37th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100234884 | CLOSURE DEVICE WITH TEXTURED SURFACE - A closure device closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device includes a closure member that has an external, tissue-engaging surface formed with tissue engaging surface irregularities. An elongate member is disconnectably connected to the closure member. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234885 | PATENT FORAMEN OVALE CLOSURE SYSTEM - A patent foramen ovale closure device, method of delivering and a delivery system are provided. The device may include a closure device releasably connectable to an actuator. The device may include a proximal segment, an intermediate segment and a distal segment. When delivered, the proximal segment and intermediate segment form a first clip-shaped portion sized and configured to be positioned over a septum secundum of the patent foramen ovale, and the intermediate segment and distal segment form a second clip-shaped portion sized and configured to be positioned over a septum primum of the patent foramen ovale. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234886 | METHOD FOR SECURING MEDICAL DEVICES TO TREAT OBESITY, GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD) AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (iBS) REVERSIBLY - A medical staple formed from a nitinol wire, the staple having two elongated arms which extend upwardly and outwardly from a central loop in two opposing generally semicircular courses forming an arc extending upwardly and outwardly and an end second comprising a sharpened endpoint, the endpoint being the arms bendable under resistance, is disclosed. In some embodiments the arms extend upwardly on a parallel course and then outwardly. The material is preferably an alloy with hyperelastic characteristics. The staples are placed in a flexible endoscope and a lumen catheter within the endoscope, using a hook or forceps in the lumen catheter having a distal end in the lumen of the catheter and the staple distal to the forceps in folded configuration with the arms folded inward in the lumen catheter, positioning the distal end of the lumen catheter at a location in the patient's gastrointestinal tract where stapling is desired, moving the forceps distally so as to force the staple forward out of the lumen catheter and cause the end points to pierce the patient's inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234887 | Pacifier Coupling System - A two-piece joint designed to allow a one-piece silicone pacifier to be removably attached to an appealing stuffed toy, soothing blanket, or other article that might be attractive to an infant. One section of the joint includes the back of the pacifier, and the second section of the joint is made as a receiver that accepts the male joint members and permit the pacifier to be semi-permanently attached to the toy. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234888 | DYNAMIC CERVICAL PLATE - A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234889 | Interspinous Process Implant and Fusion Cage Spacer - A spinal implant includes an elongated body dimensioned and configured to function as a spacer, for placement in a target interspinous process space, between two adjacent spinous processes, a distal anchor associated with a distal end of the body, and a proximal anchor mounted for longitudinal movement along the body between a first position spaced apart from the head and a second position approximated with the head, adapted to compress the two adjacent spinous processes, in conjunction with the distal anchor. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234890 | SURGICAL TETHER APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234891 | TRANSLATIONAL MANIPULATION POLYAXIAL SCREW HEAD - A novel surgical screw is presented as a polyaxial, multiaxial, or monoaxial screw. The polyaxial screw allows versatile angulation between a bone anchor section and a screw body and allows the surgeon to attach a rod to the invention in a top-loading manner and manipulate the rod to accommodate a patient's body and the surgical goals. The screw uses a rod saddle to seat a rod, and permits the surgeon to sagitally manipulate the rod. After implantation of the screw and insertion of the rod, a locking screw is used to fix the angle and position of the rod and screw body. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234892 | SPINAL INTERCONNECTING DEVICE AND A STABILIZING SYSTEM USING SAID DEVICE - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a spinal interconnecting device and a stabilizing system using the same. The spinal interconnecting device has a connecting body and a hook member fixed to the connecting body for securing the connecting body to a vertebra. The connecting body has a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is adapted to receive the extremity of a spinal construction. The second connecting member is adapted to receive a first end of a separate rod, so that the direction of the separate rod is adaptable with respect to the direction of the spinal construction. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234893 | Spinal Implant Connection Assembly - The present invention provides a connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a spinal implant connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, the present invention provides a connection assembly with structure to increase the locking strength of the connection assembly. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234894 | SURGICAL TETHER APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and apparatus for controlling flexion in a spinal segment of a patient include performing a spinal fusion procedure on a pair of adjacent vertebrae in the spinal segment and implanting a constraint device into the patient. Adjusting length or tension in the constraint device allows the constraint device to provide a force a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment undergoing fusion. The constraint device also modulates loads borne by the spinal segment undergoing fusion or tissue adjacent thereto. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234895 | Dynamic Vertebral Column Plate System - A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234896 | TROCHANTER RETENTION PLATE - The present disclosure relates to an implant for refixation of the greater trochanter on which an osteotomy has been performed or which is fractured. The implant comprises a plate that can be fixed on the proximal femur, and a device that can hold the greater trochanter with a form fit or force fit on the femur. This holding device preferably has bendable prongs located at a distance from each other, the first end portion of these prongs being attached to the upper edge of the base plate. The holding device also has flexible, elongate members, each of which is attached at one end to the free end portion of the respective prong. The other, free end portions of the longitudinal members are secured laterally on the base plate after these longitudinal members have crossed the medial aspect of the greater trochanter. This results in a tensioning band construction with at least two restraints based on a plate fixed securely on the proximal lateral femur. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234897 | SPINAL PLATE ASSEMBLIES WITH BACKOUT PROTECTION CAP AND METHODS - A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bone screw, and at least one cap member. The screw extends into a through hole of the plate and a head of the screw seats in the through hole. The plate includes an undercut slot adjacent to the through hole. The cap includes at least one tab member that extends radially outward. The cap is mounted in the through hole with the tab member positioned in the undercut slot to inhibit the screw from backing out of the plate. In some arrangements, the tab member is rotatable within the undercut slot from an unlocked position to a locked position. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234898 | INSTRUMENTATION FOR FIXATION DEVICES - An instrument assembly for bone drilling. The instrument assembly can include a soft tissue sleeve defining an internal channel, and an irrigation cap removably coupled to the sleeve. The irrigation cap can include a delivery port connectable to an irrigation source for delivering irrigation to the internal channel, the port in fluid communication with the internal channel. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234899 | BONE PLATE AND BONE SCREW LOCKING SYSTEM - A bone plating system includes a bone screw lock that includes a circular disc with a hole which is offset from the geometric center of the disc, and a tang which extends down from the disc into a circular slot on the bone plate. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234900 | ENDOSSEOUS IMPLANT - Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234901 | POLYAXIAL FASTENER ASSEMBLY - A polyaxial fastener assembly including a mechanical fastener having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a contact stress element, an articulating element disposed on the mechanical fastener adjacent and distal to the contact stress element, the articulating element having a convex surface and the contact stress element having a convex surface, and a receiver member adapted to receive therein the mechanical fastener, the receiving member having a first aperture having a concave bearing surface that articulates with the convex surface of the articulating element, a second aperture adapted for receiving therein an auxiliary mechanical fastener, and a third aperture for receiving therein a connector element, the third aperture being arranged with respect to the first and second apertures such that a connector element disposed in the third aperture is disposed between the contact stress element and the auxiliary mechanical fastener. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234902 | RECEIVING PART FOR RECEIVING A ROD FOR COUPLING THE ROD TO A BONE ANCHORING ELEMENT AND A BONE ANCHORING DEVICE WITH SUCH A RECEIVING PART - A receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part including: a receiving part body having a channel for receiving a rod and defining an accommodation space for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening for inserting the head; and a pressure element at least partially in the accommodation space, the pressure element including a first portion having a recess to receive the rod, and a second portion having a flexible portion to clamp the head, wherein the pressure element is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the receiving part body from an inserting position to insert the head, to a pre-locking position to clamp the head in the receiving part by a pre-stress exerted by the pressure element, to a locking position to lock the head in the receiving part. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234903 | BONE ANCHORING ELEMENT WITH THREAD THAT CAN BE UNSCREWED - A bone anchoring element ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100234904 | Active Bone Screw - A bone screw includes a head portion and shank portion. The shank portion includes a regularly outwardly expanding threaded portion. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234905 | FACET JOINT RESURFACING IMPLANT AND ASSOCIATED SURGICAL METHODS - The present invention provides devices and methods for resurfacing a facet joint of a spine of a patient, including: a first portion that is selectively coupled to an opposed surface of a superior facet of the facet joint of the spine of the patient; and a second portion that is selectively coupled to an opposed surface of an inferior facet of the facet joint of the spine of the patient; wherein the first portion is allowed a predetermined degree of movement with respect to the second portion. These devices and methods find applicability to other anatomical joints as well. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234906 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RATE-ADAPTIVE PACING BASED ON A CARDIAC FORCE-FREQUENCY RELATION DETECTED BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use in controlling rate-adaptive pacing within implantable medical devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). In one example, a force-frequency relationship is determined for the heart of the patient, which is representative of the relationship between cardiac stimulation frequency and myocardial contractile force. To this end, various parameters are detected for use as surrogates for contractile force, including selected systolic pressure parameters and cardiogenic impedance parameters. Rate-adaptive pacing is then controlled based on the detected force-frequency relationship to, for example, deactivate rate-adaptive pacing if the slope and/or abscissa of the force-frequency relationship indicates significant contractility dysfunction within the patient. In other examples, rather than deactivating rate-adaptive pacing, control parameters are adjusted to render the rate-adaptive pacing less aggressive. In still other examples, trends in the slope and/or abscissa of the force-frequency relationship are monitored to detect contractility dysfunction and/or heart failure and titrate medications accordingly. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234907 | Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Obesity - A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an electrode. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234908 | Defibrillator, Rescue Kit of Parts and Process for Controlling the Quality of Chest Compression - The invention relates to a defibrillator with integrated means for chest compression feedback. The defibrillator is shaped and sized such as to be directly placeable on the patient's chest. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234909 | Repositionable Electrode and Systems and Methods for Identifying Electrode Position for Cardiotherapy - A system and method for positioning an electrode for cardiotherapy of atrial arrhythmia are described. Signals from patient electrical activity for a plurality of electrode locations on a patient are analyzed. An electrode can be repositioned to different locations on the patient to obtain signals from patient electrical activity therefrom. A human perceptible output indicative of the quality of the signals for the plurality of locations is generated and a final electrode location on the patient for placement of the electrode for cardiotherapy is identified based on the human perceptible output. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234910 | Corrective Voice Prompts for Caregiving Device - A medical device such as a defibrillator that incorporates corrective voice prompts that navigate users around operator errors. The voice prompts may, for example, address errors of readiness (e.g., failing to connect the defibrillator to an AC power source, failing to pre-connect electrodes, etc.), errors of omission (i.e., forgetting to do something, such as attempting to deliver a shock before the defibrillator is charged), and errors of commission (i.e., doing the wrong thing, such as attempting to shock VF when in the synchronization mode). The voice prompts may address errors in the delivery of therapy (e.g., attempting to shock VF when in the synchronization mode) or they may address errors other than in the delivery of therapy (e.g., failing to connect to an AC power source). | 2010-09-16 |
20100234911 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CAPACITOR SHELL INCLUDING TWO MATEABLE CUPPED COMPONENTS - One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a capacitor, comprising a first metallic cupped shell having a first opening, and a second metallic cupped shell having a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are adapted to sealably mate to form a closed shell defining a volume therein. In the embodiment, the closed shell is adapted for retaining electrolyte. A plurality of capacitor layers in a substantially flat arrangement are disposed within the volume, along with electrolyte, in the present embodiment. The present closed shell includes one or more ports for electrical connections. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234912 | FLEXIBLE NEURAL STIMULATION ENGINE - A method for implementing a neural stimulation therapy mode in an implantable medical device (IMD) comprising the acts of mapping respective device states, defined by one or more timer states that include at least one neural event timer or one or more indications of one or more sensed physiologic events, to associated device actions in a stored neural table, storing an event represented as a device status word and a time stamp in a queue in response to an action input, and comparing one or more current timer states or one or more indications of one or more sensed physiologic events to a device state contained in the neural table and, if found to match, causing performance of one or more associated device actions, wherein the device actions include one or more of a neural stimulation energy delivery or a change in one or more timer states. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234913 | CLOSED LOOP PROGRAMMING FOR INDIVIDUAL ADJUSTMENT OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYNCHRONY - An implantable therapy system including implantable stimulation and control components. The implantable components operate under a set of variable parameters that can be adjusted for improved performance for an individual patient. The implantable components are adapted to self-evaluate the patients physiologic performance and autonomously adjust an existing set of parameters to improve performance throughout an implantation period without requiring intervention of a clinician, for example with a physicians programmer. The implantable components can compare a patient's exhibited activity to a desired template of that activity to determine when adjustments are indicated. The template can be based on observations of one or more third parties exhibiting normal activity. The implantable components can adjust the operating parameters to improve synchrony of multiple heart chambers and/or to increase a peak contractility. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234914 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DIAGNOSTIC DATA ACQUISITION AND STORAGE - A method carried out by a therapeutic implantable medical device includes detecting a plurality of physiologic episodes and recording a set of diagnostic data associated with the plurality of physiological episodes. The plurality of physiologic episodes are prioritized based on episode types associated with the physiologic episodes. The diagnostic data is analyzed based on a minimum and maximum number associated with each episode type relating to a minimum and maximum number of sets of diagnostic data to be recorded for the associated episode type. The recorded set of diagnostic data is deleted only if a later recorded set of diagnostic data is associated with a detected physiologic episode having an episode type of a higher priority, and deletion of the set of diagnostic data would not result in fewer sets of diagnostic data than the minimum number specified for the episode type associated with the set of diagnostic data. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234915 | Non-bioelectrical pressure-based sensing for temporary pacemakers - For temporary cardiac pacing, non-bioelectrical monitoring of intracardiac blood pressure variations is provided in the right ventricle. Unlike traditional bioelectric sensing, which is accomplished via the pacing leads, pressure based sensing can be independently accomplished from anywhere within the volume of the right ventricle, making it unnecessary to force a stiff pacing electrode tip into the myocardium to ensure quality sensing. Consequently, the distal pacing electrode can be designed with a more bulbous tip to significantly reduce the risk of myocardial perforation during implant. An inflatable bladder, employed initially to guide the catheter into the right ventricle, is subsequently employed as a fluid pressure sensor bulb to transmit intracardiac blood pressure variations to a fluid pressure transducer integral within the pacing controller. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234916 | System and method for ventricular pace timing based on isochrones - The present invention provides a system and method for displaying ventricular timing events and for determining optimal ventricular pace timing based on ventricular synchrony and loading conditions in order to improve the hemodynamic performance of patients. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234917 | Digestive Organ Retention Device - An retaining device for attaching to a contractile organ such as a digestive tract organ or stomach is provided. One aspect may include a lead for stimulating a digestive organ. The device may be an electrical stimulation device configured to deliver electrical signals to the organ. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234918 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNIFORMLY DISPLACING A REGION OF NEURAL STIMULATION - A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of operating the system is provided. An array of electrodes is placed contact with tissue of a patient (e.g., neural tissue), and electrical current is conveyed within the electrode array, thereby creating a stimulation region in the tissue. Electrical current is shifted between cathodes of the electrode array in incremental steps over a range, thereby causing displacement of the stimulation region at substantially uniform distances over the incremental steps. The electrical current may be shifted between the cathodes in accordance with a sigmoid-like function of a position of the stimulation region. A navigation table containing a series of states and corresponding gradually and non-uniformly changing electrical current values can be accessed, in which case, the electrical current may be shifted between the cathodes by incrementing through the states of the navigation table. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234919 | Electrotherapy Device and Method - A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234920 | Spectral Contrast Enhancement in a Cochlear Implant Speech Processor - Psychophysical tests are administered to cochlear implant (CI) users to determine a spectral modulation transfer function (SMTF), smallest detectable spectral contrast as a function of spectral modulation frequency, for each individual CI user. The determined SMTF for individual CI user is compared against a SMTF of a normal hearing person to determine the specific enhancements needed. A profile of spectral enhancement achievable with variation of filter parameters, sigma and maximum that best fits the needed enhancements for the individual CI user is selected. Based on the corresponding sigma and maximum selected, a sound processing strategy is adjusted to provide customized spectral contrast enhancement for the individual CI user. The sound processing strategy implemented includes an outer hair cell model. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234921 | Battery recharge management for implantable medical device - An implantable medical device having an implantable power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The implantable medical device includes a recharge module that regulates the recharging process of the implantable power source using closed-loop feedback control. The recharge module includes a recharge regulator, a recharge measurement device monitoring at least one recharge parameter, and a recharge regulation control unit for regulating the recharge energy delivered to the power source in response to the recharge measurement device. The recharge module adjusts the energy provided to the power source to ensure that the power source is being recharged under safe levels. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234922 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING ENERGY TO A MEDICAL DEVICE - In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100234923 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR TRANSCUTANEOUSLY TRANSFERRING ENERGY - An apparatus for transcutaneously transferring an amount of energy to an implantable orthopaedic device includes a primary coil. The primary coil has a resonant frequency matched to a resonant frequency of a secondary coil, which may form part of the implantable orthopaedic device. The primary coil may have an aperture configured to receive a portion of a patient's body or may include a substantially āCā-shaped core. A power circuit may be coupled with the primary coil to provide power to the coil. The apparatus may also include a wireless receiver, a measuring device, and/or a display. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234924 | OPERATION AND ESTIMATION OF OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF WIRELESS STIMULATORS - A controller-transmitter transmits acoustic energy through the body to an implanted acoustic receiver-stimulator. The receiver-stimulator converts the acoustic energy into electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to tissue using an electrode assembly. The receiver-stimulator limits the output voltage delivered to the tissue to a predetermined maximum output voltage. In the presence of interfering acoustic energy sources output voltages are thereby limited prior to being delivered to the tissue. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234925 | TREATMENT OF MICROBIOLOGICAL PATHOGENS IN A TOE NAIL WITH ANTIMICROBIAL LIGHT - Methods and systems are disclosed for treatment of nail disease in a patient. A system includes a light applicator operable to irradiate a nail having a nail disease with light that includes a wavelength corresponding to an absorption spectrum of the nail disease and a duty cycle with a series of alternating light emissions and pauses, a light source coupled with the light applicator for supplying the light to the light applicator, and a controller coupled with the light source for controlling the operation of the light source such that the pauses are timed for movement of the light applicator between light emissions. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234926 | Treatment of Vitiligo - Disclosed herein is a novel method of treating vitiligo by using an excimer laser that emits light in the UVB range. The invention includes a method of incrementally increasing exposure of affected vitiligo areas with UVB laser light from an excimer laser to restore pigmentation to skin areas afflicted with vitiligo. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234927 | LIGHTING APPARATUS OF FACIAL AND LIGHTING METHOD THEREOF - A lighting apparatus of facial includes a first silica gel layer, a control unit disposed on the first silica gel layer, a lighting module and a second silica gel layer. The lighting module is disposed on the first silica gel layer and includes a plurality of lighting units corresponding to purlieus between a forehead and a nose, a periphery of two eyes, cheeks and a periphery of a mouth of the first silica gel layer. The lighting units are coupled to the control unit. The second silica gel layer is combined with the first silica gel layer to package the control unit and the lighting module. Accordingly, the control unit controls the lighting units corresponding to the purlieus between the forehead and the nose, the periphery of the two eyes, the cheeks and the periphery of the mouth to generate pulsed light with desired wavelength. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234928 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR PROLONGATION OF THE VIABILITY OF A DONOR ORGAN - For post-mortem prolongation of the viability of an organ ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100234929 | THIN PROFILE CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLY FOR MEDICAL DEVICE LEADS - A medical device lead includes a thin profile conductor assembly. A proximal connector includes a proximal end that is configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator. An insulative lead body extends distally from the proximal connector. The conductor assembly extends distally from the proximal end within the lead body and includes a non-conductive tubular core member that defines a lumen, an outer insulative layer, and a multilayer conductor between the tubular core member and the outer insulative layer. The multilayer conductor is electrically connected to the proximal connector and includes a first conductive layer adjacent to the tubular core member and a second conductive layer adjacent to the first conductive layer opposite the tubular core member. A conductivity of the second conductive layer is greater than a conductivity of the first conductive layer. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234930 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD ELECTRODE WITH CONSISTENT PORE SIZE STRUCTURE - A method for making an implantable electrode for a cardiac lead includes forming a template including a plurality of features having substantially similar feature dimensions is formed. The template defines a shape corresponding to a shape of the implantable electrode. A layer of conductive material is then deposited on the template such that the conductive material shapes to the plurality of features to define an array of electrode pores having substantially similar pore dimensions in the layer of conductive material. The template is then removed from the layer of conductive material. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234931 | ACTIVE FIXATION ELEMENT - A helical fixation element of an implantable medical lead. The fixation element has at least one blood drainage channel running along at least a tissue-penetrating portion of the helix windings of the fixation element. The channel guides, during penetration and anchoring of the fixation element and the lead in a tissue, blood leaking from the tissue away from the vicinity of the fixation element, thereby reducing the size of a fibrin clot formed around the fixation element. The capture threshold for stimulating the tissue is therefore reduced. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234932 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING AN ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS AT A SURGICAL SITE - A system for implanting a prosthesis includes a control lumen and a nose cone affixed at a distal end of the control lumen. At least one supporting wire is affixed at one end, is substantially parallel to a major axis of the control lumen and is free at an opposite end, wherein the free end of at least one of the supporting wires is arcuate. Alternatively, a system for implanting a prosthesis includes at least one suture extending from a nose cone affixed to a distal end of a control lumen. The suture extends from the nose cone to a proximal end to a stent graft extending about the control lumen and from the stent graft to a fixed location on the control lumen. The suture is releasable from the stent graft by remote activation, whereby the suture separates from the nose cone to thereby deploy the stent graft. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234933 | Prosthesis Delivery Apparatus and Methods - A self-expanding prosthesis delivery system having an outer tubular structure and an inner tubular structure adapted for tracking over a guidewire and disposed in the outer tubular structure where the outer tubular structure and inner tubular structure form a fluid fillable space, which when filled with a fluid forms a fluid column that provides column strength from the delivery system handle to the stop of the delivery system. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234934 | Balloon Deployable Coronary Stent - A system for treating a vascular condition includes a delivery catheter, a balloon disposed at a distal end of the delivery catheter, a stent having a stent framework, the stent disposed on an outer surface of the balloon; and at least one restraining filament attached to an outer surface of the stent. a method of treating a vascular condition includes delivering a self-expanding stent including a restraining filament to a treatment site via a balloon catheter, the stent disposed over the balloon; inflating the balloon to fracture at least one fracture point disposed along the length of the restraining filament; expanding the self-expanding stent at the treatment site; contacting an outer surface of the self-expanding stent with a vessel wall at the treatment site; and trapping the fractured restraining filament between at least a portion of an outer surface of the stent and the vessel wall. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234935 | Detachable And Retrievable Stent Assembly - A stent assembly comprises an expandable stent having a first stent backbone which extends from the proximal end of the stent to the distal end of the stent. The stent comprises a first stent back bone oriented in a direction which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnected first stent members and second stent members. Each of the first stent members is oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction in the unexpanded state and the expanded state. Each of the second stent members is oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction in the unexpanded state and oriented in a substantially circumferential direction in the expanded state. The first stent backbone has a greater column strength than that of the plurality of interconnected stent members. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234936 | SELF-EXPANDING STENT - A self-expanding stent comprising a series of zig-zag stenting rings (A, B, C, D, E, F, D | 2010-09-16 |
