Patents Examined by Thomas Hong
  • Patent number: 9953548
    Abstract: Removable tension-pneumothorax-simulator cartridge for use with a patient simulating mannequin, comprising a rigid body having a hollow cavity therein, the body having two openings in fluid communication with the cavity, the cavity being shaped and dimensioned so as to be capable of receiving therein through the first opening a 14-gauge 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Yanick Fradette, Yanick Cote, Christophe Courtoy
  • Patent number: 9947239
    Abstract: A teaching aid to aid in evaluating data may include a frame member and an eye guide movably connected to the frame member to guide the user of the teaching aid in evaluating the data. The frame member may include a top frame wall, a pair of opposing a side frame walls to connect to the top frame wall and a bottom frame wall to connect to the pair of opposing side frame walls, and the frame member may include a divider wall to define a cavity for the data to be evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Earl Dwight McArthur
  • Patent number: 9946334
    Abstract: A method of objectively measuring a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle user interface. The method includes objectively measuring the driver's ability to perform each one of a plurality of calibration tasks of various degrees of difficulty including an easy task, a medium task, and a difficult task; generating a scale with which to evaluate the driver's ability to operate the user interface, the scale customized for the driver based on the objective measurements of the driver's ability to perform each calibration task; objectively measuring the driver's ability to operate a function of the motor vehicle user interface; and objectively evaluating the driver's ability to operate the function of the motor vehicle user interface using the scale to determine if the user interface is appropriate for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Silviu Pala, Seishi Yoshida, Justin McBride, Carolina Rigney, Bo Sun
  • Patent number: 9940845
    Abstract: A healthcare education software, which is executed by an electronic healthcare education system, incorporates a medical content authoring software platform with a medical authoring interface, a medical training, simulation, and evaluation software platform with a virtual patient examination simulator and an interactive prediction table, and a computerized medical causal concept diagram construction and evaluation software platform with corresponding interfaces for training of medical students and other healthcare professionals. Preferably, the healthcare education software is connected to a robust medical information database that contains a wealth of physiological simulation animation files, evidence-based patient diagnostic information, and other pertinent medical information, which can be readily imported and utilized by a healthcare education content creator in creating and updating medical training contents via the medial authoring interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: i-Human Patients, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Knoche, Anne Knoche
  • Patent number: 9940849
    Abstract: A surgical simulation system is provided. The system includes at least one simulated body organ placed upon the base of an organ tray and at least one covering layer placed over the simulated body organ. At least one of the simulated body organ and covering layer includes electro-conductive gel that is operably severable under application of electrical current to simulate electrosurgery in a training environment. The training environment comprises a top cover connected to and spaced apart from a base to define an internal cavity that is partially obstructed from direct observation by a practitioner. The tray, simulated body organs and covering layer are placed inside the internal cavity for the practice of laparoscopic surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Hart, Eduardo Bolanos, Sam Chehayeb
  • Patent number: 9934701
    Abstract: A sphygmomanometer simulator for live training includes an upper arm cuff for a simulated patient; a rigid walled pressure vessel within the cuff; a manual inflator and manual release valve coupled to the rigid walled vessel to selectively increase and release the pressure within the pressure vessel; a pressure sensor coupled to the pressure vessel; a cuff controller receiving the pressure sensor measurements and controlling a speaker within the cuff to emit designated simulated Korotkoff sounds associated with a simulated blood pressure and with the pressure of the pressure vessel; a visual gauge controlled by the cuff controller and displaying a pressure associated with the pressure in the pressure vessel and simulated Korotkoff gauge bumps associated with the simulated blood pressure for the simulated patient; and a user controller coupled to the cuff controller for inputting the simulated blood pressure for the simulated patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: KbPort LLC
    Inventors: Clifford D Olmstead, Charles G Miller, Jerry Woods, Sukhtej Dhingra
  • Patent number: 9934696
    Abstract: A tabletop teaching device and a method of using the same may include a box having an interior housing, a top and a floor. The box may include within the interior housing, at least one printout of a scene placed on the floor of the box, at least one printout of a grid placed over the at least one printout of a scene, and at least one miniature item placed above the at least one printout of a grid, wherein each miniature item represents a potential victim, a fixed point, an object item, or a potential weapon. An instructor can then place a potential victim miniature item and a fixed point miniature item spaced apart along the at least one grid printout so as to instruct a first student to determine distances and angles between the potential victim utilizing the grid of the at least one printout of a grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Wayne L. Davis
  • Patent number: 9934695
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described herein that facilitate education through an interactive illustration. The systems, methods and apparatuses can facilitate both the design of a course employing the interactive illustration at an instructor interface and education utilizing the course at an educational terminal. The design of the course can be based on a selection of an image, a selection of an activity, a selection of a development level of a student and selection of a work stage. The same image can be utilized for different activities, development levels and work stages. Additionally, tools utilized with the interactive image can be the same for different images, activities, development levels and work stages. The tools can also be the same for the design of the course and the study utilizing the course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: PLEIADES PUBLISHING LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexander Shustorovich, Olga Zakharova, Natalia Churakova
  • Patent number: 9922579
    Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Tracy Breslin, Nikolai Poulsen, Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 9915508
    Abstract: A target senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target includes a screen for allowing laser light to pass through, a plurality of light sensors behind the screen, and an optical display associated with one or more of the light sensors. When the target is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike, and the target may be struck with laser light multiple times, whereby different sensors may record the different strikes. To determine whether and where the target has been struck, the user activates a display mode that causes the optical displays in the target to illuminate. The user can then reset the target so the user can begin again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventors: Larry Moore, Aaron Moore
  • Patent number: 9914057
