Patents by Inventor Michael J. Eberle
Michael J. Eberle 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: 20180228385Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 9936881Abstract: In an example, an optical system can include a polarization scrambler coupleable to a tunable first optical source configured to generate a coherent optical output. The system can include an intra-body optical sensor such as a an intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer, configured to be coupled to the tunable first optical source through the polarization scrambler, the polarization scrambler configured to vary a polarization state of the optical energy provided by the tunable first optical source, the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer configured to reflect a portion of the optical energy modulated in response to a vibration, pressure, or strain.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Shukui Zhao, Diana Margaret Tasker
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Patent number: 9820632Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventor: Michael J. Eberle
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Publication number: 20170079510Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventor: Michael J. Eberle
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Patent number: 9579026Abstract: An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) can direct light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound can be sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal can be optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed such as to develop a 2D or 3D image. In an example, the guidewire outer diameter can be small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. To minimize the size of the guidewire, an ultrasound-to-acoustic transducer that is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal can be used. The ultrasound-to-optical transducer can be manufactured so that it is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 9557490Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Patent number: 9533123Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventor: Michael J. Eberle
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Publication number: 20160242653Abstract: 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: October 1, 2014Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Howard Neil Rourke, Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker
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Publication number: 20160175564Abstract: This document describes techniques for gripping a guidewire (12). In one example, a device (30) includes an elongated handle (14) defining a handle lumen extending from a distal handle end to a proximal handle end, a handle insert (32,34,36) having a length and being configured to be inserted into the handle lumen, wherein a handle insert material is more compliant than a handle material, and wherein the handle insert defines a guidewire lumen configured to receive a guidewire, and a cap (16) configured to compress the handle insert to grip the guidewire along a substantial portion of the length of the handle insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventor: Michael J. Eberle
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Publication number: 20160097904Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Publication number: 20160018593Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Diana Margaret Tasker, Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 9198581Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Publication number: 20150313472Abstract: An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) can direct light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound can be sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal can be optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed such as to develop a 2D or 3D image. In an example, the guidewire outer diameter can be small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. To minimize the size of the guidewire, an ultrasound-to-acoustic transducer that is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal can be used. The ultrasound-to-optical transducer can be manufactured so that it is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Patent number: 9078561Abstract: An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) can direct light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound can be sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal can be optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed such as to develop a 2D or 3D image. In an example, the guidewire outer diameter can be small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. To minimize the size of the guidewire, an ultrasound-to-acoustic transducer that is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal can be used. The ultrasound-to-optical transducer can be manufactured so that it is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke
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Publication number: 20150141854Abstract: 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: November 20, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Publication number: 20150141843Abstract: 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: May 23, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
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Publication number: 20150045645Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Publication number: 20140316281Abstract: An optical source can generally provide optical energy having phase noise. Such phase noise, when demodulated using an intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer, can be indistinguishable from a signal of interest. Apparatus or techniques can include using one or more of a reference optical cavity or a delay line, such as to obtain information indicative of the phase noise of the optical source. Such information can then be reduced or suppressed from other information obtained from the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer, such as to improve a signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio of a sensing system including the intravascularly-deliverable optical fiber transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Howard Neil Rourke, Diana Margaret Tasker
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Patent number: 8861908Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Publication number: 20140142414Abstract: An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) can direct light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound can be sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal can be optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed such as to develop a 2D or 3D image. In an example, the guidewire outer diameter can be small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. To minimize the size of the guidewire, an ultrasound-to-acoustic transducer that is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal can be used. The ultrasound-to-optical transducer can be manufactured so that it is relatively insensitive to the polarization of the optical sensing signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke