Patents Issued in December 6, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010049530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. A proximal anchor is axially movably disposed with respect to the distal anchor, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Brad S. Culbert, Victor V. Cachia
  • Publication number: 20010049531
    Abstract: Systems and methods treat fractured or diseased bone by deploying more than a single therapeutic tool into the bone. In one arrangement, the systems and methods deploy an expandable body in association with a bone cement nozzle into the bone, such that both occupy the bone interior at the same time. In another arrangement, the systems and methods deploy multiple expandable bodies, which occupy the bone interior volume simultaneously. Expansion of the bodies form cavity or cavities in cancellous bone in the interior bone volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Mark A. Reiley, Arie Scholten, Karen D. Talmadge, Robert M. Scribner
  • Publication number: 20010049532
    Abstract: A method of crystalline lens replacement for eyes comprises the steps of forming a small hole that penetrates through the lens capsule, removing a part of the crystalline lens substance through the hole, refilling the lens capsule by injecting a composition comprising a hydrophilic polymer directly into the lens capsule, and closing the hole. The method of crystalline lens replacement may be performed on animals or humans. Furthermore, the method of crystalline lens replacement may be performed on a patient suffering from cataract, where the opaque crystalline lens substance in the lens capsule is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Motosugu Saishin, Mitsuo Tsukamoto, Aizo Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20010049533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide rod for tube shank instruments to be introduced into a body cavity which is characterised by at least two telescopic rod parts, whose ends which neighbor given the largest possible rod length, are releasably lockable with a positive or non-positive fit and whose extension movement is limited by an abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Carl Wagner, Nikolaus Beron
  • Publication number: 20010049534
    Abstract: Known devices for inserting aortic endoprostheses include a guide wire with which the opening of the main prosthesis, which is already in the aneurysm, has to be probed for insertion of the extension. This is unsafe and time-consuming. In the present device a second guide wire for the extension is alignably fixed to the first guide wire for the main prosthesis, so that the opening for receiving the extension can be quickly and safely probed from the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: FUMEDICA Intertrade AG
    Inventor: Mario Lachat
  • Publication number: 20010049535
    Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: RAYMOND J. LEVEILLEE
  • Publication number: 20010049536
    Abstract: A suture relay that can be advanced, by pushing, through the hollow needle of a suture passer and which is adapted to carry a braided suture across the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Kwan-Ho Chan, Mark A. Johanson, Dennis McDevitt, Vince Novak
  • Publication number: 20010049537
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Juergen A. Kortenbach
  • Publication number: 20010049538
    Abstract: A series of kits for an indirect and direct inguinal hernia operations for both male patient and a female patients. The kit for the male patient comprises two plugs and one mesh piece. The plugs and mesh are made from a polymer mesh and are pretreated so that they lay flat within the body after a hernia operation. These two plugs and mesh piece are sterilized and placed within a kit so that during an operation for hernia repair, a doctor has the necessary plugs precut and sterilized so that he can place these plugs within a patient's body. In this case, the plugs and mesh pieces have holes and slits formed to receive a spermatic cord. Since a female patient does not have a spermatic cord, the plug and mesh piece in this kit do not have holes or slits for a spermatic cord. There is also a third kit for large primary and recurrent groin hernias that cause weakening of the entire floor canal. This kit contains a flat rigid hernial plug and a preshaped mesh piece. The two pieces are attached in a two-mesh pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: ERMANNO E. TRABUCCO
  • Publication number: 20010049539
    Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical prosthesis and method of use. The hiatal hernia repair patch is a ring with an integral mesh attached to and surrounding the ring. The ring and the mesh have a slit therein extending radially so that the ring may be placed about the esophagus. The ring may be hollow or solid and is flexible so that it may be inserted through a small incision or a laparoscopic port into the abdominal cavity. The patch, including the ring and mesh, is made as a one-piece unit and is made from polypropylene or other biocompatible material. In use, the ring is placed around the esophagus, between the stomach and the diaphragm. Next, the mesh is stapled or sutured to the undersurface of the diaphragm, bridging the hiatal hernia defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Om P. Rehil
  • Publication number: 20010049540
    Abstract: An aorta cross clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws and a removable actuator having movable handles. Initially, the actuator is connected to the clamp with the jaws in an open position. When the actuator handles are closed, the jaws also will be closed. The clamp is provided with a toothed retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The actuator can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. When it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer. The actuator then can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed. The clamp and the actuator are provided in two forms. In one form, the toothed retainer is engaged and disengaged by movement toward and away from the jaws (“horizontal” movement).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Albert N. Santilli
  • Publication number: 20010049541
    Abstract: An implantable heart-stimulation apparatus having a plurality of stimulation electrodes which can be applied to the heart muscle in one or more chambers of the heart in order to apply electrical stimulation signals thereto, and stimulation-control means for applying stimulation signals to the electrodes in accordance with a time plan determined individually and separately for each of the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Sorin Biomedica Cardio S.p.A.
    Inventors: GIANNI PLICCHI, BRUNO GARBEROGLIO, GUIDO GAGGINI, EMANUELA MARCELLI
  • Publication number: 20010049542
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method are provided to reliably detect capture during multi-chamber stimulation, and to further monitor the progression of congestive heart failure. The system provides a method by which intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) characteristics representing single-chamber capture and bi-ventricular capture are stored in memory and displayed. The annotation of the displayed waveforms is such that events associated with loss of capture, single-chamber capture, and bi-ventricular capture are clearly marked for ready interpretation by the physician. In a first situation, a stimulation pulse is followed by a time delay window and a subsequent depolarization complex that represents intrinsic responses of the chambers that have not been captured. In a second situation, a stimulation pulse is followed almost immediately by an evoked response that represents capture of one chamber, and a subsequent depolarization complex that represents an intrinsic response of one chamber that has not been captured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Florio, Euljoon Park, Kerry Bradley, Gene A. Bornzin
  • Publication number: 20010049543
    Abstract: A multi-chamber stimulation device and associated method reliably and automatically verify capture during cardiac stimulation. The stimulation device achieves efficient synchronous biventricular stimulation by using cross-chamber electrode configurations to minimize pacing energy requirements, and further achieves reliable capture detection by using cross-chamber sensing electrode configurations to minimize the effect of lead polarization. During cross-chamber stimulation, a biphasic pulse, a balanced monophasic pulse, or a biventricular pacing pulse may be delivered. By delivering a biventricular pacing pulse, a larger potential difference is established across the ventricles, improving the recruitment of Purkinje fibers and other conductive elements of the cardiac tissue, thus enhancing conduction of the stimulating pulses through the cardiac tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20010049544
    Abstract: A passive communication scheme between one or more external instruments communicable with one or more implanted medical devices (IMDs) provides a system to collect data from the IMDs. Further, the one or more programmers are communicable with a remote central server or a network where the collected data is stored. The one or more external instruments exchange data by passively interrogating each other and any proximate IMD or IMDs. Specifically, the external instruments may be represented by a programmer type device. The programmer is enabled to interrogate and exchange data with one or more IMDs in one or more patients when they come within telemetry or wireless communication range. Similarly, two or more programmers interrogate and exchange data with each other when placed within a telemetry or wireless communication range. Further, data collected by the programmer or programmers is transferred to a central location using network and equivalent data transmission medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Lee
  • Publication number: 20010049545
    Abstract: A method for treating cardiac arrest includes defibrillating the patient and/or ventilating the patient and/or administering a cardiac arrest drug such as epinephrine to resuscitate the patient, and then cooling the patient's body temperature using one or more cooling catheters positioned in the central venous system of the patient and/or particularly cooling the patient's brain temperature using a catheter advanced into the aortic arch or into the carotid artery whereby a bolus of cold saline solution is introduced into the blood supplied to the brain to lower the brain temperature quickly, and further cooling or maintaining the brain temperature at a desired level by pumping coolant in a closed circuit formation between the catheter and the coolant source to remove heat from the blood supplied to the patient's brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Jack W. Lasersohn, William J. Worthen, Scott M. Evans, Suzanne C. Winter, David Balding
  • Publication number: 20010049546
    Abstract: By providing an integrated, easily employed holding or support member which is uniquely constructed for cooperating with a heat delivery patch or exothermic pad for optimizing the application of heat directly to a precisely desired location, a local, easily employed, convenient, consumer oriented treatment system for providing heat therapy for a wide variety of medical problems is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, a fully integrated treatment system is realized which possesses broad applicability for a wide range of medical conditions which can be treated or improved by heat penetration into the skin, subcutaneous tissues, joints, muscles, blood streams, etc. In addition, it has also been found that the delivery of drugs, penetration enhancing agents and/or cosmetics through the skin for the purpose of achieving a non-oral and/or non-parenteral, systemic, transdermal delivery is effectively enhanced by the presence of a controlled heat gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Israel Dvoretzky, John E. Kuleza
  • Publication number: 20010049547
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stent introducer apparatus comprising a introducer catheter, usually comprising clear polytetrafluoroethylene, and a pusher assembly that is configured to be able to deliver a stent, such as a self-expanding stent, within a tortuous duct or vessel, even if the introducer catheter becomes kinked during the procedure. In an embodiment for use in the biliary system, the pusher assembly includes a first tubular portion, comprising a material with high column strength, such as polyetheretherketone, and a shorter second tubular portion, which is made of a highly flexible material such as metal-braided polyimide or nititnol tubing, that is divided into a distal, stent-carrying section and a proximal, flexible section. The second tubular portion may be made of a smaller diameter that the first tubular portion to reduce possible impingement by the introducer catheter is the latter kinks during a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Scott T. Moore
  • Publication number: 20010049548
    Abstract: A method for placing a stent having a side hole into a main vessel such that the side hole is aligned with an ostium of a branch vessel comprises inserting a main vessel guidewire into the main vessel and a branch vessel guidewire into the main vessel until a distal end of the branch vessel guidewire passes into the branch vessel. A catheter system is positioned over the main vessel guidewire and the branch vessel guidewire and comprises a catheter body having a main vessel guidewire lumen and a branch vessel guidewire lumen, and a side member operably coupled to the catheter body. The catheter body further includes a balloon, with the stent being disposed over the balloon. The side member extends into the stent and exits the stent through the side hole. The catheter system is advanced over the guidewires until the catheter body passes beyond the ostium of the branch vessel and the side member extends into the branch vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Gil Vardi, Charles Davidson, Eric Williams
  • Publication number: 20010049549
    Abstract: A stent for use in a curved body lumen is disclosed. The stent is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel titanium or nitinol, and optionally includes a ternary element. The superelastic alloy has a low temperature phase or martensitic phase and a high temperature phase or an austenitic phase. In the high temperature phase, the stent has a curve along the length that closely matches the curve of the vessel in the patient's anatomy. When deployed in the curved vessel of the patient, the heat set curve of the stent closely conforms to the curvature in the vessel and minimizes trauma and stress to the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: John F. Boylan, Benjamin C. Huter
  • Publication number: 20010049550
    Abstract: A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which is the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: GERALD RAY MARTIN, LILIP LAU, SCOTT N. STONEBROOK, SHARON LAM, TROY THORNTON
  • Publication number: 20010049551
    Abstract: A tubular intraluminal prosthesis includes a PTFE or ePTFE tubular structure such as a graft, and a tubular diametrically deformable stent circumferentially surrounding the tubular structure. The diametrically deformable stent includes a polymeric coating which allows for attachment to the tubular graft structure and enhances the biocompatibility and integrity of the composite prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID TSENG, WILLIAM DONAHUE, BRUCE A. PARSONS
  • Publication number: 20010049552
    Abstract: A bifurcated stent for insertion into a bifurcated vessel such as a blood vessel. In one embodiment, a first sheet is formed into a first leg, a second sheet is formed into a second leg, a third sheet is formed into a stem, and the two legs are attached to the stem. In a second embodiment, a first sheet is formed into a member having a first leg and half of a stem, a second sheet is formed into a second member having a second leg and half of a stem, and the two stem halves are combined to form the bifurcated stent. In a third embodiment, the stent comprises two sections that are serially inserted and assembled within the vessel at the site of the bifurcation to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Jacob Richter, Gregory Pinchasik
  • Publication number: 20010049553
    Abstract: A prosthetic aortic conduit for replacing a root portion of an aorta is provided. The conduit comprises a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion which are connected together along a substantially common axis. The second tubular portion does not substantially deform in a longitudinal direction and has resilient means which allow said second portion to be expandable in a lateral direction. This second portion is able to deform laterally to mimic the function of the sinuses of Valsalva.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: ALLAN RATNER
    Inventor: RUGGERO DE PAULIS
  • Publication number: 20010049554
    Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthesis formed from a plurality of tubular layers members deployed in vivo using endovascular techniques and material. The layers define a lumen through a diseased portion of a vascular system. Each layer may be constructed using overlapping tubular members to provide a custom prosthesis. Subsequent prosthesis layers overlapping in the central portion of the lumen strengthen the prosthesis walls and may incorporate biocompatible materials having desirable properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: CARLOS E. RUIZ, ZVONIMIR KRAJCER, GERALD DORROS
  • Publication number: 20010049555
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for covering a mechanical heart valve with biological tissue to provide a biomechanical heart valve prosthesis. The prosthesis includes a mechanical heart valve having a moveable portion mounted within a generally annular support that permits substantially unidirectional flow of blood therethrough. One or more sheets of a biological tissue material are applied around the support heart valve to provide a sewing ring that includes the biological tissue material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Shlomo Gabbay
  • Publication number: 20010049556
    Abstract: A stent includes an elongated stent member having a plurality of post members. Each post member includes a pair of opposite sides. A first end of each post member includes an arcuate apex interconnecting the opposite sides. A second end of each post member has an open end. The opposite sides are angled to converge toward each other at the second end. The second end of each post member is connected to an adjacent post member by a stent portion. Each opposite side and each stent portion converge at an angle of less than 90°. The opposite sides are angled to converge toward each other at the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: RIYAD E. MOE
  • Publication number: 20010049557
    Abstract: This invention provides an antimicrobial annuloplasty rings, and methods for making the same, wherein the annuloplasty rings have a desired degree of initial rigidity to facilitate ease of handling during implantation but which becomes flexible some time after implantation. The annuloplasty ring contains a relatively rigid insert enclosed by a fabric sheath, the insert being at least partly comprised of a biodegradable material. Following surgical implantation of the annuloplasty ring, the rigid insert component of the ring, upon exposure to blood and/or other physiological fluids, undergoes a controlled biodegradation which decreases its rigidity, thereby increasing the flexibility of the implanted annuloplasty ring. Furthermore, at least some portion of the annuloplasty ring of the invention has incorporated therein one or more antimicrobial agents in a manner which reduces the likelihood of device infection following implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Blossom E. Loo
    Inventors: JOSEPH A. CHINN, R. MICHAEL CASANOVA
  • Publication number: 20010049558
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system used to fashion, size, and implant a tissue annuloplasty band. This system comprises (1) a device to cut tissue; (2) a device to fashion (i.e., roll, fold, bunch, etc.) the tissue into a band (i.e., the tissue annuloplasty band); and (3) a sizer that comprises an mounting ring which allows for determining and maintaining the proper size and shape of the tissue annuloplasty band while it is attached to the annulus of a heart valve. These components can be used alone, together as a system, or in any combination to fashion, size, and/or implant the tissue annuloplasty band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: John R. Liddicoat, Brian Colyer Coppom, Richard B. Streeter
  • Publication number: 20010049559
    Abstract: A prosthetic cage for spine adapted to be implanted in an intervertebral disc space between two vertebral bodies in a spine and to accommodate fusion of the disc space, said cage being a tubular body with an internal aperture, an external surface of which having a plurality of wall apertures each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof and communicating with the internal aperture, and dual convex screw threads extended therefrom, such that the cage of the present invention has an advantage that the stability of fixation between the cage and the vertebral body can be achieved by simple variation of its shape
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Ja Kyo Koo, Jung Soo Han, Kyung Tae Kim, Jung Sung Kim, Ki Sik Min, Byung Soo Kim, Chan Soo Shin, Jae Yong Ahn, Chang Hun Jun
  • Publication number: 20010049560
    Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: David C. Paul, Hansjuerg Emch, Beat Schenk
  • Publication number: 20010049561
    Abstract: A modular humeral prosthesis for replacement of the humeral head of a humerus. The prosthesis generally comprises a stem to be fitted to a resected humerus; a head sized and configured to approximate the humeral head; and an intermediate connecting member for connecting the stem to the head. The intermediate connecting member provides a desired angle of inclination or offset between stem and head. The head may be a traditional humeral head, or it may be an eccentric humeral head, with its mating portion being offset. The head may also comprise a groove or milled trench at least partially surrounding or otherwise defining mating portion. Also disclosed is a modular humeral prosthesis kit comprising a variety of different intermediate connecting members that may be selected to tit the prosthesis to the patient, and a method of replacing a humeral head in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Paul M. Dews, Dean Hughes, Abraham Salehi, Jeff Sprague
  • Publication number: 20010049562
    Abstract: This invention responds easily to a plurality of different situations and simplifies control. A desired sequence of operations can be executed by using job commands to elicit the functions of control modules, and by using state commands to cause these control modules to undergo state transitions. Furthermore, when a situation occurs that makes it desirable for control modules to undergo state transitions as a matter of urgency during the execution of a sequence, this can be achieved by means of an event command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Takuo Takano, Masaru Takada
  • Publication number: 20010049563
    Abstract: An irrigation management system comprises a microprocessor that determines a mathematical relationship between a calculated watering requirement and an applied irrigation amount; and an output device that provides a result of the mathematical relationship to at least one of an irrigation user and a third party. Preferably the calculated watering requirement is at least partly derived from ETo data. Additionally, the calculated watering requirement is at least partly derived from a crop coefficient value and an irrigation efficiency value. Preferably the applied irrigation amount is derived from data obtained from a flow meter and preferably from a utility meter that was initially installed at the irrigation site. Water pressure can also be measured and communicated to the irrigation user and/or third party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Aqua Conservation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Addink, Sylvan Addink
  • Publication number: 20010049564
    Abstract: Device (1) for controlling and/or monitoring external technical processes, in particular a device for use in connection with safety-related controls. The device includes an input functionality, an output functionality and a processing functionality that can be connected with at least one higher-level unit (5) for transfer of process-influencing and/or process-monitoring signals by way of a bus system (4) to and/or from actuators (3) and/or sensors (2) connected to the device. A guaranteed response time over the bus system (4) is determined on one hand by the cycle time of the higher-level unit (5) and on the other by the signal cycle time over the bus system (4) itself. In order to provide a shorter response time than this in appropriate circumstances, the device (1) uses the processing functionality thereof to execute logical links internally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Herbert Barthel, Georg Haller, Andreas Schenk, Hartmut Schuetz
  • Publication number: 20010049565
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention uses a combination of conventional video inspection equipment designed for evaluating the condition of sewer pipes, along with specially developed or adapted tools. The system and method make it possible to locate and capture contraband or other substances that might be flushed into the sewer lines from a particular residence or location while video recording the entire sequence of events. The system and method is also capable of dislodging and recovering contraband that may be stuck in the drains or lateral sewer lines. The system and method can also recover dissolved contraband from the effluent of a sewer lateral or drain. The present invention also provides a method for the use of the system with law enforcement to coordinate activities, record and recover contraband that has been flushed down a drain, and to associate a particular lateral sewer with a particular residence or building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: John R. Otterman
  • Publication number: 20010049566
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for properly controlling an audio gain of an MP3 player according to the type of an audio output device connected to a mobile terminal with the MP3 player for reproducing MP3-formatted audio data into an audio signal. An ear jack transfers the audio signal output from the MP3 player to one of first and second audio output devices, connected thereto, and generates a sense signal indicating a type of the connected audio output device. A controller determines the type of the audio output device connected to the ear jack depending on the sense signal and controls an audio gain of the MP3 player according to the determined result. The first audio output device is an earphone and the second audio output device is an external speaker. The controller increases the audio gain when the external speaker is connected to the ear jack, and the controller decreases the audio gain when the earphone is connected to the ear jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Kwang Kim
  • Publication number: 20010049567
