With Microwave Carrier Signal Patents (Class 600/430)
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Publication number: 20110060215Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive and continuous measurement of respiratory chamber volume and associated parameters including respiratory rate, respiratory rhythm, tidal volume, dielectric variability and respiratory congestion. In particular, a non-invasive apparatus and method for determining dynamic and structural physiologic data from a living subject including a change in the spatial configuration of a respiratory chamber, a lung or a lobe of a lung to determine overall respiratory health comprising an ultra wide-band radar system having at least one transmitting and receiving antenna for applying ultra wide-band radio signals to a target area of the subject's anatomy wherein the receiving antenna collects and transmits signal returns from the target area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Joe Paul Tupin, JR., Joe Paul Tupin, Kenneth Arlan Murray, JR., John David Tupin
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Patent number: 7825667Abstract: A microwave imaging process, and a system controlled by an associated software product, illuminate a target with microwaves from a transmitting antenna. Receiving antennas receive microwaves scattered by the target, and form microwave data. The illumination and receiving repeat over multiple transmitting antennas and multiple microwave frequencies. The microwave data is processed to form permittivity and conductivity images by selecting a background dispersion model for permittivity and conductivity. Permittivity and conductivity dispersion coefficients are determined, and permittivity and conductivity distributions are calculated, for each of the microwave frequencies. Forward solutions at multiple frequencies are determined from property distributions, and a dispersion coefficient based Jacobian matrix is determined. Dispersion coefficient updates are determined using the microwave data, and the dispersion coefficients are updated.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Qianqian Fang, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen
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Publication number: 20100273741Abstract: The present invention finds application in the field of cosmetic medicine and particularly relates to an apparatus for adipose tissue detection which comprises a first electronic circuit for generating a beam of electromagnetic waves, radiating means for orienting the beam to an adipose tissue-containing part, sensor means for detecting reflected waves, a second electronic circuit for receiving the reflected electromagnetic waves, a unit for measuring a predetermined characteristic of the reflected waves and for producing an analog signal, a third electronic circuit for converting the analog signal into a digital signal, interface means providing an interface between the third electronic circuit and a graphic processing unit. The first electronic circuit comprises means for modulating the frequency of the generated waves, which operate in a microwave range from 1 GHz to 12 GHz.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Antoine Assaf
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Publication number: 20100256485Abstract: A method and system of monitoring changes in a body, the method comprising the steps of: (a) emitting microwave radiation from a set of spaced apart transmitters placed adjacent the body; (b) separately receiving a radiation pattern from the transmitters via at least one receiver; (c) analysing the differences between the separately received radiation patterns to determine changes in the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Jon Gordan Ables, Suzan Pollicino, Cong Nhin Huynh, Robert Douglas Shaw, Kamil Unver
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Patent number: 7809427Abstract: A system and a method are provided for estimating the average dielectric properties of a plurality of regions in space. The application of this technique is illustrated for determining the average properties of breast tissue. The knowledge of average properties is important when UWB microwave radar signal processing algorithms are used for tumor detection and localization. The method is an extension of a time-domain inverse scattering algorithm based on the finite-difference time-domain method. A hybrid conjugate gradient optimization is used to minimize a cost function defined between a measured and a calculated total electromagnetic field at a series of antennas. The output of the method is an average set of electromagnetic material parameters that describe specific regions of interest in either a non-dispersive heterogeneous medium or a dispersive heterogeneous medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: David W. Winters, Barry D. Van Veen, Susan C. Hagness
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Patent number: 7774042Abstract: A three-dimensional thermoacoustic imaging system uses dye markers. Thermoacoustic signals are produced by the dye markers when light from an external source is absorbed by the dye. Thermoacoustic images with and without dye stimulation may be generated using excitation frequencies both inside and outside the frequency band of fluorescence of the dye marker, and these may be combined, and/or combined with conventional ultrasound images for image enhancement. An apparatus for carrying out this method on mice, uses a commercially available array of transducers positioned opposite to the body of the mouse, which is immersed in a coupling media. A source of illumination such as a laser directs light to the mouse through the coupling media, and resulting acoustic waves are captured by the array and reconstructed to form an image.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Senco Brands, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Kruger
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Patent number: 7755010Abstract: A non-invasive microwave analysis method determines scattered phase and/or amplitude data for a liquid in a container. A transmitter antenna transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the liquid in the container. One or more receiver antennas convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to determine the scattered phase and/or amplitude data. Another non-invasive microwave screening method includes placing a container of an unknown liquid in a tank. The container is separated by a membrane from coupling liquid in the tank. Microwave radiation transmits from a transmitter antenna and scatters from the container and the unknown liquid. One or more receiver antennas convert the microwave radiation into microwave electronic signals. The microwave electronic signals are processed to determine scattered phase and/or amplitude data. A pass result or a fail result is determined based on the scattered phase and/or amplitude data.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
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Publication number: 20100174179Abstract: The present invention relate to a device, method, and system for monitoring the status of an internal part of a body using an electromagnetic transceiver operating in the microwave regime; a processing unit compares measured data with reference data to determine the status of the internal part. The solution may be arranged to continuously monitor the internal part of the body and the system may be arranged to as to be wearable or portable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: MEDFIELD DIAGNOSITCS ABInventors: Mikael Persson, Andreas Fhager, Parham Hashemzdaeh
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Publication number: 20100168730Abstract: Tissue classifying apparatus in which forward microwave radiation (e.g. having a frequency 500 MHz to 60 GHz) is supplied from a source (108) along a first transmission path to a probe (116) which delivers it into tissue to be classified. The probe (116) receives reflected radiation from the tissue. The reflected radiation is delivered to a detector (178) along a second transmission path via a circulator (198) which isolates the forward radiation from the second transmission path. The detector has a input which is switchable between the reflected radiation from the second transmission path and a reference signal derived from the forward radiation, wherein detected magnitude and phase information of the reflected radiation to classify the tissue can be compensated for drift in magnitude and phase of the forward radiation by comparison with detected magnitude and phase information of the reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Christopher Paul Hancock, John Bishop, Martin Wynford Booton
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Patent number: 7734330Abstract: The present technique utilizes microwave radiometry to detect the presence of vulnerable plaques engrained in the wall of a blood vessel. In accordance with the technique, an intravascular catheter containing at least one microwave antenna is moved along the suspect vessel. The antenna, in combination with an external microwave detection and display unit, is able to detect and display thermal anomalies due to the difference in the thermal emissivity (brightness) of vulnerable plaques as compared to normal tissue even though the two may have a common temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLCInventor: Kenneth L. Carr
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Patent number: 7725167Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for imaging objects, more particularly radiologically dense objects. The currently disclosed technology has particular applicability in the medical field as a tool and methodology for investigation of radiologically dense breast tissue of young patients by using microwave energy in concert with an ultrasonic initial investigation of the tissue. The use of an ultrasonic initial investigation operates as an initial evaluation point for the subsequent microwave investigation.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Clemson UniversityInventors: Razvan M. Ciocan, Huabei Jiang
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Patent number: 7725150Abstract: Disclosed is a variant of ultra-wide band (UWB) radar known as micropower impulse radar (MIR) combined with advanced signal processing techniques to provide a new type of medical imaging technology including frequency spectrum analysis and modern statistical filtering techniques to search for, acquire, track, or interrogate physiological data. Range gate settings are controlled to depths of interest within a patient and those settings are dynamically adjusted to optimize the physiological signals desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: LifeWave, Inc.Inventors: Joe Paul Tupin, Jr., Robert Martinez Van Rooyen, Richard Jensen Rollins
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Publication number: 20100113921Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that provide for surface estimation of an object. In particular, the surface estimation can be determined with little or no a priori information regarding the position or topography of the object within a given volume. In select embodiments, the systems and methods can be used for microwave imaging, and particularly for estimating breast surfaces during the imaging process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Elise FEAR, Jeff SILL, Trevor WILLIAMS, Martin KUHLMANN, Michael OKONIEWSKI, Jeremie BOURQUI
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Patent number: 7689261Abstract: A method includes receiving a multi-phase axial cardiac dataset, receiving a selection of a phase from a user, when the received selection is systole, generating an endocardial volume of a left ventricle at an end systole phase without further user intervention, and when the received selection is diastole, generating an endocardial volume of the left ventricle at an end diastole phase without further user intervention.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kelly Ann Mohr, Laurent Stefani, Laurent Launay, Helen Jane Thomson