    Abstract: Techniques for providing an immersive storytelling experience using a plurality of storytelling devices. Each of the storytelling devices may be configured to perform one or more actions based on a current context of a story and in response to a stimulus event. The actions include at least one of an auditory and a visual effect. Embodiments also provide a controller device configured to manage a playback of the story, by adjusting the stimulus event and the effect of each of the plurality of storytelling devices, based on the current context of the story, thereby creating an interactive and immersive storytelling experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Wilson Muhlheim, Eric Charles Haseltine, Joseph O'Brien Garlington, Theodore Wei-Yun Leung, Gabriel Sebastian Schlumberger
  • Patent number: 9911357
    Abstract: A solution for training guidance is provided. A method related to the solution includes acquiring, in a training guidance apparatus, cardiovascular data representing cardiovascular measurement on a user carrying out a physical exercise, wherein the acquired cardiovascular data is real-time data measured during the physical exercise. The method further includes determining exercise guidance attributes from the cardiovascular data with respect to at least one training target of the physical exercise, selecting a video clip matching with the guidance attributes, and causing display of the video clip to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventors: Pekka Rytky, Mika Erkkilä
  • Patent number: 9892651
    Abstract: Devices for simulating a transportation emergency are disclosed. The devices have a base with a framework of interconnected supports extending therefrom as a skeletal portion of a simulated transportation device and defining a chamber configured to receive a human or a medical-training manikin. Within the chamber a seat for receiving the human or the medical-training manikin is disposed. The framework defines one or more openings representative of access openings into the simulated transportation device such that a first responder in-training can receive instructions on how to assist a victim positioned in the simulated transportation device. The framework also defines one or more open frames representative of structural features of the simulated transportation device that block access to the victim such that realistic training occurs. The device may include one or more props such as a telescoping steering column, a prying simulator, a foot pedal unit, and a side impact bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: S&S Medical Products, LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Sweet, Trent Brian Shroyer, Nicholas Robert Seitz
  • Patent number: 9886871
    Abstract: A system is provided that provides guidance (e.g., audio content) to a user while exercising. This audio content is tailored to the particular user and is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the exercising. In some cases, the audio content conveyed to the user can be based on one or more sensors providing various metrics (e.g., heart rate, cadence, breathing rate, galvanic skin response, temperature etc.) regarding the real-time performance of the user. In some cases, the guidance to a user may be downloaded dynamically to the device by a specialized server or wireless connection. In addition, the guidance can be dynamically adjusted based on a variety of factors including data obtained from the sensors. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: PEAR SPORTS LLC
    Inventors: Kari Kristian Rauhala, Robert G. Allison, Simon Sollberger, Joseph Rzepiejewski, Shimon Gersten
  • Patent number: 9881511
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for analyzing health-related data associated with a user and suggesting goals to the user to improve health. The system and method monitor progress towards the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bharadwaj Srinivasan, Aaron Samuel Filner, Kathleen Elizabeth Linn, Konstantine M. Pangalos, Mac Baker, Julie Wilner
  • Patent number: 9875667
    Abstract: The system is an interactive control system that uses multiple control points to manage a user toward a desired state through coaching, feedback, and feed-forward mechanisms. They system uses push and pull from a user to dynamically determine which control points to utilize and emphasize to guide the user to a desired state. The system creates Topics that are generated out of Content Elements. These topics are referenced by Rules and are arranged in a queue so that a planned succession of Topics can be presented proactively to a user in a prioritized and logical manner to guide the user to a desired state. The Rules include Dynamic Rules that allow real time modification of the queue to present Topics relevant to user state and progress toward the desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: URXmobile System, Inc.
    Inventors: David Thompson, Roy David Albert
  • Patent number: 9870395
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for electronically conditioning transmission of communications based on results of a connection assessment. An electronic file is executed at an electronic device, which causes a first query and a second query to be presented. A first query response and a second query response are identified. The first query response is stored in a locked configuration that inhibits the ability to modify the first query response to the first query. The second query response is stored but is not stored in the locked configuration. Query response data is generated that includes an identifier of the second query, an identifier of the second query response and an identifier of the electronic device. A connection variable is determined by assessing one or more network connections available to the electronic device. When a transmission condition is satisfied, the query response data is transmitted to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan Kealey, Paul Arens, Adam Krapfl, Paul Grudnitski, Rob Nielsen, James Setaro, Jason Sobanski
  • Patent number: 9852659
    Abstract: A portable medical training manikin with a hollow torso body with a chest plate having slotted openings provided to enable realistic flexing of the chest plate along hinges engaged with a chest compression piston. The torso body has a realistic skin covering the torso and interconnected at a hinge. A chest compression piston supports and resists chest compressions performed by a user. The chest compression piston is engaged with the central chest plate of the torso body by a quick release mechanism having detent locks for securing the piston engaged with the chest plate. A two-piece tiltable head configuration enables detachment of the back half of the head piece, and inversion for nested stacking within the front half head piece. The hollow torso body is likewise configured for convenient stacking, including the compression pistons, in a carrying container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PRESTAN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: John J. Pastrick, Christopher E. Bryniarski, Mark E. Cook, Timothy E. Lint, Daniel R. Moon
  • Patent number: 9852581
    Abstract: A method for awarding playtime credit proportional to positive performance on educational testing. The method records correct answers to academic questions, such as math, as credits towards time allowed on an attached electronic play device. The amount of time earned or awarded is determined by the number of correct answers provided in response to displayed questions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy J. Smock
  • Patent number: 9847044
    Abstract: A surgical implement training process that includes teaching an identity of a plurality of first surgical implements in a first surgical implement tray, a location of the plurality of first surgical implements in the first surgical implement tray and an actual order in which each of the first surgical implements are used when performing a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG
    Inventor: Larry Foster