Patents by Inventor Kate Leeann Bechtel

Kate Leeann Bechtel 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: 20200352486
    Abstract: A sleeve or sheath includes a body having a top opening. The body covers a handheld oximeter probe or a portion of the probe. The sleeve has a shape that approximately matches the oximeter probe or portion of the probe, which is covered by the sleeve. The sleeve has a top opening that allows a user to slide the oximeter probe into the sleeve. The sleeve is transparent to radiation emitted and collected by the oximeter probe. The sleeve is formed of a material that prevents patient tissue, fluid, viruses, bacteria, and fungus from contacting the covered portions of the oximeter probe. The sleeve leaves the probe relatively sterile after use so that little or no clearing of the probe is required for a subsequent use, such as when the probe is covered with a new, unused sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Lonsinger, Scott Coleridge, Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, William Welch
  • Patent number: 10827957
    Abstract: An oximeter probe includes a probe unit or a base unit and a probe tip where the probe tip has a number of sources and detectors that can be accessed individually or in differing combinations for measuring tissue oxygen saturation at different tissue depth in tissue. A processor of the oximeter probe controls a multiplexer that is coupled to the detectors for selectively collecting measurement information from the detectors via the multiplexer. The oximeter probe is user programmable via one or more input devices on the oximeter probe for selecting the particular sources and detectors to collect measurement information from by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Jennifer Elizabeth Keating, Scott Coleridge
  • Patent number: 10820863
    Abstract: An oximeter probe that takes into account tissue color (e.g., skin color or melanin content) to improve accuracy when determining oxygen saturation of tissue. Light is transmitted from a light source into tissue having melanin (e.g., eumelanin or pheomelanin). Light reflected from the tissue is received by a detector. A compensation factor is determined to account for absorption due to the melanin. The oximeter uses this compensation factor and determines a melanin-corrected oxygen saturation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Kimberly Merritt Shultz, Alex Michael Margiott, George Edward Kechter
  • Publication number: 20200305775
    Abstract: A method for determining oxygen saturation includes emitting light from sources into tissue; detecting the light by detectors subsequent to reflection; and generating reflectance data based on detecting the light. The method includes determining a first subset of simulated reflectance curves from a set of simulated reflectance curves stored in a tissue oximetry device for a coarse grid; and fitting the reflectance data points to the first subset of simulated reflectance curves to determine a closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves. The method includes determining a second subset of simulated reflectance curves for a fine grid based on the closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves; determining a peak of absorption and reflection coefficients from the fine grid; and determining an absorption and a reflectance coefficient for the reflectance data points by performing a weighted average of the absorption coefficients and reflection coefficients from the peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, H. Keith Nishihara
  • Patent number: 10786187
    Abstract: An oximeter probe determines an oxygen saturation for the tissue and determines a quality value for the oxygen saturation and associated measurements of the tissue. The quality value is calculated from reflectance data received at the detectors of the oximeter probe. The oximeter probe then displays a value for the oxygen saturation with the error value to indicate a quality level for the oxygen saturation and associated values used to calculate oxygen saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Alex Michael Margiott, Jennifer Elizabeth Keating, Kimberly Merritt Shultz, Scott Coleridge, Joseph Heanue
  • Patent number: 10750986
    Abstract: A laparoscopic medical device includes an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows the making of oxygen saturation measurements laparoscopically. The device can be a unitary design, wherein a laparoscopic element includes electronics for the oximeter sensor at a distal end (e.g., opposite the tip). The device can be a multiple piece design (e.g., two-piece design), where some electronics is in a separate housing from the laparoscopic element, and the pieces (or portions) are removably connected together. The laparoscopic element can be removed and disposed of; so, the electronics can be reused multiple times with replacement laparoscopic elements. The electronics can include a processing unit for control, computation, or display, or any combination of these. However, in an implementation, the electronics can connect wirelessly to other electronics (e.g., another processing unit) for further control, computation, or display, or any combination of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Todd Louis Harris, Edward Gerald Solomon, Winston Sun, Alan Baldwin, Scott Coleridge, Mark Lonsinger
  • Patent number: 10722156
    Abstract: A sleeve includes a body having a top opening. The body covers a handheld oximeter probe or a portion of the probe. The sleeve has a shape that approximately matches the oximeter probe or portion of the probe, which is covered by the sleeve. The sleeve has a top opening that allows a user to slide the oximeter probe into the sleeve. The sleeve is transparent to radiation emitted and collected by the oximeter probe. The sleeve is formed of a material that prevents patient tissue, fluid, viruses, bacteria, and fungus from contacting the covered portions of the oximeter probe. The sleeve leaves the probe relatively sterile after use so that little or no clearing of the probe is required for a subsequent use, such as when the probe is covered with a new, unused sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lonsinger, Scott Coleridge, Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, William Welch
  • Publication number: 20200196929
    Abstract: An oximeter device has an ergonomically shaped enclosure that allows a user to comfortably grip and use the device during handheld operation. A sensor tip can be easily placed evenly on the tissue surface, so that all sources and detectors are directly on the tissue with even pressure. This allows for more consistent and accurate results. The user can easily move the device from one position to another and take numerous measurements. The user will have a wide, unobstructed view of the tissue because of the tip's small size, angle of display, and the grip and fingers are positioned away from the tip. Components housed by the enclosure are arranged to give the device a balanced weighting while in the hand. The device can be used for long periods at a time without fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Sophia Elizabeth Berger, Audrey Steever
  • Patent number: 10682080
    Abstract: A method for determining oxygen saturation includes emitting light from sources into tissue; detecting the light by detectors subsequent to reflection; and generating reflectance data based on detecting the light. The method includes determining a first subset of simulated reflectance curves from a set of simulated reflectance curves stored in a tissue oximetry device for a coarse grid; and fitting the reflectance data points to the first subset of simulated reflectance curves to determine a closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves. The method includes determining a second subset of simulated reflectance curves for a fine grid based on the closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves; determining a peak of absorption and reflection coefficients from the fine grid; and determining an absorption and a reflectance coefficient for the reflectance data points by performing a weighted average of the absorption coefficients and reflection coefficients from the peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, H. Keith Nishihara
  • Publication number: 20200138348
    Abstract: An intraoperative tissue oximetry device includes a tissue marker that includes one or more pens or one or more similar ink sources, such that the tissue marker can mark tissue according to oxygen saturation measurements made by the tissue oximetry device, thereby visually delineating regions of potentially viable tissue from regions of potentially nonviable tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Lester John Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20200107761
    Abstract: A method for calibrating detectors of a self-contained, tissue oximetry device includes emitting light from a light source into a tissue phantom, detecting in a plurality of detectors the light emitted from the light source, subsequent to reflection from the tissue phantom, and generating a set of detector responses by the plurality of detectors based on detecting the light emitted from the light source. The method further includes determining a set of differences between the set of detector responses and a reflectance curve for the tissue phantom, and generating a set of calibration functions based on the set of differences. Each calibration function in the set of calibration functions is associated with a unique, light source-detector pair. The method further includes storing the set of calibration function in a memory of the self-contained, tissue oximetry device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Brian Wilfley
  • Patent number: 10575763
    Abstract: An oximeter device has an ergonomically shaped enclosure that allows a user to comfortably grip and use the device during handheld operation. A sensor tip can be easily placed evenly on the tissue surface, so that all sources and detectors are directly on the tissue with even pressure. This allows for more consistent and accurate results. The user can easily move the device from one position to another and take numerous measurements. The user will have a wide, unobstructed view of the tissue because of the tip's small size, angle of display, and the grip and fingers are positioned away from the tip. Components housed by the enclosure are arranged to give the device a balanced weighting while in the hand. The device can be used for long periods at a time without fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Sophia Elizabeth Berger, Audrey Steever
  • Publication number: 20200060588
    Abstract: A system includes an enclosure having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The enclosure includes a display coupled to the processor where the display is visible from an exterior of the enclosure; and a battery within the enclosure coupled to the processor and the display. The enclosure includes a probe tip coupled to an exterior of the enclosure. The probe tip includes first, second, and third sensor openings. A first distance between the first and second sensor openings is different than a second distance between the first and third sensor openings. The enclosure includes code stored in the memory where the code is executable by the processor, and includes code to receive first data associated with the first and second sensor openings, code to receive second data associated with the first and second sensor openings, and code to perform SRS using the first and the second data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Heanue, Lester John Lloyd, Edward Solomon
