Patents Examined by Eric Winakur
  • Patent number: 9888870
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to intrapleural air leak detection and monitoring. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an air leak may be detected utilizing at least one sensor to determine whether fluid extracted from a pleural cavity of a patient includes carbon dioxide and/or a second substance. The second substance may be a foreign substance inhaled by the patient to confirm presence of the air leak. The air leak may be further monitored over a period of time by collecting temporally successive measurements associated with detected concentrations of carbon dioxide. Therefore, tissue damage and recovery may be assessed according to objectively collected criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Dimitrios Miserlis, Kim Cluff, Abby M. Kelly, Suzanne J. Higgins, Max H. Twedt
  • Patent number: 9883824
    Abstract: A detecting device includes at least one detecting module. In the detecting module, a light source unit is configured to emit a first beam and a second beam. The wavelength of the first beam is different from that of the second beam. A packaging unit is disposed on the light source unit and a light detecting unit and on transmission paths of the first beam and the second beam from the light source unit. An optical microstructure unit is disposed on the transmission paths of the first beam and the second beam. The first beam and the second beam emitted from the light source unit pass through the packaging unit to pass the optical microstructure unit to be transmitted to a biological tissue, and then pass through the optical microstructure unit to pass the packaging unit to be transmitted to the light detecting unit in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Biophotonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Tung Tiao, Jyh-Chern Chen, Yu-Tang Li, Chang-Sheng Chu, Shuang-Chao Chung, Chih-Hsun Fan, Ming-Chia Li
  • Patent number: 9883804
    Abstract: Method, and the associated device, for examining a biological tissue, in particular dental tissue or tooth enamel of one or several teeth, the method including the steps of taking into account at least the fluorescence of the tissue detected in a first wavelength range and the fluorescence of the tissue detected in a second wavelength range. The device can be a surgery microscope with one or several filters. The filters can be swiveled into or out the Illumination beam path or the optical path of the light source of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventor: Marco Wilzbach
  • Patent number: 9883825
    Abstract: A living body optical measurement apparatus of the present invention includes: a light irradiation/measurement unit for irradiating light to an object and measuring the light passed through the object, a signal processing unit for processing measurement data of the light irradiation/measurement unit and creating a living body optical measurement image, and a position measurement unit for measuring positions where light is irradiated to an object and where the passing light is extracted from the object, the light irradiation/measurement unit includes plural optical fibers. The light irradiation/measurement unit includes plural optical fibers, plural optical fiber plugs attached to the plural optical fibers respectively, and a holder fixed detachably at a measurement site of an object and holds the plural optical fiber plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Asaka, Takashi Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 9877650
    Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring patient physiological data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a physiological sensor and a mobile computing device can be connected via a cable or cables, and a processing board can be connected between the sensor and the mobile computing device to conduct advanced signal processing on the data received from the sensor before the data is transmitted for display on the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bilal Muhsin, Sujin Hwang, Benjamin C. Triman
  • Patent number: 9877671
    Abstract: Apparatus configured to detect congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns may comprise a body with a cavity configured to receive a hand or foot of a newborn. Sensor pairs of the apparatus may be configured scan such that the best signals can be selected, which can accommodate for movements of the newborn and/or facilitate impartialness as to which body part is inserted in the apparatus. Positions of the sensor pairs may be adjusted to ensure contact with the newborn's skin. A disposable cover may protect the newborn's skin from contacting the apparatus. The apparatus may include a pressure device so that CHD threshold values can be adjusted for different altitudes. The apparatus may integrate with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: LOS ANGELES BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT HARBOR—UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventor: Ruey-Kang Chang
  • Patent number: 9877672
    Abstract: A device (1) is provided that is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in a biological sample. The device comprises a sampling portion (11), the sampling portion comprising flexible material adjustably conformable to a part of a human or animal body, at least a portion of the sampling portion being absorbent and configured to receive a biological sample directly from the body; and a test portion (12) in fluid engagement with the sampling portion, the test portion comprising one or more test zones (14). The sampling portion and test portion are configured such that at least a portion of the sample received by the sampling portion is transferable to the test portion such as to contact one or more of the test zones, and wherein each test zone is configured to indicate the presence or absence of one or more biological entities in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ellume Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Steven David Dahl, Sean Andrew Parsons, Jennifer Maschmann, Kon Euan Gerard Wong, Tim Ian Spink, Stephen Robert Wilson
  • Patent number: 9876320
    Abstract: A sensor adapter cable provides medical personnel with the convenience of utilizing otherwise incompatible optical sensors with multiple blood parameter plug-ins to a physiological monitor, where the plug-ins each have keyed connectors that mechanically lock-out incompatible sensors in addition readers that poll sensor identification components in each sensor so as to electrically lock-out incompatible sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Coverston, Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 9872641
    Abstract: Generally, methods, devices, and systems related to analyte monitoring and data logging are provided—e.g., as related to in vivo analyte monitoring devices and systems. In some aspects, methods, devices, and systems are provided that relate to enable related settings based on an expected use of an in vivo positioned sensor; logging or otherwise recording analyte levels acquired or derived—e.g., sample analyte levels more frequently than they are logged or otherwise recorded in memory; dynamically adjust the data logging frequency; randomly determine times of acquiring or storing analyte levels from the in-vivo positioned analyte sensors; and enable recording related settings when the system is operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventors: Mark K. Sloan, Royce Cheng, Gary A. Hayter, Marc B. Taub, Mani Gopal
  • Patent number: 9872621
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a functional near infrared (fNIR) system comprising: first, second, and third light emitting diodes (LED) and a photo detector; and at least one storage medium having instructions stored thereon for causing the system to: (a) emit photo energy at first, second, and third wavelengths from the first, second, and third LEDs during first and second time periods, (b) determine first, second, and third optical density changes and changes in first and second chromophore concentrations based on the emitted photo energy; and (c) determine and fit first, second, and third absorption values to a first absorption spectra curve based on the determined changes in first and second chromophore concentrations. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Maynard C. Falconer, Willem M. Beltman
  • Patent number: 9872623
    Abstract: An arm mountable portable patient monitoring device configured for both on patient monitoring of parameter measurements using one or more sensors operatively connected to the portable patient monitoring device and wireless transmission of parameter measurements. The arm mountable portable patient monitoring device includes a pulse oximetry sensor configured to be wrapped around a digit of a patient, a housing having a size and shape configured for mounting to a lower arm of the patient, and a strap mountable to the back side of the housing and configured to secure the housing to the lower arm of the patient. The housing includes a display, a first sensor port positioned on the housing to face toward a hand of the patient, second and third sensor ports, a battery, signal processing arrangements to cause display of parameter measurements, and a transmitter to transmit information indicative of the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ammar Al-Ali
  • Patent number: 9872643
    Abstract: A non-intrusive physiological data measurement system and method, as well as an optically induced treatment system, are described. The measurement system includes a monitoring mechanism that includes light emitter modules capable of emitting light at at least two wavelengths. The light emitted from the light emitter modules is transmitted through a subject and to a light receiving mechanism, such as an optical sensor. Physiological data is taken from the received light. The system also can ascertain movement of the subject by obtaining an initial outline of the subject and comparing that outline with a subsequently obtained outline. A therapeutic optic system includes a non-adhering light emitting mechanism for providing light at therapeutic wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Mahony, John Erik Hershey, Glenn Alan Forman, Harold Woodruff Tomlinson, Jr., William Eugene Powell, III
  • Patent number: 9872642
    Abstract: A medical device for carrying out at least one medical function, comprising at least one element that can be at least partially inserted into a body tissue of a user and further comprising at least one housing that can be placed on a skin surface of the user. The housing has a multipart design and comprises at least one functional component. The functional component can be connected to the insertable element. The housing further comprises at least one protective component. The protective component is designed to at least partially enclose the functional component. The protective component can be connected to the functional component, particularly after insertion of the insertable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Deck
  • Patent number: 9867559
    Abstract: There is provided a measurement device including a measurement unit configured to have a light source unit configured to emit measurement light having at least one kind of wavelength for measuring a biological component included inside a living body, a detection unit configured to detect the measurement light emitted from the inside of the living body, and a polarization control unit configured to be provided in at least one position between the light source unit and the living body or between the living body and the detection unit and to control a polarization direction of the measurement light, and an analysis unit configured to compute an optical rotation degree based on a change in a polarization state of the measurement light using a measurement result obtained by the measurement unit and to analyze a concentration of the biological component based on the computed optical rotation degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Sato
  • Patent number: 9867540
    Abstract: An inductive sensor system for remote powering and communication with an analyte sensor (e.g., a fully implantable analyte sensor). The system may include an analyte sensor and transceiver. The system may be ferrite-enhanced. The transceiver may implement a passive telemetry for communicating with the analyte sensor via an inductive magnetic link for both power and data transfer. The link may be a co-planar, near field communication telemetry link. The transceiver may include a reflection plate configured to focus flux lines linking the transceiver and the sensor uniformly beneath the transceiver. The transceiver may include an amplifier configured to amplify battery power and provide radio frequency (RF) power to a transceiver antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Szymon Tankiewicz, Joshua C. Schaefer, Andrew DeHennis, Todd Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 9867561
    Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for determining whether a regional oximetry sensor is properly positioned on a subject. First and second metric values may be determined based on respective first and second light signals. The first and second metric values and a relationship between the first and second metrics are used to determine whether the sensor is properly positioned on the subject. The first and second metrics may form a pair of metrics, and whether the sensor is properly positioned on the subject may be determined based on whether the pair of metrics falls within a sensor-on region. In some embodiments, a plurality of metrics may be determined based on a plurality of received physiological signals. The plurality of metrics may be combined, using, for example, a neural network, to determine whether the regional oximetry sensor is properly positioned on a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Clark R. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9861317
    Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for determining regional blood oxygen saturation (rSO2) of a subject. Differential absorption values may be determined based on received first and second light signals corresponding to light attenuated by respective first and second regions of the subject. Reference absorption curves are received, each associated with an rSO2 value and containing expected absorption values. The differential absorption values are compared with the expected absorption values to determine a best fit reference absorption curve. An rSO2 value is determined based on the best fit reference absorption curve. An rSO2 value may also be determined based on a combination of two or more rSO2 estimates. The rSO2 estimates are determined based on two or more pairs of the differential absorption values. The differential absorption values are determined based on received first and second lights signals corresponding to three or more wavelengths of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: James Ochs
  • Patent number: 9861305
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating a composite signal into a plurality of signals is described. A signal processor receives a composite signal and separates a composite signal into separate output signals. Feedback from one or more of the output signals is provided to a configuration module that configures the signal processor to improve a quality of the output signals. In one embodiment, calibration data from multiple calibration data sets is used to configure the demodulation of the composite signal into separate output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Walter M. Weber, Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed K. Diab, Marcelo M. Lamego
  • Patent number: 9861304
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is advantageously properly positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CERCACOR LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Yassir Kamel Abdul-Hafiz, Eric Yang
  • Patent number: 9861315
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a functional patch to be affixed to the skin, with the aim of measuring metabolic disruptions to organs, and general organ functions, of kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas and muscles (lactate), for example—more particularly it concerns the measurement of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)—and also to a method for producing a functional patch of this kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Lohmann GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Gretz, Daniel Schock-Kusch, Michael Herbertz, Ralf Nittenwilm