Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Vakoc
Benjamin J. Vakoc 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).
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Publication number: 20240151509Abstract: A method including: scanning a sample over a period of time using an electro-magnetic radiation source, the period of time including a first time period and a second time period, a sample portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source being directed to the sample in a sample arm of an optical interferometric system, and a reference portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source being directed to a reference arm of the optical interferometric system; applying, using a phase modulator, a phase shift comprising a first phase shift and a second phase shift to at least one of the reference portion or the sample portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source, the first phase shift being applied during the first time period and the second phase shift being applied during the second time period, the second phase shift having a difference of 90 degrees from the first phase shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman Lippok
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Patent number: 11852474Abstract: A method including: scanning a sample over a period of time using an electro-magnetic radiation source, the period of time including a first time period and a second time period, a sample portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source being directed to the sample in a sample arm of an optical interferometric system, and a reference portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source being directed to a reference arm of the optical interferometric system; applying, using a phase modulator, a phase shift comprising a first phase shift and a second phase shift to at least one of the reference portion or the sample portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source, the first phase shift being applied during the first time period and the second phase shift being applied during the second time period, the second phase shift having a difference of 90 degrees from the first phase shift; acquiring in-phase data based on a first interference between first backscattered electro-magnetic radiation during the first time perType: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman Lippok
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Patent number: 11660001Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
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Publication number: 20210318111Abstract: A method including: scanning a sample over a period of time using an electro-magnetic radiation source, the period of time including a first time period and a second time period, a sample portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source being directed to the sample in a sample arm of an optical interferometric system, and a reference portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source being directed to a reference arm of the optical interferometric system; applying, using a phase modulator, a phase shift comprising a first phase shift and a second phase shift to at least one of the reference portion or the sample portion of the electro-magnetic radiation source, the first phase shift being applied during the first time period and the second phase shift being applied during the second time period, the second phase shift having a difference of 90 degrees from the first phase shift; acquiring in-phase data based on a first interference between first backscattered electro-magnetic radiation during the first time perType: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2019Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman Lippok
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Publication number: 20210219844Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
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Patent number: 10987000Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
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Patent number: 10426548Abstract: According one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, method and system can be provided for applying a laser radiation to at least one portion of a biological structure. For example, a beam of the laser radiation can be provided to the portion, whereas a cross-sectional area of the beam is at most about 1/10th of an entire area of the at least one portion. The beam can be applied to the portion (a) based on a predetermined pattern, (b) while modulating a wavelength of the laser radiation, and/or (c) while monitoring a depth of the application of the laser radiation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: The General Hosppital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc
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Publication number: 20170238809Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Guillermo J. TEARNEY, MILEN SHISHKOV, BRETT EUGENE BOUMA, BENJAMIN J. VAKOC, NORMAN S. NISHIOKA
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Patent number: 9646377Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
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Patent number: 9441948Abstract: Apparatus, method and storage medium which can provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to a sample and at least one second electromagnetic radiation to a reference, such that the first and/or second electromagnetic radiations have a spectrum which changes over time. In addition, a first polarization component of at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation can be combined with a second polarization component of at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation with one another. The first and second polarizations may be specifically controlled to be at least approximately orthogonal to one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Seok-Hyun Yun, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma
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Patent number: 9375158Abstract: An exemplary apparatus and/or an exemplary method can be provided using which, it is possible (e.g., with at least one first arrangement) to measure an amplitude and/or a phase of at least one electromagnetic radiation provided from a particular portion of a sample. Further, it is possible (e.g., using at least one second arrangement) to scan a location of the particular portion along a path from a first point of the sample to a second point of the sample. In addition, it is possible to control the scan (e.g., with the second arrangement) such that the scan may comprise at least one first segment having a positive velocity and at least one segment having a negative velocity. A first distance of the first segment and/or the second segment can be smaller than a second distance between the first and second points.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma
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Patent number: 9330092Abstract: Exemplary systems, apparatus, methods and computer-accessible medium for generating information regarding at least one sample can be provided. For example, it is possible to receiving first data which is based on at least one first radiation provided to the sample(s) and at least one second radiation provided from the sample(s) that is/are associated with the first radiation(s) It is also possible to generate second data by reducing the influence of first optical effects induced on the first radiation(s) prior to reaching the sample(s), and second optical effects induced on the second radiation(s) after leaving the sample(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Ziyi Zhang
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Patent number: 9186067Abstract: An apparatus for applying electro-magnetic radiations to a sample is provided. The apparatus can include an arrangement which has a specific portion with a plurality of channels. One channel(s) can facilitate a first radiation to be forwarded to the sample within an anatomical structure, and another channel(s) can facilitate a second radiation to be forwarded to the sample. The first radiation can have a first wavelength band, and the second radiation can have a second wavelength band, which can be substantially different from the first wavelength band. The first radiation can be delivered to a first area of the sample, and the second radiation can be delivered to a second area of the sample. Each of the channels can facilitate a particular radiation(s) to be forwarded to the sample that is within an anatomical structure of the sample, the radiations being delivered to different areas of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc
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Patent number: 9186066Abstract: An apparatus for applying a plurality of electro-magnetic radiations to a sample is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus can include an arrangement which has a specific portion with a plurality of channels. One of channels can facilitate a first radiation of the radiations to be forwarded to the sample that is within an anatomical structure, and another one of the channels can facilitate a second radiation of the radiations to be forwarded to the sample. The first radiation may have a first wavelength band, and the second radiation may have a second wavelength band. The first wavelength band may be substantially different from the second wavelength band. According to another exemplary embodiment, the first radiation can be adapted to be delivered to a first area of the sample, and the second radiation may be capable of being delivered to a second area of the sample. The first area may be substantially enclosed by the second area.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc
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Patent number: 9178330Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, source arrangement and method for, e.g., providing high-speed wavelength tuning can be provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one arrangement can be provided which is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation that (i) has a spectrum whose mean frequency changes at an absolute rate that is greater than about 6000 (or 2000) terahertz per millisecond, (ii) whose mean frequency changes over a range that is greater than about 10 terahertz, and/or (iii) has an instantaneous line width that is less than about 15 gigahertz. According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one arrangement can be provided configured to, periodically and as a function of time, select at least one first electro-magnetic radiation based on a mean frequency of the at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, with the periodic selection being performed at a first characteristic period.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Wang-Yuhl Oh, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma
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Patent number: 9087368Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATIONInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett E. Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
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Patent number: 9060689Abstract: Apparatus, system and method are provided which utilize signals received from a reference and a sample. In particular, a radiation is provided which includes at least one first electro-magnetic radiation directed to the sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation directed to the reference. A frequency of the radiation varies over time. An interference can be detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. It is possible to obtain a particular signal associated with at least one phase of at least one frequency component of the interference, and compare the particular signal to at least one particular information. Further, it is possible to receive at least one portion of the radiation and provide a further radiation, such that the particular signal can be calibrated based on the further signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Johannes F. De Boer, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Seok-Hyun Yun
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Patent number: 8937724Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one sample. For example, using at least one first arrangement, it is possible to forward at least one first radiation to the sample(s) so as to cause at least one second radiation to be provided from the sample(s) that can be based on the first radiation(s). In addition, using at least one second arrangement, it is possible to receive the second radiation from the sample(s), generate a plurality of distinct measurements regarding at least one portion of the sample(s) based the second radiation(s), and characterize the portion(s) over a plurality of continuous resolvable depth points thereof which are associated with the distinct measurements. Further, the characterization of the at least one portion can be resolved and distinctly characterized at a number of the depth points which is greater than a number of the distinct measurements.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Vakoc, Wang Y. Oh, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma
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Patent number: 8928889Abstract: Method and apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided. For example, first data associated with a first signal received from at least one region of at least one sample can be provided based on a first modality, and second data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be provided based on a second modality which is different from the first modality. Third data associated with a reference can be received. Further data can be generated based on the first, second and third data. In addition, third data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be obtained. Each of the third data can be based on a further modality which is different from the first modality and the second modality, and the further data can be further determined based on the third data. Further, the first modality can be a spectral-encoded modality, and the second modality can be a non-spectral-encoding modality.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Wang-Yuhl Oh, Brett Eugene Bouma
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Patent number: RE46412Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus and methods are provided according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be received and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a solid angle may be forwarded to a sample. The second electro-magnetic radiation may be associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of third electro-magnetic radiations can be received from the sample which is associated with the second electro-magnetic radiation, and at least one portion of the third electro-magnetic radiation is provided outside a periphery of the solid angle. Signals associated with each of the third electro-magnetic radiations can be simultaneously detected, with the signals being associated with information for the sample at a plurality of depths thereof. The depths can be determined using at least one of the third electro-magnetic radiations without a need to utilize another one of the third electro-magnetic radiations.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATIONInventors: Adrien Desjardins, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma