Patents Examined by Etsub Berhanu
  • Patent number: 10231676
    Abstract: A portable patient monitor has an integrated mode in which it operates as a plug-in module for a multiparameter patient monitoring system (MPMS). The patient monitor also has a portable mode in which it operates separately from the MPMS as a battery-powered handheld or standalone instrument. The patient monitor has a sensor port that receives a signal indicative of physiological parameters as input to an internal processor. The patient monitor processes this sensor signal to derive patient measurements. In the portable mode, this information is provided on its display. In the integrated mode, the patient monitor provides patient measurements to the MPMS to be displayed on a MPMS monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Don Carothers, David Dalke, Mohamed K. Diab, Julian Goldman, Massi E. Kiani, Michael Lee, Jerome Novak, Robert Smith, Val E. Vaden
  • Patent number: 10226188
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for blood pressure monitoring are provided. A device for monitoring blood pressure may include a memory storing instructions for receiving one or more signals representative of one or more patient parameters, wherein at least one of the one or more signals comprises a plethysmography signal. The memory also stores instructions for determining a change in a pulse shape metric of the plethysmography signal and determining a change in a blood pressure signal over a period of time based on the one or more signals. The memory also stores instructions for determining a confidence level of the blood pressure signal based at least in part on a correlation between the change in the blood pressure signal and the change in the pulse shape metric over the period of time. The device also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James Watson, Keith Manning, Paul S. Addison
  • Patent number: 10172567
    Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods for predicting and detecting a seizure in a subject. The methods of the invention comprise measuring interneuron synchrony in terms of the coherence between interneuron action potentials and local field potential oscillations. In one embodiment, the detection of specific patterns of coherence, correlation and firing rate of interneurons predicts an upcoming seizures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Karen A. Moxon, Dane Grasse
  • Patent number: 10172560
    Abstract: Sensor means for detection of bioelectrical signals, in particular, for implantation into or onto a brain wherein the sensor means comprises a first number of electrodes which can be coupled to a biological organism, in particular, to neural cells of a nervous system for tapping a first plurality of electrical potentials at the biological organism. According to the invention, the sensor means comprises means for providing an averaged electrical reference potential. The averaged electrical reference potential is formed from a plurality of detected electrical potential that are tapped at the biological organism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: CorTec GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schüttler, Jörn Rickert, Christian Henle, Tonio Ball, Markus Raab
  • Patent number: 10165984
    Abstract: A method of determining a value indicative of a hemodynamic parameter of a patient includes performing a plurality of value determinations. Performing the plurality of value determinations includes determining a first value indicative of the hemodynamic parameter, determining, with a controller, a difference between the first value and a baseline associated with the first value, and replacing the baseline with the first value, in a memory of the controller, if the difference is outside of a predetermined range. The method also includes determining an estimate of the hemodynamic parameter based on acceptable values determined during the plurality of value determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn C. St. Pierre, John A. Lane, David E. Quinn
  • Patent number: 10136822
    Abstract: Noninvasive methods and apparatus for detecting blood volume imbalances in a mammalian subject are disclosed. The method includes obtaining baseline measurements of at least three physiological parameters from a subject wherein the parameters are selected from the group consisting of heart rate, electrical body impedance, skin temperature, perfusion index, peripheral blood flow and skin humidity. Measurements of electrical body impedance, skin temperature, perfusion index, peripheral blood flow and skin humidity are taken at one or more extremities of the subject such as the calf, ankle, forearm, thigh, fingers and toes. The physiological parameters for which baseline measurements were obtained are then monitored to detect changes from the baseline measurements that indicate blood volume imbalances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Zynex Monitoring Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Sandgaard
  • Patent number: 10123715
    Abstract: An initial set of parameters for operating one or more detection tools is automatically derived and subsequently adjusted so that each detection tool is more or less sensitive to signal characteristics in a region of interest. Detection tool(s) may be applied to physiological signals sensed from a patient (such as EEG signals) and may be configured to run in an implanted medical device that is programmable with the parameters to look for rhythmic activity, spiking, and power changes in the sensed signals, etc. A detection tool may be selected and parameter values derived in a logical sequence and/or in pairs based on a graphical representation of an activity type which may be selected by a user, for example, by clicking and dragging on the graphic via a GUI. Displayed simulations allow a user to assess what will be detected with a derived parameter set and then to adjust the sensitivity of the set or start over as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Felice Sun, Rosana Esteller, Adam Lee
