Patents Issued in July 1, 2014
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Patent number: 8764818Abstract: 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 arcuate 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Peter W. Gregg
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Patent number: 8764819Abstract: An arterial device, system and method are provided for use with a patient undergoing a cardiac procedure. The system is configured for enabling one or more arterial devices to be accommodated in the aorta of the patient in use of the system, and a perfusion lumen arrangement provides therethrough a target perfusion flow into the aorta having a target perfusion flow rate that is significantly greater than a nominal perfusion flow rate, by an excess perfusion flow rate. A suction lumen arrangement provides therethrough a suction flow out of the aorta at a suction flow rate. The target perfusion flow rate and the suction flow rate may be concurrently and selectively controlled to cause embolic debris that may be present in the aorta to be diverted to the suction inlet, while providing the nominal flow rate to the body circulation of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Cardiogard Medical Ltd.Inventors: Eldad Taub, Nathan Sela, Benny Dilmoney
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Patent number: 8764820Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a balloon catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve through an introducer in an antegrade fashion to the aortic annulus. The balloon catheter passes through an introducer that accesses the left ventricle through its apex and a small incision in the chest wall. The balloon catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to the distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A slider in a deflection handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment. The method includes using two concentric rings of purse-string sutures around the puncture in the left ventricular apex to maintain a good seal around instruments passed therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Mark Dehdashtian, Jane M. Olin
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Patent number: 8764821Abstract: Annuloplasty rings optimally sized to take into account more of the common degenerative valve pathologies. Each ring has a structural ring body with a shape that complies with predicted shapes of degenerative valvular diseases. The predicted shapes are obtained through careful echocardiographic and intraoperative measurements, and often differ for different annulus orifice sizes. For instance, in mitral rings the larger rings have larger minor axis and oblique axis dimensions relative to their major axis dimensions, and are more circular as opposed to D-shaped. The rings may also be three-dimensional and the relative heights around the rings may change for different sized rings. A mitral ring may have a higher anterior saddle relative to a posterior saddle, with the relative heights varying across the ring sizes. The ring may have varying flexibility around the ring periphery which also changes for different ring sizes.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Alain F. Carpentier, David H. Adams, W. Vaso Adzich
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Patent number: 8764822Abstract: A method for calculating the required power of a toric implant by using both the measured pre-operative corneal astigmatism and the predicted surgically-induced post-operative astigmatism. The surgically-induced post-operative astigmatism is predicted using power vector analysis of the surgical technique employed by the surgeon. Such a method provides a more accurate method of calculating the required post-operative refractive power of the implant. The method can be implemented manually, but preferably is automated by implementation on a computer through appropriate software.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Blake Harris, James Hoffman, Xin Hong, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Warren E. Hill
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Patent number: 8764823Abstract: A plate haptic for an accommodating intraocular lens. The plate haptic has a haptic body that is substantially rigid in a longitudinal direction and substantially flexible in a transverse direction. A chassis is integral to the haptic body. The chassis causes the haptic body to be substantially more rigid in a longitudinal direction than in a transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: James Stuart Cumming
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Patent number: 8764824Abstract: An implantable mammary prosthesis includes a limpet buttress fill port structure. The fill port structure preferably comprises a shell, the shell including an opening, a compartment interior to the shell adapted to contain a filler. The limpet buttress is generally cup-shaped, and is disposed within the shell. The limpet buttress is preferably attached to the shell adjacent the opening to form a fluidic seal, optionally via a sealing flange. The limpet buttress may include one or more ribs, such as to provide structural support to the limpet buttress. Preferably, a reservoir is disposed external to the shell.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Walter J. Ledergerber
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Patent number: 8764825Abstract: An implantable mammary prosthesis includes an urchin buttress fill port structure. The fill port structure preferably comprises a shell, the shell including an opening, a compartment interior to the shell adapted to contain a filler. The urchin buttress is generally cup-shaped, and is disposed within the shell. The urchin buttress is preferably attached to the shell adjacent the opening to form a fluidic seal, optionally via a sealing flange. The urchin buttress may include one or more ribs, such as to provide structural support to the urchin buttress. Preferably, a reservoir is disposed external to the shell.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Walter J. Ledergerber
