Patents Issued in September 14, 2004
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Patent number: 6792278Abstract: The invention comprises a method for establishing a signaling connection with a mobile station, which method is particularly applicable to third-generation mobile communications networks. A database is created at a node of a mobile communications network, and a mobile station connected with the network sends to said database information about all its subscriber identities (403). In the database, information is added (404) to the subscriber identity information which may be useful when said mobile station is paged (410, 411). Such contactability information includes e.g. the mobile station's location information, information about existing signaling connections and information about the primary paging channel monitored by the mobile station. The contactability information is updated according to changes detected in the status of the mobile station (406). The database will be discontinued for a mobile station that has had no connections for a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Nokia Networks OyInventors: Kalle Ahmavaara, Jukka Vialen
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Patent number: 6792279Abstract: The mobile terminal of the present invention receives signals from the base station which receives the control command from the mobile terminal and executes, on the basis of the control command, the antenna switching transmission diversity. The mobile terminal includes: a reception unit for receiving downward signal from the base station; a downward link estimation unit for estimating the downward link on the basis of the received downward signal; an upward link estimation unit for estimating the upward link on the basis of the received downward signal; a base station estimation unit for estimating a state of the base station on the basis of the outputs from the downward estimation unit and the upward estimation unit; and a demodulator unit for demodulating the received signal on the basis of the output from the base station estimation unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Masahiro Komatsu
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Patent number: 6792280Abstract: An information delivery system includes a delivery server and two cellular phones. For example, when one cellular phone accesses the delivery server and requests a delivery of content data such as music data, desired music data is delivered from the delivery server onto the one cellular phone. Meanwhile, if the one cellular phone accesses the delivery server and designates a destination (the other portable phone) and a day and hour of delivery and then executes a schedule of delivery, music data is delivered on a scheduled day and hour from the delivery server to the other cellular phone.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Hori, Miwa Kanamori, Megumi Makino, Toshiaki Hioki
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Patent number: 6792281Abstract: A wireless communication system (402) that provides dispatch communication service, and talk group calling service, supports several talk groups (408, 410). A console (412) operated by a subscribing organization resides outside of the communication system. The console is considered a member of the talk groups, and interacts with the communication system over an internet access, via one or more gateways (416, 418). The gateways operate like base stations that provide the air interface to the mobile communication devices. When the operator of the console wishes to patch the talk groups together, call information received from the first talk group at the console prompts the console to initiate a talk group call for the second talk group. When the second talk group call is set up, the console forwards call information such as identifiers and audio information to the second talk group. This allows the members of the second talk group to participate in talk group calls made in the first talk group.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Upp, Peter M. Drozt, Paul M. Erickson
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Patent number: 6792282Abstract: A translation loop modulator and power amplifier in a phase and amplitude modulated transmission environment includes a translation loop having a phase locked loop and that is configured to receive a first modulated signal (PM) and that is also configured to provide a frequency specific modulated signal. The invention also includes a power amplifier configured to receive the frequency specific modulated signal, a variable gain element configured to provide a second modulated signal (AM) to the power amplifier and a switching element configured to receive a portion of an output of the translation loop and a portion of an output power of the power amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.Inventors: William J. Domino, Dmitriy Rozenblit, Morten Damgaard, Nooshin D. Vakilian
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Patent number: 6792283Abstract: A cellular mobile radio network selects a cell when a mobile station accesses the network, if a different cell than initially accessed by the mobile station is better suited to provide the types of services required by the mobile station, and is available. If a better cell is selected, the network initiates a hand over of the mobile station to the selected cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Michael Roberts, François Courau
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Patent number: 6792284Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for controlling cell reselection by a terminal of a cellular radio system, in particular where the terminal is connected to a special service, such as a General Packet Radio Service. A base station transmits information to the terminal about whether the terminal may try cell reselection when required. This information is transmitted in the signaling message of a certain service, such as the GPRS service. A terminal connected to the certain service obtains information about whether it may directly change the serving base station to another base station offering a corresponding service, without temporarily accessing the signaling function of a lower level system. Cell reselection is facilitated such that loading on the terminal and on radio signaling is as low as possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.Inventors: Lars Dalsgaard, Antero Lundell
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Patent number: 6792285Abstract: The invention provides a switching device. A switching device is constructed by including a wheel and two switches. The switching device has not only a rotary shaft of the wheel but also another rotary shaft. The rotary shaft of the wheel is provided with a rotary encoder. As shown by an arrow, by rotating the wheel about the rotary shaft with a finger or the like, a predetermined item is selected. By inclining the wheel about the another rotary shaft as shown by an arrow, the switches can be turned on/off. With the configuration, the switching operation can be performed with reliability.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hajime Nishimoto
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Patent number: 6792286Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a data controller, a subscriber line audio-processing circuit, and a controller. The data controller includes an input terminal and an output terminal capable of providing packet data. The subscriber line audio-processing circuit is capable of providing signals in a voice band. The controller is capable of transmitting at least one of signals in the voice band from the subscriber line audio-processing circuit and the packet data from the output terminal of the data controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Legerity, Inc.Inventors: Jagannathan Bharath, David N. Larson
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Patent number: 6792287Abstract: A fingerprint recognition system intended primarily, but not exclusively, for mobile phones in which a fingerprint recognition system recognizes the separate fingers and thumbs of a user and determines a function of the phone which has been previously associated with that recognized finger/thumb of the user. The determined function is then carried out by the phone. The automatic dialling of a predefined telephone number may be associated with each finger/thumb of the user, or other functions such as the selected ring tone may be associates with certain fingers/thumbs. A particular finger/thumb may have different functions associated with it depending the mode of operation of the phone.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phone LimitedInventors: Urpo Tuomela, Pertti Huuskonen
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Patent number: 6792288Abstract: Analogue interface (24) for an, information exchange circuit by amplitude modulation of a carrier wave, comprising an interface input (102, 104) intended to be connected to the terminals of an antenna (22), a demodulator (150) one output of which is connected to a logical unit (26) in the information exchange circuit, and means (106) of supplying a power supply voltage to the information exchange circuit. According to the invention, the interface also comprises means of rectifying and filtering (116, 118) the carrier wave, connected to one input of the demodulator (150) and a device (120, 122, 132) for regulating the said power supply voltage. Application in particular to the identification and sorting of objects or persons.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Gérard Billiot
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Patent number: 6792289Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing antennas between bases stations that is non-band limiting. A transmit signal is received at a first port coupled to a base station. The transmit signal travels from the first port through a plurality of circulators prior to being transmitted by an antenna. A received signal is received at a second port that is communicatively coupled to the antenna. The received signal conceptually travels through the apparatus in a reverse direction to the transmit signal, through at least one of the circulator units, and is admitted to the base station using at least the same port that received the transmit signal. The signal may be split, and also received by a different base station.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventor: Bruce A. Judson
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Patent number: 6792290Abstract: An antenna apparatus that can increase capacity in a cellular communication system. The antenna operates in conjunction with a mobile subscriber unit and provides a plurality of antenna elements, each coupled to a respective signal control component such as a phase shifter. The phase shift for each antenna element is programmed for optimum reception during, for example, an idle mode when a pilot signal is received. The antenna array creates a beam former for signals to be transmitted from the mobile subscriber unit, and a directional receiving array to more optimally detect and receive signals transmitted from the base station. By directionally receiving and transmitting signals, multipath fading is greatly reduced as well as intercell interference. The phase shifters are adjusted in a coarse and a fine mode. In the coarse mode all phase shifters are jointly incremented through several phase shift values until a signal quality metric is optimized.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: IPR Licensing, Inc.Inventors: James Arthur Proctor, Jr., Lawrence Wayne La Mont, Jr., George Rodney Nelson, Jr., Kenneth Marvin Gainey
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Patent number: 6792291Abstract: A compact interface device for use with a communication apparatus, e.g. a cellular phone is described. The interface device enables a user to make a telephone call through a voice command to any other communication apparatus. The interface device includes an adapter having a controller circuit triggered by a switch, in order to (i) dial a predetermined number associated with a remote service provider, and (ii) terminate the connection; a speaker for reproducing incoming signals of the phone call; and a microphone for receiving audio signals generated by the user. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a telephone call through a voice command by using the interface device.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventors: Chaim Topol, Amir Geva
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Patent number: 6792292Abstract: A portable information communication terminal can easily be combined with an existing industrial system. Article discount information is broadcast from a central computer of the headquarters of a convenience store via a broadcasting system, and received by a portable information communication terminal. An image of the article and a discount price represented by the article discount information are displayed on a display screen of a display monitor. When the user purchases the displayed image, the user selects the desired article displayed on the display screen of a display monitor by a manual controller. A bar code corresponding to the selected article is displayed on a display screen of the portable information communication terminal. The user takes the portable information communication terminal with the bar code displayed on the display screen to the convenience store.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Masayuki Chatani
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Patent number: 6792293Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for orienting an image (402, 404) on a display (116) of a wireless communication device (100). The device includes a housing (102) for supporting the display and an electronic circuit (502, 508, 512) coupled to the display to rotate the image on the display upon activation. In addition, the device has a second display (514) to provide a second image. The wireless communication device also includes a transceiver circuit (506) positioned in the housing to receive an incoming signal via wireless communication so that the display may provide the image based on the incoming signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Karamat Awan, Steve Smith, Carl Gottfried Kammer
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Patent number: 6792294Abstract: It is constructed so that combinations of display colors or lighting patterns can be set from the outside by incoming notification means by light of a portable telephone apparatus. That is, incoming notification pattern data by a change in lighting colors and data of the tempo are stored in RAM 3, and data from the RAM 3 is held in an FIFO 8 and is outputted every tempo according to a read signal from an FIFO read signal generator 9, and also by generating an interruption at the time when a predetermined amount of data is outputted, a CPU 1 writes subsequent data from the RAM 3 to the FIFO 8 according to the interruption. Then, data read from the FIFO 8 is once held in an output port register 5 and an LED driver 6 independently drives plural LEDs according to data outputted from the output port register 5. In this case, it is constructed so that the data from the RAM 3 can be set from the outside.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Masayuki Kushita
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Patent number: 6792295Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a communications system including a vehicle embedded cellular phone subsystem for receiving and sending communications and a wireless device subsystem including a base station and a wireless device. The base station is coupled to the vehicle embedded cellular phone subsystem for receiving incoming cellular communications at the wireless device and sending communications from the wireless device to the vehicle embedded cellular phone subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Daniel A. Hanevich, Timothy R. Nixon, Walter A. Dorfstatter, Mark J. Timm
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Patent number: 6792296Abstract: A portable wireless communication device (22) and method for configuring the same when connected to a hands-free system in a vehicle (20). In one embodiment, the device (22) has an interface (36A) and a detector (70A). The interface (36A) is for connecting the wireless communication device (22) to a hands-free control unit (24) in the vehicle (20). The detector (70A) is for determining whether the interface (36A) is connected to the hands-free control unit (24) in the vehicle (20). The wireless communication device (22) may obtain vehicle information from the vehicle (20) when it is determined that the interface (36A) is connected to the hands-free control unit (24). The wireless communication device (22) also configures at least one operation of the wireless communication device (22) based on the obtained vehicle information. For example, the vehicle information may include data associated with a power loss for communicating through an external antenna (40) of the vehicle (20).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventor: James A. Van Bosch
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Patent number: 6792297Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating battery information to cellular telephone users when a cellular telephone is near an associated battery charger. When a cellular telephone is within a predetermined range of the battery charger, the charger and telephone form a communication link. The link allows the charger (or telephone) to analyze the status of the telephone's battery, generate alert commands and/or generate sensory alerts as needed in order to warn a user to charge the battery. The charger can also be adapted to establish a communication link with a personal computer (“PC”) and to transmit similar commands to the personal computer via the link to allow the PC to generate sensory alerts.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Agere Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Cannon, James A. Johanson
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Patent number: 6792298Abstract: Telephone terminal, in particular a mobile telephone having a housing and having a first input device for controlling all the implemented functions and for entering the digits of telephone numbers, having a second input device which is held in a snap-on module, can be fitted to the housing and, when in the fitted state, at least partially covers the first input device, for speed-dialing input for at least one predetermined telephone number.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Manfred Tasto
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Patent number: 6792299Abstract: A closed conductive loop for use in planar circuits to realize shunt capacitors instead of conductive patches is disclosed. The closed conductive loop may be formed on a planar substrate or extend to multiple conductive layers in a multi-layer circuit. The use of closed conductive loops as shunt capacitors offers possibilities of more flexible circuit layout, reduced circuit footprint and comparable or improved performance as compared to using conductive patches as shunt capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Conductus, Inc.Inventor: Shen Ye
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Patent number: 6792300Abstract: An optical probe, which is particularly suited to reduce noise in measurements taken on an easily compressible material, such as a finger, a toe, a forehead, an earlobe, or a lip, measures characteristics of the material. A neonatal and adult disposable embodiment of the probe include adhesive coated surfaces to securely affix the probe onto the patient. In addition, the surface of the probe is specially constructed to minimize light piping effects. Furthermore, a flex circuit acts as a spring to absorb shock which may misalign the emitter and detector. One embodiment of the adult probe includes a cushioning pocket formed for a fingertip to align the probe and to absorb motion of the probe due to contact. The neonatal probe is formed with a unique V-configuration which provides multiple advantages.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: Mohamed Diab, Esmaiel Kiani-Azarbayjany, David R. Tobler, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Eugene E. Mason, Mike A. Mills
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Patent number: 6792301Abstract: Bioadhesive Compositions which comprise a hydrophobic polymer wherein the concentration of the polymer at the surface of the adhesive is greater than its concentration in the bulk of the adhesive are described; and biomedical electrodes, fixation products and wound dressings containing them.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: First Water LimitedInventors: Hugh Semple Munro, Mohammed Yasin
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Patent number: 6792302Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating acute stroke patients and for determining whether a stroke patient will benefit from the use of thrombolysis therapy includes obtaining measurements of the cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume of the brain of a stroke patient, determining ischemic areas of the brain where the ischemic areas comprise the measurements of cerebral blood flow which are less than a first value and creating a penumbra-infarct map of the ischemic areas of the brain using the measurements. The infarct area corresponds to the area of the brain where cerebral blood volume is less than a second value. The penumbra area corresponds to the area of the brain where cerebral blood volume is greater than this second value. The method also includes determining a ratio of penumbra size to the total of penumbra size and infarct size. When the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the stroke patient is a candidate for thrombolysis therapy.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Universite de LausanneInventors: Max Wintermark, Jean-Philippe Thiran, Refo Antoine Meuli
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Patent number: 6792303Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor capable of maintaining its accuracy through temperature cycling is provided. The sensor element material of an electromagnetic sensor is covered by an encapsulant having substantially similar thermal expansion values as the sensor element material. By matching the thermal expansion values of the components, changes in component orientation may be minimized during temperature cycling thus reducing the need for recalibration of the sensor assembly. In one embodiment the encapsulant is doped with a ceramic material or glass microspheres to achieve a thermal expansion coefficient similar to the thermal expansion coefficient of the copper sensor element material.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Miriam H. Taimisto
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Patent number: 6792304Abstract: A mass communication assessment system (2) communicating a cognitive task to selected remote test sites (12) via a network (10) for providing a two-way communication between the central control site and the remote sites, detecting brain response signals from the subject (40) to the task, and having processing means (16) for computing variations in the brain activity for the subjects at each of the selected sites.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Swinburne LimitedInventor: Richard B. Silberstein
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Patent number: 6792305Abstract: The invention relates to a device for collecting a soft biological sample and to a method for using the same. The device comprises a hollow cylindrical body (10) with two openings (10A, 10B), one at each end, wherein a piston (12) with a rod (14) is inserted via a first end and the piston-and-rod assembly can be displaced back and forth inside the hollow cylindrically (10), the opening in the second end (10B) of the hollow cylindrical body (10) has a slicing edge (10B) and this second end carries a cutting wire arranged across its opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Bio-Rad PasteurInventors: Michel Rastorgoueff, Jean-Philippe Deslys, Emmanuel Comoy
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Patent number: 6792306Abstract: An electrokinetic delivery system for personal use in self-administration of a medicament to a treatment site on an individual includes a device shaped to conform with the shape of a portion of an individual's finger from a tip thereof to a location past the first finger joint. A self-contained power source is carried by the device and a first electrode is carried by the device adjacent a distal end portion thereof and the tip of the individual's finger. The first electrode is in electrical contact with the power source. A second electrode is carried by the device for contact with the individual's finger. The second electrode is in electrical contact with the power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Biophoretic Therapeutic Systems, LLCInventors: Julian L. Henley, Kuo Wei Chang, Joseph Potter, Dennis I. Goldberg
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Patent number: 6792307Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device and method measure atrioventricular conduction time and automatically adjust a positive hysteresis interval, for example AV hysteresis or PV hysteresis, to be applied to an AV interval or PV interval during atrial stimulation or atrial sensing, respectively. To measure atrioventricular conduction time during ventricular stimulation, the AV or PV interval is increased until R-wave sensing occurs. The AV or PV interval value at which R-wave sensing occurs is stored in memory as the atrioventricular conduction time. This atrioventricular conduction time is used to calculate a positive hysteresis value by subtracting the programmed AV or PV interval from the conduction time and adding a safety margin. Atrioventricular conduction time measurements are repeated periodically, with or without automatic adjustment of positive hysteresis intervals, and results are stored with time and date information for later display for diagnostic purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Levine, Gene A. Bornzin
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Patent number: 6792308Abstract: Myocardial performance is assessed using a combination of electrical and mechanical criteria. More specifically, this assessment may be based on a QT interval based on electrogram (EGM) readings and on first and second heart sounds. The timing relationships between the QT interval and the first and second heart sounds can be used to evaluate certain systolic, diastolic, and systolic/diastolic parameters relating to myocardial performance. In addition, these parameters may be used to automatically drive therapies. For example, myocardial performance parameters obtained from the QT interval and from the timing of the first and second heart sounds may be used to optimize the AV delay and to optimize multisite pacing.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Giorgio Corbucci
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Patent number: 6792309Abstract: A multi-sensor system for controlling an implantable heart stimulator, and an implantable heart stimulator containing such a multi-sensor system, have a piezoelectric pressure sensor adapted for placement in the blood stream of a subject, the piezoelectric pressure sensor having at least one electrode that is adapted for electrical contact with the blood stream, and an oxygen pressure sensor having a measurement electrode formed by the (at least one) electrode of the piezoelectric pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: St. Jude Medical ABInventor: Kjell Noren
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Patent number: 6792310Abstract: Cardiac performance associated with a current set of N pacing parameters is improved by adjusting the cardiac pacing parameters until optimal or substantially optimal cardiac performance is achieved. The cardiac performance associated with the current set of N pacing parameters is determined. An incrementing step, a determining step, and a increment updating step, are repeated for i=1 to N, where i represents which of the N pacing parameter is being adjusted. The incrementing step includes incrementing an ith pacing parameter in the current set of N pacing parameters based on a corresponding ith increment value, to thereby produce an ith set of test pacing parameters. The determining step includes determining a cardiac performance associated with the ith set of test pacing parameters. The increment updating step includes updating the ith increment value based on the cardiac performance associated with the ith set of test pacing parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Robert Turcott, Casey O'Hara
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Patent number: 6792311Abstract: A multiprogrammer system for monitoring and optimizing implantable device performance. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two programming devices and an implantable device. Each of the programming devices may be used to perform inquiry and programming operations on the implantable device. In an inquiry operation, the programming device retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implantable device. In a programming operation, the programming device provides one or more modified parameters to the implantable device. As part of the programming operation, the programming device is configured to verify that it is aware of the implantable device's current parameters before sending the modified parameters. In other words, the current programming device verifies that the implantable device's parameters have not been altered by another programming device since the current programming device's last interaction with the implantable device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Intermedics Inc.Inventors: James K. Fox, William B. Rottenberg, Brian J. Thome
