Patents Examined by Jonathan Kuo
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Patent number: 10188462Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: MONTERIS MEDICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Richard Tyc, Salman Qureshi, Mark Andrew Grant, Luis Filipe Silva Fernandes, Daniel Prazeres Carreira, John Schellhorn
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Patent number: 10130426Abstract: Method for planning a process of cutting human or animal bone tissue. The method includes: obtaining initial data of an initial situation of the bone tissue; defining target data of a target situation of the bone tissue; and computing a cut geometry using the initial data and the target data for cutting the bone tissue apart. The cut geometry includes a structure such that the bone tissue is reassemblable at least in one degree of freedom in the target situation after being cut apart along the cut geometry. By shaping the structure of the cut geometry according to the target situation the planned cut can be provided with a particular function. Such a functional cut can geometrically define and restrict possible movements of cut apart bone portions. The functional cut can allow for comparably precisely repositioning the bone into the target position and any movement therefrom can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Advanced Osteotomy Tools—AOT AGInventors: Alfredo Bruno, Mathias Griessen, Philippe Cattin
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Patent number: 10117715Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: KUKA Deutschland GmbHInventors: Sebastian Lohmeier, Wolfgang Schober
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Patent number: 10098703Abstract: An instrument including an end effector at a distal end; an actuator mechanism at a proximal end, the actuator mechanism including a first valve, a robotic control coupled to the first valve, and a manual control coupled to the first valve is provided. The instrument may further include a transport shaft between the actuator mechanism and the end effector, the transport shaft including a cavity, coupled to the first valve, facilitating material transport along the transport shaft, the first valve having an actuating axis perpendicular to a rotational axis of the robotic control. A method for using an instrument as above is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Todd J. Radgowski, Craig Tsuji
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Patent number: 10080683Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment apparatus and to a beam control method therefor. The ophthalmic treatment apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a beam generating unit for generating beams having different pulse energies; a bubble sensing unit for sensing whether or not bubbles have been generated, as well as the amount of generated bubbles, on the basis of the pulse energy of the beam generated by the beam generating unit and radiated onto the treatment region of an eyeball; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the beam generating unit such that the pulse energy of the beam generated by the beam generating unit can be adjusted in accordance with the signal from the bubble sensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: LUTRONIC VISION INCInventors: Tae Ho Ha, Cheol San An
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Patent number: 10039604Abstract: A system may include a stone analyzer, a controller, a laser generator, and a beam combiner. The stone analyzer may be configured to generate an output relating to a natural or resonance frequency of a kidney or bladder stone. The controller may be configured to determine the natural or resonance frequency of the stone based on the output from the stone analyzer, and match a resultant pulse repetition rate with the natural or resonance frequency. The laser generator may be configured to generate at least two laser pulse trains, with each laser pulse train including laser pulses at a pulse repetition rate. The beam combiner may be configured to combine the at least two laser pulse trains into a combined laser pulse train including laser pulses at the resultant pulse repetition rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Wen-Jui Ray Chia, Rongwei Jason Xuan, Thomas C. Hasenberg, Jian James Zhang, Steven Yihlih Peng, Danop Rajabhandharaks
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Patent number: 10034720Abstract: An overforce mechanism comprising a driving assembly, a driven assembly, and a variably engageable coupling, shunts or dampens a motion of a control cylinder for a hydraulic device when that motion exceeds a predefined, unsafe threshold. The overforce mechanism avoids or reduces damage either to the device itself, to ancillary devices and/or to the patient. In an aspect, the variably engageable coupling may include a biasing mechanism and a coupling member, wherein the biasing mechanism automatically resets or releases upon reaching a force or tension threshold. Further, the overforce driven assembly may include an overforce rod that allows the force or motion to be channeled away from the source. The variably engageable coupling may comprise a dowel and spring mechanism that automatically resets with tension.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: CAREFUSION 2200, INC.Inventor: Mark Doyle
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Patent number: 10004458Abstract: Systems and methods for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation are disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors or electrodes for accessing and recording physiologic information from one or more anatomical sites within the parenchyma of an organ as part of a physiologic monitoring session, a diagnostic test, or a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors and/or a means for energy delivery, for performing a neuromodulation procedure within a small vessel within a body is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: AUTONOMIX MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Landy Toth, Robert Schwartz
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Patent number: 9999783Abstract: Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in a holdable spot applicator assembly, the holdable spot applicator assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are housed within a holdable elongated structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Inventors: Jay Tapper, Lawrence A. Blaustein, David Shuter, Charles Peter Althoff, Bradley Feild Craddock
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Patent number: 9993297Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: DIGMA MEDICAL LTD.Inventors: Ilan Ben-Oren, Avia Herschkovitz, Tamir Wolf, Irit Yaniv
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Patent number: 9974974Abstract: An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body to provide photodynamic therapy comprises: a housing moulded from a resilient material and adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing enclosing an LED lamp system 22 and a power source 41 for powering the LED lamp system 22; wherein the device is independently operational while located in the orifice; characterised in that: the housing comprises a first housing part 2 for holding the power source 41 and a second housing part 4 for holding the LED lamp system 22, the first and second housing parts 2, 4 being separable and being preferably formed separately from the LED lamp system 22; and in that the first housing part 2 consists of a chamber 6 for holding the power source 41 and an opening 26 into the chamber 6 is provided through a resilient opening part 8, wherein the chamber 6 is closed when the first housing part 2 is joined to the second housing part 4.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: PHOTOCURE ASAInventor: Morten Groseth
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Patent number: 9962179Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure includes an articulating probe including inner and outer sleeves, and a surgical tool including a functional element positioned at a distal end of a tool shaft, the tool shaft having an articulation region. The articulating probe and the surgical tool are independently controllable.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Medrobotics CorporationInventors: Michael Salvatore Castro, J. Christopher Flaherty
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Patent number: 9943442Abstract: An apparatus for creating incisions in a human cornea comprises: a source of pulsed laser radiation; a scanner device for scanning the laser radiation; and a control computer for controlling the scanner device based on a control program, the control program containing instructions that, when executed by the computer, bring about the creation in the cornea of: a flap cut defining a corneal flap that is connected to surrounding corneal tissue through a hinge; and one or more auxiliary cuts in connection with the flap cut for removing gas generated during creation of the flap cut, the one or more auxiliary cuts defining a first channel extending from the flap cut to an anterior surface of the cornea and a reservoir located at least partially deeper within the cornea than the flap cut.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Wavelight GmbHInventors: Johannes Krause, Christof Donitzky
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Patent number: 9937359Abstract: A novel method to stimulate electrically active biological cells using visible wavelength light and metallic nanoparticles possessing plasmonic properties is presented herein. Using this technology, prosthetic devices such as cochlear and retinal implants and cardiac pacemakers can be developed to have superior properties as compared to the currently utilized electrical stimulation designs. These properties include improved spatial resolution; less or non-invasive devices; and higher fidelity of transduction. An additional advantage of using visible light wavelengths is the avoidance of unwanted heating of surrounding tissue that occurs with infrared stimulation.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Parveen Bazard, Robert Dana Frisina, Joseph Paul Walton, Venkat Rama Bhethanabotla
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Patent number: 9937004Abstract: A method, system and device for shortening hair with the method including generating a plurality of laser pulses overlapping in time; focusing the laser pulses into spatially separated focal spots having a peak power density at least equal to a first threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in the hair and below a second threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in skin. Generating the plurality of laser pulses includes an act of generating the plurality of laser pulses to reach the first characteristic threshold value after a start of each corresponding laser pulse in a time span of less than half of the pulse duration; and positioning the respective at least three focal spots into respective target positions within a single hair such that only one of the plurality of laser pulses occur in each of the at least three focal spots.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Robbert Adrianus Maria Van Hal, Rieko Verhagen
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Patent number: 9936574Abstract: Described herein are flexible and stretchable LED arrays and methods utilizing flexible and stretchable LED arrays. Assembly of flexible LED arrays alongside flexible plasmonic crystals is useful for construction of fluid monitors, permitting sensitive detection of fluid refractive index and composition. Co-integration of flexible LED arrays with flexible photodetector arrays is useful for construction of flexible proximity sensors. Application of stretchable LED arrays onto flexible threads as light emitting sutures provides novel means for performing radiation therapy on wounds.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGEInventors: John A. Rogers, Rak-Hwan Kim, Dae-Hyeong Kim, David L. Kaplan, Fiorenzo G. Omenetto
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Patent number: 9924902Abstract: The invention provides a neck-worn sensor that is a single, body-worn system that measures the following parameters from an ambulatory patient: heart rate, pulse rate, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, temperature, thoracic fluid levels, stroke volume, cardiac output, and a parameter sensitive to blood pressure called pulse transit time. From stroke volume, a first algorithm employing a linear model can estimate the patient's pulse pressure. And from pulse pressure and pulse transit time, a second algorithm, also employing a linear algorithm, can estimate systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Thus, the sensor can measure all five vital signs along with hemodynamic parameters. It also includes a motion-detecting accelerometer, from which it can determine motion-related parameters such as posture, degree of motion, activity level, respiratory-induced heaving of the chest, and falls.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: TOSENSE, INC.Inventors: Matthew Banet, Kenneth Robert Hunt, Marshal Singh Dhillon, Susan Meeks Pede
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Patent number: 9918875Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact lens assembly and to an ophthalmic treatment apparatus comprising same. The contact lens assembly according to the present invention comprises: a housing arranged on the cornea of an eyeball so as to guide the treatment beam radiated onto the eyeball; and a reflection unit arranged inside the housing so as to radiate the treatment beam guided to the inside of the housing to a plurality of irradiation points along the outer circumferential direction of the eyeball around the pupil of the eyeball.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LUTRONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Tae Ho Ha, Jong Woong Lee
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Patent number: 9913688Abstract: A method of removing tattoos or pigmented lesions by generating at least two laser pulses having a pulse width in the picosecond range, where the peak power of each pulse is less than 15 GW/cm2 and where the spacing between the pulses is less than ten nanoseconds, and directing the pulses to the tattoo or pigmented lesion to be removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cutera, Inc.Inventor: Michael Karavitis
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Patent number: 9901485Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus includes: an irradiation optical system including an optical scanner for two-dimensionally scanning spots of a treatment laser beam and an aiming beam on eye tissue; a control unit to control the irradiation optical system to irradiate the treatment beam to a spot position based on an irradiation pattern of spots for treatment beam irradiation and based on an aiming rule associated with the irradiation pattern to irradiate the aiming beam to indicate the treatment beam spot position; and a movement unit to move an irradiation position of each beam. The control unit irradiates the treatment beam to a sequence of spots from a n-th position to a m-th position in association with the irradiation pattern, and then controls the movement unit and irradiates the aiming beam based on the aiming rule to a position different from the spot position just irradiated by the treatment beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: NIDEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Hitoshi Abe