4143 results about "Temperature sensitive" patented technology

A working end of a surgical instrument that carries first and second jaws for delivering energy to tissue. In a preferred embodiment, at least one jaw of the working end defines a tissue-engagement plane that contacts the targeted tissue. The cross-section of the engagement plane reveals that it defines (i) a first surface conductive portion or a variably resistive matrix of a temperature-sensitive resistive material or a pressure-sensitive resistive material, and (ii) a second surface portion coupled to a fixed resistive material that coupled in series or parallel to a voltage source together with the first portion. In use, the engagement plane will apply active Rf energy to ohmically heat the captured tissue until the point in time that a controller senses an electrical parameter of the tissue such as impedance. Thereafter, the controller switches energy delivery to the second surface portion that is resistively heated to thereby apply energy to tissue by conductive heat transfer.

A working end of a surgical instrument that carries first and second jaws for delivering energy to tissue. In a preferred embodiment, at least one jaw of the working end defines a tissue-engagement plane that contacts the targeted tissue. The cross-section of the engagement plane reveals that it defines a surface conductive portion that overlies a variably resistive matrix of a temperature-sensitive resistive material or a pressure-sensitive resistive material. An interior of the jaw carries a conductive material or electrode that is coupled to an Rf source and controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the variably resistive matrix can comprise a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, such as a ceramic, that is engineered to exhibit a dramatically increasing resistance (i.e., several orders of magnitude) above a specific temperature of the material. In use, the engagement plane will apply active Rf energy to captured tissue until the point in time that the variably resistive matrix is heated to its selected switching range. Thereafter, current flow from the conductive electrode through the engagement surface will be terminated due to the exponential increase in the resistance of variably resistive matrix to provide instant and automatic reduction of Rf energy application. Further, the variably resistive matrix can effectively function as a resistive electrode to thereafter conduct thermal energy to the engaged tissue volume. Thus, the jaw structure can automatically modulate the application of energy to tissue between active Rf heating and passive conductive heating of captured tissue to maintain a target temperature level.

A method of producing an electronic clinical thermometer is disclosed, the electronic clinical thermometer including a temperature-sensitive element, lead wire that is connected to the temperature-sensitive element, a body case having a probe part in which an insertion path for the lead wire to be inserted is formed, and a sensor cap having a cavity one end of which is opened and the other end is closed, both the lead wire projecting from the insertion path and the temperature-sensitive element being stored within the sensor cap, and the method includes a step for mounting the sensor cap on the probe part, in a state where the lead wire having the temperature-sensitive element mounted on the tip thereof projects from the insertion path of the probe part.

The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes and sensors may be provided, such that signals provided by the sensors may affect the signals provided to the stimulation electrodes, thus providing a feedback. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad and sensors may be provided on a sensing pad, which may be designed to conform to an anatomical feature. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include temperature sensitive elements that may help prevent burns, especially for comatose, sedated, or patients in critical condition. The system may also include a cooling assembly for a stimulation pad.

Silicon oxide layer is deposited on a semiconductor substrate by PECVD at a temperature of less than about 200° C. and is treated with helium plasma to reduce stress of the deposited layer to an absolute value of less than about 80 MPa. Plasma treatment reduces hydrogen content in the silicon oxide layer, and leads to low stress films that can also have high density and low roughness. In some embodiments, the film is deposited on a semiconductor substrate that contains one or more temperature-sensitive layers, such as layers of organic material or spin-on dielectric that cannot withstand temperatures of greater than 250° C. In some embodiments the silicon oxide film is deposited to a thickness of between about 100-200 Å, and is used as a hardmask layer during etching of other layers on a semiconductor substrate.

An electrosurgical working end for instant and automatic modulation of active Rf density in a targeted tissue volume. The working end of the probe of the present invention defines a tissue-engagement plane that is adapted to contact the targeted tissue. The cross-section energy delivery apparatus comprises (i) a conductive surface engagement plane for tissue contact, (ii) a substrate comprising a medial conductive matrix of a temperature sensitive resistive material; and (iii) an inner or core conductive material (electrode) that is coupled to an Rf source and controller. Of particular interest, the medial conductive matrix comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) that exhibits very large increases in resistivity as it increases beyond a selected temperature, which is described as a switching range. The PTC material is selected and fabricated to define a switching range that approximates a particular thermally-mediated therapy. In a method of use, it can be understood that the engagement plane will apply active Rf energy to the engaged the tissue temperature elevates the medial PTC conductive layer to its switching range. Thereafter, Rf current flow from the core conductive to the engagement surface will be instantly modulated to maintain tissue temperature at the switching range. Moreover, the conductive matrix effectively functions as a resistive electrode to thereafter passively conduct thermal energy to the engaged tissue above its switching range. Thus, the working end can modulate the energy application to tissue between active Rf heating and passive conductive heating of the targeted tissue to maintain a targeted temperature level.

A method of preparing an orally ingestible hard boiled product, comprising: i) heating a sugar material to a first temperature sufficient to liquefy the sugar material; ii) cooling the liquefied sugar material to provide a cooled sugar material having a solid or semi-solid form; iii) heating the cooled sugar material to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; iv) combining the sugar material with one or more temperature sensitive ingredients before, during, or after said heating step iii), but after said cooling step ii), such that an intimate mixture of the second liquefied sugar material and the one or more temperature sensitive ingredients is provided; and v) cooling the intimate mixture to form an orally ingestible product. Orally ingestible hard boiled products prepared according to this method are also provided.

The present invention relates to novel polymeric compositions that exhibit Reverse Thermal Gelation (RTG) properties for use as Support Materials (SM) in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. These polymers are Temperature Sensitive Polymers that respond with a significant change of properties to a small change in temperature. Temperature Sensitive Polymers exhibit cloud point (CP) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solutions. Water-soluble Temperature Sensitive Polymers are chosen to give low viscosity liquid at low temperature when dissolved in water and by that to permit easy dispensing at low temperature. Raising the temperature above their gelation temperature (Tgel) will result in solidification of the composition. At its gel position the material has favorable characteristics as a support and building material. The gel layers have the appropriate toughness and dimensional stability to support the model layers during the building process. After the building process is completed the gel can be cooled down to a temperature below its Tgel so the gel can liquefy and be removed easily by rinsing with water.

A physical blend of inverse thermal gelling and shear-thinning, thixotropic polymers that has a lower gelation temperature than the thermal gelling polymer alone is provided. The blend results in an injectable hydrogel that does not flow freely at room temperature, but is injectable due to its shear-thinning properties. The thermal-gelling properties of the polymer promote a more mechanically stable gel at body temperature than at room temperature. The polymer matrix gel has inherent therapeutic benefit and can also be used as a drug delivery vehicle for localized release of therapeutic agents.

With a control device to optimize charge image generation in an electrophotographic process, a light-sensitive and temperature-sensitive photoconductor layer is exposed pixel-by-pixel with a temperature-sensitive light source. The photoconductor layer becomes more sensitive with rising temperature, such that given a predetermined light quantity it discharges deeper. With rising temperature, given the same actuating power, the light source emits a lesser luminous power. The luminous power of the light source and the discharge depth of the photoconductor layer are temperature-dependent via adjustment of the current and / or the luminous duration that flows through the light source and / or the luminous duration. During the measurement of the discharge depth, a temperature measured in the course of the measurement event is used as a reference value for the temperature compensation of the light source.

Reusable and recyclable target temperature storage and shipping containers designed to maintain the content therein within desired temperature levels for greatly extended periods of time are disclosed. A First species is customized to maintain refrigeration temperatures for extended periods of time and the Second species maintains freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. Both species models include containers having outer protective layers and inner insulating layers as well as a cavity for holding payload being stored or shipped, and one or more areas for holding passive coolants in a predetermined relationship to the products within specific target temperatures. The different species provide cold or freezing temperatures in reusable or disposable models for various applications. The main containers are substantially airtight when sealed for storage or shipping and includes an outer box, inner insulation, internal dividers, and different temperature controlling coolants designed for various temperature maintenance requirements of temperature-sensitive content.

Provided is an apparatus that includes temperature-sensitive functional means for performing pre-configured functionality (such as video recording), mounting means for mounting the apparatus to a motor vehicle, and heating means for heating the functional means. Detection means detects at least one of: whether an automobile battery in the automobile is being charged and whether an engine block in the automobile is being heated. Control means controls the heating means and initiates a heating process upon detection by the detection means.

A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also includes a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. An absorbable matrix may be placed in the site of a wound to encourage tissue growth into the matrix. Temperature of the site may be monitored using a layer of temperature sensitive material and temperature sensors connected to an alarm and recording device. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the wound cover over the treatment site. A portable version of the wound treatment apparatus is also provided. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure is provided.

Freeze indicators can include an indicator dispersion, a liquid medium, indicator particles dispersed in the liquid medium and a particulate inorganic nucleating agent to inhibit supercooling of the liquid medium. The inorganic nucleating agent can have an ionic surface coating which can help provide a sharp end point. Optionally, freeze indicators can include indicator particles comprising an organic material and a softener to soften the indicator particles and provide the freeze indication with an enhanced visual appearance. Another option is to provide a temperature-sensitive stabilizer to inhibit coagulation of the indicator dispersion at temperatures above the liquid medium frozen state melting point while permitting coagulation of the indicator dispersion at the liquid medium frozen state melting point.

