31results about How to "Minimize likelihood" patented technology

The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

The present system can perform machine learning of prototypical descriptions of data elements for extraction from machine-readable documents. Document templates are created from sets of training documents that can be used to extract data from form documents, such as: fill-in forms used for taxes; flex-form documents having many variants, such as bills of lading or insurance notifications; and some context-form documents having a description or graphic indicator in proximity to a data element. In response to training documents, the system performs an inductive reasoning process to generalize a document template so that the location of data elements can be predicted for the training examples. The automatically generated document template can then be used to extract data elements from a wide variety of form documents.

A carrying case for heated food containers, particularly slow cookers, has a flexible bottom wall, side wall and lid so that it can be adjusted to accommodate food containers of various different dimensions. A clamp assembly is provided for securely holding a lid on the food container within the carrying case to thereby minimize the likelihood of accidentally spilling its contents. Means are provided for carrying other items on the lid of the carrying case. The case has a belt which can be tightened to adjust the case to different sizes of containers and straps forming a handle.

The present system can perform machine learning of prototypical descriptions of data elements for extraction from machine-readable documents. Document templates are created from sets of training documents that can be used to extract data from form documents, such as: fill-in forms used for taxes; flex-form documents having many variants, such as bills of lading or insurance notifications; and some context-form documents having a description or graphic indicator in proximity to a data element. In response to training documents, the system performs an inductive reasoning process to generalize a document template so that the location of data elements can be predicted for the training examples. The automatically generated document template can then be used to extract data elements from a wide variety of form documents.

An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an elongated body having a central region, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The central region of the elongated body engages inframandibular musculature that extends between a mandible and a hyoid bone. The first and second ends of the elongated body are optionally anchored to the mandible. The elongated body is under tension for urging the inframandibular musculature in an inferior direction, which, in turn, pulls the hyoid bone anteriorly for minimizing the likelihood of occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea episodes.

A deformable release device is disclosed to be used with downhole setting tools. The deformable release device may provide a releasable detachment to any customary setting tool, such as electric line, hydraulic, hydrostatic, and mechanical setting tools, used to set a downhole packer-type device. The deformable release device allows for the automatic release of downhole setting tools at the application a predetermined force, similar to a shear pin or shear stud. However, since the deformable release device deforms rather than shears or breaks, the releasing device minimizes the debris or remnants of the device left in the wellbore.

An obstacle avoidance system according to the present invention may include an input control device, a sensor suite, and a communication feedback loop. The input control device is preferably operable to create a first force, while the sensor suite is configured to detect nearby obstacles, and the communication feedback loop is in communication with the input control device and the senor suite so that said communication feedback loop is operable to generate a command signal in response to detection of a nearby obstacle. The command signal being operable to cause an actuator to generate a second force different from said first force. Preferably, the obstacle avoidance system is used in combination with an apparatus, such as a rotary wing aircraft, wherein the input control device at least partially controls the movement of the apparatus in response to a user's input. The user's input tending to cause the first force to move the apparatus in a first direction. The sensor suite being preferably mounted to the apparatus in order to detect nearby obstacles which may contact the apparatus if the apparatus is moved in the first direction. The communication feedback loop at least partially augmenting the user's input such that the second force tends to preclude the apparatus from moving in the first direction and thus tends to preclude the apparatus from contacting the detected obstacle. More preferably, the second force tends to cause the apparatus to move in a second direction different from the first direction and away from the detected obstacle.

Monochloramine is efficiently manufactured by introducing controlled quantities of an ammonia source and a chlorine source in a small side-stream of water in a small diameter pipe under turbulent flow conditions. The ammonia source and chlorine source can be injected in either order and are separated by a sufficient distance to ensure that the first chemical is adequately diffused throughout the water prior to the injection of the second chemical. A sufficient length of a mixing chamber insures that turbulent flow is maintained for a length of time sufficient to thoroughly mix the two chemicals to produce monochloramine. This mixing technique allows for the manufacture of high concentrations of monochloramine at atmospheric pressure without off gassing.

A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which is the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.

The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.

A method of classification for a content-based digital-image, including: defining a set of low-level features describing the semantic content of the image, the features being quantities obtainable from the image by means of logico-mathematical expressions that are known beforehand, and the choice of said features depending upon the image classes used for the classification; indexing an image to be classified, with the purpose of extracting therefrom a feature vector, the components of which consist of the values assumed, in the image, by said low-level features; splitting the feature space defined by the low-level features into a plurality of classification regions, to each one of the regions there being associated a respective image class, and each classification region being the locus of the points of the feature space defined by a finite set of conditions laid on at least one component of the feature vector; associating the feature vector to the feature space; identifying, among the classification regions, a specific classification region containing the feature vector extracted from the image to be classified; and identifying the image class associated to the specific classification region identified.

An apparatus for metering, mixing, and spraying liquids is provided. The apparatus includes a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber connected to one another via channels that permit the free flow of air between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber so that the pressure in each of the chambers is equal. The channels are fitted with liquid flow limiting members for preventing the flow of liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber and from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber. Liquid delivery tubes associated with each storage chamber permit liquid from the storage chamber to flow into a mixing chamber. In the mixing chamber, the two liquids combine to form a solution. The concentration of that solution is variably adjustable by means of a flow restriction member associated with the first storage chamber. There is a storage area for receiving the liquids in the storage chambers if the device is tipped onto its side or while moving the device through various angles during its operation.

A membrane closure for a container is provided. The membrane closure includes an integral tab for removing the membrane closure from the container. The closure includes a lower layer, an adhesive layer, and an upper layer. The lower layer is sealed to the body of a container. The upper layer includes a score pattern that defines a tab area and a fixed area. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive for releasably attaching the tab area to the lower layer and a second adhesive for permanently bonding the fixed area to the lower layer. The membrane closure is removable from the container by pulling on the tab area.

A balance beam having a shock absorbing capability. The balance beam comprises an elongate beam member, an elongate beam support core supporting the elongate beam member, and a resilient element located between the beam member and the beam support core. The resilient element allows the beam member to move relative to the beam support core when a vertically downward force is exerted on the beam member to absorb shock imparted to the balance beam by a user.

Monochloramine is efficiently manufactured by introducing controlled quantities of an ammonia source and a chlorine source in a small side-stream of water in a small diameter pipe under turbulent flow conditions. The ammonia source and chlorine source can be injected in either order and are separated by a sufficient distance to ensure that the first chemical is adequately diffused throughout the water prior to the injection of the second chemical. A sufficient length of a mixing chamber insures that turbulent flow is maintained for a length of time sufficient to thoroughly mix the two chemicals to produce monochloramine. This mixing technique allows for the manufacture of high concentrations of monochloramine at atmospheric pressure without off gassing.

A surgical safety apparatus for use in connection with an energizable surgical device minimizes inadvertent activation of a surgical tool when the oxygen level is too high. An activation circuit is connected with an energy source and with a hand piece of the tool. A sensor measures the oxygen near the tool and can operate in a first state to disconnect the energy source from the handpiece. In a second state the source of energy is connected to the handpiece. The sensing element is connected to the activation circuit. The sensing element signals the activation circuit to convert the activation circuit from the first state to the second state provided the oxygen level is safe.

A patient immobilization apparatus includes an inflatable shell having a patient receiving area and defines an interior volume. A fill material is arranged within the interior volume. At least one control valve located on the inflatable shell and coupled to the interior volume. The at least one control valve operates to control air introduction and evacuation into and from the interior volume. At least one is pocket located on the patient receiving area. The at least one pocket has a pocket opening and supplemental padding is arranged in the at least one pocket and is removable through the pocket opening. The inflatable shell and the fill material conform to the shape of a patient laying on the patient receiving area with the control valve open, and closing the control valve locks the inflatable shell and the fill material into their conformed shape.

A cutting tool for cutting the armor includes a cutter body having first and bottom entry walls defining a channel for receiving an armored cable. There is a slot in the first wall that affords reciprocating entry into the channel of a movable cutting blade from the outside of the wall. The direction of translation into the channel defines a blade insertion direction. The slot defines a slot segment of the first wall which in turn defines a base line. A stopper is mounted on the cutter body opposite the slot on the inside of the first wall. The stopper moves toward and away from the first wall to engage an armored cable placed in the channel and releasably press the armored cable against the slot segment of the first wall. The distance in the blade insertion direction of the bottom entry wall from the base line increases as the longitudinal distance from the slot segment increases to impart a curved configuration to the channel.

A bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by a non-contaminating, indirect drive system. The mixing speed of the mixing device inside of the bioreactor may be controlled by the rotating speed of the magnets or the frequency of polarity changes of electromagnets outside the vessel acting upon magnets or ferrous material in or on the impeller wheel. The impeller wheel has a plurality of radially-oriented outer paddles with gaps therebetween that mixes fluid and culture cells around the vessel. A pair of curved axial flow vanes toward the middle of the impeller wheel washes the culture mix further.

