14438 results about "Thermal energy" 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 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 detecting apparatus includes a housing support section(s), a housing removably attached thereto, one or more sensors and a processor. An alternate apparatus measures heat flux and includes a known resistivity base member, a processing unit and two temperature measuring devices, one in thermal communication with the body through a thermal energy communicator and the other in thermal communication with the ambient environment. A further alternate apparatus includes a housing or flexible section having an adhesive material on a surface thereof for removably attaching the apparatus to the body. A further alternate apparatus includes a housing having an inner surface having a concave shape in a first direction and convex shape in a second direction substantially perpendicular thereto. Also, an apparatus for detecting heart related parameters includes one or more filtering sensors for generating filtering signals related to the non-heart related motion of the body.

An electrosurgical generator has an output power control system that causes the impedance of tissue to rise and fall in a cyclic pattern until the tissue is desiccated. The advantage of the power control system is that thermal spread and charring are reduced. In addition, the power control system offers improved performance for electrosurgical vessel sealing and tissue welding. The output power is applied cyclically by a control system with tissue impedance feedback. The impedance of the tissue follows the cyclic pattern of the output power several times, depending on the state of the tissue, until the tissue becomes fully desiccated. High power is applied to cause the tissue to reach a high impedance, and then the power is reduced to allow the impedance to fall. Thermal energy is allowed to dissipate during the low power cycle. The control system is adaptive to tissue in the sense that output power is modulated in response to the impedance of the tissue.

A method for treating obstructive sleep disorders includes accessing the interior of the tongue through an incision made in the skin in the vicinity of the jaw of a patient; advancing an instrument through the incision into the interior of the tongue; and removing an amount of tissue from the interior of the base of the tongue with the instrument. The present invention includes forming a cavity or plurality of channels in the tongue. The cavity may be collapsed using a suture, fastener or bioadhesive. An emplaced suture may be provided to hold the cavity in a collapsed position thereby reducing the degree of obstruction. Additionally, thermal energy may be applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding the channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby creating hemostasis and stiffening the surrounding tissue structure.

Systems and methods are described for treating tissue with thermal energy while minimizing the amount of thermal energy to which adjacent tissue is exposed. A surgical instrument for delivering thermal energy to a section of tissue during percutaneous surgery, includes: an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and a split tip electrode coupled to the distal end, the split tip electrode i) including a first component and a second component coupled to the first component, and ii) defining a principle axis. The thermal energy is delivered to the section of tissue so as to heat the section of tissue asymmetrically with regard to the principle axis of the split tip electrode. The systems and methods provide advantages in that thermal energy can be directed to one side of the split tip so that a first of two juxtaposed areas of a surgical site can be heated while a second of the two juxtaposed layers is substantially not heated. In alternate embodiments a portion of the site may be actively cooled while an adjacent portion of the site may be actively cooled.

A thermal energy controller system useful in medical procedures includes a controller coupled to a probe, and a thermal element to vary probe temperature. The controller includes memory storing a non-continuous algorithm that permits user-selectable settings for various probe types such that controller operation is self-modifying in response to the selected probe setting. Probe output power Pout is constant in one mode to rapidly enable probe temperature to come within a threshold of a target temperature. The controller can then vary Pout dynamically using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm Pout=Kp·P+Ki·I+Kd·D, where feedback loop coefficients Kp, Ki, Kd can vary dynamically depending upon magnitude of an error function e(t) representing the difference between a user-set desired target temperature and sensed probe temperature. Advantageously, target temperature can be rapidly attained without overshoot, allowing the probe system to be especially effective in arthroscopic tissue treatment.

In a combined steam and gas turbine engine cycle, a combustion chamber is made durable against high pressure and enlarged in length to increase the operation pressure ratio, without exceeding the heat durability temperature of the system while increasing the fuel combustion gas mass flow four times as much as the conventional turbine system and simultaneously for greatly raising the thermal efficiency of the system and specific power of the combined steam and gas turbine engine.Water pipes and steam pipes are arranged inside the combustion chamber so that the combustion chamber can function as a heat exchanger and thereby convert most of the combustion thermal energy into super-critical steam energy for driving a steam turbine and subsequently raising the operation pressure ratio and the thermal efficiencies of the steam turbine cycle and gas turbine cycle. The combustion gas mass flow can be also increased by four times as much as the conventional turbine system (up to the theoretical air to fuel ratio) and the thermal efficiency and the specific power of the gas turbine cycle are considerably increased.Further, the thermal efficiency of the combined system is improved by installing a magnetic friction power transmission system to transmit the power of the system to outer loads.

Disclosed herein is a new arthroscopic probe with a concave distal tip which simultaneously constrains and cuts tissue. It is particularly adapted to cutting ligaments and tendons. Also disclosed is a thermal energy delivery apparatus which includes (a) a probe means with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end has a concave tip; (b) a first electrode means positioned at the distal end of the probe means, wherein the first electrode means is configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to cut ligaments or tendons; and (c) a cabling means coupled to the proximal end of the probe means. In another embodiment of the invention a controller for controlling the delivery of energy and liquid to a surgical instrument with a temperature sensor is disclosed. The energy is supplied by an energy source and the liquid is supplied by a pump. The controller includes a temperature and a flow regulator. The temperature regulator is coupled to the energy source and coupled to the pump. The temperature regulator is responsive to a first temperature indication from the temperature sensor to determine that the first temperature indication exceeds a setpoint and to reduce an energy level from the energy source. The flow regulator is coupled to the pump and coupled to the temperature regulator. The flow regulator includes responsiveness to the first temperature indication to increase a flow of the liquid from the pump.

The present invention provides a linear lighting apparatus with improved heat dissipation and a method for improving the heat dissipation in a linear lighting apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, a plurality of primary optical assemblies and an apparatus housing. The primary optical assemblies are each in contact with one of the plurality of light emitting diodes. The primary optical assemblies and a second optical assembly are configured to refract the light so as to create a linear light source emanating from the apparatus. The apparatus housing is configured to dissipate thermal energy from the light emitting diodes.

A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

A catheter or lead having a flexible printed circuit for conveying signals and / or energy. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and / or detection of bio-electrical signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external electrical contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical or thermal energy to a target site.

Methods and apparatuses to improve the temperature uniformity of a workpiece being processed on a heated platen of a thermal processing station. A heated platen is enclosed in a housing incorporating an additional heat source that uniformly outputs thermal energy into the process chamber in which the heated platen is positioned. In preferred embodiments, this heat source is positioned in the lid of the housing. It is additionally preferred that the heated lid includes features that provide a gas flow path to introduce to and / or purge gas from the process chamber. In terms of photoresist performance, the improved thermal uniformity provided by using such an additional heat source in the housing, e.g., in the lid, offers improved line width control and line uniformity across a wafer.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating spinal tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve symptoms, such as neck or back pain. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the controlled heating of various tissues in or around the vertebral column, including various interspinous tissues, such that spinal ligaments and cartilage surrounding the vertebrae and the facet joints are shrunk or tightened to stabilize the vertebral column of a patient. Thermal energy is applied to the target tissue in a subablation mode of an electrosurgical system to cause shrinkage of the tissue, thereby stiffening the interspinous tissue and stabilizing the vertebral column. In an exemplary embodiment, a high frequency RF voltage can be applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to heat a target interspinous tissue to within a temperature range at which irreversible shrinkage of the tissue occurs.

A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

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.

A method for the ultraviolet (UV) treatment of etch stop and hard mask film increases etch selectivity and hermeticity by removing hydrogen, cross-linking, and increasing density. The method is particularly applicable in the context of damascene processing. A method provides for forming a semiconductor device by depositing an etch stop film or a hard mask film on a substrate and exposing the film to UV radiation and optionally thermal energy. The UV exposure may be direct or through another dielectric layer.

An apparatus and method for aspirating, irrigating and / or cleansing wounds is provided. The apparatus and method include one or more of the following: simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, supplying of thermal energy to fluid circulated through the wound; supplying physiologically active agents to the wound; a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed; and application of stress or flow stress to the wound bed.

Atomic layer deposition is enhanced using plasma. Plasma begins prior to flowing a second precursor into a chamber. The second precursor reacts with a first precursor to deposit a layer on a substrate. The layer may include at least one element from each of the first and second precursors. The layer may be TaN, and the precursors may be TaF5 and NE3. The plasma may begin during purge gas flow between a pulse of the first precursor and a pulse of the second precursor. Thermal energy assists the reaction of the precursors to deposit the layer on the substrate. The thermal energy may be greater than generally accepted for ALD (e.g., more than 300 degrees Celsius).

A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating / vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical enhancer. Microporation is accomplished to form a micropore of selected depth in the biological membrane and the porated site is contacted with the permeant. Additional permeation enhancement measures may be applied to the site to enhance both the flux rate of the permeant into the organism through the micropores as well as into targeted tissues within the organism.

The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

Disclosed is a system and method for providing power generation and distribution with on-site energy storage and power input controlled by a utility or a third party manager. The system allows a utility manager to decide and direct how energy is delivered to a customer on both sides of the power meter, while the customer directs and controls when and how much energy is needed. In the disclosed embodiments, the utility controls the supply (either transmitted or stored) and makes power decisions on a system that acts as a virtual power plant, while the end-user retains control of the on-site aggregated power consumption assets. The disclosed systems act to broker the needs of the utility and end-user by creating, managing and controlling the interface between these two entities.

Systems and methods are described for treating tissue with thermal energy while minimizing the amount of thermal energy to which adjacent tissue is exposed. A surgical instrument for delivering thermal energy to a section of tissue during percutaneous surgery, includes: an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and a split tip electrode coupled to said distal end, said split tip electrode i) including a first component and a second component coupled to said first component, and ii) defining a principle axis. The thermal energy is delivered to said section of tissue so as to heat said section of tissue asymmetrically with regard to said principle axis of said split tip electrode. The systems and methods provide advantages in that thermal energy can be directed to one side of the split tip so that a first of two juxtaposed areas of a surgical site can be heated while a second of the two juxtaposed layers is substantially not heated. In alternate embodiments a portion of the site may be actively cooled while an adjacent portion of the site may be actively cooled.

A wireless energy transfer system includes wirelessly powered footwear. Device resonators in footwear may capture energy from source resonators. Captured energy may be used to generate thermal energy in the footwear. Wireless energy may be generated by wireless warming installations. Installations may be located in public locations and may activate when a user is near the installation. In some cases, the warming installations may include interactive displays and may require user input to activate energy transfer.

A film forming method, for depositing a thin film on a surface of a substrate mounted on a mounting table disposed in a vacuum processing chamber, includes an adsorption process for adsorbing a film forming material on the substrate by introducing a source gas into the processing chamber; and a reaction process for carrying out a film forming reaction, after the adsorption process, by introducing an energy transfer gas into the processing chamber and supplying thermal energy to the film forming material adsorbed on the substrate. By repeating the above process, the thin film is formed on the substrate in a layer-by-layer manner.

The invention relates to a process for making a thin film starting from a substrate (1) of a solid material with a plane face (2) comprising:the implantation of gaseous compounds in the substrate (1) to make a layer of micro-cavities (4) at a depth from the said plane face (2) corresponding to the thickness of the required thin film, the gaseous compounds being implanted under conditions that could weaken the substrate at the layer of micro-cavities,partial or total separation of the thin film from the rest of the substrate (1), this separation comprising a step in which thermal energy is added and pressure is applied to the said plane face (2).

A catheter or lead having a flexible printed circuit for conveying signals and / or energy. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and / or detection of bio-electrical signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external electrical contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical or thermal energy to a target site.

A fastener including material meltable at a temperature not likely to produce substantial tissue necrosis of neighboring body tissue, or “bondable material”, is caused to soften or melt by the application of vibratory energy, advantageously including ultrasonic vibratory energy. Vibratory energy is applied using a horn applied to the fastener, and tuned to generate vibratory motion proximate the horn, or at a point distal to the horn, for example at a point along the fastener body, or at the end of the fastener. Melted or softened material of the fastener bonds to a contacting surface, which may be body tissue or another implant. The contacting surface may also include bondable material, softenable or meltable through vibratory energy derived from contact with the fastener. To improve a bond, particularly where dissimilar materials are to be bonded, one or more contacting surfaces is provided with a roughened or porous surface, or a surface including one or more cavities or projections into or onto which softened or melted bondable material may form, bonding once the bondable material has cooled.

The present invention provides fabrics that have unique chemical, electrical, and thermal properties. The fabrics comprise layers of yarns woven together wherein the yarns further comprise carbon nanotube fibers. These carbon nanotube fibers may be either single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The use of carbon nanotube fibers allows the fabrics to insulate, semi-conduct or super-conduct electrical charges. Additionally, the thermal properties of carbon nanotubes allow thermal energy to flow efficiently between the fabric and a heat sink or source. Additional yarns of materials other than carbon nanotubes can be integrated or woven into the fabric to provide other unique properties for the fabric. These fabrics can be layered to form unique garments or structures.