Patents by Inventor Stuart Foster

Stuart Foster 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: 20140323860
    Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes structures using high resolution imaging use combined high frequency ultrasound (IVUS) and optical imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to accurate co-registering of images obtained from ultrasound image signals and optical image signals during scanning a region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE
    Inventors: Brian COURTNEY, Nigel Robert MUNCE, Amandeep Singh THIND, Victor Xiao Dong YANG, Francis Stuart FOSTER
  • Patent number: 8827907
    Abstract: A system for producing an ultrasound image comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second (fps).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mehi, Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, F. Stuart Foster, Robert McConaghy
  • Patent number: 8823246
    Abstract: A transducer with triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars is described for suppressing lateral modes within a composite, and a method for producing the same. According to one aspect of the present application, a plurality of triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars extends outwardly from a substrate and form an array of pillars. The resulting array of pillars is configured to suppress the lateral modes of the transducer at higher operating frequencies, such as, at or above 15 MHz, at or above 20 MHz, or at or above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM VisualSonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Brown, F. Stuart Foster, Jianhua Yin
  • Publication number: 20140221842
    Abstract: A photoacoustic device capable of performing both intravascular photoacoustic (“IVPA”) imaging and intravascular ultrasound imaging is provided. The device includes one or more optical fibers coupled to a transducer assembly that includes an photoacoustic transducer and optionally an ultrasound transducer. The one or more optical fibers and photoacoustic transducer are arranged such that the illumination field generated by the one or more optical fibers is co-aligned with the sensitive region of the photoacoustic transducer. When both are present, the photoacoustic transducer and ultrasound transducer are arranged such that ultrasound generated by the ultrasound transducer avoids interfering with the sensitive region of the photoacoustic transducer. Frequency domain imaging may be achieved using an intensity-modulated continuous wave (“CW”) laser coupled to the one or more optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Robin F. Castelino, F. Stuart Foster
  • Patent number: 8784321
    Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes structures using high resolution imaging use combined high frequency ultrasound (IVUS) and optical imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to accurate co-registering of images obtained from ultrasound image signals and optical image, signals during scanning a region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Brian Courtney, Nigel Robert Munce, Amandeep Singh Thind, Victor Xiao Dong Yang, Francis Stuart Foster
  • Patent number: 8712506
    Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe having an optical encoder integrated therewith for accurately measuring or estimating the rotational velocity near the distal end of the medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rotational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Brian Courtney, Nigel Robert Munce, Amandeep Singh Thind, Victor Xiao Dong Yang, Francis Stuart Foster
  • Patent number: 8708909
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a microbubble contrast agent, wherein at least 20% by volume of the microbubbles in the contrast agent has a size of less than 1 micron, wherein the contrast agent produces non-linear scattering when contacted by ultrasound at a frequency above 20 MHz. Provided herein are compositions comprising a microbubble contrast agent, wherein at least 10% by volume of the microbubbles in the contrast agent has a size of less than 500 nanometers, wherein the contrast agent produces non-linear scattering when contacted by ultrasound at a frequency above 20 MHz. Provided herein are compositions comprising a microbubble contrast agent, wherein at least 5% by volume of the microbubbles in the contrast agent has a size of less than 200 nanometers, wherein the contrast agent produces non-linear scattering when contacted by ultrasound at a frequency above 20 MHz. The disclosed contrast agents can be targeted contrast agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM VisualSonics, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Goertz, F. Stuart Foster
  • Publication number: 20140073929
    Abstract: A system for producing an ultrasound image comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second (fps).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM VISUALSONICS, INC.
