Patents Issued in December 29, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160374556
    Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to a reader having a distributed source of radiation and a photodetector. The photodetector can be operable to sense radiation (e.g., light) emitted by an implanted sensor. The distributed source of radiation can at least partially surrounds the photodetector. The distributed source of radiation generates a photon cloud of excitation radiation within the skin, which can substantially envelopes a sensor that is implanted within the skin at a depth that is on the order of a centimeter or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Arthur E. COLVIN, JR., William A. MCMILLAN, Steven PULLINS
  • Publication number: 20160374557
    Abstract: A portable health monitoring system implements a portable health monitoring apparatus to assess physiological attributes for a user. The physiological attributes include, but are not limited to, internal body temperature, auscultation, and blood glucose levels, as well as ear, nose, and throat irregularities. These physiological attributes are measured through a plurality of health monitoring modules distributed within the portable health monitoring apparatus. The measurements from each of the plurality of health monitoring modules are processed by a central processing unit (CPU) to be transferred through a first wireless transceiver to be received by at least one remote computing device to be assessed professionally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Maryam Bakhshi, Ali Farzanfar
  • Publication number: 20160374558
    Abstract: An optical measurement system includes a portable type optical measurement apparatus and a non-portable type optical measurement apparatus larger than the portable optical measurement apparatus. The non-portable type optical measurement apparatus is configured to be communicable to the portable type optical measurement apparatus and to be operated as a main measurement apparatus which executes measurement condition settings and measurement controls based on an input operation from the operation input section and also executes measurement condition settings and measurement controls of the non-portable type optical measurement apparatus by communication. The portable type measurement apparatus is capable of measuring a subject independently of the non-portable type measurement apparatus, and is operated as a sub-measuring apparatus for executing measurement condition settings and measurement controls in accordance with a control by the non-portable type measurement apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Akihiro Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20160374559
    Abstract: An imager for in vivo viewing of diseased tissue by way of fluorescently conjugated molecules. A generally planar imaging surface with a microlens array. The imager may be modular, such that a plurality of generally planar imaging surfaces can be used to image various aspects of disease tissue simultaneously. Certain implementations include an angle-selective imager, wherein light from substantially perpendicular to the plane of the imager is received, while incident light is selectively eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Moshiur M. Anwar, Catherine Park, Bernard Boser
  • Publication number: 20160374560
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes sensors adapted to be coupled to tissue containing blood and configured to generate signals associated with physiological parameters. The device is configured to communicate with a software application through a base device. The software application is configured to operate on a control system. The control system is capable of receiving physiological parameter signals. The control system includes a touch-screen, a proximity sensor, circuitry for obtaining movement information from a positioning sensor, a mechanical system having actuators, and a wireless transmitter to transmit data to a host. The software application is operable to generate the physiological information based on the signals from the sensors. The control system is further configured to receive voice input signals and manually entered input signals. The host is configured to generate status information from the data and includes a memory storage device and a communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Mohammed N. ISLAM
  • Publication number: 20160374561
    Abstract: A bone healing monitoring system, which includes a probe configured to measure at least one physical condition. The probe includes an optical fiber and a control unit attached to the optical fiber. The system also includes a surgically implantable device having a channel extending along at least a portion of the implantable device and is configured to receive the optical fiber therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Robin Buescher, Roman Nassutt
  • Publication number: 20160374562
    Abstract: Navigational imaging system and method for use in branched luminal structure. Flexible, spatially steerable probe is equipped with forward- and side-imaging mutually complementing means to enable sub-surface imaging, quantitative determination of probe's positioning with respect to anatomical identifiers of structure, forming 3D image of structure in a volume defined by the imaging means, and positioning of probe in registration with a 3D coordinate system that is independent from the structure. Method includes determining anatomical identifiers of luminal structure branches based on 3D and sub-surface images, assigning such identifiers as fiducial points, and correlating the determined identifiers with those obtained from anatomical model to select target branch for further steering the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: LX MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: ANDREI VERTIKOV
  • Publication number: 20160374563
    Abstract: Needle interventions are widely used in the field of oncology for taking biopsies of tissue in order to inspect whether tissue is cancerous or not. To make these interventions more reliable feedback of what kind of tissue is in front of the needle is required. A way to achieve this is by making use of optical spectroscopy. This requires integration of fibers into the needle. These fibers are used to deliver light to illuminate the tissue in front of the needle and to collect back the reflected light from the tissue. The present invention proposes to integrate the fiber distal ends in the slanted bevel of the needle in such a way that at least one source-detector fiber pair has a distance that is larger than the outer diameter of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus HENDRIKS, Augustinus Laurentius BRAUN, Rik HARBERS, Marjolein VAN DER VOORT, Adrien DESJARDINS, Rami NACHABE
  • Publication number: 20160374564
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to photoacoustically image and measure a structure at the human eye fundus or components, substances, cells, tissue, or analytes within the eye and within the blood vessels of the eye including an emitter element for emitting electro-magnetic radiation, a transition element for delivering the electro-magnetic radiation into an eye, a detection element for detecting an acoustic wave and converting the acoustic wave into a digital wave signal, an analysis element for processing the digital wave signal into an image or measurement or both, and a display element for displaying a representation of the image and/or the measurement. The apparatus additionally includes a coupling member, the coupling member being configured and arranged to acoustically couple the eye to the detection element such that the acoustic wave generated within the eye can be guided onto the detection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Andreas W. DREHER
  • Publication number: 20160374565
    Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used, which includes: a conversion element receiving an acoustic wave from an object irradiated with light with a plurality of wavelengths and converts the acoustic wave into an electric signal; a memory storing a lookup table or a relational expression that represents a relation between the wavelength of light and a transformation coefficient based on an intensity of an acoustic wave from a standard sample with a known coefficient relating to light absorption and the coefficient for the standard sample; a transformation coefficient acquiring unit that acquires the transformation coefficient from the memory; and a signal processing unit acquiring specific information on the object, using an electric signal and the transformation coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Takao Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20160374566
    Abstract: A computing device includes a time-dependent sensor configured to output a time-dependent datum at a time-dependent frequency, the time-dependent datum specifying a sensed parameter. A time-independent, sample-count-based calculation module is configured to output a new time-agnostic datum after receiving a specific number of the time-dependent data regardless of elapsed time taken to receive the specific number of the time-dependent data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Han Yee Mimi Fung, Haithem Albadawi
  • Publication number: 20160374567
    Abstract: A system uses continuous tracking of sleep activity and heart rate activity to evaluate heart rate variability immediately before transitioning to an awake state, e.g., at the end of the last phase of deep sleep. In particular, a wearable, continuous physiological monitoring system as described herein includes one or more sensors to detect sleep states, the transitions between sleep states, and the transitions from a sleep state to an awake state for a user. This information can be used in conjunction with continuously monitored heart rate data to calculate heart rate variability of the user at the end of the last phase of sleep preceding the user waking up. By using the history of heart rate data in conjunction with sleep activity in this manner, an accurate and consistent recovery score can be calculated based on heart rate variability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Emily Rachel Breslow, John Capodilupo, William Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20160374568
    Abstract: System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using this method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Jie WANG
  • Publication number: 20160374569
    Abstract: A system uses continuous tracking of sleep activity and heart rate activity to evaluate heart rate variability immediately before transitioning to an awake state, e.g., at the end of the last phase of deep sleep. In particular, a wearable, continuous physiological monitoring system as described herein includes one or more sensors to detect sleep states, the transitions between sleep states, and the transitions from a sleep state to an awake state for a user. This information can be used in conjunction with continuously monitored heart rate data to calculate heart rate variability of the user at the end of the last phase of sleep preceding the user waking up. By using the history of heart rate data in conjunction with sleep activity in this manner, an accurate and consistent recovery score can be calculated based on heart rate variability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Emily Rachel Breslow, John Capodilupo, William Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20160374570
    Abstract: An integrated passive wireless chip diagnostic sensor system is described that can be interrogated remotely with a wireless device such as a modified cell phone incorporating multi-protocol RFID reader capabilities (such as the emerging Gen-2 standard) or Bluetooth, providing universal easy to use, low cost and immediate quantitative analyses, geolocation and sensor networking capabilities to users of the technology. The present invention can be integrated into various diagnostic platforms and is applicable for use with low power sensors such as thin films, MEMS, electrochemical, thermal, resistive, nano or microfluidic sensor technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: John P. Peeters
  • Publication number: 20160374571
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a complex rhythm disorder in a human heart includes accessing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed spatially in relation to the heart, where the signals are associated with activations of the heart, and identifying a region of the heart having an activation trail that is rotational or radially emanating, where the activation trail is indicative of the complex rhythm disorder and is based on activation times associated with the activations of the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Sanjiv M. NARAYAN, Wouter-Jan RAPPEL
  • Publication number: 20160374572
    Abstract: The effect of prolonged skin contact with an electronic apparatus is appropriately suppressed. An electronic apparatus 1 includes a temperature acquisition unit 54, a temperature integration unit 55, and a temperature management unit 56. The temperature acquisition unit 54 acquires the temperature of the apparatus. The temperature integration unit 55 acquires information (limit time) about the effect on the skin which changes depending on the temperature. The temperature management unit 56 executes a preset process, based on the temperature of the apparatus acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 54 and the information about the effect on the skin acquired by the temperature integration unit 55.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Minami, Hiroshi Katsuda
  • Publication number: 20160374573
    Abstract: Embodiments include circuits, apparatuses, and systems for optical heart rate monitor light sensor amplifiers. In embodiments, an electronic circuit may include a differential amplifier having an inverting terminal, a non-inverting terminal, and an output terminal; a first variable resistance circuit coupled with a reference voltage, the inverting terminal of the differential amplifier, and the output terminal of the differential amplifier; a second variable resistance circuit coupled with the non-inverting terminal of the differential amplifier and the reference voltage; and a light sensor to generate an electrical signal in response to light reflected by skin of a user, the light sensor coupled with the non-inverting terminal and the inverting terminal of the differential amplifier. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Mostafa Kashi
  • Publication number: 20160374574
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus which comprises: a source to generate a first current having AC and DC components; a current-to-voltage converter to convert the first current or a copy of the first current to a first voltage proportional to a resistance, the first voltage having AC and DC components that correspond to the AC and DC components of the first current; a sample-and-hold circuit to filter the AC component from the first voltage and for providing an output voltage with the DC component; and an amplifier to receive the output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Craig P. Finlinson, Mohammad U. Abbasi, Nicholas P. Cowley, Mark S. Mudd
  • Publication number: 20160374575
    Abstract: A touch panel apparatus and a method are provided. The touch panel apparatus includes a touch panel, a pulse sensor, and a processor. The touch panel detects a heartbeat-based signal from a first part of a target body. The pulse sensor detects a pulse signal from a second part of the target body. The processor acquires a pulse transit time (PTT) based on the detected heartbeat-based signal and the detected pulse signal. The touch panel apparatus contemporaneously detects the heartbeat-based signal and the pulse signal using the touch panel and the pulse sensor, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunkwon KIM, Jaemin KANG, Yongjoo KWON
  • Publication number: 20160374576
    Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor arrangement is disclosed. The sensor arrangement includes a pressure sensor, a cable having a plurality of conductors coupled to the pressure sensor, a flexible balloon partially fitted around the subassembly, thereby encasing the pressure sensor while each end of the cable is extending away from the balloon, the flexible balloon is then filled with an incompressible fluid, thereby allowing pressure changes outside of the balloon to be sensed by the pressure sensor inside of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Babak Ziaie, Albert Kim
  • Publication number: 20160374577
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for an apparatus for providing a user's physiological context measurements. In one instance, the apparatus may include a physiological context measurement module including first and second electrodes, to obtain one or more parameters of physiological context of a user in response to a provision of contact of the first and second electrodes with a portion of the user's body while the physiological context measurement module is powered on; and a third electrode coupled with the module, which may be powered on in response to detection of contact between the user's body portion and the third electrode. The first, second, and third electrodes are disposed to facilitate simultaneous contact of the user's body portion with the electrodes, and collection of the one or more parameters of the physiological context while the simultaneous contact is maintained. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Amit S. Baxi, Vincent S. Mageshkumar
  • Publication number: 20160374578
    Abstract: Integrated ECG (electrocardiogram) contacts enable opportunistic heart rate monitoring on a handheld electronic device. First and second ECG contacts are integrated into the device to connect, respectively, first and second ECG electrodes to an internal ECG circuit within the device. The ECG electrodes have vertical and horizontal portions that can be separate portions connected to a common contact, or different portions of an ‘L-shaped’ electrode. The ECG electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of the device to enable opportunistic two-hand contact when the device is used in either landscape or portrait orientation. The internal ECG circuit is to detect two-hand contact by the user on the first and second electrodes, and perform ECG monitoring in response to detecting two-hand contact. A mobile device can opportunistically capture heart rate data along with user context and provide alerts if a deviation is detected between heart rate data and user activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Ray Kacelenga, Uttam K. Sengupta
  • Publication number: 20160374579
    Abstract: A neurophysiological monitoring system includes at least one surgical instrument having at least one magnetometer and a control unit configured to receive magnetic field data generated by the at least one magnetometer. The control unit may provide stimulation to a nerve at a known stimulation time and receive magnetic field data from the at least one magnetometer indicative of a response to stimulation of the nerve at a receive time. An interpretation of the magnetic field data based upon the receive time and the stimulation time may be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis Chien
  • Publication number: 20160374580
    Abstract: A method and system of predicting a hypotensive episode in a patient using one or more time varying hypotension specific biomarkers corresponding to physiological processes in the patient. Data derived from sensors or other measurement devices such as ECG sensors can be used to generate biomarkers. The biomarkers can then be used to generate an acute hypotension prediction classifier, or monitored factor, derived from a three dimensional temporal representation of two or more biomarkers. When the monitored factor exceeds a predetermined threshold the method and system trigger an alarm before an appearance of a hypotensive episode in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Alfonsas Vainoras, Zenonas Navickas, Mindaugas Balciunas, Arminas Ragauskas, Kristina Berskiene, Vytautas Petkus, Rimtautas Ruseckas
  • Publication number: 20160374581
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining stroke volume, cardiac output and systemic inflammation by fuzzy logic combination of features extracted from a voltage measured over the thorax, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram comprising a) sensor for measuring electroencephalogram; b) sensor for measuring the electrocardiogram; c) calculating the heart rate variability from the electrocardiogram; d) two electrodes (1, 2) for measuring the voltage generated by a constant current generator in two other electrodes (1, 2); e) calculating the area under the curve of voltage for each heart-beat; f) calculating the derivative of the voltage curve; g) calculating the transfer entropy between EEG and ECG; h) combining at least 3 extracted parameters using an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) or any other fuzzy reasoner into a final index of cardiac output; i) combining at least 3 extracted parameters using an Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System or any other fuzzy reasoner into a final index of systemic inflammation
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Erik Weber JENSEN
  • Publication number: 20160374582
    Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body, an electrode array distal of the catheter body, the array having a mounting member and at least first and second spine supports. Each spine support includes a base having a planar configuration, and a plurality of spines extending from the base, wherein the first base extends in a first plane and the second base extends in a second plane different from the first plane in the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Wu, Sungwoo Min
  • Publication number: 20160374583
    Abstract: A electrocardiograph having a chest assembly intended to be applied to the chest region of a patient and an electronic unit is provided, with a recording module and with a wireless transceiver module. The chest assembly has a plurality of electrodes configured to be connected to the patient's body for the recording of an electrocardiogram and respective electrical wires connecting each electrode to the electronic unit. The chest assembly further includes a housing to which the electrical wires are respectively fixed. The electronic unit has a Hall-effect magnetic sensor configured to selectively allow it to mark, to start, stop, record and send an electrocardiogram to a telecommunications network. The electrocardiograph further includes a magnet mounted on a supporting member configured to be worn by a patient to activate the Hall-effect magnetic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: AB Medica Holding S.P.A.
    Inventors: Aldo CERRUTI, Antonino PARIS, Stefano MARCHETTI, Mauro PICCIAFUOCO
  • Publication number: 20160374584
    Abstract: An electrode array for EEGs is described that includes a feedback amplifier driving one of the electrodes. Use of the feedback amplifier can eliminate the need to use precisely balanced resistors in a differential amplifier as well as allowing the elimination of a reference electrode and ground electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: George Townsend
  • Publication number: 20160374585
    Abstract: A three dimensional biomedical probe device is provided that includes a planar substrate. A probe structure is supported on the planar substrate. The probe structure has a base and a portion essentially perpendicular to the base extending along a length to a tip and has a linear dimension at the tip of said probe structure of between 5 nanometers (nm) and 5 microns thereby defining an AC, DC, or transient current, charge, or voltage sensing probe. In one variation, this probe is the electrical contact to the biomedical medium. In another variation this probe is the gate electrode of a field effect transistor (FET). An array of selectively electrically addressable such devices is also provided giving the ability to sample the physiological activity at many positions within cells, fluids and intercellular regions without the need for mechanical motion and inducing cellular lysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen J. Fonash, Wook Jun Nam
  • Publication number: 20160374586
    Abstract: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique for estimating the stiffness of tissues non-invasively. Shear waves are generated via external mechanical actuation and the tissue imaged with a specially designed MR pulse sequence. The resulting images are used to calculate the underlying properties. The application provides methods for acquiring MRE data using a single shot, echo planar imaging readout. The purpose of the developed sequence is to acquire MRE data using a single-shot, echo-planar imaging readout, avoiding to need for off-line image processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Curtis L. Johnson, Bradley Sutton
  • Publication number: 20160374587
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for magnetic induction tomography imaging of specimens, such as human tissue specimens, using a single coil are provided. A plurality of coil property measurements can be obtained using the single coil at a plurality of discrete locations relative to the specimen. The single coil can be designed to be relatively easy to be placed in many different positions/orientations relative to the specimen. A three-dimensional electromagnetic property map, such as a three-dimensional conductivity map or a three-dimensional permittivity map, can be generated from the plurality of coil property measurements obtained using the single coil by accessing a model correlating coil property measurements obtained by the single coil with an electromagnetic property distribution of the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph R. Feldkamp, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20160374588
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that are related to monitoring body hydration levels based on galvanic skin response measurements acquired by a wearable electronic device. One example provides a wearable electronic device including a sensor configured to measure a galvanic skin response, a logic device, and a storage device including instructions executable by the logic device to operate a hydration monitoring mode, acquire a plurality of measures of galvanic skin response over time, present data regarding the plurality of measures of galvanic skin response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Farah Shariff, Vinod L. Hingorani, Haithem Albadawi
  • Publication number: 20160374589
    Abstract: A connector interface configured to enable component interconnection with a location sensor of a catheter placement system is disclosed. The catheter placement system is configured to assist a clinician in positioning a catheter in a desired location within a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the location sensor assembly comprises a location sensor body for temporary placement on a portion of the patient body, and a connector interface. The connector interface is configured to removably attach to the location sensor and provide a plurality of electrically conductive pathways between the location sensor and additional components of the catheter placement system to enable the additional components to operably connect with the location sensor. The connector interface further includes a first connector configured to operably connect with a second connector of one of the additional components of the catheter placement system through a drape interposed between the first and second connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony K. Misener, Zachary S. Davis, Jason R. Stats
  • Publication number: 20160374590
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating and/or registering a shape sensing fiber in or to various instruments are described herein. Registration fixtures and registration techniques for matching the coordinate system of a fiber to the coordinate system of an elongate instrument or other device are provided. Various systems and methods for integrating a shape sensing fiber into an elongate instrument or other device are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Serena H. Wong, Jason J. Hsu, Francis Macnamara, Gene Reis, Randall L. Schlesinger, Neal A. Tanner
  • Publication number: 20160374591
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detector for a capnography device for uninterrupted monitoring of respiratory gasses of a subject, the detector includes a gas flow chamber, configured to permit flow of respiratory gasses between a first orifice and a second orifice thereof, a bandstructure cascade laser configured to provide mid-infrared wavelength laser radiation to the flow chamber, the mid-infrared wavelength laser radiation having wavelengths that at least partially correspond to an absorption spectrum of carbon-dioxide molecules, and a first radiation sensor configured to obtain mid-infrared wavelength radiation passing through the chamber and to provide a radiation intensity signal indicative of changes in carbon-dioxide level in respiratory gasses within the chamber during at least one respiration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Erez Shapir, Hanna Friedman
  • Publication number: 20160374592
    Abstract: A respiratory monitoring system includes: a first sensing tube provided in a respiratory flow tube and provided with at least a first directional hole opened in a respiratory flow direction; a second sensing tube provided with at least a second directional hole corresponding to the first directional hole; a first sensing element configured to detect a first dynamic pressure (PL) using a differential pressure between gas flows from the first and second sensing tubes; a second sensing element configured to detect a second dynamic pressure (PH) using a differential pressure between gas flows from the first and second sensing tubes; and a computation unit configured to compute patient's respiration information including a tidal inspiratory volume and a tidal expiratory volume using the first and second dynamic pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: In Kwang LEE, Mi Jung PARK, Kyung Ok KIM, Eun Jong CHA, Kyung Ah KIM
  • Publication number: 20160374593
    Abstract: A skinfold caliper for self-measuring a skinfold thickness to calculate body fat, comprising, a first hand and a second hand and an integrated pressure sensor for sensing the pressure applied to a skinfold when the skin contact tips of the caliper hands are engaged with the base of a skinfold held by an opposing hand. When the optimum pressure is achieved, a button with a raised dome attached to the sensor emits an audible click to signal to the user, to stop applying further pressure. The skinfold caliper has a measurement ruler having a metric scale with measurements in millimeters on both sides of the ruler so that the caliper can be read from both sides by a right handed as well as a left handed person. A double-sided marker that slides along the ruler and indicates results of a skinfold measurement can be removed and reinstalled on the ruler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Martin
  • Publication number: 20160374594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a dopaminergic activity of a subject, wherein the system comprises a detection unit for detecting an eye blink signal relating to eye blinks of the subject; an analysis unit for determining, based on the detected eye blink signal, an eye blink feature indicative of the dopaminergic activity of the subject and for comparing the eye blink feature with a reference eye blink feature; and a feedback unit for providing feedback relating to the dopaminergic activity of the subject based on the comparison of the eye blink feature and the reference eye blink feature. Further aspects of the present invention relate to a corresponding method and computer program. The approach permits early screening of a dopaminergic activity and continuous monitoring of the patient's response to dopamine drugs, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: GARY NELSON GARCIA MOLINA, RONALDUS MARIA AARTS
  • Publication number: 20160374595
    Abstract: A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Viggo Henriksen, Trym Holter, Olav Kvaloy, Asle Melvaer, Georg Esa Ottesen, Odd Kristen Ostern Pettersen, Jarle Svean, Svein Sorsdal
  • Publication number: 20160374596
    Abstract: A measurement system for measuring blood characteristics includes a controller, an emitter, a sensor, a reference photo sensor, and a mask. The emitter emits light at a plurality of wavelengths from a first side of a blood flow channel to a second side of the blood flow channel. The sensor is provided on the second side of the blood flow channel. The reference photo sensor is provided on the first side of the blood flow channel. The mask is provided on the first side blocking reflected light other than from the light from the emitter to enter the reference photo sensor. The controller compensates measurements from the sensor based upon measurements from the reference photo sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Louis L. Barrett
  • Publication number: 20160374597
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include implantable medical systems, devices and methods including chemical sensors. In an embodiment, an implantable medical device system includes a chemical sensor; a fluid state sensor such as a posture sensor; an activity sensor; and/or a respiration sensor. The implantable medical device system can further include normalization circuitry receiving data from the chemical sensor and the fluid state sensor and normalizing the chemical sensor data based on data from the fluid state sensor. In an embodiment, a method of operating an implantable medical device system is included. The method can include measuring the amount of a chemical analyte using a chemical sensor, measuring the fluid status in a patient using a fluid state sensor, and normalizing the measured amount of the chemical analyte as indicated by the chemical sensor using normalization circuitry based on data from the fluid state sensor. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Stahmann
  • Publication number: 20160374598
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides sweat sensing devices with smart sweat stimulation and sensing embodiments: which improve the dependability and predictability of sweat sampling rates; achieve a desired number of sweat sampling events per day while minimizing skin irritation and prolonging device lifespan; and use physical, optical or thermal sweat stimulation to augment or replace chemical sweat stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Eccrine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Heikenfeld, Gavi Begtrup, Jacob Bertrand
  • Publication number: 20160374599
    Abstract: A new method and apparatus is provided for as a wearable, self-contained, non-invasive device for the instantaneous measurement of blood glucose in an individual. This invention uses the measurement and comparison of ultrasound wave velocities to determine the instant value of glucose concentration in the individual. In particular, it uses ultrasound waveforms in the “A” operational mode, depth determination, rather than typical imaging operational modes. Two distinct and different ultrasound frequencies are transmitted into the body and their total propagation times, from insert to bone-reflected echo return signal, are timed to calculate the signal dependent velocities affected by glucose. It is applicable to all forms of human body conditions, regardless of size, weight, age or health condition. It can be adapted for use in a closed loop system for insulin delivery on an “as-needed basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Ralph Frattarola
  • Publication number: 20160374600
    Abstract: A method of assisting daily living for an individual, comprising the steps of measuring a presence and/or concentration of one or more measuring a presence or biomarkers in a sample from the individual; predicting a behavior or emotional state of the individual based on the measured presence and/or concentration of the one or more biomarkers by applying a correlation between human biological phenotype and human behavioral and/or emotional phenotype; and altering the living environment of the individual or providing information, advice or guidance to the individual based on the predicted behavior or emotional state of the individual, where the correlation between human biological phenotype and human behavioral and/or emotional phenotype comprises a correlation between the one or more biomarkers and a behavior or emotional state. A system for assisting daily living for an individual is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: iPhenotype LLC
    Inventors: Jay M. Short, Steve Briggs
  • Publication number: 20160374601
    Abstract: Oxygen sensing luminescent dyes, polymers and sensors comprising these sensors and methods of using these sensors and systems are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Soya Gamsey, Natalie Wisniewski, Kristen Helton, William McMillan
  • Publication number: 20160374602
    Abstract: In the special observation mode, second illumination light including different-absorption-wavelength light that has different absorption coefficients for oxygenated hemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin is emitted, a turn-off state is thereafter initiated, and signal reading is performed for some of a plurality of pixel rows in accordance with a skip read method. Subsequently, first illumination light, which is normal light, is emitted, a turn-off state is thereafter initiated, and signal reading is performed for all of the pixel rows in a column direction in accordance with a pixel addition read method. An image processor generates an oxygen saturation image on the basis of a second image capture signal read in accordance with the skip read method and a first image capture signal read in accordance with the pixel addition read method, and generates a normal observation image on the basis of the first image capture signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki KOSHIBA
  • Publication number: 20160374603
    Abstract: Analyte testing and monitoring methods, systems, and devices are disclosed. In one aspect, an analyte testing device includes an analyte sensor module configured to hold a sensor cassette structured to store analyte sensors, the analyte sensor module including an opening from which an analyte sensor advances to a testing position to expose at least a portion of the analyte sensor to outside of the analyte testing device; and a lancing module configured to hold a lancet cassette structured to store lancets and project the lancets to outside of the analyte testing device during a blood sample acquisition event to pierce a user's skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Gad Shaanan, Marc Goldman, Jessica Shaanan
  • Publication number: 20160374604
    Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip device and compatible meter or processor for determining the amount of an analyte in a liquid sample received from a subject. The device may include: a substrate having a liquid sampling end and an electrical contact end; a circuit disposed in communication with the substrate; a reaction area formed at the liquid sampling end of the substrate; and a lancet having a pointed end and an opposite end, whereby the opposite end of the lancet is disposed in communication with the substrate and located at the reaction area. The device may also include an interface area that may be separate or integrated as part the reaction area (or the reaction area may be integrated with interaction area).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Pavel Vereshchetin, Molly McElwee-Malloy
  • Publication number: 20160374605
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining emotions of a user using a camera. The method comprises receiving at least one image of the user from the camera. Then, at least one region of interest of the user is detected in the at least one image. A video plethysmographic waveform is generated by analyzing the at least one region of interest. Then, at least one physiological characteristic based on the video plethysmographic waveform is determined. The emotions of the user are determined by comparing the at least one physiological characteristic with predefined physiological characteristics defined for each emotion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Panneer Selvam Jayaveera Pandian, Vinod Pathangay