Patents Issued in March 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7187964
    Abstract: A device for measuring parameters of human tissue includes a multielectrode catheter for taking multiple measurements of the electrical characteristics of the human tissue, a concentric tube catheter located inside the multielectrode catheter, for providing structural support to the multi-electrode catheter and for serving as a conduit for advancing or withdrawing the multielectrode catheter over its surface; and an imaging catheter located inside the concentric tube catheter for taking multiple measurements of anatomical characteristics of the human tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dirar S. Khoury
  • Patent number: 7187965
    Abstract: The present invention is a cardiac rhythm-monitoring device, which allows patients to perform a preliminary screening for supraventricular arrhythmia. The device detects beat-to-beat heart rhythms (i.e. the R—R interval between individual heart beats) and performs a screening test to determine if there are indications of arrhythmia. The test looks for variance in the R—R interval that is outside of the normal range, either using a pre-constructed chart based upon general population studies to determine the normal range of variance or using normal distribution analysis of the patient's own heart rhythm to determine the normal range of variance for determining irregular heartbeats, and if there are multiple irregularities within the sensed time frame, the patient is warned of potential supraventricular arrhythmia. By sensing both electrical impulses form the heart and mechanical responses to the heartbeat, the device may augment its analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Edward T. Bischoff, Gary D. Menszer
  • Patent number: 7187966
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for displaying alternans data of an electrocardiogram signal having a plurality of odd beats and a plurality of even beats. The method can include calculating an odd median complex for at least one of the plurality of odd beats, the odd median complex having a plurality of odd data points; calculating an even median complex for at least one of the plurality of even beats, the even median complex having a plurality of even data points; comparing the plurality of odd data points with the plurality of even data points to generate a plurality of difference data points; assigning each one of the plurality of difference data points a color corresponding to an amplitude; displaying the plurality of difference data points as a difference curve; and displaying a plurality of difference curves in a temporal alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ge Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Willi Kaiser, Martin Findeis
  • Patent number: 7187967
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing a neural signal inside a patient's skull, transmitting it to a remote receiver, and using it to control an application. A plurality of skull screws is inserted on the skull and under the scalp, and the skull screws are connected to a transmitter. The differential potential between two skull screws are detected, amplified, and transmitted to a receiver connected to a computing device. The computing device checks for the signal's voltage level and duration before using it for controlling the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Neural Signals, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip R. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7187968
    Abstract: Neurochip for Neuroprosthetic Control. According to one embodiment, a neural spike detection system is provided. The neural spike detection system can include a signal receiver operable to receive a plurality of neural signals including neural spikes. The system can also include a neural spike detector adapted to communicate with the signal receiver and detect neural spikes in the plurality of neural signals. Further, the system can include a transmitter connected to the neural spike detector and operable to transmit an information signal when a neural spike is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Patrick D. Wolf, Miguel A. L. Nicolelis, James C. Morizio, John K. Chapin
  • Patent number: 7187969
    Abstract: Electroactive pores, devices including one or more electroactive pores are described, and methods of delivering therapeutic agents using one or more electroactive pores are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: BioValve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Willis
  • Patent number: 7187970
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying a signal to a heart of a human subject is provided. The apparatus includes a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the right ventricular septum of the heart. A control unit of the apparatus is adapted to drive the electrode set to apply an Excitable-Tissue Control (ETC) signal to the septum. Preferably, the control unit is adapted to configure the signal to be capable of modifying contractility of a portion of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Impulse Dynamics (Israel) Ltd
    Inventors: Itsik Shemer, Yuval Mika
  • Patent number: 7187971
    Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes an implantable medical lead and a fluid delivery device; the device is adapted to pass through a proximal port, a lumen and a distal port of the lead. The fluid delivery device includes a tissue piercing distal tip and a pre-formed curve in proximity to the distal tip such that the tip is directed away from a lead fixation element after passing beyond the distal port of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Sommer, James A. Coles, Jr., Daniel C. Sigg
  • Patent number: 7187972
    Abstract: Methods and devices (e.g., pacemakers or ICDs with pacemaker functions) are provided for maintaining a high percentage of bi-ventricular pacing after a pacemaker switches from an atrial tracking bi-ventricular pacing mode to a non-atrial tracking bi-ventricular pacing mode, wherein the ventricles are paced in accordance with a mode switch base rate (MSBR) during the non-atrial tracking ventricular pacing mode. Monitoring is performed to determine whether or not pacing in according with the MSBR satisfies a minimum acceptable pacing criterion (MAPC). The MSBR is increased and pacing is performed in accordance with the increased MSBR, when the MAPC is not satisfied. The MSBR is decreased (e.g., periodically) and pacing is performed in accordance with the decreased MSBR when the MAPC is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fain, Eliot Ostrow
  • Patent number: 7187973
    Abstract: Conduction volumetry is used to determine the hemo-dynamic performance of the heart under various pacing protocols to optimize cardiac output as a function of the pacing protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Endocardial Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Hauck
  • Patent number: 7187974
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved implantable medical device (IMD) and more particularly to an ultrasonically weld perforated lid for an IMD to form a hermetic seal between the IMD and the perforated lid. Appropriately configured perforated lids retain one or more components within a cavity or port formed in a part of an IMD. Such lids preferably secure a pierceable resilient grommet, septum or other resilient member in a cavity or port. When an adjustment instrument, a pull tool or a syringe is temporarily inserted therethrough and later extracted, the resilient member heals (i.e., seals and/or reseals). Preferably, the resilient member abuts a mechanical stop and is compressed slightly during assembly and ultrasonic welding of the lid. The resilient member preferably has a lateral dimension like the cavity or port so that when the lid compresses the resilient member it expands slightly and contacts the interior cavity surfaces thus improving the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Haeg, Craig L. Wiklund, James F. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7187975
    Abstract: A connector system for an implantable lead, which includes a header having a lumen for receiving the implantable lead. The lumen defines a mating surface and has an internal diameter larger than the lead to be connected therein. A collar is slidably engageable with the lead. Part of the collar is slidable into the header lumen, and part of the collar is releasably securable to the header such that the lead is retained in the lumen. The part of the collar that is slidable into the header lumen may be tapered. The tapered part of the collar and/or the mating surface may be formed of a compressible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Flickinger, Gary L. Lubben
  • Patent number: 7187976
    Abstract: A multi-purpose FES system includes a multi-function, implantable stimulator for stimulating different sites in a patient's body. The stimulator includes a control unit and a receiving device. The stimulator further has a plurality of bundles of electric leads connected to the control unit, each lead terminating in at least one electrode to provide a plurality of discrete groups of electrodes associated with each site. Each group of electrodes is operable to stimulate its associated site in the patient's body, under the action of stimulation signals from the control unit, the control unit receiving signals from the receiving device. A transmitter is arranged externally of the patient's body for supplying signals transcutaneously to the receiving device of the stimulator. A controller is in communication with the transmitter via a communications interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Neopraxis Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Duncan, Ian Bruinsma, Zoran Milijasevic, Andrew Barriskill
  • Patent number: 7187977
    Abstract: A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device and method using a microcurrent with a carrier signal and a square wave form for promoting cell repair and/or healing. It has been found that applying particular wave forms of direct current with a carrier wave signal with specified intervals promotes cell healing especially in treatment of macular degeneration. This method and nerve stimulation device is packaged to require no input from a user and a user must only apply the electrodes to the correct part of the body and start the preprogrammed sequence of electrical currents. The method involves applying bursts of direct current at higher frequencies for shorter periods of time followed by lower frequency bursts of electrical current for longer periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Atlantic Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Paul, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7187978
    Abstract: A method and system for programming settings of a medical device surgically implanted within a body of a patient. The system comprises a physician programmer, a patient programmer, an external neural stimulator, and a telemetry component being in communication with the implanted medical device, the external neural stimulator, and the physician programmer. The implantable medical device may be programmed using a two-phase process, a screening phase and an implant phase. During the screening phase, the physician and patient programmers may be used to roughly test the parameters of the stimulation to determine that the treatment therapy is efficacious. During the implant phase, the same physician and patient programmers may be used to fine tune the parameters of the stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahram Malek, Mark A. Christopherson, Steven Goetz, John Grevious, David W. Lee
  • Patent number: 7187979
    Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for synchronizing the internal clocks of two devices, such as an implantable medical device and an external device, with reduced reliance on periodic polling. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a technique in which one of the devices computes a time drift. The time drift may occur because the internal clock of one device may run more slowly than the internal clock of the other device. One device may poll the other as a function of the time drift. In another embodiment, a system of medical devices synchronizes internal clocks to a time signal generated by a time reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Haubrich, Steven D. Goedeke
  • Patent number: 7187980
    Abstract: A cardiac lead is disclosed which includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal ends, a tip electrode operatively associated with the distal end of the elongated lead body, a connector operatively associated with the proximal end of the elongated lead body and electrically connected to the tip electrode, and a cylindrical eluting ring disposed proximate the tip electrode and formed from a compound including an elastomer and about 15% to 25% by weight medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Oscor Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Osypka, Ronald van den Nieuwenhof
  • Patent number: 7187981
    Abstract: An implantable electrode lead including: a distal portion having at least one electrode; a proximal portion having a connector for connection to an implantable stimulation generator includes a power source for the electrode and is disposed in a living body; and a conductor portion which is connected to the distal portion and the proximal portion and is composed of an electrical conductor for transmission of electrical signals and an insulator covering the outside of the electrical conductor, and a fixation portion having a tip end and a base end for disposing over a part of the conductor portion, wherein a lubricant coating layer is provided on a part of the surface of the conductor portion, and the lubricant coating layer is absent on the conductor portion surface ranging at least from the portion disposed at the base end of the fixation portion to the portion provided with the electrode, of the surface of the conductor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7187982
    Abstract: A non-rigid tether extends distally from an electrode of a medical electrical lead body coupling a tissue anchor to the lead body. The tissue anchor includes a surface to receive a push force from an insertion tool adapted to insert the anchor within a segment of tissue so that the electrode is held in close proximity to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Seifert, Timothy G. Laske
  • Patent number: 7187983
    Abstract: A fixation arrangement on the outer surface of an electrode head at distal end of a pacing lead includes an attachment mechanism having at least one tine, the tine being connected to the electrode head by a tine base portion that includes an electrically controlled heat-responsive positioner. The electrically controlled heat responsive positioner allows the angular position of the tine relative to the electrode head to be selective adjusted by a temperature change in the positioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical AB
    Inventors: Kenneth Dahlberg, Rolf Hill
  • Patent number: 7187984
    Abstract: A system for treating the heart includes a cardiac harness associated with a cardiac rhythm management devise which includes at least electrodes and a power source. The cardiac harness applies a compressive force on the heart during diastole and systole. The electrodes will deliver an electrical shock to the heart for defibrillation and/or can be used for pacing/sensing. The cardiac harness and electrodes are delivered and implanted on the heart by minimally invasive access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Paracor Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lilip Lau, Matthew G. Fishler, Craig Mar
  • Patent number: 7187985
    Abstract: A biomedical electrode is disclosed that distributes current over the entire surface of a conductive polymeric sheet using a current spreading layer located on the upper surface of the conductive polymeric sheet (i.e., the surface facing away from the patient). The conductive polymeric sheet includes a conductive undercoating on its lower surface (i.e., the surface facing the patient). An electrolyte layer (e.g., a hydrogel pressure sensitive adhesive) is located on the bottom of the biomedical electrode, with the conductive undercoating located between the electrolyte layer and the conductive polymeric sheet. The biomedical electrode is in electrical communication with the patient's skin through the electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Hatim M. Carim
