Patents Examined by Rene T Towa
  • Patent number: 11633143
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing ocular cyclotorsion are provided utilizing an inter-aural axis location assembly, with a first gyroscope connected to the inter-aural axis location assembly, and a camera assembly for retinal imaging, with a second gyroscope connected to the camera assembly. A processor is utilized to calculate angles between the disc-foveal line, skull-horizontal axis, and earth-horizontal axis for use in determining ocular cyclotorsion, and the determinations or calculations may be used to generate a diagnostic report that may be provided via an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Marcello Cherchi, Amir Vahabikashi
  • Patent number: 11633147
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wound monitoring and/or therapy apparatus includes a wound dressing configured to be positioned in contact with a wound, the wound dressing comprising one or more sensors configured to obtain measurement data of at least one of the wound or periwound. The apparatus can also include a controller configured to maintain a device clock indicative of a non-real time clock, receive measurement data obtained by the one or more sensors, and transmit measurement data to a remote computing device according to a security protocol, the security protocol comprising including the device clock associated with the measurement data in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Allan Kenneth Frazer Grugeon Hunt, Marcus Damian Phillips, Felix Clarence Quintanar, Damian Lawson Smith, Charlotte Urwin
  • Patent number: 11627883
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient's foot forms a thermogram of the sole of at least one foot of the patient, and determines whether the thermogram presents at least one of a plurality of prescribed patterns. The method also compares the thermogram against a prior thermogram of the same foot, and produces output information indicating the emergence of an ulcer on a given portion on the at least one foot as a function of 1) whether the thermogram is determined to present the at least one pattern, and 2) the comparison with the prior thermogram, which shows non-ulcerated tissue at the given location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Podimetrics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Robert Linders, Jonathan David Bloom, Jeffrey Mark Engler, Brian Jude Petersen, Adam Geboff, David Charles Kale
  • Patent number: 11627911
    Abstract: An evaluation system including a hardware system for collecting real-time data for evaluating sleeping comfort performance of a bedding system is disclosed. The hardware system includes a thermal and moisture comfort measurement system, a thermal and moisture comfort control system, a biomechanical comfort control system, and a biomechanical comfort measurement system. The evaluation system also includes a computational system having a processor and a tactile database, and a portable device. The computational system is configured to receive and process the real-time data from the hardware system, and is communicatively connected to the portable device for transmitting real-time data for evaluating the bedding system and adjusting the hardware system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited
    Inventors: Gloria Lei Yao, John Kin-ming Leung, Erika Kit-shan Ngan, Ryan Sai-yuk Leung, Siu-cheung Ho, Lv Ru, Hing-leung Chan, Jasmine Li Chi, Yammy Yan-yi Cheng, Christopher Wui-ka Ho, Venus Hoi-yan Lee, Cathy Hiu-ching Li
  • Patent number: 11622861
    Abstract: Compressible heart valve annulus sizing templates suitable for minimally-invasive or otherwise reduced accessibility surgeries. The sizing templates may be folded, rolled, or otherwise compressed into a reduced configuration for passage through an access tube or other such access channel. Once expelled from the access tube the sizing templates expand to their original shape for use in sizing the annulus. The templates may be formed of an elastomeric polymer material such as silicone, a highly elastic metal such as NITINOL, or both. Grasping tabs or connectors for handles permit manipulation from outside the body. A NITINOL wireform may be compressed for passage through an access tube and expelled from the distal end thereof into a cloth cover to assume a sizer shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew T. Winston, Da-Yu Chang, Louis A. Campbell, James A. Davidson
  • Patent number: 11617352
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for detection of estrus and optimal time for embryo transfer or artificial insemination in animals. An arched polycarbonate housing is attached to an animal. A circuit board is disposed within the housing. A rechargeable battery mounted on the circuit board provides power to the apparatus. A switch mounted on the circuit board is actuated when a breeding behavior occurs. A controller mounted on the circuit board detects actuations of the switch to generate data indicative of breeding behavior. A transmitter transmits data indicative of breeding behavior to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: William R. Jackson, III
  • Patent number: 11612384