An extended, box-like, metal, industrial size, insulated container (1 / 101, two embodiments disclosed, FIGS. 1-1G & FIGS. 2A-2D) including a rigid, structural framework (12 / 13) for safely and reliably transporting and / or storing relatively large quantities of temperature sensitive items (food, medical supplies, ice, human corpses, etc.) over a long distance (e.g., from an on-shore food center to an offshore platform) and / or for a substantial period of time (7+days), useful for such delivery / storage and in emergencies, disasters, etc. The container includes at its ends a structurally protected, enclosed equipment section (2 / 102), which includes all operating machinery (e.g. compressor, motor, fuel tank, control mechanisms, etc., in isolated sub-compartments) and associated equipment, and a freezer / cooler section (3 / 103A-103B) for the temperature sensitive items. The second embodiment includes two, separate, freezer and cooler sections (103A / 103B) with separate, side doors (105A / 105B). An escape structure (FIGS. 3A & 3B) on the lock latch is included on the access door(s) for escape of an occupant who becomes locked in. Many other, innovative safety features are disclosed, along with innovative use methodologies (FIGS. 4 & 5).

A box for shipping temperature sensitive or perishable goods made from a double walled combined web having an inside barrier layer, a first paper liner bonded to the inside barrier layer, a first paper flute medium bonded to the first paper liner, an outside barrier layer, a second paper liner bonded to the outside barrier layer, a second paper flute medium bonded to the second paper liner, and a sandwich of a barrier layer bonded between third and fourth paper liners. The flute mediums are bonded, respectively, to the third and fourth paper liners.

The invention relates to a device for measuring pressure, temperature and / or flow velocity. It includes a sensor (6) with a sensor support body (13) provided with a diaphragm (15) covering a cavity (14) formed in the support body (13). A pressure sensitive element (41) is mounted on the diaphragm, for recording pressure. Furthermore, a temperature sensitive resistor (42) is mounted in the vicinity of the pressure sensitive resistor and has a known temperature dependence, for recording temperature. It also includes an electrical circuit (43, 44, 45, 46) selectively outputting signals from either of the pressure sensitive element and the temperature sensitive resistor.

A thermally insulated sandwich polyurethane (PUR) shipper for a temperature sensitive payload is provided. The sandwich PUR shipper comprises an outer corrugated box, an inner corrugated box, vacuum insulated panels (such as VIP panels) and PUR foam. The inner box is nested within the outer box and has a bottom, sides and a top. The inner box defines a payload compartment. The VIP panels are adhered to the outer facing surfaces of the inner box. Preferably the VIP panels are wedged against each other so that a side edge of one VIP panel abuts an adjacent VIP panel. The PUR foam fills the space between the VIP panels and the outer box. The PUR foam may cover the top edges of the VIP panels.

A new insulation system is provided that contains microspheres. This insulation system can be used to provide insulated panels and clamshells, and to insulate annular spaces around objects used to transfer, store, or transport cryogens and other temperature-sensitive materials. This insulation system provides better performance with reduced maintenance than current insulation systems.

A shipping package for use in transportation of a temperature sensitive product. The shipping package includes layers of insulation and phase change material surrounding a payload cavity. The layers of insulation and phase change material are provided as separable panels. The panels may be inserted into an outer container in such manner that no insulation or phase change material are proximate to inner corners of the container. In one embodiment, the panels are provided in an overlapping relationship within the container so as to define corner discontinuities within the container.

A physical blend of inverse thermal gelling and shear-thinning, thixotropic polymers that has a lower gelation temperature than the thermal gelling polymer alone is provided. The blend results in an injectable hydrogel that does not flow freely at room temperature, but is injectable due to its shear-thinning properties. The thermal-gelling properties of the polymer promote a more mechanically stable gel at body temperature than at room temperature. The polymer matrix gel has inherent therapeutic benefit and can also be used as a drug delivery vehicle for localized release of therapeutic agents.

A monitoring system for a refrigerated container carrying temperature-sensitive cargo. The system includes sensors disposed throughout the container and / or an associated vehicle for measuring parameters of the container or vehicle, including temperature, motion, and fuel efficiency, among many others. The system optionally includes a global positioning system receiver to monitor geographic location. The system communicates with a command center to allow real-time tracking and monitoring of the container. To reduce false positive alerts, the system buffers alerts by at least 30 minutes and blocks signal transmission when the container is located within specified geofences such as loading and unloading sites.

The present invention is temperature sensitive medium for wax temperature controlling valve and its preparation process. The destination product is prepared with liquid paraffin containing C9-C20 components, cerate or other material and through decompression distillation, mixing, refining and other steps. During the mixing, partial commercial wax may be added to lower the production cost. The wax temperature controlling valve with the product of the present invention may be used in controlling temperature in 5-30 deg.c with the basically the same stroke each degree. The product of the present invention may be used in automatic temperature controlling device requiring homogeneous stroke, especially in heating temperature controlling valve.