Patents Examined by Joseph Burgess
  • Patent number: 8521559
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method that can comprise, for a predetermined user, automatically determining a score for each resource from a plurality of predetermined resources based on the user's weighting of predetermined factors associated with the resources and an objective score for each factor for each resource, ranking the scored resources, and/or providing an identity of a best matched resource for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: WebMD LLC
    Inventors: Alan Horn, Ann Mond Johnson, Joseph Donlan, Tracy Heilman, John Fiacco
  • Patent number: 8515774
    Abstract: A method is proposed for determining clinical study compliance. The method includes obtaining criteria for the clinical study and accessing stored clinical data relating to the clinical study. Thereafter, the criteria and clinical data are correlated to determine a measure of compliance with the criteria of the clinical study.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Abraham-Fuchs, Gudrun Zahlmann, Rainer Kuth, Eva Rumpel, Siegfried Schneider, Markus Schmidt, Horst Schreiner
  • Patent number: 8478475
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted electronic appliance has a vehicle state detection portion which detects a vehicle being parked, a sound indication portion, and a sound indication control portion. When the vehicle state detection portion detects that the vehicle is parked, the sound indication control portion makes the sound indication portion indicate a warning to watch out for theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hongying Wang
  • Patent number: 8478013
    Abstract: As an illustration of generating a motion map, although the cardiac CT is described for selecting an optimal phase, the disclosure is not limited to the cardiac CT. For the cardiac CT, the cardiac phase map is efficiently generated based upon helical scan data, and the optimal phase is selected within a reasonable time. At the same time, the optimal phase is accurately determined based upon complementary rays as indexes for minimal movement so as to select the projection data for minimizing artifacts in reconstructed cardiac images. The helically scanned data reflect motion within the same cardiac cycle or over the continuous cardiac cycles. The application of the complementary ray technique to the helically scanned data is accomplished by three-dimensionally determining a pair of the complementary rays in order to take into account motion within the same cardiac cycle or over the continuous cardiac cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Nakanishi, Be-Shan S. Chiang
  • Patent number: 8478609
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the preemptive determination of the potential of atypical clinical event occurrence related to administering of medications to a person. One method involves receiving a list of possible medications that may be administered to the person during a medical procedure. Subsequently, the medication list is compared to information in the person's medical record. Based on this comparison, a determination is made as to whether one or more matches exist between any of the medications included in the list and the medical record information, the match relating to the potential of an atypical clinical event occurring if the associated medication were to be administered to the person. If a match in fact exists, a response is outputted relating to each match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Saus, Carrie Jeanne Vanzant, Russell William Webb, Kevin John Winkel
  • Patent number: 8468031
    Abstract: Exemplary system and method embodiments may include real-time monitoring data regarding administration of a health-related procedure to a recipient patient which is posted to a patient data record that has restricted read/write access. In some instances the monitoring data is processed to determine compliance or non-compliance based on comparison of the health-related procedure with a predetermined benchmark standard. Exemplary aspects of the monitoring data transmitted and/or received via one or more communication links may include updated confirmation of a patient identifier and verification of an updated parameter regarding administration of the health-related procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8465200
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product implement enhanced thermal tomography three-dimensional (3D) thermal effusivity imaging. Experimental thermal imaging data is acquired. A response function is derived and a convolution formulation is constructed from the experimental thermal imaging data. A deconvolution solution procedure is implemented that includes constructing a matrix solution equation with a damping parameter, and solving the matrix solution equation with a selected number of iterations to construct a plurality of effusivity images. Using the novel depth deconvolution algorithm with experimental data acquired from a one-sided pulsed thermal-imaging system provides greater sensitivity for internal sample features substantially eliminating degradation in depth resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventor: Jiangang Sun
  • Patent number: 8463622
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described relating to accepting user input relating to a plurality of health service option selection factors; presenting a plurality of choices for at least one of the health service option selection factors; and presenting at least one outcome output based on a selection of at least one of the plurality of choices for at least one of the health service option selection factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I
