1447results about How to "Avoid poor results" patented technology

Spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one pedicle screw and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to the pedicle screw. The mechanism may include a universal joint mechanism or a ball and socket mechanism. In the case of the ball and socket mechanism, at least one spherical element is mounted with respect to the at least one pedicle screw and a socket member cooperates with the spherical element. The spherical element and the socket member cooperate to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the ball element while remaining engaged therewith. The dynamic junction is advantageously incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes additional pedicle screw(s), spherical element(s) and socket member(s). The spinal stabilization system may incorporate dynamic stabilizing member(s) to so as to provide clinically efficacious results.

A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.

A search system and method are provided that uses taxonomies, entities, facets, and ontologies to provide a user with a more comprehensive set of search results in response to a query. The search system has an indexing engine that performs one or more indexing steps that permit the search engine to return a comprehensive set of search results. For example, the indexing engine may index a document according to a set of synsets so that the search engine may use the synsets, during retrieval of results to a query, to return a more comprehensive set of search results.

A process for catalytic multi-stage hydrogenation of heavy carbonaceous feedstocks using catalytic ebullated bed reactors is operated at selected flow and operating conditions so as to provide improved reactor operations and produce increased yield of lower boiling hydrocarbon liquid and gas products. The disclosed process advantageously takes advantage of an external gas / liquid separation unit associated with the first stage reactor to allow for a more efficient and effective catalytic hydrocracking process. The more efficient process is primarily a result of the increased catalyst loading and lower gas hold-up in the ebullated reactors.

The present invention provides a process for separating a good quality information signal from a noisy acoustic environment. The separation process uses a set of at least two spaced-apart transducers to capture noise and information components. The transducer signals, which have both a noise and information component, are received into a separation process. The separation process generates one channel that is substantially only noise, and another channel that is a combination of noise and information. An identification process is used to identify which channel has the information component. The noise signal is then used to set process characteristics that are applied to the combination signal to efficiently reduce or eliminate the noise component. In this way, the noise is effectively removed from the combination signal to generate a good qualify information signal. The information signal may be, for example, a speech signal, a seismic signal, a sonar signal, or other acoustic signal.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying candidate synonyms of transliterated terms for query expansion. In one aspect, a method includes identifying multiple transliterated terms in a target language. For each transliterated term of the multiple transliterated terms in the target language, the transliterated term is mapped to one or more terms in a source language. For a first transliterated term of the multiple transliterated terms in the target language, one or more second transliterated terms of the multiple transliterated terms in the target language are identified as candidate synonyms of the first transliterated term, where each of the one or more second transliterated terms is mapped to at least one term in the source language that is also mapped from the first transliterated term.

The present invention provides a process for separating a good quality information signal from a noisy acoustic environment. The separation process uses a set of a least two spaced-apart transducers to capture noise and information components. The transducer signals, which have both a noise and information component, are received into a separation process. The separation process generates one channel that is substantially only noise, and another channel that is a combination of noise and information. An identification process is used to identify which channel has the information component. The noise signal is then used to set process characteristics that are applied to the combination signal to efficiently reduce or eliminate the noise component. In this way, the noise is effectively removed from the combination signal to generate a good qualify information signal. The information signal may be, for example, a speech signal, a seismic signal, a sonar signal, or other acoustic signal.

Methods and systems for performing measurements based on a measurement model integrating a metrology-based target model with a process-based target model. Systems employing integrated measurement models may be used to measure structural and material characteristics of one or more targets and may also be used to measure process parameter values. A process-based target model may be integrated with a metrology-based target model in a number of different ways. In some examples, constraints on ranges of values of metrology model parameters are determined based on the process-based target model. In some other examples, the integrated measurement model includes the metrology-based target model constrained by the process-based target model. In some other examples, one or more metrology model parameters are expressed in terms of other metrology model parameters based on the process model. In some other examples, process parameters are substituted into the metrology model.

Arrangement for the intra-operative determination of the spatial position and angular position of a joint replacement implant, especially a hip socket or shoulder socket or an associated stem implant, or a vertebral replacement implant, especially a lumbar or cervical vertebral implant, using a computer tomography method, having: a computer tomography modeling device for generating and storing a three-dimensional image of a joint region or vertebral region to be provided with the joint replacement implant, an optical coordinate-measuring arrangement for providing real position coordinates of defined real or virtual points of the joint region or vertebral region and / or position reference vectors between such points within the joint region or vertebral region or from those points to joint-function-relevant points on an extremity outside the joint region or vertebral region, the coordinate-measuring arrangement comprising a stereocamera or stereocamera arrangement for the spatial recording of transducer signals, at least one multipoint transducer, which comprises a group of measurement points rigidly connected to one another, and an evaluation unit for evaluating sets of measurement point coordinates supplied by the multipoint transducer(s) and recorded by the stereocamera, and a matching-processing unit for real position matching of the image to the actual current spatial position of the joint region or vertebral region with reference to the real position coordinates of the defined points, the matching-processing unit being configured for calculating transformation parameters with minimalization of the normal spacings.

A method and apparatus for examining a substance volume to characterize its type, particularly useful for examining tissue to characterize it as cancerous or non-cancerous, by: applying a polarizing magnetic field through the examined substance: applying RF pulses locally to the examined substance volume such as to invoke electrical impedance (EI) responses signals corresponding to the electrical impedance of the substance, and magnetic resonance (MR) responses signals corresponding to the MR properties of the substance; detecting the EI and MR response signals; and utilizing the detected response signals for characterizing the examined substance volume type.

Methods and systems for creating a measurement model based on measured training data are presented. The trained measurement model is used to calculate process parameter values, structure parameter values, or both, directly from measured data collected from other wafers. The measurement models receive measurement data directly as input and provide process parameter values, structure parameter values, or both, as output. The measurement model enables the direct measurement of process parameters. Measurement data from multiple targets is collected for model building, training, and measurement. In some examples, the use of measurement data associated with multiple targets eliminates, or significantly reduces, the effect of under layers in the measurement result, and enables more accurate measurements. Measurement data collected for model building, training, and measurement, may be derived from measurements performed by a combination of multiple, different measurement techniques.

A microenvironment of a biological body is controlled, and more particularly, is measured, changed, and monitored with respect to temperature, pH level, moisture and other tissue parameters of a region of the body while, optionally, administering a therapeutic agent to that region.

Soft tissue implants (e.g., breast, pectoral, chin, facial, lip, and nasal implants) are used in combination with an anti-scarring agent in order to inhibit scarring that may otherwise occur when the implant is placed within an animal.

The frame words of the preferred embodiment are especially suitable for frame synchronization and / or channel estimation. By adding the autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions of frame words, double maximum values equal in magnitude and opposite polarity at zero and middle shifts are obtained. This property can be used to slot-by-slot, double-check frame synchronization timing, single frame synchronization and / or channel estimation and allows reduction of the synchronization search time. Further, the present invention allows a simpler construction of a correlator circuit for a receiver. A frame synchronization apparatus and method using an optimal pilot pattern is used in a wide band code division multiple Access (W-CDMA) next generation mobile communication system. This method includes the steps of storing column sequences demodulated and inputted by slots, in a frame unit, in detecting frame synchronization for upward and downward link channels; converting the stored column sequences according to a pattern characteristic related to each sequence by using the pattern characteristic obtained from the relation between the column sequences; adding the converted column sequences by slots; and performing a correlation process of the added result to a previously designated code column.

The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres associated with stem cells useful for tissue construction and generation. The invention also relates to methods of tissue construction and generation, for the treatment of various tissue damage and defects, using the injectable compositions.

Methods and systems for performing semiconductor metrology directly on device structures are presented. A measurement model is created based on measured training data collected from at least one device structure. The trained measurement model is used to calculate process parameter values, structure parameter values, or both, directly from measurement data collected from device structures of other wafers. In some examples, measurement data from multiple targets is collected for model building, training, and measurement. In some examples, the use of measurement data associated with multiple targets eliminates, or significantly reduces, the effect of under layers in the measurement result, and enables more accurate measurements. Measurement data collected for model building, training, and measurement may be derived from measurements performed by a combination of multiple, different measurement techniques.

Spinal fixation systems may be installed utilizing instruments and techniques alone or in combination with selectively attached extension members mounted on vertebral anchors to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedures associated with this invention involve making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the anchor. Instrumentation is utilized to deliver and install components such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware to the anchors. Once a spine rod or other components are secured to the pedicle screws, the instrumentation and extension members are removed from the patient.

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying matches between disparate schemas calculates a degree of similarity between elements of two schemas using each of multiple matching processes. The calculated degrees of similarity are combined using a first weighting vector to produce first combined degrees of similarity. The first weighting vector includes multiple weighting coefficients and each weighting coefficient corresponds to one of the matching processes. The weighting coefficients are tuned using information relating to a predicted degree of matching accuracy associated with the first weighting vector.

A system and method of bone fixation are provided for improving the bone growth and stability of the fixated bones. For example, a target site for a bone fixation procedure can be accessed at a facet of a first vertebra using a tissue dilator. Bone material can be disrupting from or at the target site, and a bone fixation device can be installed to fix the first vertebra relative to a second vertebra. The disruption and / or removal of the bone material, such as by rasping facets or a facet joint of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, can tend to promote bone growth. Further, it is contemplated that bone graft material can be inserted at the target site, such as into a joint space formed between facets of the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

Method of positioning electrodes in an electrode array, comprising at least five or at least seven electrodes for central nervous system (CNS) monitoring from the forehead of a patient's head. The electrodes of the array are optimally located for discriminating EEG, FEMG and EM components from the recorded biopotential signals.

A method concerning measurements by using an electrode array comprising three electrodes for central nervous system (CNS) monitoring from the forehead of a patient's head. A first electrode of said three electrodes is positioned between the eyebrows or immediately above the eyebrows of the patient. A third electrode of said three electrodes is positioned apart from the first electrode on the hairless fronto-lateral area of the forehead the patient. A second electrode is positioned between the first and the third electrodes on the forehead of the patient.

An apparatus and method for diagnosing a cooling system includes a first sensor operable to detect a compressor supply amperage, a second sensor operable to detect a compressor supply voltage, and a third sensor operable to detect a compressor rotational speed. A controller in communication with the first, second and third sensors communicates with a computer that compares at least two of the supply amperage, supply voltage and rotational speed with normal operating parameters, and outputs a diagnosis.

A device for mixing the components of a mass flow flowing through it, provides a particularly homogeneous mixture with any desired long-term stability, even if components which are generally immiscible or can only be mixed with very great difficulty are being mixed. The device has a body (8), which it is difficult for medium to flow around, arranged in a through-flow chamber (4), this body being arranged at least partially in a part of the through-flow chamber (4) which widens in the direction of flow, so that the cavitation action and mixing action of the supercavitation field generated by the body (8) which it is difficult for medium to flow around is significantly reinforced.

A license plate recognition and image review system and processes are described. The system includes grouping of images that are determined to be of the same vehicle, using an image encoded database such that verification of a license plate read is done through comparison of images of the actual vehicle to images from the encoded database and testing of the accuracy of a manual review process by interspersing previously identified images with real images being reviewed in a batch process.

A robot aided surgical system for the bone setting operation with the locking intramedullary nail is composed of multifunctional automatic operation bed, robot, bone setting regulator on said robot, bone fixing mechanism, high-accuracy full-automatic X-ray machine with C-shaped arm, navigation robot, robot controller, master hand control station, and slave hand control station.

The invention relates to a wiper blade for windshields, especially automobile windshields, comprising at least one support element, a support element (12), a wiper strip (14) and connecting means (16) for a wiper arm (18). The support element (12) is a long flat rod to which the wiper strip (14) and the connecting means (16) are fixed. According to the invention, the flat rod has a cross-sectional profile (40), whereby Fwf*L2 / 48*E*Izz<0.009 when Fwf is the pressure force exerted on the wiper blade or the pressure force for which the wiper blade was originally intended, L represents the length of the wiper blade, E stands for the elasticity module of the flat rod material and Izz is the moment of inertia of the cross-sectional profile around the z axis (perpendicular to an s axis associated with the flat rod and perpendicular to the y axis).

A system and method for enhancing the result of a query is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of data sources, an interface configured to query the plurality of data sources, and logic coupled to the interface and configured to enhance the result of a query to the plurality of data sources based on feedback from at least one user of the system.

The invention discloses a robot-assisted surgery surgical drill instrument with a force sensing function. The surgical drill instrument comprises a tail end executer part, a deflection-pitching part and an autoroatation part, wherein the tail end executer consists of a six-dimensional force sensor, a drill connecting element, a pitching connecting element, a surgery drill and a middle connecting shaft, and is used for realizing hole drilling and force sensing functions; the deflection-pitching part consists of a pitching shaft, a middle support body, a deflection driving wheel, a deflection shaft and a transmission wheel, and is used for completing the pitching and deflection freedom; and the autoroatation part consists of an autoroatation shaft and a carbon fiber pipe, and is used for realizing the autoroatation freedom. The surgical drill instrument provided by the invention has the advantages that cable transmission is used, so that the long-distance transmission can be realized; the return difference is eliminated through proper pre-tightening; the operation space is large; the transmission precision is high; the moving stability is high; and the drill tail end force and moment can be sensed.

A system and method for determining location of a fluid leak at a drape of a reduced pressure delivery system being used on a tissue site of a patient may include applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site of the patient. The drape may be imaged to generate image data, and a determination of a location of a fluid leak of the drape may be made from the image data. As a result of the determination of the location of the fluid leak, the drape may be corrected. The imaging may be made in a non-visible spectrum. The non-visible spectrum may be in an IR spectrum or UV spectrum. In one embodiment, a fluid, such as compressed air, may be applied to the dressing via the interface between the drape and tissue of the patient to improve imaging in the non-visible spectrum.