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Patent number: 8764826Abstract: A middle ear prosthetic device including: a columellate prosthesis, one end of which is connectable to the stapes or to its remaining footplate; an annular element of bioinert metal insertable into the auditory tube after suitable milling; an elastic elongated element of bioinert material, disposed transversely to the annular element, a first end of the elongated element being rigid with the annular element while its second end is free and to it there being connected the other end of the columellate prosthesis; for supporting the neotympanum, a tensostructure of wires of non-reabsorbable bioinert material fixed taut to the interior of the annular element to support the neotympanum, the distance between the wires being such as to provide the surgeon with a sufficient view of the surgical field, the elongated elastic element interfering with the tensostructure.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Franco Beoni
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Patent number: 8764827Abstract: A test device for an ossicular prosthesis for implantation in the middle ear that includes a first fastening element, a second fastening element and a connecting element that connects the two fastening elements in a sound-conducting manner. Parts of the ossicular prosthesis are made of a material having memory effect and subjected to shape-altering thermal treatment at implantation. The test device also includes a device for determining an optimized power setting or an energy application site for preparing parts of the ossicular prosthesis to be subjected intraoperatively to thermal treatment using a prosthesis mock-up that is identical in design to the ossicular prosthesis in terms of material, geometric shape, and manufacturing method in the parts to be subjected intraoperatively to thermal treatment.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Heinz Kurz GmbH MedizintechnikInventor: Uwe Steinhardt
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Patent number: 8764828Abstract: A system and method for forming a bone construct include providing bone marrow stromal cells on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, and culturing the cells in vitro in osteogenic media such that the cells form a confluent monolayer and detach from the substrate to form a self-organized three-dimensional bone construct. A system and method for forming a ligament construct using fibrogenic media and a system and method for forming a functionally integrated bone-ligament construct are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Ellen M. Arruda, Lisa M. Larkin, Fatima N. Syed-Picard, Michael Smietana, Jinjin Ma
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Patent number: 8764829Abstract: A buffer (10) for placement in a human knee between the femur and tibia comprises an outer sack (14) formed of a pliable material and having a one-way valve (22), a generally circularly shaped inner ring (16) received within the outer sack (14), and a friction reducing fluid (18) received within the outer sack (14) via the one-way valve (22). The inner ring (16) includes top and bottom surfaces (38,40) angled inwardly with respect to each other, such that the ring (16) is generally concave. The buffer (10) is configured for insertion between the femur and tibia so as to at least partially prevent the bones from contacting each other, which reduces the pain and discomfort associated with a loss of articular cartilage (12). The buffer (10) is arthroscopically inserted in the knee using an especially designed sleeve (20) configured for support of the buffer (10) during insertion.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: James Marvel
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Patent number: 8764830Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of various joint conditions include a device inserted into a joint space. During delivery, the profile of the device is constrained in at least one dimension to minimize invasive impact on tissue and/or bone. The device may be restrained for implantation by a thread or a rigid elongate member. After insertion, the device may expand at the implantation site.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Articulinx, Inc.Inventors: Janine C. Robinson, Michael Hogendijk
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Patent number: 8764831Abstract: An intervertebral implant having a three-dimensional body and a securing plate. The intervertebral implant also includes a front plate (8) displaceably disposed as an insert with a front side of the three-dimensional body.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Beat Lechmann, Dominique Burkard, Chris M. J. Cain, Claude Mathieu
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Patent number: 8764832Abstract: An implant configured for placement through an anterior surgical approach made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Warsaw Orhtopedic, Inc.Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Anthony J. Melkent, Brian Robert Thoren
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Patent number: 8764833Abstract: An intervertebral disc is provided having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core. The upper and lower plates include outer vertebral body contacting surfaces which are provided with attachment enhancing features to ensure bone integration. The attachment enhancing features shown include one or more fins, serrations and teeth. An opposite surface of the plates from the vertebral body contacting surfaces is formed with a recess which serves as a bearing surface for the core. In order to form an intervertebral disc with a lower disc height, at least one of the recesses is provided opposite a corresponding dome shaped portion on the vertebral body contacting surfaces. This allows the plates to be formed with a thinner profile for a smaller overall disc height. In addition to providing a lower overall height to the artificial disc, the dome shaped portion of the plates also provides a more anatomically shaped outer vertebral body contacting surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: SpinalMotion, Inc.Inventors: Malan de Villiers, Neville Jansen, Yves Arramon
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Patent number: 8764834Abstract: A method of limiting the movability of an intervertebral disk prosthesis with regard to pivoting movements, and an intervertebral disk prosthesis. The method includes the step of asymmetrically limiting at least one of a flexion-extension movement, a lateral bending, and a rotation about a vertical axis in order to limit the movability of the prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises articulated prosthesis components, and movement-limitation measures configured to limit movability of the components with respect to flexion-extension movement, lateral bending and a rotation about a vertical axis of the prosthesis in a defined manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Global Medical Consulting GmbHInventor: Rudolf Bertagnoli
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Patent number: 8764835Abstract: Instrumentation and methods facilitate reconstruction of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP). An intra-aperture component is dimensioned for positioning within a defect in the AF, with one or more components being used to maintain the intra-aperture component in position. The intra-aperture component may be porous and flexible while being intentionally non-expandable in cross section following its positioning within the defect. A component used to maintain the intra-aperture component within the defect includes a flexible longitudinal fixation component that passes through the intra-aperture component and a region of the AF apart from the defect. If available, this may be a region of the AF having overlapping layers with intact fibers in different directions. The flexible longitudinal fixation component may be anchored to one of the upper and lower vertebral bodies.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Bret A. Ferree
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Patent number: 8764836Abstract: A method of shoulder arthroplasty in one embodiment includes accessing a scapula, identifying an inferior glenoid circle center of the scapula, preparing a glenoid fossa of the scapula to receive a prosthesis, selecting a glenoid component, and implanting the selected glenoid component based upon the identified inferior glenoid circle center in the prepared glenoid fossa.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventors: Lieven De Wilde, Kyle Lappin
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Patent number: 8764837Abstract: A reinforced joint assembly includes a first implant portion secured to a sectioned end of a first bone. A second implant portion is likewise secured to a sectioned end of a second bone and in opposing fashion relative to the first implant to define a joint zone therebetween. The first implant exhibits a first surface profile, whereas the second implant exhibits a second and mating surface profile. A male projection extends from the first surface profile of the first implant and seats within a recess defined within the second implant.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLCInventor: Miguel A. Linares
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Patent number: 8764838Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing component with articular features which operate to protect adjacent soft tissues of the natural knee, promote and/or accommodate desired articulation with an abutting femoral component, and facilitate expedient and effective implantation by a surgeon.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: Raymond C. Parisi, Abraham P. Habegger, Jeff C. Blaylock, Kathleen P. Macke, Dwight T. Todd
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Patent number: 8764839Abstract: A tibial insert includes a platform defining an upper bearing surface and a bottom surface. A keel of the tibial insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the platform and includes a bore extending along a width of the keel. The bore is formed to receive a fastener therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: James Matthew Rhodes, Jordan Soonja Lee
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Patent number: 8764840Abstract: A tibial prosthesis has a bearing component configured for an anterior-medial insertion, which advantageously avoids the extensor mechanism of the knee. A tibial tray may include a banana-shaped boss that corresponds to a notch formed in the bearing component. After the bearing component is inserted along the anterior-medial path, the boss is received within the notch by rotating the bearing component with respect to the tibial tray. This rotation seat the bearing component upon the tibial tray in the manner of a fixed-bearing prosthesis. Alternatively, the boss and notch may define angled central axes which allow straight anterior-medial insertion of the bearing component and locking engagement to the tibial tray.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: Adam H. Sanford, Brian D. Byrd, Ramesh Annayappa, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos
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Patent number: 8764841Abstract: A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray and a tibial insert. The tibial tray includes a closed track. The tibial insert includes a stem configured to be inserted into the closed track and retained therein. The tibial insert is movable along the closed track once inserted.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Joseph G. Wyss, Jordan S. Lee
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Patent number: 8764842Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting malformed joints, in particular the “hammer toe” contraction of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The disclosure comprises a two-component implant: a proximal phalanx component and a middle phalanx component. An endosseous stem on each component is inserted axially into the end of a respective host bone and, after insertion, the components are attached. The attached components are held together in various ways, for example a detent arm/aperture mechanism. Each component can be cannulated to allow for the passage of a kirschner wire, if necessary, to stabilize adjacent joints such as the proximal interphalangeal joint. The bones of the treated joint can be set to form a desired angle by adjusting the angle formed by the corresponding endosseous stems.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Michael Graham
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Patent number: 8764843Abstract: A cotyle including a metallic insertion acetabular shell having an outer, essentially hemispherical, convex anchoring face formed in such a way as to be anchored in a cotyloid cavity of the pelvis of a patient, and a concave receiving face. The cotyle also includes a fixed definitive articular ceramic insert having an outer face engaging in the concave receiving face of the metallic insertion acetabular shell, and an inner receiving face including a concave, essentially hemispherical, articular surface for allowing the engagement and pivoting of a femoral prosthesis head or a mobile articular insert. The cotyle is packed in its assembled sterile state, with the definitive fixed articular ceramic insert engaged in the metallic insertion acetabular shell having a peripheral receiving structure that can receive means for fixing an impacter for positioning a cotyle and is designed in such a way that the impacter can be fixed to the cotyle in the presence of the definitive fixed articular ceramic insert.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Thomas Gradel
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Patent number: 8764844Abstract: An implant stem (1, 2) for implantation in a femur, comprising: a base portion (3) disposed at the proximal end (4) of the stem and a stem portion (5) extending to the distal end (6) of the stem, wherein the base portion (3) has an engagement means (7) for engaging, in use, with the resected end of the femur. An implant comprising such a stem (1, 2) and a head. A method for implanting such implants in a femur.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: T.J. Smith & Nephew, LimitedInventors: Derek James Wallace McMinn, Thomas Burton Pynsent
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Patent number: 8764845Abstract: A kit for use in a procedure for implantation of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis includes a head component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, which comprises a body part having a convex bearing surface, and a reverse face at which the head component can be connected to a mating component of the joint prosthesis, in which the head component has a chamfer surface extending around at least part of its periphery where the bearing and reverse faces come together, and a plurality of markings on the chamfer surface. The kit includes a trial head component which comprises a body part having a convex trial bearing surface and a reverse face, in which the trial head component has a plurality of markings on the trial bearing surface at or towards the interface between it and the reverse face.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: DePuy International LimitedInventors: James Brooks, Steven Gowers, Jonathan Thompson
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Patent number: 8764846Abstract: The present invention relates to a hip prosthesis (1) comprising a femoral stem (20) that can be inserted within the medullar channel of a patient femur, the medial side (21) of said femoral stem (20) having, in the proximal portion (40), the shape of an arc, said femoral stem (20) being provided with substantially longitudinal lateral reliefs (60, 61), so that said stem (20) can be fixed to the bone tissue by pressure, and a prosthetic neck (30), provided with means for coupling with a morse cone type spherical head (31), said prosthesis (1) being characterized in that the cross section of said longitudinal reliefs (60, 61) has an apex portion (60?), having the lateral walls included within a first angle (c), and a base portion having the lateral walls included within a second angle (d), which is minor or equal to said first angle (c), and in that grooves (63) are provided between said longitudinal reliefs (60, 61), that can be homogeneously filled with spongious bone tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Guido Grappiolo
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Patent number: 8764847Abstract: A stent is deployed within a body passageway. The stent is configured to curl a varying degree upon itself as the stent is inserted into the passageway depending on the size of the passageway. In this way a single size stent may be employed in different size passageways. The stent may have a generally rectangular shape or other shape. The stent may be made of one or more materials. For example, a spine of the stent may be made of a material different than a material used for the outer edges of the stent. The edges of the stent curl towards the spine during insertion into the passageway without any further manipulation of the stent or by application of any additional mechanical means. The stent may have a varying thickness and/or width along the longitudinal axis of the stent.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventor: Tracey Knapp
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Patent number: 8764848Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. Specifically, a petal-shaped occluder with a catch system is provided within a delivery sheath. In certain embodiments, the delivery system includes a first securement system for securing a first end of the occluder and a second securement system for securing a second end of the occluder to a delivery catheter and a delivery wire contained in the delivery system. The securement enable the deployment (and retrieval) of the device. The securement systems enable pushing and pulling of respective ends of the occluder to expand and contract the device by varying its axial length.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: David J. Callaghan, Noel McLellan
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Patent number: 8764849Abstract: A prosthetic knee provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee includes a housing, parallel anterior links, a posterior link, and a chassis. The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links both extend above the posterior link and substantially below the posterior link. The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism, a stability adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable extension assist mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: OSSUR HFInventors: Bjorn Omarsson, Sigurdur Gisli Karlsson, Sigurdur Olafsson, Gudlaugur Olafsson, David Landry
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Patent number: 8764850Abstract: A bi-modal ankle-foot device that provides a curved effective shape appropriate for walking and a flattened effective shape for standing. The bi-modal ankle-foot device includes a foot piece and a lockable ankle joint connected to the flat foot piece, the ankle joint and foot piece cooperating to provide a curved shape for walking when the ankle joint is unlocked and to provide a flattened shape for standing when the ankle joint is locked.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Andrew H. Hansen, Dudley S. Childress
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Patent number: 8764851Abstract: Methods of treating fabrics using sol-gel halamine chemistry to impart antimicrobial properties thereto are described, as well as fabrics produced by the described methods. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial fabrics may be used to fabricate antimicrobial divider curtains for use in hospitals and medical facilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Eastern Michigan UniversityInventors: Subhas Ghosh, Vijaykumar Mannari
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Patent number: 8764852Abstract: A battery pack including an electric coupling assembly. The battery pack includes a top housing, a bottom housing, a cell pad, a plurality of battery cells, a harness, and a circuit board. The harness includes a frame and electric coupler assembly having a plurality of internal and external electric couplings. The internal and external electric couplings include cell couplings and circuit board couplings. The internal and external couplings are held in place during manufacturing by links which are cut after the electric coupler assembly is molded into the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: John S. Scott, Troy C. Thorson, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger
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Patent number: 8764853Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolyte solutions capable of protecting negative electrode materials such as lithium metal and carbonaceous materials in energy storage electrochemical cells (e.g., lithium metal batteries, lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors) include an electrolyte salt, a non-aqueous electrolyte solvent mixture, an unsaturated organic compound 4-methylene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one or 4,5-dimethylene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one, and other optional additives. The 1,3-dioxolan-2-ones help to form a good solid electrolyte interface on the negative electrode surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: BASF CorporationInventors: Wu Xu, Pascal Bolomey, Martin W. Payne
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Patent number: 8764854Abstract: In some embodiments, a deposit-forming reference fuel composition comprises a high sulfur base fuel composition in an amount greater than 50 weight % based on total weight % of the deposit-forming reference fuel composition, wherein the high sulfur base fuel composition comprises greater than or equal to 200 ppm sulfur based on total sulfur content of the base fuel composition. The deposit-forming reference fuel composition also comprises a reactive diolefin dopant; and a reaction initiating peroxide. The reaction initiating peroxide has an active oxygen content greater than or equal to 2 weight % based on total oxygen content of the reaction initiating peroxide and a half-life temperature of 80° C. to 200° C. The deposit-forming reference fuel composition is free from a detergent additive and has a concentration ratio of greater than 1:1 for the reactive diolefin dopant to the reaction initiating peroxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William M. Studzinski, Jill M. Cummings
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Patent number: 8764855Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for producing a biofuel while minimizing fossil fuel derived carbon dioxide emissions. The process can include providing a renewable feed to an ester degradation zone to produce a first stream including one or more alcohols and a second stream including one or more acids, providing the first stream to a treatment zone for removing one or more salts and to obtain a treated stream, providing the treated stream to a reforming zone to obtain an effluent including hydrogen, and providing the second stream and at least a portion of the effluent to a refining zone for producing the biofuel.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Laura E. Leonard, Gavin P. Towler, Tom N. Kalnes
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Patent number: 8764856Abstract: The invention relates to a solid fuel decoupled fluidized bed gasifying method and a gasifying apparatus. By physically separately performing drying and pyrolyzing of fuel, gasification of char, and tar/hydrocarbon reforming, the interactions between the separated chemical reactions and physical processes during fluidized bed gasification can be utilized. Specifically, in a fluidized bed reactor having two reaction chambers, drying and pyrolyzing of fuel, gasification of char, and tar/hydrocarbon reforming are performed, respectively, the reforming of tar/hydrocarbon is promoted through the catalytic effect of the char, and the evaporated fuel moisture is provided to the char gasification and tar/hydrocarbon reforming as an effective reaction agent. Accordingly, the tar content in product gas can be reduced, the use amount of external steam can be reduced, the overall efficiency of gasification can be improved, and this technique can also be applied to the processing of high water-containing fuel.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: IHI CorporationInventors: Guangwen Xu, Xinhua Liu, Toshiyuki Suda, Toshiro Fujimori
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Patent number: 8764857Abstract: A downdraft gasifier for producing a gaseous fuel to be used in an engine from a carbonaceous material with a pyrolysis module, a reactor module, and a heat exchanger system that cooperate to produce the gaseous fuel from the carbonaceous material and to extract particulates from the gaseous fuel from the reactor. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchanger coupled to the dryer module that heats the carbonaceous material with the gaseous fuel output of the reactor module to dry the carbonaceous material; a second heat exchanger coupled to the pyrolysis module that heats the dried carbonaceous material with the exhaust from the engine to pyrolyze the dried carbonaceous material into tar gas and charcoal; and a third heat exchanger coupled to the reactor module that heats air used to combust the tar gas with the gaseous fuel output of the reactor module to preheat the air.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: All Power Labs, Inc.Inventor: James Matthew Mason
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Patent number: 8764858Abstract: A hydrogen gas generating apparatus for providing hydrogen gas to a fuel cell stack is provided. The apparatus includes an expandable reaction chamber containing a solid reactant component and a collapsible receptacle containing a liquid reactant component with a housing. The reaction chamber includes an expandable reactant zone defined by a moveable partition that retains the reactants and reaction products within the reaction chamber. The apparatus also includes a liquid transport control system and a fluid path for transporting the liquid reactant component from the collapsible receptacle to the reactant zone in the reaction chamber, where the liquid and solid reactant components react to generate hydrogen gas. The receptacle collapses with a corresponding expansion of the reaction chamber as liquid reactant component is used, and the reactant zone expands within the reaction chamber in response to pressure from the increasing volume of reaction products on the moveable partition.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Intelligent Energy Inc.Inventors: Russell Barton, Guanghong Zheng
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Patent number: 8764859Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Constance R. Stepan
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Patent number: 8764860Abstract: A system includes a gasification vessel configured to receive a fuel and an oxidizer. The system also includes a gasifier disposed in the gasification vessel. The gasifier is configured to partially oxidize the fuel and the oxidizer to generate a syngas. The system further includes a convective syngas cooler configured to cool the syngas via heat exchange with a coolant. The convective syngas cooler is disposed in an interior of the gasification vessel.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron John Avagliano, James Michael Storey
