Patents Issued in March 6, 2012
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Patent number: 8128520Abstract: A tracking system and associated methods for locating animals, such as wounded/downed game animals or non-game animals such as research animals, and/or projectiles configured to be shot at an animal are disclosed. The system includes a transmitter and one or more radio frequency reflectors that are coupled to a projectile. After the projectile is shot, a user utilizes the transmitter to locate the reflector. In some cases, the reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile to allow the user to locate the projectile. In other cases, the reflector is selectively coupled to the projectile so as to be removed from the projectile and attached to the animal when the projectile hits the animal. In such cases, the user may use the transmitter to locate the animal. In still other cases, at least one reflector is integrally coupled to the projectile while another is selectively coupled to the projectile. Accordingly, the user can locate the projectile and the animal.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Kent H. Miner
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Patent number: 8128521Abstract: A mechanical broadhead arrowhead has moveable blades that deploy from a retracted in-flight configuration to an outward deployed configuration as the broadhead strikes the target. Once in the deployed configuration, the blades are locked to each other against the resistance of the target, but freely pivot about the ferrule. Accordingly, if one blade strikes an obstruction such as a solid bone, the blade assembly simply pivots out of the way without damaging the blade, deflecting the trajectory of the arrow, or halting its penetration into the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Russell Karl Ulmer
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Patent number: 8128522Abstract: An arrow fletching system having a continuous roll or individual lengths of base material to which is applied a series of fins or vane segments. The benefit of this fletching system is that an arrow can be fletched with an equal number of vane segments in each fletching area without measuring and/or weighing each of the sections. This results in a balanced arrow which can be easily modified to add or reduce the number of segments. Fins or vane segments may by slitted for greater flexibility along their top edges.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Louis Rangel
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Patent number: 8128523Abstract: A sportsball, such as a football, is preferentially constructed to enhance spiral rotation when thrown or kicked, allowing enhanced stability and distance.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: Russell Asset Management, Inc., SGG Patents LLCInventors: Ronald P. Laliberty, Michael W. Maziarz
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Patent number: 8128524Abstract: A gear train assembly includes a planetary gear set partially submerged in an oil bath and having a plurality of planetary gears mounted on a rotatable carrier. A plurality of sheaths having a hydrodynamic profile are mounted on the carrier to reduce the churning and turbulence created by the planetary gears as they enter the oil bath.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rick T. Lasko, Daniel J. Reed, Timothy F. Nusz, Christopher P. Braet, Keith A. Kabrick, John D. Zeirke
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Patent number: 8128525Abstract: A first planet stage of an epicyclic gearbox revolves in a gearbox housing and includes a planet support having two interconnected side pieces. Planet gears are borne in the planet support via planet gear bearings and engage a central sun gear shaft and a hollow gear secured to the gearbox housing. A first channel has one end connected to an oil supply in communication with an oil feed pump and passes through a gearbox housing wall, and another end connected via second channels, passing through one side piece of the planet support, to third and fourth channels, passing through the shafts of the planet gears and open to the planet gear bearings. The first channel passes through an insertion apparatus secured in the gearbox housing and.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Winergy AGInventors: Ralf Martin Dinter, Manfred Möllers, Herbert Scheibe
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Patent number: 8128526Abstract: The invention relates to a limited slip differential, more particularly for being used in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The limited slip differential 2 comprises a carrier element 3 which is rotatingly drivable around an axis of rotation A; a plurality of planetary gears 4 which rotate around the axis of rotation A together with the carrier element 3; a hollow gear 5 which is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis of rotation A and which engages at least some of the planetary gears 4; an adapter gear 7 which engages either the hollow gear 5 or the sun gear 6 via a toothed coupling 12 for the purpose of transmitting torque, and wherein the toothed coupling 12 comprises a first face toothing 14 at an end face of the adapter gear 7 and a second face toothing 13 at an end face of the gear engaging the adapter gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Michael Engelmann, Ralf Pfeifer
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Patent number: 8128527Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey
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Patent number: 8128528Abstract: A planetary gear set includes a sun gear; pinions that are positioned around the sun gear and that mesh with the sun gear; and a ring gear that is positioned on the outer side of the pinions and that meshes with the pinions. Each pinion has a plurality of teeth on the outer surface thereof. Each tooth has a first tooth surface and a second tooth surface on opposite sides of the tooth, which can contact tooth surfaces of the sun gear and the ring gear. The deviation of the first tooth surface from the corresponding reference surface differs from the deviation of the second tooth surface from the corresponding reference surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Tanabe, Yota Mizuno, Hiroshi Hata
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Patent number: 8128529Abstract: An assembly for stabilizing a gear unit of a transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a first component fixed against displacement along an axis, a carrier facing the first component, supported for rotation about the axis, and supporting planet pinion thereon, and springs located between the first component and the carrier, producing axial forces distributed angularly around the axis and applied to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bradley R. Heuver
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Patent number: 8128530Abstract: A method of automatically controlling a neutral position and parking lock of an motor-vehicle transmission to immobilize the vehicle depending on a drive position of the transmission selected by the driver with a selector device and subject to other operating parameters of the motor vehicle. Only when simultaneously the vehicle is essentially stationary, an ignition circuit is electrically interrupted and the selector device is in a “Neutral” position, can an Neutral-holding phase be activated, in which the transmission is in a non-frictionally engaged neutral position as long as the parking lock of the transmission has not yet been engaged. If the Neutral-holding phase has not been activated, the transmission remains non-frictionally connected in the Neutral position until the driver at least intends to exit the vehicle, at which time the parking lock of the transmission is automatically engaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Walter Hecht, Armin Gierling, Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Bernd Zänglein, Stéphane Klein
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Patent number: 8128531Abstract: A key interlock control system may include a parking position switch unit configured to detect whether a gearshift lever is located in a parking position; an ignition switch unit configured to be electrically connected to at least a power terminal for supplying electrical power to at least an electric or electronic component by manipulation of an ignition key; and a control unit configured to receive a signal from the parking position switch unit and a signal from the ignition switch unit and to determine whether the ignition key is to be locked by a key interlock unit based on the signals of the parking position switch unit and the ignition switch unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jin Sang Chung
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Patent number: 8128532Abstract: There is provided a physical fitness workout processing methodology and system for enabling remote scheduling and set-up of workout sessions for individual gym members or groups. In an exemplary embodiment, an individual or member is enabled to schedule a workout session in advance by using a wireless device or a personal computer from a location remote from the gymnasium where the workout session is to occur. The individual or user is enabled to schedule the use of various kinds of workout stations and equipment to insure that the proper equipment is available for use by the individual at the time during a workout session when it is needed. When the member enters the gym, his or her presence is detected and the member is tracked throughout the workout session. Messages are displayed on display devices by workout stations to announce that the equipment has been reserved for the member at the appropriate time.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Yen-Fu Chen, Nancy T. Sun
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Patent number: 8128533Abstract: Each time stepping motion of a player by a stepper 1 is detected, one firework object 214 appears on a television monitor 100 and then disappears. Each a predetermined number of times of the stepping motion of the player is detected, a more spectacular firework object than that of one step is displayed. If the player performs the stepping motion by frequency as a quota shown in a quota display section 212, this screen is finished.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: SSD Company LimitedInventors: Katsuya Nakagawa, Hiromu Ueshima, Hiroyuki Aimoto, Keiichi Yasumura
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Patent number: 8128534Abstract: Trampolines are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a trampoline includes a first support member having a plurality of portions and a second support member having a plurality of portions. A first support member first portion is aligned with a second support member second portion wherein the area between the first support member first portion and the second member first portion is a first plane. A first support member second portion is aligned with a second support member second portion wherein the area between the first support member second portion and the second support member second portion is a second plane. A single piece of first material substantially covers the first plane and the second plane. The first plane intersects the second plane at an angle less than one hundred eighty degrees.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Jump-Street, LLCInventor: Timothy Crawford
