f Medical Devices, Methods, and Kits for Delivering Medication to a Bodily Passage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Medical devices, methods and kits are described. An exemplary medical device comprises a catheter that has a catheter wall and defines a catheter lumen, a bend, and a coil disposed distal to the bend. The catheter defines one or more apertures that extend through the catheter wall and are in communication with the catheter lumen. Full Article
f SELF-PRIMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Vascular access system embodiments can be configured to remove gas and a piercing member from a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, vascular access systems can remove gas and at least a portion of a piercing member concurrently or simultaneously. In some embodiments, vascular access systems can remove gas before removing at least a portion of a piercing member. In several embodiments, a vascular access system can include a first barrel configured to remove gas and a second barrel configured to retract a piercing member. Full Article
f Reduced-Friction Catheter Introducer and Method of Manufacturing and Using the Same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sheath introducer for a catheter includes a sheath having a lumen, a hub positioned on a proximal end of the sheath, and a housing positioned on the hub. The hub can include a splittable penetration member having a port in fluid communication with the sheath lumen. The housing can include a valve having a closed upper surface and a channel surrounding the splittable penetration member. Movement of the housing with respect to the hub can expose the port of the splittable penetration member for insertion of the catheter. Full Article
f DELIVERY CATHETER WITH FIXED GUIDEWIRE AND BEVELED ELLIPTICAL PORT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a beveled distal end, and a lumen therethrough. The beveled distal end defines an elliptical port for releasing contrast or other media through the lumen and from the elliptical port. The catheter may also be used delivering devices or for aspirating or extracting materials from the vasculature or other body lumens. A fixed guidewire extends distally from the distal end of the catheter body, typically from the distal-most edge of the elliptical port. The fixed wire is typically malleable so that it can be manually formed into a desired shape. The elliptical port may be flat or concave. Full Article
f Drug Delivery Balloon Apparatus and Methods for Use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in fluid communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in fluid communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in fluid communication with the second lumen, wherein the second lumen is configured to receive both a guidewire and a drug solution, (e) an occlusion balloon, (I) a drug delivery balloon, where the occlusion balloon and the drug delivery balloon are in fluid communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen. Full Article
f BIOSYNCHRONOUS TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY FOR LONGEVITY, ANTI-AGING, FATIGUE MANAGEMENT, OBESITY, WEIGHT LOSS, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, DELIVERY OF NUTRACEUTICALS, AND THE TREATMENT OF HYPERGLYCEMIA, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, SLEEP DISORDERS, PARKINSON'S DISE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control, and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens, pro-drugs, stimulants, nutraceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or micro-fabricated structures. Full Article
f METHOD AND APPRATUS FOR TREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasound catheter with a lumen for fluid delivery and fluid evacuation, and an ultrasound source is used for the treatment of intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhages. After the catheter is inserted into a blood clot, a lytic drug can be delivered to the blood clot via the lumen while applying ultrasonic energy to the treatment site. As the blood clot is dissolved, the liquefied blood clot can be removed by evacuation through the lumen. Full Article
f MEDICAL ACCESS PORT, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A medical device comprising a subcutaneous access port having an access port body and at least one needle having a removable needle tip and a needle shaft defining a needle lumen; the at least one needle housed within the access port body, the at least one needle extendable and retractable relative to the access port body; and a needle shift mechanism operable such that the at least one needle is extendable from and retractable into the access port body at a plurality of positions of the access port body. Full Article
f CONNECTOR DISINFECTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Devices, systems, and methods for disinfecting catheters used during in line catheter connections are provided. A disinfection device including one or more LED UV sources comprises a small volume kill zone. The disinfection device is configured to effectively disinfect fluid within the kill zone. Full Article
f Magnetic Medical Connector And Fluid Transfer Set Including The Magnetic Medical Connector By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A connector for a fluid path set for delivery of a fluid to a patient during a procedure is described. The connector includes a magnetic check valve for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the fluid path. The magnetic check valve is configured to open in response to one or more of fluid pressure and change in value of magnetic force in the check valve. Full Article
f FLUID INFUSION DEVICE AND RELATED SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A NEEDLELESS FLUID RESERVOIR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. Full Article
f ENHANCEMENT OF PENETRATION AND ACTION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates, inter alia, to dermal systems comprising at least one light source and at least one pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active ingredient. The dermal systems can be employed in order to enhance the penetration and action of the pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active ingredient. Full Article
f INTELLIGENTLY-ANALGESIC INFUSION PUMP MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention discloses a system and method for monitoring an infusion pump capable of intelligently easing pain. Each infusion pump control terminal is connected with a monitoring server through a wireless AP and a local area network respectively; each human body vital sign sensor is connected with the signal input end of a field programmable gate array FPGA through a sensor interface circuit respectively, an infusion control device is connected with the control signal output end of the field programmable gate array FPGA, the field programmable gate array FPGA is in communication with an ARM processor in a bus coding mode, and the ARM processor is in communication connection with the wireless AP through a WIFI communication module. By means of the system and method for monitoring infusion pump capable of intelligently easing pain, a plurality of basic vital sign data of a patient is collected in real time, corresponding infusion schemes are generated through analysis of the data, the infusion pump is controlled to achieve automatic infusion, monitoring and pain-easing infusion are combined together for coordinative work, and infusion control is more scientific and reliable; patient online perception and feedback is supported, self-improvement of a system is facilitated, and more accurate and reliable infusion schemes can be acquired. Full Article
f FORCE BIASED SPRING PROBE PIN ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A force-biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a first plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the plunger member and the second end of the internal cavity. At least one rectangular cavity formed in the plunger member with a movable cylindrical bearing in the cavity that applies a slight transverse force to the plunger member ensuring good electrical contact between the plunger and the wall of the barrel member. A force-biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a first plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity and a second plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the upper end of the internal cavity. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the first plunger member and the second plunger member. At least one rectangular cavity formed in the first plunger member with a first movable cylindrical bearing in the cavity that applies a slight transverse force to the first plunger member ensuring good electrical contact between the first plunger member and the wall of the barrel member and at least one rectangular cavity formed in the second plunger member with a second movable cylindrical bearing in the cavity that applies a slight transverse force to the second plunger member ensuring good electrical contact between the second plunger member and the wall of the barrel member Full Article
f FORCE BIASED SPRING PROBE PIN ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A force biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a split plunger member comprised of an upper split plunger part separated from a lower split plunger part separated by a diagonal cut reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the upper split plunger part and the second end of the internal cavity. A force biased spring probe pin assembly includes a barrel member having a barrel wall defining an elongate internal cavity with a lower end and an upper end. The assembly also includes a first split plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the lower end of the internal cavity and a second split plunger member reciprocally mounted in the internal cavity proximate the upper end of the internal cavity. The first and second split plunger members are each comprised of two parts: a first upper plunger part separated from a first lower plunger part by a diagonal cut. A spring member is positioned in the internal cavity between the first and second upper split plunger parts. In each split plunger the diagonal surface of the upper split plunger part exerts a transverse force to the diagonal surface of the lower split plunger part ensuring good electrical contact between the lower split plunger member part and the barrel wall. Full Article
f SENSING APPARATUS FOR SENSING CURRENT THROUGH A CONDUCTOR AND METHODS THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensing apparatus for characterizing current flow through a conductor includes a plurality of magnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are grouped in pairs to achieve common mode rejection of signals generated in response to magnetic fields not resulting from current flow through the conductor. Sensors having different levels of sensitivity are used to collect information regarding the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor, where such information is processed in order to characterize the magnetic field. In some cases the sensors are included on or in flexible material that can be wrapped around the conductor. Full Article
f Method of making a current sensor and current sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of making a current sensor comprises providing a leadframe having a current conductor portion comprising two sections shaped such that a current to be measured flows in directions oriented obliquely or oppositely with respect to each other,deforming the leadframe to lower the current conductor portion,mounting an isolator on the current conductor portion,mounting a semiconductor chip having a thickness of at least 0.2 mm and comprising two magnetic field sensors composed of four Hall sensors and magnetic field concentrators on the isolator,connecting the semiconductor chip and sensor terminal leads by wire bonds,packaging the semiconductor chip and parts of the leadframe in a plastic housing, andcutting a frame of the leadframe from current terminal leads and the sensor terminal leads. Full Article
f METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCURACY IMPROVEMENT IN CURRENT COMPARATORS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Precision AC and DC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements and calibrations with current ranges from 1 uA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV are now performed with accuracies of better than one part per million. Continued demand for improved accuracy has led the inventors to address remnant magetization within the current comparators that form the basis of the measuring process within many of the measurement instruments providing the precision AC and DC measurements and calibrations. Accordingly, the inventors present current comparator and measurement system architectures together with control protocols to provide for correction of this remnant magnetization. Full Article
f BRANCH CURRENT MONITOR WITH RECONFIGURATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A branch current monitor that includes reconfiguration. Full Article
f APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTION OF A CURRENT LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods including a switching converter having an output stage including a power switch or first switching device to convert an input switching signal to an output switching signal and a sensor stage including a second switching device and a third switching device. In embodiments, the sensor stage may be coupled to receive the output switching signal from the first switching device and to substantially replicate a condition of the first switching device to generate a continuous signal rather than a switched signal. In embodiments, the continuous signal may allow detection of a current level. In some embodiments, the current level may indicate an overcurrent event. A digital post-processing circuit may be coupled to the switching device to count a number of overcurrent events according to various embodiments. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. Full Article
f CONFIGURATION SYSTEM FOR A POWER METER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for configuration of power meters. Full Article
f Method and Apparatus for Driving a Multi-Oscillator System By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments mitigate the risk of frequency-lock in systems having multiple resonators by dynamically changing the frequency at which at least one of the resonators is driven. More particularly, the drive frequency of at least one of the resonators is changed often enough that the multiple resonators do not have time to achieve frequency lock. Changes in the oscillation of the resonators may be analyzed to determine, for example, acceleration of such systems. Some embodiments implement self-test by assessing expected performance of a system with toggling drive frequencies. More particularly, some embodiments implement self-test by artificially inducing displacement of a movable member of a system. Full Article
f METHOD FOR PREPARING AN OBJECT TO BE TESTED AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE UNIFORMITY AND INTENSITY OF AN ELECTRIC FIELD INDUCED IN SAID OBJECT ILLUMINATED BY AN INCIDENT ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for preparing an object to be tested, having a given relative permittivity, intended to be illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave. The method includes: providing a part including a cavity for housing the object and at least one extension element made from a material having a relative permittivity that is preferably equal to that of the object, the extension element at least partially delimiting the cavity and extending to either side of the cavity in a passage direction of the cavity, over a length at least equal, on either side of the cavity, to one third of the length of the cavity in the passage direction, and placing the object in the cavity, such that the object is in contact with the extension element in the passage direction. Full Article
f Detection and Assessment of Damage to Composite Structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems for monitoring an integrity of electrical connectivity between a repair patch and a parent structure include providing the repair patch with an embedded sensor configured to detect electrical conductivity. The repair patch includes a ply of conductive material that overlaps a portion of a conductive layer of the parent structure. A baseline set of sensor data is acquired from the sensor indicative of an electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure. One or more additional sets of data may be obtained from the sensor and compared to the baseline set of data to determine an integrity of the electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure. Full Article
f CIRCUIT FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are a circuit fault detection system and method for a circuit fault detection. A circuit fault detection system includes: a detection circuit including a diode, a first resistor, and a second resistor, which are positioned between an applied voltage source and a top of a detection target circuit in series, and a third resistor and a fourth resistor, which are positioned between the detection target circuit and a ground in series, an input unit including a first input terminal configured to receive a voltage measured between the first resistor and the second resistor as an input, and a second input terminal configured to receive a voltage measured between the third resistor and the fourth resistor as an input, a controller configured to detect a failure in the detection target circuit and in an operation of the detection target circuit based on values of the voltages detected by the input unit; and a display unit configured to provide a warning to a user when the failure is detected. Full Article
f METHOD OF DETECTING AN ELECTRIC ARC BY ANALYSIS OF ITS ACOUSTIC SIGNATURE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of detecting an electric arc in an electrical system from a signal originating from at least one sensor detecting acoustic waves in the system, including: a) calculating by means of a processing device, over a sliding window of signal samples, at least one statistical parameter selected from the skewness and the kurtosis of the signal; b) detecting a possible occurrence of an event by taking into account said at least one statistical parameter; and c) performing a frequency analysis of the signal enabling to identify an electric arc when an event is detected at step b). Full Article
f MONITORING OF INSULATION CONDITIONS DURING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM EVENTS USING DIFFERENTIAL CURRENT SENSOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods are disclosed for on-line monitoring of the condition of insulation in electrical devices employing a differential current sensor. In certain embodiments a monitor that can be fitted to existing electrical devices by attachment of the sensor to a pair of phase cables is provided. In other embodiments, an electrical device configured with an insulation monitor is provided. Full Article
f METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING A FLUID LIFTING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system (100, 200) is presented. The system includes a fluid lifting device (102, 202) located inside a well (106, 206), and comprising an electrical motor (108, 208), a three phase cable (114, 214) for coupling the fluid lifting device to a power source (112, 212), at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer (104, 203, 204) for generating imbalance signals (128, 227) representative of an imbalance current in at least one of the electrical motor and the three phase cable, wherein the at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer is disposed such that the at least one high sensitivity differential current transformer surrounds at least a portion of the three phase cable, and a processing subsystem (136, 236) for monitoring the health of at least one of the fluid lifting device and the three phase cable based on the imbalance signals. Full Article
f QUALITY EVALUATION METHOD FOR LAMINATE HAVING PROTECTIVE LAYER ON SURFACE OF OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR THIN FILM AND QUALITY CONTROL METHOD FOR OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR THIN FILM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a method for simply evaluating defects caused in interface states in oxide semiconductor thin films and protective films in TFTs having protective films formed on the surface of oxide semiconductor thin films without actually measuring the characteristics of the same. This evaluation method evaluates defects caused in the interface states by measuring electron states in the oxide semiconductor thin film by a contact method or noncontact method. The defects caused in the interface states are any of the following (1)-(3). (1) Threshold value voltage (Vth,) when a positive bias is applied to the thin-film transistor(2) Difference in threshold value voltage (ΔVth) before and after applying the positive bias to the thin-film transistor(3) Threshold value during the first measurement when a plurality of measurements is made of the threshold value voltage when a positive bias is applied to the thin-film transistor. Full Article
f METHOD FOR LOCATING A FAULT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention concerns a method for locating a fault affecting an electrical appliance that comprises a communication interface and a female electrical connector, the female electrical connector comprising at least one conductive element mounted movable between an active position and a rest position, the female electrical connector comprising test means connected to the conductive element when same is in the rest position; the locating method comprising: a disconnection step; a test step consisting of testing the communication interface by cooperating with the test means of the female electrical connector; a locating step consisting of locating the fault in the electrical appliance or in an external element. Full Article
f PROBE CARD AND WAFER TESTING SYSTEM AND WAFER TESTING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A probe card, a wafer testing system and a wafer testing method are provided. The wafer testing system includes a wafer holder and a probe card. A wafer is held on the wafer holder, and testing pads are formed on the wafer, in which the testing pads are arranged along a test straight line. The probe card includes probes each of which includes an arm portion and a tip portion. An included angle between the test straight line and an extension of a projection line of the arm portion onto the wafer ranges from about 40 degrees to about 55 degrees. Full Article
f PROGNOSTIC AND HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMS FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system can include at least one circuit breaker. The system can also include a prognostic and health monitoring (PHM) system. The PHM system can include at least one measuring device that measures at least one parameter associated with the at least one circuit breaker. The PHM system can also include a controller that receives measurements made by the at least one measuring device and analyzes the measurements to evaluate a performance of the at least one circuit breaker. The measurements can be made while the at least one circuit breaker is in service. Full Article
f SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM, AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device for measuring a voltage of a battery cell, including first and second nodes, and first and second battery voltage measurement units. The first node is configured to receive a first voltage, the first voltage being a voltage of a capacitor that accumulates an electric charge based on the voltage of the battery cell. The first battery voltage measurement unit measures the first voltage through a first path. The second node is configured to receive a second voltage based on the voltage of the battery cell, the second node being different from the first node. The second battery voltage measurement unit measures the second voltage through a second path that is different from the first path. Full Article
f METHOD AND SYSTEM OF APPARATUSES FOR TESTING UTILITY POWER DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Test measurements on a utility power device by a switch matrix apparatus and a common voltage source as separate devices is performed. Through the switch matrix apparatus, the common voltage source selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the switch matrix apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the first lead and the second lead of the switch matrix apparatus remain electrically coupled to the first and the second terminal of the utility power device, a second high voltage signal is selectively sent via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and a second corresponding signal returned from the first terminal of the utility power device via the first lead of the switch matrix apparatus is measured. Full Article
f LOW FLY HEIGHT IN-PLANE MAGNETIC IMAGE SENSOR CHIP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a low fly height in-plane magnetic image sensor chip. This sensor chip comprises a Si substrate with a pit on the surface, a magnetoresistive sensor, and an insulating layer. The magnetoresistive sensor is located on the bottom surface of the pit in the Si substrate. The insulating layer is located above the magnetoresistive sensor. The magnetic image surface detected during operation is coplaner or parallel with the surface of the Si substrate surface. The input and output ends of the magnetoresistive sensor are connected with leads directly, or bonded with leads through pads, or through a conducting post and pads to form connections. And the flying height of the leads is lower than the height of the surface of the Si substrate. This technical solution has several advantages, such as compact structure, high output signal, and direct contact with the magnetic image. Full Article
f MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING APPARATUS AND DETECTION METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetic field sensing apparatus and detection method thereof are provided. The magnetic field sensing apparatus includes an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) magnetic field detector, a reference magnetic field detector, and a controller. The AMR magnetic field detector generates a first output voltage according to a detected magnetic field. The reference magnetic field detector generates a second output voltage according to the detected magnetic field. The controller identifies whether an absolute value of a field density of the detected magnetic field is larger or smaller than a predetermined value or not, and selects the first output voltage or a saturation voltage to be a magnetic field detection result accordingly. Full Article
f DETERMINING POSITION OF RADIO FREQUENCY COIL IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for determining a position of an RF coil in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is disclosed. As an example, a center of a field of view (FOV) to be scanned may be adjusted to a magnetic field center of an MRI system, and coordinate values in a coordinate system for shape-characteristic points of the FOV may be determined, where an origin of the coordinate system is located at the magnetic field center of the MRI system. A preset gradient magnetic field may be applied to the FOV, and coil units respectively covering the shape-characteristic points may be determined. An effective region may be obtained by connecting the determined coil units according to the shape of the FOV, and a coil unit located in the effective region may be determined as an effective coil unit for imaging the FOV by the MRI system. Full Article
f MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND RF COIL APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a transmission coil, a plurality of reception channels, transmission/reception circuitry, and processing circuitry. The transmission coil transmits an RF wave to a subject. The reception channels receive MR signals generated from the subject. The transmission/reception circuitry controls the transmission coil to change the flip angle of a nucleus contained in the subject and excited by the transmitted RF wave. The processing circuitry determines whether the reception channels include an impaired channel, based on the comparison between the distributions of the signal values of the received MR signals with respect to the changing flip angles among the reception channels. Full Article
f SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging is provided. The method includes dividing k-space into a plurality of regions along a dividing direction; scanning an object using a plurality of sampling sequences; acquiring a plurality of groups of data lines; filling the plurality of groups of data lines into the plurality of regions of the k-space; and reconstructing an image based on the filled k-space. Full Article
f UNIVERSAL, MODULAR TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED MRI PHANTOM FOR CALIBRATED ANISOTROPIC AND ISOTROPIC IMAGING INCLUDING HOLLOW FLUID FILLED TUBULAR TEXTILES FOR CALIBRATED ANISOTROPIC IMAGING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A universal, modular, temperature controlled MRI phantom for calibration and validation for anisotropic and isotropic imaging comprises an outer insulating shell configured to be received within an MRI chamber; an inner shell received within the outer insulating shell; a fluid conduits adjacent the inner shell for receiving temperature controlling fluid or gas cycling there-through; and a series of stacked layers of frames containing test points for the MRI phantom, each layer including at least one fiducial and including at least some anisotropic imaging test points in at least one frame and at least one isotropic imaging test point in at least one frame. The anisotropic imaging comprises hollow tubular textile fibers, wherein each hollow tubular fiber has an outer diameter of less than 50 microns and an inner diameter of less than 20 microns, wherein at least some hollow tubular fibers are filled with a fluid. Full Article
f CALIBRATION SYSTEM FOR A POWER METER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for calibration of power meters. Full Article
f RECONSTRUCTING IMPULSIVE SOURCE SEISMIC DATA FROM TIME DISTRIBUTED FIRING AIRGUN ARRAY DATA By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Acquiring seismic data using time-distributed sources and converting the acquired data into impulsive data using a multiple-frequency approach. The methods are performed in frequency-source location domain, frequency-wavenumber domain, or frequency-slowness domain. The methods are applicable to single source acquisition or simultaneous source acquisition. Full Article
f DISPLAY PANEL, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING SCREEN FLICKERING, AND DISPLAY DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a display panel, a method and a device for measuring screen flickering, and a display device. The display panel includes a substrate, data lines and gate lines arranged on the substrate and crossing each other, and subpixel units defined by the data lines and the gate lines. Each subpixel unit includes a TFT, a pixel electrode, a first common electrode and a second common electrode. The second common electrode is connected to an input end capable of providing an alternating voltage at a first frequency. An orthogonal projection of the second common electrode onto the substrate at least partially overlaps an orthogonal projection of the pixel electrode onto the substrate. Full Article
f INFUSION PUMP LINE IDENTIFICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method identifies to which one of a plurality of infusion pumps one of a plurality of fluid lines is coupled. The method can include intentionally producing a predetermined pressure pattern in one of the plurality of fluid lines, detecting the predetermined pressure pattern by way of a sensor of one of the plurality of infusion pumps, and indicating detection of the predetermined pressure pattern in the one of the plurality of fluid lines, thereby indicating the one of the plurality of infusion pumps to which the one of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled. In some cases, a tool configured to occlude and the squeeze the fluid line can be used to intentionally produce the predetermined pressure pattern. Full Article
f MEASURING FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT ACOUSTIC ATTENUATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems for frequency-dependent fluid attenuation measurement are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: generating one or more reference acoustic signals within a reference fluid; receiving one or more reference acoustic signal reflections; determining a frequency-dependent response function based, at least in part, on the one or more reference acoustic signal reflections; generating one or more sample acoustic signals within a sample fluid; receiving one or more sample acoustic signal reflections; and determining a frequency-dependent attenuation function of the sample fluid based, at least in part, on the one or more sample acoustic signal reflections and the frequency-dependent response function. Full Article
f HEAT GENERATION RATE WAVEFORM CALCULATION DEVICE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING HEAT GENERATION RATE WAVEFORM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A first-half combustion period, for example, is estimated/evaluated, with a required accuracy, more simply than the conventional art, while reducing man-hours to produce a heat generation rate waveform of an internal combustion engine. Within a combustion period of an air-fuel mixture, a period from an ignition time FA to a heat generation rate maximum time dQpeakA where the heat generation rate is maximum is defined as the first-half combustion period a that is one of characteristic values of the heat generation rate waveform. The first-half combustion period a is estimated based on an in-cylinder volume at the heat generation rate maximum time, and furthermore by being corrected using an exponential function of the engine rotation speed with a value depending on a tumble ratio as exponent. Thus, the heat generation rate waveform is produced using the estimated first-half combustion period a. Full Article
f DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WALL ABRASION OF SOLID FILLER FEEDING WELL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a device for detecting wall abrasion of a solid-filling feeding well and a detection method thereof. The device comprises a well wall abrasion detector, a horizontal displacement meter, a vertical displacement monitor, and a limit guide rod. One end of the limit guide rod is connected to the well wall abrasion detector. The signal output terminal of the well wall abrasion detector is connected to the signal input terminal of the horizontal displacement meter, and the other end of the limit guide rod passes through the vertical displacement monitor for slidable setting. This disclosure mainly utilizes a resistance strain displacement sensor to detect the abrasion and deformation degree of the well wall, determines the position of damages with the vertical displacement monitor, and draws wall abrasion curves by using the obtained data. The device provided is easy to use, has low cost, has high reliability, and can effectively detect the wall abrasion condition of a solid-filling feeding well, thereby providing a basis for ensuring the working efficiency of the feeding well. Full Article
f SYSTEM FOR DETECTING DEFORMATION OF CUSHION PAD AND PRODUCTION THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a cushion pad with improved durability without feeling of a foreign object. The present invention thus provides a system for detecting a deformation of a cushion pad, comprising; the cushion pad comprising a matrix layer, in which electroconductive or magnetic filler is dispersed, and a soft polyurethane foam including the matrix layer incorporated therein, anda detecting portion that detects an electric or magnetic change caused by a deformation of the cushion pad,wherein the matrix layer has a hardness lower than the soft polyurethane, and it production method. Full Article
f MICROELECTROMECHANICAL GYROSCOPE WITH REJECTION OF DISTURBANCES AND METHOD OF SENSING AN ANGULAR RATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A gyroscope includes a substrate, a first structure, a second structure and a third structure elastically coupled to the substrate and movable along a first axis. The first and second structure are arranged at opposite sides of the third structure with respect to the first axis A driving system is configured to oscillate the first and second structure along the first axis in phase with one another and in phase opposition with the third structure. The first, second and third structure are provided with respective sets of sensing electrodes, configured to be displaced along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in response to rotations of the substrate about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and to the second axis. Full Article
f Ultrasonic Measurement System and Measurement Method Thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasonic measurement system and a measurement method thereof are disclosed. The system includes a subsystem summarization processing device, and at least two measurement subsystems mounted on different regions to be measured, each measurement subsystem includes a primary measurement sensor and a secondary measurement sensor, the primary measurement sensor includes a first housing, and a first transduction element, a measurement processing element and a signal control element mounted within the first housing respectively, the signal control element is coupled to the first transduction element and the measurement processing element respectively, the first transduction element is mounted on a bottom end surface of the first housing, the secondary measurement sensor includes a second housing and a second transduction element mounted on a bottom end surface of the second housing, the second transduction element is coupled to the signal control element, and the measurement processing element of each of the measurement subsystems is coupled to the subsystem summarization processing device respectively. The measurement accuracy can be improved by implementing the present invention. Full Article