  • Patent number: 10524705
    Abstract: An intraoperative tissue oximetry device includes a tissue marker that includes one or more pens or one or more similar ink sources, such that the tissue marker can mark tissue according to oxygen saturation measurements made by the tissue oximetry device, thereby visually delineating regions of potentially viable tissue from regions of potentially nonviable tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Anthony Heanue, Lester John Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10492715
    Abstract: A method for calibrating detectors of a self-contained, tissue oximetry device includes emitting light from a light source into a tissue phantom, detecting in a plurality of detectors the light emitted from the light source, subsequent to reflection from the tissue phantom, and generating a set of detector responses by the plurality of detectors based on detecting the light emitted from the light source. The method further includes determining a set of differences between the set of detector responses and a reflectance curve for the tissue phantom, and generating a set of calibration functions based on the set of differences. Each calibration function in the set of calibration functions is associated with a unique, light source-detector pair. The method further includes storing the set of calibration function in a memory of the self-contained, tissue oximetry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Brian Wilfley
  • Patent number: 10456066
    Abstract: A system includes an enclosure having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The enclosure includes a display coupled to the processor where the display is visible from an exterior of the enclosure; and a battery within the enclosure coupled to the processor and the display. The enclosure includes a probe tip coupled to an exterior of the enclosure. The probe tip includes first, second, and third sensor openings. A first distance between the first and second sensor openings is different than a second distance between the first and third sensor openings. The enclosure includes code stored in the memory where the code is executable by the processor, and includes code to receive first data associated with the first and second sensor openings, code to receive second data associated with the first and second sensor openings, and code to perform SRS using the first and the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Joseph Heanue, Lester John Lloyd, Edward Solomon
  • Publication number: 20190320958
    Abstract: A tissue oximetry device utilizes at least three or at least four different wavelengths of light for collection of reflectance data where the different wavelengths are longer than 730 nanometers. The three or four wavelengths are utilized to generate a range of reflectance data suited for accurate determination of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. The relatively long wavelengths decrease optical interference from certain dyes, particularly methylene blue and PVPI, which may be present on tissue being analyzed for viability and further enhance the generation of accurate reflectance data. The wavelengths are 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, and 850 nanometers, or 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, 850 nanometers, and 900 nanometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Lester John Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10335069
    Abstract: A tissue oximetry device utilizes at least three or at least four different wavelengths of light for collection of reflectance data where the different wavelengths are longer than 730 nanometers. The three or four wavelengths are utilized to generate a range of reflectance data suited for accurate determination of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. The relatively long wavelengths decrease optical interference from certain dyes, particularly methylene blue and PVPI, which may be present on tissue being analyzed for viability and further enhance the generation of accurate reflectance data. The wavelengths are 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, and 850 nanometers, or 760 nanometers, 810 nanometers, 850 nanometers, and 900 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Lester John Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20190175084
    Abstract: A method for determining oxygen saturation includes emitting light from sources into tissue; detecting the light by detectors subsequent to reflection; and generating reflectance data based on detecting the light. The method includes determining a first subset of simulated reflectance curves from a set of simulated reflectance curves stored in a tissue oximetry device for a coarse grid; and fitting the reflectance data points to the first subset of simulated reflectance curves to determine a closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves. The method includes determining a second subset of simulated reflectance curves for a fine grid based on the closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves; determining a peak of absorption and reflection coefficients from the fine grid; and determining an absorption and a reflectance coefficient for the reflectance data points by performing a weighted average of the absorption coefficients and reflection coefficients from the peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, H. Keith Nishihara
  • Patent number: D870294
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kate LeeAnn Bechtel, Sophia Elizabeth Berger