Patents by Inventor Eric J. Seibel
Eric J. Seibel 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: 20200346205Abstract: An example fluidic device includes an elastic tube, a first actuator coupled to an outer surface of the elastic tube between a first end and a second end of the elastic tube, and a second actuator coupled to the outer surface of the elastic tube between the first actuator and the second end of the elastic tube. The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to move apart from one another to transition a portion of the elastic tube positioned between the first actuator and the second actuator from a first condition to a second condition. A diameter of the elastic tube is greater in the first condition than in the second condition. The fluidic device also includes one or more rotatable components coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator which are configured to rotate the portion of the elastic tube positioned between the first actuator and the second actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2018Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Mark E. Fauver, Eric J. Seibel
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Publication number: 20200112674Abstract: Methods and systems for acquiring and/or projecting images from and/or to a target area are provided. Such a method or system can include an optical fiber assembly which may be driven to scan the target area in a scan pattern. The optical fiber assembly may provide multiple effective light sources (e.g., via a plurality of optical fibers) that are axially staggered with respect to an optical system located between the optical fiber and the target area. The optical system may be operable to focus and/or redirect the light from the multiple light sources onto separate focal planes. A composite image may be generated based on light reflected from and/or projected onto the separate focal planes. The composite image may have an extended depth of focus or field spanning over a distance between the separate focal planes while maintaining or improving image resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Patent number: 10557778Abstract: An imaging and diagnostic system and method for focal scanning of a specimen using optical projection tomographic microscopy and computer generation of three-dimensional images is disclosed. One embodiment includes a light source and an imaging system having an adjustable focal position, which acquires a plurality of digital 2D projection images of biological tissue placed within a specimen tube that translates and rotates past an optical lens in a helical pattern. A computer captures the images and generates a 3D composite image. Also disclosed is a system and method for preparing a specimen for optical microscopy. One embodiment includes fixing, staining, and/or optically clearing biological tissue within a microfluidic specimen chamber prior to placement in a specimen tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Qin Miao, Ryan Lee Coe, Per G. Reinhall
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Patent number: 10542209Abstract: Methods and systems for acquiring and/or projecting images from and/or to a target area are provided. Such a method or system can includes an optical fiber assembly which may be driven to scan the target area in a scan pattern. The optical fiber assembly may provide multiple effective light sources (e.g., via a plurality of optical fibers) that are axially staggered with respect to an optical system located between the optical fiber and the target area. The optical system may be operable to focus and/or redirect the light from the multiple light sources onto separate focal planes. A composite image may be generated based on light reflected from and/or projected onto the separate focal planes. The composite image may have an extended depth of focus or field spanning over a distance between the separate focal planes while maintaining or improving image resolution.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20190328234Abstract: A system for the optical measurement of pH includes a light emitter to emit an excitation light, and a detector coupled to receive florescence light produced by a compound in a mouth of a patient in response to the excitation light. A controller is coupled to the detector, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller, causes the system to perform operations. The operations may include emitting the excitation light from the light emitter; measuring an intensity of the florescence light emitted from a surface of individual teeth in a plurality of teeth in the mouth; and determining, based on the intensity of the florescence light, one or more locations on the individual teeth likely to develop demineralization.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2017Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Yuanzheng Gong, Zheng Xu, Jeffrey S. McLean, Yaxuan Zhou
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Patent number: 10349818Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices relating to optical fiber scanners are provided. In one aspect, a scanning apparatus includes an optical fiber and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the optical fiber to deflect a distal end of the optical fiber in a scanning pattern. The apparatus can include drive circuitry coupled to the piezoelectric actuator, sense circuitry electrically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator and the drive circuitry to determine displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, and a processor coupled to the drive circuitry and the sense circuitry to drive the piezoelectric actuator in response to the displacement.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Ivan L. Yeoh, Per G. Reinhall, Eric J. Seibel, Matthew J. Kundrat
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Publication number: 20180353640Abstract: A photosensitive medical tape includes a backing layer that is at least partially transparent to a first spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The photosensitive medical tape also includes a coupling layer disposed on a first side of the backing layer to provide adhesion of the photosensitive medical tape to the human skin. The photosensitive medical tape is disposed to absorb a second spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to decrease a strength of the adhesion provided by the coupling layer. The photosensitive medical tape is also flexible.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Leonard Nelson
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Patent number: 10130243Abstract: The image-based feedback endoscopy system includes a steering apparatus having a base platform, a pair of servomotors, a rigid tube, and a biasing member. A flexion member has a tether member and a ball screw, the tether member being in communication with the biasing member. The image-based feedback endoscopy system further includes an endoscope having a tip. The endoscope is positioned through the concentric spring such that the tip extends from the biasing member. The endoscope is in communication with the flexion member such that the endoscope is selectively movable by the pair of servomotors selectively controlling the flexion member. The endoscope includes a piezo actuator, a scanning fiber, a lens assembly, and collection fibers. The image-based feedback endoscopy system also includes an image based feedback algorithm, which selectively controls the operation of the pair of servo motors.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Qatar University Al TarfaInventors: Woon Jong Yoon, Eric J. Seibel, Matthew R. Burkhardt, Timothy D. Soper
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Patent number: 10080484Abstract: Improved methods, systems and apparatus relating to wide field fluorescence and reflectance imaging are provided, including improved methods, systems and apparatus relating to removal of background signals such as autofluorescence and/or fluorophore emission cross-talk; distance compensation of fluorescent signals; and co-registration of multiple signals emitted from three dimensional tissues.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Chenying Yang, Eric J. Seibel, Leonard Y. Nelson, Timothy D. Soper
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Publication number: 20180249913Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Applicant: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Leonard Y. Nelson
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Publication number: 20180199015Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Charles D. MELVILLE, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20180103834Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices relating to optical fiber scanners are provided. In one aspect, a scanning apparatus includes an optical fiber and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the optical fiber to deflect a distal end of the optical fiber in a scanning pattern. The apparatus can include drive circuitry coupled to the piezoelectric actuator, sense circuitry electrically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator and the drive circuitry to determine displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, and a processor coupled to the drive circuitry and the sense circuitry to drive the piezoelectric actuator in response to the displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Ivan L. Yeoh, Per G. Reinhall, Eric J. Seibel, Matthew J. Kundrat
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Patent number: 9901256Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON THROUGH ITS CENTER FOR COMMERCIALIZATIONInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Liang Zhang, Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville, Leonard Nelson, Cameron M. Lee, Joel Berg
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Patent number: 9894329Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Patent number: 9872606Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices relating to optical fiber scanners are provided. In one aspect, a scanning apparatus includes an optical fiber and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the optical fiber to deflect a distal end of the optical fiber in a scanning pattern. The apparatus can include drive circuitry coupled to the piezoelectric actuator, sense circuitry electrically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator and the drive circuitry to determine displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, and a processor coupled to the drive circuitry and the sense circuitry to drive the piezoelectric actuator in response to the displacement.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON THROUGH ITS CENTER FOR COMMERCIALIZATIONInventors: Ivan L. Yeoh, Per G. Reinhall, Eric J. Seibel, Matthew J. Kundrat
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Patent number: 9872613Abstract: A system for imaging a body lumen includes a scanning capsule with a scanning device, a flexible tether coupled to the scanning capsule, a reel coupled to the flexible tether, and one or more processors. The scanning capsule is sized to be introduced into the body lumen of the patient by swallowing and advanced along the body lumen with normal peristalsis. The one or more processors are configured to scan light onto a portion of the body lumen using the scanning device, detect light from the portion of the body lumen using a light sensor, generate one or more images of the portion of the body lumen in response to the detected light, determine a rate for withdrawing the scanning capsule from the body lumen based on the one or more images, and withdraw the scanning capsule from the body lumen using the reel according to the determined rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Richard S. Johnston
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Publication number: 20170310889Abstract: Methods and systems for acquiring and/or projecting images from and/or to a target area are provided. Such a method or system can includes an optical fiber assembly which may be driven to scan the target area in a scan pattern. The optical fiber assembly may provide multiple effective light sources (e.g., via a plurality of optical fibers) that are axially staggered with respect to an optical system located between the optical fiber and the target area. The optical system may be operable to focus and/or redirect the light from the multiple light sources onto separate focal planes. A composite image may be generated based on light reflected from and/or projected onto the separate focal planes. The composite image may have an extended depth of focus or field spanning over a distance between the separate focal planes while maintaining or improving image resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Eric J. SEIBEL, Brian T. SCHOWENGERDT
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Patent number: 9742993Abstract: Methods and systems for acquiring and/or projecting images from and/or to a target area are provided. Such a method or system can includes an optical fiber assembly which may be driven to scan the target area in a scan pattern. The optical fiber assembly may provide multiple effective light sources (e.g., via a plurality of optical fibers) that are axially staggered with respect to an optical system located between the optical fiber and the target area. The optical system may be operable to focus and/or redirect the light from the multiple light sources onto separate focal planes. A composite image may be generated based on light reflected from and/or projected onto the separate focal planes. The composite image may have an extended depth of focus or field spanning over a distance between the separate focal planes while maintaining or improving image resolution.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Patent number: 9554729Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Timothy D. Soper, Robb W. Glenny, Eric J. Seibel
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Publication number: 20160324403Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices relating to optical fiber scanners are provided. In one aspect, a scanning apparatus includes an optical fiber and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the optical fiber to deflect a distal end of the optical fiber in a scanning pattern. The apparatus can include drive circuitry coupled to the piezoelectric actuator, sense circuitry electrically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator and the drive circuitry to determine displacement of the piezoelectric actuator, and a processor coupled to the drive circuitry and the sense circuitry to drive the piezoelectric actuator in response to the displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2014Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Ivan L. Yeoh, Per G. Reinhall, Eric J. Seibel, Matthew J. Kundrat