Patents by Inventor Robert W. Hitchcock

Robert W. Hitchcock 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).

  • Patent number: 11602270
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating three-dimensional tissue maps, and particularly fibrosis maps of cardiac tissue. An intravascular device includes an elongated member and a distal tip. An imaging assembly is integrated with the elongated member to enable imaging of the microstructure of tissue near the distal tip. One or more navigation electrodes are positioned at or near the distal tip. Electrical mapping and/or ablation assemblies may also be integrated with the device. Images may be characterized according to a level of fibrosis and, using the corresponding determined locations of the images, a three-dimensional map showing areas of differential fibrosis may be generated. Electrical mapping data may also be integrated with the fibrosis map to generate a composite fibrosis and voltage map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Frank B. Sachse, Robert W. Hitchcock, Nassir F. Marrouche, Nathan J. Knighton, Chao Huang
  • Publication number: 20230033444
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for characterizing tissue using light scattering spectroscopy. A tissue characterization probe includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a plurality of distal probe tips at a distal end. A plurality of illumination fibers extend through the elongate member to the distal probe tips such that each distal probe tip includes at least one illumination fiber. A plurality of detection fibers also extend through the elongate member such that each probe tip includes at least one detection fiber. The disclosed devices and systems beneficially enable characterization of tissues within depths greater than 100 gm. The disclosed devices and systems also enable effective characterization of anisotropic tissues, such as cardiac myocardium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan J. KNIGHTON, Robert W. HITCHCOCK, Frank B. SACHSE
  • Patent number: 11154186
    Abstract: A catheter for imaging and treating a selected tissue and method of use is provided. Imaging, and treatment assemblies may be co-located at a distal end of a single catheter. The imaging assembly may include at least a portion of a confocal microscope. The treatment assembly may include at least a portion of the imaging assembly. A method of treating a selected tissue is also provided. The method may be performed using a single catheter. The imaging and treatment steps of the method may be performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Frank B. Sachse, Robert W. Hitchcock, Nassir F. Marrouche, Nathan J. Knighton, Chao Huang
  • Patent number: 10595748
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Tomasz Petelenz, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20200022573
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating three-dimensional tissue maps, and particularly fibrosis maps of cardiac tissue. An intravascular device includes an elongated member and a distal tip. An imaging assembly is integrated with the elongated member to enable imaging of the microstructure of tissue near the distal tip. One or more navigation electrodes are positioned at or near the distal tip. Electrical mapping and/or ablation assemblies may also be integrated with the device. Images may be characterized according to a level of fibrosis and, using the corresponding determined locations of the images, a three-dimensional map showing areas of differential fibrosis may be generated. Electrical mapping data may also be integrated with the fibrosis map to generate a composite fibrosis and voltage map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Frank B. Sachse, Robert W. Hitchcock, Nassir F. Marrouche, Nathan J. Knighton, Chao Huang
  • Publication number: 20190104978
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a speculum device for measuring pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractile forces. The speculum device includes a first bill and a second, opposing bill. Each bill has a proximal end attached to a handle. The handle includes a housing in which a sensor cassette may be selectively inserted. When inserted, the sensor cassette can measure contractile forces applied to the upper and lower bills and mechanically transferred to the sensor cassette. The sensor cassette does not come into contact with the patient while measurements are taken. Afterwards, the sensor cassette may be removed from the housing while the remainder of the device is sterilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Brian K. Cottle, Robert W. Hitchcock, Stefan Julius Niederauer
  • Publication number: 20180325454
    Abstract: Sensing devices for measuring a force applied by a patient's body include a first surface and a second surface that form a chamber housing electrical components and an incompressible fluid. The second surface is convex away from the first surface, which is planar. The electrical components include a pressure sensor and a signal conditioner and the incompressible fluid fills the chamber and contacts the electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Tomasz J. Petelenz, Robert W. Hitchcock, Erika Vandersteen
  • Publication number: 20170135606
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for measuring net load on a lower extremity. In one embodiment a bootcast may include a body and a sole. The sole may be configured to receive at least a first force. The body may be configured to receive at least a second force. One or more first sensors may be located in or on the sole and may be configured to measure the first force. One or more second sensors may be located in or on the body and may be configured to measure the second force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Robert W. Hitchcock, Tomasz J. Petelenz, Kylee North, Erik N. Kubiak
  • Publication number: 20170027503
    Abstract: A catheter for imaging and treating a selected tissue and method of use is provided. Imaging, and treatment assemblies may be co-located at a distal end of a single catheter. The imaging assembly may include at least a portion of a confocal microscope. The treatment assembly may include at least a portion of the imaging assembly. A method of treating a selected tissue is also provided. The method may be performed using a single catheter. The imaging and treatment steps of the method may be performed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Frank B. Sachse, Robert W. Hitchcock, Nassir F. Marrouche, Nathan J. Knighton, Chao Huang
  • Patent number: 8758273
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's leg. The upper surface may be slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration or may be otherwise configured. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 8758272
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a tibial fracture patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's tibia. The upper surface is slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Emmon Johnny Chen, Jacob Joseph Hanson, Zachary John Collins, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20130150755
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Tomasz Petelenz, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20120010534
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a tibial fracture patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's tibia. The upper surface is slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Emmon Johnny Chen, Jacob Joseph Hanson, Zachary John Collins, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Publication number: 20120010535
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's leg. The upper surface may be slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration or may be otherwise configured. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Kylee North, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 6965791
    Abstract: An implantable biosensor assembly and system includes an enzymatic sensor probe from which subcutaneous and interstitial glucose levels may be inferred. The assembly may be associated by direct percutaneous connection with electronics, such as for signal amplification, sensor polarization, and data download, manipulation, display, and storage. The biosensor comprises a miniature probe characterized by lateral flexibility and tensile strength and has large electrode surface area for increased sensitivity. Irritation of tissues surrounding the probe is minimized due to ease of flexibility and small cross section of the sensor. Foreign body reaction is diminished due to a microscopically rough porous probe surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sorenson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hitchcock, James L. Sorenson
  • Publication number: 20040254433
    Abstract: An assembly including an introducer cannula and subcutaneous measurement device, and a method of its use. The device can form an aseptic seal to the introducer to resist passage of pathogens through the cannula. Insertion of the device into the introducer desirably causes a one-way coupling operable to force removal of the introducer and device as a single assembly. Installation of certain devices into certain introducers forms an electrical connection between an electrode carried by the introducer and system electronics. Desirably, the introducer provides a funnel-like structure operable to guide a device's probe tip into reception in the introducer's cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Steven D. Bandis, Robert W. Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 4848493
    Abstract: A load sensing structure for a weighing scale deck includes two or more low profile flexure members, each of which is shaped like the letter E with two outer legs secured to the deck and the inner leg to the platform. The latter has twice the bending strength and stiffness of the former. All legs have their ends connected cantilever fashion to either a common base or to one or the other of the deck and platform. Strain gases on one leg provide complementary inputs to a bridge circuit under weight loads but tend to cancel their effects on the bridge circuit under other load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Revere Corporation of America
    Inventor: Robert W. Hitchcock