  • Patent number: 10117617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for early detection, assessment, monitoring and prevention of pathophysiological conditions originating and/or emanating from skin or localized tissues, including but not limited to acute or chronic episodes of soft tissue pathology, wound, injury, dermatological or rheumatoid condition where bio-signal patterns, biomarkers or other identifiable elements or references would deviate from baseline. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems specially designed and adapted for early detection of a latent pathogenic bio-signal anomaly using multiple aggregated sensors before the anomaly would otherwise be detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Revealix, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrianna Cantu, Gary Johnson
  • Patent number: 10111606
    Abstract: An integrated condenser is described. This integrated condenser includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that facilitates condensing at least a component in a received gas-phase sample into liquid-phase droplets on the sampler surface, and aggregating and moving the condensed droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the condensed droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Cristina Davis, Hamzeh Bardaweel, Konstantin Zamuruyev, Jean-Pierre Delplanque, Nicholas J. Kenyon
  • Patent number: 10098582
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for quantitatively and objectively characterizing sleep architecture in normal individuals and persons with various health conditions. Embodiments of the invention facilitate characterizing temporal-pattern information of an individual's sleep, such as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), for identifying persons with abnormalities in the temporal-pattern information, sequences or durations of their stages of sleeping (“sleep architecture”), for facilitating selecting appropriate therapy or treatment, and for monitoring the effectiveness of such therapy or treatment. In one aspect, a set of time series are formed by electronically representing and storing information pertaining to brain activity, such as EEG hypnogram or sleep information, over a multi-night span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Cerner Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. McNair, Kanakasabha Kailasam, William Stadler
  • Patent number: 10092205
    Abstract: Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) systems or movement-assist systems may be utilized to aid users with paraplegia or tetraplegia in ambulation or other movement or in rehabilitation of motor function after brain injury or neurological disease, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy. The BMI may translate one or more neural signals into a movement type, a discrete movement or gesture or a series of movements, performed by an actuator. System and methods of decoding a locomotion-impaired and/or an upper-arm impaired subject's intent with the BMI may utilize non-invasive methods to provide the subject the ability to make the desired motion using an actuator or command a virtual avatar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jose L. Contreras-Vidal, Saurabh Prasad, Atilla Kilicarslan, Nikunj Bhagat
  • Patent number: 10082493
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of processing data provided by a transcutaneous or subcutaneous analyte sensor utilizing different algorithms to strike a balance between signal responsiveness accompanied by signal noise and the introduction of error associated with that noise. The methods utilize the strengths of a lag correction algorithm and a smoothing algorithm to optimize the quality and value of the resulting data (glucose concentrations and the rates of change in glucose concentrations) to a continuous glucose monitoring system. Also provided are systems and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventors: Wesley Scott Harper, Erwin Satrya Budiman, Kenneth J. Doniger, Gary Alan Hayter
  • Patent number: 10076812
    Abstract: By stacking a plurality of core plates (15) each of which has, around a peripheral edge of a base portion (30), an outer peripheral tapered portion (31) that expands outward, and joining the outer peripheral tapered portions (31) of adjacent core plates by brazing, a heat exchanging fluid passage (17, 18) is defined between the base portions (30) of the adjacent core plates. Outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the outer peripheral tapered portion are shaped to extend straightly in cross section. A leading end part of the outer peripheral tapered portion (31) is formed at the inner peripheral surface thereof with a recess (33) that is depressed toward the outer peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE FILTER SYSTEMS JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shozo Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 10076251
    Abstract: A physiology signal sensing device includes an elastic pad and a strain sensor element. The elastic pad is used for contact with a human body, and corresponds a blood vessel of the human body. The strain sensor element is disposed in the elastic pad and includes a conductive element. The conductive element deforms according to the vibration of the blood vessel, and the resistance value of the conductive element varies according to the strain of the conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Maisense Inc.
    Inventors: Tse-Yi Tu, Paul C. P. Chao, Yung-Pin Lee
  • Patent number: 10052055
    Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Li, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Richard C. Yang, Mark C. Brister
  • Patent number: 10039465
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically evaluating an absence EEG, wherein EEG curves are recorded by an evaluating device and are evaluated by means of a computer of the evaluating device, wherein in the evaluation at least the current stage of the absent state is determined from the EEG curves by means of the computer on the basis of a stage division of the absence EEG, wherein stages of the depth of the absent state are distinguished in the stage division, and wherein the current stage is output, wherein a certain scheme of the stage division is selected by the computer from a plurality of selectable schemes of stage divisions, which differ in the number of distinguishable stages of the absent state, and is used for the automatic performance of the stage division in order to determine the current stage. The invention further relates to a computer program for performing such a method and to an evaluating device for evaluating an absence EEG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Arthur Schultz
  • Patent number: 10041897
    Abstract: At least one conductor is formed at a preselected location on a substrate made of a first insulating material having a high temperature resistance. The conductor is made from a solidified electrically conductive thick film material. A coating made of a second insulating material is formed over the substrate to hermetically seal at least a portion of the conductor. An exposed distal region of the conductor provides a detection electrode. The conductor has a reduced porosity that inhibits migration of fluid or constituents thereof through the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Glysens, Incorporated, a California Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Y. Lucisano, Mark B. Catlin
  • Patent number: 10034621
    Abstract: Apparatuses are described to accurately determine a gas concentration of a sample of a patient's breath. The apparatuses may include a sample compartment, a breath speed analyzer, a gas analyzer, and a processor. The sample compartment includes an inlet that receives the breath. The breath speed analyzer determines the speed of a portion of the breath. The gas analyzer determines a gas concentration. The processor includes an algorithm that determines a degree of non-homogeneity of the sample based on the speed, and a corrected gas concentration based on the degree of non-homogeneity. In some variations, the gas correction is determined independently of patient cooperation. Apparatuses may be tuned based on the intended population's expected breathing pattern ranges such that the sample compartment is filled with a homogenous end-tidal gas sample regardless of an individual's breathing pattern. These apparatuses are useful, for example, for end-tidal CO analysis. Methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Wondka, Anish Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 10028694
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for detection and diagnosis of concussion and/or acute neurologic injury comprising a portable headwear-based electrode array and computerized control system to automatically and accurately detect cortical spreading depression and acute neurological injury-based peri-infarct depolarization (CSD/PID). The portable headwear-based electrode system is applied to a patient or athlete, and is capable of performing an assessment automatically and with minimal user input. The user display indicates the presence of CSD/PID, gauges its severity and location, and stores the information for future use by medical professionals. The systems and methods of the invention use an instrumented DC-coupled electrode/amplifier array which performs real-time data analysis using unique algorithms to produce a voltage intensity-map revealing the temporally propagating wave depressed voltage across the scalp that originates from a CSD/PID on the brain surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCIENCEPLUSPLEASE, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Carter Jones, Prahlad Menon Gopalakrishna, Alexander Kharlamov, Nicolas A. Alba
  • Patent number: 10022091
    Abstract: A method and system for a user interface for artifact removal in an EEG is disclosed herein. The invention allows an operator to select a plurality of artifacts to be automatically removed from an EEG recording using a user interface. The operator pushes a button on the user interface to apply a plurality of filters to remove the plurality of artifacts from the EEG and generate a clean EEG for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Persyst Development Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas Nierenberg, Scott B. Wilson, Mark L. Scheuer