b Superhydrophobic aerogel that does not require per-fluoro compounds or contain any fluorine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided are superhydrophobic coatings, devices and articles including superhydrophobic coatings, and methods for preparing the superhydrophobic coatings. The exemplary superhydrophobic device can include a substrate component and one or more superhydrophobic coatings disposed over the substrate component, wherein at least one of the one or more superhydrophobic coatings has a water contact angle of at least about 150° and a contact angle hysteresis of less than about 1°. The one or more superhydrophobic coatings can include an ultra high water content acid catalyzed polysilicate gel, the polysilicate gel including a three dimensional network of silica particles having surface functional groups derivatized with a silylating agent and a plurality of pores. Full Article
b Method and apparatus for the formation of hydrophobic surfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to the application of a coating to a substrate in which the coating includes a polymer material and the coating is selectively fluorinated and/or cured to improve the liquid repellance of the same. The invention also provides for the selective fluorination and/or curing of selected areas of the coating thus, when completed, providing a coating which has regions of improved liquid repellance with respect to the remaining regions and which remaining regions may be utilized as liquid collection areas. Full Article
b Autonomous intracardiac implantable medical device with releaseable base and fastener element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An intracorporeal autonomous active medical device having a capsule body and a base. The capsule body includes a body portion and a lid portion, and the capsule body contains therein electronic circuitry containing the active elements of the autonomous medical device, and a power supply. The capsule body also includes a fastening system on an exterior surface of the capsule body that is configured to correspond with a fastening mechanism on the base configured to be anchored to a tissue wall. The fastening mechanism provides selective engagement between the capsule body and the base. Full Article
b System and method for implantable medical device lead shielding By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An implantable medical device (IMD) can include a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Various portions of the IMD, such as a device body, a lead body, or a lead tip, can be provided to reduce or dissipate a current and heat induced by various external environmental factors. According to various embodiments, features can be incorporated into the lead body, the lead tip, or the IMD body to reduce the creation of an induced current, or dissipate the induced Current and heat created due to an induced current in the lead. For example, an IMD can include at least one outer conductive member and a first electrode. The first electrode can be in electrical communication with the at least one outer conductive member. The first electrode can dissipate a current induced in the at least one outer conductive member via a first portion of the anatomical structure. Full Article
b Catheter electrode assemblies and methods for construction therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided. Full Article
b Retractable screw intracardiac lead for cardiac stimulation and/or defibrillation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A retractable screw-type stimulation or defibrillation intracardiac lead is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the lead comprises a flexible hollow sheath (12) having at its distal end a lead head (10) and a connector (66) at its proximal end. The connector comprises a pin (62) connected to a lead head electrode (18). The lead head comprises a tubular body (28), at least one electrode (18, 20) for stimulation or defibrillation, a moving element translationally and rotationally moving within the tubular body in a helical motion, an anchoring screw (24) axially moving with respect to the tubular body, and a deployment mechanism (22) to deploy the anchoring screw out of the tubular body (28). The lead is a co-radial type, and the moving element (26) secured to the anchoring screw is connected to the tubular body (28) by a helical guide (46) and a coupling finger (56) protruding between two successive turns of the helical guide (46) for transforming a rotary movement imparted to the lead body in a deployment or retraction movement of the moving element (26). The helical guide (46) is resiliently compressible, with a free end (52) with a flat area (54) facing a flange (38) in vis-à-vis, so as to pinch the coupling finger (56) and to perform the function of a clutch limiting the torque transmitted to the anchoring screw by the rotation of the lead body, even in case of continuation of this rotation. Full Article
b Skull-focused RF-based stimulation apparatus, system and method for treating patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The portable, wearable, proximal Alzheimer's disease treatment invention is based upon creating an RF field of particular frequencies and intensities that are applied to the patient's head. To accomplish the aforementioned disease treatment functionality, a system was invented comprising a network of antennas connected to an RF generator via a feedline connector. The invention also provides methods for using measurements to monitor and manage the effectiveness of an ongoing disease treatment regimen, and databases which contain information about measurements, variables, and their relationships to clinical outcome. Full Article
b Applicator head and method for treatment of pain by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus and method for treatment of pain by a device that provides transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The device includes an applicator equipped with an electric pulse provider that sends an electric pulse to a set of electrodes disposed in an applicator head. The device is placed onto the skin of a patient's body at the point where the patient experiences pain and such that the electrodes of the device contact the skin of the patient while an insulating land area between the electrodes compresses the nerve during transmittal of the electric pulse through the electrodes and into the patient's body. Full Article