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Patent number: 8128535Abstract: An exercise device includes one or more foot supports movable along an arcuate path defined around a point of rotation. The arcuate path is divisible into machine defined user selectable arc segments and the movement of the foot support(s) is limited to the machine defined user selected arc segment. The exercise device can include a frame, a linkage movably engaged with the frame, a foot support movably engaged with the linkage, a crank arm movably engaged with the frame, a motor operative to move the crank arm location with respect to the frame, and a drive linkage movably engaging the linkage.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Scott Lee
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Patent number: 8128536Abstract: A vertical exercise apparatus having a set of waist high support rails capable of supporting the users body weight for use in conditioning upper body and lower body muscle groups of person using the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Bloomington Dynamics, IncInventor: Christiaan Ditolla
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Patent number: 8128537Abstract: A handheld, vibratory exercise device with a handle that has a low center of gravity and selectively removable modular weights for incorporating an adjustable and additional resistance. The present invention is a vibratory system with a hand-held resistance device that may have a pendulous shape of “low center of gravity” or “low center of mass” and adjustable weights and thereby provides the opportunity for a unique, multi-faceted neuromuscular load.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Concept One International LLCInventors: Joseph F. Signorile, Samuel S. Hollander
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Patent number: 8128538Abstract: Exercise assemblies having apparatus that retain the feet of a user during an exercise are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, and a support assembly operatively positioned relative to the load and including a base assembly. A force-transferring assembly is operatively coupled between the load and an exercise station such that a training force applied to the exercise station induces an associated force on the load. A foot-retaining assembly is operatively coupled to the support assembly and includes at least one foot-retaining device defining a foot-retaining space configured to receive at least a portion of a foot of the user. The foot-retaining device prevents a vertical movement of the foot of the user during the exercise.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.Inventor: L. Kent Lines
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Patent number: 8128539Abstract: An apparatus for weightlifting. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of technique plates. Each technique plate of the plurality of technique plates is an Olympic weightlifting technique plate. Each technique plate is formed as one piece of solid plastic-based composite, wherein a given technique plate is a different color from other technique plates of a different weight. Each technique plate has a color that is provided by the solid plastic-based composite. Each technique plate comprises a hole that is configured to receive a bar, wherein the hole of a given technique plate is rugged due in part to the given technique plate being one piece and made of solid plastic-based composite, wherein the hole of each technique plate has a hole tolerance and hole width that maintains sliding with ease and minimum teetering of the technique plate on the bar. Each technique plate is secure on the bar preventing damage to the technique plates when dropped on the floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Mercedes L. Dickerson
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Patent number: 8128540Abstract: An exercise system is provided in which multiple exercise routines may be conducted with a single system. The exercise system may be used for skiing exercises, rowing exercises, and for weight training/resistance exercises. The exercise system may also be stored in a compact position and may by integrated with articles of furniture for space saving benefits. In one embodiment, resistance to motion is provided by one or more tension transmission members and may be selectively adjusted by controlling the configuration of the tension transmission member relative to a torsion spring. Use of intermediate devices between the spring and the tension transmission member are described that provide a non-linear relationship between force and displacement. In another embodiment, the tension transmission member may be configured in different positions by adjusting the position of movable pulleys, thereby allowing the device to be used for a number of different exercise routines.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Studio Moderna SAInventors: Zdenko Sav{hacek over (s)}ek, Sandi Ce{hacek over (s)}ko
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Patent number: 8128541Abstract: An exercise grip device includes a jaw member which is of a sufficient width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand, wherein the jaw member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open position to permit receiving a weightlifting bar and is compressible to a closed position enabling engagement of the jaw member with the weightlifting bar in a manner to prevent sliding movement therebetween and while compressed exerts a force on one's hand and forearm muscles. A method includes weightlifting using the exercise grip device.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Grip4orce, LLCInventor: James Hartman
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Patent number: 8128542Abstract: An exercise grip device for use on a handle of a sport instrument which is to be swung and has a predetermined exterior size and configuration for a predetermined sport of the type swung to strike an object, wherein the handle has a predetermined cross-sectional configuration includes a generally tube-like member with a lengthwise opening and having about hand-width to permit grasping thereabout with one's hand and wherein the tube-like member includes a spring aspect which is preformed to an open relaxed position has an inner surface having a cross-sectional configuration which is larger than the predetermined cross-sectional configuration of the handle and is compressible to a closed position where the inner surface is maintained in contact with the handle to exert a force on one's hand and arm muscles and wherein the surface includes a nonmetal material which in the closed position engages the handle to prevent sliding movement therebetween by virtue of a non metal to handle contact of the grip device withType: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Grip4orce LLCInventors: James Hartman, Robert William Graham
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Patent number: 8128543Abstract: A twist exerciser includes a base, a first gear unit, a second gear unit, a seat, a feet rest and a handle unit. The first gear unit includes a first shaft rotatably connected to the base and a first gear is fixed to the first shaft and co-rotated with the first shaft. The second gear unit includes a second shaft rotatably connected to the base and a second gear is fixed to the second shaft and co-rotated with the second shaft. The seat is connected to a top end of the first shaft and co-rotated with the first gear. The feet rest has a first end fixed to the first shaft and a second of the feet rest has a transverse bar. The handle unit has a handle and drives the second shaft. The exerciser is easily operated and has simple structure and less noise.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Shu-Chiung Liao Lai
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Patent number: 8128544Abstract: A roll for a rotary printing press having a first web disposed along a helical path and a plurality of first tabs disposed one after the other on the first web and extending from the first web at an angle relative to a surface of the first web. The first web forms one of a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Lauren Cote, Jonathan Michael Villeneuve
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Patent number: 8128545Abstract: A machine is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The machine includes first, second and third stations. The first station is capable of advancing discrete pouches and lifting and folding a portion of a first major surface of each pouch upon itself to form a lip, and exposing an inner surface of a second major surface. The second station is capable of positioning and attaching a closure system transversely across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes a track having first and second legs each having an outer surface. The first and second legs are joined together by an opening/closing mechanism which includes a movable member capable of being moved back and forth. The third station is located downstream from the second station and is capable of unfolding the lip and securing opposite ends of the lip to the outer surface of the second leg.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: CMD CorporationInventors: David Z. Dytchkowskyj, Lawrence D. Mikulsky, Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicutt
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Patent number: 8128546Abstract: An in-line method is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The method includes advancing a discrete pouch through a first station in a machine direction with the closed bottom of the pouch being the leading edge and a first major surface of the pouch faces upward. The first major surface is folded upon itself to form a lip having an exposed first surface while a second major surface of the pouch has an exposed inner surface. The method also includes routing the pouch to a second station where a closure system is transversely attached across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes an opening/closing mechanism. The method further includes routing the pouch to a third station where the lip is unfolded and opposite ends of the lip are secured to the outer surface of the closure system.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: CMD CorporationInventors: David Z. Dytchkowskyj, Lawrence D. Mikulsky, Scott R. Grasse, Daniel J. Moran, Peter T. Hunnicutt
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Patent number: 8128547Abstract: A machine for erecting a polygonal container from a knocked-down flat (KDF) container formed from a blank of sheet material is provided. The container includes four main side panels, at least one corner panel extending between two of the main side panels, and at least one bottom flap extending from one of the main side panels. The machine includes a body, a first erecting mechanism coupled to the body, and a second erecting mechanism coupled to the body. The first erecting mechanism receives the KDF container and erects the KDF container into a partially erected container having a substantially rectangular configuration, and the second erecting mechanism receives the partially erected container and erects the partially erected container from the substantially rectangular configuration into the polygonal container by applying a force to an exterior surface of the partially erected container to erect the polygonal container that has more than four sides.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Robert Bradley Teany, Tuan Xuan Tran, John Herschel Conley
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Patent number: 8128548Abstract: Centrifugal separators and related methods and devices are described. More particularly, centrifugal separators comprising a first fluid supply fitting configured to deliver fluid into a longitudinal fluid passage of a rotor shaft and a second fluid supply fitting sized and configured to sealingly couple with the first fluid supply fitting are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems comprising a manifold having a drain fitting and a cleaning fluid supply fitting are described, wherein the manifold is coupled to a movable member of a support assembly. Additionally, methods of cleaning centrifugal separators are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: David H. Meikrantz, Jack D. Law, Troy G. Garn, Lawrence L. Macaluso, Terry A. Todd
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Patent number: 8128549Abstract: The inventive technique includes methods, devices and computer-readable media for monitoring a magnetic device. One such device includes a magnetic core for generating a magnetic field, a power supply and a capacitor bank that is charged by the power supply and is for pulsing the magnetic core. The device also includes a processor that measures a charging response of the capacitor bank during charging and determines whether the measured charging response is within a predetermined tolerance of a predetermined charging response.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Neuronetics, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Testani, Mark Edward Riehl, Frank C. Klingshirn
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Patent number: 8128550Abstract: A method for treating patients suffering from left ventricular dysfunction is disclosed. The method involves applying, during diastole, for a time period of about one hour, at least five days each week for at least about six weeks, an incrementally increasing external therapeutic pressure sequentially to the patients' lower extremities from first the calves, then the thighs and last the buttocks. The initial hourly treatments are carried out at a peak diastolic/systolic pressure ratio (D/S Ratio) in the range of about 0.4:1 up to about 0.9:1, depending on the patient's left ventricular ejection fraction. The D/S Ratio is increased slightly during the next set of hourly treatments, the D/S Ratio is again increased slightly during the next following set of hourly treatments, the D/S Ratio is again increased slightly during the next set of hourly treatments, and finally the D/S Ratio is increased slightly and maintained during the remaining set of hourly treatments.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Cardiomedics, Inc.Inventors: Marvin P. Loeb, Ginger Johnson, John McCallum
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Patent number: 8128551Abstract: A system for communicating with the inner ear is described. An acoustic transducer converts between electrical energy and mechanical energy. An inner ear catheter has a distal end in vibratory communication with the fluid of the inner ear, a proximal end in vibratory communication with the acoustic transducer, and a lumen filled with a catheter fluid for coupling vibratory signals between the distal end and the proximal end.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbHInventor: Claude Jolly
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Patent number: 8128552Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating female pelvic prolapse comprising a mesh sling for implanting into the pelvis of a female, which provides support to the urethra, the anterior vaginal wall, and the posterior vaginal wall with the sling defining a tissue-anchoring segment attached to opposite ends of the mesh sling. The mesh sling is surgically positioned using a tissue anchor applier instrument. The tissue anchor segment is positioned to attach to durable fascia that is located anatomically to support the sling. The durable fascia anchored vaginal wall support sling is positioned to provide support to the urethra for surgical management of female urinary incontinence, support to the anterior vaginal wall for surgical management of female cystocele, and support to the posterior vaginal wall for surgical management of female rectocele.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Pat D. O'Donnell
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Patent number: 8128553Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Mardil, Inc.Inventors: JaiShanker Raman, P. Srirama Rao
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Patent number: 8128554Abstract: A system for supporting an anatomical structure of the pelvis includes a surgical implant for providing support to the anatomical structure of the pelvis. The surgical implant includes a first tissue anchor including a plurality of projections adapted for tissue fixation, a second tissue anchor including a plurality of projections adapted for tissue fixation, and a sub-urethral support having first and second ends, the first and second tissue anchors extending from the first and second ends of the sub-urethral support. The system also includes an introducer for delivering the first tissue anchor to a desired anchoring site of the pelvis.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Coloplast A/SInventor: James Browning