    Inventors: Jason Garms, Clarence T. Tegreene, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Chris Demetrios Karkanias, Mark A. Malamud, Edward K. Y. Jung, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Eric C. Leuthardt, Roderick A. Hyde, Shawn P. Firminger, Royce A. Levien, Kristin M. Tolle
  • Patent number: 8463621
    Abstract: A breakaway interface between radiological information systems, imaging equipment and picture archive and communications systems has automated filtering and handling of multiple study work orders or affiliated work orders, while passing single study work orders through unaltered. The work orders are processed by the breakaway interface to consolidate multiple procedure or multiple study work orders into a single super order, which is then communicated, preferably using DICOM standard protocol, to an imaging machine. The imaging machine returns a single image sequence, and the breakaway interface will then break images away from the single image sequence into a plurality of grouped image sequences. The preferred grouping is based upon anatomical regions, and separate but adjacent anatomical regions will preferably share one or more images at the boundary between the adjacent regions. The exact number of shared images may preferably be preset at the system level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Dejarnette Research Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne T. DeJarnette, Charles D. Stockham, Steven G. Wineke
  • Patent number: 8463013
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnosis apparatus comprises a C-arm, a support mechanism rotatably supporting the C-arm, a rotation driving unit driving rotation of the C-shaped arm, an X-ray tube mounted on the C-arm, an X-ray detector mounted on the C-arm, a control unit controlling the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, a storage unit storing two-dimensional images generated, a first reconstruction processing unit reconstructing first three-dimensional images respectively corresponding to a plurality of cardiac phases based on acquired two-dimensional images, a positional shift amount calculation unit calculating positional shift amounts respectively corresponding to cardiac phases based on the first three-dimensional images, and a second reconstruction processing unit reconstructing a single second three-dimensional image with a reduced positional shift based on the plurality of acquired two-dimensional images by using the calculated positional shift amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 8463014
    Abstract: A method for determining an optimal trajectory for 3-dimensional rotational X-ray coronary angiography for a C-arm X-ray system that has at least two degrees of freedom, where the C-arm X-ray system is defined by a rotational movement of the C-arm expressed in a left/right coronary artery oblique angle, and a roll motion of the C-arm expressed in a caudal/cranial angle. The method includes generating of a 3-dimensional representation of a center-line of a body vessel in a region of interest. generating at least one optimal view map. Further, an optimal trajectory for the X-ray system within the optimal view map is determined, where an optimal trajectory is at least determined by movements of the C-arm within its two degrees of freedom allowing image projections with minimal foreshortening and/or overlap while minimizing an exposure to X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Babak Movassaghi, Onno Wink, Shiuh-Yung James Chen, Joel Alberto Garcia, John D. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8457984
    Abstract: A computer system includes a data storage device. The data storage module receives, stores, and provides access to historical claim data. A categorical aggregation component comprising program instructions stored in a program memory provides categorized and aggregated historical claim data by identifying claim categories based on the historical claim data, each of the one or more claim categories associated with a respective set of claim characteristics, identifying claims of the historical claim data associated with one of the claim categories, assigning each identified claim to one of a plurality of total severity ranges based on the total severity of the identified claim, and determining an average cost per claim year for claims of each total severity range when executed by a computer processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: Wangyang Hu, Kathleen E. Maurer, Kelly J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8452609
    Abstract: Among other things, the preferred embodiments provide a computer system whereby Coders can quickly and efficiently review, manage and modify patient record documentation electronically via a graphical user interface (GUI) provided on a computer display or monitor. In this manner, the Coder(s) can create electronic data files and Charge Reports that are used, e.g., by facilities to effect billing to patients and to prepare documentation to seek reimbursement from medical facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Elijah Berg
  • Patent number: 8423377
    Abstract: Methods and systems enable the electronic scheduling of medical procedures. Schedulers log into a scheduling system to electronically submit medical procedure requests. Requests include entry of patient data together with at least one of: procedure date, procedure place, procedure time, required equipment, requested medical personnel, as part of the first medical procedure request. Once request is accepted by the scheduling system, electronic notifications about the request are automatically sent over a data network to parties associated with the medical procedure (e.g., medical facility, medical personnel, equipment distributors). System enables rescheduling or resolution where scheduling conflicts are indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Roady
  • Patent number: 8401870
