Patents by Inventor Stephen F. Fulghum

Stephen F. Fulghum 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: 11828925
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a miniature movable-beam laser objective configured to fit within the very small dimensions of a standard objective. This small, portable movable-laser source allows the beam to be directed at a computer-generated target or at the spot of a focused target-designator beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON THORNE, INC.
    Inventors: Diarmaid Douglas-Hamilton, Sudha Thimmaraju, Stephen F. Fulghum, Jr., Thomas G. Kenny, Thomas G. Kenny, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210041680
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a miniature movable-beam laser objective configured to fit within the very small dimensions of a standard objective. This small, portable movable-laser source allows the beam to be directed at a computer-generated target or at the spot of a focused target-designator beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Diarmaid Douglas-Hamilton, Sudha Thimmaraju, Stephen F. Fulghum, Jr., Thomas G. Kenny, Thomas G. Kenny, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10816786
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a miniature movable-beam laser objective configured to fit within the very small dimensions of a standard objective. This small, portable movable-laser source allows the beam to be directed at a computer-generated target or at the spot of a focused target-designator beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Thorne, Inc.
    Inventors: Diarmaid Douglas-Hamilton, Sudha Thimmaraju, Stephen F. Fulghum, Jr., Thomas G. Kenny, Thomas G. Kenny, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190235221
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a miniature movable-beam laser objective configured to fit within the very small dimensions of a standard objective. This small, portable movable-laser source allows the beam to be directed at a computer-generated target or at the spot of a focused target-designator beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Diarmaid Douglas-Hamilton, Sudha Thimmaraju, Stephen F. Fulghum, JR., Thomas G. Kenny, Thomas G. Kenny, JR.
  • Patent number: 8764643
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Publication number: 20110213252
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Patent number: 7846091
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Publication number: 20090075391
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum, JR.
  • Patent number: 7404929
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7333189
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: Pentax Corporation, Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Fulghum, Jr., Koichi Furusawa, Kohei Iketani
  • Patent number: 7235045
    Abstract: An endoscope having an optical guide that is optically coupled to a first broadband light source and a second laser light source that emits light at a wavelength in a range of 350 nm to 420 nm. The endoscope has an image sensor at a distal end and collects a reflectance image including red, green and blue components with the image sensor in response to illumination by said broadband light source. The image sensor also collects an autofluorescence image having a blue component, a green component and a red component. A processor processes the fluorescence image by determining a ratio of the fluorescence image and the reflectance image to provide a processed fluorescence image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wang, Michael S. Feld, Yang Wang, Jacques Van Dam, Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Patent number: 6749562
    Abstract: An objective lens is substantially telecentric toward the image side, and provided with an ultraviolet cut coating on its rearmost surface. An imaging plane of a CCD is arranged near a position where an image of an object is formed through the objective lens. An ultraviolet and infrared cut filter is interposed between the objective lens and the CCD. The cut coating and the cut filter have a total transmittance of 0.1% or lower for ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: PENTAX Corporation, Newton Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakamura, Hirohisa Ueda, Rensuke Adachi, Stephen F. Fulghum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030232445
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Publication number: 20030231309
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Fulghum, Koichi Furusawa, Kohei Iketani
  • Publication number: 20030191368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescence endoscope imaging system. The system uses first and second light sources to provide fluorescence and reflectance images of tissue being examined. An imaging device mounted at the distal end of the device is used to collect both images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wang, Michael S. Feld, Yang Wang, Jacques Van Dam, Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Patent number: 6537211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescence endoscope imaging system. The system uses first and second light sources to provide fluorescence and reflectance images of tissue being examined. The imaging system also includes an electronic controller that actuates the illumination of the system by switching current through the first light source between a first illumination level and a second illumination level such that the tissue is illuminated at the first or second illumination level. An imaging device mounted at the distal end of the device is used to collect both images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wang, Michael S. Feld, Yang Wang, Jacques Van Dam, Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Publication number: 20020161282
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Publication number: 20020062064
    Abstract: An objective lens is substantially telecentric toward the image side, and provided with an ultraviolet cut coating on its rearmost surface. An imaging plane of a CCD is arranged near a position where an image of an object is formed through the objective lens. An ultraviolet and infrared cut filter is interposed between the objective lens and the CCD. The cut coating and the cut filter have a total transmittance of 0.1% or lower for ultraviolet light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: ASAHI KOGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakamura, Hirohisa Ueda, Rensuke Adachi, Stephen F. Fulghum
  • Patent number: 6364829
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue autofluorescence through a video endoscope is described, comprising a light source capable of providing both ultraviolet light capable of inducing tissue autofluorescence and visible light which induces little or no autofluorescence, an optical system to deliver both wavelength bands to the tissue with the same apparent spatial and angular intensity distribution, a means for digitally acquiring the resulting, visible fluorescence and visible reflectance images using a single imaging detector at the distal tip of the endoscope and a means for digitally processing said images to generate a final, false-color image for display which indicates regions of tissue dysplasia. This system can either be added on to an existing video endoscope or integrated into its structure. The combined system can be electronically switched between normal white light imaging and fluorescence imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Newton Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Fulghum