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Patent number: 8764861Abstract: A process for refining oil-containing includes introducing the oil-containing solids to a reactor so as to expel an oil-containing vapor from the solids at a temperature of 300 to 1000° C. The oil-containing vapor expelled from the reactor is supplied to a cracker so as to crack heavy oil components of the oil-containing vapor. The cracked heavy oil components obtained in the cracker are separated and withdrawn from the cracker. The solids left in the reactor and an unevaporated fraction of heavy hydrocarbons are introduced into a furnace. The unevaporated fraction of heavy hydrocarbons in the furnace are burned at a temperature of 600 to 1500° C. The solids from the furnace are recirculated into the reactor. A conveying gas is supplied into a rising pipe, wherein the stream of solids withdrawn from the furnace is fluidized by the conveying gas and transported to the reactor through the rising pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Outotec OyjInventors: Nikola Anastasijevic, Guenter Schneider, Michael Missalla
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Patent number: 8764862Abstract: The disclosure provides a super abrasive element containing a substantially catalyst-free thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) body having pores and a contact surface, a base adjacent the contact surface of the TSP body; and an infiltrant material infiltrated in the base and in the pores of the TSP body at the contact surface. The disclosure additionally provides earth-boring drill bits and other devices containing such super abrasive elements. The disclosure further provides methods and mold assemblies for forming such super abrasive elements via infiltration and hot press methods.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Brian Atkins, Seth G. Anderle, Robert W. Arfele, Ram L. Ladi, Brandon Paul Linford, Jason Keith Wiggins, Kevin Duy Nguyen, Jiang Qian, Kenneth Eugene Bertagnolli, Shawn Casey Scott, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Michael Alexander Vail
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Patent number: 8764863Abstract: A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes forming a first mixture and a second mixture in a single forming process into an integral precursor shaped abrasive particle, wherein the first mixture has a different composition than a composition of the second mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Doruk O. Yener, Paul Braun
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Patent number: 8764864Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) comprising a preformed polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table including a thermally-stable region having a copper-containing material disposed interstitially between bonded diamond grains thereof, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate, and a preformed PCD table having an interfacial surface bonded to the substrate and a generally opposing upper surface. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween and defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The preformed PCD table further includes a first region extending inwardly from the upper surface that includes a copper-containing material disposed therein and a second region extending inwardly from the interfacial surface that includes a nickel-containing material disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: David P. Miess, Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, C. Eugene McMurray, Paul Douglas Jones
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Patent number: 8764865Abstract: Abrasive particles comprising shaped abrasive particles each having a sidewall, each of the shaped abrasive particles comprising alpha alumina and having a first face and a second face separated by a sidewall and having a maximum thickness, T; and the shaped abrasive particles further comprising a plurality of grooves on the second face.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John T. Boden, Dwight D. Erickson, Scott R. Culler, Negus B. Adefris, John D. Haas
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Patent number: 8764866Abstract: An engine device is disclosed in which a gas purifying filter can be disposed, with high rigidity, in an engine as one constituent part of the engine and the need of countermeasures against exhaust gas for each of the devices of a vehicle is eliminated, and general versatility of the engine can be enhanced. The engine device includes a diesel engine having an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas purifying device which purifies exhaust gas discharged from the diesel engine. A plurality of filter supporting bodies which support the exhaust gas purifying device are provided on an upper portion of a flywheel housing in the diesel engine. The exhaust gas purifying device is connected to the exhaust manifold and connected to the flywheel housing through the plurality of filter supporting bodies.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masataka Mitsuda, Takayuki Onodera
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Patent number: 8764867Abstract: An oil flow management system reduces the amount of oil directed from an aircraft engine to the environment outside of the aircraft, even when the aircraft is in inverted flight. This decreases the amount of oil that becomes attached to exterior surfaces of the aircraft fuselage. A gaseous mixture including air and oil is directed from the aircraft engine to a separator, which separate the mixture into a gaseous component and an oil component. The oil component is directed from the separator to a reservoir via a unidirectional valve. When in a first orientation, the unidirectional valve allows oil to flow from the separator to the reservoir. However, when in a second orientation, the unidirectional valve blocks oil from flowing from the reservoir to the separator.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Gregory Ray Brannon