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Patent number: 6792312Abstract: An improved system and method for interconnecting an electrical device to a connector is provided. A connector assembly includes at least one connector block. The connector block may be of a type adapted to mechanically and electrically couple to an electrical lead, although any other type of connector for forming an electrical contact may be employed. The connector assembly further includes at least one weld plate. A conductor such as a wire is routed between the connector block and the weld plate and electrically coupled to both structures. The connector assembly is adapted to be fastened to a device housed within an enclosure, such as an implantable medical device residing within a can. A conductor extending from circuitry within the housing may be electrically coupled to the weld plate to thereby form an electrical connection between the circuitry and the connector block.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Bruchmann, George Patras, Edwin Rivera
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Patent number: 6792313Abstract: A method of electrically stimulating muscles in a cast-bearing limb so as to inhibit muscle atrophy, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least two electrodes; (ii) a signal generator operatively connected to the electrodes, and (iii) a power source providing power to the signal generator; (b situating the electrodes in contact with tissue on the cast-bearing limb; (c) stimulating the muscles by externally inducing a percutaneous flow of electrical current between the electrodes through the tissue by establishing a plurality of external bipolar voltage waves across the electrodes, the plurality of bipolar voltage waves defining a treatment period, and (d) applying, over a 24-hour period, at least 12 distinct treatment periods.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Stimu-Heal IncInventor: Zvi Nachum
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Patent number: 6792314Abstract: An implantable miniature eyelid electrode apparatus that causes a paralyzed eyelid to close or open by passing an electrical stimulating current to a nerve or muscle, is comprised of a longitudinally flexible, nonconductive body containing electrodes that pass an electrical signal to the nearby nerve or muscle, which closes or opens the eyelid. The apparatus is electrically actuated by a source that may be located remotely from the apparatus. The electrical signal passes along wires from the source to the apparatus. The apparatus is biocompatible with the environment in the living tissue and is electrically insulated from the surrounding tissue, except where the electrodes contact the living tissue. The apparatus is very small and is not obvious to visual inspection when implanted.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific ResearchInventors: Charles L. Byers, Kate E. Fey, Ralph M. Weisner, Gary D. Schnittgrund
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Patent number: 6792315Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient is disclosed, which provides two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Biowave CorporationInventors: John Carter, Bradford Siff
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Patent number: 6792316Abstract: A cardiac implant electric cable, comprising a conductive lead adapted to supply power to a cardiac implant and a coaxial lead adapted to provide an expanded information conduit to and from said cardiac implant. Also, a bioelectrical stimulus implant cable may comprise a set of fibrils, each of which has a diameter of less than 30 &mgr;m and which are configured together longitudinally. The set of fibrils is electrically isolated by insulative material.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard G. Sass
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Patent number: 6792317Abstract: An electrical lead in which a transitional coil conductor near a proximal end of the lead is electrically connected to a wire conductor distal of the coil conductor. The transitional coil is connected to an electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead. The electrical connector may be a standard ring and pin connector such as an IS-1 standard electrical connector often used in implantable medical devices. A second coil conductor runs substantially the entire length of the lead from its proximal to its distal end. The transitional coil is connected to the wire conductor through a coupling. The coupling includes a channel configured to receive the second coil conductor to allow it to run through the coupling. The coupling further includes a coil receiver configured to receive the distal end of the transitional coil to hold it in electrical contact with the electrically conductive body of the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Phong D. Doan, Lisa Caffee, Kerwyn Schimke
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Patent number: 6792318Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation lead system for use with an implantable stimulation device includes an elongated lead with a conductor extending between distal and proximal ends. A tubular insulating sheath overlies the conductor and has an outer peripheral surface of revolution defined by a radius originating at the longitudinal axis. A tip electrode at the distal end of the lead is attached to the conductor. A proximal connector is in electrical continuity with the stimulation device and coupled to the tip electrode. The insulating sheath is formed with a passive fixation feature formed into the outer peripheral surface for encouraging tissue ingrowth to facilitate stability of the tip electrode when the lead system is implanted. No portion of the passive fixation feature extends radially from the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than the radius of the tubular insulating sheath.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Yougandh Chitre, Kerwyn Schimke
