Patents Examined by George Yanulis
  • Patent number: 4407293
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus is described. The hand-held device includes a first oscillating transducer for providing a B-scan display and an offset second transducer which is manually positioned for providing Doppler data. The transducer pulses are interlaced and Doppler transmissions are inhibited to permit B-scan transmissions. However, circuits provide a continuous signal representing a Doppler signal when the Doppler transmissions are inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignee: Diasonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe R. Suarez, Jr., Henry L. Schwartz, Anthony J. Rossetti, Paul D. Corl
  • Patent number: 4406289
    Abstract: A device for the indirect, non-invasive and continuous measurement of blood pressure in a finger by using a photo-electric plethysmograph having a pressure cuff to be placed around the finger and to be filled with fluid, an associated light source and light detector, an electronic circuit, and an electric control valve having at least one fluid flapper-nozzle system, the cuff pressure being controlled by the plethysmographic signal in closed-loop operation such that the arterial volume is maintained on a pre-adjusted value and each deviation thereof due to changes in intra-arterial pressure is compensated immediately, whereby the control valve consists of a double fluid flapper-nozzle system in balance connection, whereby a single flapper member is positioned between the oppositely arranged nozzle openings of two nozzle members and alternately opens and closes these nozzle openings, one flapper-nozzle system being used in opposite sense, and one single chamber surrounding both nozzle openings being connected
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Nederlandse Centrale Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk
    Inventors: Karel H. Wesseling, Wilhelmus H. Klawer
  • Patent number: 4406653
    Abstract: Provided is a method as well as apparatus for a catheter catheter-balloon assembly wherein the catheter balloon is mounted on the catheter by means of adhesive and, in the preferred mode, an annular internal rib protrusion of the catheter balloon is provided for forming a sharply defined boundary of adhesive thereby aiding in the even and symmetrical inflation of the catheter balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Critikon, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris E. Nunez
  • Patent number: 4404973
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the condition of the heart muscle utilizing a single roughly collimated radiation detector which is non-critically positioned over the heart muscle. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream and detected during the first transit through the heart. The background radiation level is empirically derived from, and may be utilized to correct, the aforementioned first transit data. Numerous parameters affecting the heart muscle may be determined by analysis of the resultant data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventors: Jack Lancaster, John Floyd, William Harvey
  • Patent number: 4403615
    Abstract: A thermal method for measuring blood perfusion. One temperature sensor is emplaced in contact with an organ of the patient. Another temperature sensor is inserted in a central artery of the patient. A fluid having a temperature substantially lower then the temperature of the blood of the patient is injected into a vein of the patient. The thermal temperature gradient of the blood perfusion through a portion of the organ in the patient's body is recorded. The thermal temperature gradient of the blood flow through the artery of the patient is also recorded. The area under the curve determined by the thermal temperature gradient of the blood perfusion through the portion of organ of the patient and the area under the curve determined by the thermal temperature gradient of the arterial blood flow are calculated. The difference between the two calculated areas is then determined to provide an indication of the rate of blood perfusion through the portion of the organ in the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Inventor: Paul J. Hoehner
  • Patent number: 4402326
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an occlusion pressure image display system which is designed to make visual display of the output signals of the occlusion pressure sensor in the form of a black-and-white or color brilliance image on a CRT screen. The system comprises in combination, a novel occlusion pressure sensor designed to convert information on the occlusion pressure of the teeth into electric signal output by mere biting with the teeth and a raster scanning type CRT display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho
    Inventors: Michiaki Okano, Shuhei Furuichi
  • Patent number: 4401124
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for enhancing the reflection coefficient of a surgical instrument for use in conjunction with an apparatus for pulse-echo ultrasound imaging of an area of the body, by means of a diffraction grating disposed on the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Technicare Corporation
    Inventors: Joe F. Guess, Dennis R. Dietz, Charles F. Hottinger
  • Patent number: 4400879
    Abstract: A sectioning tool for sectioning the hair on a person's head allows individual sections of hair to be easily, quickly and thoroughly treated with chemical solutions such as hair colors, tints or relaxers. The tool includes a base member having two substantially perpendicular legs, one of which is used to secure the tool in the hair next to the scalp. A plurality of finger means are individually movably mounted on the second leg from a first position where they divide the hair into a plurality of sections and to a second position so that the section of hair held between individual ones of the finger means is released for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Michael S. Hildreth
  • Patent number: 4401431
    Abstract: A blood pump and oxygenator monitor-controller and display device is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of data communication ports, a plurality of data and output control ports all operably connected to decision making or computer circuitry, and a plurality of digital and/or analog displays or controlling means responsive thereto for the purposes of displaying measured and calculated data and/or for monitoring and controlling the operation of various sub-systems contained in a blood pumping and oxygenating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Leon J. Arp
  • Patent number: 4397313
    Abstract: Multiple microwave applicators are configured to optimize the treatment in a hyperthermia system. Individual applicators are positioned for incrementally varying the treatment field size by the addition or subtraction of individual applicators. A fan beam geometric configuration may be utilized with individual applicators for producing a concave electric field for focusing the electromagnetic energy at a particular region of the body. The microwave applicator system may be positioned either in direct or indirect contact with a treatment area by positioning individual applicators to conform to the contours of the surface treatment area. The applicators may be combined to provide a continuing electromagnetic field pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Clini-Therm Corporation
    Inventor: Victor A. Vaguine
  • Patent number: 4397314
    Abstract: A hyperthermia treatment system has multiple applicators and multiple temperature sensors for controlling the operation of the hyperthermia system. A temperature sensor probe implanted within a tumor provides a temperature signal for controlling and optimizing the power input to multiple applicators to maintain the system output during the treatment period at a predetermined control temperature. Temperature sensors implanted in the region of the healthy tissue provide temperature signals to override the controls providing power input to the applicators to prevent injury to healthy tissues. Individual microwave applicators are evaluated during the hyperthermia treatment to determine their effect on the overall heating pattern for optimizing the heating pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Clini-Therm Corporation
    Inventor: Victor A. Vaguine
  • Patent number: 4397642
    Abstract: A parenteral solution administration system having a conduit for communication with a source of parenteral solution, a drip chamber carried by the conduit, drop detector circuit for detecting drops falling through the drip chamber and flow control circuit including an occlusion device moving between first and second positions for opening and closing the conduit. Feedback circuit is provided for controlling the flow control circuit to cause the rate of drops falling through the drip chamber, as sensed by the drop detector circuit, to correspond to a predetermined drop rate. The occlusion device is preferably operated by a stepper motor, and the system is disengagable so that at the occurrence of a predetermined circumstance, the occlusion device can be disengaged from the motor circuit and can be moved without corresponding action of the motor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Rene Lamadrid
  • Patent number: 4396010
    Abstract: A pressure generating device for applying compressive pressures from a compressor against a patient's limb through means of a flexible, pressurizable sleeve which encloses the limb having an overpressure circuit which causes venting of the pressurizable sleeve and termination of power to the compressor in the event of the pressure assuming an excessive value. The sleeve has a ventilation chamber and a controller which generates electrical signals to actuate a solenoid controlled valve to periodically connect the compressor to the ventilation chamber during cooling cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: Edward J. Arkans
  • Patent number: 4395259
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment comprises a metering device which can be worn on the body or which is preferably implantable in the body, the metering device exhibiting a delivery unit for the dosed delivery of the fluid from a supply container to a discharge aperture of a catheter and also exhibiting an appertaining operating circuit, and an external control and programming device. The operating circuit in the metering device and the control circuit in the control device can be inductively coupled for operational signal transmission, to which end at least one transmission coil is present in the control device and at least one reception coil is present in the metering device. Given implanted devices, it is the object of the disclosure to guarantee the highest degree of patient security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Prestele, Manfred Franetzki, Erich Reif
  • Patent number: 4393869
    Abstract: The breathing cycle of a patient is controlled to achieve proper ventilation and at the same time minimize the work of distension of the lungs. Oxygen enriched air is delivered to the patient during the inspiration period such that the pressure waveform is a ramp function having initial and final values which are dependent on the resistance, compliance and alveolar volume of the lungs. The apparatus includes a source of oxygen enriched air at a regulated pressure and a pneumatically controlled pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the oxygen enriched air for delivery to the patient. The valve is controlled by a transducer which converts an electrical control signal into a pneumatic control signal. The electrical control signal which is generated by an electronic control circuit, is a function of the parameters of the patient's lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Canadian Patents & Development Limited
    Inventors: Abraham Boyarsky, Jack Friedman, Athanasios Christodoulopoulos, Rock Lee
  • Patent number: 4392849
    Abstract: A closed loop medication introduction system controls the rate at which medication is introduced into a patient in response to a monitored physiological condition. The system includes a monitor for monitoring the level or magnitude of the physiological condition and an infusion pump for introducing medication for controlling the selected physiological condition into the patient at a variably controllable rate. A controller controls the infusion pump in response to monitored changes in the physiological condition of the patient. A display means displays various information about the monitored physiological condition and the introduction of medication into the patient. The controller produces a rate control signal for controlling the infusion pump in response to signals from the monitor. After an increase in the medication introduction rate, the controller blocks subsequent increases until a sufficient time has passed for the patient to respond to the increase in the amount of medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: John H. Petre, Delos M. Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 4392498
    Abstract: Measurements of the greasiness of skin are made by applying a plate against a region of skin to be studied and then inserting the plate in a recess of the casing, in register with a photodiode and a phototransistor. A series of n (in this case 5) indicator lamps is connected to a set of n-1 (in this case 4) comparators each comparing a respective voltage threshold level with the voltage delivered by the photoresistor, so that the voltage of the transistor, and hence the greasiness of the deposit on the plate through which luminous flux from the photodiode to the phototransistor passes by reflection from the upper side of the plate, can be determined by observing which lamps are illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Jean-Luc M. Leveque, Gilbert J. Gras
  • Patent number: 4390025
    Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus including apparatus for detecting the position of an ultrasonic probe, a memory for storing the positions of the ultrasonic probe relative to a reference point in symbolized pattern of a human body, a memory for storing tomogram signals received by the probe relative to the stored positions timing pulse generator apparatus for reading out the stored signals, and apparatus for displaying the symbolized pattern, the position of the probe and the relative tomogram data simultaneously on the screen of a monitor. The position detecting apparatus includes auto-reset circuits for arbitrarily resetting the position of the probe in the memory to the reference point regardless of the actual position of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Takemura, Kazuyoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 4390026
    Abstract: An ultrasonic therapy applicator wherein therapeutic heating is provided by creating a diffuse ultrasonic field in a liquid, such as water, in a tank in which living tissue may be immersed. The diffuse acoustic energy is produced by frequency-modulating the driving ultrasonic frequency in a band employing "white noise" modulation. The apparatus consists of a reverberation tank suspended from a support by four wires. The support is used to mount a transducer, a hydrophone, a specimen holder and a stirrer. The tank is surrounded by a temperature bath. The hydrophone is used for measuring decay rates. The transducer is acoustically matched to the water. Ultrasound is coupled from the transducer via an ellipsoidal vertical reflector vertically aligned below the acoustic window of the transducer. To calibrate integral dosage a temperature sensing probe is used, of the differential temperature analysis type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Chris L. Christman
  • Patent number: 4387716
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for livestock obstetrics. The apparatus bears against the body of the dam, a leg sling is placed on the offspring, and two slides can progressively be moved along a rod to tension the leg sling. To move the slides, a tensioning lever is hinged to one slide, and an intermediate lever is hinged at a different location to the one slide and is also hinged to the other slide. The intermediate lever is in two parts normally held together by spring tension, but if an excess load is applied by the tensioning lever the spring tension is overcome and the parts separate, whereby maximum permissible tension between dam and offspring is not exceeded. To completely release the pull on the offspring, the tensioning lever can be moved to release both slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Rheintechnik, Weiland & Kaspar KG
    Inventor: Georg Uhlmann