Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrode configured to provide electrical contact with a subject's skin through a subject contact surface. The electrode includes an electrode base pad having a first contact surface on a side of the electrode opposite the subject contact surface. The electrode also includes a connector assembly configured to electrically connect the electrode to an external electrical apparatus to transfer electrical signals between the subject's skin and the external electrical apparatus. The connector assembly includes a housing having a second contact surface. The second contact surface is configured to be magnetically and electrically coupled to the first contact surface of the electrode base pad. The connector assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to connect the second contact surface to the external electrical apparatus.

Abstract: The present application discloses a surgical apparatus for aneurysms comprising: a stent, a delivery guide wire, an introducer sheath and a microcatheter, wherein: the stent is a self-expanding stent; the delivery guide wire outside of which the stent is restrained to is provided in a lumen of the introducer sheath; the introducer sheather is connected with the microcatheter, with lumnes communicating, to form a passageway through which the delivery guide wire and the stent are delivered into a human body. The surgical apparatus for aneurysms provided in the examples of the present application is able to deliver and release the stent which has high density and is super soft to a vascular lesion. A lattice structure of the stent is of high coverage at the vascular lesion such that the stent released into the vessel prodeces the same effects as healing of parent vessel, and thus improves the treatment of vascular aneurysms.

Abstract: A stent delivery assembly is provided that includes a microcatheter, a delivery tube, a stent, and an elongate release member. The stent can have a first end that is (i) disposed within a delivery tube lumen and (ii) constrained by the delivery tube from radially expanding beyond a delivery tube lumen diameter. The stent can have a second end that is (i) disposed outside of a delivery tube distal end and (ii) substantially radially unconstrained by the delivery tube to expand beyond the delivery tube lumen diameter. The elongate release member can be moveable between first and second positions to engage or release the stent.

Abstract: To provide a stent for enabling injuries to the wall of a lumen to be reduced, a stent 10 in the shape of a mesh is placed and used inside a lumen such as a blood vessel of the human body, where the mesh is formed of a single or plurality of pieces of wire material 11 having elasticity, and the wire material 11 bends in the shape of a curve without being folded in end portions 10A, 10B of the stent 10, and is formed in the shape of a cylinder.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent that can include, in various embodiments, perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member being formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also being formed with axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents. Certain embodiments of such stents also can include barbs, fabric covering, and radiopaque markers.

Abstract: Degradable pure iron stent or iron alloy stent is provided. The stent is made containing 0.01 to 0.5 atom % of La, Ce or Sr. The stent is surface modified using ion implantation or plasma ion implantation to implant oxygen, nitrogen, La, Ce or Sr into the stent surface. The stent may also be manufactured by depositing a thin film of La, Ce, Sr, lanthana, ceria, strontia, iron or iron oxide onto the stent surface. The thickness of the deposited films is from 10 to 1000 nanometers with the grain size from 10 to 200 nanometers. The corrosion resistance of these stents is significantly increased, and the stents have good biocompatibility. The degradation of the stents is controllable. The stents can also provide sufficient support in blood vessel in 3-6 months after intervention and be degraded after 6 months.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. The valve can have a multi-lobal shape in the unstressed position. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a radially expandable stent and a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes a coaptation portion, an arcuate edge, and a belly. The coaptation portion is movable relative to respective coaptation portions of the other leaflets. The acuate edge has a first end and a second end and is coupled to the stent. The belly extends from the arcuate edge to an axis defined by the first and second ends of the arcuate edge, wherein the ratio of the surface area of the belly to the outer cross-sectional area of the expanded stent is about 0.09 to about 0.16.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Abstract: A blood pump is implantable within the vasculature, such as within the pulmonary artery. The pump may project through a native valve such as the pulmonary valve. In use, the pump opposes retrograde flow and thus acts as a replacement for the native valve. The pump may be an axial flow pump having a generally tubular housing adapted to fit within the space proximal to the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery while projecting only slightly proximally of the annulus of the native pulmonary valve.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in the ciliary sulcus of the eye has an optical part, on the periphery of which are arranged at least two haptic struts in the form of closed loops arranged symmetrically on each side of the optical part. Each loop is formed by at least three segments interconnected by flexion points, an arched upper segment forming the part for contact with the sulcus of the eye, and two lower segments providing the join between the upper segment and the optical part of the lens, to which they are also connected by flexion points. The length of the upper segment is less than the sum of the lengths of the lower segments and of their spacing (D) in the area of their connection to the optical part. The spacing is such that the lower segments converge on each other in the direction of the optical part.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus and methods for tissue lifting, or for correcting a ptosis condition caused by tissue stretching, are described. In some embodiments a tissue is supported by a support member. In some embodiments, tension is applied to a support member through at least one suspension member. The described embodiments provide examples of methods and apparatus effective for use in lifting or otherwise applying tension to various tissues, including tissues of the breast, buttock, thigh, arm, abdomen, neck and face.

Abstract: A vestibular implant fitting system and method are described for fitting a vestibular implant to the implanted patient. A body response characteristic of the patient to a vestibular implant stimulus signal is determined during a response measurement period. Then an operating characteristic of the vestibular implant system is set based on the body response characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric substrates comprising a biocompatible coating and methods of preparation thereof. In particular, the coating may be a ceramic material, especially a calcium phosphate material, which may be functionally graded. The invention provides the ability to apply high quality coatings to polymeric substrates without damaging the substrate (e.g., melting the polymeric material). The functionally graded coating can provide crystalline calcium phosphate near the coating interface with the substrate and provide amorphous calcium phosphate at the outer surface of the coating.

Abstract: Medical implants can comprise various instrumentation to impart desirable functionality to the implant. In some embodiments, the implants comprise functional structures, such as sensors, energy propagating transducers, drug delivery systems and the like. Additional instrumentation to facilitate the functionality of these devices can include, for example, microprocessors, communication systems, power sources or the like. Drug delivery systems can comprise, for example, an isolated reservoir with a control system to control the delivery of a biological agent from the reservoir. The implants can be orthopedic implants that are designed to interface with a patient's skeletal system wherein the orthopedic implant may itself embody sensors, processors, power supplies, memory and/or communication capability.

Abstract: A silicon nitride porous tissue engineering scaffold is fabricated from a silicon-based fiber that is converted to silicon nitride through a reaction at elevated temperatures in a nitrogen environment. Porosity in the form of interconnected pore space is provided by the pore space between the fiber material in a porous matrix. The silicon nitride porous tissue engineering scaffold can be formed from raw materials that are a precursor to silicon nitride. The silicon nitride porous tissue engineering scaffold supports tissue in-growth to provide osteoconductivity as a biocompatible tissue scaffold used as an implantable medical device for the repair of damaged and/or diseased bone tissue.

Abstract: A fixation device for bones includes a member which has at least one bore for receiving a bone screw, wherein the at least one bore comprises a first internal thread portion. The bone screw has a first shaft section provided with a first external thread portion arranged to cooperate with the internal thread portion of the at least one bore, and a head section having a diameter larger than that of the shaft section to provide a catch arranged to engage with a stop formed in the bore. The bone screw further has a second shaft section which includes a clearance groove extending between the catch of the head section and the external thread of the first shaft section. The clearance groove allows disengagement of the two thread portions, such that the bone screw is prevented from being unscrewed off the bore when it is loosened within the adjacent bone.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant for supporting bone structures is disclosed. The implant may include an outer member and an inner member receivable in the outer member. One of the outer and inner members includes a tapered surface and the other of the outer and inner members includes a scalloped surface. The implant may also include a locking element disposed between the tapered surface and the scalloped surface. The tapered surface may be movable relative to the locking element to transversely shift the locking element into engagement with the scalloped surface to inhibit a decrease in the overall implant height.

Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole. The plug base includes an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The plug base is configured to accommodate a variety of cranium forms without requiring deformation of the plug base. A plug base holding tool is used to secure the plug base to the cranium, wherein the tool aligns fasteners with the plug base for insertion through the plug base and into the cranium. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base to secure the medical device. The retainer includes a clamping mechanism that secures the elongated medical device in the burr hole plug, wherein the movement of the clamping mechanism is controlled to prevent skewing of the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole. The plug base includes an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The plug base is configured to accommodate a variety of cranium forms without requiring deformation of the plug base. A plug base holding tool is used to secure the plug base to the cranium, wherein the tool aligns fasteners with the plug base for insertion through the plug base and into the cranium. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base to secure the medical device. The retainer includes a clamping mechanism that secures the elongated medical device in the burr hole plug, wherein the movement of the clamping mechanism is controlled to prevent skewing of the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first portion configured to be coupled to a first bony structure and a second portion configured to be coupled between the first portion and a second bony structure. The second bony structure is disposed opposite the first bony structure. The apparatus further includes a transducer coupled between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Glenoid support for shoulder prostheses, able to be applied to the glenoid cavity (12) of a shoulder blade (13), comprising at least an attachment plate (24), an anchoring element (25), a glenoid articulation element (19; 140), wherein said attachment plate (24) and said anchoring element (25) are made in distinct parts and able to be selectively separated from each other.

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a component that is configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared bone. A fixation side of the component includes a fixation surface that has an angled cement pocket formed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant (1) for osseous fusion between two bones, including a first portion (20) having a longitudinal axis A, for being inserted in the first bone and including a first means (24) for attaching said implant in said first bone, and a second portion (30) having a longitudinal axis B, for being inserted in the second bone and including a second means (34) for attaching said implant in said second bone, said first and second portions (20, 30) being connected by a central core (40), said central core being a solid body, the cross-section of which, in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis A, has the shape of a star having at least three points (41, 42, 43), said first portion having three tabs (21, 22, 23), each tab extending along said longitudinal axis A from the free end (41a, 42a, 43a) of one of the points of said central core.

Abstract: Implants are disclosed. Methods of making and using implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Revision hip implants and prosthesis systems include femoral heads, cups, screws, bridges, and segmental prostheses for revision surgeries.

Abstract: Articles, compositions, and methods for growing tissues and organs using bioreactors, including rotating bioreactors, are provided. Synthetic scaffolds for growing artificial tissue and organ transplants are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a ground engaging bottom resilient member, a resilient heel member, and a resilient toe member that collectively circumscribe an open volumetric space. The members resilient compress to absorb compressive force throughout the entire stride of an individual utilizing the foot. The prosthetic foot stores energy during a heel strike phase of a gait cycle, and releases energy during a toe-off phase of the gait cycle in order to assist forward movement of a user. During the gait cycle, a loading response during the heel strike phase compresses the heel member and the toe member, and causes a deflection of the rear portion of the bottom member. Furthermore, an upward deflection of at least one of the bottom member and the toe member stores energy during the transition from the heel strike phase to the toe-off phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: A central control device used in a manufacture work machine for performing a manufacture work to control, in a centralized manner, work-element performing apparatuses each configured to perform one of work elements that constitute the manufacture work, by sequentially transmitting motion commands each of which is a command for one motion to be performed by one of the work-element performing apparatuses, the central control device including: a source-data storage section configured to store source data in which is encoded a matter of each of the work elements to be performed by each of the work-element performing apparatuses to perform manufacture work; a motion-command generating section configured to generate motion commands on the basis of the source data; and a command-transmission processing section configured to preform transmission processing to transmit the motion commands generated by the motion-command generating section to the work-element performing apparatuses.

Abstract: Provided are a PLC device and a method for controlling the same. The method includes: receiving input data from an external; storing the received input data in an input area of a data input/output unit; reading the input data from the input area of the data input/output unit in order to perform a calculation operation; storing output data, which is a result of the calculation operation, in an output area of the data input/output unit; and transmitting the output data in the output area of the data input/output unit to an output circuit.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: A fieldbus system is provided, having a plurality of fieldbus devices and a controller. The controller is in communication with the plurality of fieldbus devices though a fieldbus. The controller transmits a plurality of high priority Receive Process Data Objects (RPDOs) and a plurality of low priority RPDOs to the plurality of fieldbus devices through the fieldbus. The controller includes a control logic for sending each of the plurality of fieldbus devices one of the plurality of high priority RPDOs during a frame. The frame is the fastest rate at which the high priority RPDOs are transmitted. The controller includes a control logic for sending at least one of the plurality of fieldbus devices at least one of the plurality of low priority RPDOs. The low priority RPDOs are grouped by a minimum wait time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in detecting and responding to fault conditions in a utility system. A first partition controller associated with a first partition detects a fault condition within the first partition. The first partition controller transmits a utility capacity request to one or more partition controllers other than the first partition controller. A second partition controller associated with a second partition receives the utility capacity request and determines an available utility capacity of the second partition. The second partition controller transmits a utility capacity response that includes the available utility capacity to the first partition controller. A utility connection is activated between the first partition and the second partition based on the available utility capacity.

Abstract: Combined methods and systems for optimizing drilling related operations include global search engines and local search engines to find the optimal value for at least one controllable drilling parameter, and a data fusion module to combine or select the operational recommendations from global and local search engines. The operational recommendations are used to optimize the objective function, mitigate dysfunctions, and improve drilling efficiency.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling an industrial process associated with a plurality of process variables by means of a control system including displaying a set of process related images which are user-selected on a display device of the control system, each process related image of the set of process related images being associated with a process variable of the plurality of process variables; receiving process variable data of the plurality of process variables while the step of displaying is carried out, and when process variable data is received indicating that a process variable has a status value outside a predetermined accepted range; and displaying, on the display device, a process related image which is associated with the process variable with the status value outside the predetermined accepted range, receiving an input command for controlling the process variable, and controlling the process variable based on the input command.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described, comprising receiving data that represents a workpiece part type to be produced on a machine tool for machining flat starting materials. The method includes preparing a first numerical control program which is adapted for producing the workpiece part type from a flat starting material on the machine tool, and attaching one or more extractable data sets prepared from the received data to the first numerical control program, wherein the extractable data sets represent one or more parameters including the tools, tool steps and associated machining parameters for producing a single workpiece the workpiece part type on the machine tool. The method further includes extracting the extractable data sets from the attached first numerical control program for adjusting the one or more parameters, integrating the adjusted one or more parameters into a second numerical control program; and providing the second numerical control program to the machine tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting sports data include measuring, at one or more sensor modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on at least one sports participant, data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the at least one sports participant; measuring, at one or more sensor modules mounted, affixed, or embedded in a sports object, data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the sports object; and broadcasting, from one or more telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the sports object or on the at least one sports participant, signals carrying the data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the sports object or signals carrying the data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the at least one sports participant. In one embodiment, predictive action cameras are controlled to aim at an anticipated or predicted position of a sports participant or sports object.

Abstract: A system for training an athlete during a training period includes a digital system that is programmed to: receive a plurality of inputs regarding a current state of the athlete and a training goal for the athlete; employ an expert system to generate a training prescription for the athlete; and generate a plurality of control outputs that correspond to the listing of training activities. An exercise apparatus includes at least one activity device that is configured to: facilitate the athlete performing a predetermined exercise; receive the control output from the digital system and to adjust an exercise parameter so as to correspond to the training parameter indicated by the control output; and generate an electronic result output indicative of use by the athlete of the activity device wherein the result output is transmitted to the digital system.

Abstract: In a device for removing a protective film off a sheet such as game tickets or the like is described. The device has scraping means of the protective film and drawing means of the sheet, together with automatic reading means from which a winning ticket can be detected. The device also includes a recognition unit of the data read by the automatic reading means and warning or displaying means to signal or visualize information relating to a possible win of the ticket.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a receiver system. The system includes a receiver that generates digital data samples corresponding to an analog signal at a sampling frequency associated with a first frequency reference and a host codec that reads the digital data samples at a read frequency associated with a second frequency reference. The system also includes a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer that buffers the digital data samples via write commands associated with the receiver and read commands associated with the host codec. The FIFO buffer can have a current pointer state that is based on the relative write and read commands. The system further includes a frequency controller that calculates a frequency offset between the sampling frequency and the read frequency based on a rate of drift of the current pointer state relative to a predetermined calibration threshold and adjusts the sampling frequency based on the frequency offset.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device including a feature quantity vector calculation section that, when a plurality of pieces of learning data each configured including input data and an objective variable corresponding to the input data are given, inputs the input data into a plurality of basis functions to calculate feature quantity vectors which include output values from the respective basis functions as elements, a distribution adjustment section that adjusts a distribution of points which are specified by the feature quantity vectors in a feature quantity space so that the distribution of the points becomes closer to a predetermined distribution, and a function generation section that generates an estimation function which outputs an estimate value of the objective variable in accordance with input of the feature quantity vectors with respect to the plurality of pieces of learning data.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, a system, and instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium to instruct a processing system to carry out the method. The method includes applying corrective filters directly in a portable media device to correct, e.g., equalize for the overall system comprising the portable media device and the playback system to which it is attached. Also a method of determining the corrective filters by playing back one or more calibration signals on the playback system while recording the resulting sound field on the portable media device.

Abstract: A computer creates a recipe for a manufacturing tool based on design data. The computer obtains the design data, which includes basic elements and hierarchical levels corresponding to the basic elements. The computer selects one or more basic elements of interest and generates one or more sets of simple array cells corresponding to a level of interest. The computer uses the sets of simple array cells to identify periodical areas in level-of-interest coordinates to enable automated recipe creation. The periodical areas are identified with respect to one or more basic elements.

Abstract: A schedule manager may include a chromosome comparator configured to compare a plurality of schedule chromosomes, each schedule chromosome including a potential schedule of use of manufacturing resources within one or more time intervals in producing one or more items, and configured to compare each of the plurality of schedule chromosomes relative to constraints, to thereby output a selected subset of the plurality of schedule chromosomes. The schedule manager may include a chromosome combiner configured to combine schedule chromosomes of the selected subset to obtain a next generation of schedule chromosomes for output to the chromosome comparator and for subsequent comparison therewith of the next generation of schedule chromosomes with respect to the constraints, as part of an evolutionary loop of the plurality of schedule chromosomes between the chromosome comparator and the chromosome combiner, and a scheduler configured to select a selected schedule chromosome therefrom.

Abstract: Methods for generating predicted product values of a product produced by a machine and for predicting a process of a machine are disclosed. A method for generating predicted product values of a product manufactured by a machine controlled by programmable logic control code includes presenting a machine input fields requesting parameters associated with actuators and mechanical elements, and presenting product input fields requesting desired product properties. The method further includes receiving parameters from the machine input fields, receiving desired product properties from the product input fields, and calculating output response data by an emulation of a mechanical operation of the machine using the parameters and the desired product properties. The output response data is provided to a product model that calculates predicted product values based on the output response data provided. The method further includes presenting the one or more predicted product values.

Abstract: In a method of generating a numerical control program in which, based on sectional shape data of a product to which a relief processing is to be performed, a numerical control program for turning-processing the product is generated in order to recognize a groove shape data existing in the vicinity of a corner as a relief sectional shape, wherein groove shape data is extracted from the sectional shape data, an intersection of a line segment parallel to a turning axis and a line segment that is not parallel to the line segment is calculated as a corner of the sectional shape data, and the groove shape data is recognized as a relief sectional shape in a case where dimensions of a frame which includes from the corner to the groove shape data are within predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: An orchid caring system for properly enabling orchids to weather outdoor environments during transportation thereof is provided. The system comprises a plant holder that is configured to be tilted at different angles in order to receive optimal weathering conditions, a vehicle containing the plant holder, a sun blocker associated with the holder, a rain blocker associated with the holder, a sunlight detector associated with the holder, a rain detector associated with the holder, a location detecting device associated with the plant holder, a timer associated with the holder, a computing server providing location-based weather information to the plant holder, a processor associated with the holder, and a device containing memory associated with the holder. The memory causes the processor to execute a method for adjusting the removing/applying of the sun blocker and rain blocker, as well as the tilt direction & angle of the plant holder.

Abstract: A tactile wafer lifting apparatus includes a pedestal and a vertical drive connected to the pedestal. The vertical drive is defined to provide controlled upward and downward movement of the pedestal. The tactile wafer lifting apparatus also includes a wafer support member disposed over the pedestal. A tactile switch is disposed between the wafer support member and the pedestal such that sufficient downward force on the wafer support member causes activation of the tactile switch. The tactile switch is connected to the vertical drive so as to interrupt upward movement of the pedestal and wafer support member disposed thereover upon activation of the tactile switch.

Abstract: An automated destacking device is used to remove a single flat item or sheet from the top of a stack, and to then transport the item from the stack so that it may be used in an assembly line, manufacturing process, or the like. The stacked items are placed into a hopper, and an elevator drives the hopper upwardly until the top item in the stack contacts the underside of a horizontally movable carriage. The underside of the carriage includes an adhesive element, which engages the top item, and then the carriage moves in a horizontal direction away from the stack, carrying the top item from the stack to a position separately from the stack.

Abstract: We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region.