b Signal transmitting and lesion excluding heart implants for pacing, defibrillating, and/or sensing of heart beat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart. The implant may include an electrode or other structure for applying pacing signals to one or both ventricles of the heart, for defibrillating the heart, for sensing beating of the heart or the like. A wireless telemetry and control system may allowing the implant to treat congestive heart failure, monitor the results of the treatment, and apply appropriate electrical stimulation. Full Article
b Treating bacteria with electric fields By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective destruction of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time at particular frequencies with particular filed strengths. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages rapidly dividing cells like bacteria, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing. Since the vulnerability of the dividing cells is strongly related to the alignment between the long axis of the dividing cells and the lines of force of the electric field, improved results can be obtained when the field is sequentially imposed in different directions. Full Article
b Implantable device having an integrated ceramic bushing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT One aspect relates to a housing for an active implantable medical device, whereby the housing, at least parts thereof, includes an electrically insulating ceramic material, and has at least one electrically conductive conducting element, whereby the at least one conducting element is set up to establish at least one electrically conductive connection between an internal space of the housing and an external space. One aspect provides the at least one conducting element to include at least one cermet, whereby the housing and the at least one conducting element are connected in a firmly bonded manner. Full Article
b Combination heart assist systems, methods, and devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to combination heart assist systems, methods, and devices that include both an electrical therapy device and a mechanical heart assist device. Various operational modes can be implemented using these embodiments, including a synchronized pacing mode, an internal CPR mode, and an internal workout mode. Full Article
b Signal analysis in implantable cardiac treatment devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and devices for cardiac signal analysis in implantable cardiac therapy systems. Several signal processing and/or conditioning methods are shown including R-wave detection embodiments including the use of thresholds related to previous peak amplitudes. Also, some embodiments include sample thresholding to remove extraneous data from sampled signals. Some embodiments include weighting certain samples more heavily than other samples within a sampled cardiac signal for analysis. Full Article
b Vagus nerve stimulation with target effects controlled by adjusting temporal parameters By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT One or more temporal stimulation parameters of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are selected to substantially modulate one or more target physiological functions without substantially modulating one or more non-target physiological functions. In one embodiment, a stimulation duty cycle is selected such that VNS is delivered to the cervical vagus nerve trunk to modulate a cardiovascular function without causing laryngeal muscle contractions. Full Article
b Implantable system for flow measurement including charge amplifier By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An implantable medical device lead having a flow measurement sensor mounted thereon is provided with a capsule mounted proximate to the sensor. The capsule is used to house electrical circuitry corresponding to the sensor in order to prevent impedance on conductors of the lead, which gradually decreases over chronic periods, from directly affecting signal transmission between the sensor and the electrical circuitry. The electrical circuitry includes a charge amplifier used for processing signals from the sensor. In some cases, the amplifier can be initially calibrated and periodically tuned so as to have consistent functioning with the sensor over chronic periods. Full Article
b Methods for promoting intrinsic activation in single chamber implantable cardiac pacing systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Cardiac pacing methods for an implantable single chamber pacing system, establish an offset rate for pacing at a predetermined decrement from either a baseline rate (i.e. dictated by a rate response sensor), or an intrinsic rate. Pacing maintains the offset rate until x of y successive events are paced events, at which time the offset rate is switched to the baseline rate for pacing over a predetermined period of time. Following the period, if an intrinsic event is not immediately detected, within the interval of the offset rate, the rate is switched back to baseline for pacing over an increased period of time. Some methods establish a preference rate, between the offset and baseline rates, wherein an additional criterion, for switching from the offset rate to the baseline rate, is established with respect to the preference rate. Full Article
b Compressible device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electro-stimulation device for the treatment of anterior and posterior pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is reversibly compressible and is fully self-contained. The device requires no external power sources or control and may be inserted into the vagina or anus through the use of an applicator. In the compressed state the device may be of tampon proportions and after use may easily be removed. The device utilizes a compressible electrode component. Full Article
