3439 results about "Self adjusting" patented technology

A compression-self-adjusting staple includes a substantially U-shaped staple body and a compression device. The staple body has a bridge and two legs extending from the bridge at an angle thereto. Each of the legs has a base end integral with the bridge and a deformable distal end defining a stapling point shaped to pierce material to be stapled. The compression device is at least partly disposed between the legs and has a bias portion with a compression surface movably disposed between the legs and a compression resistor connected to the bridge and to the compression surface and formed to resist movement of the compression surface towards the bridge with a force.

A method of calibrating glucose monitor data includes collecting the glucose monitor data over a period of time at predetermined intervals. It also includes obtaining at least two reference glucose values from a reference source that temporally correspond with the glucose monitor data obtained at the predetermined intervals. Also included is calculating the calibration characteristics using the reference glucose values and corresponding glucose monitor data to regress the obtained glucose monitor data. And, calibrating the obtained glucose monitor data using the calibration characteristics is included. In preferred embodiments, the reference source is a blood glucose meter, and the at least two reference glucose values are obtained from blood tests. In additional embodiments, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes linear regression and, in particular embodiments, least squares linear regression. Alternatively, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes non-linear regression. Data integrity may be verified and the data may be filtered.

A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted into a surgical site for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue includes an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel and is configured to interact therewith such that at least a mounting portion of the anvil can seatingly engage corresponding portions of the elongate channel at any one of a discrete number of predetermined locations to adjust a tissue clamping space between the anvil and the elongate channel in response to a thickness of tissue received between the elongate channel and the anvil and application of a closing motion to the anvil.

An instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes or for volumetric removal of tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has an interior chamber that includes a diffuser structure for diffusing a biocompatible conductive fluid that is introduced under high pressure. The interior chamber further includes surfaces of opposing polarity electrodes for vaporizing the small cross-section diffused fluid flows created within a diffuser structure. In one embodiment, the diffuser structure includes a negative temperature coefficient of resistance material between the opposing polarity surfaces. The NTCR structure can self-adjust the lengths of current paths between the opposing polarities to insure complete vaporization of the volume of flow of conductive fluid. The non-ionized vapor phase media is ejected from a working surface of the instrument and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument provides voltage means for converting the non-ionized vapor phase media into an ionized media or plasma for applying energy to body structure.

An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush assembly to pivot the deck with respect to said chassis. The autonomous floor-cleaning robot also includes a side brush assembly mounted in combination with the chassis and powered by the motive subsystem to entrain particulates outside the periphery of the housing infrastructure and to direct such particulates towards the self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem.

A leadless intravascular sensor (100, 200) uses the body tissue as a communication medium. The implantable intravascular device has a tubular stent-like structure (102) for intravascular fixation with embedded microcircuits to allow bipolar and unipolar sensing of cardiac and neurologic electrical activity, sensing of other physiologic signals, local electrical stimulation (cardiac pacing and defibrillation; neurologic stimulation and seizure therapy) as well as the ability to communicate with other implanted and non implanted devices via radio frequency and / or optical communication and / or analog signal communication using the body tissue as the conducting medium. The device can also be used in the extravascular or perivascular space. In this form, it has an open / flexible ring that can be adjusted, or self-adjusts to provide no pressure or required contact around the vessel or target region.

A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. A preferably non-reactive force applying component is adjustably attachable to one or more tissue attachment structures for securing the force applying component to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively constant tension over a certain distance.

A quality prognostics system and a quality prognostics method for predicting the product quality during manufacturing processes are disclosed. The present invention utilizes the current production tool parameters sensed during the manufacturing process and several previous quality data collected from the measurement tool to predict the future product quality. The quality prognostics system is composed of conjecture modeling means and prediction modeling means. The conjecture modeling means itself also can be applied for the purpose of virtual metrology. Further, the quality prognostics method possesses a self-searching means and a self-adjusting means for searching the best combination of various parameters / functions used by the conjecture algorithm or prediction algorithm; and meeting the requirements of new equipment parameters and conjecture / prediction accuracy.

A self adjusting RF assembly including an RF radiator is disclosed. The RF assembly includes at least one component that may be replaced by a user of the RF assembly. The RF assembly includes an identification element associated with the at least one component for representing at least one characteristic of the component. The RF assembly includes a monitoring element for monitoring the identification element at least during power up of the RF assembly. The RF assembly also includes an adjusting element for adjusting radiation from the RF radiator wherein the adjusting element is operably associated with the monitoring element to maintain radiation from the RF radiator below a preset limit. The preset limit is typically determined by local electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations. A method for maintaining radiation from an RF assembly below a preset limit is also disclosed.

A ventilator (10) for use by a clinician in supporting a patient presenting pulmonary distress. A controller module (20) with a touch-screen display (26) operates a positive or negative pressure gas source (40) that communicates with the intubated or negative pressure configured patient through valved (46) supply and exhaust ports (42, 44). A variety of peripheral, central, and or supply / exhaust port positioned sensors (54) may be included to measure pressure, volumetric flow rate, gas concentration, transducer, and chest wall breathing work. Innovative modules and routines (30) are incorporated into the controller module enabling hybrid, self-adjusting ventilation protocols and models that are compatible with nearly every conceivable known, contemplated, and prospective technique, and which establish rigorous controls configured to rapidly adapt to even small patient responses with great precision so as to maximize ventilation and recruitment while minimizing risks of injury, atelectasis, and prolonged ventilator days.

A computer system includes an adaptive memory arbiter for prioritizing memory access requests, including a self-adjusting, programmable request-priority ranking system. The memory arbiter adapts during every arbitration cycle, reducing the priority of any request which wins memory arbitration. Thus, a memory request initially holding a low priority ranking may gradually advance in priority until that request wins memory arbitration. Such a scheme prevents lower-priority devices from becoming "memory-starved." Because some types of memory requests (such as refresh requests and memory reads) inherently require faster memory access than other requests (such as memory writes), the adaptive memory arbiter additionally integrates a nonadjustable priority structure into the adaptive ranking system which guarantees faster service to the most urgent requests. Also, the adaptive memory arbitration scheme introduces a flexible method of adjustable priority-weighting which permits selected devices to transact a programmable number of consecutive memory accesses without those devices losing request priority.

A virtual reality (VR)-based test battery wherein various neurobehavioral performance skills, including motor skills, sensory-perceptual skills, attention, and decision-making can be measured in human subjects. The invention can be used as a screening method within a virtual environment to provide an overall measure of general brain function relating to behavioral ability. In addition, the invention provides comprehensive VR-based neurobehavioral examinations tailored to individual subjects which can automatically self-adjust during operation in accordance with the specific purpose of the assessment, or for forms of cognitive or physical rehabilitation. According to the invention, patients with neurological and psychiatric dysfunctions can be assessed with physiologic monitoring as well as with anatomical and functional neuroimaging to non-invasively map the functional neuroanatomic correlates of VR-based test performance. In a preferred embodiment, the VR-based neurobehavioral testing system is portable allowing computerized tests to be administered in a desk-top or lap-top configuration, or via the Internet for tele-assessment of human subjects who are physically inaccessible to the test administrator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method of the invention is used for vocational assessment and training, wherein individual test scores are combined into a final metric useful for assessing a candidate's qualifications for employment, or certification in a particular skill.

An implantable osmotically driven delivery system having a dynamic, two-way valve and a self-adjusting, variable geometry fluid flow channel. As pressure within the agent delivery system increases, the fluid channel narrows, thereby restricting flow. At exceptionally high pressures, the valve can be designed to close altogether at the orifice or delivery end, or it can provide a minimal leak path so that a maximum fluid flow is never exceeded. At zero or very low pressures, the valve will close completely at the beneficial agent reservoir end, isolating the beneficial agent formulation from external fluid infiltration and thereby eliminating diffusion of external fluid into the beneficial agent formulation.

Disclosed are a system, a method, and a computer program product to provide for the optimization of the output transfer load balance between the peer computers transferring data to one or more storage devices. The peer computers receive, organize and transfer the data to storage devices. The data set is composed of a plurality of data transfers. After an initial division of the data transfers between the two peers, each peer will have assigned responsibility for a number of data transfers. If the one of the peer computers completes offloading transactions earlier than the other peer, then the peer that is still transferring data will employ the other peer to execute a portion of the remaining data transfers. The operation of the system is symmetrical in that either peer may assist the other peer depending upon which peer has idle time. In addition the operation is autonomous and self-adjusting resulting in the peer nodes optimizing the size of the portion of data transfers that are reassigned during the operation of the invention resulting in the minimization of idle time for either peer. The self-adjusting feature allows the system to react to changing conditions that affect data transfer rates to the storage devices.

There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for sealing, baffling and / or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes at least a first mass of expandable material. Preferably, the first mass is movably (e.g., rotatably) connected to a second mass of material and / or another member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the at least one mass is activated to expand. Preferably, upon activation, the first mass self adjusts by moving (e.g., rotating) relative to the second mass and / or the other member.

A carrier, such as an autonomous cleaning apparatus, has a self-adjusting wheel assembly that can move vertically, thereby enabling the carrier to readily pass over a surface. The wheel assembly may include microswitch, which activates a control mechanism for the carrier when a wheel assembly is in a predetermined position along its path of vertical movement. Rollers can be located at the bottom of the carrier to function in cooperation with the wheel assemblies so as to facilitate the ability of the carrier to pass over obstacles. This ability may be enhanced by constructing the bottom of the front portion of the carrier so that it is slanted or inclined upwardly in a direction outward from the bottom of the carrier. A driving wheel may be rotatably attached to a wheel support, and which may also support a power source and a transmission.

The design of a rod is disclosed that can serve, among other more general applications, as an implant to stimulate the reduction of spinal deformity. Different from common solid rod implants, the here-disclosed rod provides an almost uniform pressure between a chosen maximum and minimum by means of an internal spring and by expanding its length to adjust for progressing spinal growth or adjustment. The rod contains an internal ratchet which permits a piston to expand only outward, thereby providing easy installation and the expansion of the rod over time as the spine adjusts. The controlled expansion occurs in surgical applications through occasional body flexing, thereby avoiding additional interventions for adjustment.

An artificial intervertebral disc comprising at least two individual disc units that create a single center of rotation within an intervertebral space. An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart intervertebral surfaces; self-adjusting bearing mechanisms operatively disposed between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and a flange formed on an outer surface of said housing members for aligning the disc in an intervertebral space. A method for posteriorly inserting an artificial disc assembly by inserting at least two artificial disc assemblies around a spine and into an intervertebral space.

Techniques for adjusting the frequency of data backups and initiating event-driven backups in a storage system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a self-adjusting backup frequency, known as a “Change Rate Objective,” is defined to conduct or delay backups for one or more volumes in the storage system on the basis of an associated policy value. The Change Rate Objective may be tied to one or more business or data activity events, such as the amount and type of data changes since a last backup. The storage system may also be tailored to conduct or delay full or incremental backups on the basis of a Change Rate Objective that measures whether a full or incremental or differential backup is more appropriate. Various data or system failures, or data or business events may also be used to adjust the retention periods of continuous data protection (CDP) data and delay a rollup of CDP data.

Disclosed herein are “smart” phosphor compositions capable of regulating the chromaticity of their emission to substantially constant values even with variations in the excitation radiation they receive to induce photoluminescence. One phosphor of the smart composition demonstrates an increase in emission intensity increases as the wavelength of the excitation radiation is increased. The other phosphor shows a decrease in emission intensity with increasing excitation wavelength. Constant chromaticity in this context is defined as a change in CIE x or y coordinate of less than about five percent over a 10 nm range of excitation wavelengths.

