13th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120078334 | ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUBORBITAL FORAMEN MEDICAL LEAD - A medical lead includes a plurality of electrodes on an annular distal end portion of the lead. The electrodes may be arranged along a circle concentric with the center of a void defined by the annular portion. The annular medical lead design is well suited for application of electrical signal therapy to the suborbital nerve at its point of exit from the inferior orbital foramen in the skull. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078335 | IMPLANTABLE APPARATUS COMPOSED OF A BIOMEDICAL DEVICES ENCAPSULATED WITH CROSSLINKED TPU - A method for producing increased resistance to biodegradability is provided for biomedical devices subject to in vivo implantation. Among the steps required to produce such resistance are the application of a thermoplastic polyurethane coating to the device to provide a coating, and the subsequent crosslinking of the thermoplastic polyurethane coating through the application of radiation of a sufficient intensity and duration to convert said thermoplastic polyurethane coating to a thermoset coating possessing the attribute of increased biostability. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078336 | METHOD FOR INDICATING EMBEDMENT OF A HELICAL ANCHOR IN CARDIAC TISSUE VIA FLUOROSCOPY - A method for implanting an active fixation medical lead is disclosed herein. The lead may include a lead body distal end, a tissue fixation helical anchor and a structure. The tissue fixation helical anchor may be coupled to the lead body distal end and include a distal tip. The structure may be coupled to the lead body distal end and include a structure distal end including a first radiopaque marker. The structure may be biased to project the structure distal end near the distal tip. When the tissue fixation helical anchor is progressively embedded in the cardiac tissue, the cardiac tissue progressively displaces the structure distal end proximally. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078337 | REFERENCE ELECTRODES FOR INNER EAR STIMULATION DEVICES - A reference electrode for an inner ear stimulation device is disclosed. The reference electrode is to be implanted and includes a protruding conductor portion and an insulated conducting portion connected to a lead for connection to the device. The protruding conductor portion is shaped so as to present a generally smooth surface without any substantial projections to impede removal in the event that the electrode is withdrawn in the direction of the lead. The smooth profile and lack of an undercut assist in preventing biofilm accumulation and growth. This reduces the risk of post-surgical complications such as infection. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078338 | Shoe Electrode - A shoe electrode comprising an electrode, a skin adhesive for attaching the electrode to the skin, an electrically conductive heel pad, and a conductive pathway between the electrode and the heel pad. A removable adhesive is used to attach the heel pad to the heel of a shoe and in one embodiment, the electrode, heel pad and conductive pathway are formed as a single piece of conductive vinyl film. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078339 | IMPLANTABLE CONDUCTING LEAD - An electrically conducting lead ( | 2012-03-29 |
20120078340 | STENT POSITIONING AND DEPLOYMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR TREATING A SIDE-BRANCH VESSEL - A stent positioning and deployment assembly for a constricted branched vessel is provided which includes a guide wire, a stent, a first inflatable balloon disposed within the stent and being separable from the stent, and a second inflatable balloon located proximate the first balloon. The first and second balloons each have a collapsed state and an expanded state. The inflation of the first and second balloons are controllable independently of each other, such that each of the first and second balloons may be placed into the expanded state independently of each other. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078341 | STENT WITH SUPPORT BRACES - A stent includes expandable rings formed from a plurality of interconnected struts. A plurality of bridges couple adjacent rings together. The bridges are connected to adjacent rings at first and second connection points, and a first brace element is disposed therebetween. The first connection point is circumferentially offset relative to the second connection point so that the bridge is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stent. The first brace element of one bridge engages an adjacent bridge or a brace element of the adjacent bridge when the corresponding adjacent rings are in the contracted configuration thereby providing additional support and rigidity to the stent to lessen buckling of the stent during loading onto a delivery catheter or during deployment therefrom. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078342 | POSITIONING CATHETERS USING IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT - The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a catheter in a blood vessel relative to a change in the vascular cross section, comprising the steps: providing a catheter that includes at least two electrodes which can be brought into electrically conductive contact with the surrounding blood while the catheter is being positioned in the blood vessel, wherein the two electrodes are installed on the catheter along the longitudinal axis at a defined distance from each other; advancing the catheter in the vessel to be treated, toward the change in the vascular cross section; and measuring the impedance across the two electrodes while the catheter is being advanced; and to a catheter for use in a method of this type. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078343 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ENDOLUMINAL DELIVERY OF INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES - A dual-balloon delivery catheter system includes a carrier segment that is a lead/carrier balloon or mandrel at a distal portion of a catheter. The carrier segment is sequentially arrayed with a more proximally positioned delivery segment, wherein the delivery segment is a delivery balloon or mandrel. The first carrier segment expands the stent-valve a sufficient amount to receive the delivery segment after the carrier segment is moved away from the sent-valve. The delivery segment is then positioned at the target site and the stent-valve is then deployed. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078344 | STENT WITH SUPPORT BRACES - A stent includes expandable rings formed from a plurality of interconnected struts. A plurality of bridges couple adjacent rings together. The bridges are connected to adjacent rings at first and second connection points, and a first brace element is disposed therebetween. The first connection point is circumferentially offset relative to the second connection point so that the bridge is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stent. The first brace element of one bridge engages an adjacent bridge or a brace element of the adjacent bridge when the corresponding adjacent rings are in the contracted configuration thereby providing additional support and rigidity to the stent to lessen buckling of the stent during loading onto a delivery catheter or during deployment therefrom. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078345 | LONGITUDINALLY FLEXIBLE EXPANDABLE STENT - Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078346 | LONGITUDINALLY FLEXIBLE EXPANDABLE STENT - Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078347 | STENT FEATURES FOR COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The stent includes a plurality of distal cells, a plurality of proximal cells, a plurality of support struts coupling the proximal cells to the distal cells, and at least one support post connected to a plurality of proximal cells. The proximal cells are longitudinally spaced apart from the distal cells. Various strut configurations and connections of the struts to the proximal cells and of the proximal cells to the support post improve stent flexibility and reduce stress in the valve leaflets. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078348 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING AT LEAST ONE THERAPEUTIC AGENT - The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating tissue by delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises first and second membranes ( | 2012-03-29 |
20120078349 | COATED IMPLANT COMPOSED OF A BIOCORRODIBLE MAGNESIUM ALLOY - One embodiment of the invention relates to a coated implant having a base body composed of a biocorrodible magnesium alloy. The coating of the implant comprises: | 2012-03-29 |
20120078350 | RETAINERS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, an elongated sheath surrounding a longitudinal portion of the shaft, a compartment defined inside of the sheath and adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled condition, a retainer positioned at one end of the compartment, and at least one acceptance in the retainer adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction to uncover and deploy the medical device. The retainer may be rotatable relative to the shaft to reduce torsional forces in the medical device during delivery and deployment. The retainer may have at least one recess facing the compartment for receiving a strut at an end of a stent of the medical device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078351 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - A delivery system for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a valve support structure for supporting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, and a distal sheath movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve support structure between a first position in which the distal sheath is adapted to surround a collapsible prosthetic heart valve supported on the valve support structure, and a second position in which the distal sheath is adapted to expose the collapsible prosthetic heart valve for deployment. The distal sheath is at least partially formed of an inner polymer layer, an outer polymer layer, and a tubular supporting member sandwiched between the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078352 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078353 | REPLACEMENT HEART VALVES, DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - A replacement heart valve and method of treating valve insufficiency includes an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body is coupled to the frame. The valve body can include a leaflet portion and possibly a skirt portion. A portion of the frame has a foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally expand when urged to a radially compacted state and longitudinally contract when urged to a radially expanded state. In one embodiment the valve skirt is attached to the frame so that it can adapt to changes in the length of the frame. A delivery device in some embodiments can use one or more coverings, such as sheaths, to controllably release the replacement heart valve at a native heart valve. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078354 | APPARATUS FOR REPLACING A CARDIAC VALVE - A prosthetic heart valve in combination with a delivery assembly that includes a first elongate component that is movably disposed to a second elongate component. The delivery assembly has a temporary valve location relative to the delivery assembly to which the prosthetic heart valve can be releasably mounted in position and a spaced implantation location relative to the delivery assembly to which the prosthetic heart valve can also be releasably mounted in position. The prosthetic heart valve and delivery assembly combination is configurable with movement of the first elongate component relative to the second elongate component from a delivery state with the prosthetic heart valve mounted in the temporary location to an implantation state with the prosthetic heart valve repositioned from the temporary, location to the implantation location so that the prosthetic heart valve can subsequently be deployed from the implantation location. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078355 | DEPLOYMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ANNULOPLASTY RING AND OVER-WIRE ROTATION TOOL - Apparatus is provided for use with a subject, including an implant comprising a sleeve shaped so as to define a lumen therein, the sleeve having first and second portions. A contracting mechanism is coupled to a portion of an outer surface of the sleeve in a vicinity of the first portion of the sleeve. An elongated contracting member is coupled at a first end portion thereof to the contracting mechanism, and coupled at a second end portion thereof to the sleeve in a vicinity of the second portion of the sleeve. The contracting mechanism comprises a driving interface that is positioned so as to be accessible from the portion of the outer surface of the sleeve. The contracting mechanism is configured such that rotation of the driving interface contracts the implant by tightening the elongated contracting member. Other applications are also described. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078356 | PERCUTANEOUSLY DELIVERABLE HEART OR BLOOD VESSEL VALVE WITH FRAME HAVING ABLUMINALLY SITUATED TISSUE MEMBRANE - A prosthetic valve implantable by catheter without surgery includes a frame with an abluminal surface extending between a proximal end of the frame and a distal end of the frame, and a single layer of a biocompatible membrane material mounted to the abluminal surface of the frame. The single layer of biocompatible membrane is located such that an interior surface of the membrane sheet extends between the proximal end of the frame and the distal end of the frame, and resides radially exterior the abluminal surface of the frame. In at least one embodiment, the disposition of membrane sheet at all points of attachment is entirely exterior/abluminal to the frame, such that no part of the abluminal surface of the membrane sheet contacts the frame. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078357 | Prosthetic Heart Valve Frame With Flexible Commissures - A prosthetic heart valve can include a valve frame having a wireform portion and a stent portion. The wireform and stent portions can be undetachably coupled together via a plurality of upright struts so as to form a one-piece prosthetic heart valve frame. Alternatively, a self-expanding wireform portion and a balloon-expandable stent portion can be coupled together via one or more leaflets and a subassembly having a flexible leaflet support stent and a sealing ring. The wireform portion can include cusps and commissures configured to support a plurality of leaflets. The prosthetic valve can be radially collapsible for minimally invasive and/or transcatheter delivery techniques. Disclosed embodiments can also provide flexion of the wireform portion (e.g., of the commissures) in response to physiologic pulsatile loading when the valve is implanted in a patient's native valve annulus. Methods of making and using prosthetic heart valves are also disclosed. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078358 | Devices and Methods for Heart Valve Treatment - Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078359 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING SUPPORT - A support for an adjustable annuloplasty ring generally includes a body and a groove. The body has a first end, a second end and an outer surface. The body may also include an inner surface defining a longitudinal bore. The outer surface is configured to slidably receive an annuloplasty ring and a length of adjustable suture. The groove is formed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the body and is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the suture. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078360 | PROSTHETIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING HEART VALVES - Exemplary embodiments provide a valve prosthesis for deployment at an annulus of a heart valve. The valve prosthesis includes a series of connected loops that form a looped structure for placement in the annulus. The loops include a first set of fastening mechanisms that extends radially outward over the annular ring and fasten the valve prosthesis to the atrium. The loops also include a second set of fastening mechanisms that extends radially outward at the annular ring and fasten the valve prosthesis to the annular ring. The loops optionally include a third set of fastening mechanisms that extends radially outward under the annular ring and fasten the valve prosthesis to the ventricle. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078361 | Accommodating Intraocular Lenses and Methods of Use - Fluid-driven accommodating intraocular lenses comprising deformable optic portions. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078362 | DRUG ELUTING OCULAR IMPLANT - Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allows for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078363 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - An accommodating intraocular lens includes an adjustable optic, wherein the optic is capable of being moved between an accommodated state and an unaccommodated state. The optic includes an anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a sidewall between the anterior portion and the posterior portion. The lens further includes a ring disposed about the optic sidewall and a haptic coupled to the ring. The haptic is capable of being coupled to a patient's capsular bag. A method for implanting an accommodating intraocular lens is also provided. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078364 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - An Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) is disclosed herein, that is comprised of a flexible optic and a flexible haptic rim that conforms to the human eye capsule. The spherical or custom shape of the optic is engineered to be maintained during accommodation through the mechanical/optic design of the implant and the interaction between the implant and the naturally occurring position and actuating forces applied through ciliary muscles/zonules/and capsule as the brain senses the need to increase the diopter change or magnification when an object of fixation approaches the eye. The axial relocation or position of the AIOL may also be further adjusted anatomically to further improve the affect needed to achieve improved accommodation. Optionally, the Accommodating Intraocular Lens (AIOL) is foldable or injectable for delivery of the lens into the eye. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078365 | METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND AUGMENTATION OF THE BREAST - The invention provides a method for manufacturing a breast prosthesis, which method comprises the determination of existing contours of a breast of an individual in an upright position using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound (US), the planning of a moulage or virtual moulage using a computer-assisted modeling software, with or without a 3D visualization of a result to be expected, and the manufacturing of a customized breast prosthesis based on said moulage or said virtual moulage. The invention also provides for methods of breast reconstruction and/or augmentation. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078366 | Tissue Expanders and Methods of Use - Tissue expanders and their methods of use. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078367 | COLUMELLAR STRUT FOR NASAL TIP SUPPORT - Novel bioabsorbable, columellar strut implants are disclosed. The struts are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures. The devices have opposed lateral sides connected to a spine member to form a tissue-receiving channel. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078368 | Device for variable-length fixing of the actuator end piece of an active hearing implant in the middle ear - A device for adjusting and fixing relative position between an actuator end piece of an active hearing implant and an element of the ossicular chain or a coupling part to the human inner ear has a connecting element with a first coupling element for coupling to the actuator end piece, a second coupling element, and a shaft-shaped middle part, and the first coupling element geometrically encompasses the actuator end piece with two opposing parallel arms each having a pattern element to fix the encompassed actuator end piece in selectable discrete axial positions in a direction parallel to an axis of the shaft-shaped middle part, for variable-length adaptation and fixing of the actuator end piece relative to the first coupling element in a direction transverse to the axis. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078369 | METHOD OF ANCHORING AUTOLOGOUS OR ARTIFICIAL TENDON GRAFTS IN BONE - An anchor assembly for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element and a stabilizing element. The insertion element has a stem and a head containing an aperture large enough to receive a graft. The stabilizing element is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve with a cavity arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem. In use, the stabilizing element is affixed in the bone, and the stem of the insertion element is placed therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078370 | SPINAL IMPLANTS - Disclosed are improved spinal implants that are configured to help prevent post-operative migration of the implant. In some embodiments, the implant system includes multi-axial tooth geometry and other geometrical configurations such as but not limited to peripheral curvatures that aid in the prevention of such post-operative migration. Also disclosed are asymmetrical implants having superior and inferior surfaces with different angulations relative to the sagittal midline. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078371 | FUSION CAGE WITH IN-LINE SINGLE PIECE FIXATION - Methods for securing a intervertebral cage to one or more levels of the spine with fixation. The fixation, which is typically a staple, is intended to be driven perpendicular to the proximal face of the cage and in-line with the inserter. After the cage is placed and positioned according to surgeon preference, a single piece fixation clip is then deployed and fixed in a manner that produces a zero-profile device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078372 | NOVEL IMPLANT INSERTER HAVING A LATERALLY-EXTENDING DOVETAIL ENGAGEMENT FEATURE - A spinal implant inserter having a) an outer sleeve having a bore, and b) a forked inner shaft having a proximal rod and a pair of distal tynes extending therefrom, each distal tyne comprising an engagement feature having a laterally-extending dovetail feature. An assembly comprising the implant inserter and an implant having a pair of mating dovetail features. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078373 | STAND ALONE INTERVERTEBRAL FUSION DEVICE - An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078374 | SPINAL MIDLINE INDICATOR - A spinal midline indicator ( | 2012-03-29 |
20120078375 | 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. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078376 | Method And Apparatus For Wrist Arthroplasty - A method of implanting a distal radial wrist implant relative to a host radius while salvaging at least portions of fractured radial bone can include, determining a size of a host radius. A distal radial component can be selected based on the determination. The distal radial component can have a body that includes a first connection portion. A stem portion can be selected based on the determination. The stem portion can have a second connection portion. Portions of the fractured radial bone can be located around the body. The portions of the fractured radial bone can be secured relative to the body. The first connection portion of the distal radial component can be coupled with the second connection portion of the stem portion. The distal radial implant can be implanted relative to the host radius. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078377 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING THERAPY TO AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE USING HIGH FREQUENCY PRESSURE WAVES AND/OR CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURES - A system, device and method for dilating an anatomical structure. Systems, devices and methods may comprise a therapeutic component configured to treat a paranasal sinus. Specific embodiments may use high frequency pressure waves and/or cryogenic temperatures. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078378 | PLACENTAL TISSUE GRAFTS AND IMPROVED METHODS OF PREPARING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078379 | CELLULAR CONTROL AND TISSUE REGENERATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for in-vivo and ex-vivo tissue regeneration and cellular control, manipulation and management includes a source of cell manipulating factors, which are administered to a therapy zone via active pressure-differential components including a pump and a controller, or pulse-waves generated passively. A plate comprising tissue or an inert, bio-compatible material is provided in the therapy zone in proximity to a fluid flow manifold and tissue scaffolding. A tissue regeneration and cellular control method includes the steps of providing a cell manipulation factor source, providing one or more factors to a therapy zone and forming a pressure wave with a mechanical component or an in-vivo pressure wave source, such as the circulatory or lymphatic system. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078380 | ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC JOINT - A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, data may include information relating to a user's gait and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural ankle. The system may accommodate level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs or sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input, such as a heel height, or display output signals through an external interface. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078381 | HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE BASED ON TASK-SPECIFIC TEMPORAL POSTURAL SYNERGIES - A synergy-based human-machine interface that uses low-dimensional command signals to control a high dimensional virtual, robotic or paralyzed human hand is provided. Temporal postural synergies are extracted from angular velocities of finger joints of five healthy subjects when they perform hand movements that are similar to activities of daily living. Extracted Synergies are used in real-time brain control, where a virtual, robotic or paralyzed human hand is controlled to manipulate virtual or real world objects. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078382 | AMPUTATION BONE CAP - A muscle fastening cap includes a head having one or more groups of openings along a direction of its axial length. The cap also may include a stem adapted for insertion into a muscle-supporting structure such as an intramedullary canal or a prosthesis device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078383 | REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - When a controlled device has changed the value of a parameter, the controlled device transmits the result of the change as updated information UPDATE to controllers by multicast, and aside from this, also transmits synchronization data SYNC in each synchronization period by multicast. Upon detecting a reception error of those data, the controller requests, from the controlled device, the information of the parameter which has been changed in one or more synchronization periods including and after the synchronization period subsequent to the last synchronization period in which the controller could normally receive all of the packets, and corrects the parameter value in the controller based on the current value of the changed parameter transmitted from the controlled device in response to the request. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078384 | SWITCH SUPERVISION DEVICE, CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A control system has an instruction path of which an object section connects a microcomputer, a switch and a switch supervisory device with one another. The switch sets the path in conductive or non-conductive state on the low side of the microcomputer. An instruction signal is sent to the microcomputer through the conductive path to set the microcomputer in an operation state. When the device judges based on the operation state of the microcomputer that the switch has set the path in a conductive state, the device sends a first signal of first voltage, causing the signal to have current strength equal to or higher than predetermined value in the path, to the object section. When the device judges that the switch has set the path in a non-conductive state, the device sends a second signal of second voltage lower than first voltage to the object section. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078385 | SMART ELECTRONIC CONNECTING DEVICE - A smart electronic connecting device applicable to control the electronic connection between an external power supply and an external electronic connector includes an input unit connected to the external power supply, a processing module, a mode generation unit, an output unit and a relay unit connected between the input unit and the output unit. The processing module has a timing generation unit generating a timing signal, a control unit generating a control signal, and a memory unit. The mode generation unit generates multiple mode selecting signals to the control unit. The output unit is to connected to the external electronic connector. The relay unit is turned on/off selectively according to the control signal of the control unit to conduct the input unit and the output unit, wherein the memory unit records the turn-on connection status of the relay unit within the predetermined period to recur the turn-on connection status. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078386 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DISPLAY PROCESS CONTROL DEVICE INFORMATION - Example methods and apparatus to display process control information are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a conditional device parameter in a processor from a process control device, determining if functionality associated with the process control device is available, wherein the conditional device parameter indicates if the functionality is available, and displaying the conditional device parameter within a graphic via a user interface if the functionality is available. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078387 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING TASKS IN AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT - An apparatus for managing tasks in an industrial plant comprises a task generator for generating at least one task to be performed in the industrial plant; a task scheduler for assigning a priority to each of the at least one task by analyzing the information of the plant; and a communication module for exchanging task information with a mobile device. The information of the plant may comprise static information and dynamic information of the plant. Preferably, the at least one task may comprise an event task dynamically generated by the task generator. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078388 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT - A communication system for workforce management is formed of a system controller managing a plurality of badges associated with workplace devices and employees within the workplace. The controller receives event indicators from the badges. These event indicators are analyzed by the controller to determine whether a task should be created and performed by at least one of the workplace devices and/or at least one of the employees. Task lists and device assignments are dynamically updated in response to current workplace conditions. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078389 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A communication system according to the present invention includes a server and a plurality of apparatus. Each of the apparatuses controls a state of power supply to a device integrated in the apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the server. The server assigns one of a plurality of time slots that are repeated periodically to each of the apparatuses, and notifies each of the apparatuses of information indicating the assigned time slot. Each of the apparatuses, if a pre-set criterion for each of the apparatuses to turn on power supply to the device is satisfied, turns on power supply to the device when the time slot notified by the server is reached. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078390 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MACHINE - A system for controlling a machine includes a first model, a second model, a controller, and a comparator. During a first cycle, the first model generates a response signal to the controller while the second model generates a predicted parameter signal. During the first cycle, the comparator transmits a feedback signal to the second model if a predetermined threshold is not met. A method for controlling a machine includes transmitting a response signal from a first model to a controller, generating a control signal to the machine, and generating a predicted parameter value in a second model. The method further includes transmitting a feedback signal to the second model if a predetermined threshold is not met. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078391 | METHODS, APPARATUS, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO IDENTIFY HAZARDOUS PROCESS CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVICES IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to identify hazardous process conditions associated with devices in a process control system are disclosed. An example method to identify a hazardous process control type associated with a process control device includes automatically detecting that a process control device is coupled to a port on a controller, detecting information associated with the process control device via the port, identifying a hazardous process condition type of the process control device based on the detected information, and sending information to a computing device to cause a display to include visual indication of the identified hazardous process condition type in association with the process control device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078392 | SAFETY CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATED INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A USER PROGRAM FOR A SAFETY CONTROLLER - A safety controller for controlling an automated installation in accordance with a user program has a plurality of control components. At least some of the control components have a respective data bus interface. The data bus interface is designed to receive and send data. The safety controller also has a data bus to which the plurality of control components are connected via the respective data bus interfaces for the purpose of interchanging data. A configuration interface is designed to receive configuration data ascertained on the basis of association data generated by a programming tool. The configuration data determine at least one characteristic of the data bus or of at least one data bus interface. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078393 | SELF-CONTAINED, WEARABLE LIGHT CONTROLLER WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION INTERFACE - A system for controlling a plurality of wearable wireless light-bearing units is disclosed. The light-bearing units may comprise lighting elements coupled to garments such as those used in the performing arts and entertainment. The system comprises a control unit wirelessly communicating with light-bearing units. The light-bearing units comprise a control box coupled to a plurality of lights. Operators can control one or more of the light-bearing units in synchrony with each other and with other audio-visual elements using standard protocols. The device also provides a library of preprogrammed effects and can perform self-diagnostic functions. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078394 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A VIRTUAL SECURITY CAMERA - A method for detecting suspicious behavior in an online gaming application is provided. The method initiates with providing an online gaming application to a user. Gaming activity and social network activity of the user is analyzed. In response to detecting a suspicious activity based on the analyzed gaming activity and social network activity, a constraint of service order is generated which defines an action to be taken in response to the detected suspicious activity. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078395 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A VIRTUAL SECURITY CAMERA - A method for detecting suspicious behavior in an online gaming application is provided. The method initiates with providing an online gaming application to a user. Current gaming activity and social network activity of the user is analyzed. Prior gaming activity and social network activity of the user is also analyzed. A suspicious activity is detected based on the analyzed current gaming activity and social network activity and the analyzed prior gaming activity and social network activity. A constraint of service order is generated which defines an action to be taken in response to the detected suspicious activity. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078396 | Multi-Sensor Monitoring of Athletic Performance - Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, e.g., for pre-event planning, goal setting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods optionally may provide real time information to the athlete while the event takes place, e.g., to assist in reaching the pre-set goals. Additionally, data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist in post-event analysis for athletes and their trainers, e.g., to evaluate past performances and to assist in improving future performances. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078397 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SMART AUDIO LOGGING FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A mobile device that is capable of automatically starting and ending the recording of an audio signal captured by at least one microphone is presented. The mobile device is capable of adjusting a number of parameters related with audio logging based on the context information of the audio input signal. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078398 | SOUND PROCESSING DEVICE, SOUND DATA SELECTING METHOD AND SOUND DATA SELECTING PROGRAM - An information processing apparatus that stores a plurality of pieces of audio data, displays information corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of audio data, receives an input selecting at least one of the plurality of pieces of audio data, reproduces a first piece of the plurality of pieces of audio data, and initiates simultaneous reproduction of a second piece of the plurality of pieces of audio data based on an input received at the interface, processes the first and second pieces of the audio data such that the first and second pieces of the audio data are separately audible by the user, and outputs the processed first and second pieces of the audio data. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078399 | SOUND PROCESSING DEVICE, SOUND FAST-FORWARDING REPRODUCTION METHOD, AND SOUND FAST-FORWARDING REPRODUCTION PROGRAM - An information processing apparatus stores audio data, receives an input instruction of a user, reproduces a first channel of the audio data, which corresponds to normal playback of the audio data, and a second channel of the audio data, which corresponds to a fast-forwarding playback of the audio data based on an instruction received at the input unit, processes the first and second channels of the audio data such that the first and second channels of the audio data are separately audible by the user, and outputs the processed first and second channels of the audio data. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078400 | Memory Expansion Pack For Providing Content To Portable Terminal - A memory expansion pack, which includes a memory for storing content, an FM receiver, an ear jack, and a controller, is connected with a portable terminal through a connector of the pack to provide content to the terminal. Under the control of the controller, content stored in the memory and audio data, which is received through the FM receiver from an external device over a set frequency channel, is transmitted to the terminal. When the ear jack is connected with the external output device, it outputs the content through the external output device. When the ear jack is connected with a device, such as a PC, the ear jack downloads content from the PC. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078401 | CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING AN ATMOSPHERE GENERATING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a control arrangement for controlling an atmosphere generating device, comprising a control device ( | 2012-03-29 |
20120078402 | UPGRADEABLE ENGINE FRAMEWORK FOR AUDIO AND VIDEO - An audio/video (A/V) system includes an audio/video (A/V) component configured to generate audio or video data. The A/V system includes one or more processing devices configured to implement an audio or video processing engine to process the audio or video data to generate one or more different domain representations of the audio or video data. The A/V system includes one or more audio or video processing applications that are each configured to access one or more of the different domain representations of the audio or video data, and to perform audio or video processing on the one or more accessed domain representations of the audio or video data. Each of the one or more processing applications access and process the domain representations independently of each other. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078403 | USE OF A REALLY SIMPLE SYNDICATION COMMUNICATION FORMAT IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - Devices and applications within a process control system make data generated therein available using a really simple syndication (RSS) XML communication format, thereby making this data easily retrievable from the plant and useable for various purposes both within and outside of the plant. The RSS data communications may provide RSS data for use in control of the plant or for use in other applications not directly associated with the control of the plant, including third party applications run on devices outside of the plant. The RSS data sent from one device to another may include enclosures, such as video, audio or text files, or may include references such as hyperlinks to other sources of information stored on the receiving device or on a further device that may be accessed and used to understand or process the RSS data. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078404 | CONSUMPTION RATE CALCULATING DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONSUMPTION RATE CALCULATING DEVICE, AND CONTROL PROGRAM - An operation information outputter includes a power data acquirer that acquires time-series data of a physical quantity consumed or generated when production equipment executes a process, a single-cycle detector that detects time-series data of predetermined duration out of the time-series data acquired by the power data acquirer, a production-quantity calculator that calculates a production quantity of objects to be produced by the production device in a specific period using the time-series data detected by the single-cycle detector, and a power-consumption-rate calculator that calculates the consumption rate of the physical quantity using the time-series data of the physical quantity for the specific period and the production quantity calculated by the production-quantity calculator, and makes it possible to achieve a consumption rate calculator or the like that easily calculates an energy consumption rate. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078405 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SUBSTANTIALLY TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS - The present invention enables the efficient use of resources in the manufacture of substantially two-dimensional elements through multi-dimensional resource optimization subject to rules and objectives. The invention may be embodied as a computer-based method, a computerized system that performs the method, or a machine readable storage medium containing instructions that when executed cause performance of the method using the computerized system. To fulfill customer orders, product design data, resource data, and rules and objective data are accessed to determine the efficient use of the resources, such as consumption of particular units of raw material and utilization of production stations. For a given set of customer orders, multiple scenarios of production plans are computed and recomputed until an efficient production plan is achieved. The production plan can be generated at a location remote from the manufacturing site, and it can then be sent in an automated fashion to the production stations. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078406 | PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF QUADRANGLE UNIT - Disclosed herein is a method of cutting one or more kinds of quadrangular unit pieces having a relatively small size from a quadrangular base material having a relatively large size using a cutter frame including a plurality of cutters to manufacture the quadrangular unit pieces, the method including (a) an inspection step of scanning a quadrangular base material in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction of the quadrangular base material to check positions of defects on the quadrangular base material, (b) a calculation step of calculating a yield when imaginarily cutting the quadrangular base material using two or more kinds of cutting frames, (c) a selection step of selecting one of the cutting frames in which the yield calculated at the calculation step (b) is within a range of upper 30%, and (d) a manufacturing step of cutting the quadrangular base material using the cutting frame selected at the selection step (c) to manufacture quadrangular unit pieces. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078407 | PROCESS SCHEDULING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM - System, method and computer program product for combined scheduling of two different slab sequences by a rational technique. A two-dimensional grid graph having a direct slab sequence as a first dimension and an inventory slab sequence as a second dimension is prepared by processing of a computer as a data structure represented on a memory or a hard disk drive of the computer. A processing program of the computer generates two child nodes corresponding to a direct slab and an inventory slab, in each node of the two-dimensional graph according to a predetermined algorithm. By defining an appropriate weighting function, the processing program of the computer weights edges between nodes in the two-dimensional grid graph. After forming the weighted graph on a storage device of the computer such as the memory or the hard disk drive, the processing program of the computer calculates a path from a start point to an end point as a shortest path search problem. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078408 | Advanced Control System For Steam Hydrocarbon Reforming Furnaces - Embodiments of the invention provide an advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces, especially steam methane reformer furnaces. As described herein, the advanced control system may improve the control quality and efficiency of adjusting steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces operating coefficients. As a result, the steam hydrocarbon reformer furnace operations become more stable, resulting in energy savings and improved furnace yield. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078409 | Electronic Supervisor - Electronic supervision may be provided. First, a stock number may be sent to a database server. The stock number may correspond to a product comprising, for example, an electrical cable. In response to sending the database server the stock number, specification information corresponding to the product may be received from a database stored on the database server. The specification information may comprise, for an electrical cable, a number of wires, a weight per thousand feet, and a diameter. Next, product production may be monitored to determine faults occurring during production. Monitoring the production may comprise displaying a data monitoring screen to production personnel. The data monitoring screen may provide data regarding the product and product comparison against a standard maintained within the database for the product. Fault data corresponding to the determined faults occurring during the production may be saved to the database. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078410 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC QUALITY CONTROL USING A PLURALITY OF COMPUTERS - A system and method for automatic quality control is provided. A database is maintained storing quality control rules for producing a product, the quality control rules determined via a first computing device associated with a first entity controlling production of the product, the database maintained by a second computing device associated with a second entity for maintaining quality control of the product, the product produced by a plurality of production lines respectively associated with third entities. Quality control data is received at the second computing device from data collection devices at the plurality of production lines, each of the data collection devices enabled to collect the quality control data for the product. At the second computing device, the quality control data is compared with the quality control rules; at least one quality control event is triggered when the quality control data fails at least one of the quality control rules. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078411 | CONVEYANCE VEHICLE SYSTEM - A conveyance vehicle system that achieves an increased efficiency of loading an article from a conveyance vehicle into a loading opening of an automated warehouse, includes a stocker, a conveyance vehicle, and a conveyance vehicle controller. The stocker, includes racks, a loading port, and a stocker controller. The conveyance vehicle loads an article into the loading port of the stocker. The conveyance vehicle controller assigns the conveyance vehicle with an article conveyance command to convey the article to the stocker. The stocker controller receives a predicted conveyance command before the article is loaded from the conveyance vehicle into the stocker. The predicted conveyance command includes ID information of the article and information indicating whether or not the article is to be loaded into a rack. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078412 | DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR CENTRALIZED ROBOTIC GANTRY - A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078413 | SECURED ELECTRICAL RECHARGING FACILITY METHOD AND APPARATUS - An electrical device recharging facility and method of operating the same is disclosed in which the facility includes a number of storage units having a locking mechanism operated according to a security access system and a number of power outlets and/or power cords arranged within the storage unit for recharging an electrical device. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078414 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING ENERGY SAVINGS ON A REMOTE BEVERAGE SYSTEM - A method and system that detects if a carbonator has cycled in a beverage system and deactivates a circulator pump that circulates carbonated water in the beverage system based on if the carbonator has cycled. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078415 | PARALLEL LINK ROBOT, AND METHOD OF TEACHING PARALLEL LINK ROBOT - A parallel link robot ( | 2012-03-29 |
20120078416 | ROBOT AND BEHAVIOR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE SAME - A robot and a behavior control system for the same are capable of ensuring continued stability while carrying out a specified task by a motion of a body of the robot. Time-series changing patterns of first state variables indicating a motional state of an arm are generated according to a stochastic transition model such that at least one of the first state variables follows a first specified motion trajectory for causing the robot to carry out a specified task. Similarly, time-series changing patterns of second state variables indicating a motional state of the body are generated according to the stochastic transition model such that the second state variables satisfy a continuously stable dynamic condition. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078417 | Detecting Energy and Environmental Leaks In Indoor Environments Using a Mobile Robot - Techniques for energy and environmental leak detection in an indoor environment using one or more mobile robots are provided. An energy leak detection system is provided. The energy leak detection system includes one or more mobile robots configured to move throughout at least a portion of a building and to take temperature and air flow measurements at a plurality of locations within the building. An environmental leak detection system is also provided. The environmental leak detection system includes one or more mobile robots configured to move throughout at least a portion of a building and to take airborne matter measurements at a plurality of locations within the building. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078418 | ROBOT CALIBRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SAME - A robot calibration apparatus and a robot calibration method. The robot calibration apparatus includes: | 2012-03-29 |
20120078419 | ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A robot and a control method thereof. The robot has plural robot arms, each having at least one joint unit and a hand, and the control method includes dividing an object into target and feasible grasp regions and storing grasp policies respectively corresponding to the grasp regions, sensing respective orientations of the object, the at least one joint unit, and an obstacle, judging whether or not grasping of the target grasp region is feasible after sensing the orientations, generating a grasp route using the grasp policy for the target grasp region, upon judging that grasping of the target grasp region is feasible, and generating a grasp route using the grasp policy for one of the feasible grasp regions, upon judging that grasping of the target grasp region is not feasible, and controlling the at least one joint unit and the hand to trace the generated grasp route. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078420 | FAN SPEED CONTROL - In one implementation, an environmental controller operates a cooling system in an electronic device. The environmental controller includes a closed loop control system for operating a cooling fan at a target speed. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on one or more temperature sensors. The environmental controller may select the target speed based on the speeds of additional fans or the fans may be controlled in unison. The closed loop control system includes a proportional weight. When a measured cooling fan speed deviates from the target speed by more than a threshold error value, the proportional weight is constant. As the measured cooling fan speed approaches the target speed, and the threshold error value is crossed, the proportional weight is variable. The variance may be a function of time such as a periodic stair step function. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078421 | MATTRESS MONITORING SYSTEM - A system for monitoring a mattress controller including a portable monitor having a memory, an input/output node in selective communication with the mattress controller, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including a control data associated with the mattress controller, and selectively link with the mattress controller to communicate with the mattress controller to confirm or update the control data. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078422 | INTERFACING CLIMATE CONTROLLERS AND COOLING DEVICES | 2012-03-29 |
20120078423 | HVAC CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING INTEGRATED CPH CYCLING CONTROL AND DEADBAND STAGING - A method of controlling an HVAC system including programming a thermostat of the HVAC system to define a temperature set point, a temperature differential around the temperature set point, and a number of cycles per hour for a temperature control source of the HVAC system. The method also includes sensing a temperature, executing a cycling control algorithm that includes the temperature, the temperature set point, and the number of cycles per hour as inputs to determine a duty cycle, and running the temperature control source according to the duty cycle when the temperature is within the temperature differential. The method further includes executing a deadband algorithm to turn on the temperature control source when the temperature is outside of the temperature differential at one extreme and to turn off the temperature control source when the temperature is outside the temperature differential at the opposite extreme. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078424 | CENTRAL COOLING AND CIRCULATION ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A novel central cooling and circulation energy management control system is provided, including an energy management controller device, a central cooling system, and associated methods, according to various embodiments. In one illustrative embodiment, a central cooling energy management controller device includes one or more signal connections, one or more electronic memory elements, and one or more processors. The controller device has access to resources that are either stored on the electronic memory elements or are accessible via the signal connections. The resources include an equipment data table, an equipment and operational configuration table, an operational efficiency matrix, and executable instructions. The processor determines operational control signals for energy-efficient operation of a central cooling system, based on sensor input from the central cooling system, and on data from the equipment data table, the equipment and operational configuration table, and the operational efficiency matrix; and provides the operational control signals via the signal connections. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078425 | NETWORK-BASED OPTIMIZATION OF SERVICES - Method and system enable remote control of utilities and other scheduled products and services using data communications networks. Information provided by third parties is obtained to control the use of utilities, products and/or services. Obtained information is analyzed to create or modify a schedule for using power, water or any other utility, product or service that depends on or relates to such data. Analysis results in schedule modification or creation, which affects use. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078426 | Internet Based Spa Networking System Having Wireless Spa Nodes - A spa node comprising a spa controller, a power sense adapter configured to compute power being drawn by selected spa components; a spa network adapter, and a home network adapter, each of the three adapters including a wireless transceiver wherein the spa network adapter is configured to receive power data transmitted over a wireless link by the power sense adapter and to further receive status/performance data from the spa controller. The home network adapter is configured to receive power and status data transmitted by the spa network adapter over a wireless link and to convert that data to a form suitable for transmission to an Internet access point. The home network adapter is further linkable over the Internet to a central server, a dealer computer and a spa owner or user computer. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078427 | Electric device, power management system including the electric device, and method for controlling the same - A power management apparatus includes an electric device including a plurality of operation algorithm information and power information for each operation level corresponding to each operation algorithm information, and a power management unit to receive power rate information from a power provider, determine an operation level of the electric device on the basis of the received power rate information and power information for each operation level of the electric device, and control an operation of the electric device at the determined operation level. As a result, the power management apparatus performs different operation algorithms according to power rate information, and controls power consumption of the electric device, such that energy efficiency at the user side can be maximized. In response to the changed power rate information, the currently-driven electric device and the electric device to be driven can be driven at the optimum operation level appropriate for their power consumption characteristics. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078428 | SMART METERING DEVICE WITH PHASE SELECTOR - Smart metering device for connecting an end user mains network to a multiple phase power distribution network and monitoring consumption on the end user mains network, comprising: inputs for connecting the smart metering device to multiple phases of the multiple phase power distribution network; single phase low voltage outputs for connecting the end user mains network to the smart metering device; a power circuit between the inputs and the low voltage outputs; a modem for receiving control messages sent from a communication server associated with the power distribution network; a controller communicatively connected to the modem for controlling switching operations in the smart metering device in response to the control messages; and a phase selector communicatively coupled with the controller and comprising input switches for switching the low voltage outputs between different sets of the inputs, each set corresponding to one of the multiple phases of the multiple phase power distribution network. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078429 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING POWER USAGE DATA FROM RACK POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS (RPDUs) USING A WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK - Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for collecting and distributing power usage data from Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs) using a wireless sensor network. An example embodiment includes: establishing communication with a plurality of Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs) deployed at particular points in a facility, each RPDU of the plurality of RPDUs being configured to monitor power consumption of a plurality of electronic devices in the facility; periodically obtaining system data from each of the plurality of RPDUs, the system data including power consumption data corresponding to associated electronic devices, the system data being received from the plurality of RPDUs via a wired data connection; using a wireless bridge device to aggregate the system data from a plurality of associated RPDUs, the wireless bridge device transferring the aggregated system data to a gateway via a wireless sensor network; and using the system data to control operation of the plurality of electronic devices in the facility via the wireless bridge device and the plurality of associated RPDUs. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078430 | Power Allotment Distribution in a Data Center - In a computer-implemented method, an electronic communication from a first computing machine is received and includes a power value and one or more priority values. The power value represents a request for a power allotment expected to be used during a predetermined time and the priority values represent priorities of tasks expected to be executed during the predetermined time. A score for the request is calculated using a scoring function and the received priority values as inputs to the scoring function. The score is compared to one or more other scores respectively associated with requests for power allotments from other computing machines and previously calculated using the scoring function following receipt of one or more electronic communications each including a power value and one or more priority values. A top-ranked score is identified and an electronic communication is sent to the associated computing machine granting the requested power allotment. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078431 | MODULAR ENERGY LOAD MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods are provided that integrate a modular load management solution within a general control architecture. One or more load modules deployed within a controller act as interlocks to energy consuming field devices or machines fed by an energy distribution system within a facility. One or more feeder modules deployed within the controller collect energy supply data from an energy source or feeder on the energy distribution system. The load and feeder modules publish their energy demand and supply data to a virtual energy bus, which facilitates exchange of energy data between the load and feeder modules. The load modules, feeder modules, and virtual energy bus generate multiple views of the facility's overall energy supply and demand status based on the energy data shared between the components, and perform automated load management for the energy distribution system based on the collected data. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078432 | GOAL-BASED LOAD MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods are provided that facilitate dynamic load shedding control in an industrial environment in accordance with one or more production goals provided by a user. One or more production goals for system of industrial load devices (e.g., target product output, desired maximum peak energy demand, and the like) can be provided to a policy engine, which generates goal-based criteria in a standardized format based on the production goals. The goal-based criteria can be provided to a load modulation component, which uses the criteria to calculate load shed priorities for respective load devices on the system designed to ensure that the one or more specified production goals are achieved. The load modulation component can also generate a load shed schedule or load shed criteria used to determine when or under what conditions load shedding is to be initiated in order to achieve the one or more production goals. | 2012-03-29 |
20120078433 | GRID CONNECTED SYSTEM - A power distribution controller | 2012-03-29 |