    Abstract: A method for displaying guidance information using a graphical user interface during an medical procedure comprises displaying, in a first mode of the graphical user interface, first image data from a perspective corresponding to a distal end of an elongate device. The first image data includes a virtual roadmap. The method also comprises transitioning from the first mode of the graphical user interface to a second mode of the graphical user interface. The transition is based on an occurrence of a triggering condition. The method also comprises displaying, in the second mode of the graphical user interface, second image data from a perspective corresponding to the distal end of the elongate device. The second image data includes a target indicator corresponding to a target location and an alignment indicator corresponding to an expected location of the medical procedure at the target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Vincent Duindam, Federico Barbagli, Cristian Bianchi, Christopher R. Carlson, Timothy D. Soper
  • Patent number: 11612333
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining bio information includes: a first electrode portion including a current electrode and a voltage electrode arranged to contact a first body portion of a subject; a second electrode portion including a current electrode and a voltage electrode arranged to contact a second body portion of the subject; and a measuring unit configured to measure a bio impedance of the subject by applying a current to the current electrodes of the first and second electrode portions and detecting a voltage at the voltage electrodes of the first and second electrode portions. In order to decrease errors of a measured bio impedance, contact resistances of the first and second body portions of the subject contacting the current electrode and the first and second body portions of the subject contacting the voltage electrode are different from each other, for at least one of the first and second electrode portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Myounghoon Jung, Eunsung Park, Kak Namkoong, Kunsun Eom, Yeolho Lee, Seongho Cho
  • Patent number: 11609160
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: NICO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
  • Patent number: 11607159
    Abstract: A bodily-fluid transfer device includes a housing, a pre-sample reservoir, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume between a substantially open proximal end portion and a distal end portion that includes a port couplable to a lumen-defining device. The pre-sample reservoir is fluidically couplable to the port to receive a first volume of bodily fluid. The actuator is at least partially disposed in the inner volume and has a proximal end portion that includes an engagement portion and a distal end portion that includes a sealing member. The engagement portion is configured to allow a user to selectively move the actuator between a first configuration such that bodily fluid can flow from the port to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration such that bodily fluid can flow from the port to a sample reservoir defined at least in part by the sealing member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bullington, Richard G. Patton, Shan E. Gaw
  • Patent number: 11589786
    Abstract: A syringe-based device includes a housing, a pre-sample reservoir, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume between a substantially open proximal end portion and a distal end portion that includes a port couplable to a lumen-defining device. The pre-sample reservoir is fluidically couplable to the port to receive and isolate a first volume of bodily fluid. The actuator is at least partially disposed in the inner volume and has a proximal end portion that includes an engagement portion and a distal end portion that includes a sealing member. The engagement portion is configured to allow a user to selectively move the actuator between a first configuration such that bodily fluid can flow from the port to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration such that bodily fluid can flow from the port to a sample reservoir defined at least in part by the sealing member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bullington, Richard G. Patton, Shan E. Gaw
  • Patent number: 11589846
    Abstract: The embodiments presented herein present a single needle core biopsy instrument and modification required that convert the single needle core biopsy instrument to a dual needle core biopsy instrument. Depending on the design, the dual needle core biopsy instrument permits the simultaneous extraction of tissue or bone specimens taken at between 0.1 mm and 3 mm apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Robert K Ackroyd
  • Patent number: 11589845
    Abstract: A core biopsy system includes a core biopsy needle device and biopsy sample collection device, wherein the core biopsy needle device is positionable within and movable with respect to the biopsy sample collection device. Systems and methods for obtaining multiple biopsy samples with a single insertion of a needle of the biopsy needle device include obtaining sequential samples and storage in a multi-cell cartridge. Additional features and methods of the invention include obtaining two sample portions from each sample acquisition, wherein each of the two sample portions can be separately preserved and analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Erez Nevo, Zvi Berger
  • Patent number: 11583206
    Abstract: In some examples, an apparatus comprises a platform having an upper surface to contact a plantar surface of a human foot positioned on the platform, a first pressure sensor to sense a pressure applied to the upper surface by a heel of the human foot, and a first probe extending through an opening in the platform and movable vertically upward through the opening to probe an adipose layer on a bottom of the heel. The apparatus also comprises a first actuator to displace the first probe upwardly against the adipose layer with a predetermined force, and a linear displacement sensor to sense a vertical displacement of the first probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Lopez, Ryan Forcier, Brian R. Jung, Marvin Dav Hoag, Francis L. Kozakiewicz
  • Patent number: 11571189
    Abstract: A device including a probe unit and a driver unit for tissue extraction and sample collection is disclosed. The probe unit includes an injection unit, a driving mechanism, a filtering mechanism and a tissue sample container. The injection unit includes a needle actuated by a prime-mover and the driving mechanism, which drives the needle into the subject for extraction of tissue sample. The tissue extraction is performed by a rotational motion of the needle and pressure. The pressure is provided by a pressure subsystem in the lumen of the needle and the tissue is collected in the tissue sample container. The amount of pressure applied is controlled by a control subsystem based on the organ specific requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Siraj Shoukat Bagwan, Praveen Deelip Nalawade, Rasheed Ahmed, Premanand Sugumaran
  • Patent number: 11564595
    Abstract: A device that non-invasively detects objects beneath or around the foot or a foot position and transmits signals which are processed and then output via an output device on a skin surface not affected by a neurological deficit, such as the hands or thighs. This device is suitable for subjects with diabetic neuropathy who have lost sensation in their feet and are at risk of punctures, cuts or other physical damage and at risk of sprains, strains or falls due to lack of an ability to detect objects underfoot and foot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
    Inventor: Jafar Mohammed Hassan Al Rubh
  • Patent number: 11559250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor with high sensitivity, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately and repeatably quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and/or electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides substantially real-time remote access to data by the clinician or physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Giuffrida, Dustin A. Heldman
  • Patent number: 11559291
    Abstract: A cytology sampling system includes a catheter tube and a cytology tool. The catheter tube has open proximal and distal ends. The cytology tool is insertable through the catheter tube and includes a flexible shaft, a brush, and a position sensor. The flexible shaft defines proximal and distal ends thereof. The brush is coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The brush includes a plurality of brush shafts. Each brush shaft has bristles disposed along a portion of a length thereof. The bristles are coupled to and extend radially away from an outer surface of each of the brush shafts. The bristles are configured to collect cell samples from targeted tissue of a patient. The position sensor provides an indication of the location of the position sensor within a luminal structure. The system may include a positioning assembly for placing the distal end of the catheter tube adjacent the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jerome K. Grudem, Jr., Jay G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11504029
    Abstract: Methods for controlling an aspect of an application in a mobile or wearable device and a mobile or wearable device user's representation in real time are described, where the user is performing a gait activity with a gait cadence, and the gait cadence is used for control. Additional user's mobility characteristics leveraged for control may include velocity and stride length, and the sensors utilized to obtain any contextual information may be accelerometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: David Martin
  • Patent number: 11497409
    Abstract: An evoked potential monitoring system including a control unit having stimulator circuitry and a probe assembly coupled to the control unit. The probe assembly includes a stimulus probe and a stimulator handpiece selectively coupled to the stimulus probe. The handpiece includes a handle, control circuitry, and a switch. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to the stimulator circuitry. The switch is electrically coupled to the control circuitry and extends to an exterior portion of the handle. In this regard, movement of the switch remotely controls the stimulator circuitry to continuously increment or decrement a stimulation energy level delivered to the stimulus probe over a series of discrete, incremental steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Sterrantino, David C. Hacker, Bret M. Berry