Patents by Inventor Howard Neil Rourke
Howard Neil Rourke 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: 20230228946Abstract: A medical device optical connector lead for coupling with a guidewire including optical fiber is described herein. The connector can include or use a housing defining an aperture, an optical receptacle disposed within the housing, the optical receptacle configured to receive an exposed optical fiber end of the guidewire extending through the aperture, and a chuck configured to clamp around the guidewire. The chuck can be slidable within the housing between a first chuck position wherein the chuck is positioned closer to the optical receptacle than to the aperture and a second chuck position wherein the chuck is positioned closer to the aperture than to the optical receptacle. An actuator can laterally move the chuck between the first position and the second position and concurrently tighten or loosen the chuck.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2022Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, Bryan Foronda
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Patent number: 11696692Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus including an elongated assembly, at least a portion of which is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be inserted into a human body to measure a physiological parameter at an internal location within the body. The elongated assembly includes an elongated member having a first length and an outer surface, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the elongated member, the coil having a second length, and at least one stand-off member positioned between the outer surface of the elongated member and the coil, where the at least one member is configured to prevent the coil from contacting an optical fiber positioned between the elongated member and the coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Patent number: 11633113Abstract: An optical connector including a first optical fiber having a first diameter and having a core that includes a thermally expanded core portion adjacent a first end of the first optical fiber, a second optical fiber spliced to a second end of the first optical fiber, the second optical fiber having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a connector bore having a first bore portion configured to receive the first end of the first optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 11567259Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core, such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon. A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are non-uniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 11298026Abstract: Techniques for imaging are disclosed. In one example, the disclosure is directed to a sensor positioned on an elongate optical fiber. The sensor comprises a plurality of blazed Bragg gratings configured to generate acoustic energy for imaging a region in response to a first optical signal, an interferometer configured to sense acoustic energy from the region and to provide a responsive second optical signal, the interferometer including a first fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a second FBG, wherein the plurality of blazed Bragg gratings are positioned between the first and second FBGs.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Inventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
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Publication number: 20220031177Abstract: In an example, this document discloses an apparatus for insertion into a body lumen, the apparatus comprising an optical fiber pressure sensor. The optical fiber pressure sensor comprises an optical fiber configured to transmit an optical sensing signal, a temperature compensated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) interferometer in optical communication with the optical fiber, the FBG interferometer configured to receive a pressure and modulate, in response to the received pressure, the optical sensing signal, and a sensor membrane in physical communication with the FBG interferometer, the membrane configured to transmit the received pressure to the FBG interferometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 11172833Abstract: In an example, this document discloses an apparatus for insertion into a body lumen, the apparatus comprising an optical fiber pressure sensor. The optical fiber pressure sensor comprises an optical fiber configured to transmit an optical sensing signal, a temperature compensated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) interferometer in optical communication with the optical fiber, the FBG interferometer configured to receive a pressure and modulate, in response to the received pressure, the optical sensing signal, and a sensor membrane in physical communication with the FBG interferometer, the membrane configured to transmit the received pressure to the FBG interferometer.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Publication number: 20210223470Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core, such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon. A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are non-uniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 10983270Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core, such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon. A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are non-uniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Phyzhon Health foc.Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Publication number: 20200183083Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core, such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon. A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are non-uniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Publication number: 20200113457Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus including an elongated assembly, at least a portion of which is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be inserted into a human body to measure a physiological parameter at an internal location within the body. The elongated assembly includes an elongated member having a first length and an outer surface, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the elongated member, the coil having a second length, and at least one stand-off member positioned between the outer surface of the elongated member and the coil, where the at least one member is configured to prevent the coil from contacting an optical fiber positioned between the elongated member and the coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Publication number: 20200093384Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus for insertion into a body lumen. The apparatus can comprise an optical fiber pressure sensor. The optical fiber pressure sensor can comprise an optical fiber configured to transmit an optical sensing signal. A temperature compensated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) interferometer can be in optical communication with the optical fiber. The FBG interferometer can be configured to receive a pressure and modulate, in response to the received pressure, the optical sensing signal. A compliant member such as a sensor membrane can be in physical communication with the FBG interferometer. The membrane configured to transmit the received pressure to the FBG interferometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Patent number: 10578798Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core, such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon. A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are non-uniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 10537255Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus including an elongated assembly, at least a portion of which is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be inserted into a human body to measure a physiological parameter at an internal location within the body. The elongated assembly includes an elongated member having a first length and an outer surface, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the elongated member, the coil having a second length, and at least one stand-off member positioned between the outer surface of the elongated member and the coil, where the at least one member is configured to prevent the coil from contacting an optical fiber positioned between the elongated member and the coil.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Patent number: 10506934Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus for insertion into a body lumen. The apparatus can comprise an optical fiber pressure sensor. The optical fiber pressure sensor can comprise an optical fiber configured to transmit an optical sensing signal. A temperature compensated Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) interferometer can be in optical communication with the optical fiber. The FBG interferometer can be configured to receive a pressure and modulate, in response to the received pressure, the optical sensing signal. A compliant member such as a sensor membrane can be in physical communication with the FBG interferometer. The membrane configured to transmit the received pressure to the FBG interferometer.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Publication number: 20190254530Abstract: Techniques for imaging are disclosed. In one example, the disclosure is directed to a sensor positioned on an elongate optical fiber. The sensor comprises a plurality of blazed Bragg gratings configured to generate acoustic energy for imaging a region in response to a first optical signal, an interferometer configured to sense acoustic energy from the region and to provide a responsive second optical signal, the interferometer including a first fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a second FBG, wherein the plurality of blazed Bragg gratings are positioned between the first and second FBGs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
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Patent number: 10327645Abstract: Techniques for imaging are disclosed. In one example, the disclosure is directed to a sensor positioned on an elongate optical fiber. The sensor comprises a plurality of blazed Bragg gratings configured to generate acoustic energy for imaging a region in response to a first optical signal, an interferometer configured to sense acoustic energy from the region and to provide a responsive second optical signal, the interferometer including a first fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a second FBG, wherein the plurality of blazed Bragg gratings are positioned between the first and second FBGs.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
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Publication number: 20190170935Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core, such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon. A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are non-uniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2018Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 10258240Abstract: In an example, an apparatus includes an elongated assembly, at least a portion of which is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be inserted into a human body to measure a physiological parameter at an internal location within the body. The elongated assembly can include an elongated member. The elongated assembly can include an optical fiber pressure sensor, located at a distal portion of the elongated member. The elongated assembly can include a housing disposed about the optical fiber pressure sensor. The elongated assembly can include a guidewire tube, coupled to the housing, the guidewire tube defining a receptacle sized and shaped to accept a guidewire to permit the distal portion of the elongated member to slide along the guidewire during insertion of the elongated assembly into the human body.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Patent number: 10175421Abstract: An intravascular or other 2D or 3D imaging apparatus can include a minimally-invasive distal imaging guidewire portion. A plurality of thin optical fibers (804) can be circumferentially distributed about a cylindrical guidewire core (1002), such as in an spiral-wound or otherwise attached optical fiber ribbon (802). A low refractive index coating, high numerical aperture (NA) fiber, or other technique can be used to overcome challenges of using extremely thin optical fibers. Coating and ribbonizing techniques are described. Also described are nonuniform refractive index peak amplitudes or wavelengths techniques for FBG writing, using a depressed index optical cladding, chirping, a self-aligned connector, optical fiber routing and alignment techniques for a system connector, and an adapter for connecting to standard optical fiber coupling connectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke