Explore the 6,092 U.S. Patent Applications published on the 31st week of 2008, including 3,828 applications that subsequently received a Patent Grant.
Process for atomic layer deposition
The present invention relates to a process of making a zinc-oxide-based thin film semiconductor, for use in a transistor, comprising thin film deposition onto a substrate comprising providing a plurality of gaseous materials comprising at least first, second, and third gaseous materials, wherein the first gaseous material is a zinc-containing volatile material and the second gaseous material is reactive therewith such that when one of the first or second gaseous materials are on the surface of the substrate the other of the first or second gaseous materials will react to deposit a layer of material on the substrate and wherein the third gaseous material is inert with respect to reacting with the first or second gaseous materials.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG.
Manipulator for medical use
A manipulator comprises a hollow shaft, wires provided on the shaft and a working unit disposed on one end of the shaft and being driven by at least one wire of the wires, the working unit having a tip tool including a rolling mechanism which rotates about an axis Or directed to a distal end thereof. A tip side surface of a proximal end member and a cover of a distal end member are relatively rotated by the rolling mechanism. The cover has a rotation identifier for indicating a degree of relative rotation of the tip side surface. The tip side surface has an alignment indicator for indicating an initial position of the cover.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP.
Surgical instrument with replaceable loading unit
A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. A guiding ramp guides the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the loading portion. The locking structure has a first position for locking movement of the loading unit and enabling firing rod to engage the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be disengaged and removed from the device.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP.
Surgical instrument with replaceable loading unit
A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. Guiding ramps guide the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the elongated body. A movable yoke secures the loading unit onto the elongated body. A sensor mechanism is engaged by the loading unit and moves with the securing structure. The locking structure has a first position for blocking movement of the sensor mechanism and preventing removal of the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be removed from the device.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: DexCom, Inc..
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA
Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: DexCom, Inc..
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA
Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.
Published: 2008-07-31
Mid-chamber gas distribution plate, tuned plasma flow control grid and electrode
A plasma reactor is provided for processing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer or a dielectric mask. The reactor chamber has a ceiling, a side wall and a workpiece support pedestal inside the chamber and facing the ceiling along an axis of symmetry and defining a chamber volume between the pedestal and the ceiling. An RF plasma source power applicator is provided at the ceiling. An in-situ electrode body inside the chamber lies divides the chamber into upper and lower chamber regions. The in-situ electrode comprises plural flow-through passages extending parallel to the axis and having different opening sizes, the passages being radially distributed by opening size in accordance with a desired radial distribution of gas flow resistance through the in-situ electrode body.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: STOUT MEDICAL GROUP, L.P., STOUT MEDICAL GROUP, L.P..
Expandable support device and method of use
An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. The device can have multiple flat sides that remain flat during expansion. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged by an engagement device. The engagement device can longitudinally expand the expandable support device. The expandable support device can be longitudinally expanded until the expandable support device is substantially in a pre-deployed configuration. The expandable support device can be then be physically translated and/or rotated.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC..
Model predictive method and system for controlling and supervising insulin infusion
A system and method for controlling and monitoring a diabetes-management system through the use of a model that predicts or estimates future dynamic states of glucose and insulin from variables such as insulin delivery or exogenous glucose appearance as well as inherent physiological parameters. The model predictive estimator can be used as an insulin bolus advisor to give an apriori estimate of postprandial glucose for a given insulin delivery profile administered with a known meal to optimize insulin delivery; as a supervisor to monitor the operation of the diabetes-management system; and as a model predictive controller to optimize the automated delivery of insulin into a user's body to achieve a desired blood glucose profile or concentration. Open loop, closed-loop, and semi-closed loop embodiments of the invention utilize a mathematical metabolic model that includes a Minimal Model, a Pump Delivery to Plasma Insulin Model, and a Meal Appearance Rate Model.
Published: 2008-07-31 Assignee: Smith International, Inc..
NANO-REINFORCED WC-CO FOR IMPROVED PROPERTIES
A drill bit that includes a bit body; and at least one cutting element for engaging the formation disposed on the bit body, the at least one cutting element comprising: a ductile phase; a plurality of carbide particles dispersed in the ductile phase; and a plurality of nanotubes integrated into the cutting element is disclosed.