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for generating one or more patient timelines corresponding to a patient(s). The apparatus includes a processor configured to receive medical information, associated with a patient(s), from one or more different computer systems and store the received medical information in a memory. The processor is configured to examine the received medical information stored in the memory and identify whether data in the medical information indicates the medical information corresponds to a patient(s). The data may include a unique identifier(s) (ID(s)) associated with a patient(s). The processor is also configured to determine if content in the received medical information is designated for inclusion in at least one graphical representation. The content may include one or more unique codes. The processor is also configured to generate a graphical representation(s) corresponding to a chronological sequence of medical events associated with a patient(s) during a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Catherine Whelchel, Becky Ralston, Melissa Roberts, Melissa Cummings, Josef Pusedu, Dianne Koepping, David Williams
  • Patent number: 8392066
    Abstract: An electric power-assist steering system that provides a steering assist control in accordance with the steering angle right after the idle stop to reduce an unpleasant steering feeling and is installed in a vehicle having an idle stop mechanism (engine controller) that automatically performs an idle stop operation in a predetermined condition. The electric power-assist steering system includes a torque sensor, a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle relative to a midpoint of a steering angle that is learned, an electric motor whose assist force is controlled based on the steering torque and the steering angle, and a resolver for detecting a rotational angle of the electric motor. A steering angle right after the idle stop is determined based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor right before the idle stop and variation in the rotational angle detected by the resolver during the idle stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeki Ehara, Hiroyuki Tokunaga, Hiroaki Kobayashi, Yoshifumi Banno
  • Patent number: 8392207
    Abstract: A system and method for managing insurance claim denials. The system and method reviews a denial of claim from an insurer and a patient medical record received from a healthcare provider to determine if an appeal should be filed for the denial. It prepares an appeal to the denial comprising an appeals overturn letter and supporting document and submits the appeal to the insurer if it determines that an appeal should be filed. The system then tracks and monitors the progress of the appeal and process the appeal determination received from the insurer. The system utilizes these tracking and monitoring information to streamline and improve the insurance claim process of the healthcare provider, such as developing and implementing claim denial reduction program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Olakunle Olaniyan
  • Patent number: 8296162
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method that can comprise, for a predetermined user, automatically determining a score for each resource from a plurality of predetermined resources based on the user's weighting of predetermined factors associated with the resources and an objective score for each factor for each resource, ranking the scored resources, and/or providing an identity of a best matched resource for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: WebMD LLC.
    Inventors: Alan Horn, Ann Mond Johnson, Joe Donlan, Tracy Heilman, John Fiacco
  • Patent number: 8280753
    Abstract: A method of providing a bridge life insurance policy includes receiving a request for a life insurance policy having a coverage amount, wherein approval of the request requires completion of an external process, and determining that the customer is a pre-existing customer of an organization associated with the life insurance policy. The method also includes determining, using a processor, that the customer meets eligibility requirements for a bridge life insurance policy and obtaining financial information associated with the customer from the organization associated with the life insurance policy. The method further includes defining a coverage amount for the bridge life insurance policy less than or equal to the coverage amount of the life insurance policy and issuing the bridge life insurance policy to the customer. Additionally, the method includes initiating the external process, issuing the life insurance policy, and terminating the bridge life insurance policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: USAA
    Inventors: Adam Grant Sharp, Michael Roger Baublit
  • Patent number: 8275632
    Abstract: An information management system for restricting access to personal data in compliance with law or regulation includes a database having restricted records stored therein, at least one of the records including an identification of a client or group of clients about whom said record concerns. A computer system under the control of a trusted information broker is configured to receive via a communication medium a request initiated by a requester for access to at least one of the restricted records in the database, the request including an identification of the requester. The computer system is further configured to transmit a request for consent to the client and receive an indication from the client that the client consents or does not consent to access to the restricted record by the requestor. The computer system grants or denies access to the restricted records based upon the indication from the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Privit, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Awaraji, Pierre Awaragi