Patents by Inventor Karen M. Twietmeyer

Karen M. Twietmeyer 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).

  • Methods and apparatus for evaluating image focus
    Patent number: 7469160
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of focusing an instrument for the acquisition of optical data from a tissue sample. Methods of the invention allow rapid focusing in the context of a diagnostic procedure in which rapid data acquisition is desirable. For example, inventive methods allow a user to focus an optical instrument quickly enough to obtain data within an optimal window of time following application of a chemical agent to the tissue. In one embodiment, a user focuses an optical instrument by aligning laser spots projected onto a tissue sample within rings that are superimposed at predetermined locations within the user's visual field. Preferred methods of the invention further comprise automatic validation to detect whether the spots are sufficiently well-aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventors: Perry S. Banks, Chunsheng Jiang, Karen M. Twietmeyer, Richard M. Morrell, Charles C. Abele
  • Methods and apparatus for evaluating image focus
    Publication number: 20040206882
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of focusing an instrument for the acquisition of optical data from a tissue sample. Methods of the invention allow rapid focusing in the context of a diagnostic procedure in which rapid data acquisition is desirable. For example, inventive methods allow a user to focus an optical instrument quickly enough to obtain data within an optimal window of time following application of a chemical agent to the tissue. In one embodiment, a user focuses an optical instrument by aligning laser spots projected onto a tissue sample within rings that are superimposed at predetermined locations within the user's visual field. Preferred methods of the invention further comprise automatic validation to detect whether the spots are sufficiently well-aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: MediSpectra, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry S. Banks, Chunsheng Jiang, Karen M. Twietmeyer, Richard M. Morrell, Charles C. Abele