An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart intervertebral surfaces; self-adjusting bearing mechanisms operatively disposed between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and positioning ring for controlling motion and position of the bearing mechanisms and for absorption of compressive loads. An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members having an oval recess on the inner surfaces; oval bearing mechanisms operatively disposed within the oval recess between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and oval positioning ring. A spring member for an artificial intervertebral disc including a substantially annular body having an axially extended bore therethrough defining a passageway.

A sandal having an active, self-adjusting harness and method therefore typically used in the out-of-doors for rigorous activities includes rubber and synthetic materials and exhibits a lightweight robust, high-strength, flexible construction including an elongated sole for supporting a foot where the sole has a toe end and a heel end. A center toe strap is anchored in the toe end and includes a distal end fixedly connected to a front buckle. A rear strap is anchored in the heel end and has a first end and a second end extending above the sole. The first end and the second end of the rear strap are respectively connected to an inside rear buckle and an outside rear buckle. A self-adjusting harness comprised of a single strap is anchored in the toe end. The single strap includes an inside end and an outside end each extending above the sole. The inside end of the single strap is circuited through the front buckle and the inside rear buckle while the outside end of the single strap is circuited through the front buckle and the outside rear buckle. The inside end and the outside end are engaged to form a closure over-the-instep of the foot. Finally, an independent adjustable heel strap is attached to the outside rear buckle and the inside rear buckle. Subsequent movements of the foot result in continuous adjustments in the tension of the single strap for regulating and equalizing the tension in the harness.

A leadless intravascular sensor (100, 200) uses the body tissue as a communication medium. The implantable intravascular device has a tubular stent-like structure (102) for intravascular fixation with embedded microcircuits to allow bipolar and unipolar sensing of cardiac and neurologic electrical activity, sensing of other physiologic signals, local electrical stimulation (cardiac pacing and defibrillation; neurologic stimulation and seizure therapy) as well as the ability to communicate with other implanted and non implanted devices via radio frequency and / or optical communication and / or analog signal communication using body tissue as the conducting medium. The device can also be used in the extravascular or perivascular space. In this form, it has an open / flexible ring that can be adjusted, or self-adjusts to provide no pressure or required contact around the vessel or target region.

An apparatus for storing and displaying packages. The invention discloses a self-adjusting shelf comprising a sled coupled to a track, and at least two product supports located in a plane above the track. The product supports are aligned substantially parallel to the track and are coupled to the track. Packages rest upon the product supports. The sled slides along the length of the track. The sled urges, via either gravity or a biasing device, the sled forward against downstream packages. Thus, when one package is removed, the sled forces the remaining packages to the front of the shelf.

An apparatus and method for the purification of contaminated water whereby the contamination level of the wastewater is automatically monitored and treatment self-adjusted and continued until the desired level of purification is reached. Specifically, if upon treatment a pre-set purification level is not obtained a water recycle control means completely precludes the uptake of additional contaminated water and recycles wastewater within the apparatus until the desired level of purification is obtained. The present invention more particularly pertains to an efficient, turn key, economical, movable, automatic and compact apparatus and method for treating a fluid with ozone comprising multiple pressurized contact columns which are arranged in a hybrid parallel and series column configuration, which utilizes a unique water recycle control system and piping arrangement to improve the efficiency of the mass transfer of ozone into the water and increase its solubility by increasing the contact time between the water phase and the gas phase. The apparatus and method of the present invention has the further advantage that it requires minimal installation and may be used to fulfill the clean and safe water needs of any hotel, resort, restaurant, hospital, light industry, commercial business, apartment complex or small city.

A biaxial stretch, form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment has a stretchable outer cover, a stretchable body side liner, and a stretchable absorbent assembly. The outer cover and the body side liner are desirably biaxially stretchable. The absorbent assembly can either be biaxially stretchable or segmented with longitudinal stretch. The absorbent garment is easy to apply, has a self-adjusting feature, and delivers enhanced fit and comfort during use without restricting a wearer's movement.