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Patent number: 7671784Abstract: Techniques for detecting contraband are described, as are techniques for generating an image of living tissue. A location of interest relative to a target space is received, and a radar signal is transmitted in the direction of the location of interest. Portions of the radar signal are detected with multiple receiving structures. The detected portions are processed to generate information corresponding to dielectric or loss properties, the properties corresponding to particular positions within the target space. A determination is made as to whether contraband is present in the target space based on the determined properties.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: L-3 Communications CyTerra CorporationInventors: William Steinway, David H. Fine, Stephen Cole, Ravi K. Konduri, Douglas O. Carlson, Yuriy Pylypenko
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Patent number: 7647089Abstract: A method and a system of determining a surface location defining an interface between an object to image and an antenna is provided. The method uses geometric principles and the fact that an impedance mismatch at the interface results in significant reflection. A propagation time from the surface to each antenna of a plurality of antennas is estimated. The propagation time locates the surface on a circle centered at each antenna and having a radius calculated using the propagation time. A tangent line connects the intersection of adjacent circles with the surface. The surface is estimated to be located at the tangent point where the circle and the shared tangent line between adjacent antennas intersect. Multiple tangent points may be averaged for each interior antenna. A curve is fit to the set of tangent points to provide an estimate of the surface location.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Essex Julian Bond, Susan Carol Hagness, Barry Dean Van Veen
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Publication number: 20090281422Abstract: A multi-modality system and method for performing detection, characterization and imaging of materials and objects in dense compressive media, such as in medical soft tissue applications, is disclosed. Medical tissue applications include but are not limited to the detection and diagnosis of breast tumors. Generally, an ultrasound subsystem is employed to excite a region in the dense compressive media and a microwave subsystem is employed to collect detection, characterization and imaging information from the excited region. In one preferred embodiment, multiple focused oscillating high-frequency ultrasound wave beams are transmitted into the media. The resultant low beat-frequency wave creates a force inducing motion in the materials and objects in the media. A radio-frequency microwave subsystem detects that motion and produces images based upon the Doppler effects of the excited materials and objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Khaled N. Salama, Aly M. Ismail
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Patent number: 7591792Abstract: Tissue sensors house one or more sensor elements. Each element has a housing mounted substrate and a superstrate with a planar antenna between. A transitional periphery (TP) of a superstrate outer surface interconnects a base to a plateau. At least some of the TP has a generally smooth transition. Plural elements are spaced by the housing. Alternately, the superstrate TP is flat, the housing extends to the outer superstrate surface and a shield surrounds the element. The housing is flush with or recessed below the superstrate and defines a TP between the housing and superstrate. A method converts a reference signal to complex form; plots it in a complex plane as a reference point (RP); converts a measurement signal to complex form; plots it in the complex plane as a measurement point (MP); determine a complex distance between the MP and the RP; and compares complex distance to a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Medrad, Inc.Inventor: Chad Edward Bouton
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Patent number: 7570063Abstract: Microwave imaging via space-time beamforming is carried out by transmitting microwave signals from multiple antenna locations into an individual to be examined and receiving the backscattered microwave signals at multiple antenna locations to provide received signals from the antennas. The received signals are processed in a computer to remove the skin interface reflection component of the signal at each antenna to provide corrected signal data. The corrected signal data is provided to a beamformer process that time shifts the received signals to align the returns from a scatterer at a candidate location, and then passes the time aligned signals through a bank of filters, the outputs of which are summed, time-gated and the power therein calculated to produce the beamformer output signal at a candidate location. The beamformer is then scanned to a plurality of different locations in the individual by changing the time shifts, filter weights and time-gating of the beamformer process.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Barry D. Van Veen, Susan C. Hagness, Essex Julian Bond, Xu Li
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Patent number: 7567200Abstract: A radar fall detector system. The radar fall detector system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines a subject's moving body segment and its distance to a floor.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventor: Josef Osterweil
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Publication number: 20090187099Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a combined photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound imaging system capable of generating PA and ultrasound images simultaneously. These images can be combined and displayed in real-time. The PA images are acquired by firing a illumination system into a sample being imaged and beamforming the received photoacoustic signals. Ultrasound images are formed by transmitting ultrasound energy into the object and beamforming the reflected signals. The present disclosure describes a timing controller to allow the illumination system and ultrasound transmissions to be timed relative to one another. This allows both modalities to operate at close to their maximum frame rates while preventing signal interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Michael Burcher
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Publication number: 20080319285Abstract: Apparatus for minimally invasively measuring concentrations of constituents contained within a biological tissue structure includes a microwave energy source arranged generate a range of microwave frequencies, a first antenna coupled to the microwave energy source and arranged to transmit at least a portion of the microwave energy into the tissue structure, a second antenna arranged to receive at least a portion of the microwave energy transmitted through the tissue structure, a signal processor arranged to determine the resonant frequency of the received microwave energy, and a data processor arranged to provide an output of the concentration of constituents within the biological tissue structure according to the determined resonant frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2006Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: FERLIN MEDICAL LTD.Inventor: Christopher Paul Hancock
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Patent number: 7454242Abstract: A tissue-sensing adaptive radar method of detecting tumours in breast tissue uses microwave backscattering to detect tumours which have different electrical properties than healthy breast tissue. The method includes steps for reducing skin reflections and for constructing a three-dimensional image using synthetic focusing which shows the presence or absence of microwave reflecting tissues.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventors: Elise Fear, Michal Okoniewski, Maria Stuchly
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Publication number: 20080275337Abstract: A device is disclosed for remote monitoring of breathing movements of a patient, comprising a sender transmitting a microwave signal toward the patient, a receiver arranged to receive a signal reflected by the patient, and a processor. The processor mixes the received signal with the transmitted signal and with a signal in quadrature with the transmitted signal to determine a breathing frequency of the patient. In some embodiments, two signals at different frequencies are emitted toward the patient and processed in order to compensate for breathing patterns that are not uniquely resolvable at a single frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Helge Fossan, Ken Morallee
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Publication number: 20080234574Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for classifying and/or ablating tissue. By directing microwave radiation through a probe (5) into tissue (6) and detecting the amplitude and phase of radiation reflected back through the probe and a reference signal, the tissue type can be classified. An impedance tuner which is actuated by magnetostrictive material (800) is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: MEDICAL DEVICE INNOVATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Paul Hancock, John Bishop
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Publication number: 20080200803Abstract: Provided herein is a cancer detection and treatment instrument comprising: a first conductive plate; a second conductive plate which is opposed to the first conductive plate and has a first opening; a first signal line disposed between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate; a first contact member of which one end is exposed through the first opening and of which the other end is connected to the first signal line; a dielectric portion filled between the first and second conductive plates and the first signal line; and a conductive layer surrounding both side surfaces and a front end surface of the dielectric portion which are exposed. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect cancer by the use of the ultrahigh-frequency signal and to treat a diseased portion without damaging tissues around the diseased portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY FOUNDATIONInventors: Young Woo Kwon, Chang Yul Cheon, Jei Won Cho, Jeong Hoon Yoon
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Patent number: 7397364Abstract: A method is provided for tracking an object, including positioning a radio frequency (RF) driver to radiate an RF driving field toward the object, and fixing to the object a wireless transponder that includes a power coil and at least one sensor coil. The method also includes receiving the RF driving field using the power coil and storing electrical energy derived therefrom. A plurality of field generators are driven to generate electromagnetic fields at respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object that induce a voltage drop across the at least one sensor coil. A digital output signal is generated at the wireless transponder indicative of the voltage drop across the sensor coil, and the generation of the digital output signal is powered using the stored electrical energy. The digital output signal is transmitted from the wireless transponder using the power coil, and the transmission of the digital output signal is powered using the stored electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventor: Assaf Govari
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Publication number: 20080161685Abstract: Improved microwave imaging using a reflector. By providing a reflective surface in the range of the imaging system, additional information is available for imaging objects. The relative surface provides silhouette information on the object, and increases the effective thickness of the object to aid analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: William Weems, Robert C. Taber
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Patent number: 7340292Abstract: A method for detecting breast cancer can include the step of positioning a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna about a breast so that the transmitting antenna is positioned to transmit microwave energy into the breast and the receiving antenna is positioned to receive the transmitted energy after the energy has passed into the breast. Microwave energy can be transmitted from the transmitting antenna. The microwave energy can be received by the receiving antenna and used to determine a presence of tumors within the breast. A relative position of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna can be adjusted about the breast. After each position adjustment, the transmitting and the receiving steps can be repeated.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Jian Li
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Patent number: 7319212Abstract: A non-invasive microwave analysis system determines scattered phase and/or amplitude data for a liquid in a container. A tank holds coupling liquid; the system includes a membrane for separating the liquid container from the coupling liquid. A transmitter antenna situated within the coupling liquid transmits microwaves. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert microwave radiation that scatters from the liquid in the container into microwave electronic signals. Electronics process the microwave electronic signals to determine scattered phase and/or amplitude values of the microwave radiation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
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Patent number: 7266407Abstract: A method and system for examining biological tissue includes the steps of radiating a tissue region with a plurality of microwave radiation pulses. The microwave pulses are swept across a range of microwave frequencies. In response to the swept frequency microwave pulses, the tissue region emits a plurality of thermoacoustic signals. At least one image of the tissue region is formed from the plurality of thermoacoustic signals. The signals can be ultrawideband signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jian Li, Gang Wang
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Patent number: 7263398Abstract: Microwave apparatus for measuring the blood flow rate in a patient's blood vessel includes an intravascular catheter having proximal and distal ends and containing an inner coaxial cable forming a first antenna and an outer cable coaxial with the inner cable and forming a second antenna, the first antenna extending axially beyond the second antenna a selected distance. The apparatus also includes a control unit including a microwave transmitter, a microwave receiver and a processor controlling the transmitter and receiver. A diplexer is connected between the first and second antenna and the control unit to couple signals from the transmitter to the second antenna but not to the receiver and to couple signals from the first antenna to the receiver but not to the transmitter. The transmitter transmits microwave pulses to the first antenna which heat blood around that antenna. When the heated blood volume flows to the second antenna this is detected at the receiver which produces a detect signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLCInventor: Kenneth L. Carr
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Patent number: 7197356Abstract: Microwave detection apparatus includes an intravascular catheter containing inner and outer conductors, the distal ends of the conductors forming an antenna at a distal end of the catheter. A gap is provided in the inner conductor near the antenna thereby forming spaced-apart opposing proximal and distal inner conductor segments between which is connected an electrical circuit. That circuit includes a temperature reference and a Dicke-switch switchable in response to a switching signal between a first condition wherein the switch connects the proximal inner conductor segment to the temperature reference thereby delivering a temperature reference signal from the temperature reference to the proximal ends of the conductors and a second condition wherein the switch connects the proximal inner conductor segment to the distal inner conductor segment thereby delivering an antenna signal from the antenna to the proximal ends of the conductors.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLCInventor: Kenneth L. Carr
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Patent number: 7164105Abstract: Non-invasive microwave analysis systems and methods determine scattered phase data for a liquid in a container. A transmitter antenna situated within coupling liquid separated from the container by a flexible membrane transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the liquid in the container. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to determine the scattered phase data. Non-invasive microwave analysis systems and methods image a portion of a biological subject. A transmitter antenna situated within coupling liquid separated from the subject by a flexible membrane transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the subject. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Microwave Imaging Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward M Godshalk, Timothy Raynolds, Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Greg Burke
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Patent number: 7089047Abstract: A non-invasive sensor suitable for measuring the depth of fat in animal tissue is described, the sensor generating and transmitting focussed discrete narrow band microwave signals into the tissue, receiving reflected microwave signals from the tissue and providing magnitude and phase information of the reflected microwave signals for a processor to compute a value of the fat depth within the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Industrial Research LimitedInventor: Wayne Stephen Holmes
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Patent number: 7010339Abstract: A hybrid lidar-radar system for detecting the presence of objects, such as cancerous tumors, within tissues by detecting reflected signals from the tissue and discriminating the information related to the cancerous tumor from the undesirable backscattering of light created by the tissue itself. The hybrid lidar-radar system utilizes continuous wave light that is preferably modulated at frequencies up to 60 GHz. The present invention filters the return signals from the tissue at a subcarrier modulation frequency so as to reject erroneous information contained in scattered lights, while at the same time retaining the coherent, unscattered and modulated light information so as to provide for an accuracy detection of tumors within tissues.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Linda J. Mullen, Vincent M. Contarino, Peter R. Herczfeld
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Patent number: 6984993Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a predetermined parameter, by providing a displaceable sensor on a mounting member such that the displaceable sensor changes in location, form or length with respect to the mounting member in accordance with the predetermined parameter. A cyclically-repeating energy wave is transmitted to or through the displaceable sensor, and a predetermined fiducial point in the received cyclically-repeating energy wave is detected and used for continuously changing the frequency of the transmitted cyclically-repeating energy wave such that the number of waves received is a whole integer. The change in frequency is used to produce a measurement of the predetermined parameter. Several embodiments are described wherein the displaceable sensor is a deformable membrane, an end wall of a bellows, a spring-mounted member, a displaceable plunger, and a bar changing its length in accordance with the parameter to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Nexense Ltd.Inventor: Arie Ariav
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Patent number: 6901281Abstract: The invention provides a method of magnetic resonance imaging of regional blood oxygenation which comprises administering into the vasculature of a vascularized human or non-human animal subject a T2 blood pool contrast agent, detecting a magnetic resonance signal from at least part of the vasculature of said subject into which said contrast agent distributes, and manipulating said signal to generate an indication of the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in at least part of said vasculature.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Amersham Health ASInventors: Atle Bjørnerud, Kenneth Edmund Kellar, Karen Briley-Saebo, Lars Johansson
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Patent number: 6849046Abstract: The invention provides a system (2) for non-invasive detection of the state of hydration in a living specimen, the system including an RF generator/transmitter (416) for emitting RF radiation signals and for transmitting the radiation signals through a tissue of a living specimen; an RF receiver (8) for receiving RF signals transmitted through the tissue, and for feeding the signals to a processor (10) for comparison of relative attenuation of RF frequencies passing through the tissue with a reference attenuation ratio signal, and an indicator unit (12) for providing an output signal representative of the water content level of the tissue. A method for non-invasive detection of the state of hydration in a living specimen is also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventors: Elazar Eyal-Bickels, Shulamit Margaliot
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Publication number: 20040254457Abstract: Using pulsed or continuous-wave sources, broadband electromagnetic energy generally in the 10 MHz to 300 GHz range is applied through one or a plurality of near-field antennas such as coaxial probe tips. The electromagnetic energy reflected from the surface or transmitted through the near surface of the object (e.g. surface of skin or other tissue or cells) is detected, and the ratio of the test measurement to that from normal tissue is recorded and presented to determine the degree of dielectric contrast, hence inhomogeneity. This degree of contrast is used both on its own and in conjunction with simultaneously acquired optical images to map the boundary of an organ inhomogeneity such as a tumor. The bundle of antennas may be scanned over a surface of the object on a pixel-by-pixel basis to determine the spectra of the sample on a pixel-by-pixel basis, allowing a two dimensional display of the absorption spectra to be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Daniel Warren van der Weide
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Publication number: 20040249272Abstract: Microwave detection apparatus includes an intravascular catheter containing inner and outer conductors, the distal ends of the conductors forming an antenna at a distal end of the catheter. A gap is provided in the inner conductor near the antenna thereby forming spaced-apart opposing proximal and distal inner conductor segments between which is connected an electrical circuit. That circuit includes a temperature reference and a Dicke-switch switchable in response to a switching signal between a first condition wherein the switch connects the proximal inner conductor segment to the temperature reference thereby delivering a temperature reference signal from the temperature reference the proximal ends of the conductors and a second condition wherein the switch connects the proximal inner conductor segment to the distal inner conductor segment thereby delivering an antenna signal from the antenna to the proximal ends of the conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
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Publication number: 20040167399Abstract: A method for detecting breast cancer can include the step of positioning a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna about a breast so that the transmitting antenna is positioned to transmit microwave energy into the breast and the receiving antenna is positioned to receive the transmitted energy after the energy has passed into the breast. Microwave energy can be transmitted from the transmitting antenna. The microwave energy can be received by the receiving antenna and used to determine a presence of tumors within the breast. A relative position of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna can be adjusted about the breast. After each position adjustment, the transmitting and the receiving steps can be repeated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: University of FloridaInventor: Jian Li
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Publication number: 20040077943Abstract: Tomographic imaging of biological tissue is achieved through a microwave imaging system and associated methods. An array of antennas are positioned in an illumination tank to surround biological tissue to be imaged. A liquid coupling medium is placed in the illumination tank, and the biological tissue is immersed in the medium. The array of antennas transmit and receive microwave-frequency RF signals that are propagated through the biological tissue. A signal processor is coupled to the antennas to process a demodulated signal representative of the microwave-frequency RF signal received by one or more of the antennas to produce scattered field magnitude and phase signal projections of the biological tissue. These projections may be used to reconstruct a conductivity and permittivity image across an imaged section of the biological tissue to identify the locations of different tissue types (e.g., normal versus malignant or cancerous) within the biological tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Paul M. Meaney, Keith D. Paulsen, Margaret W. Fanning, Timothy Reynolds
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Publication number: 20040019282Abstract: A hybrid lidar-radar system for detecting the presence of objects, such as cancerous tumors, within tissues by detecting reflected signals from the tissue and discriminating the information related to the cancerous tumor from the undesirable backscattering of light created by the tissue itself. The hybrid lidar-radar system utilizes continuous wave light that is preferably modulated at frequencies up to 60 GHz. The present invention filters the return signals from the tissue at a subcarrier modulation frequency so as to reject erroneous information contained in scattered lights, while at the same time retaining the coherent, unscattered and modulated light information so as to provide for an accuracy detection of tumors within tissues.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Linda J. Mullen, Vincent M. Contarino, Peter R. Herczfeld
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Patent number: 6567688Abstract: A microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography system and method is provided to image biological tissue. Short microwave pulses irradiate tissue to generate acoustic waves by thermoelastic expansion. The microwave-induced thermoacoustic waves are detected with an ultrasonic transducer or transducer array. Each time-domain signal from the ultrasonic transducer is converted to a one-dimensional image along the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic transducer. Scanning the system perpendicularly to the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic transducer generates multi-dimensional images in real time without computational image reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventor: Lihong Wang
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Publication number: 20030088180Abstract: Microwave imaging via space-time beamforming is carried out by transmitting microwave signals from multiple antenna locations into an individual to be examined and receiving the backscattered microwave signals at multiple antenna locations to provide received signals from the antennas. The received signals are processed in a computer to remove the skin interface reflection component of the signal at each antenna to provide corrected signal data. The corrected signal data is provided to a beamformer process that time shifts the received signals to align the returns from a scatterer at a candidate location, and then passes the time aligned signals through a bank of filters, the outputs of which are summed, time-gated and the power therein calculated to produce the beamformer output signal at a candidate location. The beamformer is then scanned to a plurality of different locations in the individual by changing the time shifts, filter weights and time-gating of the beamformer process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Barry D. Van Veen, Susan C. Hagness, Essex Julian Bond, Xu Li
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Publication number: 20030083574Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a part of a human or animal body 2 during a cryosurgical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a radiative energy transmitter 26 for radiating energy to a zone of the body 2 to be protected from excessive cooling. There is also provided a means 12 for controlling the energy radiated by said radiative energy transmitter 26. Preferably the radiative energy transmitter comprises an infra-red laser diode coupled to a diffuser 34 by an optical fibre 40.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Lars Othar Svaasand, Reinold Ellingsen, Hans Christian Boldstad, Dag Roar Hjelme
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Patent number: 6543933Abstract: A microwave thermography apparatus to measure temperatures within a dielectric body comprises a partial ellipsoidal cavity with an electrical conductive surface wherein the body can be located at one focus of the cavity. A microwave antenna located at a second focus of the cavity is connected to a radiometer. That radiometer amplifies and filters signals from the antenna before they are applied to a detector with the temperature of the body being determined from the voltage amplitude of the detected signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian GovernmentInventors: Stergios Stergiopoulos, Nikolaos Uzunoglu
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Publication number: 20030013954Abstract: A non-invasive sensor suitable for measuring the depth of fat in animal tissue is described, the sensor generating and transmitting focussed discrete narrow band microwave signals into the tissue, receiving reflected microwave signals from the tissue and providing magnitude and phase information of the reflected microwave signals for a processing means to compute a value of the fat depth within the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventor: Wayne Stephen Holmes
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Patent number: 6490471Abstract: A microwave tomographic device including a single frequency three dimensional microwave tomographic system in cooperation with a single frequency three dimensional electrical impedance capable of imaging a full scale biological object is disclosed. The device includes a code division software which cooperates with a microwave patch system to, inter alia, enable superficial imaging of biological systems. A cluster of antennas and transceivers are used to provide MWT and EIT integrated in a single 3 dimensional microwave tomographic system for examining the biological from a number of views in real-time.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventors: Robert H. Svenson, Serguei Y. Semenov, Vladimir Y. Baranov