20100234937 | Recoverable Valve Stent - A recoverable, safe and reliable valve stent for unidirectional flow of human lumen which can be implanted temporarily or for a long term and is used in the interventional therapy so as to obstruct from anisotropic flow, in the case of lung diseases. It comprises a cylindrical stent made up of memory alloy material. In particular, an elastic diaphragm is arranged inside the cylindrical stent and at least one gap is arranged on the diaphragm so that the spring piece is divided into a bendable section. One end of the cylindrical stent is provided with a fixed rear clip which is used to fix the alloy material making up the cylindrical stent. The rear clip is provided with screwthreads which can be connected with the conveyor. The stent in the present invention is in a structure without hook body, so the stent can be accurately positioned, adjusted and placed or recovered in double directions with strong anti-backflow ability. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234938 | Grasper System For Placement Of Intraluminal Device - An apparatus for use within a vasculature includes a primary guider having a proximal end, a distal end and a medial portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end includes a proximal opening. The distal end includes a distal opening. The medial portion includes a lumen interconnecting the proximal opening and the distal opening. A grasper is provided at the distal end. A grasper controller is provided for controlling the grasper. The apparatus has various uses, including as a device to deploy a second intraluminal device for attachment to a first intraluminal device within a vasculature. The grasper may be used to grasp the first intraluminal device in order to facilitate attachment of the second intraluminal device. The apparatus may also be used for filtering, with the grasper being constructed to trap blood-borne material while permitting bloodflow. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234939 | BIOLOGICAL VALVE FOR VENOUS VALVE INSUFFICIENCY - A bioprosthetic valve for repairing a deep venous insufficiency in a subject includes a single leaflet from a xenogeneic heart valve attached at natural margins of attachment to a patch of valve wall tissue. The patch may extend axially above and below the leaflet and circumferentially on either side of the leaflet to provide a region for attaching the patch to a fenestration in a host vein. A bioprosthetic valve may be manufactured by excising a portion of a xenogeneic heart valve including a single leaflet and contiguous wall tissue, and may further comprise shaving off excess leaflet tissue from adjacent leaflets. A method of replacing a malfunctioning venous valve in a subject includes providing a bioprosthetic valve as described above and inserting it to the host vein. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234940 | Prosthetic Valve Delivery System - A prosthetic valve delivery system for percutaneously delivering and deploying a prosthetic valve within an existing valve is disclosed. The delivery system includes a stented prosthetic valve having a balloon-expandable stent portion with a prosthetic valve disposed therein and at least one self-expanding stent portion. The delivery system further includes a dual balloon catheter having a first balloon on which the stented prosthetic valve is disposed during delivery and a second balloon. Upon delivery within the existing valve, the self-expanding stent portion contacts the existing valve and the first balloon expands the balloon-expandable stent portion to a first diameter such that the stented prosthetic valve is in a first stage deployment configuration. The second balloon then expands the balloon-expandable stent portion to a second diameter, greater than the first diameter, such that the stented prosthetic valve is in a second stage deployment configuration being fully deployed within the existing valve. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234941 | LINEAR DRIVE AND PUMP SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR AN ARTIFICIAL HEART - The invention relates to an electrical linear drive, in particular for a pump system of an artificial heart, with a movable part and a stationary part, wherein the stationary part is formed by a permanent magnet arrangement and the movable part is formed by a coil arrangement, or vice versa, and wherein the coil arrangement and the permanent magnet arrangement can be moved to and fro relative to each other in an axial direction by means of current passed through the coil arrangement, wherein the coil arrangement ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100234942 | TRANSITION LENSES WITH VIRTUAL PUPIL - A lens containing a chromophore distributed in or on the lens such that the lens functions as a virtual pupil in adjusting to light. The lens can be intraocular or extraocular. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234943 | NON-PROLATE ASPHERIC INTRAOCULAR LENS - An intraocular lens for implantation into a human eye is described. The lens has at least one aspheric surface configured with non-prolate profile to maintain lens optical advantage as compared with equivalent power spherical lens within realistic clinical condition of lens tilt and decentration. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234944 | BREAST IMPLANT SELECTOR SYSTEMS - A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234945 | SURGICAL PROSTHESIS FOR PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTION - A surgical prosthesis for implanting in a body for plastic reconstruction, said prosthesis being in contact with body tissue, the prosthesis being characterized in that it includes an outside surface that is hydrophilic so as to prevent at least in part the fixing and/or development of bacteria on said outside surface, in particular bacteria of the hydrophobic type. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234946 | IMPLANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a body implantable in a soft palate, and a fastening element at a proximal end of the body for connecting the body with a hard palate. In one embodiment, the body is curved and has a convex top surface and a concave bottom surface. The curved body is adapted to support and/or change the shape of the soft palate for minimizing the likelihood of airway obstructions during sleep. The fastening element, secureable to the hard palate, includes at least one barb adapted to engage the hard palate for anchoring the body to the hard palate. In one embodiment, the body has a surface adapted to promote tissue in-growth. The implant body may be made of materials including nitinol, stainless steel, biocompatible polymers, temperature-sensitive materials, and shape memory materials. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234947 | IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE ESPECIALLY USED IN COSMETIC SURGERY - The present invention provides an implantable medical device adapted for use in surgical operations, said device being implantable in a predetermined body portion to be treated; said predetermined body portion is characterized by a first extremity and by a second extremity, wherein said device comprises (a) at least one element having a body, a distal end, and a proximal end; said body being characterized by (i) at least one inactivated position; and, (ii) a plurality of activated positions; (b) at least one anchoring means coupled to said distal end of said element, adapted to anchor said distal end to said first extremity in said predetermined body portion; and, (c) at least one anchoring means coupled to said proximal end of said element, adapted to anchor said proximal end to said second extremity in said predetermined body portion; said element is at least partially reconfigurable from said activated position to said inactivated position and/or from said plurality of inactivated positions to said plurality of activated positions such that the distance between said first extremity and said second extremity is alterable. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234948 | METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE BIOACTIVITY CHARACTERISTICS OF A SURFACE AND OBJECTS WITH SURFACES IMPROVED THEREBY - The invention provides for a method of improving bioactivity of a surface of an implantable object. The invention also provides for a method of improving bioactivity of a surface of biological laboratory ware. The invention further provide a method of attaching cells to an object. The invention even further provides for a method of preparing an object for medical implantation. The invention also provides for an article with attached cells, and for an article for medical implantation. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234949 | DEVICE FOR ELASTIC LIGATURE OF TISSUES - A device for elastic ligature of tissues comprises: a first and a second element, one of which exhibits a support portion for at least a rubber ring, the elements being slidably coupled to one another such that a reciprocal sliding between the elements determines a release of a rubber ring from the support portion; a trigger, manually manoeuvrable by an operator and acting on at least the second element for realising a reciprocal sliding between the elements; a connecting portion, connected to the trigger and to the second element and being elastically deformable in order to enable a reciprocal change of orientation between the trigger and the second element. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234950 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING MATERIAL FOR HARD TISSUE CONTACT TOOL, AND HARD TISSUE CONTACT TOOL - This invention provides a process for producing a material for a hard tissue contact tool, which can satisfactorily impart functionality and can improve surface treatment efficiency, and a hard tissue contact tool. The process for producing a material for a hard tissue contact tool comprises the step of subjecting an electroconductive material having a surface formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of zirconium, a zirconium compound, and a zirconium alloy to cathode polarization treatment in an aqueous electrolyte solution containing an effective amount of hydrogen peroxide. The production process can produce a material for a hard tissue contact tool which can realize efficient precipitation of calcium phosphate on its surface upon implantation in a living body. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234951 | PROSTHETIC FACET AND FACET JOINT REPLACEMENT DEVICE - Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234952 | Expendable intervertebral implant and associated instrumentation - An expandable intervertebral implant including an implant body transitionable between an initial configuration and an expanded configuration, and having first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis with at least one of the walls defining a recessed region when the implant body is in the initial configuration. An expansion member co-acts with the axial wall to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded generally along the transverse axis. In another embodiment, the expansion member includes a first portion that is displaced along an axially extending slot formed in one of the walls, and a second portion that is displaced between the walls to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first portion of the expansion member defines a passage extending therethrough having an inner transverse dimension sized larger than an outer transverse dimension of the second portion. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234953 | Osteogenic fusion device - An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes opposite end pieces with an integral central element. The end pieces are sized to maintain the height of an intervertebral disc space. The central element has a much smaller diameter so that the osteogenic fusion device forms an annular pocket around the central element. An osteogenic material is disposed within the annular pocket between the opposite end pieces. In one embodiment, the osteogenic material constitutes a collagen sheet soaked in a solution containing a bone morphogenetic protein. The osteogenic fusion device is configured so that the osteogenic material is in direct contact with the adjacent vertebral bone. In addition to the enhanced area of contact between the vertebral bone and the fusion material, the inventive osteogenic fusion device reduces stress-shielding and minimizes the radiopacity of the implant so that growth of the fusion mass can be continuously assessed. In yet another embodiment, the osteogenic fusion device includes at least one end piece with a truncated surface. The osteogenic fusion devices of the present invention may be combined with other fusion devices to form an implant system. The implant system includes at least one load bearing member having a truncated surface configured to nest within another load bearing member, preferably the load bearing, osteogenic fusion device of the present invention. The invention also provides implant systems comprising adjacent load bearing members connected to one another to resist lateral separation. Methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae utilizing devices and systems of the invention are also described. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234954 | SPINAL IMPLANT AND METHODS OF IMPLANTATION AND TREATMENT - A spinal implant is provided that includes a first component for engaging a first vertebra, a second component for engaging a second vertebrae, and a damping member is positioned therebetween. The damping member has at least two chambers connected by an opening. A fluid is disposed within the chambers such that compression of the first and second components towards one another causes the fluid to be displaced from one of the chambers to another chamber through an opening. The opening has a reduced size relative to the chambers to restrict the flow of the fluid between the chambers and provide a dampening effect. In some instances, the rheologic properties of the fluid positioned within the chambers are dependent upon the strength a magnetic field passing through the fluid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, prosthetic devices, intervertebral implants, spinal systems, implantation methods, and treatment methods are provided. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234955 | FIBROUS SCAFFOLD FOR USE IN SOFT TISSUE ENGINEERING - The present invention relates to a fibrous scaffold for use as a substrate in soft tissue applications, in particular for preparing annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. In aspects, the present invention also relates to an engineered biological material comprising AF tissue; constructs comprising one or more engineered biological materials; methods for producing the biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the biological materials and constructs. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234956 | EXPANDING CAGE FOR VERTEBRAL SURGERY - The disclosure relates to an expanding device intended to be implanted between the vertebral end-plates of two adjacent vertebrae, in particular for a stabilisation operation for intervertebral fusion. The inventive device comprises: a cage forming a peripheral part that surrounds a central cavity, said peripheral part being formed by a leading edge and a thicker manipulation edge which are connected by two lateral edges provided with lateral housings; and a retractor received in the lateral housings, which can be moved between an insertion position, in which it is located close to the manipulation edge, and a locking position, in which it is located at the leading edge, increasing the height of same. The invention is characterised in that the retractor is provided with abutment means designed to maintain the retractor in the locking position and to oppose the release of the retractor from the cage. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234957 | ARTIFICAL DISC IMPLANT - An artificial disc implant includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and a spacer therebetween. The spacer preferably has properties similar to that of a natural spinal disc, while the upper and lower shells form a rigid interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The upper and lower shells can be configured to prevent expulsion of the spacer from the disc space. The implant upper and lower shells may further be configured into partially cylindrical shapes for ease of insertion through an insertion tube as presently known for interbody fusion devices. The devices may further be configured for insertion through a double-barreled insertion tube. Methods and instruments for inserting an artificial disc implant are also provided. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234958 | COMBINATION SPACER INSERT AND SUPPORT FOR PROVIDING INTER-CERVICAL VERTEBRAL SUPPORT - A combination spacer insert and support for incorporating into a space defined between succeeding vertebrae. A first insert body is constructed of a composite material exhibiting at least one modulus of elasticity with a substantially cylindrical shape and is inserted within the space, such as established between a pair of previously non-consecutive vertebrae and corresponding to an absent vertebrae. An additional and exterior supported member engages locations associated with the (formerly) non-consecutive vertebrae and which, in combination with the insert body, provides a limited degree of mobility to the vertebrae. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234959 | MOTION INDUCING REVERSE SHOULDER ASSEMBLY - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly method of use. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to a forward flexion force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force and a forward flexion force. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234960 | Articulating Implant System - An articulating implant system is provided for fixation to a bone. The articulating implant system includes a fixation component for fixation to the bone and an articulating member for articulating against bone or cartilage. Specifically, a modular ulnar implant is provided in accordance with the articulating implant system of the present invention wherein the fixation component is a stem for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the distal ulna and the articulating member is a head for articulating with the radial sigmoid notch. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234961 | High Performance Knee Prostheses - Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured postereolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can also be specially shaped to achieve similar results, preferably using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234962 | CONSTRAINED PROSTHETIC KNEE WITH ROTATING BEARING - A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available. The meniscal component includes a mechanism for preventing lift off of the meniscal component from the tibial component, while allowing rotation of the meniscal component relative to the tibial component. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234963 | CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR CONSTRAINING A PROSTHETIC COMPONENT - Methods, systems and devices for preventing prosthetic articulating surfaces from separating from each other. A containment system according to one embodiment seeks to prevent an implant stem head from dislocating from a prosthetic component while providing an increased range of motion over conventional constrained components. In one embodiment, an implant structural member includes a cavity and an opening having a lip, including a web along a portion of the lip. An implant stem head has a cooperating surface that corresponds with the web, so that when the cooperating surface of the implant stem head is aligned with the web, the head may be inserted into the implant structural member. The implant stem head is then rotated and the femoral stem component attached, thereby preventing dislocation of the head. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234964 | Acetabular Cup Implant for Artificial Hip Joint Using Shape Memory Alloy - Disclosed is an acetabular cup implant for an artificial hip joint suitable for being fitted to a bone using a shape memory alloy. The acetabular cup implant for an artificial hip joint comprises an acetabular cup formed of a shape memory alloy having a semi-spherical shape with a hollow section, and is capable of expanding upon exposure to a body temperature. A bearing installed in the hollow section of the acetabular cup is suitable for receiving a femoral head to facilitate rotation of a femur. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234965 | INSERT FOR ACETABULAR CUP - An insert for an acetabular cup includes an insertion body having an external surface shaped to be able to be coupled with a mating seating of the acetabular cup. The insert includes at least a friction element positioned on the external surface to determine a predefined friction with the surface of the seating, so that, during use, the friction element prevents the relative rotation of the insertion body and the acetabular cup. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234966 | BONE REPAIR OR AUGMENTATION DEVICE - Bone repair or augmentation devices comprising a porous body ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100234967 | ROTARY ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT - A rotary actuator comprises a motor, gearing connected for driving by the motor, an output drive member and bearings for carrying the output drive member, wherein the gearing comprises wave generator gearing and the gearing is at least partially located radially within the bearings. In addition, an artificial limb member comprises an actuator to effect movement of the limb member, wherein the actuator comprises a motor connected to wave generator gearing. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234968 | SAFETY CONTROL DEVICE - To obtain a safety control device capable of shortening a response time without using a high-speed CPU, command judging units judge whether an output command that has been input is an ON command or an OFF command; comparing units transmit a judgment result of their command judging units to each other and compare the judgment results of the command judging units with each other. Output units output an output signal to turn off a switch if the judgment result of the command judging units is the OFF command or if the comparison result of the comparing units indicates disagreement. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234969 | PROCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - It is possible to provide a process management system which can rapidly analyze information obtained by a plurality of devices. The system includes: first acquisition means (a control monitor unit ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100234970 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADVANCED PROCESS CONTROL - A method includes: initializing first and second variables; operating equipment based on the variables; measuring first and second parameters; determining a new value for the first variable based on the first parameter, and calculating a new value for the second variable based on the second parameter and the current value of the second variable; and repeating the operating, measuring, determining and calculating. According to a different aspect, an apparatus includes a computer-readable medium storing a computer program. When executed, the program causes: initializing of first and second variables; operating equipment based on the variables; receiving measured first and second parameters; determining a new value for the first variable based on the first parameter, and calculating a new value for the second variable based on the second parameter and the current value of the second variable; and repeating the operating, measuring, determining and calculating. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234971 | AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - An audio signal processing apparatus, which has a plurality of channels each processing input signals in accordance with parameters, is provided with a plurality of batch control functions which serve different batch control functions each of which controls, all at once, parameters of two or more channels included in the plurality of channels. The audio signal processing apparatus also has an isolated channel designating portion for designating any channel of the channels as an isolated channel. The channel designated as an isolated channel by the isolated channel designating portion is prohibited from undergoing the batch control of parameter values by the batch control function portions. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234972 | METHOD OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAPHICAL MODELLING - The invention relates to the field of methods of three-dimensional graphical modelling. This is a method of three-dimensional graphical modelling of an interface between several elements, comprising at least: for at least two elements, a step of determining one or more parameters of the element that relate to the interface; a step of displaying, at the level of a software resource, a three-dimensional graphical modelling of the interface with the aid of the parameters determined, at least one of the elements being a phase of a manufacturing method, at least one determined parameter of which used for the displaying step corresponds to a constraint imposed by the manufacturing method phase. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234973 | PATTERN VERIFYING METHOD, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND PATTERN VERIFYING PROGRAM - A specification of a layout of a layout pattern arranged on a layer is set based on three-dimensional structures of layers of a semiconductor integrated circuit. It is verified whether a layout pattern formed on a wafer based on design layout data subjected to proximity correction satisfies the specification. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234974 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A CYCLIC PRODUCTION MACHINE IN COORDINATION WITH A LOADER OR UNLOADER MACHINE - A method for synchronizing a first machine of a manufacturing process section arranged to carry out a production cycle including a working part and a non-working part. The first machine is operated in conjunction with at least one second machine. The first machine carries out a process during the working part of the cycle on a workpiece that is loaded into and/or unloaded out of the first machine by the at least one second machine during the non-working part of each process cycle. Also, a system for carrying out the method and a computer program. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234975 | ADVANCED PROCESS CONTROL FOR GATE PROFILE CONTROL - A method for fabricating a integrated circuit with improved performance is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate; performing a plurality of processes to form a gate stack over the substrate, wherein the gate stack comprises a gate layer; measuring a grain size of the gate layer after at least one of the plurality of processes; determining whether the measured grain size is within a target range; and modifying a recipe of at least one of the plurality of processes if the measured grain size of the gate layer is not within the target range. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234976 | METHOD TO IMPROVE REQUIREMENTS, DESIGN MANUFACTURING, AND TRANSPORTATION IN MASS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES THROUGH ANALYSIS OF DEFECT DATA - A computer-implemented method of optimizing at least one of a design, production and testing process in a mass manufacturing process includes steps of: collecting error data relating to a product; classifying the error data into categories of symptoms; mapping the symptom to a revealing condition of the product; mapping the revealing condition to a test type; mapping a scope of a fix to phases of error injection mapping; and recommending modifications to an end user for at least one of the design, production, delivery, and testing process based on the scope of the fix. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234977 | Controlling Cutting of Continuously Fabricated Composite Parts with Nondestructive Evaluation - An apparatus may comprise a nondestructive evaluation system and a cutting system. The nondestructive evaluation system may be configured to inspect a processed portion of a structure. The nondestructive evaluation system may be configured to determine whether an inconsistency is present in the processed portion. The nondestructive evaluation system may also be configured to generate information about a location of the inconsistency. The cutting system may be configured to cut a number of parts out of the processed portion of the structure in which the inconsistency may be at least substantially excluded from the number of parts. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234978 | METHOD FOR FINDING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE TOOL PM AND THE PRODUCT YIELD - A method for finding the correlation between tool PM (prevention maintenance) and the product yield of the tool is disclosed. The method uses a moving average method to magnify a curve trend that is formed by the product yield data that is captured during a predetermined days before PM and after PM. The magnified curve trend is shown by a Cumulative sum chart. The Cumulative sum chart is analyzed for informing related workers of the effect between the tool PM and the product yield, so as to accurately estimate PM timing. Thereby, via the method, the effect between the tool PM and the product yield may be determined, which serves as an important reference for workers to execute further PM. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234979 | Embroidery data generating device and computer-readable medium storing embroidery data generating program - An embroidery data generating apparatus that generates embroidery data for an embroidery pattern includes a boundary line acquisition device that acquires boundary line data that is data that specifies a boundary line that surrounds a closed region, a unit area arrangement device that contiguously arranges first unit areas over the entire closed region, each of the first unit areas being a rectangular area that includes a unit line segment, a coverage rate computation device that computes a coverage rate that is a ratio of the closed region in each of the first unit areas, a determination device that determines whether a stitch will be formed on the unit line segment in each of the first unit areas, based on the coverage rate, and an embroidery data generating device that generates the embroidery data for the embroidery pattern that is formed by the cross-stitches. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234980 | Multi-level parking lot and method - A multi-level parking lot has a multi-level parking lot comprising a roadway disposed on aground surface. A plurality of parking containers each adapted to receive and store an automotive passenger vehicle. At least two of the parking containers being vertically stacked to form an inner stack of vertically stacked parking containers extending generally parallel to a first side of the roadway. At least two of the parking containers are vertically stacked to form an outer stack of vertically stacked columns of parking containers extending generally parallel to the first side of the roadway, and located between the first side of the roadway and the inner stack of vertically stacked parking containers. Each of the plurality of parking containers having an access aperture generally facing toward the first side of the roadway for passage of the vehicle therethrough. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234981 | TIME CAPSULE SAFEKEEPING SYSTEM - The disclosed time capsule safekeeping system comprises a controlling organisation maintaining a secure registry system of data records relating to a plurality of physical time capsules and a secure storage system for a plurality of physical time capsules. Each physical time capsule is proactively assigned by the controlling organisation a unique identifying code and an at least one identifying device that facilitates access to the data record within an interactive computer based database and additionally prima facie proves ownership of the time capsule. The time capsules are stored within uniquely numbered crypts at the storage facility. Family crypts allow for the storage of a plurality of time capsules comprising a family group. Such a storage system allows for the use of lower cost mass produced time capsule components. The controlling organisation is of a form that gives confidence to the general public in its long term stability and longevity. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234982 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING OF MASS-FABRICATED CUSTOM ITEMS - A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database. | 2010-09-16 |
20100234983 | Control system for granular material transport system - A control system for a pneumatic transport system of granular material, which includes a plurality of containers, is configured to manage the filling cycle of each container automatically by monitoring the weight of the transported material continuously, and by optionally monitoring the state of the granular material, for example temperature and humidity of the granular material. The information generated by the control system is provided to a centralized management system, which may be operated entirely or partially through radio signals transmitted by wireless technology. | 2010-09-16 |