A moldable green-body composite includes milling silicon nitride powder with a solvent and adding a surface modifier to the milled slurry to modify a surface of the silicon nitride particles. A polysiloxane in a solvent and a binder are also added to create a green body slurry. The solvents may be polar or non-polar solvents. A sintering aid, such as yttria-alumina, may be added to the slurry as well. A reduced density silicon nitride ceramic is made from the moldable green-body composite by molding the moldable green-body composite in a mold and curing at a curing temperature to convert the moldable green-body composite to a converted composite. The converted composite can then be sintered to form a reduced density silicon nitride ceramic that has a smooth surface finish and requires no post machining or polishing. The reduced density silicon nitride ceramic may also have very good dielectric properties.

A close latch interlock assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, which includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring. The close latch interlock assembly includes a close D-shaft pivotable between a latched and unlatched positions corresponding to the closing spring being chargeable and discharged, respectively. An actuator is movable between an unactuated position corresponding to the close D-shaft being disposed in the latched position, and an actuated position corresponding to the close D-shaft being movable toward the unlatched position. A release member cooperates with the actuator and is pivotably coupled to the first end of a transfer link. The second end of the transfer link extends toward the close D-shaft. When the actuator is moved toward the actuated position, it moves the release member, thereby moving the transfer link and pivoting the close D-shaft toward the unlatched position.

An improved urine collection bag assembly is presented. The improved urine collection bag assembly of the present invention features a one-way flow control valve to prevent the backflow of urine into a urinary catheter and subsequently, into a patient's bladder. The improved urine collection bag also features at a lower end a urine sampling valve. In the exemplary embodiment, the one-way flow control valve is a flap style valve and the sampling valve is a slider style valve.

A method for determining the likelihood that a genetic variant of a genetic locus defines a genetic disease or cancer-associated allele.

An inversion resistant umbrella. The inversion resistant umbrella is configured to minimize the likelihood of a protective canopy from turning inside out, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the umbrella. The inversion resistant umbrella comprises a canopy sized and shaped to protect a user from one or more environmental elements, such as rain. Attached to, or integrally formed from the canopy, is an inversion resistant member. The inversion resistant member, or sleeve, is configured to act as a valve to allow air to travel through the interior portion of the umbrella and out through at least a portion of the canopy. As such, when a gust of wind catches the canopy from underneath, the inversion resistant member extends upwardly and outwardly to allow for the air to pass through.

The invention consists of an electronic system for controlled and independent treatment of fractures, bone, muscle and tendon injuries, post-surgery pain and osteonecrosis, composed by a portable ultrasound generator, electronic prescription, centralised web services platform and computer program for ultrasonic treatment both within and outside the sanitary field, in the fields of human and veterinary medicine. The method controls the treatment applied, the charge prescribed by healthcare professionals by means of an electronic prescription, which can be administered by the patients themselves or by non-healthcare professionals independently, under the control of a computer program and a web platform used to activate the therapeutic equipment, write and delete the electronic prescription, transfer data stored in the therapeutic equipment to the web services platform to analyse the quantity and quality of the treatments, and update the program. Portable generator of ultrasonic pulses with set, unalterable parameters for the treatment of thorax, rib and sternum fractures, and of pain after thoracic surgery.

A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A valve member within the valve housing is moveable therein to alter fluid communication between the first and second ports. The valve housing includes a first annular groove such that a first sealing ring is provided in the first annular groove, thereby sealing the first port from the second port when installed in a receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a second annular groove such that a second sealing ring is provided in the second annular groove, thereby sealing the second port from the third port in the receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a first anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the first annular groove and a second anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the second annular groove.

The present invention relates to a breath tester. The breath tester includes a sensor for sensing a mind-altering substance in breath from a blower (i.e. person blowing an providing a sample). A breath guide is provided for guiding the breath so that it is not returned to the blower. Advantageously, the guide guides the breath so that it is not returned to the blower to thereby minimise the likelihood of spread of infectious disease.

A snap hook having a hook shank and a gate keeper. The hook shank includes a main body and a hook member that has a hook bowl and a hook bill. The hook bill and the main body define a gateway opening therebetween. The gate keeper has an outer face and has an open position and a closed position. The hook bill ends in a spigot and the gate keeper further includes a generally correspondingly dimensioned receiver such that when the gate keeper is in its closed position the spigot is at least partially received within the receiver, with the spigot and receiver thereby resisting movement of the gate keeper when a force directed in a generally inward direction toward the main body is applied to the outer face of the gate keeper.