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production control system which ensures easy storage and management of information, and prompt and proper retrieval of necessary information in production sites. The production control system comprises a plurality of terminals provided in production sites and a central processor (5) connected to the terminals via a network (2). The central processor (5) comprises a production control information storage section (7,8,9) which stores information on production control, and a data distributing section (6) for retrieving production control information from the production control information storage section (7,8,9) in response to a request from any of the terminals and transmitting the retrieved production control information to the terminal having requested the information. The production control system can centrally manage the production control information on a paperless basis, and promptly and properly retrieve the necessary production control information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunihiko Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20010049568
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing products and a method of controlling such an apparatus, having a programmable logic controller—PLC—an axis control system, for controlling axes, and a visualization system for displaying processes and/or process parameters. In known apparatus of this type, the PLC, the axis control system and the visualization system are implemented in physically self-contained appliances. Linking these components requires a great deal of effort both during construction and during operation of the apparatus. The data interchange between the components requires an “overhead” in order to ensure the communication between the components. This is disadvantageous. The invention therefore seeks to improve such manufacturing apparatus and control methods in that the PLC, the axis control system and the visualization system run on a common physical appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Stephan Schroter, Denis Murnikow
  • Publication number: 20010049569
    Abstract: A device for exchanging data with a motor vehicle having a portable transponder, which is provided with a memory unit for storing authorization information, the transponder having an arrangement for exchanging data with a vehicle management system, via which the authorization information can be influenced by the vehicle management system, the transponder having a further data-exchange arrangement for transmitting the authorization information to a control unit arranged in a vehicle to aftain operation authorization and/or access authorization of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Helmar-Steffen Gehrke
  • Publication number: 20010049570
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine, first and second electric motors, an output shaft connected to a drive wheel 41, a differential gear device, the gear elements of which are connected to the engine, the first and second electric motors, and the output shaft, respectively, target output torque setting means for setting target output torque, control torque calculating means for setting a target output torque, and torque control means for controlling a torque in accordance with the control torque. The control torque calculating means includes engine non-rotational state forming means for bringing the engine into a non-rotational state. Since the electric motor torque can be controlled independently, the target output torque can easily be generated, allowing easy generation of a target output torque in the state where the engine is stopped as well as preventing the output torque loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kozo Yamaguchi, Kenji Gotou
  • Publication number: 20010049571
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a control apparatus having an engine controller and a motor controller. A first battery and a second battery which has higher voltage than the first battery are provided. An electric power generator which is driven by the engine is provided for charging the first battery. The second battery and the electric motor are connected through the motor controller, and the first battery or the electric power generator is connected to the motor controller and the engine controller. In addition, the first battery or the electric power generator is connected to the engine controller for maintaining a power supply for operation maintenance of the engine controller. The second battery and the electric motor are connected through the motor controller. The second battery or the electric motor is connected to the motor controller through a DC/DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Michinori Shimizu, Kazuhiko Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20010049572
    Abstract: A distribution computer 10 and a plurality of controllers 12˜15 are connected together via a LAN. One of the controllers acts as a main controller 12 to transmit control from the distribution controller 10 to the controllers 12˜15. The controllers 12˜15 are duplicated so as to back up one another, and a main programmable controller 16 monitors the controllers 12 to 15 to detect defects. Arc nets 19˜22 are connected together via an RS232C line to communicate the passage of a travelling vehicle between themselves. Even with an extended running path, the present invention hinders a delay in communication and thus a delay in control, thereby preventing system down caused by a defect in a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Sone
  • Publication number: 20010049573
    Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle which determines a downgrade or upgrade parameter based on the vehicle acceleration and selects one from among a plurality of shift programs based on the determined grade parameter to determine a gear ratio based on the selected shift program. The system includes a navigation system which determines the instantaneous vehicle position and outputs road information including upgrade/downgrade condition of road including the determined instantaneous vehicle position. In the system, the grade parameter is corrected based on the navigation information and the grade parameter such that the one from among a plurality of shift programs is selected based on the corrected grade parameter, thereby enhancing drivability during downgrade running, without being affected even if the navigation information is temporarily invalid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: TATSUYUKI OHASHI, NORIO NAKAUCHI, KAZUYUKI KONNO, YOSHIHARU SAITO, KENJI HAGIWARA, HIDEKI WAKAMATSU, YUKIO MORITA, TAKAMICHI SHIMADA
  • Publication number: 20010049574
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle includes a controller that controls the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission in accordance with a predetermined shift condition. The method and apparatus perform shift control in a specific manner during an operation of an anti-lock brake system, for example, by smoothing at least one of the rotational speed of the input shaft and the rotational speed of the output shaft, reducing a rate of change in the speed ratio during downshifting, restricting upshifting of the CVT, increasing an amount of hydraulic oil delivered from an oil pump, and/or increasing belt clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroji Taniguchi, Katsumi Kono, Kenji Matsuo, Hideki Yasue, Tadashi Tamura, Daisuke Inoue, Yoshiaki Yamamoto, Hiroki Kondo, Yuji Hattori, Syoichi Sayo
  • Publication number: 20010049575
    Abstract: An automatic transmission controller having automatic-shifting-to-neutral control is provided, wherein automatic-shifting-to-neutral control is notified to a driver so as not give him a sense of incongruity and it is prohibited on a slope so as to prevent backward moving of a vehicle. In an automatic transmission controller having automatic-shifting-to-neutral control for shifting the automatic transmission to neutral when a vehicle is continuously stopped in an idling state for a predetermined time, the automatic transmission controller comprises automatic-shifting-to-neutral notifying/warning means for notifying the automatic-shifting-to-neutral state, slope detecting means for detecting that the vehicle is on a slope, and automatic-shifting-to-neutral control prohibiting means for prohibiting the automatic-shifting-to-neutral control when it is detected that the vehicle is on the slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshinori Muratomi
  • Publication number: 20010049576
    Abstract: A control for a vehicle drive line system (10) including an automated vehicle dry master clutch (14) drivingly interposed in between a fuel-controlled engine (12) and the input shaft (20) of a mechanical transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATOIN.
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Wheeler, Alfred John Richardson
  • Publication number: 20010049577
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wheel brake irregularities includes a unit for detecting a control signal that controls a brake actuator, a unit for detecting changes of the control signal generated by the actuator, and a unit for evaluating control signal changes. The invention provides a cost-effective solution for early identification of brake rubbing, particularly in cases where such rubbing evolves into a problem that impairs driving comfort. Furthermore, the invention has the advantage that an identified irregularity can automatically be used to eliminate the irregularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dirk Kesselgruber
  • Publication number: 20010049578
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling speed of a vehicle include determining whether or not a stand-by braking torque is applied, determining an actual distance from a preceding vehicle in front of a vehicle, comparing the actual distance to a desired distance to determine whether the actual distance is greater than the desired distance, determining motor/engine torque to increase vehicle speed, and applying the motor/engine torque when the actual distance is greater than the desired distance. The system and method terminates application of stand-by braking torque upon receiving operator torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Minoru Tamura, Hideaki Inoue, Naoki Maruko
  • Publication number: 20010049579
    Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided to aid a technician or engineer in diagnosing an internal combustion engine. The diagnostic system comprises an electronic control unit that is operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors. The electronic control unit is configured to collect data from the one or more engine sensors and to store that data in the data storage device. A computer is selectively coupled to the data storage device. The computer program is configured to display specific sets of data stored in the data storage device in various formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Kenichi Fujino, Hitoshi Motose, Masahiko Kato, Masayoshi Nanami