v PERCUSSION DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A percussion device includes (1) a platform portion composed of a first material having an exposed striking portion composed of a second material different from the first material; (2) a base portion separated from, and substantially parallel to, the platform portion by a predetermined distance; (3) at least one unitary sidewall portion positioned between the platform portion and the base portion at respective opposing edges of the platform portion and the base portion; and (4) a non-flexible surface below, and in contact with, at least a portion of the exposed striking portion. Full Article
v SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONVERTING TEXTUAL MESSAGES TO MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for converting textual messages to musical messages comprising receiving a text input and receiving a musical input selection. The method includes analyzing the text input to determine text characteristics and analyzing a musical input corresponding to the musical input selection to determine musical characteristics. Based on the text characteristic and the musical characteristic, the method includes correlating the text input with the musical input to generate a synthesizer input, and sending the synthesizer input to a voice synthesizer. The method includes receiving a vocal rendering of the text input from the voice synthesizer and generating a musical message from the vocal rendering and the musical input. The method includes generating a video element based on a video input, incorporating the video element into the musical message, and outputting the musical message including the video element. Full Article
v MIDI MALLET FOR TOUCH SCREEN DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT For music production, the velocity values with the purpose of creating dynamic percussion in cooperation with a value measuring surface (a touch screen tablet or touch screen phone) has the ability to simulate the tension of a percussion instrument thus tone values are correlated with X, Y values from a measuring surface and dynamics values are measured with velocity, all inclusive, wireless and cooperative with MIDI software. Full Article
v GUITAR PICKUP DEVICE AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A pickup for a guitar that has four (4) or more separate magnetic coils and selection means to select among the coil outputs. In some embodiments, the pickup is passive, not requiring an active pre-amplifier and voltage supply to shape the sound. In some embodiments, the selection means may be incremental or continuous, providing a wider degree to selectivity between and among the outputs of the separate coils. Full Article
v Hammer Velocity Measurement System By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system 100, for determining the velocity of a hammer 120 of a keyboard instrument, with a light transceiver 140 and processing circuitry 160. The light transceiver 140 being configured to transmit a light signal to a hammer 120 to measure a hammer velocity, receive a reflected light signal from the hammer 120 indicative of the velocity of the hammer 120 and send an electrical signal to the processing circuitry 160, where the electrical signal is based on the reflected light signal from the hammer 120. The processing circuitry 160 being configured to receive and process the electrical signal so that a time interval between the electrical signal passing through a first trigger point and a second trigger point and the velocity of the hammer 120 can be determined. Full Article
v CONTROLLER AND SYSTEM FOR VOICE GENERATION BASED ON CHARACTERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A voice generation device (10b) is configured to generate a voice corresponding to one or a plurality of characters designated in a pre-defined character string. A controller (10a) for the voice generation device is provided with a character selector (60a) configured to be operable by a user to designate the one or a plurality of characters in the character string, and a voice control operator (60b) configured to be operable by the user to control the state of the voice to be generated by the voice generation device. The controller (10a) is provided with a grip (G) suitable for being held with a hand of the user, and the character selector and the voice control operator are provided on the grip. The character selector and the voice control operator are provided on the grip at such positions as to be operable with different fingers of the user holding the grip. Full Article
v AUDIO PROCESSING DEVICE, METHOD OF AUDIO PROCESSING, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A delay time counter in a DSP cyclically counts a sampling clock from zero to a delay time sampling count and issues a delay time interrupt to a CPU each time the sampling clock count reaches the delay time sampling count. The CPU measures a time difference between each time the DSP issues the delay time interrupt and each time sequence clock interrupts occur a number of times corresponding to the delay time. Then, in order to reduce this time difference, the CPU increases or decreases a maximum count that is set to the sequence clock counter. Therefore, in the next delay process, the shift between the time by which the automatic performance is advanced by the CPU (which is equal to the delay time) and the timing of the delay process executed by the DSP (which is also equal in length to the delay time) will be corrected. Full Article
v DRUM ASSEMBLY HAVING INTERNAL LIGHTNING DISCHARGE CAPABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A drum assembly includes a drum, a stimulus processor assembly and a Tesla coil. The stimulus processor assembly receives a stimulus, generates an input signal, and converts the input signal to an output signal. The Tesla coil receives the output signal from the stimulus processor assembly. The Tesla coil emits an electrical discharge in response to the output signal. The electrical discharge occurs at least partially within the drum interior. The stimulus processor assembly uses a conversion algorithm to convert the input signal to an output signal. The Tesla coil can be positioned inside or outside of a drum interior of the drum. A discharge router can send the electrical discharge from the Tesla coil to the drum interior. The electrical discharge can have an intensity that is correlative to the decibel level of the stimulus. The stimulus can be generated by the drum or by a source remote from the drum. Full Article
v Marching Drum which Enables Forwards and Downwards Visibility By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT [Problem] To provide a marching drum which ensures forwards and downwards visibility and ensures the field of view during marching. [Solution] [Effect] By eliminating all or some members of the body of the drum, or by adopting transparent members, this marching drum which enables forwards and downwards visibility ensures the performer's field of view during marching. Full Article
v Surface covering kit comprising panels and an extraneous locking element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface covering kit is disclosed, comprising a plurality of generally rectangular panels (100). Each panel is provided with grooves (301, 302, 301', 302') forming an insertion channel (303) when two panels (100) are laid next to each other along their transverse sides (105, 105') in a common laying plane (101). An extraneous locking element (210) is received by the insertion channel (303), the extraneous locking element (210) having a longitudinal dimension and a cross-section perpendicular to said longitudinal dimension which forms a cross with at least four cross arms. The corresponding cross arms of the insertion channel have two parallel flank surfaces (1603, 1604) each, and each of the cross arms is oriented diagonally in a plane perpendicular to the panel plane (102). Full Article
v Support structure and system providing element protection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application. Full Article
v Sandwich board assembly having thermoplastic joining element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An assembly including a joining element and an object, the object having a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a middle layer between the first and second outer layers. The object has an opening that extends through the first outer layer and the middle layer, and the joining element is anchored in the opening. The joining element includes a proximal end, a distal end, a contact face in the area of the proximal end, a wall anchoring portion, and a tubular portion. The contact face is engaged by a vibrating tool that applies mechanical vibration and axial force to the joining element. The joining element includes a thermoplastic material at least at the circumferential surface of the wall anchoring portion and at the distal end to anchor the joining element to the first and second outer layers, respectively. Full Article
v Field paver connector and restraining system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like). Full Article
v Structural support device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A structural support device comprising a receiver which is configured to receive and to connect a framed structure, a weight bearing member to which the receiver is attached, and a vertical support member which is attached to the weight bearing member and which may be capable of adjusting the overall height of the structural support device. The structural support device may further comprise a footing which assists in securing the structural support device to the ground and/or to a ground support. Full Article
v Aboveground safety shelter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planar base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material. Full Article
v Structure following roof mounted photovoltaic system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adjustable photovoltaic panel mounting system that allows for variations in roofs and roof elements, while still maintaining a rigid and secure assembly. The specific location for supporting feet and structural elements of the mounting system may be varied to allow for variations in roof features and different panel configurations. The mounting mechanisms are adjustable in both a North/South and a East/West direction to provide for maximum layout flexibility. Full Article
v Explosive blast shield for buildings By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A composite shield comprises a panel including an outer thin metallic strike surface layer, a highly strain rate hardening polymer layer and an inner structural armor plate layer. The structural armor plate layer has a multiplicity of traversing ports. The traversing ports have sufficient lateral area to allow deformation of the thin metallic strike surface layer and highly strain rate hardening polymer layer through the structural armor plate layer on the occurrence of explosive blast. Full Article
v Water intrusion prevention method and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and device are presented that creates a channel adjacent a nailing flange of a window in between the window and the rough opening that receives the window. The channel is created by establishing a barrier that prevents foam insulation inserted into the space between the window and the rough opening from reaching the nailing flange. The channel then ensures proper drainage of water that enters the window cavity down to the window sill. A gasket is presented that can be attached to the window or the rough opening to create the barrier. Alternatively, a disintegrating object or a wicking object can be used to impede the flow of insulation foam and to create the appropriate channel. The present invention is equally applicable to doors or other framed objects received into the exterior shell of a building. Full Article
v Insulated concrete form wall having a bracket attaching a rim joist thereto By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use with insulated forms for concrete walls. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior of the insulated form to provide for a means of attaching the header or rim joist to the bracket. The bracket is provided an anchoring plate extending from the attaching plate for insertion into the interior of the insulated form. The present invention also provides for a method of attaching a header or rim joist to a concrete wall formed using insulated forms. The method involves cutting a vertical slot in the insulated form and inserting a bracket into the slot. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior surface of the insulated form and an anchoring plate extending from the attachment plate through the slot into the interior of the insulated form. Concrete is poured into the form and allowed to set, after which the header or rim joist is attached to the brackets. Full Article
v Device for enhancing a corner structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an embodiment, an interchangeable corner hanger to ornament framing protruding corner structures is provided. The interchangeable corner hanger includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion is designed to rest on an exposed edge of a corner structure, and the vertical portion is designed to hang over the corner of the corner structure and rest against a wall upon which the trim is attached. The vertical portion has a length sufficient to stabilize the corner hanger without the use of other adhesives or attachments. In an embodiment, the vertical portion is configured to allow one or more interlocking elements to be suspended from the vertical portion. For example, the vertical portion may include an interlocking pattern configured to accept a complimentary interlocking pattern on an interlocking element. Further interlocking elements may be attached to the interlocking element. Full Article
v Device for connecting two prefabricated construction elements together By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a prefabricated construction element (1) having a permanent form, such as a longitudinal beam or a panel, consisting of two parallel plates that are formed, through molding and spaced apart from each other, from a hydraulic mixture such as concrete and from a built-in metal reinforcement, said plates being separated by an insulating block and connected together by transverse spacers (not shown), characterized in that said construction element (1) comprises consecutive prepositioning and bottom (6, 7) and/or top (8, 9) linking means, said bottom means (6, 7) consisting of a metal male connector (6) secured to the metal reinforcement of a first element (1) and arranged at the end of the bottom portion of said first element, and a metal female connector (7) secured to said metal reinforcement of a consecutive second element and arranged at the end of the bottom portion of said second element, the relative positioning of the male connector (6) and female connector (7) being such that said connectors can be connected together when the two consecutive elements (1) are assembled. Full Article
v Suspension ceiling with parallel vanes for building structures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A suspended ceiling system for a building structure includes a plurality of parallel struts for supporting a plurality of parallel vanes suspended from the struts in perpendicular relationship thereto. The vanes can be suspended in downwardly spaced relationship to the struts or in contiguous relationship therewith and occur in different forms including illuminated vanes, adjustable vanes and the like. Full Article
v One-piece dovetail veneer tie and wall anchoring system with in-cavity thermal breaks By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components. Full Article
v Thermally coated wall anchor and anchoring systems with in-cavity thermal breaks for cavity walls By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Thermally-isolating wall anchors and reinforcement devices and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed for use in masonry cavity walls. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components. Full Article
v Hybrid operating room for combined surgical and fixed imaging services in an ambulatory surgical center By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Feb 2016 08:00:00 EST An ambulatory surgical center can include a hybrid operating room. The hybrid operating room can include at least four lead-shielded walls, a floor, and a ceiling. The ambulatory surgical center can also include an imaging device disposed in a central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an operating table disposed in the central area of the hybrid operating room. The ambulatory surgical center can additionally include a power room adjacent to the operating room. The power room can include a power supply for the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can also include a conduit from the power room to the imaging device configured to deliver power to the imaging device. The ambulatory surgical center can further include an emergency power source for the imaging device configured to permit continuity of surgery in the hybrid operating room during a power outage. Full Article
v BREATHABLE GAS INLET CONTROL DEVICE FOR RESPIRATORY TREATMENT APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A breathable gas inlet control device permits flow regulation at the inlet of a flow generator for a respiratory treatment apparatus such as a ventilator or continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may implement a variable inlet aperture size based on flow conditions. In one embodiment, an inlet flow seal opens or closes the inlet to a blower in accordance with changes in pressure within a seal activation chamber near the seal. The seal may be formed by a flexible membrane. A controller selectively changes the pressure of the seal activation chamber by controlling a set of one or more flow control valves to selectively stop forward flow, prevent back flow or lock open the seal to permit either back flow or forward flow. The controller may set the flow control valves as a function of detected respiratory conditions based on data from pressure and/or flow sensors. Full Article
v Electrical Stimulation for Preservation and Restoration of Diaphragm Function By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are presented that electrically stimulates the phrenic nerve whereby said stimulation results in muscle activation of the diaphragm as observed by a measurement of work or power of breathing associated with the inspiratory portion of a stimulated breath. Full Article
v Oral orthotic systems, devices and methods for use in connection with sleep-disordered breathing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of forming oral orthotic systems includes providing an upper dental member adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures. Each of the posterior mounting structure is configured to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different types mechanisms via attachment of a component of a selected type mechanism to at least one of the posterior mounting structures. Full Article
v SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING AN ANTI-ADHESIVE SUBSTANCE TO A BODY CAVITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for creating a medicated atmosphere in an organ, or body cavity is disclosed. The system includes a flexible nebulization catheter that can be manipulated during use, a device for the introduction of the nebulization catheter, a medication delivery apparatus configured to control delivery of a medication to the catheter, a gas delivery apparatus in communication with the catheter, a gas pressure relief apparatus configured to relieve pressure in the organ or body cavity, and a central controller. The system may include a liquid source having a mixture of hyaluronic acid and heparin that, in conjunction with the nebulizing catheter, are designed to generate an aerosol with a particle size of 10-25 microns in a body cavity. The method includes providing an aerosol of anti-adhesive medication to an organ or body cavity while controlling overall pressure in the organ or cavity. Full Article
v DEVICE FOR INTRANASAL ADMINISTRATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein are vials and devices containing a ketorolac solution for intranasal administration and a head space comprising no more than about 10% v/v oxygen and which vials and devices are stored in an oxygen-impermeable pouch. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the vials and devices. Full Article
v DELIVERY DEVICE AND KIT, AND METHOD OF USE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A nasal mask has a flexible bottom edge portion and side portions. A delivery device includes a holding chamber coupled to the nasal mask. A method of delivering an inhalable substance includes positioning a nose of a user in a cavity of the nasal mask, inhaling through the nose, and orally soothing the user with a soothing device. Full Article
v POSITIVE EXHALATION PRESSURE DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A positive exhalation pressure device (1) is described. The device (1) comprises a housing (2) having an annular chamber (5), a chamber inlet (6) configured to permit air into the chamber, a chamber outlet (7) configured to permit air out of the chamber, and a mouthpiece (8) in fluid communication with the chamber inlet. A movable body such as a ball (3) is disposed in the housing within the annular chamber and configured to revolve around the annular chamber in response to flow of air through the chamber from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet. The movable body is configured to at least partially block the chamber outlet as it revolves around the annular chamber causing cyclical fluctuations in airflow resistance. Full Article
v ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE SECURING DEVICE AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a device that can be used to secure an endotracheal tube. In one embodiment, the device is a one-time use device that has a flexible construction with an adhesive side. The device is configured to be adhered to the endotracheal tube and subsequently secure unto the patient's face. The device is quick and easy to deploy, it reliably secure the endotracheal tube, is comfortable for the patient, and that minimized the chances of infection. Full Article
v COMBINED NASAL AND MOUTH VENTILATION MASK By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A gas ventilation mask includes an anesthesia nasal mask and a mouth mask defining respectively a nasal chamber and an oral chamber, detachably connected to one another so that the nasal mask and the mouth mask may be used either separately as a nasal mask or as a mouth mask, or as a combination nasal-mouth mask. Also provided is a mask anchor for holding a face mask on a patient, includes a head support for engaging a back of a patient's head, a posterior head strap that originates from behind the patient's head, in contact with the patient's head and attaches either directly or indirectly to the mask when the mask is on the patient's face, wherein the strap can be tightened to create a seal to allow for positive pressure ventilation or left loose and for providing supplement oxygen. Also provided is an anesthesia mask strap system having a first expandable strap portion having the ability to extend; second and third non-expandable strap sections fixed to ends of the first expandable strap section; and an adhesion section for fixing a length of the strap system when the second and third non-expandable strap sections are pulled to tension the expandable strap section. Full Article
v VENTILATION MASK By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a nasal ventilation mask having separate ports to monitor end-tidal CO2 expulsion integrated into the mask in order to monitor end-tidal CO2 expelled nasally or orally. Also disclosed is a CPR mask for nose-to-mouth and/or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, having a body shaped to cover the nose and/or mouth of a victim, said mask including a CO2 absorber for eliminating at least in part rescuer's exhaled CO2 delivered to the victim. Full Article
v Integrated Umbilical Delivery System for Gas, Data, Communications Acquisition /Documentation, Accessory Power and Safety for Users in Adverse Environments By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An umbilical system for sourcing and delivering within a flexible protective covering, a plurality of different breathing gasses, safety tether, a plurality of ancillary lines for remotely distributable, documentable, multidirectional, multi-format data/communications acquisition and delivery, personal/situational awareness and ancillary power sources for tool, accessory or device enervation, to a plurality of Users in an adverse environment. Full Article
v NON-INVASIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING RESPIRATORY DISTURBANCES EXPERIENCED BY A SUBJECT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An example method for detecting respiratory disturbances experienced by a subject can include receiving an airflow signal and at least one of an acoustic or vibration signal, where the airflow, acoustic, and/or vibration signals are associated with the subjects breathing. At least one feature can be extracted from the airflow signal and at least one feature can be extracted from at least one of the acoustic or vibration signal. Based on the extracted features, at least one respiratory disturbance can be detected. The respiratory disturbance can be flow limited breath or inspiratory flow limitation (“IFL”). Full Article
v SPECIMEN REMOVAL DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Certain embodiments are directed to a specimen retrieval device having a high friction inner lining for reducing specimen deformation during removal. Certain embodiments are directed to a device that facilitates isolation and removal of specimens during minimally invasive surgery. In certain aspects the device is configured to disperse pulling tension over a larger area reducing the likelihood of specimen tearing during removal. The device enables quicker removal through a smaller hole or opening in the body wall. Full Article
v SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EFFECTIVE POSTURE OF A SUBJECT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for effecting posture of a subject who is to be positioned on a support surface having an inclinable portion such that the subject's thorax is inclinable relative to the subject's legs, are provided. An example system includes a detachedly coupleable thoracic harness having at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface being contoured to fit over shoulders of the subject. The outer surface having a fastening surface that releasable attaches to a corresponding fastening surface disposed on the inclinable portion of the support surface. Full Article
v COMBINED LARYNO-TRACHEAL ANESTHETIC AND STYLET DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A nozzle received by a patient. The nozzle has at least two portions. A first portion that has an upper end and a lower end in which a central aperture extends between the upper and lower ends of the nozzle. The central aperture terminates at the opening of the lower end of the nozzle. A second portion that has two ends, the second end is rounded. There is at least one support arm joining the first and second body portions but holding the second body portion a set distance from the first body portion. Full Article
v Electronic Vapor Device Spirometer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided are systems, methods, and electronic vapor devices configured to provide spirometer functionality and respiratory medication dispensing which can couple and function symbiotically with a portable electronic communication device. Full Article
v ASSEMBLY FOR A COUNTER MECHANISM FOR A DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE AND DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An assembly for a counter mechanism for a drug delivery device is described comprising a drive member, wherein the drive member is adapted and arranged to be rotated in a first rotational direction and to be prevented from rotation in a second rotational direction which direction is opposite to the first rotational direction, an advancing member adapted and arranged to be axially moved and rotated with respect to the drive member, wherein the advancing member is adapted and arranged to mechanically cooperate with the drive member such that the drive member is rotated in the first rotational direction, and a display member which is configured to count a number of doses and to display the counted number of doses, wherein the assembly is adapted and arranged such that rotation of the drive member in the first rotational direction is converted into a counting movement of the display member. Furthermore, a drug delivery device comprising the assembly is described. Full Article
v SMART ORONASAL MASK FOR POSITIVE-AIRWAY-PRESSURE DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A smart oronasal mask for a positive-airway-pressure device includes a mask body and a temperature sensor. The mask body has an air inlet and an air outlet. The temperature sensor is deposited in the mask body and located between the air inlet and the air outlet for sensing a temperature of a mixture formed by gas entering the mask body through the air inlet of the mask body and gas entering the mask body through the air outlet of the mask body. Then the positive airway pressure device adjusts air feed according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in a real-time manner, so as to help keep a patient's respiratory tract clear. Full Article
v DETERMINING PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE OPTIMAL HARDNESS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for determining an optimal hardness of a patient interface device includes a fit score determination unit structured to receive a 3-D model of the patient interface device and a 3-D model of a patient's face and to determine a fit score between the patient interface device and the patient's face based on the 3-D model of the patient interface device and the 3-D model of the patient's face, and a hardness determination unit structured to determine a hardness value of the patient interface device based on the determined fit score. Full Article
v SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A supplemental oxygen delivery system is described in which Aerosol is delivered into a housing 10, 20, which sits in the circuit from the supplemental oxygen supply and optional humidifier. The supplemental oxygen passes through this chamber 10, 20 in which the aerosol is located, and collects the aerosol transporting it to a patient via a nasal cannula 3 or a face mask 4. An aerosol generator 9 is mounted to the housing 10, 20 and delivers aerosol into an oxygen stream 13 flowing between an inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the housing 10. The housing 10 also has a removable plug 16 in the base 17 thereof for draining any liquid that accumulates in the housing 10. There is no disruption of oxygen delivery to patients using nasal cannulas who currently have to use a separate face-mask when receiving nebulized medication. Full Article
v AXIAL FLOW VAPOR TRANSFER CARTRIDGE WITH LARGE DIAMETER FIBERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for humidifying a breathing gas that reduces and/or eliminates the dangers and discomforts experienced by a patient. In one aspect, a system for humidifying gases includes a body, extending along a first axis from a first face to a second face, a first lumen at the first face, through which fluid enters the body, a second lumen at the first face through which fluid exits the body and a nonporous membrane located inside the body and extending from the first face to the second face wherein gas moving through the nonporous membrane is humidified by the fluid. Full Article
v METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING TUNABLE PASSIVE ANTENNAS, AND AUTOMATICALLY TUNABLE ANTENNA ARRAY USING THIS METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for automatically adjusting a plurality of tunable passive antennas, for instance a plurality of tunable passive antennas of a radio transceiver using several antennas simultaneously. The invention also relates to an automatically tunable antenna array using this method. An automatically tunable antenna array of the invention has 4 user ports, and comprises: 4 tunable passive antennas, the 4 tunable passive antennas operating simultaneously in a given frequency band and forming a multiport antenna array; 4 sensing units; 4 feeders; a signal processing unit delivering a tuning instruction; and a tuning control unit, the tuning control unit receiving the tuning instruction from the signal processing unit, the tuning control unit delivering tuning control signals to the tunable passive antennas, the tuning control signals being determined as a function of the tuning instruction. Full Article
v MULTI-SPECTRAL RADIO-FREQUENCY LOCALIZATION TECHNIQUES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A device comprising: a receive antenna configured to receive a first radio-frequency (RF) signal having a first center frequency; a first transmit antenna configured to transmit a second RF signal having a second center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency; a second transmit antenna configured to transmit a third RF signal having a third center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency and is different from the second center frequency; first circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the first transmit antenna, configured to generate the second RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the first transmit antenna for transmission; and second circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the second transmit antenna, configured to generate the third RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the second transmit antenna for transmission. Full Article
v GUIDED-WAVE TRANSMISSION DEVICE WITH NON-FUNDAMENTAL MODE PROPAGATION AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes a transmitter that generates a first electromagnetic wave to convey data. A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a single wire transmission medium having an outer surface, to forming a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the single wire transmission medium via at least one guided wave mode that includes an asymmetric or non-fundamental mode having a lower cutoff frequency. A carrier frequency of the second electromagnetic wave is selected to be within a limited range of the lower cutoff frequency, so that a majority of the electric field is concentrated within a distance from the outer surface that is less than half the largest cross sectional dimension of the single wire transmission medium, and/or to reduce propagation loss. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
v DISTRIBUTED ON-PACKAGE MILLIMETER-WAVE RADIO By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments described herein generally relate to phased array antenna systems or packages and techniques of making and using the systems and packages. A phased array antenna package may include a distributed phased array antenna comprising (1) a plurality of antenna sub-arrays, which may each include a plurality of antennas, (2) a plurality of Radio Frequency Dies (RFDs), each of the RFDs located proximate and electrically coupled by a trace of a plurality of traces to a corresponding antenna sub-array of the plurality of antenna sub-arrays, and (3) wherein each trace of the plurality of traces configured to electrically couple an antenna of the plurality of antennas to the RFD located proximate the antenna, wherein each trace of the plurality of traces is configured to transmit millimeter wave (mm-wave) radio signals, and wherein the plurality of traces are each of a substantially uniform length. Full Article