34th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 62 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140236225 | BIOADHESIVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VASCULAR CLOSURE - A vascular closure system includes a balloon location device, a bioadhesive delivery device, and a sealing tip. The balloon location device includes a balloon for temporarily sealing a vessel puncture internally and at least one lumen for delivering inflation fluid to the balloon. The bioadhesive delivery device includes at least one lumen for delivery of the balloon location device to the vessel puncture. One of the balloon location device and the bioadhesive delivery device includes a first lumen for delivery of a first volume of bioadhesive to the vessel puncture. The sealing tip is releasable within a channel formed in the first volume of bioadhesive upon withdrawal of the balloon. One of the balloon location device and the bioadhesive delivery device is configured for delivery of a second volume of bioadhesive to the vessel puncture after the sealing tip is released in the channel. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236226 | TAILORED POLYMERS - The present invention relates to shape memory polymers (SMP) and especially to shape memory polymer containing a water soluble non-reactive plasticiser and to uses thereof. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236227 | SYSTEM FOR CLOSING A WOUND - A system for wound closure has at least two closure elements. One closure element is detachably tethered to another closure element. Each closure element includes: a base member with an integral strap hingably connected to the base member, and a lock member slidably disposed on the strap and being lockable on the strap. Alternatively, the base member defines a plane and the strap being affixed to the base member at an angle to the plane. The system may further include a wound covering disposed between the straps and the wound. The wound covering may be a laminate having at least two layers; a first layer is a moisture impervious layer adapted to contain body heat, and a second hydrophilic layer is adapted to retain moisture. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236228 | SURGICAL STAPLER - An anvil assembly comprising an anvil shaft and an anvil head, the anvil head having anvil depressions for forming surgical staples. The anvil head is mounted to the anvil shaft and the anvil shaft has a longitudinal axis and first and second spaced apart elongated projections attached to the anvil shaft and extending therefrom. The projections are configured and dimensioned to retain a purse string suture. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236229 | SUTURE THREAD - A suture thread having: a thread-shaped main body with spikes and a stopper cylinder having a diameter enlarged with respect to the main body is described. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236230 | LATCHING ANCHOR DEVICE - An anchor that secures to a connector as part of an anchor assembly is disclosed. The proximal anchor includes a pair of spaced apart prongs which join together at a slot inception. The prongs are shaped and sized of a configuration to define a catch or latching structure. The prongs are configured to capture and deform the suture between the protrusions and prevent the suture from disengaging from the slotted anchor device once engaged. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236231 | TISSUE GRAFT ANCHOR ASSEMBLY AND INSTRUMENTATION FOR USE THEREWITH - The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236232 | MULTI-USE PACIFIER - A multi use pacifier including a teething ring, where the teething ring includes a twist top; a nipple, where the nipple includes a plurality of orifices over the surface of the nipple; a mouth guard at one end of the nipple; a receiver extending beyond the mouth guard, where the twist top attaches the ring to the pacifier; an opening in the receiver for inserting a food product; and safety tabs, where the safety tabs lock the teething ring to the nipple. The safety tabs may be placed on each side of the receiver. The receiver includes an opening that is used to insert food into the receiver and passed through to the interior of the nipple. The nipple includes a first end and tabs are provided at the first end to prevent retraction of food out of the nipple near the mouth guard. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236233 | SPINAL PLATE WITH COMPRESSION LOCKING - A spinal plate assembly includes a spinal plate and a cap. The spinal plate includes an opening through the spinal plate and an associated recess in the spinal plate that is eccentric with the opening. The cap includes an alignment opening and is configured to be rotationally engaged in the recess between a first rotational configuration and a second rotational configuration. The first rotational configuration enables a threaded body of a screw to be thread into a vertebra in a selected trajectory through the alignment opening and the opening in the spinal plate, and further enables a portion of the opening to engage a head of the screw in the selected trajectory. The second rotational configuration enables the cap to compress the head of the screw approximately through its center into the engaged portion of the opening. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236234 | SPINAL CORRECTION SYSTEM ACTUATORS - A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236235 | SAGITTAL ANGLE SCREW WITH INTEGRAL SHANK AND RECEIVER - A spinal bone screw has a receiver with upstanding arms forming a channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member, such as a rod, the receiver being integral with a threaded shank. The receiver further includes inner surfaces in sliding engagement with an insert, the insert having a seating surface for the rod. The insert and rod being pivotable with respect to the bone screw in a single plane. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236236 | POLYAXIAL PEDICLE SCREW HAVING PROVISIONAL FASTENING MEANS - A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a screwed shaft section for anchoring the pedicle screw in a vertebra, on one axial end of which a shaft head is configured which is coupled in a rotating and/or pivoting manner as well as in a tensile-force transmitting manner to a receiving sleeve for a longitudinal support. The receiving sleeve has a fastening means for selective positional fastening of the receiving sleeve with respect to the shaft section, the fastening means at least consisting of an inlay/pin mounted in the receiving sleeve and acting on the shaft head, and a locking element acting on the inlay/pin. The inlay/pin is configured with attachment points or engagement elements, which are not covered or overlapped by the locking element, for the provisional introduction of a compressive force on the inlay/pin parallel to the locking element. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236237 | REDUCED SHOCK BREAKAWAY SET SCREW FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CONSTRUCT - A reduced shock breakaway set screw for use with medical implants and constructs for the spine having improved geometry of the groove area between the upper head portion and lower threaded portion of the set screw. The groove area of the set screw has circular and noncircular portions which in at least one embodiment comprise upper and lower radii separated by a flattened groove bottom. Other embodiments have apertures running between the groove area and an internal cylindrical bore and/or ridges or ribs running across the groove area. The improved geometry serves to slow down the fracturing process during shearing thereby increasing the proportion of energy dissipated as heat from plastic deformation of the material to the amount of energy released as kinetic energy from elastic deformation, thus reducing shock to the patient and physician without changing the preset break-off torque for the set screw. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236238 | Iliosacral polyaxial screw - Provided is an iliosacral polyaxial screw system. A multiple part insert member is provided to secure the screw to the housing of the assembly to accommodate screws in which the shank diameter of the screw is greater than the bottom opening of the screw housing or greater than the opening of a ring member designed to capture the head of the screw in the housing. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236239 | COUPLING ASSEMBLY FOR COUPLING A ROD TO A BONE ANCHORING ELEMENT AND BONE ANCHORING DEVICE WITH SUCH A COUPLING ASSEMBLY - A coupling assembly is provided for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, the coupling assembly including
| 2014-08-21 |
20140236240 | SPINAL IMPLANT APPARATUSES AND METHODS OF IMPLANTING AND USING SAME - An adjustable spinal implant device, comprising: a sliding portion provided with a tongue; and, a non-sliding portion provided with a slot adapted for receipt of the tongue; wherein the tongue is slidably and rotatably positioned within the slot. Methods of use include adjusting a spinal implant to an implant site by at least one of sliding and rotating at least a first portion with respect to a second portion of the implant; and, securing the spinal implant to the implant site. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236241 | VARIABLE ANGLE BONE PLATE WITH SEMI-CONSTRAINED ARTICULATING SCREW - In some embodiments, a cervical plate may include an elongate plate which bridges, during use, substantially adjacent vertebrae by anchoring the plate to the vertebrae. The cervical plate may include a plurality of openings extending through the elongate plate. The cervical plate may include plurality of bone fasteners. The bone fasteners may include a head and a shaft. The shaft may be positionable, during use, in the opening such that the shaft engages, during use, at least one of the vertebrae such that the bone fasteners couple the elongate plate to the vertebrae. The cervical plate may include a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may, when activated, inhibit removal of at least one of the bone fasteners and inhibit movement of at least the shaft of the bone fastener in a lateral direction, while allowing movement of at least the shaft of the bone fastener along a substantially sagittal plane. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236242 | FENESTRATED BONE SCREWS AND METHODS OF BONE FASTENING AND STABILIZATION - Systems, methods, and apparatuses for bone fixation are presented. In one aspect, presented herein is a screw for bone fixation, an insertion tool, and a method for stabilization across a bone joint of the spine. The bone screw has an elongate shank defining an internal longitudinal passage. The screw has an external threaded surface and a tapered distal end. The insertion tool engages the head of the screw and is used to drive the screw into the desired bone joint. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236243 | METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A ROD IMPLANT ALONG A SPINE OF A PATIENT - A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236244 | THERAPY DEVICE WITH FIXATED DISTRACTION DISTANCE - Assemblies for implantation across one or more adjacent bones to allow for control of the distance between bone anchors. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided by one inter-anchor element pushing the pair of bone anchors apart and a second inter-anchor element pulling the pair of bone anchors together. Control of distance between bone anchors may be provided through use of dissimilar thread pitch. Compression of the space between bone anchors through controlled movement of a pair of anchored bone anchors towards one another. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236245 | SCREW THREAD WITH FLATTENED PEAKS - A bone fastener for use in orthopedic surgery for fixing an implant to bone has a threaded or unthreaded shaft configured to engage bone and a head having a thread on an outer surface to engage the implant. The thread on the head of the fastener has a profile in cross section that includes arcuate peaks with a flat on the outer surface of the peak. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236246 | Load Distribution Crown - An apparatus for distributing the load caused by the insertion of a fastening device into bony tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crown having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may have any desired physical properties, and function to obtain purchase in the bony tissue. Preferably, the crown includes an opening that is selectively engageable with a spherical head of the fastening device. The opening preferably comprises a spherical curvature that allows the surfaces of the spherical head and the opening to maintain flush contact, even when the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue at a non-orthogonal angle. When the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue, the crown distributes the load over a wider section of the bone, allowing the bone to maintain its structural integrity. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236247 | SURGICAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A surgical implant driver includes a member defining an engagement portion including a wall having a circumference and a plurality of lobes disposed thereabout. The lobes are curved toward an interior of the circumference and are connected by a plurality of arcuate portions that are curved toward the interior of the circumference. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236248 | COORDINATED MEDIUM VOLTAGE THERAPY FOR IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS OF DEFIBRILLATION THERAPY - Automated treatment of arrhythmia utilizing an electrotherapy device. Time-coordinated applications of medium-voltage therapy (MVT) followed by high-voltage therapy (HVT) include a first MVT waveform to a first target region and a second MVT waveform to a second target region, such that the HVT is synchronized relative to a first compression cycle corresponding to activation of the first target region, and to a second compression cycle corresponding to activation of the second target region resulting from the administration of the MVT. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236249 | Electronic Skin Patch for Real Time Monitoring of Cardiac Activity and Personal Health Management - A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236250 | ELECTRICAL MUSCLE CONTROLLER - A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by a least 5%. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236251 | PACING CONFIGURATION FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device includes a sensor configured to generate an endocardial acceleration (EA) signal representative of activity of a patient's heart. The device further includes one or more circuits configured to identify within the EA signal at least one EA signal component corresponding to at least one peak of endocardial acceleration, and extract from the at least one EA signal component at least two characteristic parameters. The one or more circuits are further configured to generate a composite index based on a combination of the at least two characteristic parameters, determine a plurality of values of the composite index for a plurality of pacing configurations, and select a current pacing configuration from among the plurality of pacing configurations based on the plurality of values of the composite index. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236252 | CRITERIA FOR OPTIMAL ELECTRICAL RESYNCHRONIZATION DURING FUSION PACING - Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left and right ventricular electrodes. Pacing using a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Employing weighted sums of the measured activation times to measure a fusion index and select one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses based on comparing fusion indices during pacing from different LV electrodes. One or more embodiments use the same fusion index to select an optimal A-V delay by comparing fusion indices during pacing with different A-V delays at resting atrial rates as well as rates above the resting rate. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236253 | CRITERIA FOR OPTIMAL ELECTRICAL RESYNCHRONIZATION DURING FUSION PACING - Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left and right ventricular electrodes. Pacing using a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Employing weighted sums of the measured activation times to measure a fusion index and select one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses based on comparing fusion indices during pacing from different LV electrodes. One or more embodiments use the same fusion index to select an optimal A-V delay by comparing fusion indices during pacing with different A-V delays at resting atrial rates as well as rates above the resting rate. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236254 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF THE ALIMENTARY TRACT - An alimentary tract treatment system is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of sensor devices for engaging a wall of a portion of the alimentary tract. The plurality of sensor devices may sense a parameter of the wall. The system may also include an alimentary tract treatment device for controlling a flow of material through the alimentary tract. Operation of the alimentary tract treatment device may be controlled based on the parameter sensed by the plurality of sensor devices. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236255 | Method of Stimulating a Hypoglossal Nerve for Controlling the Position of a Patient's Tongue - A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. Methods may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236256 | SYSTEM FOR SETTING PROGRAMMABLE PARAMETERS FOR AN IMPLANTABLE HYPERTENSION TREATMENT DEVICE - A real time, heart rate monitor and a hemodynamic monitoring system are operably integrated with the programmer system for an implantable hypertension treatment device. A series of tests are automatically performed to set programmable parameters for the implantable hypertension treatment device without clinician intervention. In one embodiment, a predetermined level of a dose-response evaluation is initiated for each test in the series. Preferably, the programmer system monitors the heart rate to determine whether a hemodynamic measurement should be initiated at all for a given test, as well as whether the hemodynamic measurement should be initiated earlier or later than a predetermined settling period for assessing the sympathetic nervous response to the test dose. In one embodiment, this determination is based on heart rate stability/instability. Alternatively, other indicators of sympathetic/parasympathetic tone, such as heart rate variability, may be used to trigger/delay the timing of the hemodynamic measurement. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236257 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A NEURAL STIMULUS - An implantable device applies and controls a neural stimulus. The device has a plurality of electrodes, and a stimulus source for providing a stimulus to be delivered from the electrodes to a neural pathway in order to evoke an action potential on the neural pathway, such as the spinal cord. A control unit controls application of a neural stimulus as defined by a set of parameter values and measures via measurement circuitry an evoked neural compound action potential response. The control unit determines from the measured evoked response a feedback variable, and compares it to a therapy map. The therapy map defines a therapeutic relationship of control variable to feedback variable. One or more of the stimulus parameter values are altered to effect the required change in the control variable. This process is performed iteratively to improve alignment of the feedback variable with the therapy map over time. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236258 | CUTANEOUS FIELD STIMULATION WITH DISPOSABLE AND RECHARGEABLE COMPONENTS - A CFS system includes self-adhesive, disposable pads. Each pad is combined with a sealed, cleanable battery/controller pod and then placed on the body where needed. The battery/controller pod preferably has wireless capability, such as Bluetooth® capability. The patient can download an application to a smartphone or similar mobile device to control the pods. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236259 | LEAD COUPLER FOR MULTIPLE NEUROLOGICAL STIMULATION LEADS - An implantable neurological stimulation lead assembly ( | 2014-08-21 |
20140236260 | VISUAL PROSTHESIS APPARATUS - Visual prosthesis apparatus includes an image receiver, a processor coupled to the image receiver, a stimulation device coupled to the processor, and an eye monitoring device coupled to the processor. The image receiver receives a sequence of images and the processor produces a stimulation signal at least partially in accordance with the received images. The stimulation device receives the stimulation signal and stimulates visual neurons of a user accordingly to provide the user with a visual percept. The eye monitoring device monitors one or more ocular parameters at an eye region of the user, wherein one or more control functions are associated with the monitored ocular parameters. The processor controls the visual prosthesis apparatus in accordance with the monitored ocular parameters and the associated control functions. The one or more ocular parameters can include pupil size, state of closure of the user's eyelid and direction of eye gaze. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236261 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INDICATING NEUROSTIMULATION DELIVERY - A method and system for providing an indication of delivery of a neural stimulation therapy is disclosed. In an example, a method may include identifying current timing of an intermittent neural stimulation (INS) programmed in an implantable medical device (IMD) where the programmed INS includes alternating stimulation ON and stimulation OFF times and a timing for delivering stimulation bursts of a plurality of stimulation pulses during the stimulation burst ON times. An indication of the current timing of the INS may be provided using an INS indicator of an external device. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236262 | APPARATUS FOR MEASURING AND TREATING DYSPHAGIA - According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia may comprise: one or more dysphagia measuring sensor units attached to the neck of a patient; one or more electrical stimulation electrode units attached to the neck of the patient to provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia; and a control unit which controls the dysphagia measuring sensor units and the electrical stimulation electrode units. Accordingly, the apparatus for measuring and treating dysphagia according to the one embodiment of the present invention has the dysphagia measuring sensor units, and the electrical stimulation electrode units which provide electrical stimulation to the neck of the patient in accordance with the dysphagia signal sensed by the dysphagia measuring sensor units so as to resolve the dysphagia, thus simultaneously enabling convenient measurement of the dysphagia and treatment of the dysphagia using the electrical stimulation electrode units. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236263 | Telemetry System For Use With Microstimulator - An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bi-directional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236264 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY ADMINISTERED SEIZURE THERAPY USING TITRATION IN THE CURRENT DOMAIN - An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236265 | COMPOSITIONS, METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR SKIN CARE - Accordingly, a need has arisen for improved compositions, methods, devices, and systems for skin care including, without limitation, topical compositions and phototherapy devices and methods. A skin care method may comprise, in some embodiments, contacting at least a portion of the skin of a subject with a homogeneous, stable, self-foaming composition, illuminating the at least a portion of the skin exclusively with light of a desired wavelength (e.g., from about 390 nm to about 430 nm, and contacting the at least a portion of the skin with an anti-oxidant serum composition. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236266 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING NON-HOMOGENOUS BIOLOGICALLY-ADJUSTED LIGHT AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A lighting apparatus including a plurality of luminaires, each including a controller configured to operate the luminaire and positioned in communication with a computerized device. Each luminaire is selectively operable to emit source light, characterized by a dominant source light wavelength within a range from 390 nanometers to 750 nanometers. The luminaires are arrangable so as to form an array. Some luminaires of the plurality of luminaires are operable such that at least two of the luminaires emit source lights with different dominant source light wavelengths and the source lights emitted by the luminaires combine to form a combined light at a distance from the luminaires defined as a combining distance. The dominant source light wavelength of some of the luminaires varies with time. The luminaires are configured to be operated to selectively emit light having a spectral power distribution that reduces melatonin suppression. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236267 | PHOTOSENSITIVE CARDIAC RHYTHM MODULATION SYSTEMS - Photosensitive cardiac rhythm modulation structures and systems are described. A genetically-engineered tissue comprising a population of pacing cells expressing a photosensitive membrane transport mechanism that is responsive to light of a particular wavelength(s) combined with one or more of a light source, a power generator, and a sensor provides pacemaker and/or defibrillator function to a subject. The systems further provide in vitro model systems for electrophysiological studies. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236268 | FAR INFRARED BODY STRAP THAT SOOTHES PAIN - The present invention is formed by a body strap, far infrared releasers that can be increased or decreased, electricity connectors and a controller. The far infrared releasers on the body strap are connected serially for use by the electricity connectors. Connection assemblies are then disposed at body parts where pain needs to be soothed and then snapped together after positions of the connection assemblies have been adjusted properly in order to facilitate soothing pain to body parts, vitalizes blood circulation and activates cells. In addition, the far infrared releasers can be increased, decreased or replaced on demand. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236269 | HAIR RESTORATION CARING DEVICE - A hair restoration caring device includes a treatment hood, a suspension member and a hair caring device. The treatment hood is to be disposed over a user's head. The suspension member is fastened to the treatment hood. The hair caring device is attached to the suspension member and is movable with respect to the user scalp. The hair caring device includes an outer casing mounted slidably on the suspension member, and has several downward combing projections and several light emitters installed above the combing projections respectively for radiating light waves. Each combing projection is aligned with a respective light emitter and is formed with an axial passage to permit past through of light waves of the respective light emitter. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236270 | METHOD AND OCULAR IMPLANT FOR TRANSMISSION OF NERVE-STIMULATION LIGHT - An improved prosthesis and method for stimulating vision nerves to obtain a vision sensation that is useful for the patient that has lost vision due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other diseases. The present invention utilizes infrared light to cause action potentials in the retinal nerves similar to those which result from rods and cones stimulated by visible light in healthy retinas. In some embodiments, the invention provides a pathway or “image pipe” for transmitting a stimulation pattern of infrared light from an external stimulator array through the eye and focusing the stimulation pattern of infrared light on the retina, especially the fovea. Some embodiments provide improved resolution down to a group of nerves, or even the individual nerve level, with sufficient energy density so as to cause a desired action potential. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236271 | HEADWEAR FOR REMOVING HEAT FROM A PERSON'S SCALP IN ORDER TO PREVENT HAIR LOSS | 2014-08-21 |
20140236272 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE CAPACITIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND THEIR USE FOR VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION ON THE NECK OF A PATIENT - A non-invasive electrical stimulator shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve. The stimulator is configured to produce a peak pulse that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie in the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236273 | WEDGE WIRE FOR USE WITH A NARROWED BIFURCATION VESSEL - A wedge wire for maintaining the patency of an opening to a branch vessel while installing a stent in a main branch of a narrowed bifurcated vessel is provided. The wedge wire has a wedge portion that is larger than the rest of the body of the wedge wire and this wedge portion is used to maintain patency of the branch vessel when a balloon catheter is used to expand a stent in the main branch across the opening of the second branch. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236274 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described for performing percutaneous catheter-based interventional surgery. The apparatus comprises first and second devices that are located in adjacent body cavities, such as adjacent blood vessels, the first device being capable of transmitting a directional signal that can be received by the second device. The direction of the signal is correlated with the facility to direct therapy, such that improved accuracy in therapy placement is thereby achieved. Methods for treating patients utilising the means and apparatus are also provided. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236275 | CATHETER SYSTEM WITH SPACER MEMBER - A stent delivery system includes outer and inner elongated, flexible tubular members each having a distal and proximal ends. The outer tubular member is sized to be passed through the body lumen with the distal end advanced to the deployment site and with the proximal end remaining external of the patient's body for manipulation by an operator. The inner tubular member is sized to be received within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has a stent attachment location at its distal end. A spacer member is disposed between the inner and outer tubular members. The spacer member maintains spacing between the inner and outer tubular members. Opposing surfaces of the inner and outer tubular members define a passageway extending from the proximal end towards the distal end of the outer tubular member. A fluid exchange port is provided in communication with the passageway at the proximal end of the outer tubular member. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236276 | LOCK/FLOATING MARKER BAND ON PUSHER WIRE FOR SELF-EXPANDING STENTS OR MEDICAL DEVICES - An apparatus for deploying and retrieving a self-expanding intravascular stent includes an intravascular delivery wire and floating marker band movably retained over the intravascular stent delivery wire and releasably mounting the self-expanding intravascular stent. The floating marker band is movably retained to a fixed marker band, and a distance between the fixed marker band and the floating marker band is variable and self-adjusting. One or more struts of the self-expanding intravascular stent are releasably constrained between a catheter wall and one or more sides of the floating marker band. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236277 | PRE-LOADED MULTIPORT DELIVERY DEVICE - A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device and stent graft, the stent graft delivery device. The stent graft has at least one fenestration or side arm and the fenestration is preloaded with an indwelling guide wire. Indwelling access sheaths are provided within auxiliary lumens of a pusher catheter and dilators are preloaded into the access sheaths along with the indwelling guide wire. A handle assembly at a distal end of the guide wire catheter. The handle includes a multiport manifold with access ports to the auxiliary lumens in the pusher catheter. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient, the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate cathertisation of a side branch or target vessel through the fenestration or be used to stabilise the access sheath during catheterisation, advancement of the access sheath into the target vessel and deployment of a covered or uncovered stent therein through the access sheath. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236278 | Stent-Graft Delivery Having a Tip Capture Mechanism With Elongated Cables for Gradual Deployment and Repositioning - Stent-graft delivery systems having a tip capture mechanism with a plurality of elongated cables that allow for gradual deployment and repositioning of a stent-graft prosthesis. The tip capture mechanism includes a guiding assembly, a distal tip assembly, and a plurality of cables. In a first relative position, the distal tip assembly extends the guiding assembly to temporarily constrain the distal ends of the cables and an intermediate portion of each cable constrains an endmost crown of the prosthesis. In this first relative position, tension on the cables may be selectively adjusted to allow for both gradual continuous radial expansion and contraction of the endmost crowns of the stent-graft prosthesis. In a second relative position, the distal tip assembly does not extend over the guiding assembly and thus does not constrain the distal ends of the cables, and thereby the cables do not constrain the endmost crowns. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236279 | INNER CATHETER ARRANGEMENT FOR A SELF-EXPANDING MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM - A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. First and second inner catheters are disposed within the outer sheath. The first inner catheter is a composite structure with a closed coil wire covered by a polymer outer layer. The second inner catheter is disposed within the closed coil wire but is not attached to the closed coil wire. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236280 | ATTACHMENT OF STENT TO GRAFT FABRIC WITH AN ANCHORING MACHINE STITCHING - The invention relates to stent-grafts having a continuous anchoring machine stitching and methods of attachment of a stent to the graft material. The continuous anchoring machine stitching includes a series of loop points used to attach the stent to the graft material. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236281 | APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SCAFFOLD AND SCAFFOLD MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME - In an apparatus for manufacturing a scaffold and a scaffold manufactured by the apparatus, a collector is disposed under a dispensing head that dispenses melted bio materials (polymer) for manufacturing the scaffold. The collector has a cylindrical tube shape. Both sides of the tube shape are fixed. Thus, the tube is securely fixed and bending of the tube is prevented. Also, accuracy and preciseness of the scaffold are improved. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236282 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF LINKED PROSTHETIC SEGMENTS - A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236283 | STENT-BASED EXTRA-VENOUS SUPPORT FOR VENOUS VALVE REPAIR - An oval-shaped extra-venous support for venous valve repair, including a cylindrical channel mesh shell, the cross-section whereof is oval, which is a one-piece one ( | 2014-08-21 |
20140236284 | Bioerodible Magnesium Alloy Microstructures for Endoprostheses - A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a bioerodible magnesium alloy. The bioerodible magnesium alloy has a microstructure including equiaxed Mg-rich solid solution-phase grains having an average grain diameter of less than or equal to 5 microns and second-phase precipitates in grain boundaries between the equiaxed Mg-rich solid solution-phase grains. The beta-phase precipitates have an average longest dimension of 0.5 micron or less. The microstructure can be produced by one or more equal-channel high-strain processes. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236285 | STENT FABRICATION VIA TUBULAR CASTING PROCESSES - Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236286 | DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF - A medical device for surgical implantation adapted to serve as a drug delivery system has one or more drug loaded holes with barrier layers to control release or elution of the drug from the holes or to control inward diffusion of fluids into the holes. The barrier layers are non-polymers and are formed from the drug material itself by beam processing. The holes may be in patterns to spatially control drug delivery. Flexible options permit combinations of drugs, variable drug dose per hole, multiple drugs per hole, temporal control of drug release sequence and profile. Methods for forming such a drug delivery system are also disclosed. Gas cluster ion beam and/or accelerated Neutral Beam derived from an accelerated gas cluster ion beam may be employed. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236287 | Transcatheter Valve Prosthesis and a Concurrently Delivered Sealing Component - A method of preventing paravalvular leakage includes concurrent delivery of a heart valve prosthesis and an annular sealing component. During delivery, the sealing component is moved from a first position to a second position of the heart valve prosthesis which is longitudinally spaced apart from the first position of the heart valve prosthesis. The sealing component is secured around the heart valve prosthesis at the second position by a contoured outer surface of the heart valve prosthesis. The sealing component may be a flexible ring or may be a cylindrical flexible sleeve having a plurality of ribs longitudinally extending over the cylindrical sleeve. The ribs operate to deploy the sealing component such that at least a portion of the cylindrical sleeve buckles outwardly away from the outer surface of the heart valve prosthesis. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236288 | Valve prostheses - The present invention discloses devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass. The devices include various embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236289 | PROSTHETIC AORTIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta downstream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger operational diameter when deployed at the implant site. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236290 | AORTIC ANNULOPLASTY RING - An annuloplasty ring to resize a dilated aortic root during valve sparing surgery includes a scalloped space frame having three trough sections connected to define three crest sections. The annuloplasty ring is mounted outside the aortic root, and extends in height between a base plane and a spaced apart commissure plane of the aortic root. At least two adjacent trough sections are coupled by an annulus-restraining member or tether that limits the maximum deflection of the base of the annuloplasty ring. In use, the tether is preferably located in proximity to the base plane of the aortic root. The annuloplasty ring is movable between a first, substantially conical configuration occurring during a diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, and a second, substantially cylindrical configuration occurring during a systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236291 | VALVE REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implant. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236292 | Transcatheter Valve Stent Anchors - A stent for use in a prosthetic heart valve has a plurality of expandable and collapsible closed cells, a portion of which form an annulus section adapted for placement within the annulus of the native heart valve. Anchor features of the stent residing within at least some closed cells are adapted to engage tissue of the heart, including native valve leaflets, the sinotubular junction, or another implanted device when the prosthetic valve is implanted in the heart. The anchor features may help to retain the prosthetic valve in position, without interfering with the opening and closing of the valve leaflets. Furthermore, the anchor features may be configured to allow the stent to be resheathed into a delivery device after the portion of the stent with the anchor feature has expanded out of the delivery device. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236293 | NASOLACRIMAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPLANTS FOR DRUG THERAPY - An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236294 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE GRAFTING OF A RECIPIENT TISSUE SITE - A device comprising a kit and a method for using the kit are disclosed that warn a surgeon that the maximal grafting capacity of a recipient tissue has been reached. The increase in interstitial pressure is measured at the recipient site using any of several pressure sensor devices during the grafting process to alert the surgeon to stop grafting once a critical level has been reached, or a sudden increase in pressure is detected, indicative of a maximum graft size. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236295 | METHOD FOR MODIFYING BIOCOMPATIBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF A SURFACE OF A BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL WITH GAS CLUSTER ION BEAM - A method for preparing a biological material for implanting provides irradiating at least a portion of the surface of the material with an accelerated Neutral Beam. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236296 | EXPANDABLE FUSION DEVICE FOR POSITIONING BETWEEN ADJACENT VERTEBRAL BODIES - In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236297 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method 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. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236298 | EXPANDABLE INTERBODY FUSION DEVICE WITH GRAFT CHAMBERS - An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The superior and inferior plates have openings therethrough in communication with aligned holes through the wafers for receipt and containment of bone graft to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies. One of said superior and inferior endplates has a multi-contoured opening extending therethrough. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236299 | POROUS COMPOSITE BIOMATERIALS AND RELATED METHODS - Synthetic composite materials for use, for example, as orthopedic implants are described herein. In one example, a composite material for use as a scaffold includes a thermoplastic polymer forming a porous matrix that has continuous porosity and a plurality of pores. The porosity and the size of the pores are selectively formed during synthesis of the composite material. The example composite material also includes a plurality of a anisometric calcium phosphate particles integrally formed, embedded in, or exposed on a surface of the porous matrix. The calcium phosphate particles provide one or more of reinforcement, bioactivity, or bioresorption. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236300 | IMPLANTABLE VERTEBRAL FRAME SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS FOR SPINAL REPAIR - A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty. The plate may be permanently implanted, such as when a fusion between the attached vertebral bodies is desired, but it need not be permanently implanted. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236301 | Systems and Apparatuses for Inserting an Implant in Intervertebral Space - Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236302 | SHOULDER INTER-SPACER COMPONENT AND SURGICAL METHOD OF IMPLANTATION - A shoulder inter-spacer implant has a first outer surface having a contoured profile simulating a glenoid surface and a second inner surface for resting on an outer surface of a prepared glenoid. The second inner surface has a flat or contoured profile void of any pegs, keels or bone interlocking projections so that the second inner surface is profiled to rest on the surface of the prepared glenoid when implanted free of any direct anchoring or cementing to the bone structure. In this fashion the inter-spacer is free to move or slide on the prepared glenoid. The inter-spacer may include one or more soft tissue attachment locations to which a tendon, cartilage, ligament or other soft tissue can be secured, the inter-spacer being otherwise free floating relative to the prepared glenoid. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236303 | REVERSE JOINT REPLACEMENT DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236304 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHOULDER PROSTHESES - A modular reverse shoulder prosthesis according to embodiments of the present invention includes a stem having a proximal taper and a primary stem axis, the proximal taper extending from the stem about a metaphyseal axis, the metaphyseal axis at an angle with respect to the primary stem axis, a metaphysis having a proximal end, a distal end, a first aperture in the distal end configured to be placed over the proximal taper, and a second aperture in the proximal end having an insert axis that is eccentrically offset from the metaphyseal axis, the metaphysis configured for attachment to the stem at any rotational position of the metaphysis about the metaphyseal axis, and a reverse insert, the reverse insert having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises a concave cup formed about a cup axis and configured to receive a glenosphere, and wherein the distal end comprises a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion has an outer surface with a cross-sectional shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the insert axis with respect to a corresponding inner surface of the second aperture, wherein the rotational symmetry has an order of six, seven, eight, nine, or ten. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236305 | SURGICAL GUIDE FOR IMPLANTING A KNEE PROSTHESIS - The invention relates to a surgical guide ( | 2014-08-21 |
20140236306 | METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR FORMING NON-CIRCULAR CARTILAGE GRAFTS - Techniques and instruments for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The instruments include (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236307 | IMPLANT WITH MULTI-DIRECTIONAL PIVOTING - Implant with multi-directional pivoting has a first component including a first articular surface and a fore-to-aft and side-to-side rotation device; and a second component including a second articular surface for mating with the first surface and a rotation device receptacle. The first component can be mated to the second through cooperation of the rotation device and receptacle, and the first component can cooperate with the second in articular surface contact. The joint may be a knee prosthesis comprising first femoral and second tibial components, with the first surface a femoral condylar surface and the second surface a tibial condylar surface. Therein, the fore-to-aft component can be considered flexion, with the side-to-side component considered version. A knee prosthesis can also be provided with a patella support on a smooth counter surface from full extension to flexion well past 100 degrees and/or with a mechanism preventing excessive downward tibial component travel. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236308 | Tibial Component - According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tibial component ( | 2014-08-21 |
20140236309 | Variable Prosthesis - The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236310 | SACROILIAC JOINT IMMOBILIZATION - Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236311 | ENDOPROSTHESIS - An endoprosthesis ( | 2014-08-21 |
20140236312 | CORTICAL BONE SCAFFOLD FOR GUIDED OSTEON REGENERATION IN LOAD-BEARING ORTHOPAEDIC APPLICATIONS - Described is an artificial bone scaffold with an architecture resembling cortical bone, including microchannel-like structures resembling osteons. The scaffold enhances the ability of osteoblasts to secrete organized collagen and mineralize extracellular matrix within the osteon-like channels, thus promoting scaffold strength. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236313 | MICROSTRUCTURED ADHESION SUBSTRATE FOR ANIMAL OR HUMAN CELLS - The present invention relates to an adhesion substrate for at least one animal or human cell on the surface of which is generated an adhesion pattern for at least one animal or human cell, said pattern including at least two areas adhering to said cell, which are spaced apart by an area not adhering to said cell on which a polymer not adhering to said cell is immobilized, characterized in that the polymer is selected so as to have a conformation which may be modified by varying a parameter of the environment in which the substrate is found, to a method for preparing such a substrate and to the cell analysis methods using such a substrate. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236314 | ADD-ON CAPACITIVE TOUCHSCREEN AID - An apparatus that allows a glove wearer or the wearer of a prosthetic limb to operate a device having a capacitive touchscreen is disclosed. There are three solutions provided in the disclosed invention. The first embodiment of the disclosed invention is directed to a conductive finger sock that can be applied to a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. The finger sock may cover the whole digit of the artificial limb or may cover only the tip. The second embodiment is an adhesive element having a conductive material such as a conductive thread or a conductive sponge material. The adhesive element can be attached to a glove or to a prosthetic limb or may be used as an actual bandage. The third embodiment of the disclosed invention is directed to a factory integrated conductive tip that is part of a digit of a non-conductive artificial limb. Regardless of the embodiment, the conductive element may be attached to the wearer's skin by a conductive line or may be used without the conductive line and thus may function in isolation. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236315 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING AN ASSOCIATED CONTROLLER - Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include systems and methods for tracking the quality and efficiency of the machine instructions to operate an associated controller. The method may include: receiving, by at least one processor, a plurality of rules associated with an optimization procedure for a plurality of machine instructions for operating an associated controller; determining an evaluation, by the at least one processor, for the plurality of machine instructions based at least in part on the plurality of rules; and outputting the evaluation. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236316 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR TUNING MULTIVARIABLE PID CONTROLLER - A method and system are disclosed for tuning a Multivariable Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller in a process plant. The plant can have at least one PID controller for controlling the processes of the plant. The method can include formulating Model Predictive Control (MPC) for the process model of the plant; obtaining a desired (e.g., optimal control) solution for at least one designated (e.g., critical) region in relation to the MPC; determining PID tuning parameters corresponding to the control solution; and tuning the PID controller with the PID tuning parameters. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236317 | CONTROLLER, TIME CHART CREATION DEVICE, INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND TIME CHART CREATION METHOD - A controller that controls a device on the basis of a time chart, which controls a servo axis on the basis of a velocity chart that plots a velocity of the servo axis and/or a position chart that plots a position of the servo axis, with respect to a time axis; executes return operation for returning the servo axis to an initial position set in the time chart in advance after operation described in the time chart has been executed; and executes regress operation for regressing to a start point of the time chart, and repetitively executing the time chart after the return operation has been completed. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236318 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FIELD DEVICE FEEDBACK - The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In one embodiment, a system includes an industrial controller configured to control a first field device. The first field device includes an actuator and a positioner coupled to the actuator. The positioner is configured to position the actuator. The first field device is configured to detect an undesired condition and to communicate the undesired condition to the industrial controller by using a ReadBack facility of the first field device. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236319 | PROTECTION MONITORING SYSTEM WITH FAULT INDICATORS - A protection monitoring system is provided that includes a protection fault handler. The protection fault handler includes a protection fault indicator. The protection fault handler is configured to activate the protection fault indicator upon indication of a protection fault signal. Moreover, the protection fault signal is indicative of a critical fault which has occurred in a protection system monitored by the protection monitoring system. The protection monitoring system also includes a user inhibit handler. The user inhibit handler includes a user inhibit indicator. Moreover, the user inhibit handler is configured to activate the user inhibit indicator upon indication of a user inhibit signal. Furthermore, the user inhibit signal is indicative of a user-enabled alarm inhibit or a user-enabled bypass. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236320 | CONTROL METHOD FOR INFORMATION APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - A control method of the present disclosure causes a computer of an information apparatus to: display a display screen representing a floor plan for one floor including rooms on the display; display device icons representing target devices within regions of the respective rooms included in the floor plan, the device icons being initially displayed at positions within the regions of the respective rooms; and output to a network a first control command, when selection of an illumination icon, representing an illumination device among the target devices, is sensed within a region of any of the rooms included in the floor plan, and when selection of any region within a room, in which selection of the illumination icon is sensed, is sensed, the first control command controlling on/off of power for an illumination device corresponding to the room in which selection of the illumination icon is sensed. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236321 | HMI DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED USER-DEFINED BEHAVIOR - The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates utilizing a human machine interface (HMI). An interface component can facilitate receipt of data. A human machine interface (HMI) component communicatively coupled to the interface component can include a device with a pre-programmed primitive; the device employs a user-defined functionality via the received data. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236322 | MULTI-MODE EDITOR FOR CONFIGURING PROCESS CONTROL BLOCKS INCLUDING BOTH LOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND ARITHMETIC COMPUTATIONS - A multi-editing mode LOGIC BLOCK object editor is disclosed for creating and modifying LOGIC BLOCK objects that are incorporated into control strategies for process control systems (both distributed and discrete). The editor includes an RPN text editing mode wherein logic incorporated into a LOGIC BLOCK is represented by a list of text instructions. The editor also includes a graphical function block diagram editing mode wherein LOGIC BLOCK logic is defined via instruction shapes dragged/dropped from a pallet and connected via GUI line connection actions by a user. The editor supports automated transitioning between the text and graphics modes wherein conversion of text-to-graphics and graphics-to-text is performed without user intervention. Furthermore, synchronization procedures are performed when LOGIC BLOCK objects are opened in the editor and when transitioning between editing modes to track and/or maintain synchronous status between graphical and text representations of LOGIC BLOCK logic. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236323 | CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS - A method of controlling tint of a tintable window to account for occupant comfort in a room of a building. The tintable window is between the interior and exterior of the building. The method predicts a tint level for the tintable window at a future time based on a penetration depth of direct sunlight through the tintable window into the room at the future time and space type in the room. The method also provides instructions over a network to transition tint of the tintable window to the tint level. | 2014-08-21 |
20140236324 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TERMINAL BASED ON LIVING PATTERN - Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling a terminal based on a living pattern, the apparatus including an interface configured to read n sets of physical terminal use information from a database, and select, from among the read n sets of physical terminal use information, m sets of physical terminal use information of which a difference in length between a set reference time and a start time or a termination time is less than or equal to a length of set interval time, each of n and m denoting a natural number, and a processor configured to generate a virtual terminal profile based on the m sets of physical terminal use information and control a virtual terminal included in the generated virtual terminal profile. | 2014-08-21 |