Patents Issued in April 1, 2003
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Patent number: 6540640Abstract: A differential assembly having a first structure, which is configured to rotate along a differential axis in response to receipt of a rotational input, a second structure, which is supported for rotation on the differential axis, a third structure, which is supported for rotation on the differential axis and disposed between the first and second structures and operable in an engaged condition that transmits torque between the first and second structures and a disengaged condition that inhibits torque transmission between the first and second structures, a differential gear set, which is coupled to and rotatably supported within the second structure, and a biasing mechanism, which biases the third structure in the disengaged condition. The third structure is placed in the engaged condition if a torsional magnitude of the rotational input exceeds a rotational force that is exerted through the differential gear set. A vehicle drive train is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: John Clinton Hibbler, David Marshall Morse, Rajendra G. Kumashi
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Patent number: 6540641Abstract: A mechanical paradox planetary speed reducer has an input shaft, a plurality of plantet gears, a pair of fixed internal sun gears, and a movable internal sun gear. The fixed internal sun gears are spaced from each other in the axial direction of the input shaft, and the movable internal sun gear is disposed between the fixed internal sun gears. The movable internal sun gear has outer flanges on opposite ends thereof and fitted over the ends of the fixed internal sun gears in sliding contact therewith, holding the movable internal sun gear and the fixed internal sun gears in concentric relation to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Kishimoto
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Patent number: 6540642Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism of a vehicle is structured such that engine torque is transmitted to front wheels via a transmission. A clutch is disposed in the torque transmission path leading to the transmission from the engine, which disengages upon gear shifting of the transmission. The vehicle control system of the invention is provided with a motor generator capable of transmitting the torque to rear wheels without passing through the transmission, and is structured so as to increase the torque transmitted from the motor generator to the rear wheels upon gear shifting of the transmission. According to this control system, a decrease in torque to be transmitted from the motor generator to the rear wheels is able to be suppressed during gear shifting with no need for an additional drive source.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 6540643Abstract: A control apparatus for a synchromesh automatic transmission (3) for automatically changing over a plurality of speed gear stages from one to another in an internal combustion engine (1), which apparatus is capable of suppressing occurrence of rapid deceleration of the engine, engine blowup or like problems even when the accelerator pedal is manipulated during a period in which the throttle valve is being closed. The control apparatus includes an electromagnetic clutch (2), an accelerator pedal position sensor (13), an engine rotation speed sensor (15), and a control unit (4) arranged such that upon decision of start of upshift operation, a closing speed of an electronically controlled throttle valve (11) is arithmetically determined by the control unit (4) on the basis of a data map prepared in advance with opening degree of the throttle valve (11) being controlled in response to a command value issued by the control unit (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Kenki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshio Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 6540644Abstract: An automatic stop/start-up control system of an engine, recognizes an early drop of a power assist for brakes while the engine is automatically stopped. The control system enables the will of a driving person to be adequately reflected and the driving person does not feel a sense of incongruity when braking. Accordingly, the automatic stop/start-up control apparatus automatically stops the engine when an automatic stop condition is satisfied while the engine is driven, and automatically starts up the engine when an automatic start-up condition is satisfied while start-up of the engine is stopped. The control apparatus includes a power assist detector to detect power assist of an underpressure assist type brake apparatus equipped in the vehicle and a controller to control so as to automatically start up the engine when a decreasing rate per unit time of power assist, which the power assist detector detects while the engine is automatically stopped, exceeds a first setting value.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Morimoto, Yoshiaki Omata
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Patent number: 6540645Abstract: The invention provides an imitation climbing rock that allows children to simulate rock climbing activity. The climbing rock is adapted to be attached to a wall to simulate a natural rock-like structure. The climbing rock includes a mounting surface, a body (e.g., a continuous side wall) and an endless grip that extends outwardly from the entire circumference of the body. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold for children seeking to grasp the climbing rock as the attempt to negotiate a wall that includes several of the climbing rocks. The endless grip provides a hand/foot hold regardless of a climbing childs position relative to the climbing rock and no matter how the climbing rock is mounted to the climbing wall. The body, or side wall, of the climbing rock preferably includes a mounting portion that forms an edge with the mounting surface and a gripping portion where the endless grip extends outwardly from the gripping portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Playstar, Inc.Inventor: Brian K. Zeilinger
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Patent number: 6540646Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a leg driven member pivotally mounted on the frame, and a handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame and movably connected to the leg driven member. The point of interconnection between the handlebar and the leg driven member is adjustable relative to the pivot axis of the leg driven member. Adjustment toward the pivot axis causes the handlebar stroke to decrease, and conversely, adjustment away from the pivot axis causes the handlebar stroke to increase.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: Kenneth W. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh
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Patent number: 6540647Abstract: A water rehabilitation device for rehabilitating injuries and facilitating physical exercise. The water rehabilitation device includes a platform, a foot restraint attached to the platform, a first side wing pivotally attached to the platform, a second side wing pivotally attached to the platform opposite of the first side wing, a first end wing pivotally attached to the platform between the first side wing and the second side wing, and a second end wing opposite of the first end wing. During downward movement within water the wings are extended outwardly thereby creating an increased surface area effectively increasing the resistance to the downward movement. During upward movement within water the wings are folded downwardly providing an aerodynamic structure for providing reduced resistance to the upward movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: Robert J. Spooner, Douglas A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6540648Abstract: An improved exerciser bike includes a frame having a front wheel and a handle for steering the front wheel, and includes two rear wheel axles. Two rear wheels are rotatably secured to the rear wheel axles. Each of the foot supports has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the frame. Two chains are engaged on the ratchet sprocket wheels. Each chain is first connected to a wire element which winds on a pulley and then connected to a resilient element and finally secured to an extension rod of the frame. So, the resilient element's length can be designed to be longer to magnify the restoring force and prolong the life of the resilient element.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Yu-Chao Chao
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Patent number: 6540649Abstract: Exercise apparatus comprising a lanyard having opposing ends, and a handle secured to one of the opposing ends and a device secured to the other one of the opposing ends, the device having a capacity to resist movement, the device capable of being set in motion in response to a force acting upon the handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Douglas Niedrich
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Patent number: 6540650Abstract: Weights are selectively engaged by a weight selector assembly for movement during exercise activity. The weights are engaged by a selector member which is operable only when the weight selector assembly is docked relative to a weight supporting base.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6540651Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising a body part is disclosed as including an attachment structure and a resistance member. The attachment structure is adapted for placement on the body part that is to be exercised. The attachment structure includes a plurality of fasteners positioned at different locations on the attachment structure. The resistance member provides resistance for exercising the body part. The resistance member has a first end and a second end. A resistance member fastener is located proximate the first end of the resistance member and is capable of fastening to at least one of the fasteners located on the attachment structure. The resistance member includes an anchor for removably attaching the second end of the resistance member to an anchor point. An apparatus for exercising a body part may also include a plurality of distinct identifications on the attachment structure for the plurality of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Physician Therapy Supply, L.C.Inventors: Mark J. Aberton, Cory W. Anderson, Michael H. Bourne, E. Marc Mariani
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Patent number: 6540652Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) for converting sheet-like stock material (22) into a three-dimensional cushioning product (P) including a device (400; 400′; 500; 600; 600′; 700) which controls the width of the strip and which may be selectively adjusted to change the width of the strip. By selectively setting the device (400, 400′, 500; 600; 600′; 700), a cushioning product of a desired width may be produced. For more sophisticated packaging needs, the stock material may be converted into a first portion of a certain width, the device adjusted, and then the stock material may be converted into a second portion of a different width whereby the cushioning product will have continuous portions of different widths.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 1998Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventors: Richard O. Ratzel, Roger P. M. Rinkens, Michael J. Lencoski, Dirk J. Siekmann
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Patent number: 6540653Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A disposable liner is positioned within the centrifuge shell. A hollow rotor hub is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a unitary separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes. In one embodiment the vane module and a liner shell are formed as a unitary component.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Richard Jensen
