, the outer tube including an outer tube inner surface and an outer tube outer surface, wherein the outer tube inner surface has an outer tube inner surface etching rate. The apparatus also includes an inner dielectric tube, the inner dielectric tube including an inner tube outer surface, wherein the outer tube inner surface and the inner tube outer surface define an annular channel, and further wherein the inner tube outer surface has an inner tube outer surface etching rate. The apparatus further includes a first outer electrode, the first outer electrode having a first outer electrode inner surface disposed on the outer tube outer surface. The apparatus also includes a first central electrode, the first central electrode being disposed inside the inner dielectric tube, the first central electrode further configured to be coupled to the first outer electrode when a first RF energy source is applied to one of the first outer electrode and the first central electrode; and a first reaction zone defined between the first outer electrode and the central electrode. | 02-19-2009 |
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| 20080281313 | System and Method for Laparoscopic Nerve Detection - A surgical system aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20120059275 | Method for Laparoscopic Nerve Detection and Mapping - A surgical method aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120123292 | Nerve Mapping Surgical System and Method of Use of Dual Function Surgical Instrument Within Such System - A surgical system has an electrode probe, an analyzer, a bipolar instrument, a bipolar power supply and a switch, the switch in communication with the analyzer, the bipolar power supply and the bipolar instrument, to permit alternate use of the bipolar instrument as a surgical instrument and use as an exploratory probe. An electrode probe delivery device has a base plate, an insertion guide connected to and extending from the base plate and formed for receipt of an electrode probe. A catheter on the device permits receipt of at least one electrode probe and a handle connects to the catheter and permits movement thereof such that the catheter is passable through the base plate for introduction into a patient. | 05-17-2012 |
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| 20080287802 | Method for minimizing tracking system interference - A method for minimizing tracking system interference caused by a motor driven ultrasonic imaging device is disclosed herein. The method includes providing an ultrasonic imaging device adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The ultrasonic imaging device includes a motor configured to rotate a transducer array within a catheter housing. The method for minimizing tracking system interference also includes estimating a noise signal produced by the motor, selecting a tracking system signal strength and/or frequency adapted to minimize a tracking system interference, and implementing a field generator to produce a tracking system signal at the selected tracking system signal strength and/or frequency. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080287860 | SURGICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH A TRACKABLE ULTRASOUND CATHETER - A surgical navigation system including an ultrasound catheter is disclosed herein. The ultrasound catheter includes a flexible catheter housing defining a distal end, a transducer array disposed at least partially within the catheter housing, and a motor coupled with the transducer array. The motor is configured to rotate the transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional volume. The ultrasound catheter also includes a tracking element adapted to provide an estimate of a position and/or orientation of the distal end of the catheter housing. The tracking element is disposed within the catheter housing and immediately adjacent to the distal end. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090112128 | MULTI-STRANDED TRACKABLE GUIDEWIRE - A trackable guidewire is presented. The guidewire includes a plurality of wires arranged in a predetermined pattern to form a body of the guidewire, where the plurality of wires is configured to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity of signals and mechanical strength. A guidewire assembly is also presented, where the guidewire assembly includes a guidewire, where the guidewire includes a plurality of wires arranged in a predetermined pattern to form a body of the guidewire, and the plurality of wires is configured to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity of signals and mechanical strength, and one or more sensing devices, where the one or more sensing devices are operatively coupled to the guidewire. Methods of making the guidewire and the guidewire assembly are also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090118620 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING AN ULTRASOUND CATHETER - A surgical navigation system including an ultrasound catheter is disclosed herein. The ultrasound catheter includes a flexible catheter housing defining a distal end, a transducer array disposed at least partially within the catheter housing, and a motor coupled with the transducer array. The motor is configured to rotate the transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional (3D) volume. The ultrasound catheter also includes at least one tracking element adapted to provide an estimate of a position and orientation of the distal end of the catheter housing. The at least one tracking element is disposed within the catheter housing and located immediately adjacent to the distal end. | 05-07-2009 |
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| 20080215101 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY STIMULATION OF MEDIAL THALAMIC REGION - A system for treating medical conditions by neuromodulation of one or more target sites in the nervous system. In certain embodiments, at least one of the target sites is the medial thalamic region, including the intralaminar nucleus and the adjacent white and grey matter. In certain embodiments, where there is more than one target site, the other target sites is elsewhere in the nervous system, including the globus pallidus interna, subthalamic nucleus, corpus callosum, cerebellum, cerebral cortex (including the premotor cortex, motor cortex, and sensory cortex), ventral striatum, lateral thalamus, substantia nigra, and pedunculopontine nuclei. The medical conditions include movement disorders or improvement of movement function, stroke, neuropsychiatric or neuropsychologic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and pain. Methods for treating medical conditions by neuromodulation of the intralaminar nuclei either alone or in combination with another target site(s) is also provided. | 09-04-2008 |
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| 20090216288 | FEEDBACK METHOD FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION WITH DETECTION OF GENERALIZED EFFERENCE COPY SIGNALS - Disclosed is a method for improving cognitive function or for improving coordination of function across a patient's cortical regions. The method includes applying electrical stimulation to at least a portion of the patient's subcortical structures involved in the generation and control of generalized efference copy signals. Internally generated movement of the patient is then detected and, in response to such internally generated movement, application of electrical stimulation is controlled. The method of the present invention has a number of benefits, including increasing flexibility in identifying targets for stimulation, improving the probability of successfully treating brain injury, and permitting patient biofeedback and self-regulation. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090319001 | FEEDBACK METHOD FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION WITH DETECTION OF GENERALIZED EFFERENCE COPY SIGNALS - Disclosed is a method for improving cognitive function or for improving coordination of function across a patient's cortical regions. The method includes applying electrical stimulation to at least a portion of the patient's subcortical structures involved in the generation and control of generalized efference copy signals. Internally generated movement of the patient is then detected and, in response to such internally generated movement, application of electrical stimulation is controlled. The method of the present invention has a number of benefits, including increasing flexibility in identifying targets for stimulation, improving the probability of successfully treating brain injury, and permitting patient biofeedback and self-regulation. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20110106206 | PATIENT CONTROLLED BRAIN REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A method of maintaining an information rate of a Brain-computer interface (BCI) system, implanted in a patient's brain, by regulating arousal level in the patient's brain is disclosed. The method includes selecting a patient with the implanted BCI device configured to receive neuronal activity from one or more electrodes connected to the patient's brain and to establish a communication channel between the patient and an external device controlled by the patient. Accordingly, a rate of information passage through the communication channel from the BCI device is measured, and a region of the patient's brain involved in arousal regulation, is stimulated in response to said measuring, under conditions effective to adjust the rate of information passing from the BCI device through the communication channel. A computer medium for carrying out this method and a BCI Arousal Regulation system are also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
