Patents Examined by Charles A. Marmor
  • Patent number: 9764160
    Abstract: A semi-flexible rod may have a rounded tip having exposed metal conductor elements that produce an adaptive electrical field or an adaptive magnetic field. The adaptive electrical field or the adaptive magnetic field may be adjusted in order to capture a stray x-ray photon near an in-vivo target area of cancer cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: HJ Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Harry Vartanian, Jaron Jurikson-Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9757582
    Abstract: In the treatment of a tumor (126) with radiation therapy (122) is enhanced by a weak magnetic field (130), the field strength time sequence of exposure and shape and contour of the magnetic field are varied to achieve desired results. In one separate aspect, exposure to a magnetic field (130) is continued after exposure to a free radical-creating therapy is ceased or diminished, thereby increasing the lifetimes of free radicals that have already been created. In another preferred embodiment a magnetic field (13) is strategically placed to avoid extending the lives of free radicals in tissue through which a free radical-creating beam must pass, to reach a tumor. This application discloses quantitative parameters for field strength and exposure time to create concentrations and reactivity of free radicals, including long-lived free radicals and discloses the use of shaped, contoured, and designed electromagnetic fields. A treatment planning station (200) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 9757586
    Abstract: A magnetic field applicator for the magnetic stimulation of body tissues comprising a core carrier (1) in which a plurality of magnetically conductive flow guide pieces comprised of layered iron sheets is disposed, upon which at least one live coil (3) is disposed that generates an upward-emitted magnetic field having a plurality of field line bundles (8), wherein the magnetic field applicator comprises a polygonal coil (3) that is wound as a pancake coil in one or more planes in such a way that the direction of the individual coil conductors (27) is selected such that the coil conductors (27) run in pieces in a predominantly straight line and perpendicular to the plane of the flow guide pieces that are made of layered sector iron cores (5-8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: QRS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Karl Dobler, Erwin Fritsch, Gerhard-Emiel Fischer
  • Patent number: 9750869
    Abstract: Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer may include pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system and/or injection parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system, and/or to facilitate diagnostic imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hidem, Aaron M. Fontaine, Janet L. Gelbach, Patrick M. McDonald, Kathryn M. Hunter, Rolf E. Swenson, Julius P. Zodda
  • Patent number: 9750870
    Abstract: Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer may include pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system and/or injection parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system, and/or to facilitate diagnostic imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hidem, Aaron M. Fontaine, Janet L. Gelbach, Patrick M. McDonald, Kathryn M. Hunter, Rolf E. Swenson, Julius P. Zodda
  • Patent number: 9744017
    Abstract: An implantable medical device and surgical instrument for use during a procedure for treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. The invention also includes an instrument which allows the pieces of the suspension material to be attached to each other and enables the appropriate suspension of the vaginal apex from the anterior part of the sacrum. The device and method permit the performance of a sacrocolpopexy by accessing the sacrum and vaginal tissues via the vaginal orifice, thus avoiding the abdominal cavity completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Samantha J. Pulliam, Milena M. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 9737364
    Abstract: A method of actuating a surgical device is described. A surgical tool is inserted into a body cavity of a patient through a natural orifice. A distal end of an actuation tool is inserted through a surgical access port in the body of the patient. The distal end of the actuation tool is positioned proximal to an external wall of the body cavity opposite the surgical tool. A magnetic coupling is established between the distal end of the actuation tool and the surgical tool. When the magnetic coupling is established, distal end of the actuation tool is located at the external wall of the body cavity and the surgical tool is located at the internal wall of the body cavity. The surgical tool is manipulated using the actuation tool through the magnetic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Pietro Valdastri, Alan J. Herline, Christian Di Natali
  • Patent number: 9731146
    Abstract: A method for determining an irradiation plan includes specifying a target volume to be irradiated and a condition to be fulfilled, and implementing a first optimization. Implementing the first optimization includes providing a first data record, in which the target volume is mapped, and determining a first parameter set for the irradiation planning by implementing a first optimization algorithm. The first parameter set is optimized with respect to the condition to be fulfilled by using the first data record. The method also includes implementing a second optimization that includes providing a second data record that has a higher resolution than the first data record, determining a second parameter set by implementing a second optimization algorithm. The second parameter set is optimized with respect to the condition to be fulfilled by using the second data record and using the first parameter set. The method also includes generating an irradiation planning data record from the second parameter set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Eike Rietzel
  • Patent number: 9736601
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for adjustable bone conduction hearing aids where a patient or health care provided can select different positions of a magnetic spacer on a patient's skull after a magnetic implant has been implanted beneath the patient's skin and affixed to the patient's skull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Sophono, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kasic, Nicholas F. Pergola, Markus C. Haller
  • Patent number: 9731147
    Abstract: Optimization of a radiation-delivery treatment plan can be facilitated by permitting the making of automatic changes to one or more treatment objectives. This can comprise processing radiation-delivery treatment plan parameters with respect to one or more predetermined treatment objectives and then automatically changing that predetermined treatment objective to provide one or more changed treatment objectives (including altered, deleted, and/or added treatment objectives) that can then be used to at least attempt to optimize a radiation-delivery treatment plan. That predetermined treatment objective can comprise, for example, a treatment objective as regards a given treatment volume. The automatic changing of the predetermined treatment objective can occur in response to a variety of stimuli such as detecting a change with respect to a treatment condition such as a change in the presentation of a patient volume of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne Nord, Juha Kauppinen, Lauri Halko, Jarkko Peltola
