Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting fetal peaks in a maternal ECG signal includes steps of receiving the maternal ECG signal and preprocessing the maternal ECG signal wherein preprocessing includes removal of mECG R-peaks to form a process ECG signal that includes both fetal and noise peaks. Both fetal and noise peaks are detected using a peak detection algorithm which yields an array of peaks Xk×1. Permutations of all peak differences are calculated by subtracting elements of Xk×1 from its transpose Xk×1T to form a matrix Mk×k. Characteristically, elements in the matrix Mk×k corresponds to different sample periods that are used to determine peak positions. An array of periods denoted an array LP×1 is calculated. A 3-dimensional matrix GP×k×k is constructed by dividing Mk×k by each element of LP×1. An optimal Mk×k is determined by finding the Mk×k in the 3-dimensional matrix GP×k×k that has it's first row with the most elements near a whole number.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes providing power to a device including a housing, determining an initial impedance at a first time between a first location of the housing and a second location of the housing, measuring a measured impedance at a second time following the first time between the first location of the housing and the second location of the housing, comparing the measured impedance to the initial impedance, and initiating a breach action if the measured impedance is not substantially equal to the initial impedance. A power interruption to the device occurs between the first time and the second time. Measuring the measured impedance includes using a swept voltage or a swept current source.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, image-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) targeting and treatment of tissue. In one embodiment, the system includes an HIFU applicator and a user interface with a touchscreen display for three-dimensional visualization of the tissue. Image frames displayed on the user interface depict real-time images of the tissue, including an image parallel to a feature of the applicator and an image orthogonal to the parallel image. Reference lines may be sketched using the touchscreen and displayed on the image frames. In one embodiment, tissue boundaries are detected and marked on the image frames, either by the user or automatically by the system. In another embodiment, the user interface includes a footswitch for the user to interact with the system. In another embodiment, the system includes an ultrasound imaging component configured to undock from the system for use as a stand-alone ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: A sonar fish finding system includes at least one sonar device which attaches to a fishing line and floats on the water like a fishing bubble, float, or bobber. The at least one sonar device pairs with a wireless computing device over a Bluetooth connection to provide information to a fisherman about what is under the surface of the water proximal to the at least one sonar device. Processing may be performed incrementally on subsets of sonar data samples in order to allow for a complete result without requiring storage of the entire set of data samples at once. The at least one sonar device is configured to send the sonar data samples to a remote computing system either directly or indirectly through a wireless computing device. Based on the received sonar data samples, the remote computing system may send the wireless computing device information about both real-time fishing hotspots, and predicted fishing hotspots based on historical data and current conditions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fish finding sonar system. Specifically, this invention relates to a sonar device pairing with a remote computing device to provide information to an angler about what is under the surface of the water. Embodiments of the present invention include a sonar device and a remote computing device configured to allow the sonar device to wirelessly communicate with the remote computing device and the remote computing device to connect to a database to register and receive information about real-time fishing hotspots.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sonar fish finding system. Specifically, this invention relates to a sonar device which attaches to a fishing line and floats on the water like a fishing bubble, float, or bobber. The sonar device pairs with a wireless computing device over a Bluetooth Smart (also known as Bluetooth Low Energy) connection to provide information to a fisherman about what is under the surface of the water. In some embodiments, processing may be done on subsets of sonar data samples in order to allow for processing a complete result without requiring storage of the entire set of data samples at once. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the sonar device sends data to a remote computing system either directly or indirectly through a wireless computing device. The remote computing system also sends the wireless computing device information about both real-time fishing hotspots, and fishing hotspots predicted based on historical data and current conditions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fish finding sonar system. Specifically, this invention relates to a sonar device pairing with a remote computing device to provide information to an angler about what is under the surface of the water. Embodiments of the present invention include a sonar device and a remote computing device configured to allow the sonar device to wirelessly communicate with the remote computing device and the remote computing device to connect to a database to register and receive information about real-time fishing hotspots.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fish finding sonar system. Specifically, this invention relates to a sonar device pairing with a remote computing device to provide information to an angler about what is under the surface of the water. Embodiments of the present invention include a sonar device and a remote computing device configured to allow the sonar device to wirelessly communicate with the remote computing device and the remote computing device to connect to a database to register and receive information about real-time fishing hotspots.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a HIFU device compensates for shifts in transducer impedance so that the acoustic output from a HIFU transducer remains at a desired level. In accordance with a first aspect, the disclosure includes dynamically adjusting the tuning of a tuning network that causes the transducer/system to maintain an optimal power transfer to the acoustic output. In accordance with a second aspect, the disclosure monitors the acoustic output of the HIFU device and adjusts the electrical signal provided to the HIFU transducer to maintain a desired acoustic output.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, image-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) targeting and treatment of tissue. In one embodiment, the system includes an HIFU applicator and a user interface with a touchscreen display for three-dimensional visualization of the tissue. Image frames displayed on the user interface depict real-time images of the tissue, including an image parallel to a feature of the applicator and an image orthogonal to the parallel image. Reference lines may be sketched using the touchscreen and displayed on the image frames. In one embodiment, tissue boundaries are detected and marked on the image frames, either by the user or automatically by the system. In another embodiment, the user interface includes a footswitch for the user to interact with the system. In another embodiment, the system includes an ultrasound imaging component configured to undock from the system for use as a stand-alone ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: HIFU therapy to a desired tissue site is controlled based on detected changes in one or more characteristics of a received backscatter signal resulting from exposure of the tissue to HIFU or other interrogation signals. In one embodiment, the bloom of backscatter signals outward from a treatment region (e.g., towards the HIFU transducer) is detected and monitored. Once the bloom reaches a predetermined location, treatment is stopped. Other signal characteristics such as angular distribution of frequency components in the backscatter signal, changes in reflection, power required to saturate a tissue characteristic, changes in attenuation and changes in a cumulative energy distribution function of the backscatter signal that change as a result of the application of HIFU power are also used to control the delivery of HIFU signals in accordance with other embodiments of the disclosed technology.