b Implantable head mounted neurostimulation system for head pain By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An implantable head-mounted unibody peripheral neurostimulation system is provided for implantation in the head for the purpose of treating chronic head pain, including migraine. The system may include an implantable pulse generator (IPG) from which multiple stimulating leads may extend sufficient to allow for adequate stimulation over multiple regions of the head, preferably including the frontal, parietal and occipital regions. A lead may include an extended body, along which may be disposed a plurality of surface metal electrodes, which may be sub-divided into a plurality of electrode arrays. A plurality of internal metal wires may run a portion of its length and connect the IPG's internal circuit to the surface metal electrodes. The IPG may include a rechargeable battery, an antenna, and an application specific integrated circuit. The IPG may be capable of functional connection with an external radiofrequency unit for purposes that may include recharging, diagnostic evaluation, and programming. Full Article
b Implantable medical devices and systems having power management for recharge sessions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Implantable devices and related systems utilize power management features in conjunction with a recharge circuit that includes a coil and capacitance. The reactance such as the capacitance and/or inductance may be variable such that in the event of an overcharge condition, the reactance may be varied to change the resonant frequency of the circuit of the coil from the recharge frequency to another frequency to reduce the power being received. Other power management features may additionally or alternatively be employed. For instance, the device may send an uplink telemetry signal to an external device to request that recharge power be decreased. The device may switch additional resistance into the circuit of the coil to reduce the Q of the circuit. As another example, the device may clamp the circuit of the coil to ground. Full Article
b Minimizing interference between charging and telemetry coils in an implantable medical device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved implantable pulse generator (IPG) containing improved telemetry circuitry is disclosed. The IPG includes charging and telemetry coils within the IPG case, which increases their mutual inductance and potential to interfere with each other; particularly problematic is interference to the telemetry coil caused by the charging coil. To combat this, improved telemetry circuitry includes decoupling circuitry for decoupling the charging coil during periods of telemetry between the IPG and an external controller. Such decoupling circuitry can comprise use of pre-existing LSK circuitry during telemetry, or new discrete circuitry dedicated to decoupling. The decoupling circuitry is designed to prevent or at least reduce induced current flowing through the charging coil during data telemetry. The decoupling circuitry can be controlled by the microcontroller in the IPG, or can automatically decouple the charging coil at appropriate times to mitigate an induced current without instruction from the microcontroller. Full Article
b Low loss band pass filter for RF distance telemetry pin antennas of active implantable medical devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hermetic terminal for an active implantable medical device (AIMD), includes an RF distance telemetry pin antenna, a capacitor conductively coupled between the antenna and a ground for the AIMD, and an inductor electrically disposed in parallel with the capacitor and conductively coupled between the antenna and a ground for the AIMD. The capacitor and the inductor form a band pass filter for attenuating electromagnetic signals through the antenna except at a selected frequency band. Values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the band pass filter is resonant at the selected frequency band. In an alternative form, the band pass filter is coupled in series with the telemetry pin antenna for attenuating MRI signals of a selected frequency band. Full Article
b Burr hole plug having sidable clamping mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole, and having an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the plug base aperture. The retainer includes a retainer support, a slot formed in the retainer support for receiving the medical device, and a clamping mechanism having a clamping bar and a flange slidably engaged with the retainer support to laterally slide the clamping bar to secure the medical device. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting the plug base around the burr hole, mounting the retainer within the plug base aperture, receiving the medical device into the slot, and sliding the slidable flange relative to the retainer support to laterally slide to secure the medical device. Full Article
b Disposable electrode and automatic information recognition apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:00:00 EST A disposable electrode includes: an electrode pad; and a connector, connecting the electrode pad to a defibrillator, and including an information holder that can be provided with a transmissive opening or a light reflective member, the information holder holding information about at least an expiration date, depending on presence or absence of the transmissive opening or the light reflective member, the information holder allowing the information to be notified from the defibrillator when the connector is connected to the defibrillator. Full Article
b Systems and methods for making and using electrical stimulation systems having multi-lead-element lead bodies By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Jan 2016 08:00:00 EST A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a distal lead element, at least two proximal lead elements, and a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements. The distal lead element includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element. Each of the at least two proximal lead elements includes a plurality of terminals and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element. The junction includes a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements. Full Article
b Implantable electrode and method of making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:00:00 EST The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that is connected to both the conductor and the insulating element. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with at least one of the conductor and the insulator. Full Article
b Wearable type movement assisting apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wearable type movement assisting apparatus includes a movement assisting glove including a finger insertion part into which a finger of a wearer is inserted, a driving part arranged on a backhand side of the movement assisting glove and configured to drive the finger insertion part, a linear member arranged along the finger insertion part and configured to transmit a driving force of the driving part to the finger insertion part, a biosignal detection part configured to detect a biosignal that causes the finger of the wearer to move, and a control part configured to output a drive control signal to the driving part based on the biosignal detected by the biosignal detection part. The driving part is configured to move the linear member in an extending direction or a bending direction of the finger insertion part based on the drive control signal from the control part. Full Article
b Body therapy device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The body therapy device includes a thoracic pad having a top edge and a rear surface with a base having a bottom edge, a front angled surfaced and a rear surface. A spherical member is attached to the angled front surface of the base and includes a hard inner core therein. A pump, with active and passive elements, is provided to enable the user to adjust the hardness of ball portion of the device for customized therapy to a head and neck region. As a result, the device of the present invention is effective for physical therapy and treatment of a wide range of ailments and conditions. Full Article
b Transducer mounting assembly for plumbing fixture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mounting assembly for mounting a transducer to a plumbing fixture is provided. The mounting assembly includes a bracket configured to be affixed to an exterior wall of the plumbing fixture. The mounting assembly further includes a shield defining an internal cavity and configured to be removably coupled to the bracket. The shield is configured to be coupled to the transducer and to enclose at least a portion of the transducer within the internal cavity. Full Article
b Skin abrasion system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes. Full Article
b Method and system for combined energy therapy profile By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system for treating tissue with a combined therapy profile is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, ultrasound energy is used to treat numerous depths of tissue within a region of interest and the spatial and temporal properties of the ultrasound energy are varied for more effective treatment. The method and system of the present invention are configured to treat all of the tissue from the surface on down and not spare intervening tissue. Full Article
b Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling ultrasound power output and stability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Some embodiments provide a method of providing ultrasound energy having a stable power output. The method can comprise providing ultrasound energy from a ultrasound transducer; determining a power level threshold of the ultrasound energy; monitoring a power level of the ultrasound energy over time of the ultrasound energy; communicating a power level to a controller; adjusting the frequency of the ultrasound energy upon a change in the power level; and maintaining the power level threshold of the ultrasound energy. Full Article
b Hip and knee actuation systems for lower limb orthotic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lower limb orthotic device includes a thigh link connected to a hip link through a hip joint, a hip torque generator including a hip actuator and a first mechanical transmission mechanism interposed between the thigh link and the hip link, a shank link connected to the thigh link through a knee joint, a knee torque generator including a knee actuator and a second mechanical transmission mechanism interposed between the thigh link and the shank link, and a controller, such as for a common motor and pump connected to the hip and knee torque generators, for regulating relative positions of the various components in order to power a user through a natural walking motion, with the first and second mechanical transmission mechanisms aiding in evening out torque over the ranges of motion, while also increasing the range of motion where the torque generators can produce a non-zero torque. Full Article
b Device and method for opening vascular obstructions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to a device and method for opening obstructed body internal passages and for sensing and characterizing tissues and substances in contact with the device. In general, the device comprises a catheter tube capable of inducing vibrations in a guidewire contained therein, wherein said vibrations of the guidewire are utilized for opening a passage through an occlusion. The in-vivo vibrations may be induced by means of a magnetic field actuating means and a guidewire comprising magnetic coupling means, or by means of transducers, which may be also used for the sensing. The invention also relates to the field of minimal invasive catheterization, particularly an apparatus for opening and/or removing obstructions occluding body internal passages by means of an active guidewire comprising a coil to which an alternating voltage can be applied. In that way the guidewire can vibrate if an external magnetic field is applied. Full Article
