Patents Examined by William Thomson
  • Patent number: 9521970
    Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring device (1) for attachment to a surface of a subject. The device comprises a data collector (2) and a processor (3) as two separate parts which can be detachably joined such that physiological signals which are detected by the data collector can be transferred to the processor for signal processing and provision of monitoring data. At least one of the data collector and the processor comprises a transducer which can convert the physiological signal to a data signal which can be processed electronically. The data collector is adapted for adhesive contact with a skin surface, and may comprise an adapter (6) for the detachable attachment of the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BIOTELEMETRY TECHNOLOGY APS
    Inventors: Karsten Hoppe, Jakob Janting
  • Patent number: 9521957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for recording and presentation of physiological parameters, which can include both blood pressure and heart pulse. Information about the heart pulse is derived from a recorded blood pressure signal, whereby the need for e.g. an external ECG measurement device is eliminated. It is likewise a part of the invention that a blood pressure measurement is used for the derivation of data such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and/or baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MEDICUS ENGINEERING APS
    Inventors: Jesper Fleischer, Martin Snejbjerg Jensen
  • Patent number: 9514655
    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: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Mark E. Nusbaum, Vincent Pera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9510766
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the structural integrity and structural health of the female pelvic floor, or other lumenal organ, is disclosed. Said device comprises an insertable probe with a pressure chamber capable of distending the walls of said lumenal organ. The invention also comprises means for positioning the pressure chamber and adjusting its location along the lumen. Said device also comprises means for changing and recording the volume and pressure of a balloon which is part of the pressure chamber, and means for determining and recording the location of the walls of the balloon. Said device also comprises a means for integrating information obtained to determine important biomechanical information, such as stress-strain curves, which a medical clinician can use for diagnostic purposes. Said method comprises the insertion of said probe, the expansion and contraction of the pressure chamber under desired condition, and means for analyzing obtained data for increased usefulness to the clinician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Mississippi State University (MSU)
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Weed, Ali Borazjani, Jun Liao
  • Patent number: 9504392
    Abstract: An apparatus, control system and methods are disclosed for directly measuring a blood pressure gradient, i.e. by real-time pressure measurements, with particular application for in situ measurement of transvalvular blood pressure gradients for the aortic valve and other heart valves, using minimally-invasive techniques. The apparatus takes the form of a multi-sensor assembly, enclosed within a micro-catheter or a steerable guidewire, and comprises a plurality of optical pressure sensors arranged along a length of the distal end portion, for measuring pressure simultaneously at each sensor location. For example, four MOMS optical pressure sensors, and optionally, a temperature and/or flow sensor, are incorporated into a distal end portion having a diameter of 0.89 mm or less, and preferably 0.46 mm or less. Beneficially, all sensors are optically coupled, via respective optical fibers, to an optical coupler at the proximal end of the multi-sensor apparatus, without requiring electrical connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Three Rivers Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Caron, Luc Bilodeau, Michael Paquette
  • Patent number: 9504386
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention control a device based on physiological measurements associated with a user. A determination is made that a user has manually adjusted a controlled device. A context associated with the user is identified in response to determining that the user has manually adjusted the controlled device. A change is detected in at least one physiological measurement associated with the user in response to the controlled device being manually adjusted. A target physiological measurement associated with at least one physiological measurement is modified based on the change that has been detected. The context that has been identified is associated with the target physiological measurement that has been modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Robert Kozloski, Mauro Marzorati, Brian Marshall O'Connell, Clifford Alan Pickover
  • Patent number: 9498138
    Abstract: The present invention is for a method and system for pain classification and monitoring optionally in a subject that is an awake, semi-awake or sedated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Medasense Biometrics Ltd.
    Inventors: Galit Zuckerman-Stark, Mark Kliger
  • Patent number: 9498640
    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: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BWT Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Pryor, Sean Xiaolu Wang
  • Patent number: 9492095
    Abstract: Assessment of a respiratory condition of a subject, by acquiring a temporally varying hemodynamic waveform signal related to blood flow in a tissue; deriving from the hemodynamic waveform signal an evaluation of blood CO2; acquiring at least one more signal; and determining the medical condition based on the blood CO2 and the at least one more signal. A device for performing the assessment may include an implement disposable on the subject's skin and structured to acquire a temporally varying hemodynamic waveform signal and derive from the signal a blood CO2 value or a close approximation thereof; an oximeter disposable on the subject's skin and structured to provide an oxygen saturation value of the blood of the subject or a close approximation thereof; and an apparatus structured to evaluate the medical condition of the subject based on the blood CO2 and oxygen saturation or close approximations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Neetour Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Ofer Hornick
  • Patent number: 9492239
    Abstract: A device, system and method for interfacing between an end effector of a manipulator and a surgical tool. Embodiments may include an upper tool holder element and a lower tool holder element. Embodiments may also include a drape between the end effector and the manipulator. Embodiments may also include two force sensors and a coupling arranged in a force sensor system for use with an end effector that includes a tool roll driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander Greer, Garnette Sutherland, Tim Fielding
  • Patent number: 9492681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cells and cell tissue treatment device and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Aydt, Herwig Buchholz, Junyou Pan
  • Patent number: 9492105
