145 results about "Rapid rate" patented technology

A device and method for lancing a patient, virtually simultaneously producing and collecting a small fluid sample from a body. The device comprises a blood collection system including a lancing needle (16), drive mechanism (11), kneading or vibration mechanism (25), optional suction system (7), and sample ejection mechanism. The device is preferably sized to be hand-held in one hand and operable with one hand. The device can optionally contain integral testing or analysis component (83) for receiving the sample and providing testing or analysis indication or readout for the user. A method involves piercing the skin at a rapid rate, kneading the surrounding area by ultrasonic action, piezoelectric or mechanical oscillation to stimulate the blood flow from the wound, drawing the fluid using a pumping system.

Coding free text documents, especially in medicine, has become an urgent priority as electronic medical records (EMR) mature, and the need to exchange data between EMRs becomes more acute. However, only a few automated coding systems exist, and they can only code a small portion of the free text against a limited number of codes. The precision of these systems is low and code quality is not measured. The present invention discloses a process and system which implements semantic coding against standard lexicon(s) with high precision. The standard lexicon can come from a number of different sources, but is usually developed by a standard's body. The system is semi-automated to enable medical coders or others to process free text documents at a rapid rate and with high precision. The system performs the steps of segmenting a document, flagging the need for corrections, validating the document against a data type definition, and looking up both the semantics and standard codes which correspond to the document's sentences. The coder has the option to intervene at any step in the process to fix mistakes made by the system. A knowledge base, consisting of propositions, represents the semantic knowledge in the domain. When sentences with unknown semantics are discovered they can be easily added to the knowledge base. The propositions in the knowledge base are associated with codes in the standard lexicon. The quality of each match is rated by a professional who understands the knowledge domain. The system uses this information to perform high precision coding and measure the quality of the match.

Fourier domain a / LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

A multichannel cochlear implant system spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus. From this data, a safe, efficacious and comfortable threshold level can be obtained which may be used thereafter as the initial setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device, or to guide the setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device.

A device and method for lancing a patient, virtually simultaneously producing and collecting a small fluid sample from a body. The device comprises a blood collection system including a lancing needle (16), drive mechanism (11), kneading or vibration mechanism (25), optional suction system (7), and sample ejection mechanism. The device is preferably sized to be hand-held in one hand and operable with one hand. The device can optionally contain integral testing or analysis component (83) for receiving the sample and providing testing or analysis indication or readout for the user. A method involves piercing the skin at a rapid rate, kneading the surrounding area by ultrasonic action, piezoelectric or mechanical oscillation to stimulate the blood flow from the wound, drawing the fluid using a pumping system.

A system and method which employs atrial discrimination algorithms to distinguish between different atrial arrhythmias occurring in a patient for selecting an optimal pacing therapy corresponding to the type of arrhythmia identified. The invention may be implemented in a bradycardia pacemaker or other implantable cardiac device. In response to the detection of an atrial rate above the atrial tracking rate, discrimination criteria are applied to a detected atrial activity signal to distinguish between different types of supraventricular tachycardia, such as fast atrial flutter and other atrial flutter at a relatively slower rate, which may be occurring in the patient. The discrimination criteria may be, for example, rate-based or morphology based. The pacer is controlled to provide pacing therapy to a heart in a manner corresponding to the type of supraventricular tachycardia identified. For example, antitachycardia pacing may be provided to the heart in response to the detection of a relatively lower rate supraventricular tachycardia / other atrial flutter, whereas another pacing control, e.g., ventricular pacing, such as ventricular rate regulation or Rate Smoothing, may be applied if a more rapid rate supraventricular tachycardia / fast atrial flutter is identified. The output of an atrial discrimination algorithm may be tracked and the trend thereof used to improve therapy timing.

A multichannel neurostimulation device spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus. From this data, a safe, efficacious and comfortable threshold level can be obtained which may be used thereafter as the initial setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device, or to guide the setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device.

A multichannel cochlear implant system spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus. From this data, a safe, efficacious and comfortable threshold level can be obtained which may be used thereafter as the initial setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device, or to guide the setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device.

A multi-engine system 10 for use on an aircraft 14 is disclosed. The system 10 may comprise a first aircraft engine 16A and a second aircraft engine 16B configured to drive at least one device 12 of the aircraft 14. A starter 20 may be coupled to one of the first and second aircraft engines 16A, 16B to assist starting of the one of the first and second aircraft engines 16A, 16B. An energy source 24 may be configured to deliver energy to the starter 20 at a rapid rate during rapid starting of the one of the first and the second aircraft engines 16A, 16B, the rapid rate being higher than a regular rate used during regular starting of the one of the first and the second aircraft engines 16A, 16B. The energy source 24 may comprise at least one supercapacitor.

A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation are provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations up to at least 6000 psi. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, a wetting component, a viscosifier component, an activator or flocculant component, and an extender. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud up to the rate of 90 pounds per barrel. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment. The mixture de-waters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture may be weighted and does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to de-water and set as a solid plug.

Patients are treated with 24-hour oral sustained release opioid formulations which, upon administration, provide an initially rapid opioid absorption such that the minimum effective analgesic concentration of the opioid is more quickly achieved. These sustained release opioid formulations include an effective amount of at least one retardant material to cause said opioid analgesic to be released at a such a rate as to provide an analgesic effect after oral administration to a human patient for at least about 24 hours, and are characterized by providing an absorption half-life from 1 to about 8 hours. A method of titrating a human patient utilizing these sustained release opioid formulations is also disclosed.

A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation are provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations up to at least 5100 psi. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, a wetting component, a viscosifier component, an activator or flocculant component, and an extender. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud up to the rate of 90 pounds per barrel. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment. The mixture de-waters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture may be weighted and does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to de-water and set as a solid plug.

A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation is provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, ranging in size from approximately 10 to approximately 750 microns, a wetting component, a viscosifier component and an activator or flocculant. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud to the permeable formation and will not set up inside the drill string. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment, thus removing the need to form a pill in a slugging pit prior to introduction. The mixture dewaters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to dewater and set as a solid plug.

A method of, apparatus for, and computer-readable medium for rapid, real time kinematics determination requiring lowered information transmission for position updates than traditional RTK systems. Position signals are received from a base station and roving system and a compressed position signal is received from the base station. A position estimate using an integrated method is determined using the received position signals from the base station and the roving system and the compressed position signal from the base station. Ambiguity resolution of the position estimate is enhanced by applying a quality control procedure using derived validation criteria. A second position estimate is derived based on the enhanced ambiguity resolution. Because of the use of the compressed position signal smaller transmissions may be performed at a more rapid rate providing a higher position update rate.

A method and an apparatus for advantageously introducing a flame and a high velocity oxidizing gas into a furnace for metal melting, refining and processing, particularly steel making in an electric arc furnace. The steel making process of an electric arc furnace is made more efficient by shortening the time of the scrap melting phase and introducing an effective high velocity oxidizing gas stream into the process sooner to decarburize the melted metal. In one implementation of an apparatus, improved efficiency is obtained by mounting a fixed burner / lance closer to the hot face of the furnace refractory at an effective injection angle. This mounting technique shortens the distance that the flame of the burner has to melt through the scrap to clear a path to the molten metal and shortens the distance the high velocity oxygen from the lance travels to the slag-metal interface thereby increasing its penetrating power. The method additionally includes supplying a plurality of reaction zones with the high velocity oxidizing gas to decarburize the melted metal. The plurality of reaction zones increases the surface area available for the reaction thereby allowing a more rapid rate of decarburization and a more homogenous metal bath. The reaction zones are supplied with the high velocity oxidizing gas according to an oxygen supply profile which is related to the carbon content of the metal bath. In this manner an optimal amount of oxygen can be introduced into the metal bath to shorten the decarburization process without producing excessive oxidation of the metal bath and excessive free oxygen in the furnace.

Ammonium sulfate nitrate composite materials useful as fertilizers having desirable levels of nitrate ions, superior stability against detonation, higher density, greater resistance to moisture, and a method for their manufacture. The ammonium sulfate nitrate composites have as essential constituents ammonium sulfate and the NH4SO4.2(NH4NO3) double salt with less than 5 wt. % in combined total of the more hazardous NH4SO4.3(NH4NO3) double salt and ammonium nitrate. The composites of the invention are formed by reacting ammonium sulfate with ammonium nitrate in a molar ratio of about 0.9:1 to about 1.1:1 in the presence of a small amount of water in a narrow range of temperatures and then cooling to solidification at a sufficiently rapid rate to prevent macroscopic segregation of the reaction products.

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses, and devices related to chemical vapor deposition of silicon oxide. In one embodiment, a single-step deposition process is used to efficiently form a silicon oxide layer exhibiting high conformality and favorable gap-filling properties. During a pre-deposition gas flow stabilization phase and an initial deposition stage, a relatively low ratio of silicon-containing gas:oxidant deposition gas is flowed, resulting in formation of highly conformal silicon oxide at relatively slow rates. Over the course of the deposition process step, the ratio of silicon-containing gas:oxidant gas is increased, resulting in formation of less-conformal oxide material at relatively rapid rates during later stages of the deposition process step.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages with a level of precision that can yield a uniform taste from cup to cup, and at a rapid rate. In one embodiment, a liquid is heated in a reservoir to a predetermined temperature. Prior to brewing a beverage with the liquid, the liquid may be passed through a temperature control unit to cool the liquid to a desired brewing temperature. By utilizing such a temperature control unit, the brewing temperature can be varied on a per-beverage basis. Moreover, utilization of a temperature control unit can enable the liquid to be brought to a desired brewing temperature relatively rapidly.

Apparatus for blast freezing palletized products is disclosed in which tall racks have openings on at least one side that connect to a plenum chamber, against which stacked pallets can be placed one above another as well as beside one another adjacent the plenum openings, but with the rack providing only one pallet depth to optimize circulation of regular warehouse freezing air through the pallets at a rapid rate for rapid blast freezing.As another example, there are vertically adjustable panels in a tall rack to accommodate different height palletized products stacked one above another, in a way that allows for sealing between the plenum chamber and the palletized products on one side of the palletized product without either substantial blockage of air flow through the side of the palletized product and without allowing a substantial gap between the palletized product and the plenum that would allow a substantial bypass of flow through the palletized product. In particular, as to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed the fixing of the position of adjustable panels through the use of pins that could be inserted into any one of a series of vertically arranged holes to achieve any one of multiple discrete heights that are securely positioned, yet readily adjustable. The vertical adjustability of a member that has a rigid component that may or may not also contain a cushioned or flexible seal allows for much more durability, versatility and suitability for accommodating palletized products of various heights.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the brewing of beverages from a liquid, such as water, and a flavor base, such as tea, cocoa, or coffee. Specifically, aspects of the present disclosure enable the brewing of beverages with a level of precision that can yield a uniform taste from cup to cup, and at a rapid rate. In one embodiment, a liquid is heated in a reservoir to a predetermined temperature. Prior to brewing a beverage with the liquid, the liquid may be passed through a temperature control unit to cool the liquid to a desired brewing temperature. By utilizing such a temperature control unit, the brewing temperature can be varied on a per-beverage basis. Moreover, utilization of a temperature control unit can enable the liquid to be brought to a desired brewing temperature relatively rapidly.

A system and method for relating heart rate and power output during exercise includes subjecting an individual to a physical activity that involves maintaining power output at a substantially constant level during a time period while monitoring heart rate. For an initial portion of the time period, there is a generally parallel correlation between power output and heart rate. Subsequently, a separation point occurs at which heart rate increases at a relatively rapid rate while power output remains relatively constant, which provides an accurate indication of the individual's anaerobic threshold. The separation point may be used to determine an exercise regimen for the individual, which may be used in a variety of ways, including in weight loss or maintenance, athletic training, physical therapy, etc. The physical activity may involve operation of an item of exercise equipment, such as a cycling exerciser, which includes means for sensing power output by the individual.

Compositions, systems, and methods method of rapidly printing a black ink-jet image are provided. The composition can include a liquid vehicle including water, and from 15 wt % to 30 wt % organic solvent, wherein from 3 wt % to 10 wt % of the organic solvent is a methylated pentanetriol co-solvent; and from 1 wt % to 6 wt % of a dispersant-functionalized black carbon pigment. Obtaining firing frequencies from 15 kHz to 25 kHz are feasible with such compositions, provided the ink-jet architecture used with these pens is capable of firing at these very rapid rates.

A method and apparatus for continuously or at a rapid rate of repetition measuring friction between a road surface and a tire, especially suitable for evaluating the severity of visually undetectable road ice at traffic speeds, consists of a separate test wheel attached to a vehicle and in contact with a road surface, wherein a controlled slippage of test wheel is created by a compressed spring acting either clockwise or counterclockwise to a hinge with a substantially vertical axis upon which the test wheel arm pivots. Electrical signals are produced varying in accordance with the angle of yaw, the signals being transmitted to an onboard computer or remote receiver. A suspension system links the test wheel to the vehicle.

A method of designing an earth-boring rotary drill bit includes designing a bit body and cutting elements of the drill bit such that features of the drill bit other than cutting elements engage and rub against the subterranean formation being drilled by the drill bit at depths-of-cut beyond, but close to, an intended median depth-of-cut, and such that the amount of rubbing area between such features and the formation increases at a relatively rapid rate as the depth-of-cut increases beyond the intended median depth-of-cut. Such methods may be employed to mitigate the occurrence of the stick-slip phenomenon during drilling. A method of fabricating a drill bit includes configuring a bit body and cutting elements in accordance with such a design. Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body and cutting elements so configured.

The system and method autonomously and selectively jams frequency-hopping signals in near real-time by incorporating a fundamental change in the detection and reaction technology, to provide a reaction time that is short enough, within milliseconds or less, to capture and then jam even the fastest frequency hopping radios in use today, without relying on prior art methods of using standard CPU driven technology.The system automatically determines if detected signal(s) should be jammed, and subsequently to automatically end extremely quickly activates the jamming transmitter on the frequency-hopper transmitter's frequency. Finally, the system provides a programmable user interface so that operators can set up the system to act autonomously as intended, such that operator intervention is unnecessary when the system is placed in jamming operation mode.

A rapid rate chemical solution generator system and a method of generating a chemical solution from the system to rapidly treat a body of water. The system and method are especially useful in emergency situations. The system includes a tank for mixing chemical material with water, a hopper for storage of the chemical material, a gate valve disposed between the tank and hopper, a mixer to agitate and blend the chemical material with the water and form the chemical solution and a pump to aid in drawing the chemical solution out of the tank and toward a desired application. The system is configured to provide long-term storage of the chemical material in the hopper, while keeping the chemical material available for rapid delivery to the tank when needed.

An electrical, automatic hot beverage brewer (10) and method of brewing in which a removable brew chamber (20) has a drain hole (25) in the bottom fitted with a normally closed, pressure responsive brew chamber drain valve assembly (24) maintained in a normally closed position except when pressure against the drain valve (24) exceeds a preselected minimum pressure limit that is greater than the fluidic pressure applied by virtue of head pressure of a full load of hot water and a piston (74) is moved within the brew chamber to control the opening and closing of the drain valve (24) When the piston (74) moves downwardly toward the drain hole the air pressure of a pocket of air (90) above the beverage (92) in the brew chamber (20) is increased to open at the end of a seeping period when it is desired to rapidly expel freshly brewed beverage out the brew drain valve at a relatively rapid rate depending upon the total of the hydraulic pressure and the added pressure from the air pressure source to avoid the need to wait for the end of a drip period. The drain valve (24) automatically closes after the piston (74) is removed from the brew chamber (20) to enable removal of the brew chamber (20) from a brewer housing (12) without risks of hot beverage leaking out of the brew chamber (20).

An improved pneumatic valve and a missile with an improved thrust directional valve. In one embodiment, a refractory material lining for a pneumatic valve enables better valve operation and better valve performance. A thin-wall cylindrical sleeve of rhenium or other suitable refractory metal is located inside a cylinder. A valve piston may then travel within the refractory sleeve with greater reliability and better operation. The refractory sleeve cylinder lining can be subject to high temperatures at a rapid rate and remain operational. Under such a hostile environmental, including corrosive / erosive environments created by the passage of hot propellant gasses, the refractory cylinder sleeve has a more reliable operational life and is lighter in weight than conventional valves made entirely of refractory metals.

A radio base station (RBS) provides dynamic rate adaptation for rate-adjustable communication channels used to transmit information to remote mobile stations based on monitoring transmit power information associated with those channels. For a given channel, the RBS tracks an average channel power on a per transmit frame basis and compares the average to first and second rate adjustment thresholds, which comparisons trigger downward or upward rate adjustments. Similar operation also may be based on averaging the power control commands returned by the mobile station, which indicate whether the channel's power as received by the mobile station is or is not sufficient with respect to a desired signal quality. This method thus provides a mechanism for rapid rate adaptation without requiring explicit rate control signaling from the mobile stations.