Patents Examined by John R Downey
  • Patent number: 10154789
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method including obtaining, by a heart rate sensor of a fitness tracking device, a heart rate measurement of a user of the fitness tracking device; obtaining, by at least one motion sensor, motion data of the user; analyzing, by the fitness tracking device, the motion data of the user to estimate a step rate of the user; estimating, by the fitness tracking device, a load associated with a physical activity of the user by comparing the heart rate measurement with the step rate of the user; and estimating, by the fitness tracking device, an energy expenditure rate of the user using the load and at least one of the heart rate measurement and the step rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, Hung A. Pham, Richard Channing Moore, III, Alexander Singh Alvarado, Umamahesh Srinivas, Xing Tan, Dan Marvin Trietsch, Gunes Dervisoglu, Craig H. Mermel, Ronald K. Huang, Adeeti Ullal
  • Patent number: 10154790
    Abstract: A method of monitoring sleep comprises simultaneously recording a person's electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG), deriving a plurality of parameters from the recorded data, and providing an output indicative of a sleep characteristic based upon an analysis of the parameters. The ECG and PPG may be recorded using an apparatus which is a combination of a Holter monitor and a pulse oximeter, which is wearable in ambulatory manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: University College Dublin, National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Conor Heneghan, Eric C.-P. Chua, Gareth McDarby
  • Patent number: 10154848
    Abstract: A tissue clip for use in electrosurgical procedures includes an arm having a first electrode formed thereon. The tissue clip also includes a body pivotally coupled to the arm. The body includes a power source and a second electrode. The arm is moveable from a first position relative to the body for approximating tissue and a second position closer to the body for grasping tissue therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Boris Chernov, Igoris Misuchenko, Georgy Martsinovskiy, Mikhail Verbitsky
  • Patent number: 10149718
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing laser energy through a catheter towards a second end portion of the catheter. Based on a characteristic of the laser energy multiple types of ablation therapy may be implemented. A first ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a first characteristic. A second ablation therapy is directed at the target site when the laser energy at the second end portion of the laser energy delivery system has a second characteristic. The first ablation therapy may be an optical ablation therapy wherein the laser energy is directed at the target site as optical energy and the second ablation therapy may be a pressure wave ablation therapy wherein pressure waves are directed at the target site as pressure wave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Fiser, Kenneth P. Grace
  • Patent number: 10143420
    Abstract: Dietary intake regulating devices that can assist a user in measuring his or her dietary intake and optionally his or her physical activity are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Christine Contant
  • Patent number: 10137575
    Abstract: A synthetic representation of a robot tool for display on a user interface of a robotic system. The synthetic representation may be used to show the position of a view volume of an image capture device with respect to the robot. The synthetic representation may also be used to find a tool that is outside of the field of view, to display range of motion limits for a tool, to remotely communicate information about the robot, and to detect collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Simon P. DiMaio, Daniel J. Halabe, Christopher J. Hasser, Brian D. Hoffman, David Q. Larkin, Catherine J. Mohr, Paul W. Mohr, Tao Zhao, Wenyi Zhao
  • Patent number: 10134302
    Abstract: An illustrative mobile computing device executing weight, nutrition, health, behavior and exercise application software serves as a simulated combination personal trainer and dietician/nutritionist for the user using comprehensive databases storing personalized health, nutrition and exercise information. A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, executing such software monitors, tracks and/or adjusts caloric intake, energy expenditure taking into account nutritional information and behavioral factors. The mobile computing device receives food consumption, exercise-related, behavior and other input using speech input and the device's GPS subsystem to ease data entry burden on users and to promote continued long-term usage. The system rewards user goal achievement in an automatic, seamless manner, through, for example, downloading music, books, or other media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SmarTEN LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Nusbaum, Vincent Pera, Jr., Jan E. Rhoads, Jennifer L. Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 10130273
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a CPU and a memory circuit that has user-corresponding data stored on the memory circuit, and a platform over which a plurality of electrodes are interleaved, and configured for engaging the user. While the plurality of electrodes is concurrently contacting a limb or other extremity of the user, measurement signals are obtained from the plurality of electrodes. Based on a plurality of impedance-measurement signals being obtained from the electrodes, signals are generated that correspond to cardiovascular timings specific to the user. In such aspects of the present disclosure, pulse characteristic signals are determined based on the plurality of impedance-measurement signals and comparisons of user-obtained data are made relative to user-data profiles stored in the memory circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Physiowave, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Kovacs, Laurent B. Giovangrandi, Robert Bruce Darling
  • Patent number: 10105184
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a laser ablation system. In one embodiment, the laser ablation system comprises a shaft, a balloon, a laser fiber and a viewing fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, a portion of which is within the balloon. The laser fiber has a distal end comprising a light dispenser that is configured to deliver laser light through the balloon. The viewing fiber is configured to image an interior balloon. In accordance with another embodiment, the laser ablation system comprises a shaft, a balloon and a laser fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, which is within the balloon. The balloon includes an inflated state, in which the balloon is shaped to conform to a cavity of a patient. The laser fiber has a distal end comprising light dispenser that is configured to deliver laser light through the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Beck, Edouard A. Koullick, Robert E. Lund, Douglas L. Evans, Samuel L. Will, Stuart F. Watson, Hyun Wook Kang, Justin M. Crank, Somany Dy, Micah D. Thorson
  • Patent number: 10105093
    Abstract: A device comprising: means for obtaining a parameter of a sample of body fluid from a user; means for using information provided by one or more sensors to calculate a measure of physical activity of the user; means for calculating a medicament dose using at least in part the measured parameter and the measure of physical activity of the user; and means for indicating the calculated medicament dose to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schabbach, Jörg Heisiep, Stephan Müller-Pathle, Ross MacArthur
  • Patent number: 10098786
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 10098784
    Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for surgical correction of defective-eyesight in an eye of a patient, wherein a laser device is controlled by a control device, said laser device separating corneal tissue by irradiation of laser radiation to isolate a volume located within a cornea, wherein the control device controls the laser device to focus the laser radiation, by providing target points located within the cornea, into the cornea, wherein the control device, when providing the target points, allows for focus position errors which lead to a deviation between the predetermined position and the actual position of the target points when focusing the laser radiation, by pre-offsets depending on the positions of the respective target points to compensate for said focus position errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Martin Wiechmann, Michael Bergt, Mark Bischoff, Markus Sticker, Gregor Stobrawa
  • Patent number: 10098591
    Abstract: A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, John Graybeal, Massi Joe E. Kiani, Michael Petterson
  • Patent number: 10086211
    Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus with interactive user interface for treating biological tissue of an animal or human target. The user interface comprises intuitive graphic menus which allow the clinicians or practitioners to define the properties of the biological tissue through easily observable physical characteristics such as weight, skin color, and hair color of the patient. The central control unit of the phototherapy apparatus then automatically optimizes the parameters of the light source according to the properties of the biological tissue and generates an appropriate treatment protocol to produce the optimum phototherapy result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: BWT Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Pryor, Sean Xiaolu Wang
  • Patent number: 10076286
    Abstract: Methods for characterizing a circadian rhythm of a wearer of a wearable device are provided. In one example, physiometric measurements are obtained over a period of time by one or more sensors of a wearable device configured to be mounted to a body surface of a wearer. A circadian rhythm of the wearer, such as a sleeping, waking, eating or movement pattern, is characterized based on the physiometric measurements. Based on the identified circadian rhythm, one or more settings of the wearable device, such as a timing or frequency of obtaining physiometric measurements, may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Vikram Singh Bajaj, Sarel Kobus Jooste
  • Patent number: 10045742
    Abstract: A method for preventing infection by a virus includes obtaining a sample from a person, assaying the sample to determine whether the person has been previously infected with a predetermined virus, and if the person has not been previously infected with the virus, providing the person with a sensor positioned to detect when a person's hand approaches a predetermined distance from the person's face. By warning the person of undesired hand-to-face contacts, the person is able to reduce the incidence of related viral infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventors: Katherine Rose Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik, Mourad Zarouri
  • Patent number: 10039458
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pulsation detection system for obtaining the accurate pulsation information by removing a noise of a body motion. The system includes a beat detector obtaining a pulse wave information containing a body movement noise and a body motion information, and a pulsation detector outputting a pulsation information after the noise of the body motion is removed from the pulse wave information. The beat detector includes a pulse wave measuring device, and a body motion measuring device having a light source for irradiating light to a skin and a photodetector for detecting a reflected light from the skin, arranged at a position away from the skin. The pulsation detector includes a receiver for receiving the pulse wave information and the body motion information, and a body motion remover for removing the noise so as to output an accurate pulsation information to the output part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignees: Takunori Shimazaki, Solition Systems K.K.
    Inventors: Takunori Shimazaki, Hiroyuki Okuhata
  • Patent number: 10039488
    Abstract: The invention describes a system and method how tissue compression can be measured continuously in a non-contact way to provide a low cost, patient/user specific measurement system. The method may be used to inform existing and future pressure relief mattress systems. The invention may also be used for any application either in conjunction with another system or on its own to measure tissue compression. In another embodiment the invention can be used for measuring any type of compression of a compressible material, for example compression of viscoelastic foam or other materials. The invention may also be used to make inferences about the changes of blood flow at site of measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Provost, Fellows, Foundation Scholars and the other members of the Board of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth, near Dublin
    Inventors: Sonja Hermann, Richard Reilly
  • Patent number: 10028698
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the method of the present invention include a method to improving or expanding the capacity of a sleep analysis unit or laboratory, a method sleep analysis testing a patient admitted for diagnosis or treatment of another primary medical condition while being treated or diagnosed for that condition, a method of sleep analysis testing a patient that cannot be easily moved or treated in a sleep analysis unit or laboratory and other like methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cleveland Medical Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A Frederick, Hani Kayyali, Robert N. Schmidt, Brian M. Kolkowski
  • Patent number: 10025906
    Abstract: A computerized interactive method, system and computer program product is provided for managing a person's health and lifestyle through self-managing controlled notifications, feedback, and alerts are disclosed. Embodiments provide computerized self-management and compliance scheme that does not require third party intervention or treatment options typical with immediate-response or alert-based systems. Monitoring, notification, and alert parameters can be partially or wholly self-managed using a graphical user interface or computerized device interface to enable two-way communication between the person and at least one computer server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: LifeWIRE Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Rosen, William Harms, Chaitanya Marvici