    Inventors: James Mehi, Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, F. Stuart Foster, Robert McConaghy
  • Publication number: 20130345556
    Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism having including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Brian COURTNEY, Nigel Robert MUNCE, Amandeep Singh THIND, Victor Xiao Dong YANG, Francis Stuart FOSTER, Alan SOONG, Brian Heng LI
  • Publication number: 20130193805
    Abstract: A transducer with triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars is described for suppressing lateral modes within a composite, and a method for producing the same. According to one aspect of the present application, a plurality of triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars extends outwardly from a substrate and form an array of pillars. The resulting array of pillars is configured to suppress the lateral modes of the transducer at higher operating frequencies, such as, at or above 15 MHz, at or above 20 MHz, or at or above 30 MHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Jeremy Brown, F. Stuart Foster, Jianhua Yin
  • Patent number: 8460195
    Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Brian Courtney, Nigel Robert Munce, Amandeep Singh Thind, Victor Xiao Dong Yang, Francis Stuart Foster, Alan Soong, Brian Heng Li
  • Patent number: 8310133
    Abstract: A transducer with triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars is described for suppressing lateral modes within a composite, and a method for producing the same. According to one aspect of the present application, a plurality of triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars extends outwardly from a substrate and form an array of pillars. The resulting array of pillars is configured to suppress the lateral modes of the transducer at higher operating frequencies, such as, at or above 15 MHz, at or above 20 MHz, or at or above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: VisualSonics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Brown, F. Stuart Foster, Jianhua Yin
  • Publication number: 20120281106
    Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating stabilization of a recorded video sequence, formed of captured image frames. Captured image frames are cropped by a frame cropper. Cropping of an image is dependent upon lighting conditions. Upon the occurrence of a low-light, lighting condition, the amount of cropping is altered. And, when acceptable lighting conditions return, the amount of cropping is again altered, all in a manner to facilitate video stabilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Brett Stuart Foster, Bryan Andrew Krawetz, Mark David Rushby, Gael Jaffrain, Sung Ho Hong, Joshua Lucien Daigle, Gang Xue
  • Publication number: 20120220869
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for high-frequency contrast imaging and image-guided therapeutics are disclosed. According to one aspect a method for high frequency contrast imaging and image-guided therapeutics includes: providing ultrasound of a first frequency bandwidth, directed toward the volume to be imaged, the volume containing a carrier having non-linear acoustical properties, wherein the ultrasound of the first frequency bandwidth causes the carrier to generate ultrasound of a second frequency bandwidth that is different from the first frequency bandwidth; receiving, from the volume to be imaged, ultrasound of the second frequency bandwidth; and using the received ultrasound of the second frequency bandwidth to generate an image of the volume to be imaged, wherein the components of the second frequency bandwidth that are detected are of a frequency greater than 20 MHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Paul A. Dayton, Ryan Gessner, Hyunggyun Lee, Marc Lukacs, Francis Stuart Foster
  • Patent number: 8214010
    Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Brian Courtney, Nigel Robert Munce, Amandeep Singh Thind, Victor Xiao Dong Yang, Francis Stuart Foster
  • Publication number: 20110273059
    Abstract: A transducer with triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars is described for suppressing lateral modes within a composite, and a method for producing the same. According to one aspect of the present application, a plurality of triangular cross-sectional shaped pillars extends outwardly from a substrate and form an array of pillars. The resulting array of pillars is configured to suppress the lateral modes of the transducer at higher operating frequencies, such as, at or above 15 MHz, at or above 20 MHz, or at or above 30 MHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jeremy Brown, F. Stuart Foster, Jianhua Yin
  • Publication number: 20110079461
    Abstract: A method of conducting a seismic survey comprising using at least one seismic source operable to emit an acoustic signal comprises: —providing a first receiver line extending in a first direction across a region of the ground to be surveyed; —locating at least one seismic receiver at a point on the first receiver line, the seismic i receiver(s) being adapted to record reflected acoustic signals emitted by the seismic source(s); —providing a first pre-determined shot line having a plurality of shot points along its length, extending in a second direction and along which the seismic source(s) is movable; —operating the or one of the seismic source(s) to emit an acoustic signal at a first shot point on the pre-determined shot line, the reflection of the acoustic signal being recorded by the or one of the seismic receiver(s); and —operating the or one of the seismic source(s) to emit another acoustic signal at a second shot point on the pre-determined shot line, the reflection of the another acoustic signal being
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Allen, Mark Stuart Foster, David John Howe
  • Patent number: 7901358
    Abstract: A system for acquiring an ultrasound signal comprises a signal processing unit adapted for acquiring a received ultrasound signal from an ultrasound transducer having a plurality of elements. The system is adapted to receive ultrasound signals having a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz) with a transducer having a field of view of at least 5.0 millimeters (mm) at a frame rate of at least 20 frames per second (fps). The signal processing can further produce an ultrasound image from the acquired ultrasound signal. The transducer can be a linear array transducer, a phased array transducer, a two-dimensional (2-D) array transducer, or a curved array transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignees: VisualSonics Inc., Sunnybrook Health Science Centre
    Inventors: James Mehi, Ronald E. Daigle, Laurence C. Brasfield, Brian Starkoski, Jerrold Wen, Kai Wen Liu, Lauren S. Pflugrath, F. Stuart Foster, Desmond Hirson
  • Publication number: 20110021919
    Abstract: A system for producing an ultrasound image comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second (fps).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: James I. Mehi, Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, Stuart Foster, Robert McConaghy
  • Patent number: 7830069
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises a stack having a first face, an opposed second face and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The stack comprises a plurality of layers, each layer having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface, wherein the plurality of layers of the stack comprises a piezoelectric layer and a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is connected to the piezoelectric layer and defines an opening extending a second predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the stack. A plurality of first kerf slots are defined therein the stack, each first kerf slot extending a predetermined depth therein the stack and a first predetermined length in a direction substantially parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Inventors: Marc Lukacs, F. Stuart Foster