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Patent number: 6540654Abstract: Monoesters, diesters and polyesters are provided wherein both the acid-derived moiety and the alcohol-derived moiety of the esters are carotenoid compounds. The synthetic ester linkage between two or more carotenoids provides new compounds in which the similar and complementary properties of the individual carotenoids are combined. The new all-carotenoid esters may be useful as antioxidants, therapeutic agents, pigmenting ingredients in poultry feed or as coloring agents for fats. The polyesters have the potential to act as molecular wires with unique electrical conductance characteristics. The all-carotenoid esters may be prepared from the esterification of at least one hydroxy carotenoid with at least one carboxylic carotenoid, or via the reaction of the acid chloride of a carboxylic carotenoid with a hydroxy carotenoid. Preferred hydroxy carotenoids include lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, carotene diol, hydroxy carotene, hydroxylycopene, alloxanthin and dehydrocryptoxanthin.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: Luis W. Levy, Richard H. Binnington, Anthony S. Tabatznik
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Patent number: 6540655Abstract: A miniaturized x-ray apparatus for delivering x-rays to a selected site within a body cavity includes a catheter having at least one lumen and an x-ray transparent window at a distal end thereof; an x-ray source in the lumen adjacent said x-ray transparent window; a movable x-ray shield positioned to direct x-rays from the source through the x-ray transparent window to the selected site.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Yem Chin, Charles H. Pugsley, Jr., David W. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6540656Abstract: A targeting fixture allows for x-y movement of a targeting fixture with respect to a grid template. The targeting fixture includes a cradle unit, which accepts a seed implanting device. The cradle unit is hingedly connected to a housing surrounding the grid template. The housing is capable of x-y movement by actuation of x-y knobs provided on the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Integrated Implant Systems LLCInventors: Diego Y. Fontayne, Scott D. Salmon, Christopher J. Claypool
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Patent number: 6540657Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic detachable embolization apparatus and method for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The apparatus includes an element adapted to be detachably connected to a distal portion of a catheter for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the element being shaped to be retained within the aneurysm, and one or more magnets carried by the element to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm. The method includes providing a magnetic-field controllable embolic within or adjacent to an aneurysm in a blood vessel, and internally inducing a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control the magnetic-field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: DeWitte T. Cross, III, Stephen C. Porter
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Patent number: 6540658Abstract: A biventricular cardiac prosthesis has a flow balance control system to balance blood flow through the left and right sides of the prosthesis to maintain a patient's left atrial pressure within physiologic bounds. The prosthesis can be configured to have flow characteristics so that a signal representative of the difference in hydraulic pumping pressures on the left and right sides of the prosthesis is representative of the difference between left and right atrial pressures of a patient having the prosthesis implanted. This signal can be used as a control signal to drive the prosthesis so that left atrial pressure is approximately equal to right atrial pressure, and within physiologic bounds. A specific prosthesis includes left and right pumping sections, each having a blood pumping chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber, with a reciprocating hydraulic pump driving systole alternately on the right and left sides.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Fasciano, Farhad Zarinetchi
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Patent number: 6540659Abstract: A unified, non-blood contacting, implantable heart assist system surrounds the natural heart and provides circumferential contraction in synchrony with the heart's natural contractions. The pumping unit is composed of adjacent tube pairs arranged along a bias with respect to the axis of the heart and bound in a non-distensible sheath forming a heart wrap. The tube pairs are tapered at both ends such that when they are juxtaposed and deflated they approximately follow the surface of the diastolic myocardium. Inflation of the tube pairs causes the wrap to follow the motion of the myocardial surface during systole. A muscle-driven or electromagnetically powered energy converter inflates the tubes using hydraulic fluid pressure. An implanted electronic controller detects electrical activity in the natural heart, synchronizes pumping activity with this signal, and measures and diagnoses system as well as physiological operating parameters for automated operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: AbioMed, Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Milbocker
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Patent number: 6540660Abstract: A patient-support apparatus is provided, the patent-support apparatus having a patient support deck, a lowered central portion of the patient-support deck, and an x-ray tray carried by the central portion of the patient-support deck beneath the mattress support and between tray-guiding walls. The x-ray tray is slidable relative to the patient support deck.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Floyd G. Speraw, D. Scott Prows
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Patent number: 6540661Abstract: A mechanical coupling for an output-side driver of an active or passive implantable hearing system. The driver is adapted to vibrate a preselected coupling site on an ossicular chain via a first coupling which has a coupling rod which can be caused to vibrate mechanically by the driver and a coupling element which can be connected to the preselected coupling site. The coupling rod and the coupling element are interconnected by at least one coupling. A first coupling half of the coupling has an approximately spherical outside contour which can be accommodated in the inside contour of a second coupling half, i.e. a contour which is at least partially complementary to the outside contour. The is adapted to reversibly swivel and/or turn against friction forces, but is essentially rigid under the dynamic forces which occur in the implanted state.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Gerd M. Müller
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Patent number: 6540662Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: St. Croix Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kai Kroll, Donald J. Bushek, Scott C. Meyerson, Paul J. Urbanski
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Patent number: 6540663Abstract: The system comprises a server capable of sending images to a cellphone fitted with a display screen and sensors for generating a signal dependent on user's physiological parameters. The series of images supplied by the server is according to the user, by the prior acquisition of a user profile and at least one item of physiological data for this user transmitted by the sensor, so as to change unconsciously the user's psychophysiological state.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Jean-Marie Vau, Laurent Ricard
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Patent number: 6540664Abstract: An assembly (18) comprises an insert casing (30) and an outer casing (28). The inner casing comprises the device output LED diodes (54a), (56a) and (58a), the LCD display screen (42), the Speakers (50a), and device input Microphones (46a and 52a), Device Reset button (48a), Sound Playback button (50a) and program input Key press buttons (34a), (36A.) and (40a). A Voice activation switch (64) operating a voice recording chip (66) is activated during REM alerts (20) by a micro controller (62) and a backlight (not shown) for and LCD display screen (42).Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Bruce Blair
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Patent number: 6540665Abstract: A urinary incontinence device includes an occluding member such as a tampon or plug that is retained by magnetic forces acting between a support and magnetic inserts located adjacent the urethra. The inserts may be implanted or injected and hold the occluding member in place.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: John G. Connolly
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Patent number: 6540666Abstract: An adaptive heart binding device and method for the treatment of heart failure. The device has a non-distendible jacket to prevent the heart from expanding beyond a preselect volume. A first chamber corresponding the right ventricle and a second chamber corresponding to the left ventricle are located between the heart and the jacket. The first and second chamber can be inflated to exert additional pressure on the heart over time without additional surgery. The gradual pressure increase hemodynamically remodels the heart so that is performs more like a non-diseased heart. The binding device can be used as a bridge to or in place of heart transplant.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Heart Care Associates, LLCInventor: Valeri S. Chekanov
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Patent number: 6540667Abstract: A sexual assistance device and methods which may be used as a marital aid are disclosed which include two elongate members secured by a pivotal connection. A biasing element, such as a spring coil, is disposed at or adjacent the pivotal connection for biasing the opposite ends of the two elongate members away from each other. Respective supports are provided at the two opposite ends of the two elongate members which are engageable with the operator's legs. A sexually stimulating element, such as a vibrator or the like, is preferably removably attached to the pivotal connection. Thus, the operator may produce reciprocal longitudinal movement inwardly and outwardly, relative to the operator's body, by compressing and uncompressing the two elongate members with the legs of the operator thereby fully controlling movement of the sexually stimulating element by the legs of the operator.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Kenneth L. Hickman
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Patent number: 6540668Abstract: An endoscope with a coupling device for the connection of a video camera, wherein the endoscope has, at its needle-shaped tube, a distal end which is provided for insertion into the body and a lens system and has a proximal end provided for looking into the endoscope and having a field diaphragm, the coupling device being attached to the proximal end, and wherein a lens system is arranged following the field diaphragm and, like the lens system at the distal end, is sealed off from the outside completely and tightly and is constructed so as to be non-adjustable and non-focusable. The coupling device has no lenses and is adjustable with respect to its axial length in the manner of a telescope.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignees: Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH, Sofamor Danek Group Inc., Surgical Navigation TechnologiesInventors: Dieter Schulz, Norbert Haeckl, Rainer Brunnen, Thomas E. Roehm, III
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Patent number: 6540669Abstract: An flexible tube for an endoscope having excellent resilience and durability is disclosed. The flexible tube is composed of a tubular core boy obtained by covering the outer periphery of a coil with a reticular tube of a braided thin wires and an outer cover formed of a synthetic resin and provided over the outer periphery of the tubular core boy. At least one of the thin wires has a coating layer and the flexible outer cover has a portion which is in contact with the coating layer of the thin wire of the reticular tube, in which the coating layer is formed of a material containing the material of the portion of the outer cover, and the material of the coating layer has a higher melting point than that of the material of the portion of the outer cover. The outer cover may be formed into a multi-layered structure including an inner layer, an intermediate layer and an outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Pentax CorporationInventors: Masanao Abe, Shinji Hayakawa, Kikuo Iwasaka, Minoru Matsushita
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Patent number: 6540670Abstract: In this invention, a drum around which an insertion portion is wound is integrally housed in a carrying case, and a cylinder for supplying a fluid to a hydropneumatic actuator and a solenoid valve unit for controlling the application of a hydropneumatic pressure are housed in the carrying case or drum. In addition, a joystick for operating the controlled variables of the solenoid valve unit can be housed in the carrying case.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Hirata, Hideyuki Adachi, Hironobu Takizawa
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Patent number: 6540671Abstract: There is provided a light shielding plate to shield light from a light source lamp, and this light shielding plate is rotated and driven by a light shielding plate drive circuit, and a charge stored in a CCD for a period of, for example, 20H at a start of an effective period J of a vertical scanning period, is discharged and this is set as a non-operating period and a drive control over the light shielding plate for a period of 40.5H which is a sum of this non-operating period and a blanking period B (20.5H) is performed. This provides an adequate margin of time for controlling the light shielding plate at starting and stopping times and makes the drive control easier.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Abe, Fujio Okada
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Patent number: 6540672Abstract: This invention relates to an system for self treatment. The system consists of several portable modules where one of the modules is designated as a master module. The master module controls, supervises and monitors all the mutual information and data exchange between itself and the rest of the modules. The modules can e.g. consist of a BGM, a doser, an inhaler, a tablet dispenser and a storage container. The modules may be able to generate and store data which is transmitted to the master module if it is within range and active. If the master module is not within range, the data is kept locally in the module until the master module is available or a new master module is designated. The master module or another specific module can send the data to an external unit like a computer or database for further processing. A physician or an expert care-team can access the data in the database and give guidance to the patient on the basis of these processed data.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/sInventors: Jan Henning Simonsen, Jens Ulrik Poulsen, Kent Halfdan Rokkjaer, Lars Hofmann Christensen, Søren Aasmul, Steffen Iav
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Patent number: 6540673Abstract: A system (10) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location. The system (10) comprises a glove member (12) adaptable to be worn on a person's hand and an interface unit (20) in electrical communication with the glove member (12). The interface unit (20) is capable of transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location. The glove member (12) comprises a palm portion (1), a wrist portion (3) and five phalange portions (5-13). The glove member (12) further comprises an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse rate diagnostic device (54) and a temperature device (64). The glove member (12) may also further comprise a %O2 diagnostic device (70) and an auscultation device (80).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: indeemd.com, inc.Inventors: Govindan Gopinathan, Arthur R. Tilford
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Patent number: 6540674Abstract: A system and method for supervising persons with a mental illness, the method comprising the steps of acquiring sensor data related to the person and the person's environment; tracking the acquired sensor data; and recognizing changes in the sensor data indicating the occurrence of an event. The method further comprises the steps of acquiring access to an event database of stored event data entries, each event data entry comprising identification of one of the sensor means, identification of the entity being sensed by the sensor means, and allowable values for the sensor data and recommendations for assistance providing actions to be taken when the received sensor data is out of range from the allowable sensor data; and recognizing the occurrence of an incident in which the received sensor data is outside of the range of the stored allowable sensor data values.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: IBM CorporationInventors: Wlodek W. Zadrozny, Dimitri Kanevsky
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Patent number: 6540675Abstract: Provided is an analyte monitoring device having a housing, the device comprising: a plurality of needles, each having a tip, a retracted position, a position wherein the tip is extended from the housing a distance adapted to pierce skin; an electrically or spring powered needle pushing apparatus movable to separately engage each of the needles to move each from the retracted position to the extended position; an energy source located within the housing; a plurality of analysis sites comprising an analysis preparation, each adapted to receive liquid from the needles to wet the analysis preparation; one or more light sources adapted to direct light at the analysis sites; one or more light detectors adapted to receive light from the analysis sites; and a processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Rosedale Medical, Inc.Inventors: John Gregory Aceti, Zvi Gerald Loewy, Richard Morgan Moroney, III, Christopher Carter Gregory, Peter John Zanzucchi
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Patent number: 6540676Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for arranging functions, each of which configures a desired activity based on at least one of time information and operational information, and creating a technical flow protocol for defining work procedures in ultrasonic diagnosis is provided. Operation in scanning and in analysis processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is controlled and executed in accordance with this technical flow protocol. In addition, in the case of reorganizing technical flow protocols in which a plurality of activities coexist, it is determined whether or not functions each configuring activities each is executable by administrating a contrast medium or medicine based on at least one of time information and operational information. In the case where it is determined that such each function is executable, a technical flow protocol is reorganized, and control in accordance with such protocol is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Naohisa Kamiyama
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Patent number: 6540677Abstract: An advantageous combination of preamplifier electronics and circuits for acoustic beam forming with ultrasound transducer arrays permits integration of the electronics and transducer(s) at close distances in a compact arrangement and is operable from an ultrasound imaging or measurement system using only a minimal number of connecting electric wires. To achieve dynamic focusing of the receive beam with a transducer array, an integrated electronic circuit mounted in close proximity to the transducer array provides preamplifiers for the individual elements and delay circuits that are automatically switched in a predetermined time sequence after transmission of an imaging pulse. When a high voltage pulse is transmitted via the cable, a breakthrough circuit connects the cable to the transducer for transmission of the ultrasound pulse, while in receive mode the low level signal on the transducer is amplified and fed as a higher level signal via the same cable to the imaging or measurement instrument.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: Bjorn A. J. Angelsen, Tonni F. Johansen
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Patent number: 6540678Abstract: An acoustoelectronic method and apparatus for generating real-time three-dimensional images of an object and characterizing such object are provided. The object is insonified with an incident acoustic signal derived from an electrical signal. Acoustic signals scattered from the object are collected by an acoustic receiver, which generates analog electrical signals that are subsequently converted to digital electronic signals. The digital electronic signals are used in both direct-imaging and holographic methods to produce a three-dimensional representation of the object from which images and characterizations can be generated.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer InstituteInventors: John D. G. Rather, H. John Caulfield, Richard D. Doolittle, Glenn W. Zeiders, Gregory W. Auner
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Patent number: 6540679Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe
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Patent number: 6540680Abstract: An ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus measures an arbitrary elapsed time in an arbitrary time measuring circuit, and simultaneously displays this time information and an ultrasonic image on a monitor or stores the image and the elapsed time information in a storage section in correspondence with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Tatsuru Kurosaki
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Patent number: 6540681Abstract: An extended view ultrasound imaging system in which a position sensor is used to detect the location and orientation of a ultrasound transducer for each scan frame as the ultrasound transducer is swept across the surface of a target. The contents of the successive scan frames, together with their location and orientation information, are processed to generate an extended view ultrasound image of the target region. An output array representing the extended view image is first initialized, and then successively updated as each scan frame is received. In a preferred embodiment, an alpha-blending algorithm is used to combine the information in the current scan frame with previous output array values to generate the current output array values.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: U-Systems, Inc.Inventors: Xiangyong Cheng, Shengtz Lin
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Patent number: 6540682Abstract: A portable, configurable and scalable ultrasonic imaging system uses a phased ultrasonic transducer array coupled to a portable, configurable and scalable ultrasonic processor to develop ultrasonic images. When used in conjunction with a sector phased array, the portable, configurable and scalable ultrasonic imaging system uses a processing channel associated with each element in the transducer array to develop the ultrasonic image. When used with a linear or curved linear transducer array, the portable, configurable and scalable ultrasonic processor uses fewer processing channels than transducer elements to develop the ultrasonic image. Since the portable, configurable and scalable ultrasonic processor is scalable, it is able to use a variety of processors, software and transducer arrays to develop a number of different ultrasonic output images.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Steven C Leavitt, Joseph R Fallon, Michael P Anthony, Theodore P Fazioli, Charles R Dowdell
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Patent number: 6540683Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer, method, and system are disclosed for performing ultrasonic harmonic imaging in a medium or a living body. The ultrasonic transducer consists of a linear array of alternating long and short elements. A first set of transducer elements is for transmitting and receiving at a fundamental frequency, and a second set of transducer elements is for receiving second harmonic or subharmonic echoes, each set operating at their respective center frequencies. This dual-frequency ultrasonic transducer is coupled to an ultrasound system wherein transmit beamforming is done at the fundamental frequency, and receive beamforming is done at the second harmonic or subharmonic frequency. When receive beamforming at the fundamental frequency is added, the method enables parallel fundamental, harmonic, compound, and difference imaging.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Gregory Sharat Lin
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Patent number: 6540684Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents. Ultrasonic apparatus is provided for coherent imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents, and for detecting harmonic contrast agents. The inventive apparatus includes a dual display for simultaneously viewing a real time image which displays the location of the contrast agent and a triggered contrast image. Methods of contrast agent detection and imaging include the measurement of perfusion rate characteristics, multizone contrast imaging, multifrequency contrast imaging, tissue perfusion display, and high PRF contrast image artifact elimination.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Michalakis Averkiou, Matthew Bruce, Jeffry E. Powers
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Patent number: 6540685Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device is provided which is portable, small, light weight and easy to use. Preferably, the ultrasound diagnostic device is very small and light weight. The weight of the ultrasound diagnostic device normally will be approximately 6 or 7 pounds, including electrical control circuitry, a battery pack, a carrying strap and a transducer assembly. The ultrasound diagnostic device is similar in design to a laptop computer, except that it is smaller than typical laptop computers. The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises a console portion and a display portion. To open the device, the user simply flips open the display portion by lifting up on the display portion at a location near the front end of the device. The display portion is in a hinging relationship with the console portion so that when the user lifts up on display portion, the display portion is rotated upwards and away from the console portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Peter Koester Rhoads, Edward C. Parnagian, Scott Barraclough, Douglas E. Harriott, Janice M Blackwell-Jones
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Patent number: 6540686Abstract: A heart rate measurement arrangement wherein the heart rate measurement arrangement comprises a calculating unit comprising a mathematical model arranged to form a person's energy metabolism level as an output parameter of the model using as input parameters of the model one or more heart rate parameters and one or more physiological parameters each describing a physiological characteristic of the person, the heart rate measurement arrangement further comprising display means for displaying information formed in the calculating unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventors: Ilkka Heikkilä, Seppo Nissilä
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Patent number: 6540687Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing, monitoring and treating cardiovascular pathologies. Among the hemodynamic parameters of interest are peripheral resistance, compliance, and cardiac (left ventricular) output. Peripheral resistance determined according to the present invention has been found to be a reliable indicator, not only of hypertension, but also of the cause of the hypertension. The determined peripheral resistance can be compared against a predetermined threshold value. This comparison helps to foster a diagnosis of a hypertensive condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Pulse Metric, IncInventor: Shiu-Shin Chio
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Patent number: 6540688Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for use in assessing collateral blood flow to a tissue region of interest (ROI). The method includes the steps of obtaining a first pulsatility measurement and a second pulsatility measurement, wherein one of the pulsatility measurements is obtained with a plurality of arteries supplying blood to the tissue ROI and the other pulsatility measurement is obtained with at least a selected one of such arteries substantially occluded. The method further provides for use of the first and second pulsatility measurements to generate a collateral flow value useful to medical personnel as an objective measure in assessing collateral blood flow to a tissue ROI. The method may further include the step of obtaining a check pulsatility measurement after obtaining a first pulsatility measurement and prior to obtaining a second pulsatility measurement, wherein all of the plurality of the arteries are substantially occluded.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.Inventors: Matthew A. Gingrich, Jonas A. Pologe
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Patent number: 6540689Abstract: A method of noninvasively determining the pulmonary capillary blood flow or cardiac output of a patient, including the use of rebreathing techniques to measure the respiratory flow and carbon dioxide pressure of the patient's breathing. These measurements are used to calculate carbon dioxide elimination and an indicator of the carbon dioxide content of the patient's blood, such as the end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide (PetCO2), CaCO2, or pCO2. The location and orientation of a best-fit line through the carbon dioxide elimination data and the data of the indicator of carbon dioxide content is determined by linear regression or by plotting the carbon dioxide elimination data against the data of the indicator of carbon dioxide content. At least one set of the data is modified and at least one other determination of the best-fit line made to find a data set that correlates most closely to the best-fit line. The data may be modified by filtering or clustering.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: NTC Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Orr, Kai Kück