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Patent number: 8128555Abstract: An in-vivo information acquiring apparatus includes an information acquiring unit that acquires in-vivo information, a transmitting unit that transmits the in-vivo information to an outside of a living body, a power source that serves to supply power to the information acquiring unit and the transmitting unit, a power supply unit that is provided between the power source and at least one of the information acquiring unit and the transmitting unit so as to supply the power of the power source to at least one of the information acquiring unit and the transmitting unit, an external signal detecting unit that detects an external control signal supplied from outside and generates a control signal according to a detected state of the external control signal, a power supply controller that controls a power supply state of the power supply unit according to the control signal supplied from the external signal detecting unit, and a masking unit that masks the control signal supplied to the power supply controller by tType: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Olympus CorporationInventors: Seiichiro Kimoto, Takeshi Mori
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Patent number: 8128556Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus includes: an illuminating unit that illuminates the inside of a subject's body; an imaging unit that takes an image of the inside of the subject's body; a first power supplying unit that supplies electric power to the imaging unit; a second power supplying unit that supplies electric power to the illuminating unit; and a switch that either connects the first power supplying unit to the second power supplying unit or disconnects the first power supplying unit from the second power supplying unit. The switch electrically separates the first power supplying unit from the second power supplying unit during at least an illuminating period of the illuminating unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventor: Seiichiro Kimoto
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Patent number: 8128557Abstract: An endoscope (1) is provided having a handle (2) and a probe part (3) that can be connected thereto, with an illumination system comprising at least one light emitting diode (6) and a video system having an image receiver being arranged in the handle (2). A carrier element (12) made of a heat-conducting material is provided for at least one light emitting diode (6) inside the handle (2), to which the light emitting diode (6) is directly connected. The carrier element thermally contacts the housing parts and/or installation parts of the handle (2) and the probe part (3) for heat conductivity and/or dissipation.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Schölly Fiberoptic GmbHInventors: Werner Scholly, Stefan Schlenker, Steffen Paul, Volker Grimmig
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Patent number: 8128558Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
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Patent number: 8128559Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in the retractor and to move the retractor to relocate tissue to one or more convenient locations during a surgical procedure. The retractor can be configured from a pliable state to a substantially rigid state to hold the retractor and the tissue in a substantially fixed position during the procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Patrick J. Minnelli
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Patent number: 8128560Abstract: A power-supply starter apparatus for a capsule-type medical device that includes a container case internally retaining a capsule-type medical device having at least a intra-subject information acquiring unit and a power switch for switching power supply to each unit including the intra-subject information acquiring unit, and a starter that has a magnetic body and controls switching of the power supply by applying a magnetic field originating from the magnetic body to the power switch of the capsule-type medical device inside the container case, wherein the container case has an insertion/removal unit in which a space is formed where the magnetic body can be brought closer to the power switch and the starter is inserted/removed, and the insertion/removal unit and starter have a restriction unit for restricting rotation around an axis in an insertion/removal direction of the starter into/from the insertion/removal unit so that switching of the power supply is controlled only by an insertion/removal operation ofType: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventor: Hidetake Segawa
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Patent number: 8128561Abstract: A hydration and composition measurement device and technique that in one embodiment includes a microcontroller; a phase lock loop frequency synthesizer controlled by the microcontroller to generate radio frequencies; a cavity for use in resonating at a set of frequencies; a radio frequency power detector for measuring perturbed cavity resonance; and an analyzer. The hydration and composition measurement device may further include a circulator, which receives frequencies from the phase lock loop frequency synthesizer, and an antenna connected to the circulator and cavity. The cavity may be defined by a metallic material or members, and the cavity includes a hole configured to provide access of tissue to be tested to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Intelligent Automation, Inc.Inventors: Arvind Bhat, Shan Chiang, Eric van Doorn, Pencheng Lv
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Patent number: 8128562Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: Paul V. Goode, Jr., James H. Brauker, Apurv U. Kamath, James Patrick Thrower, Victoria Carr-Brendel
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Patent number: 8128563Abstract: Ultrasound transducer comprises an array of elements forming rows and columns and wires within a transducer cable configured to connect at least a portion of the elements to an ultrasound system. The array comprises a central row and at least first and second outer rows positioned along opposite sides of the central row. First set of lines electrically connects elements within a first portion of the central row to one of the wires. First portion comprises less than a total number of elements within the central row. Second set of lines electrically connects at least a portion of the elements within first and second outer rows that are in the same column and electrically connects elements within a second portion of the central row to elements that are in the same column. Each line within the second set of lines is connected to one of the wires.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Kjell Kristoffersen
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Patent number: 8128564Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a shear modulus within a body is disclosed. A method for imaging a shear modulus in accordance with the present invention includes generating an elastic wave inside an object to be measured; detecting the elastic wave ongoing inside the object to be measured; calculating a shear modulus of the inside of the object to be measured, based on a value obtained by differentiating the detected elastic wave one time; and imaging the inside of the object to be measured, based on the calculated shear modulus.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: University-Industry Cooperation Group of Kyunghee UniversityInventors: Oh In Kwon, Eung Je Woo, Chun Jae Park, Hyun Soo Nam
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Patent number: 8128565Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus having a continuous wave Doppler mode. A line switching section is provided between an array transducer and a unit which has a CW transmission section and a CW reception section, for changing a transmitting and receiving aperture pattern. When a first transmitting and receiving aperture pattern is set on the array transducer, a first aperture functions as a transmitting aperture and a second aperture functions as a receiving aperture. When a second transmitting and receiving aperture pattern is set on the array transducer, the second aperture functions as a transmitting aperture and a first aperture functions as a receiving aperture. The patterns are switched whenever predetermined amount of time has elapsed after a prescribed event such as a pattern change, resumption of continuous wave reception, and so on. As such, localized heat generation or deterioration on the array transducer can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Aloka Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akifumi Ohtake, Katsufumi Motokawa
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Patent number: 8128566Abstract: An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: George W. Keilman, Leigh Bartlett, Timothy Johnson
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Patent number: 8128567Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an image obtaining unit for irradiating an imaging region and obtaining tomographic image information that draws the imaging region, an input unit for inputting scan parameter value information and a target sound pressure parameter value as an index of an estimated sound pressure in the subject, an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calculating device for calculating an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value in the subject on the basis of the scan parameter value information and maximum drive voltage information of a piezoelectric transducer group for generating an ultrasonic wave, and a maximum drive voltage optimization device for comparing the estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value and the target sound pressure parameter value and optimizing the maximum drive voltage value of the maximum drive voltage information.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Sei Kato, Takanori Saito
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Patent number: 8128568Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for ultrasonically scanning a tissue volume are described, the apparatus being particularly advantageous in the context of freehand ultrasound assisted biopsy of the breast although readily applied to non-biopsy contexts and other body parts. The apparatus comprises a casing configured and dimensioned for single-handed manipulation relative to a surface of the tissue, and a texturably couplant-porous material sheet extending across an opening of the casing. The texturably couplant-porous material sheet has an outer side and an inner side relative to the casing, the outer side for compressively contacting the tissue surface. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound transducer positioned against the inner side of the texturably couplant-porous material sheet and being mechanically translatable thereacross for volumetrically scanning the tissue volume therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: U-Systems, Inc.Inventors: Shih-Ping Wang, Douglas G. Summers, Jiayu Chen, Tor C. Anderson
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Patent number: 8128569Abstract: A method and system for detection of respiratory variation in pulse oximetry are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a pattern consistent with a respiratory cycle of a waveform representing cardiac oscillations and identifying an abnormality based on the pattern. The method further includes triggering an alarm in response to identifying an abnormality. A system is further provided including a database and a module.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterInventors: Gregory R. Mason, John M. Criley