b Method and system for preparing soft tissue for grafting, enhancing grafting results, and grafting autologous fat and adipocyte derived stem cells to soft tissue such as the breast and other tissue defects By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with sealing rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection. Substantial soft tissue augmentation, high rates of graft survival and negligible graft necrosis (data demonstrating 80% survival and only 20% necrosis is presented) or calcification result from the practice of these methods. Full Article
b Vibratory assembly for articulating members By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibratory assembly is provided that incorporates a vibratory mechanism worn by a sexual participant on one or more digits of an articulating member for the sexual exploration and stimulation of erogenous zones. A modular erogenous stimulation system including the vibratory assembly is also provided along with a kit for providing erogenous stimulation to at least one participant. Full Article
b Methods and systems for generating thermal bubbles for improved ultrasound imaging and therapy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system uniquely capable of generating thermal bubbles for improved ultrasound imaging and therapy. Several embodiments of the method and system contemplates the use of unfocused, focused, or defocused acoustic energy at variable spatial and/or temporal energy settings, in the range of about 1 kHz-100 MHz, and at variable tissue depths. The unique ability to customize acoustic energy output and target a particular region of interest makes possible highly accurate and precise thermal bubble formation. In an embodiment, the energy is acoustic energy. In other embodiments, the energy is photon based energy (e.g., IPL, LED, laser, white light, etc.), or other energy forms, such radio frequency electric currents (including monopolar and bipolar radio-frequency current). In an embodiment, the energy is various combinations of acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy and other energy forms or energy absorbers such as cooling. Full Article
b Portable roller massager By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides in some embodiments, a portable device for massaging and treating a person's muscles. The device can include an elongate center shaft and a roller section rotatably positioned about the outer surface of the elongate cylindrical center shaft and extending at least a portion of a distance between the first end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft and the second end of the elongate cylindrical center shaft. The device can also include a first and second handle coupled to the elongate center shaft. The first and second handles can be configured to collapse in order to decrease an overall length of the portable roller massager. Full Article
b Liquefier assembly for use in extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a downstream portion having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion defining a shoulder configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of a consumable material. Full Article
b Fiber orienting technology for a fill plate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product. Full Article
b Device and method for producing a moulded body having microstructures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a moulded body having microstructures from moulding material. The method for producing a moulded body having microstructures on a carrier out of moulding material is effected by inputting a moulding material into a container (10) comprising a mould cavity (14), wherein at least one micro-structured mould (12) is provided in the mould cavity. Furthermore, the centrifugation of a container (10) is carried out until the moulding material has completely entered into the structure of the mould (12). Thereafter, the curing of the moulding material is carried out to form a moulded body having microstructures, which is then removed from the mould (12) and the container (10). A container (10) is provided into which the mould (12) has been inserted, and the container (10) is connectable to a centrifuge wherein the container (10) comprises a mould cavity for receiving the moulding material wherein the mould cavity (14) comprises at least one micro-structured mould (12). Full Article
b Deep grip mechanism within blow mold hanger and related methods and bottles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a mold hanger for supporting a bottle mold in a blow molding station, the mold hanger comprising a piston and piston sleeve fully contained within the mold hanger configured to push a moveable insert into the mold. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting an original rotatable blow molding module having multiple existing blow molding stations, each existing mold hanger defining an existing outer envelope. The disclosed method may include providing an improved mold hanger substantially contained within the respective existing outer envelope and including low-profile drive mechanisms configured opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip, the method including providing within a mold hanger a drive mechanism to drive a moveable insert into the mold. A bottle made by such methods is also disclosed. Full Article
b Method and apparatus for making an apertured web By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers. Full Article
b Manufacturing method of resin molding mold, resin molding mold, resin molding mold set, manufacturing method of microchip substrate, and manufacturing method of microchip using said mold By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing a resin molding die (13) for molding a first substrate (2) having a flow path (2b) and a through-hole (2a), wherein a base die (10) having a concave part (10b) corresponding to the flow path (2b) and a through-hole (10a) corresponding to through-hole (2a) and deeper than the concave part (10b) is prepared, the base die (10) is subjected to electroforming with a first material and is then subjected to electroforming with a second material which is different from the first material, and a protruding part for forming through-hole (10a) by removing the first material that was electrodeposited on through-hole (10a) is formed. The first material has a smaller electroforming stress than the second material, the first material exerts a higher adhesiveness with regard to the base die than the second material, and the second material is harder than the first material. Full Article
b Amelioration of the appearance of bruises By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to compositions and processes for their use that ameliorate the appearance of bruises, making them less cosmetically unappealing. The composition functions by acting both as a humectant and occlusive agent attracting water, returning the skin surface to a smooth state and holding water in place. The re-establishment of a homeostatic state in the skin results in a rapid dissipation of the negative cosmetic effects of the bruise on the skin. Full Article
b Method and apparatus for moving a tube extrusion line along By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for moving along a tube extrusion line. An extruded tube is pushed through the extrusion line, by means of pressure generated by an extruder, to a withdrawal unit that takes over further driving of the tube. In a first-moving along phase, in which the tube has not yet passed a sealing of a calibration cooling unit relative to the atmosphere, the latter is under atmospheric pressure. In a second phase, in which the tube has passed the sealing, the calibration and cooling unit is placed under underpressure. In the first phase, the tube is supported either by internal overpressure or by a mechanical inner guide. A support cylinder extends axially from a casing head of the extruder and extends coaxially into a calibration sleeve in a first section of the calibration and cooling unit. A support plate is disposed between the casing head and an inlet of the calibration sleeve and provides external support for a tube exiting the casing head. Full Article
b Template and method of making high aspect ratio template for lithography and use of the template for perforating a substrate at nanoscale By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Template and method of making high aspect ratio template, stamp, and imprinting at nanoscale using nanostructures for the purpose of lithography, and to the use of the template to create perforations on materials and products. Full Article
b Apparatuses and methods for fabricating semiconductor packages By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor package may include a mold and a molding plate. The mold may define a mold cavity with the mold being configured to receive a circuit board in the mold cavity, and the circuit board may include a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. A molding plate may be moveable in the mold cavity with the molding plate being configured to adjust a volume of the mold cavity. Related methods are also discussed. Full Article
b Method for producing resin molded article by injection molding, and injection molding device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a technology with which, when producing a resin molded article, the inside of which is provided with an insert component such as a terminal fitting, it is possible to prevent the insert component from being exposed at an inappropriate position, and to ensure the desired positional accuracy. In an injection molding device, the accuracy of the position of a terminal is improved by allowing a core-back mold to move after a terminal, which is an insert component, has been inserted in a terminal tip holding section of a slide mold. By allowing the core-back mold to move by only a prescribed amount prior to injection molding, a resin wall is formed between the core-back mold and the terminal. The inappropriate exposure and shorting of and the adhesion of foreign substances to, and the like, the terminal can thus be prevented. Full Article
b Method for manufacturing aluminum-titanate-based ceramic honeycomb structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure includes kneading titania particles, alumina particles and a binder ingredient such that raw material paste including the titania particles, alumina particles and binder ingredient is prepared, forming a body made of the raw material paste and having a honeycomb structure such that the body has the honeycomb structure having multiple through-holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the body and multiple partition portions formed between the through-holes, applying sealant composition including aluminum hydroxide particles, talc particles, kaolin particles, water and organic binder to either end of each through-hole of the body in the longitudinal direction such that the honeycomb structure of the body has each through-hole sealed at one end, and sintering the body made of the raw material paste and having the honeycomb structure sealed by the sealant composition such that a ceramic body having the honeycomb structure is formed. Full Article
b Manufacturing apparatus for activated carbon filters By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A manufacturing apparatus for activated carbon filters has a non-woven cloth machine, a rolling module, a sprayer and a hot-pressing cylinder. The non-woven cloth machine is used to manufacture a body of non-woven cloth and has a processing segment. The rolling module is mounted at the processing segment to heat and melt the body of non-woven cloth. The sprayer is mounted above the rolling module to spray activated carbon powder on the body of non-woven cloth. The hot-pressing cylinder is mounted at the processing segment to heat and press the activated carbon powder with the body of non-woven cloth. The activated carbon powder can be securely attached to the body of non-woven cloth by the manufacturing apparatus to provide a preferred quality of the activated carbon filters and to reduce the cost of manufacturing the activated carbon filters. Full Article