32nd week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130204332 | BODY COOL HARNESS - A body cool harness is disclosed. The body cool harness may have a body portion for overlaying the back region of a person, a first wrap-around portion, and at least one cooling device. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204333 | POWDERED MIX FOR USE IN THERAPY PACKS - A powdered mix for use in a cold pack is provided which includes a phase change material, precipitated silica, and a flowability enhancer comprising a carbonate mineral. The powdered mix, when placed into a cold pack, exhibits a longer hold time than conventional cold packs. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204334 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL TREATMENT USING BALLOON AND ELECTRODE - The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided with an electrode positioned within the interior of an enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid such that the electrically conductive fluid. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient. The electrode does not directly contact the tissue of the patient, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and/or excessive electric fields in the tissue. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204335 | MRI COMPATIBLE CONDUCTIVE WIRES - An MRI compatible electrode circuit construct is provided. The construct includes at least three filter components constructed from a continuous or non-continuous electrode wire. One filter component may be a resonant LC filter proximate an electrode/wire interface. A second filter component may be a resonant LC filter adjacent a proximal termination of the wire construct. The filters resolve the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the wire from exiting the wire through the electrode and at the terminal or proximal end. The third filter component may include one or more non-resonant filter(s) positioned along the length of the electrode wire that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filters by significantly attenuating the current induced on the wire before it reaches the resonant LC filters. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204336 | LEAD ANCHORS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present technology is directed generally to a lead anchor for positioning and securing spinal cord modulation leads and associated systems and methods. In at least some contexts, the lead anchor includes a central lumen surrounded by a restriction feature. The restriction feature can interface with a tightening screw or other actuator and can be configured to provide a radial compressive fit around the lead body. In some embodiments, the clamp can be disengaged upon twisting or other unlocking motion to release the lead. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204337 | MRI-Safe Implantable Medical Device - A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body and at least one electrical conductor within the insulating body. The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode is coupled to the conductor. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204338 | SELECTIVE HIGH FREQUENCY SPINAL CORD MODULATION FOR INHIBITING PAIN WITH REDUCED SIDE EFFECTS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204339 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOADING A PRE-CURVED ELECTRODE ARRAY ONTO A STRAIGHTENING MEMBER - An exemplary system for loading a pre-curved electrode array onto a straightening member includes a loading tool and a straightening member. An exemplary loading tool may include a body and first and second flexible arms each having a fixed end connected to the body and a free end opposite the fixed end. The first and second flexible arms may define a straightening channel configured to constrain a pre-curved electrode array in a straightened configuration. The first and second flexible arms may be further configured to flex away from each other to receive the pre-curved electrode array into the straightening channel. The straightening member is configured to be inserted into the pre-curved electrode array while the pre-curved electrode array is in the straightened configuration and retain the pre-curved electrode array in the straightened configuration after the pre-curved electrode array is removed from the loading tool. Corresponding methods are also described. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204340 | NEUROSTIMULATION ELECTRODE ARRAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A tissue stimulation assembly, including an elongate electrode assembly having a longitudinal axis and including a contact electrode, the contact electrode including a contact surface, wherein at least a portion of the contact surface has a width that gradually increases as the contact surface progresses in a lateral direction. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204341 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY ACTIVATING CELLS BY APPLYING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS IN A SPATIAL PATTERN - A method and apparatus for applying electrical signals in specific spatial patterns to selectively activate sensory cells. The method comprises interfacing a population of cells with two or more electrodes, identifying target cells within the population to activate by electrical signals; and applying electrical signals in a spatial pattern to the population via the electrodes, such that the target cells are selectively activated in the desired spatial pattern. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204342 | ORIENTATION MARKERS FOR ENDOVASCULAR DELIVERY SYSTEM - An endovascular stent graft delivery device has portion to remain outside a patient in use and a proximal portion to be introduced into a patient. The proximal portion has a dilator at the proximal end and a length extending module is fastened to the dilator and extends proximally. The length extending module has a proximal end which in use extends out of the patient. The dilator has a dilator marker and the length extending module has a first and second marker at the distal and proximal ends of the length extending module. The first marker and the second marker are at the same relative circumferential position on the length extending module so that the rotational position of the elongate body within the patient can be determined. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204343 | ENDOVASCULAR SYSTEM WITH CIRCUMFERENTIALLY-OVERLAPPING STENT-GRAFTS - A multi-component endovascular stent-graft system ( | 2013-08-08 |
20130204344 | STENT RETAINING SYSTEMS - A stent delivery system includes an expandable stent, a catheter, and a sheath. The expandable stent includes proximal and distal ends, and a first interlock structure. The catheter includes an elongated member having a second interlock structure displaceably arranged about an outer surface thereof for engaging the first interlock structure of the stent. The sheath is mounted on the elongated member and is positionable in a transport position in which the sheath covers the stent mounted on the elongated member and a deploy position in which the stent is exposed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204345 | EVERTABLE SHEATH DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - The present disclosure comprises devices, systems, and methods having an inverted sheath configured to cover, and in some instances constrain, a medical device and to retract through eversion, thus enabling the deployment of medical device at the treatment site. A constraining sheath can evert hydraulically. A constraining sheath can be configured to neck down a medical device to achieve a lower delivery profile. Furthermore, a constraining sheath can comprise a balloon to expand or positionally or structurally adjust a medical device. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204346 | Endoprosthesis Stent Delivery System and Method of Using the Same - An endoprosthesis deployment system includes an axial catheter, an outer sheath extending parallel to the axial catheter, and an inner sheath positioned transversely between the axial catheter and outer sheath, the inner sheath including first and second inner sheath sections extending along the axial catheter, each of said first and said second inner sheath sections mounted for axial movement relative to the other inner sheath section. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204347 | LATTICE - The invention relates to medical devices and methods of using them. The devices are prostheses which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The prostheses are configured to have a lattice resistant to dilation and creep, which is defined by a plurality of openings. The prosthesis may also optionally have a stent disposed proximal to the lattice. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite materials exhibit high elongation while substantially retaining the strength properties of the fluoropolymer membrane. In at least one embodiment, the lattice is made of a composite material that includes a least one fluoropolymer membrane including serpentine fibrils and an elastomer. A lattice including a generally tubular member formed of a composite material including a least one fluoropolymer membrane containing serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is also provided. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204348 | LONGITUDINALLY FLEXIBLE EXPANDABLE STENT - Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204349 | BIOABSORBABLE STENT AND IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A stent assembly ( | 2013-08-08 |
20130204350 | HELICAL HYBRID STENT - An expandable helical stent with a securement is provided. The stent is formed from flat or tubular metal in a helical coiled structure which has an undulating pattern. The main stent component may be formed of a single helically coiled component. Alternatively, a plurality of helically coiled ribbons may be used to form a stent heterogeneous in design, material, or other characteristi. The helical tubular structure may be secured with a securement, such as a weld, interlock or a polymer, to maintain the helical coils in a tubular configuration. The helical coils of the main stent component may be spaced apart or nestled to each other. The nestling of the undulation of adjacent helical coils contributes to maintaining the tubular shape of the helically coiled stent. In addition, the nestling of helical coils may prevent the polymer layer from sagging at any point between cycles of the helical coils. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204351 | Aneurysm Graft Devices And Methods - The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the endoluminal positioning of an intraluminal prosthesis at a target location within a body lumen. The device may comprise a porous, multi-layer prosthesis that can include several different tubular mesh components such as an everted tubular component, an tubular component that expands to various different sizes, a bifurcated tubular component, and a tubular component with an undulating expanded shape, among others. Various components can have different densities or pore sizes and can be overlaid on each other to selectively block different regions of a vessel. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204352 | LONGITUDINALLY FLEXIBLE EXPANDABLE STENT - Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204353 | RADIOPAQUE INTRALUMINAL STENTS COMPRISING COBALT-BASED ALLOYS CONTAINING ONE OR MORE PLATINUM GROUP METALS, REFRACTORY METALS, OR COMBINATIONS THEREOF - Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium and one or more platinum group metals, refractory metals, precious metals, or combinations thereof. Platinum group metals include platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium. Refractory metals include zirconium, niobium, rhodium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, and precious metals include silver and gold. In one embodiment, the one or more included platinum group or refractory metals substitute at least partially for nickel, such that the alloy exhibits reduced nickel content, or is substantially nickel free. The stents exhibit improved radiopacity as compared to similar alloys including greater amounts of nickel. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204354 | BRANCHED STENT/GRAFT AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - Branched braided stent or graft devices and processes for fabrication of the devices are disclosed in which a trunk portion and two hinge leg portions are fabricated in one piece braided from a single plurality of filaments, whereby the legs contain the full plurality of filaments and the trunk portion contains a subset of the same plurality of filaments. The fabrication process involves braiding the hinged legs on a mandrel while retaining loops of filament between the hinged leg portions for subsequent braiding of the trunk portion of the stent or graft. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204355 | MEDICAL DEVICE MADE OF EPTFE PARTIALLY COATED WITH AN ANTIMICROBIAL MATERIAL - A medical device includes a porous article of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils, and a coating including an antimicrobial material at the surface of the porous article, wherein the microstructure at a surface of the porous article is only partially coated with the antimicrobial material. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204356 | Transcatheter Valve Delivery Systems and Methods - Delivery devices and methods for percutaneously delivering a prosthetic valve to the heart of a patient. These prosthetic valves may be configured to provide complimentary features that promote optimal placement of the prosthetic valve in a native heart valve, such as the aortic valve, mitral valve, pulmonic valve, and/or tricuspid valve. The delivery device includes a release sheath assembly housed within an outer delivery sheath. A release sheath component of the assembly captures a portion of the prosthetic valve to the delivery device, and effectuates complete release of the prosthetic valve with retraction of the outer sheath. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204357 | Stentless Support Structure - A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204358 | Prosthetic Tissue Valve - A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204359 | VALVE COMPONENT, FRAME COMPONENT AND PROSTHETIC VALVE DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME FOR IMPLANTATION IN A BODY LUMEN - A prosthetic valve device, including a valve component, frame and methods of manufacturing the same. The present invention, in some embodiments, is a prosthetic valve device having an optimized valve component for durability and functionality of the collapsible leaflets. Specially designed commissures contribute to the optimization along with identified parameters. In other embodiments, the invention, is a frame formed from a unique cutting pattern. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204360 | Invertible Tissue Valve And Method - A prosthetic valve assembly that includes a stent, a tissue sleeve and an anchoring mechanism. By loading the three components of the valve assembly into a delivery catheter in a series formation, such that no two components are located within each other, the size of the delivery catheter can be reduced. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204361 | SEMI-FLEXIBLE ANNULOPLASTY RING - An annuloplasty ring for attachment to an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprises an elongate tube of suturable material comprising a central segment and first and second end segments. An arcuate stiff ener is received in the central segment of the tube and extends the length thereof. The arcuate stiffener is circumferentially confined within the central segment to prevent circumferential movement of the stiffener relative to the tube. The first and second end segments of the tube lack a stiffener and are axially deformable. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204362 | BLOOD PUMP FOR THE INVASIVE APPLICATION WITHIN A BODY OF A PATIENT - The invention relates to a blood pump for the invasive application within a body of a patient comprising a rotor ( | 2013-08-08 |
