Patents Examined by Angela M Hoffa
  • Patent number: 10765403
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic measuring device including an ultrasonic array configured to detect ultrasonic signals, and a housing. The housing includes an acoustic window portion and a housing wall. The ultrasonic array is arranged in the housing in acoustic contact with the acoustic window portion. The acoustic window portion is configured to adhere to a surface of the object to be examined. The invention further relates to an examination apparatus, which includes at least one such ultrasonic measuring device, and to a method for ultrasonic signal detection, in particular for ultrasound-based imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Franhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung, e.V.
    Inventors: Steffen Tretbar, Christian Degel, Matthias Guenther
  • Patent number: 10743941
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing trackerless image guided soft tissue surgery. For a patient in need of brain surgery, pre-operative preparation for a patient is performed by generating a three-dimensional textured point cloud (TPC) for the patient's scalp surface, and registering the first three-dimensional TPC to a magnetic resonance (MR) model of the brain. During the surgery, an intra-operative cortical surface registration to the MR model is performed for the MR-to-cortical surface alignment. Then shift measurement and compensation to the MR model is performed by: performing absolute deformation measurement of the brain based on the MR model with the cortical surface registration, and obtaining shift correction to the MR model using the absolute deformation measurements. The shift correction may be used for adjusting an image guidance system (IGS) in the brain surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Michael I. Miga
  • Patent number: 10743815
    Abstract: A device for detecting spatial differences in fluid level changes in a tissue of a patient may include a support structure for securing the device to a body part of the patient, a processing element operably connected to the support structure, a wireless networking interface operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element and an external computing device via a network, a first transmission module operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element, a second transmission module and a third transmission module operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element. When activated, the first transmission module transmits a first time varying magnetic field through the tissue of the patient. The second and third transmission modules, which are spatially separated from one another, receive first and second versions, respectively, of the first time varying magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CEREBROTECH MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Warren Wyeth, Mitchell Elliott Levinson, Bryan Jon Weber
  • Patent number: 10736655
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing the risk of contamination of interior regions of a needle guide which is disposed on an endocavity transducer, which system includes an elastic membrane forming a pocket which covers a needle exit hole in the needle guide. The pocket is disposed on a sheath which is both; disposed around the endocavity transducer and between the endocavity transducer and the needle guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Rick L. Pruter, Betty Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 10736703
    Abstract: A polygonal manipulator device for surgical interventions of the heart and other smooth organs is provided. A system implementing the device also is provided along with methods of use of the device and system. Methods of use of the device and system, such as for minimally-invasive cardiac intervention methods, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Nathan Wood, Cameron Riviere
  • Patent number: 10729376
    Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe/medical device having a frictional element integrated therewith for reducing non-uniform rotational distortion near the distal end of a medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE
    Inventor: Brian Kent Courtney
  • Patent number: 10732244
    Abstract: A method for operating an imaging system, and a system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium, that operate in accordance with the method. The method includes providing field-of-view (FoV) information, and automatically selecting at least one recording sequence based on at least one of a particular diagnostic application of interest and the FoV information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Rasche, Erich Hell, Johannes Ulrici
  • Patent number: 10729407
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment includes correlation matrix calculating circuitry, calculating circuitry, image generating circuitry, and controlling circuitry. The correlation matrix calculating circuitry calculates a correlation matrix of a scanned region consisting of a plurality of scan lines, from a data array of pieces of reflection wave data collected from the same position by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the scanned region across a plurality of frames. The calculating circuitry calculates a filter coefficient for suppressing a clutter generated by a tissue, by performing principal component analysis using the correlation matrix, and by performing a matrix operation of approximating a clutter component as a principal component and of suppressing the clutter component. The image generating circuitry generates ultrasound image data from blood flow information estimated using the filter coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Sato
  • Patent number: 10722167
    Abstract: A method to inspect a solid organ in a subject includes introducing a needle in a predetermined area of the solid organ, inserting an optical probe through a lumen of the needle, and imaging the predetermined area using the optical probe. An optical probe to inspect a solid organ in a subject, the optical probe being intended to be positioned in the solid organ through a needle, the optical probe includes an optical fiber bundle, a ferule to protect the distal tip of the optical fiber bundle, the ferule comprising a shank and a head, and a sheath wrapping the fiber bundle and the shank, wherein the head of the ferule has a length adapted for the optical probe to image the solid organ while keeping the sheath inside the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Mauna Kea Technologies
    Inventors: Nicolas Boularot, Magalie Genet, France Schwarz
  • Patent number: 10726741
    Abstract: A system and method for converting a commercial diagnostic ultrasound transducer into a medical training device that is used for simulated ultrasound training; or a system and method for adding a training option to a standard ultrasound diagnostic system by attaching a motion sensor accessory to the commercial diagnostic ultrasound transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Eric Savitsky, Gabriele Nataneli
  • Patent number: 10722128
    Abstract: Computerized eyewear and corresponding methods measure a wearer's heart rate using a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor at least partially embedded in an eyewear temple. The first optical sensor transmits a first signal to a temple of the wearer and the second optical sensor transmits a second signal to the temple of the wearer. Reflections of the first signal are used to measure a raw heart rate delta and reflections of the second signal are used to measure a noise delta. The raw heart rate delta and the noise delta are used to determine a measured heart rate of the wearer of the computerized eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Vision Service Plan
    Inventors: Walter M. Mason, Richard Chester Klosinski, Jr., Matthew Allen Workman, Shaun Patrick Garland, Jason Lomnitz, Jay William Sales
  • Patent number: 10722139
    Abstract: A method, including advancing a guidewire having a first diameter through a patient lumen, the guidewire being tracked by an electromagnetic system and an impedance system. While advancing the guidewire, signals of both systems, that are generated in response to differing positions of the guidewire in the lumen, are recorded. The method includes recording correspondences between the signals at each of the differing positions. The method also includes withdrawing the guidewire from the lumen, and then advancing through the lumen a second guidewire, having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, which is tracked by the impedance system. While advancing the second guidewire, a signal of the impedance system generated in response to advancement of the second guidewire in the lumen is received. The method includes applying the correspondences to the signal in order to determine a position of the second guidewire in the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yaron Ephrath, Vadim Gliner, Shai Shimon Bard, Andres Claudio Altmann
  • Patent number: 10718831
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance antenna includes a surface coil and a receive coil. The magnetic resonance antenna includes one or more antenna elements. The magnetic resonance antenna further includes a preamplifier for the antenna element and a coil former for supporting the antenna element. The coil former is formed from a porous material. The antenna is divided into an irradiation zone and at least one reduced radiation zone. The preamplifier for each of multiple antenna elements is located within the at least one reduced radiation zone. The multiple antenna elements are located at least partially within the irradiation zone. The coil former has a perimeter. The irradiation zone extends continuously from a first edge of the perimeter to a second edge of the perimeter. The first edge and the second edge are opposing edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Annemaria Johanna Halkola, Mika Petri Ylihautala, Wycliffe Adell Raduma, Tero Jouko Valtter Virta
  • Patent number: 10709417
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a device including a processor configured to control a robotic system to autonomously position a transducer at a plurality of locations adjacent a subject's skull and to autonomously locate a window on the subject's skull within which an artery can be located, from which artery a signal can be returned to the transducer, the signal having an energy level exceeding a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Neural Analytics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O'Brien, Nicolas Canac, Michael Costa, Trevor Dunlop, Roman Flores, II, Robert Hamilton, Ilyas Patanam, Shankar Radhakrishnan, Mina Ranjbaran, Corey Thibeault, Samuel Thorpe, Seth Wilk, Jan Zwierstra
  • Patent number: 10702719
    Abstract: Methods for treating an extravascular hematoma in a patient can include liquefying a first portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a first series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a first frequency; and liquefying a second portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a second series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a second frequency. Liquefied remains of the extravascular hematoma can be aspirated from the patient following liquefaction and disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Tatiana Khokhlova, Thomas J. Matula, Wayne L. Monsky, Yak-Nam Wang
  • Patent number: 10702249
    Abstract: Provided is a wireless probe including: an ultrasound reception/transmission module that receives a first power and scans a target object by transmitting ultrasound signals to the target object and receiving ultrasound echo signals reflected from the target object; a signal processing module that receives a second power, generates pulses for generating the ultrasound signals and generates ultrasound data by using the ultrasound echo signals; a wireless communication module that receives a third power and receives/transmits predetermined data from/to a medical device; a controller that controls supply of at least one of the first power, the second power, and the third power based on an operation state of the wireless probe; and a power unit that supplies or blocks the at least one of the first power, the second power, and the third power according to control of the controller. Each component included in the wireless probe may reduce power consumed by the wireless probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: Samsung Medison Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil-ju Jin, Mi-jeoung Ahn, Nam-woong Kim, Seong-ho Chang
  • Patent number: 10695034
    Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a non-acoustic sensor, a memory circuitry to store control data for operating the ultrasound apparatus to perform an acquisition task, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication to perform the acquisition task, receive non-acoustic data obtained by the non-acoustic sensor, and control, based on the control data and the non-acoustic data, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to obtain acoustic data for the acquisition task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Butterfly Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Ralston, Nevada J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10695026
    Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining a real-time, three-dimensional image of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. A catheter has a chamber in its tip. The chamber contains an ultrasound transducer and reflector which generally face each other and rotate about a common axis. The transducer element on the transducer and the reflective face on the reflector are both tilted off-axis. The difference in angular velocity generally creates a phase shift between the transducer and the reflective face. The phase shift allows the transducer and the reflective face to actively scan a three-dimensional volume that is generally bounded interiorly by a hyperboloid and exteriorly by the effective range of the ultrasound beam. The transducer and reflector may rotate at constant speeds or nonconstant speeds as well in the same direction or in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Havel, Peter S. McKinnis
  • Patent number: 10690735
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a coil circuitry component may be configured to detect RF signals from excited spins of at least a region of an organism, where the coil circuitry component comprises a RF detection coil and a detuning circuit for detuning the RF detection coil. A coil signal detection component may be configured to extract at least some of the RF signals detected by the coil circuitry component and to convert the extracted RF signals from analog signal to digital signals. An excitation estimation component may be configured to estimate the excitation pulses from an excitation source and to generate a control timing signal from the estimated excitation pulses to set a state of the detuning circuit. A wireless communication component may be configured to wirelessly transmit the converted RF signals, the estimated excitation pulses, and the control timing signal to an external computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Aivitae LLC
    Inventors: Bob Sueh-chien Hu, Ada Shuk-Yan Poon
  • Patent number: 10687774
    Abstract: A method for representing a blood vessel including a thrombosed section of the blood vessel in a patient is provided. The method includes capturing a first volume data set after administration of a contrast agent, locating a proximal and/or distal end of the thrombosed section of the blood vessel with the aid of the first volume data set, and defining a data capture area for a second volume data set based on the proximal and/or distal end of the thrombosed section of the blood vessel that has been located. The method also includes capturing the second volume data set, segmenting the thrombosed section of the blood vessel from the second volume data set, capturing fluoroscopic images, and superimposing the segmented thrombosed section of the blood vessel with the fluoroscopic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Lautenschläger