Abstract: A graft for facilitating treatment of a deformity in a blood vessel wall includes a tubular body defining a first end and an opposing second end. At least a portion of the tubular body includes a super-absorbent material integrated into the tubular body and configured to expand upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: Stent designs for use in vessels, such as the carotid and coronary arteries, are disclosed. The stents consist of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in a longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elements form a generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis between alternating valley portions and peak portions. The interconnecting members are attached to the double-curved portions to connect a cylindrical element to an adjacent cylindrical element and interconnecting members are attached to the inverted double-curved portions to connect the cylindrical element to the other adjacent cylindrical element. The stent designs include both a six crown and an eight crown stent which exhibit flexibility and sufficient radial strength to support the vessel.

Abstract: A stent graft device for implanting in a body lumen, comprising a stent with non-staggered or staggered apexes, said stent comprising a plurality of stent sections, bendable connecting members forming said non-staggered or staggered apexes and connecting each of said stent sections to other stent sections to form a zigzag pattern, wherein said stent is staggerdly sutured to a graft by a plurality of suture knots, and wherein said suture knots and staggered apexes are staggered when said stent sections are crimped, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the maintenance of blow flood using drug eluting stents and/or other coated medical devices to increased length of time of blood flow. Further, the present invention relates to drug-releasing coated devices for reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet activity to further limit restenosis utilizing resveratrol and quercetin, polyphenols that are linked to the cardioprotection of red wine consumption. The present invention also provides products and methods for treating or preventing atherosclerosis, stenosis, restenosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet cell activation and other clotting mechanisms, occlusive disease, or other abnormal lumenal cellular proliferation condition in a location within the body of a patient.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.

Abstract: A device for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium comprises an hourglass-shaped stent comprising a neck region and first and second flared end regions, the neck region disposed between the first and second end regions and configured to engage the fossa ovalis of the patient's atrial septum; and a one-way tissue valve coupled to the first flared end region and configured to shunt blood from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds blood pressure in the right atrium. The inventive device may include a biodegradable material that biodegrades to offset flow changes caused by tissue ingrowth. The inventive device may reduce left atrial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and may increase cardiac output, increase ejection fraction, relieve pulmonary congestion, and lower pulmonary artery pressure, among other benefits.

Abstract: A method and device for treating a heart by assisting one or more heart chambers to expand during diastole. The method comprises providing a plurality of anchoring members; providing an elongate member and a release mechanism connected to the elongate member, the release mechanism being configured to releasably engage with each of the plurality of anchoring members; the elongate member being configured to store energy exerted by a heart chamber during systole, and release the stored energy during diastole to assist the heart chamber to return to an uncompressed state; selecting one of the plurality of anchoring members; positioning the elongate member transverse a chamber of the heart; and engaging the release mechanism with the selected anchoring member so as to releasably attach the elongate member to the selected anchoring member.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring, configured for implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, comprising multiple segments each of which are geometrically shaped from a three dimensional perspective to conform to the anatomic shape of the valve annulus. In one embodiment, the annuloplasty ring is configured to facilitate a reduction of tension on heart valve tissue and eliminate a substantial portion of potential pressure or force that may be applied to the atrioventricular node by the annuloplasty ring when implanted. In another embodiment, at the annuloplasty ring is configured to include an assembly that facilitates selective adjustment of a segment's respective length and/or shape. The adjustment of the length of one of the ring segment's results in an adjustment of at least one angle between at least one set of other ring segments, thereby causing an adjustment to the geometric characteristics of the ring.

Abstract: An object is to provide an artificial lens for use in an artificial eye device for cataract surgery practice. The artificial lens includes an artificial nucleus corresponding to a human eye lens nucleus and an artificial cortex corresponding to a human eye lens cortex. The artificial nucleus is formed of an agar gel of agar concentration 1.0 wt % to 5.0 wt %. The artificial cortex is formed of an agar gel of agar concentration 0.5 wt % to 1.5 wt % which is lower than the agar concentration of an agar gel forming the artificial nucleus. In another embodiment, an artificial lens includes an artificial nucleus corresponding to a human eye lens nucleus and an artificial cortex corresponding to a human eye lens cortex. The artificial nucleus is formed of cheese or a cheese-like substance, and the artificial cortex is formed of pulp fiber.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic may be pre-stressed before the optic is placed within it. After such placement, the pre-stress may be relieved, and the haptic may produce stress in the optic. The pre-stress may produce a radial tension or a radial compression in the optic. Alternatively, once the optic is placed within the haptic, both may undergo a process that changes the size and/or shape of one with respect to the other, causing a stress within the optic. This process may produce a radial tension or a radial compression in the optic. The haptic may include an annular ring having outer and inner diameters that may depend on the stiffness of the haptic.

Abstract: Degradable bioprostheses made of collagen-based material having amine-based and ester-based crosslinks are provided, as are methods for their formation and use. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a method of controlling the ratio of amine-based crosslinks to ester-based crosslinks within a collagen-based material to provide a tailorably crosslinked collagen-based material. Some embodiments provide a method of making a degradable bioprosthesis involving controlling crosslinking to afford a degradable bioprosthesis that is partially crosslinked. By controlling the ratio of amine-based to ester-based crosslinks, by controlling the level of crosslinking, or by controlling both of these features, degradable bioprostheses with tailored degradation rates can be synthesized. Some embodiments of degradable bioprostheses have degradation rates that are tailored to allow their use in particular medical applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for reconstructing a ligament, the apparatus comprising: a fixation device for maintaining a graft ligament in a bone hole, the fixation device comprising: a fixation screw comprising a body having screw threads formed thereon; and a ligament spacer mounted to the fixation screw, the ligament spacer comprising a canted face disposed opposite the fixation screw; such that when a graft ligament is disposed within a bone hole, the fixation screw and ligament spacer may be advanced into the bone hole alongside the graft ligament so that the fixation screw creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the bone hole, and the ligament spacer creates an interference fit between the graft ligament and the wall of the bone hole, with the canted face of the ligament spacer being aligned with the adjacent surface of the bone.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a process for implanting a cartilage graft into a cartilage defect and sealing the implanted cartilage graft with recipient tissue. The invention is also directed towards a process for repairing a cartilage defect and implanting a cartilage graft into a human or animal. The invention is further directed toward a repaired cartilage defect.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having an implant body including a bone interface surface having a bone interface structure protruding therefrom. The bone interface structure includes a proximal portion of the bone interface structure adjacent the bone interface surface and a distal portion of the bone interface structure extending from the proximal portion of the bone interface structure, wherein the distal portion of the bone interface structure configured to be disposed at least partially into a bone structure during use.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating an intervertebral space. A device is provided that extends from the middle of at least one vertebral body to the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The device allows nutrients, such as bone marrow, blood, etc., to migrate from the vertebral body to the disc space to help promote fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. The device can be tubular, perforated and can be made of an absorbent or wicking material that is able to promote the nutrients to travel through the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved bone graft is provided for human implantation, particularly such as a spinal fusion cage for implantation into the inter-vertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae. The improved spinal fusion cage includes a substrate block of high strength biocompatible material having a selected size and shape to fit the anatomical space, and a controlled porosity analogous to natural bone. The substrate block may be coated with a bio-active surface coating material such as hydroxyapatite or a calcium phosphate to promote bone ingrowth and enhanced bone fusion. Upon implantation, the fusion cage provides a spacer element having a desired combination of mechanical strength together with osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity to promote bone ingrowth and fusion, as well as radiolucency for facilitated post-operative monitoring. The fusion cage may additionally carry one or more natural or synthetic therapeutic agents for further promoting bone ingrowth and fusion.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Abstract: A spinal implant having a series of sections or units hinged together and a balloon connected to at least some of the sections, the balloon having a curved configuration. The implant has a first delivery configuration and a second curved placement configuration, wherein it has a more linear configuration in the first delivery configuration than in the second curved configuration. The implant assumes the first delivery configuration during delivery to the disc space and maintains the curved configuration after placement within the disc space. The curved configuration can result from filling or expanding the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an allograft intervertebral implant sized and configured for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spinal fusion surgery. The implant is preferably manufactured from two or more pieces of allograft bone joined together by a joint, more preferably a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint being sized and configured to substantially follow the exterior shape or surface of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. A cannula is inserted to create a working channel through the skin and tissue of a patient using a transforaminal approach to the disc space. A viewing element is used to visualize working end of the cannula and the disc space. A facetectomy is performed through the working channel to access the disc space. The disc space is prepared with various instruments, such as distractors, shims, chisels and distractor-cutters that extend through the working channel. At least implant is inserted into the disc space. The procedure allows bi-lateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with the at least one implant inserted via a unitary, minimally invasive approach to disc space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

