Patents by Inventor Andrew K. Levien

Andrew K. Levien has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240366184
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for an improved ultrasound eye scanning device wherein the size of the scan head is reduced significantly and the entire instrument can be placed on a desktop. The improved ultrasound eye scanning device also utilizes imaging goggles to enable better coupling between the patient and the instrument. The imaging goggles also allow both eyes of the patient to be scanned without the patient moving. Another innovation of the ultrasound imaging system according to the present disclosure is the use of the contralateral (opposite) eye for fixation and focusing during scanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Tom Wilmering, Barry Schafer, John D. Watson
  • Patent number: 12042329
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided herein to control movement of a patient's eyelid during a diagnostic procedure such as scanning the patient's eye with an ultrasound or optical imaging device. Strips having a non-adhesive portion and an adhesive portion are attached to each eyelid. The patient can then pull on distal ends of the strip to open the patient's eye and press the strips into an eyepiece to hold the patient's eyelids and keep the patient's eye open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Alexandre M. Nardes, Tom Wilmering
  • Patent number: 12016725
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for an improved ultrasound eye scanning device wherein the size of the scan head is reduced significantly and the entire instrument can be placed on a desktop. The improved ultrasound eye scanning device also utilizes imaging goggles to enable better coupling between the patient and the instrument. The imaging goggles also allow both eyes of the patient to be scanned without the patient moving. Another innovation of the ultrasound imaging system according to the present disclosure is the use of the contralateral (opposite) eye for fixation and focusing during scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Tom Wilmering, Barry Schafer, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20240180517
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and apparatuses are provided for imaging a body part of a patient such as an eye of the patient. In some embodiments, a process is provided for adjusting the readings from an ultrasound probe to account for the different speeds of sound through different portions of the eye. In various embodiments, a process is provided for combing multiple images of the body part together. In some embodiments, a process is provided for determining the diameter of the lens of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Matthew G. Sassu, Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
  • Patent number: 11839510
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and apparatuses are provided for imaging a body part of a patient such as an eye of the patient. In some embodiments, a process is provided for adjusting the readings from an ultrasound probe to account for the different speeds of sound through different portions of the eye. In various embodiments, a process is provided for combing multiple images of the body part together. In some embodiments, a process is provided for determining the diameter of the lens of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Matthew G. Sassu, Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20230157663
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improvement of a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging the human eye and in particular to method for the manufacture and assembly of an eye piece suitable for use with an ultrasonic arc scanning device. The method disclosed herein describes an improved eye piece for ultrasound imaging that reduces saline leakage around its optically and acoustically transparent membrane and improves the efficiency of assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Tom Wilmering, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20230142825
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ultrasound imaging and treatment of an eye and in particular directed to an apparatus and method for reducing intraocular pressure by 1) ablating the ciliary process which is the structure responsible for production of aqueous humor and 2) by vibrating the trabecular mesh to stimulate better drainage of fluid through the trabecular mesh and out of the eye. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the eye wherein the resolution is sufficient to image, for example, ciliary body and region around the trabecular mesh. The present disclosure further discloses an imaging transducer and an irradiating therapeutic transducer that can be mounted such that they are movable between a plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, John David Watson
  • Patent number: 11426611
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging, for example, the prostate in a way that produces a superior image of the prostate while removing the iatrogenic risk and patient discomfort associated with other methods of providing an ultrasound image of the prostate. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the prostate from outside the patient's body wherein the resolution in sufficient to image, for example, cancerous lesions on the surface of the prostate. To achieve such images, coded excitation, tissue harmonic imaging, advanced transducers operating in the 10 MHz to 40 MHz range is used to achieve a useable signal-to-noise reflection while being able to position the imaging transducer as close as possible to the prostate without risk or discomfort to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien
  • Publication number: 20220061801
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for an improved ultrasound eye scanning device wherein the size of the scan head is reduced significantly and the entire instrument can be placed on a desktop. The improved ultrasound eye scanning device also utilizes imaging goggles to enable better coupling between the patient and the instrument. The imaging goggles also allow both eyes of the patient to be scanned without the patient moving. Another innovation of the ultrasound imaging system according to the present disclosure is the use of the contralateral (opposite) eye for fixation and focusing during scanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Erik Johan Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Tom Wilmering, Barry Schafer, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20210401401
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for holding an eyelid open and preventing involuntary blinking during an ultrasound imaging procedure while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Eyelids can be taped up to the forehead or down to the cheek with common medical tape; however, this does not provide the instrument operator with the ability to adjust or control the amount of eye lid opening very well, nor allow the patient to relax the eyelids between scanning sessions. The present disclosure includes a speculum that can be placed in an eye piece such as used in a precision ultrasound device or other imaging device wherein the optical acoustic and transmission path between the eye and instrument is formed by a fluid such as saline solution and distilled water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Erik Johan Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Tom Wilmering, Barry Schafer
  • Publication number: 20210353252
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method that detects and measures a vault of an anterior segment of an eye of a patient. The system and method locate an implanted contact lens (ICL) between a cornea and a natural lens, form a B-scan of the eye based on the received ultrasound pulses, removes background pixels, such as by binarizing and thresholding, from the B-Scan from a grayscale color palette to a black/white color palette, determines, from the resulting B-scan a fiduciary location in the anterior segment of the eye, and forms using the resulting B-scan and fiduciary location, a vault map mapping a distance between an anterior segment surface and a posterior surface of the ICL along a plurality of lines drawn perpendicular to a local surface of the anterior segment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Z. Reinstein, Linda Johnson, Johan Erik Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Matthew G. Sassu
  • Publication number: 20210204906
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and apparatuses are provided for imaging a body part of a patient such as an eye of the patient. In some embodiments, a process is provided for adjusting the readings from an ultrasound probe to account for the different speeds of sound through different portions of the eye. In various embodiments, a process is provided for combing multiple images of the body part together. In some embodiments, a process is provided for determining the diameter of the lens of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Matthew G. Sassu, Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20210186458
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided herein to control movement of a patient's eyelid during a diagnostic procedure such as scanning the patient's eye with an ultrasound or optical imaging device. Strips having a non-adhesive portion and an adhesive portion are attached to each eyelid. The patient can then pull on distal ends of the strip to open the patient's eye and press the strips into an eyepiece to hold the patient's eyelids and keep the patient's eye open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Johan E. Giphart, Andrew K. Levien, Alexandre M. Nardes, Tom Wilmering
  • Patent number: 10888301
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging, for example, the prostate in a way that produces a superior image of the prostate while removing the iatrogenic risk and patient discomfort associated with other methods of providing an ultrasound image of the prostate. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the prostate from outside the patient's body wherein the resolution in sufficient to image, for example, cancerous lesions on the surface of the prostate. To achieve such images, coded excitation, tissue harmonic imaging, advanced transducers operating in the 10 MHz to 40 MHz range is used to achieve a useable signal-to-noise reflection while being able to position the imaging transducer as close as possible to the prostate without risk or discomfort to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson, Ronald H. Silverman
  • Patent number: 10736605
    Abstract: A disposable eye piece system, including the eye piece and other disposable components, for a precision ultrasonic scanning apparatus is disclosed. The eye piece includes a fill port, a vent port and a drain port molded into the base of the eye piece. An RF Identification chip may be molded into the plastic base of the eye piece or, alternately into the conformable face seal of the eye piece. The components of a disposable eye piece system form an integrated disposable package that can be assembled, packaged, transported and used while maintaining the eye piece and saline solution in a sterile condition. The protective shipping container 1) protects the eye piece from damage, human contact and exposure to ambient air during shipping and storage and 2) allows the scanning physician or technician to attach the eye piece to the scanning machine without compromising the sterile condition of the eye piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Heath, Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
  • Patent number: 10531859
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various aspects of imaging systems, including permeable and impermeable barriers separating liquid compartments, one of which contains the object to be imaged and the other an ultrasonic transducer, a fluidic bearing between a transducer carriage and guide supporting the carriage, a linear motor for the carriage, and a location sensing device for the carriage. A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing an ultrasound scan on a body part and specifically an instrument which directly attaches to the surface of the body. This apparatus provides high resolution images and increased depth of imaging for high resolution ultrasound of targeted subsurface body tissues. Targeted tissues may include joints, ocular structures, and internal organs. The method and apparatus stabilize and provide accurate determination of the position of the body part relative to the ultrasound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien
  • Publication number: 20190290939
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging, for example, the prostate in a way that produces a superior image of the prostate while removing the iatrogenic risk and patient discomfort associated with other methods of providing an ultrasound image of the prostate. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the prostate from outside the patient's body wherein the resolution in sufficient to image, for example, cancerous lesions on the surface of the prostate. To achieve such images, coded excitation, tissue harmonic imaging, advanced transducers operating in the 10 MHz to 40 MHz range is used to achieve a useable signal-to-noise reflection while being able to position the imaging transducer as close as possible to the prostate without risk or discomfort to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien
  • Patent number: 10265049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high frequency ultrasound (VHFU) imaging systems. An OCT probe and reference arm are mounted along with an ultrasound probe on a carriage capable of rotational, linear, and/or arcuate motion. The probe carriage may be immersed in water or other suitable medium. The OCT and VHFU probes move about the cornea surface such that the probe axes are substantially perpendicular relative to the cornea surface throughout a scan. The probes are able to be scanned in an arcuate path across the entire cornea surface. The method and apparatus disclosed are also directed towards providing a positioning mechanism and scan head comprising an arcuate guide track wherein only an OCT probe is mounted on the probe carriage. This embodiment allows the OCT probe beam to remain substantially perpendicular to the cornea and lens surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20170119345
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging, for example, the prostate in a way that produces a superior image of the prostate while removing the iatrogenic risk and patient discomfort associated with other methods of providing an ultrasound image of the prostate. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the prostate from outside the patient's body wherein the resolution in sufficient to image, for example, cancerous lesions on the surface of the prostate. To achieve such images, coded excitation, tissue harmonic imaging, advanced transducers operating in the 10 MHz to 40 MHz range is used to achieve a useable signal-to-noise reflection while being able to position the imaging transducer as close as possible to the prostate without risk or discomfort to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson, Ronald H. Silverman
  • Patent number: 9597059
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for detecting and correcting unintended eye movements that may occur during an ultrasound scan by monitoring multiple position tracking sensors, examples being but not limited to ultrasound or optical position sensors. These position tracking sensors are in addition to the ultrasound imaging transducer and are in a fixed position on the scan head so as not to move during the scanning operation. These position tracking sensors can continuously monitor the distance to the cornea or other clearly defined anatomical features of the eye such as the posterior pigment layer of the iris during the movement of the scan head assembly and can provide continuous multi-dimensional correction for any unwanted motion of the eye relative to the scan head that may occur during the ultrasound scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ArcScan, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Watson, Andrew K. Levien