Patents by Inventor Eric M. Andreassen

Eric M. Andreassen 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).

  • Patent number: 11805990
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20210338072
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervub Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 11071446
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 10966600
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20200315442
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20200069167
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 10470650
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20170035283
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 9474441
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Publication number: 20130267784
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8469882
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, III, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8197403
    Abstract: An otoscopic instrument includes an instrument head attached to a handle and a speculum tip actuator mechanism for receiving, retaining and selectively ejecting an otoscopic speculum tip element. The tip actuator mechanism includes an actuator knob rotatably attached to the instrument head in which the instrument head includes annular securement slots sized for receiving external engagement features of a speculum tip element which are rotatably fitted into the slot(s). The actuator knob further includes a pin for displacing a secured speculum tip element from the securing slot upon rotation in a predetermined direction in order to eject the tip element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Strom, Cynthia A. Kuiper, Chris R. Roberts, Michael E. Bausch, Allan I. Krauter, Eric M. Andreassen, David C. Woods
  • Publication number: 20120065473
    Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, III, Corinn Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8066634
    Abstract: A digital otoscope for capturing live and still digital images of body tissue and having associated optical characteristics that improve the quality of visual information gathered for medical inspection of both human and veterinary subjects. The digital otoscope includes a tip element having dimensions that are small enough to fit into a small body cavity, such as an ear canal. The tip element and the otoscope enclose an assembly of optical components yielding optical characteristics that provide a substantially wide field of view and a substantially wide range of optimal focus from which to form visual information within a small and confined body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John T. Delaney, Howard Haines, III, Corinn Fahrenkrug, Cynthia A. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 7803110
    Abstract: A veterinary otoscope permitting examination of an ear is defined by an instrument head including a proximal end and a distal insertion portion that is insertable into the ear. The veterinary otoscope includes an imaging lens train disposed within the instrument head, wherein each of the imagine lens train, an eyepiece and a distal opening of said insertion portion are aligned along an optical axis. The veterinary otoscope further includes a focusing mechanism for selectively moving at least one of the imagine lens train and the optics contained within the eyepiece relative to one another along the optical axis. The imagine lens train and the optics in the eyepiece define an optical system such that an entrance pipil is substantially located in the distal insertion portion of the instrument head, thereby enabling the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin Goldfain, Steven R. Slawson, Eric M. Andreassen, Kimberly E. McNeilly, Elizabeth P. Staples
  • Patent number: 7399275
    Abstract: An otoscope permitting examination of a patient's ear is defined by an instrument head including a proximal end and a distal insertion portion that is insertable into the ear. The otoscope includes an imaging lens train disposed within the instrument head, wherein each of the imaging lens train, an eyepiece and a distal opening of said insertion portion are aligned along an optical axis. The otoscope further includes a focusing mechanism for selectively moving at least one of the imaging lens train and the optics contained within the eyepiece relative to one another along the optical axis. The imaging lens train and the optics in the eyepiece define an optical system such that an entrance pupil is substantially located in the distal insertion portion of the instrument head, thereby enabling the entire tympanic membrane to be viewed at once by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin Goldfain, Steven R. Slawson, Eric M. Andreassen, Cynthia A. Kuiper, Elizabeth P. Staples, Raymond A. Lia
  • Patent number: D598545
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Haines, III, Corinn Fahrenkrug, Eric M. Andreassen, David M. Fallat, Ervin Goldfain, John R. Strom, John Delaney
  • Patent number: D615650
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Strom, Steven R. Slawson, Elizabeth P. Staples, Kimberly E. McNeilly, Eric M. Andreassen
  • Patent number: D754353
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pileski, Donwoong Kang, Jonathan A. Fitch, Scott W. Osiecki, Alan S. Knieriem, Eric M. Andreassen, Shawn C. St. Pierre
  • Patent number: D759254
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Alan S. Knieriem, Donwoong Kang, Jonathan A. Fitch, Scott W. Osiecki, Eric M. Andreassen, Shawn C. St. Pierre