Abstract: A multi-component joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between a first bone and opposing second bone. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the first bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of at least one of radius and ulna bones and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate component is supported in articulating fashion between the first and second anchored components. A plurality of micro debris entrapment chamber subassemblies are incorporated into the components and communicate with at least one of the articulating surfaces for isolating and capturing debris resulting from joint wear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an implant system in anatomy is disclosed. The apparatus can include an alignment member operable to contact an implant portion, a bone, or other appropriate portion. The method can include using the apparatus to assist in positioning a single or multi-piece implant member. Also, a method of aligning a first implant position relative to another implant position is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of surgically preparing a patella for implantation of a patella prosthetic component is disclosed.

Abstract: A tibia implant for tightening the patella tendons, has a vertical cross section which in mounted position tapers downward, an essentially vertically arranged base plate which carries a sponge structure, wherein the sponge structure on both sides rests against a respective vertical cut surface of a vertical knee proximal incision of the tibia.

Abstract: Equipment for placing an implant comprising an instrument for gripping the implant comprising two portions able to adopt a position of holding the implant and an open position allowing gripping or release of the implant once the latter is implanted, and an element for locking the portions in the holding position, the locking element comprising an attachment device arranged to come into engagement with a complementary attachment device provided in a reception housing formed by the portions in the implant-holding position, the attachment device and the complementary attachment device forming a sliding connection.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.

Abstract: Provided herein are hip implant devices and related surgical methods. The hip implants and methods can optionally be used in patients of Asian descent.

Abstract: An implant is provided with a main body (1) and with a double coating applied to at least one surface section of the main body (1), wherein the double coating comprises an adhesion promoter layer (2), applied directly to the at least one surface section of the main body, and of an osteointegrative layer (3) covering the adhesion promoter layer (2). The layers (2;3) consist of pure titanium, wherein the adhesion promoter layer (2) has a thickness of 2-6 ?m, in particular a thickness of 3-5 ?m, and the osteointegrative layer (3) has a thickness of 50-70 ?m, in particular of 55-65 ?m. Moreover, the osteointegrative layer (3) has a porosity of 70-90% and a roughness Rzof at least 45 ?m. A related method is also provided for producing such an implant.

Abstract: Paranasal sinus apparatus is provided, including a hole-forming member configured to form a hole through a bone wall of a paranasal sinus of a subject. An implant is provided, having a proximal end and a distal end, and which is shaped to define a lumen. The implant is couplable to the hole-forming member, and is securable to the wall and extendable through the hole, such that the proximal end is disposed external to the paranasal sinus and the distal end is disposed within the paranasal sinus. The implant includes a biodegradable material. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A stem 8 has the following elements made from FRP: an upper outer shell 4U, a main structure upper half 3U, a main structure lower half 3L, and a lower outer shell 4L when the stem is placed in a flat state. The elements are integrated into one piece by stacking the elements and applying heat and pressure to melt resins impregnated in the FRP structural elements. Each outer shell is a curved prepreg sheet formed by impregnating carbon fibers arranged at angle of ±45 degrees with a thermoplastic resin, and each upper and lower halve is an evenly stacked part in which prepreg sheets are stacked. Overlapping section 5 of the upper and lower outer shells are formed such that the left and right portions of a main structure 3 formed by integrating the upper and lower halves 3U, 3L does not have a stepped outer surface.

Abstract: A composite bone graft which comprises an allograft bone component; a synthetic bone substitute, wherein the synthetic bone substitute is in contact with the allograft bone component. The composite is arranged in a core/outer layer structure.

Abstract: A engineered tissue implant comprising a perfusion chamber formed with a biocompatible flexible tubular member having a wall defining an internal fluid flow passage and a porous scaffold within the fluid flow passage of the tubular member, the porous scaffold arranged such that, in a presence of a perfusion fluid, the perfusion fluid will flow through the porous scaffold and be inhibited from flow between the porous scaffold and the wall of the tubular member. The engineered tissue implant may be understood as a transplantable cell construct or as an implantable bioreactor for cell growth both in vitro and/or in vivo. A method to provide tissue for reconstruction may comprise forming the engineered tissue implant containing a scaffold, introducing and seeding cells to the scaffold, introducing a perfusion fluid to the scaffold which flows through the fluid flow passage and scaffold, proliferating the cells within the scaffold and forming blood vessels within the scaffold.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis for a transfemoral amputee, having a shin portion, ankle portion and a forefoot part of the foot portion formed as an integral fibre-reinforced plastics leaf spring component. This integral component is adjustably mounted to a knee joint which has a knee chassis, a cradle pivotally connected to and depending from the knee chassis, and a flexion control unit in the form of a piston and cylinder assembly interconnecting the knee chassis and the cradle. The shin portion has an elongate resilient section of constant cross-section oriented substantially vertically. The connection of this resilient section to the knee joint cradle and the arrangement of the cradle is such that the vertical distance between the knee axis of rotation and the location of the connection is less than 25% of the vertical distance between the knee axis and the lowest weight-bearing surface of the foot portion.

Abstract: The invention is a modular human hand prosthesis with modular, mechanically independent finger modules, which may be applied in prosthetics as a replacement of a single finger, a group of fingers or whole hand or arm, as well as in robotics as a gripper.

Abstract: Provided is a control system capable of reducing cost while securing reliability of original processing of a microcomputer. An engine control device and a meter control device each store a control amount calculating procedure for calculating a control amount regarding a significant control to be performed on the control target of the engine control device. The engine control device compares a control amount regarding the significant control calculated by the engine control device, and a control amount regarding the significant control calculated by the meter control device, to thereby control the control target of the engine control device based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a front projection system operatively mounted as part of an appliance and configured to optically project a virtual user interface; an optics system operatively mounted as part of the appliance and configured to direct the virtual user interface optically projected by the front projection system onto a given surface; a user input system operatively mounted as part of the appliance and configured to receive one or more input selections made by a user in correspondence with one or more features that are part of the virtual user interface optically projected by the front projection system on the given surface via the optics system; and a controller operatively coupled to the front projection system and the user input system, and configured to control operation of one or more components of the appliance in response to the one or more input selections made by the user in correspondence with the one or more features that are part of the virtual user interface.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a network system. In the method, it is determined whether a communication modem of an electric product is operable by transmitting a signal between the communication modem and a component. If the communication modem is operable for communication with the component, an operation of the electric product is controlled based on power information received through the communication modem.

Abstract: A model predictive controller (MPC) for controlling physical processes includes a non-linear control section that includes a memory that stores a non-linear (NL) model that is coupled to a linearizer that provides at least one linearized model, and a linear control section that includes a memory that stores a linear model. A controller engine is coupled to receive both the linearized model and linear model. The MPC includes a switch that in one position causes the controller engine to operate in a linear mode utilizing the linear model to implement linear process control and in another position causes the controller engine to operate in a NL mode utilizing the linearized model to implement NL process control. The switch can be an automatic switch configured for automatically switching between linear process control and NL process control.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing and diagnosing a large scale process automation control system having a plurality of control loops. Assessments for pre-defined key performance indicators (KPIs) are automatically generated for control, process and signal sections of each control loop. The automatically generated assessments of the pre-defined KPIs may be displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer. A user may change the automatically generated assessments of the pre-defined KPIs. Different data views may also be displayed in the GUI. The data views include time series trends for measured process variable, controller output, controller set point and error, as well as controller parameter clustering views in two-dimensional and three-dimensional plots.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recognizing and evaluating the quantitative mispricing of gaming markers. One method includes the steps of defining at least two entities, defining a measured marker, defining a cumulative period of events of the two entities, each event having the measured marker, assigning a value to the measured marker based on the at least two entities achievement or failure to obtain the measured marker for each event during the cumulative period, measuring the divergence of the value of the measured marker during the cumulative period, and quantifying the divergence. One such system accepts information from a user via an interface, calculates a divergence value and/or graph(s) for upcoming event(s) based upon the information input by the user, and provides the divergence value and/or graph(s) to a user. The divergence value may be compared to a scale of divergence values to evaluate a strength of such value.

Abstract: An audio player includes a storage unit storing music type modes and audio files; an input device provided for selecting an automatic switching mode of the audio player; a detection circuit sampling noise of the current environment and generating a detection signal according to the noise of the current environment; a processor performing the automatic switching mode by selecting one of the music type modes according to the detection signal and finding one or more of the audio files having identities corresponding to the selected music type mode; and an output device outputting data of the audio files having identities corresponding to the selected music type mode.

Abstract: A numerical controller, wherein an operator, even remotely, can recognize a sound of a machine tool or the like, and can intuitively know the effect in adjusting the parameter. The numerical controller includes a drive axis controlling part configured to control a drive axis; a drive axis data storing part configured to obtain a physical quantity of the drive axis as time-series data and store the time-series data; a displaying part configured to convert the time-series data into a predetermined indication form and display the data as at least one displayed waveform; a selecting part configured to select the displayed waveform by input operation of the operator; a sound converting part configured to convert the selected waveform into sound conversion data, a type of which is capable of being output as sound; and a sound outputting part configured to output the generated sound conversion data as sound.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for recording audio with the character and sonic benefits of a genuine analog recording is disclosed. More specifically, an electro-mechanical-software controlled closed loop analog signal processor (“CLASP”) system which is comprised of a CLASP unit containing firmware, a latency detection module, and CLASP hardware display and controls. The CLASP system further comprises CLASP software operably running on a digital audio workstation (“DAW”) which is also in operable communication with the CLASP unit. The CLASP unit is also in operable communication with an analog recordable medium. An analog audio signal is recorded on the analog recordable medium, which may consist of a coated tape, cup, cylinder, drum, or disk, and then immediately played back and routed to the DAW via an analog to digital converter, thus providing for digitally recorded analog audio. The CLASP system may also include converters and a mixing console.

Abstract: An energy-saving optimizing program works closely with conventional process simulation programs by applying energy saving paradigms embodied in script files that may review data inherent in the simulation program to identify possible energy-saving opportunities. When the script files identify a possible energy savings, they may interact with the simulation program to evaluate the savings potential and present the same to a user. In this way opportunistic energy savings may be provided even for processes that resist close form global optimization.

Abstract: A detail thermal model memory has stored detail thermal models each including a mathematical formula using parameters describing a temperature variation of a rolling material in a prescribed cooling interval, an influence coefficient calculator calculate an influence coefficient as necessary for a control of temperature variation of the rolling material, a simple cooling pattern calculator calculate a simple cooling pattern in a simplified form of a preferable detail cooling pattern being necessary for the rolling material to have a preferable material quality, strength, or ductility, a detail cooling pattern calculator calculate a detail cooling pattern of the rolling material in the prescribed cooling interval, and a cooling controller takes the detail cooling pattern as a basis to control a cooling of the rolling material.

Abstract: Technology for milling selected portions of a workpiece by a cutting tool of a numerical control machine is described. The described technology provides methods and apparatuses for milling areas of a part so that more aggressive machining parameters can be used in the toolpath, thereby resulting in reduced machining time and load. The technology creates a series of toolpath contours where arcs in the toolpath contours are non-concentric with arcs in other toolpath contours. The selected portions of the workpiece are milled by moving the cutting tool in accordance with the toolpath.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unstacker device for unstacking flat articles, said unstacker device including: first detection means for detecting transitions between article types; at least first and second specialized unstacking programs and a default unstacking program, which programs are suitable for maintaining respectively a first nominal gap, a second nominal gap, and a default nominal gap, between two consecutive flat articles; and a monitoring/control unit arranged for automatically executing said default unstacking program in response to detection of said transition, for counting said flat articles subsequent to said transition, and, in response to a predetermined counting threshold being reached, for executing, for said subsequent flat articles and until the next transition detection, the corresponding one of said first and second specialized unstacking programs. The invention also relates to a method of unstacking flat articles using said unstacker device.

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final sorting of the mail piece.