Patents Examined by Nathan J Jenness
  • Drowsiness detection
    Patent number: 10966647
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device is operable to detect and display a mental state of a user such as drowsiness. The mobile electronic device includes a heartrate sensor, a processor, and a display. The heartrate sensor is operable to provide a heartbeat signal indicative of a heartbeat of the user. The processor is operable to: acquire a beat-to-beat interval based upon the heartbeat signal and determine a drowsiness level of the user based at least in part upon the beat-to-beat interval. The display is operable to display an indication of the drowsiness level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Norbert Galm, Robert G. Mayster, Manuel F. Fehler
  • Smart materials, dry textile sensors, and electronics integration in clothing, bed sheets, and pillow cases for neurological, cardiac and/or pulmonary monitoring
    Patent number: 10932720
    Abstract: Sensors mounted on a textile include at least one of electrically conductive textile electrodes; single or multiple optically coupled infrared and red emitter and photodiode or photo transistor; and thin film or Resistive Temperature Detector (RTD). Textile electrodes, electrical connections, and electrical functionalization use at least one of nanoparticles, nanostructures, and mesostructures. Conductive thread, for electrical connections, may include a fiber core made from conductive materials such as but not limited to metals, alloys, and graphine structures, and a sheath of insulating materials such as but not limited to nylon, polyester, and cotton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: NANOWEAR INC.
    Inventor: Vijay K. Varadan
  • Surgical instrument for minimally invasive aspiration of tissue
    Patent number: 10925769
    Abstract: An apparatus for disruption of cataracts in lens tissue. The apparatus includes a housing; a source of pulsed laser radiation; and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is configured to transmit the pulsed laser radiation from the source of pulsed laser radiation, and is coupleable to the source of pulsed laser radiation at a proximal end of the optical waveguide to receive the pulsed laser radiation from the source of pulsed laser radiation. The apparatus also includes a driving mechanism coupled to the optical waveguide for controllably changing the position of the optical waveguide relative to a distal end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Light Matter Interaction Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Kraemer
  • Semi-automated ophthalmic photocoagulation method and apparatus
    Patent number: 10925768
    Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment system and method for performing therapy on target tissue in a patient's eye. A delivery system delivers treatment light to the patient's eye and a camera captures a live image of the patient's eye. Control electronics control the delivery system, register a pre-treatment image of the patient's eye to the camera's live image (where the pre-treatment image includes a treatment template that identifies target tissue within the patient's eye), and verify whether or not the delivery system is aligned to the target tissue defined by the treatment template. The control electronics control the delivery system to project the treatment light onto the patient's eye in response to both an activation of a trigger device and the verification that the delivery system is aligned to the target tissue, as well as adjust delivery system alignment to track eye movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Thomas Charles
  • Method and apparatus for detecting a biological condition
    Patent number: 10918340
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system or biological sensor configured to detect an adverse biological condition from a comparative measurement from two or more body parts. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Quinn, Craig M. Meyerson, John A. Lane, Kenzi L. Mudge, Zhon Ye Chu, Matthew D. Mullin, David M. Antos, Henry Joe Smith, III, Jeffrey J. Chiodo
  • Multi-spot optical fiber endophotocoagulation probe
    Patent number: 10912677
    Abstract: A system and method for treating target tissue including a light source for generating a beam of light, a plurality of optical fibers, a deflection device configured to selectively deflect the light beam into the input ends of the optical fibers, one optical fiber input end at a time, and a probe having a tip with the output ends of the optical fibers and configured for insertion into target tissue. The probe tip is configured to sequentially project spaced apart spots of the light beam from the output ends as the deflection device deflects the light beam into the optical fibers. One or more moving or static deflecting optics at the probe tip can be used to statically or dynamically deflect the beam exiting the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOPCON MEDICAL LASER SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: David H. Mordaunt, Dan E. Andersen
  • Emergency medical services smart watch
    Patent number: 10905335
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), are described herein. In one aspect, a method for managing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment to a person in need of emergency assistance includes monitoring a parameter that indicates a fatigue level of a rescuer and providing an indication that a different person should perform the CPR component if the rescuer is exhibiting fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Guy R. Johnson, Gary A. Freeman
  • Hybrid ophthalmic interface apparatus
    Patent number: 10898377
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Heitel, Charles C. Vice, Hon M. Lee
  • Automated external defibrillator with shortened pause for rhythm analysis
    Patent number: 10894168
    Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which includes two electrocardiogram (ECG) analyzers. One of the ECG analyzers is suitable for use only for ECG which is signal-noise-free, and thus may be used during “hands-off” analysis periods in which no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions can be provided. The length of the “hands-off” analysis period can be shortened by use of the second ECG analyzer in concert with the first ECG analyzer. Thus, a greater proportion of CPR time through the course of a cardiac arrest rescue is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Chenguang Liu, Eric Grant Halsne, Stacy Earl Gehman, Dawn Blilie Jorgenson, Vijay Aditya Tadipatri
  • Microfemtotomy methods and systems
    Patent number: 10888459
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing laser-assisted surgery on an eye form one or more small anchoring capsulotomies in the lens capsule of the eye. The one or more anchoring capsulotomies are configured to accommodate corresponding anchoring features of an intraocular lens and/or to accommodate one or more drug-eluting members. A method for performing laser-assisted eye surgery on an eye having a lens capsule includes forming an anchoring capsulotomy in the lens capsule and coupling an anchoring feature of the intraocular lens with the anchoring capsulotomy. The anchoring capsulotomy is formed by using a laser to incise the lens capsule. The anchoring feature can protrude transverse to a surface of the intraocular lens that interfaces with the lens capsule adjacent to the anchoring capsulotomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, Julian Stevens, Dan E. Andersen
  • Method for diagnosis of and therapy for a subject having a central nervous system disorder
    Patent number: 10888274
    Abstract: A method is provided of systematically evaluating and treating dynamic autonomic dysregulation in a subject. The method includes having the subject sequentially assume a plurality of distinct postures that may include, for example, walking, standing, sitting or supine. In each posture of the subject, the subject is subjected to sensory stimulation while measuring at least one autonomic physiological response of the subject. The autonomic physiological response may include, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pupillary response, blood pressure, sweat production, pseudomotor activity or respiration. The physiological responses in each of the distinct postures are evaluated to identify a posture wherein the subject exhibits a least amount of dysfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Victor M. Pedro
  • Compact muscle stimulator
    Patent number: 10881849
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided herein providing electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). In some instances, an EMS device may be provided. The EMS device may be compact, light, and unobtrusive such that it can be used by a person going about his or her daily activities. In some instances, the EMS device may comprise additional sensors for increased functionality and may be capable of interacting with additional devices or platforms to provide a full-fledged EMS device capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: POWERDOT, INC.
    Inventors: Alexey Pisarev, Vladimir Pisarev
  • Method for obtaining a functional parameter of a muscle
    Patent number: 10881380
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for obtaining a functional parameter of a muscle having a part, the method comprising the steps of: a) applying ultrasound waves to the muscle, b) collecting the ultrasound waves retrodiffused by the muscle at a plurality of times, to obtain collected ultrasound waves, c) determining a first plurality of values representative of stiffness values of one part at a first plurality of times by using the collected ultrasound waves, d) determining a second plurality of values representative of deformation values of said part at a second plurality of times by using the collected ultrasound waves, and e) deducing at least one functional parameter based on the first plurality of values and the second plurality of values. The invention also concerns a corresponding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignees: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM), CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S), UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6), UNIVERSITE PARIS DIDEROT—PARIS 7, ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE PHYSIQUE ET DE CHIMIE INDUSTRIELLES DE LA VILLE DE PARIS
    Inventors: Mickael Tanter, Mathieu Pernot
  • Electronic device for monitoring health metrics
    Patent number: 10878959