20130204363 | SILICA-BASED COMPOSITE OCULAR DEVICE AND METHODS - Disclosed herein are synthetic silica-based ocular devices fabricated from a composite material comprising silica and a fibrillar protein, together with methods of making and using the ocular devices. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204364 | VISION CORRECTION SYSTEM - A vision correction system comprising an intraocular lens having a lens body and one or more haptics is provided. The lens body may be configured to be positioned posteriorly to an iris of an eye and may have a convex anterior surface, a concave posterior surface, and a circumferential edge having a rounded anterior portion and a rounded posterior portion. Haptics may extend at an anterior angle from the lens body and be configured to contact the ciliary sulcus of an eye. The haptics and/or hydrophobic forces between this lens body and a second intraocular lens may secure the lens body in the eye in a relatively fixed position and prevent rotation of the lens over time. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204365 | Accommodative Intraocular Lens Having a Haptic Plate - An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) comprising an optic, and at least one haptic plate coupled to the optic by at least one connector, the connector being less rigid than the haptic plate, the at least one haptic plate surrounding the optic, and the optic and haptic plate having a combined surface area between 80 mm | 2013-08-08 |
20130204366 | FLIPPING-TYPE GRAFT FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A buckle useful for cortical fixation has a graft retention loop slidably affixed thereto for movement from a first position adjacent a first end of the buckle to a second position at about the midpoint of the buckle. The buckle, with a graft over the loop, is drawn up lengthwise through a bone tunnel through a tibia and then flipped sideways to rest against the surface of the bone with the loop and graft depending back into the tunnel. The sliding attachment of the loop permits flipping of the buckle minimizes the flipping distance, which is the excess amount of the loop which must be pulled free of the tunnel to allow the buckle to be flipped sideways. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204367 | IMPLANTABLE BIOLOGIC HOLDER - A tissue graft suspension device includes a platform member, a graft connecting element coupled to the platform member such that a portion of the graft connecting element forms a loop for attachment to a tissue graft, and an enclosure member coupled to the loop of the graft connecting element and configured to enclose a biologic material. The enclosure member defines an opening configured to receive the biologic material. The graft connecting element and the enclosure member are configured such that, during use, the tissue graft is coupled to the loop and in contact with the enclosure member. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204368 | Pultrusion Process for Preparing Composites Having Low Percentage of Fibers and Articles Made from Same - An improved pultrusion process for preparing composite materials having about 10 percent to about 45 percent by volume of reinforcing fibers so as to produce a composite material having enhanced flexibility as compared with composite materials having a higher percent of reinforcing fibers by volume. Articles of manufacture made from composite material produced by the improved pultrusion process, specifically spinal implants, are also provided. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204369 | ARTIFICIAL SPINAL DISC - An artificial disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis includes first and second end plates and a nucleus. Each end plate may have one or more rows of keels for fixation to vertebral bodies. The nucleus may engage a slot or trough in an inner surface of an end plate. The trough can be open on the posterior or anterior end to allow the nucleus to slide into the trough without undue distraction of adjacent vertebrae. The nucleus can be prevented from moving out of the trough by inserting a stop in the trough. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204370 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT AND INSERTION INSTRUMENT - An intervertebral implant and associated insertion instrument. The intervertebral implant includes an instrument engagement interface including first and second channels extending along opposite sides of the implant forwardly from a trailing end wall of the implant and a positioning projection extending rearward from the trailing end wall of the implant. The insertion instrument includes a grasping mechanism for engagement with the instrument engagement interface. The grasping mechanism includes first and second jaws including grasping portions positionable in the first and second channels and an enlarged opening defined between the first and second jaws for receiving the positioning projection therein. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204371 | BONE FUSION DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises a frame and one or more extendable plates that are able to be angled, rotatable, adjustable, and have top profiles designed to correct and/or match the replaced discs/bones. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204372 | Systems and Methods for Inserting a Spinal Device - An insertion device is provided for inserting a spinal device such as an intervertebral implant within a spinal joint. The implant includes at least first and second members, with the first having a convex articulation surface and the second member having a concave articulation surface. The two articulation surfaces provide an articulation interface to substantially mimic natural kinetic motion of the spine. The insertion device can be attached to at least one of the first and second members. In one form, the insertion device is configured such that the first and second members are movable relative to one another while being held to allow the members to form a compact wedge configuration. The insertion device is configured to actively pivot the implant about the implant gripping end of the device and to allow manipulation and release of the implant members in any pivoted orientation from approximately 0 to 90 degrees. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204373 | INTERBODY FUSION MATERIAL RETENTION METHODS - Methods of inserting and retaining interbody fusion material are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include inserting an anchored implant comprising a bone anchoring portion and an engagement portion. A method may also include inserting at least one bone fusion material within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, a method includes driving the bone anchoring portion into an outer surface of at least one of the adjacent vertebral bodies and recessing the bone anchoring portion within the outer surface of the at least one adjacent vertebral body. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204374 | IN-SITU FORMED SPINAL IMPLANT - An in-situ formed spinal implant is provided, including an elongate strip having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the strip having a plurality of spaced teeth disposed along edges of the strip. The strip has a generally arcuate or concave cross-section and is configured for being coiled into a spiral from the proximate end to the distal end for placement between adjacent spinal vertebrae, such that upon formation of the coiled shape, the teeth on a first edge engage one of the vertebrae, and teeth of an opposite, second edge engage the other of the vertebrae. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204375 | Humeral Implant Having A Floating Bearing - A shoulder can include a fixed bearing having a generally spherical articulating surface configured to be coupled to a glenoid. The implant can also include a floating bearing member defining a first spherical bearing surface and a second planar articulating bearing surface. The implant can include a stem defining a stem planar bearing surface coupled to the second planar articulating bearing surface. The second planar articulating bearing surface can cooperate with the stem planar bearing surface to enable the floating bearing to translate relative to the stem. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204376 | ADJUSTABLE, REMOTE-CONTROLLABLE ORTHOPAEDIC PROSTHESIS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - An implantable, adjustable prosthesis includes a first component which may be moved relative to a second component by use of a transcutaneous control signal. A method of operating such a prosthesis is also disclosed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204377 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A MODULAR FEMORAL COMPONENT - Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a modular component, wherein the modular component is configured to attach to a femoral component, and wherein the femoral component is configured to attach to a distal portion of a femur. In some cases, the modular component includes an articular surface that is configured to increase a surface area of an articulation surface of a proximal portion of a posterior condyle of the femoral component. Other implementations are also discussed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204378 | 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. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204379 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FEMORAL COMPONENT WITH A MODIFIED POSTERIOR CONDYLE - Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a knee prosthesis that includes a femoral component for replacing at least a portion of a distal end of a femur. In some cases, the femoral component has a posterior condyle that is configured to articulate against a tibial articular surface. In such cases, an articular surface at a proximal portion of the posterior condyle is sized and shaped to extend at least half of an antero-posterior distance between a most posterior portion of the posterior condyle and a plane that is a continuation of a distal one fourth to one third of a posterior cortex of a femoral shaft of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204380 | KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS - A knee joint endoprosthesis is provided which consists of a femur component and a tibia component having cooperating joint surfaces in contact with one another. A rotation guide arrangement is provided for forcing the femur component and the tibia component to rotate relative to each other about a medial center of rotation as a result of a flexure of the knee joint endoprosthesis. The rotation guide arrangement having a first guide element with a first guidance surface and a second guide element with a second guidance surface which cooperates with the first guidance surface. A projection of the tibia component comprises the first guide element and a transverse extension connecting condyles of the femur component comprises the second guide element. The first guidance surface defines a first radius of curvature and the second guidance surface defines a second radius of curvature. The first and second radii of curvature are identical. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204381 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN ASYMMETRICAL FEMORAL COMPONENT - Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include an asymmetrical femoral component that includes a femoral prosthesis that is configured to attach to a distal portion of a femur. In some such instances, the prosthesis includes a medial condyle and a lateral condyle, wherein a medial-lateral width of an articulation surface of the lateral condyle is approximately 75% or less of a medial-lateral width of an articulation surface of the medial condyle. Other implementations are also discussed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204382 | Total Knee Replacement Implant Based on Normal Anatomy and Kinematics - A total knee replacement prosthesis is presented whose bearing surfaces are derived from an anatomically representative femur and a modified baseline tibial surface. The contacting femoral and tibial bearing surfaces comprise the inter-condylar as well as condylar regions. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204383 | TIBIAL BASEPLATES FOR SPECIAL PATIENT POPULATIONS - A family of tibial baseplates can comprise a plurality of tibial baseplates. Each of the plurality of tibial baseplates can define a common nominal baseplate size and a unique, non-congruent tibial baseplate periphery as compared to the other tibial baseplates of the family of tibial baseplates. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204384 | Implant With Patient-Specific Porous Structure - A method of manufacturing a joint implant for a joint of a specific patient includes obtaining a three-dimensional image of a bone of the joint of the specific patient from medical imaging scans of the bone of the patient and determining on the three-dimensional image a resection plane for contacting a corresponding planar surface of the joint implant for the specific patient. The method includes determining a three-dimensional image of a porous structure of a bone layer along the resection plane from the medical imaging scans of the patient. The joint implant is manufactured with a layer of a patient-specific porous construct attached to the planar surface of the joint implant. The layer of the patient-specific porous construct substantially replicates the porous structure of the bone layer of the specific patient. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204385 | REUSABLE ORTHOPAEDIC INSTRUMENT - A reusable orthopaedic instrument includes a reusable orthopedic trial having a first outer surface and a second outer surface that is opposite the first outer surface. A notch is formed in each side of the orthopaedic instrument. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204386 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING TALOCALCANEAL RELATIONSHIP IN A FOOT - A system for modifying a talocalcaneal spatial relationship in a foot in a body, including a subtalar spacer having an articulating surface and implanted in the sinus tarsi of the foot and a fastener that fastens the subtalar spacer to a bone surface in the foot, in which the articulating surface of the subtalar spacer directs relative movement between the calcaneus and the talus of the foot. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204387 | IMPLANT FIXATION DEVICE - Disclosed is an orthopedic implant that includes an anchor, a bore, and a compressible and expandable mesh. The anchor is configured to secure the implant at an implantation site and defines a longitudinal axis. The bore is defined by the anchor and extends along the longitudinal axis. The compressible and expandable mesh is aligned along the longitudinal axis and defines a plurality of openings. The mesh is configured to compress along the longitudinal axis and expand from the longitudinal axis to engage surrounding bone or tissue at the implantation site to secure the implant at the implantation site. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204388 | Locking Screw Assembly - An acetabular implant including an acetabular cup having a wall with a first elongated slot defining a passage through the wall, and an insert slidably received in the first elongated slot and movable relative to the slot in a first direction. The insert can include a second elongated slot that extends in a second direction different than the first direction. The second elongated slot can be configured to slidably receive a bone fastener and guide the bone fastener through the passage of the acetabular cup at a selected angle. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204389 | Modular Junction Seal Of An Orthopedic Implant - A seal for preventing a bodily fluid from penetrating an orthopedic implant comprising a tapered section adapted to conformingly mate to a stem of a first implant component, and a collar section extending from and circumferentially surrounding a portion of the tapered section, the collar section adapted to mate to a base of a second implant component such that the tapered section and collar section define an opening therethrough configured to receive the first implant component. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204390 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHMENT IN A MODULAR HIP REPLACEMENT OR FRACTURE FIXATION DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for orthopedic replacement of the hip and hip fracture fixation devices include structures and techniques for fixing or enhancing interconnection of implant components, such as by increasing the interconnection in an interference fit with one or more tapers, threads, and/or cooling of components prior to assembly. For example, a prosthetic femoral neck implant can include a thread and a Morse taper for lockable attachment to a prosthetic femoral head and/or intramedullary stem. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204391 | HIGHLY ELASTIC STENT AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR HIGHLY ELASTIC STENT - A highly elastic stent is made of an alloy that exhibits superelasticity at body temperature. At least a part of the highly elastic stent has such a property that load increases with displacement without exhibiting a distinct yield on a load-displacement curve obtained by a compression test and a bending test. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204392 | METHOD FOR PROMOTING STEM CELL CHONDROGENESIS - There is provided a method for promoting stem cell chondrogenesis, comprising the step of culturing a population of stem cells on a plurality of imprints disposed on a substrate, the imprints being configured to selectively promote chondrogenesis of the stem cells. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204393 | MULTI-LAYER TISSUE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention encompass anti-adhesion wound dressings including patches made from amnion tissue obtained from human birth tissue. Exemplary amnion patches can be fabricated by folding a section of amnion over on itself with the epithelial layer on the outside of the folded patch and the fibroblast layer on the inside of the folded patch. Optionally, individual amnion tissue pieces can be sandwiched together to provide a multi-layer patch. Sufficient pressure is applied to the layered amnion to cause adherence between opposing faces of the fibroblast layers. The pressed fibroblast layers provide mechanical strength to hold the amnion patch together with the epithelial layers on the outsides of the amnion patch. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204394 | THIN FILM TISSUE REPAIR MATRIX - A tissue repair matrix has an intricate pattern of loops, struts and bridges and is made of a super elastic alloy. The repair matrix includes hooks which improve the ingrowth when implanted and amorphic circles which provide rounded surfaces to the outer edges which made the repair matrix a-traumatic when implanted. When the repair matrix is cooled the molecular phase becomes martensitic which allows the tissue repair matrix to be compressed for easier insertion into a patient. When the tissue repair matrix is heated, the molecular phase changes to austenitic which causes the tissue repair matrix to expand to a size suitable for medical procedure. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204395 | COMBINED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE LEG PROSTHESIS SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PERFORMING A MOVEMENT WITH SUCH A SYSTEM - A lower limb prosthesis system and a method of controlling the prosthesis system to replace a missing lower extremity of an individual and perform a gait cycle are disclosed. The prosthesis system has a controller, one or more sensors, a prosthetic foot, and a movable ankle joint member coupled to the prosthetic foot. The movable ankle joint member comprises a hydraulic damping system that provides the ankle joint member damping resistance. The controller varies the damping resistance by providing volumetric flow control to the hydraulic damping system based on sensor data. In one embodiment, the hydraulic damping system comprises a hydraulic piston cylinder assembly, hydraulic fluid, and a valve to regulate the fluid. In one embodiment, the controller alters the damping resistance by modulating the valve to vary the hydraulic fluid flow within the hydraulic piston cylinder assembly of the movable ankle joint member based on sensor data. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204396 | Below-knee leg protector - A multi-piece therapeutic cover that assembles to warm, cushion and stabilize the thigh of a below-knee amputee. A thigh piece contains a resiliently rigid channel piece and several laterally extending, wings including sizing tabs that overlap and cooperate with associated straps. A stump contact piece, end cap piece and knee cover piece contain foam pads to cushion the stump end and knee. Strips of hook and loop fastener material arrayed about the surfaces of the protector pieces judiciously overlap to contain the protector pieces to each other and the limb. Buckled straps further support the protector assembly to the limb. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204397 | PROSTHETIC FOOT COVERING ENABLING RAPID CONVERSION BETWEEN SHOE AND BAREFOOT WALKING - A covering for a prosthetic leg. The prosthetic leg is nominally adjusted for optimal performance while the user is wearing shoes. The covering is configured to cosmetically resemble skin, and to shield some or all of the prosthetic leg mechanical components from outside view, thus making the prosthetic leg resemble a natural leg. The covering is designed to enable a prosthetic leg wearer to walk without shoes in a manner that makes it look as if the wearer is walking barefoot. To avoid prosthetic leg misadjustment problems such as hyperextended knee or prosthetic posterior lean, the covering is further configured with one or more internal inserts designed to adjust the height of the prosthetic foot to compensate for the missing elevation caused by the missing shoe. The device may be further configured with one or more fasteners to facilitate rapid application and removal. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204398 | ACCESS CONTROL DEVICE, ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM, ACCESS CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - The present invention controls access to information so that the burden upon the owner of the information is reduced. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204399 | DETERMINING AN INDICATION OF A BACKGROUND LEVEL OF UTILITY CONSUMPTION - A non-intrusive method of determining, in respect of a group of appliances that are arranged to consume a utility, an indication of a background level of consumption of the utility by the group of appliances, the method comprising: receiving a series of utility values representative of a total level of consumption of the utility by the group of appliances; determining, based on the received utility values, an indication of a background level of consumption of the utility; and outputting the determined indication of the background level of consumption of the utility. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204400 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - An information processing apparatus includes a switching unit configured to switch between supply and cutoff of power to the information processing apparatus, a driving unit configured to cause the switching unit to be OFF-state to cut off the supply of power to the information processing apparatus, and a control unit configured, in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, to drive the driving unit to cause the switching unit to be OFF-state, in which, if the supply of power to the information processing apparatus is not cut off in response to the control unit driving the driving unit, the control unit reboots the information processing apparatus. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204401 | DEVICE COOPERATION CONTROL SYSTEM, TERMINAL, CONTROL APPARATUS, AND DEVICE COOPERATION CONTROL METHOD - A mobile device and a display apparatus are caused to cooperate. A user is instructed to do a predetermined action and the user holds and moves the mobile device. A motion of the mobile device is detected by the mobile device and the motion of the user is detected by the display apparatus. A pair of the mobile device and the display apparatus that detect the same action at the same time is caused to cooperate. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204402 | BUILDING ANALYSIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for monitoring and improving the efficiency by which systems maintain building environments. A building management system may analyze values observed by sensors and other devices and determine whether the observed values fall within a range. If the observed values do not fall within the range and the building's control system has not taken appropriate action to ensure that the observed values do fall within the range, the building may generate a floor plan specifying where the failure occurred. A building ranking system may rank a plurality of buildings based upon their relative efficiency. The building ranking system may determine each building's efficiency based on a set of parameters related to the building's energy usage that are normalized for weather, occupancy, and other external parameters. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204403 | Apparatus and Methods for Non-Invasive Closed Loop Step Testing Using a Tunable Trade-Off Factor - An integrated multivariable predictive controller (MPC) and tester is disclosed. The invention system provides optimal control and step testing of a multivariable dynamic process using a small amplitude step for model identification purposes, without moving too far from optimal control targets. A tunable parameter specifies the trade-off between optimal process operation and minimum movement of process variables, establishing a middle ground between running a MPC on the Minimum Cost setting and the Minimum Move setting. Exploiting this middle ground, embodiments carry out low amplitude step testing near the optimal steady state solution, such that the data is suitable for modeling purposes. The new system decides when the MPC should run in optimization mode and when it can run in constrained step testing mode. The invention system determines when and how big the superimposed step testing signals can be, such that the temporary optimization give-away is constrained to an acceptable range. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204404 | Closed-Loop Control Structure for Damping Low-Frequency Vibrations - A closed-loop control structure for positioning a load with the aid of an electric motor includes a device for the active damping of unwanted, low-frequency vibrations. The closed-loop control structure has a position controller, a speed controller, and a current controller, which together, form a cascaded control loop. Damping signals which counteract unwanted, low-frequency vibrations are applied to the control loop, at least one first and one second damping signal of different phase angle being derived from a single sensor signal, and the first damping signal being injected between the position controller and the speed controller, and the second damping signal being injected between the speed controller and the current controller. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204405 | CONTROL DEVICE AND NUCLEAR POWER PLANT CONTROL SYSTEM - A nuclear power plant control system including: a detection unit for detecting a specific event occurring in the nuclear power plant; an on-site equipment handling the event; and a majority decision judging device and an on-site equipment control device which constitute a plurality of control devices respectively operating independently. Each control devices includes a plurality of arithmetic units which perform arithmetic processes independently and in parallel based on a detection result of the detection unit, and output a signal for controlling the on-site equipment according to the results of operations of the arithmetic processes. The plurality of arithmetic units perform a matching process for harmonizing process statuses of the arithmetic processes of respective arithmetic units with each other when starting up the control devices, and after completing the matching process, respectively perform the arithmetic processes independently and in parallel. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204406 | CONTROL INTERFACE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES - A programmable user interaction control interface for household appliances such as ovens. The user interface comprises a display for displaying text and icons. The user interface further comprises control and selection buttons for navigation in a two dimensional menu structure. LED technology is used in order to lit up buttons as well as indicators. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204407 | Scalable Architecture For A Human Machine Interface Device - A human-machine interface device suitable for use in an automation system comprising a plurality of the human-machine interface devices, where each human-machine interface device includes at least one hardware resource, a system bus, and an interconnect circuit and is configured for interconnecting with at least one other human-machine interface device to form a device cluster, where the interconnect circuit provides a communication channel between individual system bus in each human-machine interface device forming the device cluster. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204408 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM USING BODY MOVEMENTS - A home automation system includes data relating to three dimensional body movements. The system receives a signal generated by a sensing of a three dimensional body movement of a person, compares the signal relating to the three dimensional body movement of the person to the stored data relating to the three dimensional body movements, identify the body movement of the person based on the comparison; and control a home automation system as a function of the identified body movement. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204409 | BUILDING MANAGEMENT SERVER AND BUILDING ILLUMINATION CONTROL METHOD - The disclosure relates to automatically controlling illumination in a building, by recognizing a user ID, detecting the entry into and exit from a building by checking the recognized user ID, checking an illumination list in association with the user ID, and controlling one or more lights in the illumination list. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING AND TRACKING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG A PARTICIPATING GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS - A system and method of tracking physical activity of a person in order to help motivate that person to add more exercise to his/her life. Each participant is provided a motion sensor that detects forces incurred by the participant. The motion sensor creates electronic data that corresponds to the forces detected. The data is analyzed to determine whether or not exercise has been performed. The analysis can also determine the type of exercise performed, when the exercise was performed, and the duration of the exercise performed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204411 | INERTIAL MEASUREMENT OF SPORTS MOTION - Systems and methods of motion tracking are disclosed that can be used in connection with sports motion. Such a method can include placing one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) on at least one of a person or one or more pieces of equipment, recording motion data associated with the at least one of the person or the one or more pieces of equipment, and synchronizing the recorded motion data. The method can also include analyzing the synchronized motion data in connection with a motion standard, and generating feedback based at least in part on the analyzed motion data. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204412 | OPTIMAL POLICY DETERMINATION USING REPEATED STACKELBERG GAMES WITH UNKNOWN PLAYER PREFERENCES - A system, method and computer program product for planning actions in a repeated Stackelberg Game, played for a fixed number of rounds, where the payoffs or preferences of the follower are initially unknown to the leader, and a prior probability distribution over follower types is available. In repeated Bayesian Stackelberg games, the objective is to maximize the leader's cumulative expected payoff over the rounds of the game. The optimal plans in such games make intelligent tradeoffs between actions that reveal information regarding the unknown follower preferences, and actions that aim for high immediate payoff. The method solves for such optimal plans according to a Monte Carlo Tree Search method wherein simulation trials draw instances of followers from said prior probability distribution. Some embodiments additionally implement a method for pruning dominated leader strategies. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204413 | Audio Hyperlinking - Hyperlinks within an audio stream provide a way for a listener to access linked resources. An audio hyperlink encoded in an audio stream indicates the presence of an audio hyperlink in the audio stream, as well as providing information for traversing the hyperlink to the linked resource. The hyperlink may be conditionally traversed upon a user interaction or automatically upon detection in the audio stream, possibly pausing the audio stream containing the hyperlink during the traversal of the hyperlink and resuming the audio stream if the audio stream is returned to from the linked material. The linked material may be other audio content, but may also be any other type of desired content that may be accessible by the system processing the audio stream. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204414 | DIGITAL AUDIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention allow users to post or publish audio information to a destination on a digital network. A particular embodiment provides a user interface for recording and uploading a short comment, remark, song segment, sound effect or any other audio portion. The comment can be sent directly to another user's device or can be published or uploaded to a network site, web page, user group or other location. A user interface allows organizing, reviewing, editing, tagging, transferring and other types of processing or manipulation in association with the audio portion to be transferred, or which has been received. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204415 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING SIGNAL-DERIVED SEGMENTED IDENTIFIERS TO MANAGE RESOURCE CONTENTION AND CONTROL ACCESS TO DATA AND FUNCTIONS - Systems and methods are provided for using a hidden audio signal. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving, by a user device, media associated with at least one identifier. The identifier includes at least one identifier segment associated with at least one channel identifier. The method further includes causing the at least one identifier to be decoded, and sending a request including the at least one identifier to a resolution provider. In addition, the method include receiving information from the resolution provider, where the information is associated with the at least one identifier. Additionally, the method includes identifying, by the user device, at least one application operating on the user device that is authorized to receive the information associated with the at least one identifier, based on at least one of the content of the identifier or the channel identifier, and delivering the information to the at least one application that is identified. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204416 | HEAT TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - The heat treatment apparatus that increases a temperature of a processing object and performs a heat treatment in a constant temperature, the heat treatment apparatus includes: a processing chamber which accommodates the processing object; a heating unit which heats the processing object accommodated in the processing chamber; a memory unit which stores two or more temperature control models that are previously created, a temperature controller which controls a temperature of the heating unit; and an apparatus controller which controls the temperature controller and the memory unit, wherein the apparatus controller selects a temperature control model among the two or more temperature control models according to desired heat treatment conditions, and wherein the temperature controller reads out the selected temperature control model from the memory unit to control the heating unit. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204417 | POWER CONSUMPTION OUTPUT DEVICE - To provide a power consumption output device capable of precisely calculating the electricity cost per product manufactured by an apparatus whose power consumption differs in each cycle of operation for manufacturing a product. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204418 | Novel Design of Tool Function to Improve Fab Process in Semiconductor Manufacturing - The present disclosure relates to a process tool system that utilizes tool sensor data and an embedded or built-in tool model to facilitate semiconductor fabrication. The process tool system includes a sensor data component, the tool model, and an execution system. The sensor data component is configured to provide the tool sensor data. The tool model is built in a process tool and is configured to generate model outputs based on model inputs. The manufacturing execution system is configured to provide tool process data, including actual metrology and previous process data, to the sensor data component. Additionally, the execution system provides the model inputs to the tool model and receives the model outputs from the tool model. The execution system provides one or more execution system outputs based on the sensor data and the model outputs. The sensor data can include measured semiconductor device characteristics. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204419 | OPTIMIZING PRODUCTION OF PACKAGING PRODUCTS - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing production of packaging products. Packaging products can be automatically produced on-demand and can be optimized based on stored and/or real-time information. In some embodiments, a request for a packaging product is received and a real-time design optimization system accesses information about one or more design groups. The one or more design groups include multiple design options. The multiple design options are scored based on stored and/or real-time criteria. Based on the score, one or more top designs are identified for production and/or selection by an operator of the system. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204420 | COMPUTER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME MULTI-UNIT OPTIMIZATION - A method and system for real-time optimization of a process which is scheduled using a single-period or multi-period, steady-state planning model and optimization program which can be a Linear Program (LP) or Non-Linear Program (NLP), and is controlled by means of linear or non-linear multivariable constraint controls (MVC). A steady-state model based on first principles of chemistry and physics of a plant is applied with a non-linear optimizer to calculate the optimum operating point of said oil refinery at any desired frequency such that the refinery can be considered to be operating in steady-state. The economic optimum is a function of the price of feedstocks, products and intermediate streams as provided by the refinery planning optimization. The solution is implemented automatically by linear or non-linear multivariable constraint controllers operating each of the processing units of said plant. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204421 | SUBSTRATE TRANSFER APPARATUS, SUBSTRATE TRANSFER METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM - A substrate transfer apparatus to transfer a circular substrate provided with a cutout at an edge portion thereof, includes: a sensor part including three light source parts applying light to positions different from one another at the edge portion, and three light receiving parts paired with the light source parts; and a drive part for moving the substrate holding part, wherein the three light source parts apply light to the light receiving parts so that whether or not a detection range of the sensor part overlaps with the cutout of the substrate is determined on the basis of an amount of received light by each light receiving part, and when it is determined that there is an overlap at any position, positions of the edge portion of the substrate are further detected with the position of the substrate displaced with respect to the sensor part. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204422 | SMART INSTALLATION/PROCESSING SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - A processing system employs a processing tool to process workpieces, for example cold working holes and/or installing expandable members into holes. Sensors sense various aspects of the processing. Information regarding performance of the process and/or materials may be stored, for example a hole-by-hole or a workpiece-by-workpiece basis, allowing validation of processing. Information also allows dynamic operation of the processing tool. Analysis of response relationships (e.g., pressure or force versus position or distance) may provide insights into the process and materials, and/or facilitate the real-time feedback including control, alerts, ordering replacement for consumable components. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204423 | COMPUTER PROGRAM, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR LOCKSMITHING - A computer program, method, and system for locksmithing. The computer program, method, and system receive vehicle information, obtain a key code for a lock based on the vehicle information, decrypt the key code to determine key specification data, and provide the key specification data to a user, such that a duplicate key corresponding to the lock can be formed. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204424 | Adjusting Polishing Rates by Using Spectrographic Monitoring of a Substrate During Processing - A computer-implemented method includes receiving a sequence of current spectra of reflected light from a substrate; comparing each current spectrum from the sequence of current spectra to a plurality of reference spectra from a reference spectra library to generate a sequence of best-match reference spectra; determining a goodness of fit for the sequence of best-match reference spectra; and determining at least one of whether to adjust a polishing rate or an adjustment for the polishing rate, based on the goodness of fit. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204425 | THERMAL PROCESSING APPARATUS, THERMAL PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - When a substrate is transferred by a holding arm to a multiple tier wafer boat, contact between the holding arm and the substrate is prevented. When the wafer boat is not subjected to a thermal effect, a normal height position of a ring member is obtained by relatively elevating and lowering a transfer base member with respect to the wafer boat. Before a wafer, which is not yet thermally processed, is transferred to the wafer boat, a height position of the corresponding ring member is obtained. By comparing a difference between the normal height position of the ring member and the height position of the ring member before the wafer is transported, with a threshold value, whether to transfer the wafer by the wafer transfer mechanism to the wafer boat can be judged. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204426 | Tool Path Generation Method and Apparatus - A method including a bend angle calculation step of calculating a bend angle θ at each connecting point of a broken line which is obtained by successively connecting a predetermined plurality of machining points P | 2013-08-08 |
20130204427 | NUMERICAL CONTROL DEVICE - A numerical control device including tapping spindle (S | 2013-08-08 |
20130204428 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a method for controlling apparatus, in particular medical apparatus, comprising the following steps:
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20130204429 | Method and System for Transporting Inventory Items - A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204430 | PHARMACY AUTOMATION USING AUTONOMOUS ROBOT - A pharmacy automation system having a robot having a hardware device and a software for internal mapping is configured to carry out at least the following different interactions: the robot communicates autonomously with a physician or an assistant directly or via an intermediary; the robot interacts with an inventory of goods and browses the inventory of goods to determine if a prescribed medication is available in the pharmacy; if the prescribed medication is available in the pharmacy, the robot interacts with a medication dispenser, using the internal mapping to fill a container with the prescribed medication, and store the container; when a patient or a proxy arrives to pick up the prescribed medication, the robot checks and approves an identification of the patient or the proxy; and hands the container with the prescribed medication over to the patient or proxy. | 2013-08-08 |
20130204431 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARRIER IDENTIFICATION IN A PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM - A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination. | 2013-08-08 |