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Patent number: 6792319Abstract: A home automation system and method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry/exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry/exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room occupancy states, which dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Destiny Networks, Inc.Inventor: Brent Bilger
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Patent number: 6792320Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a laboratory process operated by a controller. The remote control signal may originate from any one or more sensor that detects information that is relevant to the operation and control of a given laboratory process. Examples of sensors that could originate remote control signals include, but are not limited to, building smoke alarms, toxic gas monitors, and handheld remotes carried by laboratory technicians. A receiver communicates the change of state commands to the laboratory process, preferably to a programmable controller operating the laboratory process, directly to the laboratory process, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Fideris, Inc.Inventor: Craig C. Andrews
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Patent number: 6792321Abstract: Real-time remote monitoring and controlling of a device is described via a network such as the Internet. A virtual presence is accomplished between geographically distributed remote users and hardware platforms that allow for real-time interactive hardware operation. Using Internet based communications such as e-mail or browser based sessions, a series of remote instructions are sent from a remote computer based device to the device to be monitored and controlled. This operation of includes, but is not limited to, data monitoring, system control, system tuning, distributed learning, distributed monitoring, remote servicing and hardware reconfiguration. Furthermore, monitored data is exchanged between the device being monitored and the remote electronic-based device can be in a spreadsheet format.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Electro Standards LaboratoriesInventor: Raymond Sepe, Jr.
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Patent number: 6792323Abstract: A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Openpeak Inc.Inventors: Paul Krzyzanowski, Wayzen Lin, Michael Pitts
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Patent number: 6792324Abstract: A device for determining and characterizing noises generated by masticating food has an enclosure and a mastication device arranged in the enclosure. One or more first reception microphones for airborne sound are arranged in the enclosure. The enclosure is advantageously a dummy head for audio recording. Preferably, two such first reception microphones are arranged in the enclosure. Two second reception microphones for sound conducted by solid material, simulating bone conduction, may be provided in order to create a sound as near-natural as possible.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: Marian Trinkel
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Patent number: 6792325Abstract: The present invention provides a remote maintenance method, a remote maintenance system, and an industrial device for enabling control and thorough services and billing according to the contents of the remote maintenance operation and the request destination of maintenance and enabling access limit according to the attribute of a service person, access limit according to the device state, and output limit according to the output mode. The industrial device 123 installed at the factory 120 and the operation device 113 installed in the maintenance center 110 are connected via the network 100.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Juntaro Arima, Masaaki Inaba, Takeiki Aizono, Takashi Iizumi
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Patent number: 6792326Abstract: A material delivery system is provided for miniature structures fabrication which has a substrate, a material carrier having a deposition layer, and a laser beam directed towards the material carrier element. A control unit is operatively coupled to the substrate, the material carrier element and laser beam for exposing respective areas of the deposition layer to the laser beam in a patterned manner so that the depositable material of the deposition layer is transferred to the substrate surface for deposition on its surface. The system operates in either an additive mode of operation, or a subtractive mode of operation so that a workpiece does not have to be removed from the tool when change of modes of operation takes place.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Potomac Photonics, Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Duignan
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Patent number: 6792327Abstract: A method of producing an article formed from a photosensitive polymer resin, the article having at least two different densities and the article being a unitary article having substantially no structural joint between regions of different density.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Bae Systems plcInventor: Mark D Bamford
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Patent number: 6792328Abstract: A method and system in integrated circuit metrology for adapting a metrology system to work with diverse metrology devices. One embodiment is a method and system for generating signal adjustment data to adapt measured diffraction signals to enable use of a library of diffraction signals and structure profiles created for a different metrology device. Another embodiment is the creation and use of a data store of diffraction adjustment vectors and metrology device specifications relative to a reference device specification.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Timbre Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Laughery, David Wasinger, Nickhil Jakatdar