  • Patent number: 7187986
    Abstract: An Internet based home communications system for allowing a homeowner to monitor and control various features of their home. The system comprises a plurality of control devices positioned within a home, a control unit in communication with the plurality of control devices wherein the control unit is connected to a global computer network, and a data center connected to the global computer network and in communication with the control unit. The homeowner is capable of monitoring and controlling the control device within the home by accessing a web page displayed by the data center through a web browser on a computer. The homeowner can view, monitor and control features of their home through the web page. In addition, the control unit may notify the appropriate supplier when propane or food becomes low within the home through the global computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Echelon Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Johnson, Dan Schulz, Thor Iverson, Dan Malmstrom
  • Patent number: 7187987
    Abstract: Operation of movable members such as wing or sash parts of openable windows or facade sections forming part of a natural ventilation system is controlled by communication of operating commands from centralized and/or distributed control means to operator units for movement of said movable members. Concurrent operation of operator units of a sub-group (1, 2, 8–11) of operator units (3) associated with a single movable member is coordinated by interface means (6, 7) interconnected between the sub-group and the centralized and/or distributed control means (4, 16). The interface unit (6, 7) communicates an operating command from said central and/or distributed control means (4, 16) to the operator units (3), receives actual position and/or status information from each operator unit (3) of the sub-group and uses this information for communication of coordinated individual control commands to the operator units (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Kim Arthur Stück Andersen
  • Patent number: 7187988
    Abstract: An automated method and system that uses a Web service to make real-time production status available to customers from a manufacturing environment. Each time Work in Process (WIP) data is updated from manufacturing execution systems to a central database, a database trigger checks the alert conditions. These conditions are automatically compared to the WIP data to see if the user-defined conditions have been met. If so, a function is called which automatically sends an alert to the customer via the internet and either e-mail, pager, or mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsu Ming Ta
  • Patent number: 7187989
    Abstract: A method is presented for updating process models (100) used in a model predictive controller when a change has been made in any regulatory controller configuration and/or it's tuning without having to conduct new full identification testing of the process. The method employs Core Process Models of Controlled Variables (101) and Manipulated Variables (103), devoid of dynamics of interacting regulatory controllers in conjunction with Manipulated Variables Disturbance Rejection Models (104). The process models (100) can be updated for use for on-line control as well as for off-line simulation studies including operator training. This allows updating of a complex multivariable process control with relatively ease with absolute minimal of additional data gathering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Fakhruddin T Attarwala
  • Patent number: 7187990
    Abstract: The architecture of the controller of the present invention is mainly composed of three portions, which are a model predictive controller, a local controller (also called stably assistant controller), and a coordinator. This modified model predictive control structure merges two control loops by a coordinator. The control mode can be switched into either of them or provide a combined control action by adjustments of the coordinator. When the system moves out the range of the database, the coordinator will automatically detect the fault and switch to the stably assistant controller to provide the basic control quality to ensure the safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Shi-Shang Jang, Po-Feng Tsai
  • Patent number: 7187991
    Abstract: Failsafe control circuit for electrical appliances whereby at least one electrical load (10) is activated, the control circuit comprising logic control means (1), operation switching means (8) between said electrical load (10) and a supply voltage (V), and a first drive circuit (6) which receives a first command signal (4) from the logic control means (1), said first drive circuit (6) acting on said operation switching means (8). It also comprises security switching means (9) between the electrical load (10) and the supply voltage (V), and a second drive circuit (7) which receives a second command signal (5) from the logic control means (1), said second drive circuit (7) acting on the security switching means (9) so that it closes said security switching means (9) only if said second command signal (5) is a pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fagor, S. Coop.
    Inventors: Gonzalo Fernández, Eider Landa, José Miguel Amoriza, Eneko Muguerza
  • Patent number: 7187992
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems that facilitate the design, production and/or measurement tasks associated with manufacturing and other processes. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to decision-making and logic structures, implemented in a computer software application, facilitating all phases of the design, development, tooling, pre-production, qualification, certification, and production process of any part or other article that is produced to specification. In one embodiment, the present invention provides knowledge of how the multiple characteristics of a given process output are related to each other, to specification limits and to pre-process inputs. This knowledge facilitates a reduction in measurement, analysis and reporting costs both prior to and during production. It also determines the changes needed to pre-process inputs in order to achieve production at design targets. It provides a prioritized order for relaxing design tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Steve W. Tuszynski
  • Patent number: 7187993
    Abstract: A method of identifying failures in a metrology tool system used to measure desired dimensions in microelectronic features. Each metrology tool in the system runs a plurality of recipes for measuring desired dimensions in microelectronic features, with each recipe comprising a set of instructions for measuring at least one dimension in a microelectronic feature. The system includes an error log having stored thereon failures in measurement of microelectronic feature dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah A. Kay, Eric P. Solecky, Lin Zhou
  • Patent number: 7187994
    Abstract: This invention includes a method of integrating into a semiconductor specimen fabrication station a process diagnostic module that performs on the semiconductor specimen a processing operation that otherwise would not be performed by the processing components to thereby make the fabrication station more efficient and flexible to use. The process diagnostic module includes, for example, a specimen parameter measurement system or a specimen inspection system and is configured to mount on a front-opening interface mechanical standard (FIMS) load port and fits within the allowable spatial envelope. This invention further includes located external to the semiconductor specimen fabrication station a processor that receives and processes data acquired by the process diagnostic module during its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Scott Ashkenaz, C. Thomas Larson
  • Patent number: 7187995
    Abstract: Techniques are described for inspecting a web and controlling subsequent conversion of the web into one or more products. A system, for example, comprises an imaging device, an analysis computer and a conversion control system. The imaging device images the web to provide digital information. The analysis computer processes the digital information to identify regions on the web containing anomalies. The conversion control system subsequently analyzes the digital information to determine which anomalies represent actual defects for a plurality of different products. The conversion control system determines a value for at least one product selection parameter for each of the products, and selects one of the products for conversion of the web based on the respective determined value. Exemplary product selection parameters include web utilization, unit product produced, estimated revenue or profit, process time, machine capacity and demand for the different products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Floeder, Brandon T. Berg, Carl J. Skeps, James A. Masterman
  • Patent number: 7187996
    Abstract: A press machine uses a crank mechanism which can perform pressing by a pressing force control when a slide exists in a pressing region. When the slide is determined to exist between an initial position and a switching position to the pressing region, the slide is moved down by rotating a motor regularly by a position control system. When the slide is determined to exist in the pressing region, pressing is performed by moving down the slide such that a slide pressing force becomes equal to a set slide pressing force by a pressing force control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Tanaka, Hideki Hayashi, Masaki Senda
  • Patent number: 7187997
    Abstract: Situational location dependent information is transmitted from a server data processing system to a receiving data processing system. The server data processing system communicates with the receiving data processing system in a manner by pushing content when appropriate. A candidate delivery event associated with a current positional attribute of the receiving data processing system is recognized and a situational location of the remote data processing system is determined. The candidate delivery event may be a location and/or direction change, device state change, or movement exceeding a movement tolerance. The situational location of the remote data processing system may be its location, direction, location and direction, proximity to a location, state change, or location and/or direction relative to a previous location and/or direction, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7187998
    Abstract: A camera or other sensing unit senses the conditions of articles and mobile entities, including humans within a living space. An article management/operation server manages, within an article database, attribute information about the articles, including operators, according to the information from the sensing unit. The server receives a user's instruction, input through a console unit, and refers to the article database to convert this instruction into a control command, which is then transmitted to a life-support robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Okamoto, Osamu Yamada, Tomonobu Naruoka, Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Satoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7187999
    Abstract: A camera or other sensing unit senses the conditions of articles and mobile entities, including humans within a living space. An article management/operation server manages, within an article database, attribute information about the articles, including operators, according to the information from the sensing unit. The server receives a user's instruction, input through a console unit, and refers to the article database to convert this instruction into a control command, which is then transmitted to a life-support robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Okamoto, Osamu Yamada, Tomonobu Naruoka, Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Satoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7188000
    Abstract: A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, for emitting a number of directed beams, each directed beam having a predetermined emission pattern, and a receiving subsystem functioning as a base station that includes a navigation control algorithm that defines a predetermined triggering event for the navigational control system and a set of detection units positioned within the defined working area in a known spaced-apart relationship, the set of detection units being configured and operative to detect one or more of the directed beams emitted by the transmitting system; and wherein the receiving subsystem is configured and operative to process the one or more detected directed beams under the control of the navigational control algorithm to determine whether the predetermined triggering event has occurred, and, if the predetermined triggering event has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Chiappetta, Joseph L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7188001
    Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture comprises at least one heating device for heating the mixture and a power regulator for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heating device. A controller in communication with the power regulator includes program instructions for heating the reaction mixture by setting a variable target temperature that initially exceeds a desired setpoint temperature for the mixture. When the heating device reaches a threshold temperature, the variable target temperature is decreased to the desired setpoint temperature. In another embodiment, the controller includes an adaptive control program for dynamically adjusting the duration or intensity of power pulses provided to the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Steven J. Young, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, M. Allen Northrup, Kurt E. Petersen, William A. McMillan, Konstantin Othmer, Lee A. Christel
  • Patent number: 7188002
    Abstract: An appliance diagnostic display and interface system providing a centralized user interface for appliance diagnostic information and control of system self-tests is provided. This centralized user interface is provided via an intelligent thermostat that includes an LCD display. The intelligent thermostat interfaces, via wireless or wired communications, with the appliances installed in the home. The intelligent thermostat then generates and displays various user interface screens that allow particular appliances to be selected. Separate appliance specific screens are then generated that allow the user to access the diagnostic information in system test functionality provided by the individual appliance. Soft function keys provided on the intelligent thermostat allow multi-functional access to the features of the invention depending on which screen is currently being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Maple Chase Company
    Inventors: John Gilman Chapman, Jr., Nicholas Ashworth, Robert Burt, Timothy E. Wallaert
  • Patent number: 7188003
    Abstract: A power management architecture for an electrical power distribution system, or portion thereof, is disclosed. The architecture includes multiple intelligent electronic devices (“IED's”) distributed throughout the power distribution system to manage the flow and consumption of power from the system. The IED's are linked via a network to back-end servers. Power management application software and/or hardware components operate on the IED's and the back-end servers and inter-operate via the network to implement a power management application. The architecture provides a scalable and cost effective framework of hardware and software upon which such power management applications can operate to manage the distribution and consumption of electrical power by one or more utilities/suppliers and/or customers which provide and utilize the power distribution system. Security mechanisms are further provided which protect and otherwise ensure the authenticity of communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Power Measurement Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Ransom, David A. Chivers, J. Bradford Forth, David W. Giles, Michael E. Teachman, Jeffrey W. Yeo, Chuen Shan Simon Ki
  • Patent number: 7188004
    Abstract: Quick recovery or recovery support of a faulty power generating facility by real time diagnoses such as facility failure diagnosis, supervision for failure symptoms, facility diagnosis by evaluation of performance using databases between the power generating facilities and an operation control system. The operation control system transfers information on operating status and secular characteristic changes of apparatus from power generating facilities or information from operators of selected power generating facilities. The level of a failure of a power generating facility which has a failure is evaluated and repairing information (e.g. recovery procedures, processes, required parts, inventory of the parts, possible failure causes, etc.) is automatically created from repairing information prepared in advance for each evaluation condition. The repairing information is then sent to the operation supporting section of the power generating facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Nagafuchi, Yasushi Iwai, Hiraku Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7188005
    Abstract: Operational states of one or more operators employed in a vehicle are detected to generate operational information corresponding to the detected operational states. Also, one or more traveling states of the vehicle are detected to generate traveling information corresponding to the detected traveling states. There is provided a table storing correspondency between various operational and traveling information and various sound control information, and sound control information corresponding to generated operational or traveling information is obtained with reference to the table. Sound signal is generated on the basis of the obtained sound control information to auditorily inform a user of the vehicle of the operational or traveling state of the vehicle. Contents of the table may be changed as desired by the user. There may be provided a plurality of tables so that the user can select any one of the tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukazu Toba, Kiyohisa Sugii, Yukio Tada, Motoaki Miyabe, Osamu Maeda, Akihiro Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 7188006
    Abstract: The documentary assistance device (1) comprises sources of computer data (S1 to Sn, B1 to Bp) relating to said aircraft, to elements of the latter, as well as to the outside environment, an interrogation means (2) capable of being activated by an operator so as to generate a request for information relating to the execution of at least one particular task, an information presentation means (5), and a central processing unit (6) searching the data sources (S1 to Sn, B1 to Bp) in response to the creation of a request for information by the interrogation means (2), for data relating to the execution of the task, collecting these data and transmitting them, in the form of information, to the information presentation means (5) with a view to their presentation to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Felipe Salvado, Frédérique Populus
  • Patent number: 7188007
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying and receiving tactical and strategic flight guidance information. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes displaying at least one first indicator to an operator of the aircraft, with a first indicator corresponding to a first instruction input by the operator for directing a first aircraft behavior and implemented upon receiving an activation instruction from the operator. At least one second indicator corresponding to a second instruction for directing a second aircraft behavior at least proximately the same as the first aircraft behavior is displayed, with the at least one second instruction to be automatically implemented at a future time. The at least one second indicator is at least approximately the same as the at least one first indicator. Indicators can be hierarchically organized to simplify presentation and reduce pilot training time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Boorman, John C. Griffin, III, Peter D. Gunn, Randall J. Mumaw
  • Patent number: 7188008
    Abstract: A system for supervising the speed of at least one engine of an aircraft includes three independent information sources determining first, second and third values for an aerodynamic parameter of the aircraft and precision information indicating the precision of these values. A control unit acts on the operation of the engine, and a sensor measures a fourth value for the parameter. An arithmetic unit selects a control value by using the first, second, third and fourth values of the aerodynamic parameter and the precision information and uses the control value to determine a control sequence for the control unit. An information transmission network, to which the three independent information sources and the arithmetic unit are connected, permits a transmission of information between the sources of information and the arithmetic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Christian Garnaud, Brice Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7188009
    Abstract: A method of controlling a train for a crew change and includes collecting information on the train including weight and length of the train, special weight distribution, number and location of cars with cut-out or inoperative brakes, status of dynamic brakes on all locomotives, if brake test is required, and prior train brake problems. The information is stored as a report and displayed at a crew change. The train is disabled until the crew has accepted the report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Hawthorne
  • Patent number: 7188010
    Abstract: A device to convert a diagnostic interface to standard SPI, which includes an electronic unit having a data input, a data output, a synchronization input, a clock input, and a register, and a buffer unit having a signal input, a signal output and an activation input. The data input and the data output of the electronic unit are connected to each other by a first data line. The data output for the electronic unit is connected to the signal input on the buffer unit by a second data line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Kirschner
  • Patent number: 7188011
    Abstract: A system for enabling a vehicle with a conventional steering system to make tighter right and left turns. The vehicle has one or more computers that monitor the steering angle and that are also capable of independently controlling a right braking unit and a left braking unit. When the computers detect that the steering angle is near the rightmost steering angle, the computers actuate the right braking unit to a greater extent than the left braking unit to allow the vehicle to make a tighter right turn. When the computers detect that the steering angle is near the leftmost steering angle, the computers actuate the left braking unit to a greater extent than the right braking unit to allow the vehicle to make a tighter left turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Shirley, Christopher R. Pardue
  • Patent number: 7188012
    Abstract: A safety system (10) for a host vehicle (12) includes a voice sensor (38) that detects voice signals from a vehicle occupant. An occupant classifier (30) determines a state of mind of the vehicle occupant. A controller (13) performs a safety countermeasure in response to the state of mind of the occupant including the transmission of the state of mind to a target vehicle. A vehicle voice control system (24) includes the voice sensor (38), which detects voice signals from the vehicle occupant. A speech classifier (32) monitors a speech characteristic, including a vehicle occupant identifiable and associated speech characteristic, in response to the voice signals and associates the voice signals with a vehicle related task in response thereto. A controller (13) performs the vehicle related task in response to the voice signals and the association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Irv T. Salmeen, Gary S. Strumolo, Ronald H. Miller, David D. DiMeo, Anna Zevalkink
  • Patent number: 7188013
    Abstract: A method for interlinking regulation and/or control functions for a motor vehicle, the communication structure of the control or regulation functions is defined by way of graphs containing nodes and directed gridlines, the nodes of the graph representing control or regulation functions and its directed gridlines representing defined communication paths of the control or regulation functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Horst Krimmel, Wolf-Dieter Gruhle, Martin Spiess, Claus Granzow, Udo Gillich, Roland Geiger, Jürgen Lucas, Frank König