08th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 47 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140052225 | Connector Assemblies for Implantable Medical Electrical Systems - A device connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts and a sealing member including a corresponding plurality of apertures; each electrical contact extends within a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures such that each contact is accessible for coupling with a corresponding connector element of a lead connector. The lead connector elements protrude from a first side of an insulative substrate of the lead connector, and may be coupled to the contacts of the device connector assembly by aligning each connector element with the corresponding aperture of the sealing member, and applying a force to a second side of the insulative substrate, opposite the first side, in order to press each connector element into engagement with the corresponding contact. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052226 | LEAD WITH TEXTURED INSULATIVE LAYER - Described is a medical device lead including a lead body having a conductor lumen including an inner surface. The lead also includes a conductor assembly extending through the conductor lumen; the conductor assembly comprising a conductor member and an outer insulative layer; and an electrode coupled to the conductor cable. The outer insulative layer includes a textured external surface that reduces the coefficient of friction between the outer insulative layer and the inner surface of the conductor lumen through which the conductor assembly extends. Methods of forming the conductor assembly are also described. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052227 | Implantable Medical Leads and Systems that Utilize Reflection Points to Control Induced Radio Frequency Energy - Implantable medical leads and systems utilize reflection points within the lead to control radio frequency current that has been induced onto one or more filars. The radio frequency current may be controlled by the reflection points to block at least some of the radio frequency current from reaching an electrode of the lead and to dissipate at least some of the radio frequency current as heat on the filar. Controlling the radio frequency current thereby reduces the amount that is dissipated into bodily tissue through one or more electrodes of the lead and reduces the likelihood of tissue damage. The reflection points may be created by physical changes such as to material or size in the filar and/or in insulation layers that may be present such as an inner jacket about the filar and an outer jacket formed by the body of the lead. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052228 | IN-LINE CONNECTOR TERMINALS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEADS - An implantable medical electrical lead includes a plurality of conductors that extend continuously, without any intermediary junctions, between a plurality of electrodes and a corresponding plurality of contact members of an in-line connector terminal. A junction between each conductor and the corresponding contact member is preferably formed by first fitting a conductive sleeve, which is coupled to a proximal portion of the conductor, into an eyelet feature of the contact member, which is mounted on a strut member, and then welding the sleeve to the contact member at a pre-formed slot of the contact member, which extends along an external recessed surface thereof. The assembly of the connector terminal preferably completes the construction of the lead, wherein the proximal portion of each conductor is positioned in a helical path, which extends between an elongate body of the lead and the connector terminal, and along which a grip zone is formed. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052229 | ELECTRODES FOR STIMULATION LEADS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - An electrode has a unitary ring with an exterior surface, interior surface, and at least two edges. The electrode also includes a seat formed in at least the exterior surface of the unitary ring. The seat is configured and arranged for attachment of a terminal end of a lead wire, disposed in the seat, to the electrode. A lead includes a lead body; a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end of the lead body; and a plurality of lead wires. Each electrode includes a unitary ring and a seat in the unitary ring. The unitary ring has an exterior surface and an interior surface and defines a hollow center region. The seat is formed as a depression of a portion of the unitary ring. Each of the lead wires extends along the lead body and is attached to a corresponding electrode at the seat of the corresponding electrode. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052230 | IMPLANTS HAVING HIGH FATIGUE RESISTANCE, IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF USE - According to one aspect of the present invention, a fatigue resistant stent includes a flexible tubular structure having an inside diameter, an outside diameter, and a sidewall therebetween and having apertures extending through the sidewall. According to other aspects of the invention, processes for making a fatigue resistant stent are disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, delivery systems for a fatigue resistant stent and methods of use are provided | 2014-02-20 |
20140052231 | STENT AND ARTIFICIAL VESSEL HAVING THE SAME - Disclosed herein is a stent which is inserted into a blood vessel of a patient who has to periodically undergo hemodialysis. The stent includes a wire frame which has a hollow cylindrical structure, and a window which is formed in a predetermined portion of a circumferential surface of the wire frame. The window has no wire therein. In an embodiment, the stent may further a graft which covers the wire frame and the window. The present invention can solve problems not only of deformation of the stent graft which occurs when a hemodialysis needle is inserted into the stent in the conventional technique, but also of patient discomfort when having skin punctured high cost, thrombopoiesis, a risk of recurrence, etc. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052232 | HANDLE ASSEMBLIES FOR STENT GRAFT DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Handle assemblies for stent graft delivery systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, a handle assembly for a stent graft delivery system includes a movable pushing component configured to deliver a distal portion of the stent graft to an arterial target site. The assembly further includes a moveable pulling component configured to interface with the pushing component and provide a compression force to the distal portion of the stent graft. The stent graft comprises a helix angle and the pulling component is configured to move relative to the pushing component at a ratio corresponding to the helix angle. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052233 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR DEFECTS - Methods for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The method includes providing an expandable wire body support structure having a low profile radially constrained state, an expanded relaxed state with a substantially spherical or globular configuration having a smooth outer surface, and a porous permeable layer comprising a braided wire occlusive mesh disposed over at least a portion of the expandable wire body support structure at a first end, which is configured to cover an aneurysm opening. The support structure is advanced in the low profile radially constrained state within a microcatheter to a region of interest within a cerebral artery. The support structure is then deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, and the support structure expands to the expanded relaxed state within the cerebral aneurysm. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052234 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING IMPLANTABLE SLEEVES OVER BLOOD VESSELS - In an aspect of some embodiments there is provided apparatuses and methods including a sleeve expander capable of covering with an implantable sleeve an exterior of a bodily vessel, along a chosen length thereof, the sleeve expander configured to maintain at least a portion of the implantable sleeve in an expanded size greater than a cross sectional dimension thereof when in apposition to the exterior. In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut down the implantable sleeve and/or external fixating means configured to fixate a covering section of the implantable sleeve to a corresponding covered section of the bodily vessel. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052235 | STENT RETAINED ON A BALLOON CATHETER - A balloon is inflated from a collapsed configuration, then deflated. A polymeric stem is then disposed over the deflated balloon and the stent crimped to the balloon. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052236 | REDUCED-STRAIN EXTRA- VASCULAR RING FOR TREATING AORTIC ANEURYSM - Apparatus ( | 2014-02-20 |
20140052237 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENGAGING A VALVE PROSTHESIS WITH TISSUE - A prosthetic valve comprises a self-expanding frame which includes a self-expanding atrial skirt that forms a flanged region, a self-expanding ventricular skirt, and a first self-expanding tab coupled with the ventricular skirt. A receptacle for receiving a valve leaflet is formed by the area bounded by an outer surface of the atrial skirt, an outer surface of the ventricular skirt, and an inner surface of the first tab. The receptacle has a window for receiving the valve leaflet that is defined by a gap between an edge of the flange and a tip of the first tab. The gap is maximized when the tip of the first tab is unconstrained and a base of the first tab is at least partially constrained. The gap is minimized when the tip of the first tab and its base are unconstrained. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052238 | DELIVERY DEVICE HAVING A CURVED SHAFT AND A STRAIGHTENING MEMBER FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION - A delivery device ( | 2014-02-20 |
20140052239 | CONVEYING APPLIANCE WITH VALVE LOCATING FUNCTION FOR USE DURING PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT OPERATION - A conveying appliance with valve locating function for use during percutaneous aortic valve replacement operation includes a conveying rod ( | 2014-02-20 |
20140052240 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF VALVE PROSTHESES - A valve prosthesis and implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The devices described herein may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052241 | GUIDED DELIVERY OF PROSTHETIC VALVE - An image-guided prosthetic valve deployment system employs a prosthetic valve ( | 2014-02-20 |
20140052242 | REPLACEMENT PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMPLANT - A prosthetic heart valve for functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve is disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible support structure with leaflets and anchors mounted to the support structure. The support structure also includes an inflow end and an outflow end. The anchors include a radially outwardly extending first anchor proximate to the inflow end and a radially outwardly extending second anchor proximate to the outflow end. The first anchor includes a first configuration and the second anchor includes a second configuration where the first configuration is different than the second configuration. The previously implanted prosthetic heart valve serves as a platform for securement of the prosthetic heart valve to the patient's native tissue. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052243 | SUTURELESS ANCHORING DEVICE FOR CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - A device for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve on biological tissue, includes first and second anchoring assemblies, mutually couplable to secure biological tissue therebetween. The anchoring assemblies include at least one pair of complementary arched portions having anchoring formations for anchoring on the biological tissue. The anchoring formations include integral extensions of the anchoring assemblies extending radially outwardly of one of the anchoring assemblies. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052244 | SUTURELESS ANCHORING DEVICE FOR CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - A device for anchoring on biological tissue a prosthetic heart valve, includes first and second anchoring assemblies mutually couplable to secure biological tissue therebetween. The anchoring assemblies include at least one pair of complementary arched portions having anchoring formations for anchoring on the biological tissue. The anchoring formations include integral extensions of the anchoring assemblies extending radially outwardly of one of the anchoring assemblies. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052245 | Intraocular Lenses for Managing Glare, Adhesion, and Cell Migration - An intraocular lens for providing vision to a subject contains an optic, a support structure coupled to the optic. The intraocular lens also includes a textured surface and/or subsurface layer. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and comprises an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, the surfaces being configured to focus light when implanted within an eye having a capsular bag. The textured surface is disposed over a surface portion of the intraocular lens and includes a plurality of periodically-spaced protrusions, each protrusion having a smooth distal face and a sharp corner edge configured to engage a wall of the capsular bag and/or at least one cell disposed along the wall. The subsurface layer is configured to scatter an amount of light that is at least twice the amount of light scattered by portions of the material adjacent the subsurface layer or at least twice the amount of light scattered by another intraocular lens that does not have the subsurface layer, but which is otherwise substantially equivalent. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052246 | MODULAR INTRAOCULAR LENS DESIGNS AND METHODS - A modular IOL system including intraocular primary and secondary components, which, when combined, form an intraocular optical correction device, wherein the secondary component is placed on the primary component within the perimeter of the capsulorhexis, thus avoiding the need to touch or otherwise manipulate the capsular bag. The secondary component may be manipulated, removed, and/or exchanged for a different secondary component for correction or modification of the optical result, on an intra-operative or post-operative basis, without the need to remove the primary component and without the need to manipulate the capsular bag. The primary component may have haptics extending therefrom for centration in the capsular bag, and the secondary component may exclude haptics, relying instead on attachment to the primary component for stability. Such attachment may include actuatable interlocking members. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052247 | Placental tissue grafts modified with a cross-linking agent and methods of making and using the same - Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta that possess good adhesion to biological tissues and are useful in would healing applications. In one aspect, the tissue graft includes (1) two or more layers of amnion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, (2) two or more layers of chorion, wherein at least one layer of chorion is cross-linked, or (3) one or more layers of amnion and chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion and/or chorion is cross-linked. In another aspect, the grafts are composed of amnion and chorion cross-linked with one another. In a further aspect, the grafts have one or more layers sandwiched between the amnion and chorion membranes. The amnion and/or the chorion are treated with a cross-linking agent prior to the formation of the graft. The presence of the cross-linking agent present on the graft also enhances adhesion to the biological tissue of interest. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052248 | Crossbar Spinal Prosthesis Having a Modular Design and Related Implantation Methods - Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052249 | SPINAL IMPLANTS AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Example spinal implants and related apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example spinal implant includes an outer corpus and an inner corpus axially displaceably coupled to the outer corpus. A first lever accommodation is provided on the outer corpus and includes an elongated aperture. A first set of teeth are formed on a first side of the first lever accommodation. A second lever accommodation is provided on the inner corpus and includes an elongated aperture. A second set of teeth are formed on a second side of the second lever accommodation. The first and second lever accommodations are aligned. The example spinal implant includes a first guide on the inner corpus and a second guide on the outer corpus. The first and second guides allow for axial displacement of the inner corpus relative to the outer corpus and prevent rotation of the inner corpus relative to the outer corpus. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052250 | Inflatable Multi-Chambered Devices and Methods of Treatment Using the Same - Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052251 | Transforaminal Prosthetic Spinal Disc Replacement - An intervertebral implant includes a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. The implant further includes a second endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having first and second side rails positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second arcuate slots on opposing sides of the second surface. A plate connecting the first and second endplates is also provided. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052252 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method of Installation Thereof - The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052253 | Expandable Interbody Spacer - The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized portions of the spine, including intervertebral discs, to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to an expandable interbody spacer. The expandable interbody spacer may comprise a first jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The expandable interbody spacer further may comprise a second jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a proximal end of the expandable interbody spacer. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a distal end of the expandable interbody spacer. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052254 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method of Installation Thereof - The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052255 | IMPLANT WITH SEMI-ENCLOSED SCREWS - The present teachings provide an implant. The implant can include an implant body partially defining at least one threaded aperture. The implant can also include a bone fastener including a threaded portion threadably engaged with the at least one threaded aperture. The threaded aperture can circumferentially surround no more than 180° of the bone fastener. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052256 | Transforaminal Prosthetic Spinal Disc Replacement and Methods Thereof - The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine and methods for inserting said discs. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that are implanted using a transforaminal approach, methods thereof, and apparatus thereof. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052257 | Spine Stabilization Device and Methods - An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052258 | INTERBODY SPACER - An intervertebral spinal spacer that can include a substantially annular body that can include an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface of the substantially annular body can define an internal cavity. The annular body can include a plurality of outer apertures and a plurality of inner apertures connected by a plurality of fluid passages that can draw fluid into the internal cavity. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052259 | Spinal Fusion Implant - The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052260 | STAND ALONE INTERBODY FIXATION SYSTEM - An interbody spacer system for insertion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra according to the principles of the present disclosure includes and interbody spacer and a first curved blade. The interbody spacer includes an outer wall and a first surface for engaging an endplate of the first vertebra and a second surface for engaging an endplate of the second vertebra. A first entry aperture in the outer wall and a first exit aperture on the first surface communicate with a first curved path extending therebetween. The first curved blade enters the first entry aperture and exits through the first exit aperture to secure the spacer to the first vertebra. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052261 | Intervertebral Implant, Insertion Tool and Method of Inserting Same - An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052262 | Intervertebral Implant Having Extendable Bone Fixation Members - An intervertebral implant is configured to be fixed in an intervertebral space defined by a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intervertebral implant includes an implant body sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space, and a fixation assembly configured to be attached to the implant body. The fixation assembly includes a housing that defines a first vertebral body facing surface and a second vertebral body facing surface spaced from the first vertebral body facing surface along a transverse direction. The fixation assembly further includes at least one fixation member supported by the housing and movable from a retracted position to an extended position, whereby in the extended position the fixation member extends out from the housing and into one of the vertebral bodies. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052263 | Systems and Methods for Spinal Fusion - A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052264 | Porous, Stabilized Craniomaxillofacial Implants and Methods and Kits Relating Thereto - Porous craniomaxillofacial implants may include a plurality of polymeric particles sintered together at a plurality of contact points to form a porous network having pores; and an antioxidant disposed on a surface of at least some of the polymeric particles and/or in the pore of the porous network, so as to stabilize the implants from at least some oxidative damage during storage, transportation, and/or implementation (in vivo and/or ex vivo). Preferably, the polymeric particles include at least one of polyethylene, a polyethylene-polypropylene copolymer, a polyethylene-polybutylene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052265 | ROLLING-CONTACT KNEE PROSTHESIS - A custom knee prosthetic includes a polycentric rolling contact joint, whose instantaneous center of rotation coincides with the instantaneous center of rotation of a patient's knee joint. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052266 | EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE MECHANICAL ENERGY ABSORBING ASSEMBLIES HAVING TWO DEFLECTING MEMBERS AND METHODS - Implantable assemblies for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an anatomical joint, and methods of implanting and using. The members of the anatomical joint collectively define a path of motion. An assembly includes a first component configured to be attached to a first member of the anatomical joint; a second component configured to be attached to a second member of the anatomical joint; and a joint joining the first and second components. The first component includes a first flex, member and the second component includes a second flex member. The first and second flex members are configured to flex to absorb energy transferred by the members of the anatomical joint. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052267 | EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE MECHANICAL ENERGY ABSORBING ASSEMBLIES HAVING TWO DEFLECTING MEMBERS AND METHODS - Implantable assemblies for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an anatomical joint, and methods of implanting and using. The members of the anatomical joint collectively define a path of motion. An assembly includes a first component configured to be attached to a first member of the anatomical joint; a second component configured to be attached to a second member of the anatomical joint; and a joint joining the first and second components. The first component includes a first flex member and the second component includes a second flex member. The first and second flex members are configured to flex to absorb energy transferred by the members of the anatomical joint. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052268 | TIBIAL PROSTHESIS - A tibial prosthesis, and, particularly, a fixed bearing tibial prosthesis has a two-pronged securement mechanism. The securement mechanism may or may not be angled. Advantageously, the securement mechanism, working atone or in cooperation with other securement features, minimizes micromotion between the tibial tray and tibial bearing component. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052269 | PROVISIONAL TIBIAL PROSTHESIS SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides a provisional tibial prosthesis system for a set of prosthetic knee joints for implantation in a natural knee, the provisional tibial prosthesis system including a bearing component and a bearing support, the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support is adjustable to allow for representation of a variety of different sized final tibial prostheses. In this system, only one provisional bearing component corresponding to each level of constraint is needed and shims are used to adjust the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The shims are slidably insertable between the bearing component and the bearing support in an anterior/posterior direction to allow for adjustment of the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The number of provisional components needed during knee surgery is reduced and adjustment of the system only requires the knee join to be distracted by a distance equal to the height of a particular shim. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052270 | Patient-Specific Hip Joint Devices - An implant for a femoral head of a patient. The implant includes a shell implantable on the femoral head of the patient and correcting a defect of the femoral head. The shell is designed preoperatively to have a patient-specific first surface for articulation with the patient's acetabulum and a patient-specific periphery mateable with a periphery of the defect. The shell caps the defect and the first surface of the shell is continuous to a remaining healthy surface of the femoral head. The defect can be a bone defect, a cartilage defect or a combination thereof. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052271 | DELIVERY DEVICE - A medical device includes an elongate member and a delivery member. The elongate member has a retention portion and defining a lumen. The retention portion has a first configuration and a second configuration different than the first configuration. The retention portion is biased to the first configuration. The delivery member has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The delivery member is configured to be disposed within the lumen of the elongate member to move the retention portion of the elongate member from the first configuration to the second configuration. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052272 | COMFORT STENTS - In one embodiment, a stent includes a retention portion and an elongate portion. The retention portion is configured to help retain the stent in place within a body of a patient. The elongate portion extends from the retention portion. The elongate portion has a sidewall defining a lumen and the outer surface of the sidewall includes a pattern. The sidewall has a first section and second section. The first section of the sidewall has a first thickness. The second section of the sidewall has a second thickens different than the first thickness. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052273 | FILLER FOR REMOVING WRINKLES - The present invention relates to a filler for removing wrinkles, which comprises: a thin and long tubular main body to be placed so as to penetrate through subcutaneous tissue; and through-holes for guiding tissue cells surrounding the main body into the main body, so as to form fibrous tissue, wherein the through-holes are formed so as to communicate with a hollow portion formed in said main body in the lengthwise direction from the outer surface of said main body. The filler for removing wrinkles according to the present invention is prevented from being deformed or moved by pressure on the skin or by an external force arising after being inserted into the subcutaneous tissue, and can be applied to various body parts having wrinkles, including deep wrinkles. Furthermore, the wrinkle-removing effects of the filler of the present invention may last (semi)permanently. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052274 | Tissue grafts composed of micronized placental tissue and methods of making and using the same - Described herein are tissue grafts composed of at least one membrane, where at least one side of the membrane has micronized placental tissue applied it. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052275 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STABILIZING UNINTENTIONAL MUSCLE MOVEMENTS - A system and method for stabilizing a position of an object are disclosed. The system comprises a housing that includes a subsystem. The system also includes an attachment arm coupled to the housing. At least one first sensor is placed along the attachment arm, wherein the attachment arm is configured to receive the object thereto. In response to an unintentional muscle movement by a user that adversely affects the motion of the object, the subsystem stabilizes the position of the object. The method comprises providing a subsystem within a housing and coupling an attachment arm to the housing. The method also includes placing at least one first sensor along the attachment arm, wherein the attachment arm is configured to receive the object thereto. In response to an unintentional muscle movement by a user that adversely affects the motion of the object, the subsystem stabilizes the position of the object. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052276 | Techniques for Ceiling Space or Floor Space Mountable Network Computing Devices - Examples are disclosed for operating, managing or controlling one or more network computing devices housed in a chassis capable of being mounting in a ceiling space or a floor space for a room. Operating, managing or controlling may include adjusting one or more fans to direct airflow either away or towards the room or powering a light emitting diode array attached with the chassis to provide lighting to the room. Examples are also disclosed for using an aggregator to operate, manage or control an array of network computing devices separately housed in chassis capable of being mounted in a ceiling space or floor space for one or more rooms. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052277 | Method and system for controlling physical components via a virtual environment - A computer readable storage medium storing a set of instructions that are executable by a processor, the set of instructions being operable to store a virtual representation of a plurality of physical components, display the virtual representation, receive user interaction with at least one of the virtual representations and send a command to the physical component corresponding to the user interaction. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052278 | SENSING AND ADJUSTING FEATURES OF AN ENVIRONMENT - Included are embodiments for sensing and adjusting features of an environment. Some embodiments include a system and/or method that for receiving an ambiance feature of a source environment, determining from the ambiance feature, a source output provided by a source device in the source environment, and determining an ambiance capability for a target environment. Some embodiments include determining, based on the ambiance capability, a target output for a target device in the target environment and communicating with the target device to model the ambiance feature from the source environment into the target environment by altering the target output provided by the target device. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052279 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN EVENT ON A SPORTS TRACK - The disclosure relates to a method and system for detecting an event on a sports track. By applying one or more track segments across the width of the sports track and detecting passage of participants for the track segments, a comparison can be made between detected passage results and known passage results that may e.g. be available from a storage internal or external to the system. A deviation between the detection results and the known results that exceeds a particular deviation margin may be used as an immediate sign of an irregularity occurring during the sports event. The irregularity may e.g. relate to malfunctioning of one or more components of the time monitoring system or to deviating behavior by a participant to the sports event. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052280 | Methods and Systems for Interactive Goal Setting and Recommender Using Events Having Combined Activity and Location Information - A method for generating recommendations for achieving goals is described. The method includes receiving a goal for a user account. The goal is associated with an activity that is trackable via a monitoring device. The method further includes receiving tracking data associated with the monitoring device. At least part of the tracking data is associated to the activity. The method includes receiving geo-location data associated with the monitoring device. The geo-location data is correlated to the tracking data. The method includes analyzing the received tracking data and geo-location data to characterize a current performance metric for the activity and generating a recommendation for the user account. The recommendation identifies the current performance metric and a suggested action and location for increasing the current performance metric to achieve the goal. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052281 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING MULTIMEDIA SUMMARIES FOR CONTENT INFORMATION - An approach is provided for creating multimedia summary for content information. The approach involves receiving a multimedia signal request from a mobile communication device, wherein content information of the mobile communication device is determined and processed. The approach also involves determining the characteristic of the content information, and then determining and processing the multimedia signal based on the characteristic. Then, the multimedia converter causes transmission of the multimedia signal to the user device. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052282 | MUSIC GENERATOR - Techniques are disclosed relating to generating music content. In one embodiment, a method includes determining one or more musical attributes based on external data and generating music content based on the one or more musical attributes. Generating the music content may include selecting from stored sound loops or tracks and/or generating new tracks based on the musical attributes. Selected or generated sound loops or tracks may be layered to generate the music content. Musical attributes may be determined in some embodiments based on user input (e.g., indicating a desired energy level), environment information, and/or user behavior information. Artists may upload tracks, in some embodiments, and be compensated based on usage of their tracks in generating music content. In some embodiments, a method includes generating sound and/or light control information based on the musical attributes. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052283 | Method and System for Making and Playing Soundtracks - A composite variable duration soundtrack for a user to play while reading a text source, the soundtrack duration being defined by a soundtrack timeline. The soundtrack comprises multiple sound layers configured to play concurrently through the soundtrack timeline, each sound layer having an arrangement of one or more audio features that are configured to play at preset start times in the soundtrack timeline. At least one sound layer is adapted for modifying the preset start and stop times of its audio features to match the reading speed of a user based on a reading speed input. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052284 | Automatic Identification of Repeated Material in Audio Signals - A system and method are described for recognizing repeated audio material within at least one media stream without prior knowledge of the nature of the repeated material. The system and method are able to create a screening database from the media stream or streams. An unknown sample audio fragment is taken from the media stream and compared against the screening database to find if there are matching fragments within the media streams by determining if the unknown sample matches any samples in the screening database. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052285 | METHOD FOR SPECIFYING AND FABRICATING AN OBJECT, ASSOCIATED APPARATUS, AND APPLICATIONS - A method for specifying and fabricating non-homogeneous, anisotropic, truly functionally graded objects. The objects may have defined spatial heterogeneity (e.g., a gradient in material concentration) with local randomized distributions. This local randomness is designed in such a way that global averaging results in the specified spatial heterogeneity. The fabrication of structures is an additive process in which a material is deposited in defined patterns. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052286 | OBJECT TRANSFER METHOD AND OBJECT PROCESSING APPARATUS - Disclosed are an object transfer method and an object processing apparatus. The object transfer method includes: extending a first transfer arm into a processing chamber, and retracting the same after a first pick picking up an processed object accommodated in the processing chamber; rotating the first and second transfer arms to move a second pick holding an unprocessed object to a transfer position in front of the processing chamber and to move the first pick holding the processed object to a position adjacent to a transfer position in front of a load-lock chamber; extending the second transfer arm into the processing chamber, and retracting the same after accommodating the unprocessed object held by the second pick in the processing chamber; and rotating the second transfer arm to move the second pick holding no object to the transfer position in front of the load-lock chamber. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052287 | METHOD FOR PRINTING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PARTS WITH ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS USING SCAFFOLDS - A method for printing a three-dimensional part with an additive manufacturing system, comprising printing the three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer manner along a printing axis in the additive manufacturing system, printing a scaffold in a layer by layer manner along the printing axis along with the printing of the three-dimensional part, and bracing the three-dimensional part laterally relative to the printing axis with the scaffold while printing the three-dimensional part. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052288 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS USING LINEAR SOLIDIFICATION - An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device is shown and described. In certain examples, the linear solidification device includes a laser diode that projects light onto a scanning device, such as a rotating polygonal mirror or a linear scanning micromirror, which then deflects the light onto a photohardenable resin. As a result, the linear solidification device scans a line of solidification energy in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the laser diode. In other examples, the linear solidification device is a laser device array or light emitting diode array that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the array. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052289 | MOUNTING APPARATUS, METHOD OF DISPOSING MEMBERS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUBSTRATE - A mounting apparatus includes a mounting head, an image pickup unit, and a height measurement unit. The mounting head has a placement member that places an electronic component on a substrate and is movable in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The image pickup unit is disposed on a position where the image pickup unit is movable along with a movement of the mounting head and takes an image of an alignment mark on the substrate. The height measurement unit is disposed in an area surrounded by one or more lines that are parallel to the first direction and pass through at least one of positions of the placement member and the image pickup unit and one or more lines that are parallel to the second direction and pass through at least one of the positions thereof and measures a height of the substrate. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052290 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF STORAGE AND AUTOMATED SELF-CHECK AND OPERATIONAL STATUS OF RIG TOOLS - A method and system for autonomously monitoring, evaluating, storing and testing tools and other units operated at a rig-site. The system may include a storage facility communicatively coupled to one or more tools, status flags identifying the health and operational status of the tools, and a computer for performing a self-check for determining the operational status for the one or more tools. The system may further include a remotely positioned computer system in communication with the operational status of the tools, and a user terminal in communication with the computer system. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052291 | AUTOMATIC CLOTHES RECEIVING AND RETRIEVING SYSTEM FOR LAUNDRY - An automatic clothes receiving and retrieving system for laundry, mainly includes a clothes receiving unit and a clothes retrieving unit. The clothes receiving unit is for inputting a verification information. The clothes are automatically received through a clothes receiving entrance and packed in clothes containers and identification tags are attached to the clothes containers. Each clothes container is arranged with a transfer device for moving the clothes container to a laundry factory and to send the clothes to the storage portion of the clothes retrieving unit after the clothes are cleaned. The clothes retrieving unit is for automatically transferring the cleaned clothes from the storage portion to the retrieving exits according to data of the consumer after the input of the verification information. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052292 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENDING VENDIBLE MEDIA PRODUCTS - A system and method for vending digital video discs is provided. A request is received from a user to complete a rental transaction for a first digital video disc. A database is queried to determine whether a quantity of a set of second digital video discs in a vending inventory exceeds a predetermined threshold. A discount offer notification is presented to the user to rent one of the set of second digital video discs, upon determining that the quantity of the set of second digital video discs exceeds the predetermined threshold. A second request from the user to rent one of the second set of digital video discs is received, and one of the set of second digital video discs is vended to the user. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052293 | Conflict Resolution Based on Object Behavioral Determination and Collaborative Relative Positioning - Using distributed positioning, collaborative behavioral determination, and probabilistic conflict resolution objects can independently identify and resolve potential conflicts before the occur. In one embodiment of the invention, interactive tags and other sensor resources associated with each of a plurality of objects provide among the objects relative positional data and state information. Using this information each object develops a spatial awareness of its environment, including the positional and action of nearby objects so as to, when necessary, modify its behavior to more effectively achieve an objective and resolve potential conflicts. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052294 | ADAPTING THE DYNAMICS OF AT LEAST ONE ROBOT - The invention concerns a method for controlling a robot or a first robot (LR | 2014-02-20 |
20140052295 | Compliant End Of Arm Tooling For A Robot - A robot is used to pick parts from a bin. The robot has a compliant apparatus and one or more tools are connected to the apparatus to perform the picking. The compliant apparatus has mechanisms for monitoring and/or controlling its compliance. The compliant apparatus can have various embodiments. Force sensing can be used during removal of grasped parts from the bin to determine the force exerted on the picking tool(s). The signal indicative of the exerted force can be used by the robot controller to determine the weight of the parts that may be held by the picking tool(s). The robot has one or more devices which can be the picking tool to stir the parts in the bin. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052296 | ROBOT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRIVING THE SAME - Provided is a method of driving a system for a robot including obtaining scan data which includes information about at least one of a coordinate and a direction of the robot, estimating a plurality of location changes of the robot by matching a plurality of consecutive scan data pairs of the obtained scan data, generating a path of the robot by connecting the estimated location changes, estimating a position of a corrected instantaneous center of rotation (ICR), and correcting the plurality of consecutive scan data pairs based on the corrected ICR. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052297 | Apparatus for Automated Removal of Workpieces Arranged in a Container - A device for automated removal of workpieces arranged in a container has a detector device, for the purpose of detecting the workpiece, and a picker, which can be moved via a robot arm having at least six axes, for picking and removing the workpieces from the container. The device also has controller for evaluating the data of the detector device, for path planning, and for controlling the robot arm and the picker. The robot arm has a picker arm element, with at least two further axes of movement, for moving the picker. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052298 | PHANTOM DEGREES OF FREEDOM FOR MANIPULATING THE MOVEMENT OF MECHANICAL BODIES - Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling the movement of a mechanical body. In accordance with a method, desired movement information is received that identifies a desired motion of a mechanical body, the mechanical body having a first number of degrees of freedom. A plurality of instructions are then generated by applying the received desired movement information to a kinematic model, the kinematic model having a second number of degrees of freedom greater than the first number of degrees of freedom, each of the instructions being configured to control a corresponding one of the second number of degrees of freedom. A subset of the plurality of instructions are then transmitted for use in controlling the first number of degrees of freedom of the mechanical body. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052299 | OPERATING MACHINE AND MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION INFORMATION GENERATING APPARATUS - A hydraulic shovel ( | 2014-02-20 |
20140052300 | INHIBITING DELETERIOUS CONTROL COUPLING IN AN ENCLOSURE HAVING MULTIPLE HVAC REGIONS - The current application is related to environmental-conditioning systems controlled by intelligent controllers and, in particular, to an intelligent-thermostat-controlled HVAC system that detects and ameliorates control coupling between intelligent thermostats. Control coupling can lead to inefficient HVAC operation. When control coupling is detected, a settings-adjustment directive is sent to at least one intelligent thermostat to adjust one or more intelligent-thermostat settings, including an HVAC-cycle-initiation delay parameter, swing parameter, and a parameter that indicates whether or not an intelligent thermostat should first obtain confirmation or permission before initiating an HVAC cycle. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052301 | Method for Globally Optimizing Power Flows in Electric Networks - A power flow problem (OPF) in an electric power network is globally optimized using a branch and bound tree of nodes connected by edges. The BB initially includes at least a root node, and each node represents a feasible region of limits on voltages and powers. An upper bound on the OPF problem is solved for selected nodes using nonlinear programming, while a lower bound is solved using a convex relaxation. The lowest upper and lower bounds are updated using the current upper and lower bound. If a difference between the lowest upper and lowest lower bound is less than a threshold, then outputting the voltages and the powers for the electric power network as represented by the feasibility region for the selected node. Otherwise, the feasible region of the node is partitioned to replace the node. The process is repeated until the tree is empty. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052302 | METHOD AND SENSOR NODE FOR MANAGING POWER CONSUMPTION AND POWER CONSUMPTION INFORMATION COLLECTION APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A method for managing power consumption includes: sensing the power consumption of a power consuming device in real time; comparing the magnitude of the sensed power consumption to the magnitude of previous power consumption transmitted at a previous transmission interval; setting and registering the sensed power consumption as section maximum power consumption when the sensed power consumption is greater than the previous power consumption; generating power consumption data containing the sensed power consumption and the registered section maximum power consumption when a current time point arrives at a predetermined transmission interval; modulating the generated power consumption data into power consumption data which are to be wirelessly transmitted; and wirelessly transmitting the modulated power consumption data to a remote power management system. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052303 | ENERGY SMART SYSTEM - Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A user interface has a client application configured to provide information to a user/consumer and to an energy provider/utility about energy consumption, energy generation and storage. An energy profile and a carbon footprint of an individual's home are generated along with recommendations for energy savings and/or possible addition of on site generation or energy storage. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052304 | DYNAMIC ENFORCEMENT OF POWER MANAGEMENT POLICY AND METHODS THEREOF - Systems and methods are disclosed for a policy-based, power consumption management of resources. Power consumption data is relayed to an event management system for conducting a pattern analysis of the resources based on historical values and external factors. The event management system may provide a graphical interface for implement decisions pertaining to resource management and effective policy enforcements. The energy management system is further configured to communicate with a data layer to receive measured values. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052305 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING POWER USING EXTERNAL DATA - A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052306 | POWER CONNECTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - For each of consumers, a connection control apparatus is provided that includes an opening/closing device capable of connecting or disconnecting an electric power system and a consumer, that, when a power outage occurs in the electric power system, disconnects the electric power system and the consumer from each other by the opening/closing device at a command from an outage management apparatus or the like, and that connects the electric power system and the consumer to each other by the opening/closing device upon receiving a command from the outage management apparatus or the like at the time of restoration from the power outage. A power supply control apparatus supplies electric power from energy provision equipment to electrical appliances during a power outage in the electric power system. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052307 | METHODS, CIRCUITS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR GENERATION FOLLOWING LOAD MANAGEMENT - Two water heaters may be installed in series at a customer location, such that an output of a first (or storage) water heater is coupled to the input of a second (or primary) water heater, the output of which provides hot water to the customer location. During normal operation, only the primary water heater may actually heat water for use at the customer location. However, during periods of excess capacity, the electrical service provider may enable the storage water heater to store the excess electrical power that is generated by operating the power plant at higher output (which may be more efficient). Later, during hours of greater demand, the electrical service provider may disable the storage water heater used to store the excess capacity, whereas the primary water heater may operate normally. However, during the time of greater demand, the storage water heaters may provide pre-heated water to the primary water heater, which in-turn, may need to heat the water less or perhaps not at all. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052308 | FREQUENCY REGULATION METHOD - A frequency regulation method for a grid which is performed by a control device that connects, through a communication network, a controller for controlling at least one load device and a storage battery. The frequency regulation method including: obtaining, when it is detected that a frequency of a grid deviates from a predetermined range, an instruction signal including a power instruction value for keeping the frequency of the grid within the predetermined range; and generating a control signal for controlling the load device when the load device is operable in accordance with the instruction signal, and transmitting the control signal to the controller, and generating a control signal for charging or discharging the storage battery when the load device is not operable in accordance with the instruction signal, and transmitting the control signal to the storage battery. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052309 | POWER MANAGEMENT FOR PCIE SWITCHES AND DEVICES IN A MULTI-ROOT INPUT-OUTPUT VIRTUALIZATION BLADE CHASSIS - A method for managing the power of a chassis includes receiving a plurality of modular information handling systems into the chassis, receiving a plurality of information handling resources into the chassis, virtualizing access of one of the modular information handling resources to two or more of the plurality of modular information handling systems, the modular information handling systems sharing the modular information handling resource, and, upon initialization of one of the information handling systems, determining power requirements of the shared information handling resource, receiving power requirements from the information handling systems, determining whether the power requirements from the information handling system includes power requirements of the shared information handling resource, subtracting the power requirements of the shared information handling resource from the power requirements of the information handling system to determine resultant power requirements, comparing the resultant power requirements with available power, and allowing operation of the information handling system. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052310 | POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM - A controller executes local generation and local consumption pathways of: supplying power from a solar cell to an appliance, and charging a storage cell with power that remains after subtracting power consumed by the appliance from the solar cell power. In the absence of excess power, the storage cell and solar cell supply power. Power supply from a commercial electrical grid covers a power shortage that remains after subtracting solar cell power and storage cell power from the power consumed by the appliance. The controller also executes a second excess power selling mode pathway wherein excess power flows into the commercial electrical grid, and an assist mode wherein all solar cell power flows into the commercial electrical grid, and storage cell power flows to the appliance. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052311 | MANAGING WORKLOAD DISTRIBUTION AMONG COMPUTING SYSTEMS TO OPTIMIZE HEAT DISSIPATION BY COMPUTING SYSTEMS - A thermal workload distribution controller receives, for each of multiple thermal controlled areas, at least one current thermal measurement from at least one separate thermostat node. The thermal workload distribution controller selects a particular thermal controlled area from among the multiple thermal controlled areas that is most optimal to receive additional heat based on the at least one current thermal measurement received for each of the thermal controlled areas. The thermal workload distribution controller distributes at least one workload to a server node associated with the particular thermal controlled area, wherein the heat dissipated by the server from executing the workload affects a thermal environment of the particular thermal controlled area. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052312 | METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING IN A CAR WASH AND A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for autonomously driving a motor vehicle in a car wash to enhance comfort and safety includes detecting a passageway of the car wash and determine with vehicle sensors the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation of the vehicle relative to the passageway. The vehicle is subsequently automatically driven into the car wash based on the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation, and automatically stopped in a washing position. After washing is complete, a completion signal signaling completion of a working step of the car wash is received or detected by the motor vehicle. Finally, the motor vehicle is automatically driven out of the car wash in response to the completion signal. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052313 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM ACTIVATION OF A VEHICULAR DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL - Devices, methods and systems describe a turn signal activation system. As the navigation system determines that the vehicle is approaching a turn or other operation, the turn signal may be automatically activated in the appropriate direction (e.g., right-turn signal for a right turn, and a left-turn signal for a left turn). Once the navigation system determines that it is appropriate to deactivate the turn signal, the turn signal may be automatically deactivated. In this fashion, other drivers on the road may be able to anticipate the actions of the vehicle based on the activation and deactivation of the turn signals, and thereby prevent accidents from occurring. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052314 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING LOW SPEED OF A ROTORCRAFT - Systems and methods to provide alerts when a rotorcraft is in a low airspeed condition. During takeoff or go-around, an aural alert is provided to the pilot before the aircraft slows to less than the effective translational lift speed. The aural, visual, and/or tactile alert gets the pilot's attention to manage the aircraft's airspeed before it is too late in this critical flight phase. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052315 | RAILWAY TRAIN DATA RECORDER WITH PARALLEL REMOTE ONLINE INCIDENT DATA STORAGE - Incident, data of the type stored in a railway train crash hardened memory module (CHMM) and/or other information acquired by a railway train data recorder are transmitted to a remote data storage site. Beneficially the remotely stored information transmitted from the train's onboard recorder may be monitored and/or otherwise analyzed without having to wait for a scheduled periodic download of the CHMM. Parallel transmission and remote storage of incident data during train operation eliminates the need to carry a CHMM onboard the train or schedule dedicated incident data downloads while the train is stationary or otherwise out of service. Existing communications equipment for wireless data transmission already onboard the train may be used for the incident data transmission to the remote data storage device. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052316 | AUXILIARY POWER UNIT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A locomotive assembly including an auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power bus, a primary power source electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary power source and transmit a first command signal to a power unit that is electrically coupled to the power bus. The power unit includes an auxiliary engine-generator set, a power interface electrically coupling the auxiliary engine-generate set to the power bus, and an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the locomotive controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive the command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, control the auxiliary engine-generator set to produce at least the desired amount of power, and control the power interface to deliver the desired amount of power to the power bus. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052317 | METHOD FOR PREVENTING THEFT OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE APPLYING THE SAME - A method for preventing theft of an electric vehicle includes steps (a) and (b). In step (a), when a switch detector detects that the state of a main switch is an OFF state, and when a rotation detector detects that a drive wheel is rotating, a controller is configured to count a time period of rotation of the drive wheel. In step (b), the controller is configured to enable a locking mechanism for locking the drive wheel from rotation when the time period counted by the controller reaches a preset time period. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052318 | VEHICLE CONTROLLER AND HYBRID VEHICLE - In a set of hybrid vehicles including first and second hybrid vehicles connected in series, each of the hybrid vehicles having an electric storage device, a controller for the first hybrid vehicle comprises a monitoring unit configured to detect an amount of electric charge stored in the electric storage device of the first hybrid vehicle, a communication unit configured to carryout communication with a communication unit of at least the second hybrid vehicle to acquire an amount of electric charge stored in the electric storage device of the second hybrid vehicle, and a control unit configured to determine load shares of the first and second hybrid vehicles during operation of the first and second hybrid vehicles, on the basis of the amount of electric charge stored in the electric storage devices thereof. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052319 | REMOTE INTERACTION WITH AN ELECTRICALLY POWERED VEHICLE - An access control device and access control method for an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric wheelchair are disclosed. The access control device comprises a data interface configured to exchange data with at least one component of the electrically powered vehicle and a webserver configured to generate a webpage incorporating that data, wherein the webpage is formatted for viewing on a web browser. The access control device also comprises a communication interface configured to provide the webpage to a web browser external to the electrically powered vehicle. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052320 | DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - An object of the present invention is to improve the drivability and the drive feeling by optimizing a change and a delay in the torque of an internal combustion engine so as not to influence driving torque at the time of decelerating the internal combustion engine as in the initial period of deceleration. The present invention includes a target driving power setting means, a target charge/discharge power setting means, a target engine power calculating means, a target engine operating point setting means, and a motor torque instruction value calculating means. The motor torque instruction value calculating means calculates torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation and an electric power balance equation and allows feedback correction of the torque instruction values of the plurality of the motor generators to be performed such that an actual engine rotation speed converges on a target engine rotation speed, and a delaying means that delays the target engine torque applied to the motor torque instruction value calculating means in a case where a decrease in requested torque is determined is arranged. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052321 | HYBRID POWERTRAIN WITH GEARED STARTER MOTOR AND BELT ALTERNATOR STARTER AND METHOD OF RESTARTING AN ENGINE - A hybrid powertrain has an engine, a starter motor, and a gear train that connects the starter motor with the engine, and a motor/generator. A belt drive train connects the motor/generator with the engine. The powertrain has a first energy storage device with a first operating range of voltage and a second energy storage device with a second operating range of voltage at least partially in common with the first operating range of voltage. A controller places a switching device in an on-state so that the first energy storage device is connected with the second energy storage device or in an off-state in which the first energy storage device is disconnected from the second energy storage device. The controller causes the switching device to be in the off-state and the starter motor and the motor/generator to be powered with energy from the first energy storage device to restart the engine. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052322 | SECONDARY BATTERY, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SECONDARY BATTERY, POSITIVE ELECTRODE FOR SECONDARY BATTERY, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING POSITIVE ELECTRODE FOR SECONDARY BATTERY, BATTERY PACK, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM AND ELECTRIC POWER STORAGE POWER SOURCE - The secondary battery includes a positive electrode including an electroconductive substrate, a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are disposed in a standing manner on the electroconductive substrate, and sulfur that is retained at least a part of spaces among at least the carbon nanotubes. The negative electrode includes a material that stores and releases lithium-ions, and a nonaqueous electrolyte including lithium-ions is used as the electrolyte. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052323 | TRANSPORT FACILITY FOR AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING DAMAGE TO A MOTOR VEHICLE - Damage caused by accidents that occur during autonomous driving of a motor vehicle should be reliably detected. For this purpose, a transport facility with a driving area which can be autonomously driven by a motor vehicle, has a detection device for detecting a first state of the motor vehicle in an entrance area outside the driving area and for detecting a second state in an exit area located within the driving area. In addition, transport facility has an evaluation device for determining a possible difference between the second state and the first state relating to damage of the motor vehicle. | 2014-02-20 |
20140052324 | METHOD OF DETERMINING THE STRESS THAT SHOULD BE APPLIED TO A TYRE DURING AN INDOOR ENDURANCE BENCH TEST - A method of determining the stress that should be applied to a tyre during an indoor endurance bench test. The method includes the steps of driving a vehicle along a sample road route; measuring variations in the longitudinal speed and position of the vehicle during its journey along the sample road route; and calculating the inertial forces acting on the vehicle during its journey along the sample road route, on the basis of variations in the longitudinal speed and position of the vehicle. | 2014-02-20 |