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a compact, portable, user-friendly sleep disorder diagnosis and screening device. The present invention is further related to a single-ended respiratory inductance plethysmography belt used to monitor certain parameters of a subject's respiration while at the same time serving to position and mechanically stabilize a compact data acquisition system about a subject's thorax or abdomen. In one application of the present invention to screen for sleep disorders, the single-ended respiratory inductance plethysmography belt is worn by the subject and a compact data acquisition unit is attached to the belt to which appropriate additional sensors and components such as a pulse oximeter and a nasal cannula are connected. Data is then collected using the belt, compact data acquisition unit, and sensors and is used to determine whether the subject has, or is at risk of having, a sleep disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Cleveland Medical Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Hani Kayyali, Matthew Tarler, Edward J. Rapp
  • Patent number: 9492084
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring in real time the physiological status of one or more subjects, especially subject engaged in potentially hazardous or dangerous activities. Systems include wearable items with one or more physiological sensors and a local data unit (LDU) operatively coupled to the sensors. The LDUs digitize and filter sensor data, extract physiological parameters, determine abnormal or not acceptable physiological conditions, and communicate to external monitoring facilities. The external facilities display status and data concerning monitored subjects. In preferred embodiments, communication between the LDUs and the external monitoring facilities dynamically adjusts to the condition of the subjects and to system changes such as subjects and external facilities entering and leaving and/or moving from place to place. The invention also provides program products for performing this invention's methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Andrew Behar, Jeff Cobb, Alex Derchak, Barry Keenan, Dave Darnall
  • Patent number: 9489640
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for monitoring use by a user of a portable research device based on one or more kinds of monitored data. Methods and systems are disclosed for monitoring use by a user of a portable research device in accordance with at least one predetermined use criterion using actively and/or passively gathered data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: THE NIELSEN COMPANY (US), LLC
    Inventors: Alan R. Neuhauser, Jack C. Crystal, Jack K. Zhang, Eugene L. Flanagan, III
  • Patent number: 9486139
    Abstract: A plurality of sensors are embedded in a form fitting garment similar to exercise togs such that the sensors are held in contact with or close proximity to the body. The sensors are connected via a plurality wires to an electronics module which is unintrusive being literally in its ultimate configuration the size of a credit card. A range of thickness, from 6 mm (6 credit cards) down to 1 mm or less, is possible for the module inclusive of a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The electronics module can be easily removed for garment maintenance (laundering).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Harry K. Charles, Jr., Russell P. Cain
  • Patent number: 9486220
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. In the approximated position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity that is configured to house tissue grasped between the jaw members. An injectable material configured for injection into the cavity defined by the jaw members is also provided. The injectable material is configured to substantially surround tissue housed within the cavity. The injectable material is transitionable from a first state, facilitating injection of the injectable material into the cavity, to a second state, wherein the injectable material forms about tissue housed within the cavity to occlude tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John R. Twomey, James D. Allen, IV, Kim V. Brandt, Keir Hart, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Peter M. Mueller, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 9486189
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, assemblies and methods for surgery (e.g., robotic surgery). More particularly, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for releasably securing or attaching an assembly for use in a surgical procedure with respect to a user-operable surgical device. In general, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for releasably securing or attaching an assembly with respect to and for use with a user-operable surgery system. Systems and methods for releasably securing or attaching an assembly (e.g., imaging/surgical assembly) having a receiver member with respect to a user-operable grasper member of a surgery system are provided. The receiver member may be releasably and/or detachably securable to the surgical/imaging assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Oko, Jason K. Blake
  • Patent number: 9486641
    Abstract: An optical waveguide integrated into a multielectrode array (MEA) neural interface includes a device body, at least one electrode in the device body, at least one electrically conducting lead coupled to the at least one electrode, at least one optical channel in the device body, and waveguide material in the at least one optical channel. The fabrication of a neural interface device includes the steps of providing a device body, providing at least one electrode in the device body, providing at least one electrically conducting lead coupled to the at least one electrode, providing at least one optical channel in the device body, and providing a waveguide material in the at least one optical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Vanessa Tolosa, Terri L. Delima, Sarah H. Felix, Satinderpall S. Pannu, Kedar G. Shah, Heeral Sheth, Angela C. Tooker
  • Patent number: 9480599
    Abstract: An ophthalmic laser ablation system is described with various optional features, some especially suitable for non-penetrating filtration on an eye. In one example, focusing of an ablation laser uses a movable lens coupled to a pair of converging light sources, which converge at the focal distance of the lens. In another example, laser ablation settings are selected for optimal ablation and minimal amount of thermal damage of a layer of percolating scleral tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: I Optima Ltd.
    Inventors: Joshua Degani, Ami Eyal
  • Patent number: 9483622
    Abstract: A computerized pain visualization system and method. A web-based application and interface allows individuals to anonymously share information about where they hurt or specific regions of the body that are most worrisome to them. The web-based application comprises a visual interface that supports selection of parts or regions on an image of a human body. The data becomes viewable and filterable by geographic location, age, sex, or a variety of other data sets collected from the anonymous users. In an example embodiment, Users register and sign in at a web site. A selectable body interface is presented and the user is prompted to select one or more pain locations on the virtual body. The user's selections are recorded in a database. Another page of the application presents a search option that facilitates searching and visualizing the data, filterable by users' registration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HUMANA INC.
    Inventor: Seth Snyder