Abstract: A two-stage control system is disclosed being made of a first control means for providing command and control of a robotic arm, and a second control means for the control and movement of a therapy device, such as an ultrasound transducer. The therapy device is positioned within a therapy head. The therapy head is attached to the distal end of the robotic arm. The two-stage control system provides for a macro and micro level of control for the therapy device during a therapy procedure.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for the destruction of adipose tissue using an energy applicator such as a HIFU transducer. The system has a scan head containing an energy applicator, a mechanical arm for carrying the weight of the scan head, and a therapy controller such as a computer for controlling the operation of the scan head. The therapy controller may be part of a general purpose computer, and may be used as a robotic controller to automate the procedure. Methods are included for destroying adipose tissue in a quick, non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

Abstract: HIFU therapy to a desired tissue site is controlled based on detected changes in one or more characteristics of a received backscatter signal resulting from exposure of the tissue to HIFU or other interrogation signals. In one embodiment, the bloom of backscatter signals outward from a treatment region (e.g., towards the HIFU transducer) is detected and monitored. Once the bloom reaches a predetermined location, treatment is stopped. Other signal characteristics such as angular distribution of frequency components in the backscatter signal, changes in reflection, power required to saturate a tissue characteristic, changes in attenuation and changes in a cumulative energy distribution function of the backscatter signal that change as a result of the application of HIFU power are also used to control the delivery of HIFU signals in accordance with other embodiments of the disclosed technology.

Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

Abstract: A position tracking device is disclosed combining one or more optical sensors in a housing with a medical device. The medical device may be an insertion device or one that produces radiant energy. The device may utilize an on-board processor or an external processor to track position data generated by the optical sensors and correlate the treatment regime of the medical device. Alternative embodiments and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for precise positioning of a medical device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base, an articulating arm, a position sensor and a means for load balancing. The apparatus may also include a robotic driver and an additional rhythmic motion sensor. The apparatus is used to carry a therapy head for a medical procedure requiring precise positioning of a therapy head, precise movement of a therapy head, or use of a therapy head over a patient body for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A position tracking device is disclosed combining one or more optical sensors in a housing with a medical device. The medical device may be an insertion device or one that produces radiant energy. The device may utilize an on-board processor or an external processor to track position data generated by the optical sensors and correlate the treatment regime of the medical device. Alternative embodiments and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.