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, one or more sensors and a battery within the housing, a base, and a set of electrodes. The housing includes a housing window. The sensors are configured to interface with the user to generate physiological data associated with the user's health. The battery is configured to power the sensors. The base is removably coupled to the housing and includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a base window. The inner surface is configured to engage the housing and secure the housing to the base. The set of electrodes are removably coupled to the base such that when the housing is secured to the base, the set of electrodes is configured to conduct electrical signals of the housing across the base, facilitating movement of the electrical signals through the base, between the inner surface of the base and the outer surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ANEXA LABS LLC
    Inventor: Alexey Reykhert
  • Method and system for modifying eye tissue and intraocular lenses
    Patent number: 10864114
    Abstract: As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, a method and system for making physical modifications to intraocular targets is disclosed. In varying embodiments, the method and system disclosed herein provide many advantages over the current standard of care. Specifically, linear absorption facilitated photodecomposition and linear absorption facilitated plasma generation to modify intraocular tissues and synthetic intraocular lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, Dan Andersen
  • Wrist articulation by linked tension members
    Patent number: 10835331
    Abstract: Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Burbank
  • Avoidance of cognitive impairment events
    Patent number: 10827927
    Abstract: A method controls an alert indicator on a helmet. A physiological sensor and an accelerometer sensor in the helmet monitor a wearer of the helmet. A human observer subjectively detects that the wearer of the helmet is showing signs of an impaired cognitive state, and sends a signal/marker that marks a point in the sensor readings that the impaired cognitive state manifested itself. A subsequent series of sensor readings from the physiological and accelerometer sensors are taken at a later time. If this subsequent series of sensor readings matches the earlier sensor readings up to the point that the human observer subjectively detected the helmet wearer's impaired cognitive state, then an alert indicator is activated on the helmet, warning the wearer of the helmet of an impending recurrence of the impaired cognitive state for the wearer of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Jill S. Dhillon, Rick A. Hamilton, II, James R. Kozloski
  • Flexible surgical devices
    Patent number: 10813629
    Abstract: A medical device comprises a tube including a wall with a plurality of slits oriented generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tube and defined by opposing surfaces. A pair of force transmission elements is actuatable to alter the tube between a flexible state and a stiffened state. A first force transmission element of the pair is coupled to an opposite side of the tube from the second force transmission element of the pair. The surgical device also includes a plurality of routing members coupled to the wall of the tube and configured to receive and route the force transmission elements along a length of the tube while permitting the length of the tube to flex and compress. Equal tension forces applied to the pair of force transmission elements compress the tube to create the stiffened state by deforming regions of the tube disposed between the plurality of slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Katherine D. Stoy, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, Samuel Kwok Wai Au, Carolyn M. Fenech
  • Method and system for modifying eye tissue and intraocular lenses
    Patent number: 10758416
    Abstract: A system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser source configured to deliver an ultraviolet laser beam comprising laser pulses having a wavelength between 320 nm and 370 nm to photodecompose one or more intraocular targets within the eye with chromophore absorbance. The pulse energy, the pulse duration, and the focal spot are such that an irradiance at the focal spot is sufficient to photodecompose the one or more intraocular targets without exceeding a threshold of formation of a plasma and an associated cavitation event. An optical system operatively coupled to the laser source and configured to focus the ultraviolet laser beam to a focal spot and direct the focal spot in a pattern into the one or more intraocular targets. The optical system focuses the laser beam at a numerical aperture that provides for the focal spot to be scanned over a scan range of 6 mm to 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, Dan Andersen, David Dewey
  • System and method for generating treatment patterns
    Patent number: 10744036
    Abstract: System and method for generating patterns P of aiming and treatment light on target eye tissue (e.g. the retina) of a patient's eye. The system includes light sources for treatment and aiming light, a scanner for generating patterns of spots of the generated light, a controller, and a graphic user interface that allows the user to select one of several possible spot patterns, adjust the spot density and/or spot size, and apply patterns with fixed or varied density. The patterns can be formed of interlaced sub-patterns and/or scanned without adjacent spots being consecutively formed to reduce localized heating. Partially or fully enclosed exclusion zones within the patterns protect sensitive target tissue from exposure to the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Haydn Mordaunt, George Marcellino, Michael W. Wiltberger, Justin Hendrickson, Katrina Bell, Dan E. Andersen