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).

  • Publication number: 20230228946
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, Bryan Foronda
  • Patent number: 11696692
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Patent number: 11633113
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Patent number: 11567259
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Patent number: 11298026
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
  • Publication number: 20220031177
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Patent number: 11172833
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Publication number: 20210223470
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Patent number: 10983270
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health foc.
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Publication number: 20200183083
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Publication number: 20200113457
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Publication number: 20200093384
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Patent number: 10578798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Patent number: 10537255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Patent number: 10506934
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Phyzhon Health Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Publication number: 20190254530
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
  • Patent number: 10327645
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
  • Publication number: 20190170935
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
  • Patent number: 10258240
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Patent number: 10175421
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke