Patents Assigned to FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
  • Dual frequency ultrasound transducer including an ultrahigh frequency transducer stack and a low frequency ultrasound transducer stack
    Patent number: 11465176
    Abstract: A dual frequency ultrasound transducer includes a high frequency ultrasound array and a low frequency transducer positioned behind or proximal to the high frequency ultrasound array. In one embodiment, a dampening material is positioned between a rear surface of the high frequency array and the a front surface of the low frequency array. The dampening preferably is high absorbing of signals at the frequency of the high frequency array but passes signals at the frequency of the low frequency transducer with little attenuation. In additional, or alternatively, the low frequency can angled with respect to the plane of the high frequency transducer to reduce inter-stack multipath reflections. Beamforming delays compensate for the differences in physical distances between the elements of the low frequency transducer and the plane of the high frequency transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, Guofeng Pang, Desmond Hirson
  • Photoacoustic electrocardiogram-gated kilohertz visualization
    Patent number: 11445913
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a photoacoustic imaging system receives user input to specify one or more imaging wavelengths, and a target number of image frames to be taken of a target tissue region. The specified imaging wavelengths are set to capture at least two different photoabsorbing molecules in the target tissue. The photoacoustic imaging system takes image frames at the specified wavelengths, while the system also receives ECG and respiration data of the subject. Image frames are discarded based on the respiration data, and the other image frames are sorted into a plurality of slots corresponding to different points of the cardiac cycle from the ECG data. The system creates a composite image from the one or more wavelengths to show the target tissue of interest through the different points of the cardiac cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Erich Forbrich
  • High frequency ultrasound transducer and method for manufacture
    Patent number: 11446005
    Abstract: An ultrasound transducer has an array of transducer elements that are electrically coupled to electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the conductors are included in a flex circuit and engage a conductive surface formed on a number of outwardly extending ribs on a frame that holds the ultrasound array. In one embodiment, the flex circuit includes an alignment feature that engages a corresponding registration feature on the frame so that the traces on the flex circuit align with the ribs on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, Oleg Ivanytskyy, Guofeng Pang, Robert J. Kolaja
  • Ultrasound imaging system with style transfer image enhancement
    Patent number: 11435460
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system enhances the display of an ultrasound image by applying a selected style to the content of the ultrasound image. The style may be of anatomic illustrations of a particular anatomical feature such as tissue type or may be the style of a previously obtained ultrasound image that shows tissue well. The style of other imaging modes can also be applied. In some embodiments, a training mode of the ultrasound imaging system implements a style transfer technique to enhance the appearance of captured ultrasound image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Davin Dhatt
  • Method and apparatus for annotating ultrasound examinations
    Patent number: 11382601
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor to associate an ultrasound image with one or more pictographs that correspond to the image. A processor provides ultrasound image data to one or more trained neural networks that classify the image data. The processor is programmed to select one or more pictographs that correspond to the classified image data for presentation to the operator. In some embodiments, the processor is programmed to use a neural network to determine if an ultrasound image captured during an examination corresponds to one or more required views for a particular type of examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Lundberg, Thomas M. Duffy, Robert W. Steins
  • Ultrasound imaging system including wireless probe tracking
    Patent number: 11385340
    Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems including transducer probes having wireless tags, and associated systems and methods, are described herein. For example, the wireless tags can store supplemental data about the transducer probes, and the ultrasound system can include a base unit configured to wirelessly communicate with nearby ones of the wireless tags to receive the supplemental data. The base unit can be further configured to display the transducer probes that are nearby. In some embodiments, the operator can filter or sort the displayed nearby transducer probes based on the supplemental data to identify a particular one of the nearby transducer devices that has one or more desired attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: John Kook, Jon Battershell, Jason Nguyen
  • Photoacoustic image generation apparatus and insert
    Patent number: 11369342
    Abstract: Provided are a photoacoustic image generation apparatus and an insert that can evaluate whether a plurality of materials with different absorption wavelengths are present in the vicinity of a puncture needle, without preparing a plurality of light sources. A puncture needle is at least partially inserted into a subject. An optical fiber guides light with a first wavelength. A light emitting portion emits the light guided by the optical fiber. A light absorption/conversion member absorbs the light with the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting portion and converts the light with the first wavelength into light with a second wavelength. In addition, the light absorption/conversion member generates photoacoustic waves with the conversion into the light with the second wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaku Irisawa
  • Automated fault detection and correction in an ultrasound imaging system
    Patent number: 11372093
    Abstract: A processor in an ultrasound imaging system identifies faults or errors in the system. In one embodiment, fault or error conditions are detected by monitoring system parameters during a self-test. In another embodiment, a processor provides ultrasound image data to a trained neural network to identify fault conditions in a transducer or the imaging system. In some embodiments, the processor makes adjustments to one or more operating parameters to compensate for the identified fault conditions so that the system continues to operate and produce images with the detected fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Lundberg, John Kook
  • Portable ultrasound imaging system with active cooling
    Patent number: 11346928
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a thermally conductive frame and a number of electronic components and a display that are sealed within the frame. The frame further includes a plenum extending through the frame with surfaces that are thermally coupled to the electronic components and the display. An active cooling mechanism, such as one or more fans, moves air through the plenum to remove heat generated by the electronic components and display. The plenum is environmentally sealed so that moisture, dust, air or other contaminants drawn into the plenum do not contact the sealed electronic components and display in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Rahul Gupta
  • Touchless input ultrasound control
    Patent number: 11331077
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling an ultrasound machine using one or more touchless inputs. In one embodiment, the method for controlling operation of the ultrasound machine comprises obtaining one or more touchless inputs; determining one or more operations to control the ultrasound machine based on the one or more touchless inputs and machine state of the ultrasound machine; and controlling the ultrasound machine using the one or more operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Davinder S. Dhatt
  • DUAL FREQUENCY ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER
    Publication number: 20220066027
    Abstract: A dual frequency ultrasound transducer includes a high frequency (HF) transducer and a low frequency (LF) transducer that is positioned behind the high frequency transducer. An intermediate layer is positioned between the low frequency transducer and the high frequency transducer to absorb high frequency ultrasound signals. An alignment feature on the low frequency transducer is positioned with respect to a fiducial that is marked at a known position with respect to high frequency transducer elements of the HF transducer to align low frequency transducer elements of the LF transducer with the HF transducer elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Guofeng Pang, Oleg Ivanytskyy, Hossein Amini, Robert Kolaja
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZED USER INTERFACE
    Publication number: 20220026548
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for controlling an ultrasound device. The method, for example, can include indexing a location of a part of a palm of the operator on the user interface. The method can also include indexing locations of one or more fingers of an operator on a user interface based on the location of the part of the palm. The method can further include assigning one or more functions of the ultrasound device to the indexed locations of the one or more fingers on the user interface. In addition, the method can include sensing the one or more fingers of the operator near or on the indexed locations on the user interface. The method can also include performing the assigned one or more functions based on sensing the one or more fingers of the operator near or on the indexed locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: SARA AKIKO PROKOP
  • Electronics board mounting system
    Patent number: 11231751
    Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for mounting PCBs and other electronics boards in portable medical equipment and/or other portable and non-portable electronic devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the technology disclosed herein can provide PCB mounting systems that isolate the PCB from detrimental shock, vibration, and/or strain, while also providing electrical ground paths that greatly reduce EMI and other electrical disturbances. Some embodiments of the mounting systems described herein include both elastomeric (e.g., rubber) components and resilient metallic grounding members that, when assembled together, provide favorable shock mounting as well as robust electrical grounding without the inconvenience of using separate shock mounts, grounding straps, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Ken Dickenson
  • METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS AND OTHER COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20220006002
    Abstract: The disclosed technology features methods for the manufacture of electrical components such as ultrasound transducers. In particular, the disclosed technology provides methods of patterning electrodes, e.g. in the connection of an ultrasound transducer to an electrical circuit; methods of depositing metal on surfaces; and methods of making integrated matching layers for an ultrasound transducer. The disclosed technology also features ultrasound transducers produced by the methods described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Marc Lukacs, Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, Desmond Hirson, Guofeng Pang
  • Dual frequency ultrasound transducer
    Patent number: 11169265
    Abstract: A dual frequency ultrasound transducer includes a high frequency (HF) transducer and a low frequency (LF) transducer that is positioned behind the high frequency transducer. An intermediate layer is positioned between the low frequency transducer and the high frequency transducer to absorb high frequency ultrasound signals. An alignment feature on the low frequency transducer is positioned with respect to a fiducial that is marked at a known position with respect to high frequency transducer elements of the HF transducer to align low frequency transducer elements of the LF transducer with the HF transducer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Guofeng Pang, Oleg Ivanytskyy, Hossein Amini, Robert Kolaja
  • HIGH FREQUENCY ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER HAVING AN ULTRASONIC LENS WITH INTEGRAL CENTRAL MATCHING LAYER
    Publication number: 20210338201
    Abstract: High frequency ultrasound transducers configured for use with high frequency ultrasound diagnostic imaging systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ultrasound transducer includes a concave lens having an average thickness in a center portion that that is substantially equal to an odd multiple a ΒΌ-wavelength of the center frequency of the ultrasound transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas Christopher Chaggares
  • Acoustic wave image generation apparatus and acoustic wave image generation method
    Patent number: 11119199
    Abstract: An acoustic wave image generation apparatus for generating a photoacoustic image and a Doppler image is provided with a setting unit that sets a region of interest in the Doppler image, and a receiving-aperture controlling unit that sets receiving apertures of an acoustic wave detection probe for detecting photoacoustic waves to apertures smaller than all receiving apertures that the acoustic wave detection probe has, on the basis of a size of the region of interest, and for setting positions of the receiving apertures on the basis of a position of the set region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hashimoto, Kaku Irisawa, Yukiya Miyachi
  • Medical instrument including high frequency ultrasound transducer array
    Patent number: 11114603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device that includes a phased array ultrasound transducer. The transducer includes a number of transducer elements that are electrically coupled to corresponding electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the conductors are included in a flex circuit and engage corresponding transducer elements though a conductive surface formed on outwardly extending ribs of a frame that holds the ultrasound array. In one embodiment, the phased array is forward facing in the medical device and has an element pitch of 0.75 lambda or less and more preferably 0.6 lambda or less. In one embodiment, the transducer is rotatable over an angle of +/?90 degrees to provide a 360 degree view of tissue surrounding the distal end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, Desmond Hirson, Oleg Ivanytskyy, Guofeng Pang, Robert J. Kolaja
  • Ultrasound device
    Patent number: D939093
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Nally, Craig Chamberlain
  • Ultrasound device with control panel
    Patent number: D940882
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SONOSITE, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Nally, Craig Chamberlain