Patents by Inventor Michael Kimmey

Michael Kimmey 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: 20090137893
    Abstract: One or more scan illuminators and a plurality of light receivers are provided on the distal end of a tool or other component, so that a plurality of images of a site can be provided in response to output signals from the plurality of light receivers. The output signals from the plurality of light receivers are combined to produce an overall image of the site or a plurality of different images from disparate positions. The plurality of images can be viewed separately to produce a stereo or perspective view, or can be produced using different wavebands of light to provide enhanced information about the site that facilitates use of one or more tools or components at the site. The scan illuminator(s) and plurality of light receivers can be configured to be added to an existing tool or component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Eric Seibel, Michael Kimmey, Richard Johnston
  • Patent number: 7530948
    Abstract: A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic) esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Michael Kimmey, Richard S. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060195014
    Abstract: A capsule is coupled to a tether that is manipulated to position the capsule and a scanner included within the capsule at a desired location within a lumen in a patient's body. Images produced by the scanner can be used to detect Barrett's Esophagus (BE) and early (asymptomatic) esophageal cancer after the capsule is swallowed and positioned with the tether to enable the scanner in the capsule to scan a region of the esophagus above the stomach to detect a characteristic dark pink color indicative of BE. The scanner moves in a desired pattern to illuminate a portion of the inner surface. Light from the inner surface is then received by detectors in the capsule, or conveyed externally through a waveguide to external detectors. Electrical signals are applied to energize an actuator that moves the scanner. The capsule can also be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in other lumens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Eric Seibel, Michael Kimmey, Richard Johnston