Patents Represented by Law Firm Alexander
  • Patent number: 8183864
    Abstract: A system for respiratory motion compensated MR imaging or spectroscopy, comprises an MR imaging system. The MR imaging system performs a single imaging scan including, acquiring a first imaging data set representing a spatially localized first imaging region located on a patient diaphragm, using a first RF excitation pulse sequence and by transmitting a nuclei excitation first resonant frequency and receiving data substantially at the first resonant frequency. The MR imaging system derives data representing diaphragm position over a respiratory cycle using the first imaging data set, in the single imaging scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Xu
  • Patent number: 8175076
    Abstract: A system provides synchronization between different medical signal (e.g., EKG and ICEG signal) acquisition and processing devices. A system synchronizes multiple different patient medical parameter processing devices, using a master clock generator. The master clock generator is adaptively programmable to provide synchronization clocks having frequencies compatible with multiple different medical devices for acquiring patient medical parameter data and for synchronization of processing of medical parameter data concurrently acquired from a single particular patient. The master clock generator is programmed by dividing a clock signal to provide a desired clock frequency in response to received frequency selection command data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryon Pelzek, Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8170312
    Abstract: A cardiac wall motion compensation system quantitatively compares images acquired at different phases of cardiac and respiratory movement and excludes motion contributed by respiratory movement. A system compensates for respiratory motion induced tissue displacement in cardiac wall motion determination. The system includes an imaging device for acquiring multiple sequential cardiac images of a patient and a data processor. The data processor processes data representing first and second images selected from the multiple sequential cardiac images, to determine heart wall respiratory motion representative displacement from a ventricle wall positional difference indicated between the first and second images, in response to a respiratory motion representative signal and a heart electrophysiological signal. The data processor subtracts heart wall respiratory motion representative displacement from a heart wall displacement measurement to provide a respiration compensated heart wall displacement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinghua Chen, Shailaja Merugu
  • Patent number: 8168853
    Abstract: An absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a topsheet, an outer cover, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The outer cover may comprise an extrusion bonded laminate. The EBL may comprise a multi-layer coextruded elastomeric film and a nonwoven. The film may comprise a core layer, a first outer layer, and a second outer layer, wherein the core layer is between the first and second outer layers. The nonwoven may comprise fibers and/or filaments. The first outer layer may be non-adhesively joined to the nonwoven via extrusion coating. Further, the outer cover may be elastic to at least about 50% engineering strain. The nonwoven may have high chemical affinity for the first outer layer. The first outer layer may have a low chemical affinity for the core layer; and the multi-layer coextruded elastomeric film may have a basis weight no greater than about 40 gsm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Marie Autran, Iyad Muslet, David G. Bland, Leopoldo V. Cancio, Janet Neton, Todd Leon Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8165371
    Abstract: A system enhances MR imaging contrast between vessels containing dynamically flowing blood and static tissue using an MR imaging system. The MR imaging system, in response to a heart rate synchronization signal, acquires an anatomical preparation data set representing a spatially non-localized preparation 3D volume in response to a first magnetization preparation pulse sequence. The MR imaging system acquires a spatially localized anatomical imaging data set representing a second imaging volume. The MR imaging system subtracts slice specific MR imaging data of the spatially localized anatomical imaging data set from spatially and temporally corresponding slice specific imaging data of the anatomical preparation data set to derive blood flow indicative imaging data. The temporally corresponding slice specific imaging data comprises data acquired at a substantially corresponding cycle point within a heart beat cycle determined in response to said heart rate synchronization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Bi, Peter Schmitt, Renate Jerecic, Peter Weale, Sven Zuehlsdorff
  • Patent number: 8165360
    Abstract: A system and method enhance the visibility of medical devices shown in internal images. A medical device may be inserted into a patient. Internal images of the patient may then be acquired via various medical imaging techniques. However, the medical device may only be partially visible in the images, if at all. For instance, the images may be acquired with minimal radiation exposure to the patient and/or the medical device may be thin or made of translucent material. Model data may be associated with the geometry or other characteristics of the medical device. The model data may be adapted, such as rotated, resized, bent, or otherwise modified, to form a “best fit” with the medical device as actually shown in the internal images. The adapted model data may be superimposed onto a display of the medical device as shown in the internal images to enhance visibility of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 8165660
    Abstract: A system for planning a percutaneous procedure provides a patient 3-dimensional image data set within which an instrument trajectory is defined, for example, by selecting a skin entry point and a target point. A line, or “planned path,” is generated between the points. The system determines whether the path can be targeted so an optical axis of a movable arm coincides with the path so that a laser can be used for instrument guidance or whether a planned path can be targeted so that a C-arm can be made to coincide with the path so that the extension of the path is projected onto a radiation detector, using x-ray radiation. If neither laser guidance or x-ray guidance can be used, the path is replanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus Pfister, Norbert Strobel
  • Patent number: 8158846
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Barry Jay Anderson, Todd Leon Mansfield, George Christopher Dobrin, Suna Polat
  • Patent number: 8157578
    Abstract: An universal plug adapter with multiple retractable pin plugs, comprising: a main body, at least a set of pin plug, an orientation guide rod allowing sliding of pin plug and a slide block restricting the shift of pin plug; the pin plug comprises of at least a pair of pins of international standard size, of which a single pin plug can be pushed every time; a sliding groove is set laterally onto the slide block; the groove is deep upwards and shallow downwards; the pin plug is provided with a bulge; when the pin plug is pushed, the bulge moves along the groove of the slide block groove; given the different depth of the groove, the bulge pushes the slide block to shift, such that the bulges on other pin plug cannot be aligned with the center of the groove, so other pin plugs not yet pushed are restricted in original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kuang-Hao Lee
  • Patent number: 8160199
    Abstract: A method and system provides medical image processing and 3-dimensional image construction of an examination subject. A user is enabled to selectively orient an x-ray imaging system having a variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis relative to an examination subject support for holding an examination subject. A non-planar image data acquisition path is set for the x-ray imaging system oriented around the variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis in response to user instruction. Acquisition of image data of the examination subject is initiated by the x-ray imaging system at a plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path. A 3-dimensional image is constructed from the acquired image data such that any metal artifacts introduced by radio-opaque objects within the examination subject are minimized. The 3-dimensional image is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Christopher Rauch
  • Patent number: 8157435
    Abstract: A lid that is removably mountable to an upper open end of a jar of a mixing device includes a generally circular base having a top surface and a opposing bottom surface. A pour spout extends generally vertically upwardly from the base when the lid is mounted to the upper end of the jar. The pour spout has a crisp edge for pouring foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar. Further, the lid includes a channel that generally surrounds the pour spout to collect errant drips of foodstuff when the lid is mounted to the jar and when foodstuff is poured through the pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8157848
    Abstract: A system provides early prediction of heart tissue malfunction and electrophysiological pathology by determining anatomical tissue impedance characteristics for use in medical patient monitoring and treatment decision making. At least one repository of data indicates multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges for corresponding multiple impedance measurements taken at multiple particular different sites of at least one anatomical organ. An impedance measurement processor automatically determines whether multiple measured impedance values taken at multiple particular different sites of an anatomical organ using an invasive catheter are within corresponding multiple predetermined expected impedance value ranges derived from the at least one repository. An output processor automatically communicates data comprising at least one message to a destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Detlef W. Koertge, Dennis Steibel, Jr., Harold James Wade
  • Patent number: 8150125
    Abstract: A system for visualizing vascular fluid flow concentration includes at least one repository including a plurality of stored angiography scenes, an angiography scene comprises a plurality of individual images of a vascular structure successively acquired over a time period. A user interface control device enables a user to determine, (a) a duration and (b) a start time relative to a start time of the time period, of a window of interest within the time period. A control processor is electrically coupled to the user interface control device and the at least one repository. Control processor automatically assigns a unique visual indicator representing contrast flow of fluid through vessels to individual images within the user determined duration of the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Baumgart, Gary S. Martucci
  • Patent number: 8151204
    Abstract: A document management and thumbnail image viewing system enables a user to display separate pages in individual different documents as well as to expand an image to view more detail in a single document, move pages across documents, and insert/delete pages or documents. A document management and viewing system includes a user interface for providing data representing a single composite display image including multiple reduced size images of individual pages of a first document and multiple reduced size images of individual pages of a different second document. The single composite display image includes at least one indicator identifying a transition between pages of the first and second documents and enables a user to select and move a page from the first document to the second document. A document processor updates stored data representing the first and second documents in response to a command entered using the single composite display image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Lusen, Frank W. Racis, Kay L. Davis, Margaret Eden, Jeffrey T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8150709
    Abstract: An integrated point of care medication administration system comprises a point of care medication administration system including an interface for communicating with the at least one repository and information sources and including a processor. The processor uses the information and the interface in automatically acquiring for a particular patient, data representing particular patient parameters and laboratory test results associated with a particular individual medication in response to user initiation of an order for the particular individual medication to be administered to the particular patient. A display device presents at least one display image indicating acquired particular patient parameters and laboratory test results of the particular patient and identifying a particular patient parameter or laboratory test result needing to be acquired prior to administration of the particular individual medication to the particular patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Miller, Alan M. Portnoy, Deborah A. Saeger
  • Patent number: 8150127
    Abstract: A system automatically synchronizes display of adjacent different medical image sequences of an anatomical portion derived for use in Angiography or another medical procedure. The system includes an imaging system for acquiring first and second sets of data at different stages of a treatment procedure representing corresponding first and second image sequences individually comprising multiple temporally sequential individual images of vessels of a portion of patient anatomy. The sequential individual images encompass introduction of a contrast agent into patient vessels. A display presents the first and second image sequences in substantially adjacent display areas to facilitate user comparison. A contrast agent detector automatically analyzes the first and second image sequences to identify a first image frame in both the first image sequence and the second image sequence indicating presence of a contrast agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Baumgart
  • Patent number: 8143253
    Abstract: Compounds of formula I in free or salt or solvate form, where R1, R2 and R5 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by the ALK-5 and/or ALK-4 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Dimitrios Lizos, Sven Weiler, Nikolaus Johannes Stiefl
  • Patent number: 8143889
    Abstract: The disclosure provides echo planar imaging (EPI) based single-shot imaging techniques for acquiring spin-EPI (SEPI) and stimulated-EPI after a single RF excitation. In certain embodiments, the SEPI and STEPI acquired in a singleshot are used to compute a T1 map in realtime, which can be used for realtime monitoring of concentrations of paramagnetic-ion based contrast agent in dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. In certain embodiments, B1 field inhomogeneity correction is provided for the STEPI. In certain embodiments, a gradient-EPI (GEPI) is also acquired after the single RF excitation providing singleshot SEPI, GEPI and STEPI acquisition. In certain embodiments, the phase difference between the SEPI and GEPI is used to compute temperature-dependent chemical shift in a subject in realtime. The temperature-dependent chemical shift can be used to monitor temperature changes in the subject in realtime, for example, during a heat treatment to control the dosage of heat energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eun-Kee Jeong, Kim Seongeun Choi, Xianfeng Shi
  • Patent number: D657611
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Bock
  • Patent number: D657990
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc
    Inventors: Hyunchul Kim, Junghwan Chei