  • Patent number: 9729981
    Abstract: An auditory prosthesis comprising an actuator for providing mechanical stimulation to a recipient. The auditory prosthesis comprises a measurement circuit for use in determining the resonance peak(s) of the actuator. In an embodiment, the measurement circuit measures the voltage drop across the actuator and/or current through the actuator during a frequency sweep of the operational frequencies of the actuator. These measured voltages and/or currents are then analyzed for discontinuities that are indicative of a resonance peak of the actuator. In another embodiment, rather than using a frequency sweep to measure voltages and/or currents across the actuator, the measurement circuit instead applies a voltage impulse to the actuator and then measure the voltage and/or current across the actuator for a period of time after application of the impulse. The measured voltages and/or currents are then analyzed to identify resonance peak(s) of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Werner Meskens, Koen Van den Heuvel
  • Patent number: 9725828
    Abstract: A brush with magnetic filaments is described. The brush may be used, for example, as a brush for applying a cosmetic material. The filaments of the brush may, in one example, be made of a synthetic material infused with magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: HCT ASIA LTD
    Inventors: Sean Yuei (Cindy) Lim, Jin Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 9717881
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, stimuli are intermittently presented to the left or right side of a user. For example, this invention may comprise a method of presenting stimuli to a bilateral organism, which organism has a left side and a right side, wherein: (a) the stimuli are produced by at least one transducer, (b) the stimuli include an intermittent beat train, and (c) the beat train has a beat frequency that is substantially equal to 7.8×(1.618)n Hz, where n is an even integer, which even integer may be negative, zero or positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: James Otis
  • Patent number: 9717926
    Abstract: An electrical system including a body may have a structure resembling a double helix having twisted conductive wires wound around both helical structures. The electrical system may be used to produce useful electromagnetic effects for various applications, including providing therapy and promoting growth of living organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Medical Energetics Ltd.
    Inventor: David G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9713437
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The system includes a microwave antenna probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect one or more markers that are implanted within or around the target tissue region. During use, the marker(s) are implanted into a target tissue region, and the microwave antenna probe is placed against the patient's skin to transmit a signal to the marker(s) and to receive the reflected signal from the marker(s) in order to determine the location of the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the location information from the microwave antenna probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: CIANNA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, John E. Greene, Tommy G. Nguyen, Eduardo Chi Sing
  • Patent number: 9707372
    Abstract: A technique for influencing the human brain can be applied to treat PTSD through stimulating the brain with a beat in, for example, the theta (?) frequency to influence the brain to relax. Alternatively, the human brain can be stimulated with a beat in the alpha (?) frequency to stimulate active thinking. Over a series of treatments the brain of an individual suffering from PTSD can be influenced to operate at a normal frequency. Advantageously, as the frequency is adjusted, the symptoms of PTSD recur less often until the individual ceases to experience the symptoms or has at least experienced a decreased recurrence of the symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Rosalind Y. Smith
  • Patent number: 9707067
    Abstract: Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Pelvalon, Inc.
    Inventors: Miles Harris Rosen, Steven Lawrence Herbowy, Jacob Samuel Brenner
  • Patent number: 9700737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brachytherapy apparatus (1) for applying a brachytherapy to a living object. The brachytherapy apparatus comprises a planning unit (14) for determining a placing plan defining placing positions and placing times for one or several radiation sources within the living object and close to a target region. The placing plan is determined such that the placing times are within a treatment time window determined by a treatment time window determination unit (13), wherein within the treatment time window a change of a spatial parameter of the living object caused by swelling is minimized. An adverse influence on the brachytherapy due to swelling can thereby be minimized, which improves the quality of the brachytherapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Shyam Bharat, Christopher Stephen Hall, Cynthia Ming-Fu Kung, Jochen Kruecker
  • Patent number: 9693725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing and/or treating mood disorders, such as depression, is provided. Right vestibular function in subjects diagnosed with a mood disorder is diminished compared with subjects who do not have a mood disorder. Accordingly, a method and apparatus for determining right vestibular function in a subject is provided, from which a diagnosis of a mood disorder may be determined. Stimulation of the vestibular system of a subject diagnosed with a mood disorder may reduce symptoms of the mood disorder in the subject. A method and apparatus for registering a subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system and providing therapeutic vestibular stimulation based on the subject's response is provided. A subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system may be based on measurements of nystagmus in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Ana Maria Soza
  • Patent number: 9694197
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stimulating brain neural networks of a subject comprising: at least one transmitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field through the brain neural networks of a subject, at least one brain wave measuring device for detecting subject brain wave frequency, a CPU for processing data concerned with detection of brain wave frequency of a subject, having a database for storing and analyzing natural and affected brain scans, and at least one computer readable medium containing a predetermined protocol for transmission of the electromagnetic wave frequency profiles. The apparatus further provides a resonance effect thereby inducing newly generated brain cells to migrate toward a brain tissue area having the pathology or lesion of interest, and initiating new brain pathways at the brain region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BrainQ Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaron Segal