Patents Examined by Angela M Hoffa
  • Live being optical analysis system and approach
    Patent number: 9636020
    Abstract: Analysis of live beings is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a light-directing arrangement such as an endoscope is mounted to a live being. Optics in the light-directing arrangement are implemented to pass source light (e.g., laser excitation light) into the live being, and to pass light from the live being for detection thereof. The light from the live being may include, for example, photons emitted in response to the laser excitation light (i.e., fluoresced). The detected light is then used to detect a characteristic of the live being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Flusberg, Eric David Cocker, Juergen Claus Jung, Mark Jacob Schnitzer
  • Ultrasound system for cerebral blood flow imaging and microbubble-enhanced blood clot lysis
    Patent number: 9630028
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which utilizes one or more transducer arrays affixed to the head of a patient to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The transducer headset produces a two or three dimensional image of the vasculature inside the cranium, preferably assisted by a microbubble contrast agent. A vascular flow map is produced by the system which may be diagnosed for signs of a blood clot. If a blood clot is detected, a therapeutic beam is transmitted while the contrast agent is present to break up the blood clot by the disruption of microbubbles. The headset may also be used in a monitoring application to detect the recurrence of blood clots in a stroke victim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Theodore J. Browning, William Shi, Jeffry E. Powers, Michalakis Averkiou, Thomas Gauthier
  • Packaging and fluid filling of ultrasound imaging catheters
    Patent number: 9629607
    Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is presented. The imaging catheter assembly includes an imaging catheter which includes an imaging catheter tip. Further, the imaging catheter assembly includes a fluid reservoir connected to the imaging catheter and configured to deliver fluid through a proximal end of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter assembly also includes a release mechanism configured to cause delivery of the fluid to the imaging catheter tip when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Warren Lee, Douglas Glenn Wildes, Weston Blaine Griffin
  • Correcting for unintended motion for ultrasonic eye scans
    Patent number: 9597059
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for detecting and correcting unintended eye movements that may occur during an ultrasound scan by monitoring multiple position tracking sensors, examples being but not limited to ultrasound or optical position sensors. These position tracking sensors are in addition to the ultrasound imaging transducer and are in a fixed position on the scan head so as not to move during the scanning operation. These position tracking sensors can continuously monitor the distance to the cornea or other clearly defined anatomical features of the eye such as the posterior pigment layer of the iris during the movement of the scan head assembly and can provide continuous multi-dimensional correction for any unwanted motion of the eye relative to the scan head that may occur during the ultrasound scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien
  • Magnetic resonance imaging concepts
    Patent number: 9572514
    Abstract: A method for producing multiple temporal frames of a time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram from a subject using an MR contrast agent by repeatedly applying RF pulses and sampling data in the corresponding image k-space along spiral trajectories that start at the k-space center and spiral outward toward the k-space edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yi Wang, He Zhu
  • Plenoptic otoscope
    Patent number: 9565996
    Abstract: A plenoptic otoscope enables three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging of the inside of the ear to assist in improved diagnosis of inflammations and infections. The plenoptic otoscope includes a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor. The primary imaging system includes an otoscope objective and relay optics, which cooperate to form an image of an inside of an ear at an intermediate image plane. The plenoptic sensor includes a microimaging array positioned at the intermediate image plane and a sensor array positioned at a conjugate of the pupil plane. An optional filter module may be positioned at the pupil plane or one of its conjugates to facilitate three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kathrin Berkner, Sapna A. Shroff, Lingfei Meng, Nikhil Balram
  • User interface for ultrasound scanning system
    Patent number: 9538982
    Abstract: An ultrasound scanning system includes a graphical user interface that provides visually intuitive feedback to a user to assist the user in properly aligning an ultrasound scanner to a desired acquisition state. In addition to providing pose information, the feedback may direct the user as to a target contact force applied by the ultrasound scanner to a surface undergoing a scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian W. Anthony, Shih-Yu Sun
  • Localization of the parathyroid
    Patent number: 9521966
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for locating the parathyroid. In one aspect, temporal variation among a plurality of images is evaluated and at least one image is enhanced according to the temporal variation. The image may be enhanced to one or both of reduce conspicuity of the thyroid gland and enhance conspicuity of the parathyroid gland. Some of the plurality of images may be adjusted in order to align representations of a target portions. Adjustments may be based locations of one or more organs or one or more artificial markers affixed to a living body in the plurality of images. A local positioning system (LPS), GPS, or other locating system may be used to position a living body, align the plurality of images, or to guide the positioning of objects relative to the living body. An elastomeric gel marker for imaging applications is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Alan N. Schwartz
  • Systems and methods for coupling an ultrasound source to tissue
    Patent number: 9504446
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for sensing coupling of an ultrasound source to a target and for providing a constant average output of power from an ultrasound source. The systems and methods can include a frequency sweep function. The systems and methods can also include receiving reflected energy from an acoustic window and determining a feedback using the reflected energy. The systems and methods can also include comparing the feedback with a threshold level and using the comparison to determine if the ultrasound source is coupled with a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GUIDED THERAPY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Jaeger, Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton
  • Needle length determination and calibration for insertion guidance system
    Patent number: 9492097
    Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle or other medical component into the body of a patient is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the detectable characteristic sensed by the sensors to determine a position and/or orientation of the needle in three spatial dimensions. In yet another embodiment, systems and methods for determining the length of the needle to be guided by the guidance system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryson G. Wilkes, Jon B. Newman
  • Electromagnetic coil apparatuses for surgical navigation and corresponding methods
    Patent number: 9480415
    Abstract: An electromagnetic device includes a jig and multiple wires. The jig includes a center member and coil-separating blocks. The coil-separating blocks protrude from the center member and are separated from each other to provide a coil channels. Each of the wires is wrapped on the jig, around the center member, and in one of the coil channels to form one of a multiple coils. Each of the coils is configured to connect to an electromagnetic navigation system and generate respective electromagnetic fields to be emitted relative to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wald, Bruce M. Burg, Steven L. Hartmann, Brad Jacobsen, Jeffrey Swetnam
  • Integrated multi-rail imaging system
    Patent number: 9474498
    Abstract: The imaging system can comprise a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is selectively mounted onto a first rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is selectively mounted onto a second rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail being mounted relative to the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system can also comprise a needle injection assembly that is selectively mounted onto the third rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Zan
  • Level shifter and related methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 9473136
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided directed to a device, including at least one ultrasonic transducer, a level shifter coupled to the at least one ultrasonic transducer, the level shifter including an input terminal configured to receive an input voltage, an output terminal configured to provide an output voltage level-shifted from the input voltage, a capacitor coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a diode coupled in reverse-biased configuration between an input to an active high voltage element and a first voltage of a high voltage power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Kailiang Chen, Tyler S. Ralston
  • Movable magnet for magnetically guided catheter
    Patent number: 9463302
    Abstract: A catheter is disclosed having a flexible tubing with a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter comprising at least one movable magnet provided within the distal end of the flexible tubing. A control mechanism is operable to selectively activate the at least one movable magnet from the proximal end of the flexible tubing. The at least one movable magnet is responsive to an external magnetic field to position and guide the distal end of the flexible tubing within a body of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Stangenes, Saurav Paul, James V. Kauphusman, Troy T. Tegg, Jeffrey A. Schweitzer
  • Portable device to initiate and monitor treatment of stroke victims in the field
    Patent number: 9457201
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for initiating stroke treatment “in the field” and/or during the transport of the patient to a care facility. The capability is provided to adjust automatically to the individual “therapeutic window” for each single patient, which is crucial because of the significant differences in skull morphology between humans of different age, gender and race. Further, the methods and apparatuses are based on the use of non-invasive application of ultrasound, as well as the non-invasive application of ultrasound in combination with an acoustically active agent, such as microbubbles, where stable cavitation of the microbubbles caused by the ultrasound may be relied upon as an underlying mechanism for both the therapeutic application as well as its control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Thilo Hoelscher, Arne Voie
  • Apparatus for use with needle insertion guidance system
    Patent number: 9456766
    Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. The needle can include a donut-shaped magnet disposed about the needle cannula, or a removable stylet with a magnetic element and a strain gauge for detection of the needle distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Jiaye Z. Jho
  • Wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging
    Patent number: 9414764
    Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: EMTensor GmbH
    Inventor: Serguei Y Semenov
  • System and method for monitoring device engagement
    Patent number: 9414812
    Abstract: An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arcadi Elbert
  • Wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging
    Patent number: 9414763
    Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: EMTensor GmbH
    Inventor: Serguei Y Semenov
  • Automatic external defibrillator for the diagnosis of stroke
    Patent number: RE46049
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic method, system and related equipment particularly adapted to diagnose disorders of the blood circulation serving the head and neck, and especially the brain. A preferred use of the system is early, rapid, accurate, diagnosis of stroke, especially whether the stroke is due to blockage of a blood vessel or leakage from the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: David Lipson, Peter Forrest