Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
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Patent number: 6675001Abstract: A graphical tuning system for computer-controlled radio equipment, where a two-dimensional tuning field is displayed with one axis representing frequency and the other axis representing tuning resolution. The user tunes the equipment by moving a pointer in this two-dimensional field. A spectrum display may be superimposed as a third dimension on a two-dimensional tuning field with one axis representing the frequency, the second axis representing tuning resolution and the third axis representing the signal level. The preferred tuning relationship is described by the generalized equation: f2=f1+(x2−x1)*FR(y2−y1), where f1 is the old frequency, and f2 is the new frequency, where x1, y1 are the new co-ordinates of the mouse, x2, y2 are the old co-ordinates of the mouse, and FR is a function describing a relationship between the position of the mouse and the frequency resolution.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Rosetta Laboratories Pty Ltd.Inventors: Milan Hudecek, Alexander L. Kostromitin
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Patent number: 6675002Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for inhibiting the ringer of a cellular telephone within a noise sensitive area includes a transmitter for generating a control signal within the area. A receiver within the cellular telephone generates a mute signal during reception of the control signal which inhibits operation of the telephone ringer circuit while the telephone is in the noise sensitive area. In an alternate embodiment, a transmitter of limited range is placed at each entrance to the noise sensitive area and the ringer circuit is inhibited upon momentarily receiving the control signal entering the area, and activated upon momentarily receiving the control signal exiting the area.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: G. Jack Lipovski
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Patent number: 6675003Abstract: In a system and method for simultaneously receiving or switching between dual frequency carrier signals in a GPS receiver is adapted to utilize different harmonics of a sub-harmonic frequency generator, which may include a lower frequency voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to detect the L1 and L2 GPS carriers. A sub-harmonic mixer may be used to simultaneously down convert the L1 and L2 signals to a lower intermediate frequency (IF). A second mixer may be an image reject (IR) mixer used to separate the downconverted second L2 signals. This mixer may be configured to simultaneously monitor the L1 and L2 signals, or to switch between the L1 and L2 signals. High frequency switching is not required of the radio frequency (RF) input or local oscillator signals, and simultaneous L1 and L2 reception is enabled without a 3 dB image noise degradation. This method minimizes the RF components and power dissipation in a dual frequency GPS receiver, while optimizing the functionality and performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: SiRF Technology, Inc.Inventors: Noshir B. Dubash, Robert Tso
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Patent number: 6675004Abstract: A noise suppression apparatus for use in a receiver includes an input terminal adapted to receive an inbound signal. A channel splitter is coupled to the input terminal and configured to split the inbound signal into a substantially identical first signal and second signal. A first mixer coupled to the channel splitter and configured to receive the first signal, and a second mixer coupled to the channel splitter and configured to receive the second signal. A first local oscillator is coupled to the first mixer and configured to generate a first LO frequency signal, and a second local oscillator coupled to the second mixer and configured to generate a second LO frequency signal, where the first LO frequency signal and second LO frequency signal differ from one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Interwave Communications International Ltd.Inventor: Nicholas S. Waylett
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Patent number: 6675005Abstract: A single balanced downconverter includes an insulated substrate with a primary circuit and a secondary circuit, each consisting of an open annular foil element, located on opposite sides of the substrate in juxtaposition with each other and having mutual coupling. A pair of mixing diodes is connected across the ends of the secondary element, which has its center connected to ground. A 2nd local oscillator signal is applied to the primary circuit. A 1st IF signal is applied to, and a 2nd IF signal is developed from, the secondary circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Zenith Electronics CorporationInventor: Pierre Dobrovolny
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Patent number: 6675006Abstract: A vehicle-mounted system comprising a security device and an emergency communication service unit has the following features. (1) An LED capable of emitting light in two colors is provided in the security device. (2) The security device and the emergency communication service unit are connected in communication with one another. (3) When a connection to a response center is completely established upon operation of a communication switch, the emergency communication service unit requests the security device to turn on an LED to emit light in a first color (green). (4) When a connection to the response center is completely established upon operation of a panic switch, the emergency communication service unit requests the security device to turn on the LED to emit light in a second color (red). (5) The security device controls the LED to emit light in the requested color.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Melvin Diaz, Tsutomu Ogawa
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Patent number: 6675007Abstract: A charging system for use in a network composed of wireless terminals with a repeater function. As each terminal with a repeater function receives a communication session start request from a user terminal, it searches for a destination user terminal; when it finds the destination user terminal, it transfers the signal sent from the requesting user terminal to the destination user terminal without the mediation of base stations. The information about the amount of data thus transferred or communication time for transferring data is sent to the charging system which is under the control of the communications service provider concerned.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tamaki, Masaaki Shida, Tomoaki Ishifuji, Nobukazu Doi, Kazuko Hamaguchi
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Patent number: 6675008Abstract: A caller information providing system and caller information transmitting method in a mobile radio communication network is disclosed. When a call comes in, the present invention provides a user at the terminating mobile station a picture information of a caller or caller information including a picture information, audio information, and/or character information of the caller.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Woo Hyun Paik, Young Man Park, Seung Kwon Ahn
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Patent number: 6675009Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that automatically configures a communication device for wireless communication. In the communication system, a first communication device receives identification signals from second communication devices. The first communication device processes the identification signals to generate a composite signal. A control system determines a location of the first communication device in relation to the second communication devices based on the composite signal. The control system generates a virtual topology map of the communication system based on the location of the first communication device and the composite signal. The control system generates wireless communication information based on the virtual topology. The first communication device processes the wireless communication information to configure itself for wireless communication. The communication system advantageously configures communication devices faster and cheaper than prior systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.Inventor: Fred S. Cook
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Patent number: 6675010Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile communication system for learning foreign vocabulary. The popular Internet, mobile communication devices (e.g. Wireless Application Propocol (WAP) mobile phone, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mobile phone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)), the utility wireless communication system, and a specially designed system software containing a vocabulary database are employed, so that a user can call the system software to provide related foreign vocabulary for studying at all times by means of a mobile communication device.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Hao Ming Yeh
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Patent number: 6675011Abstract: A satellite position/arrival-time calculating section calculates the arrival in date and time at which a communication satellite is to arrive a communicable area where the communication satellite can communicate with a satellite communication terminal apparatus, and creates communicable date and time information. A timer controls a power supply control circuit in accordance with the arrival date and time information created by the satellite position/arrival-time calculating section. The timer automatically controls the power supply control circuit so as to supply communication power to a satellite communication circuit section while the communication satellite is in the communicable area and so as to stop the supply of the communication power at the time when the communication satellite leaves the communicable area.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Kita
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Patent number: 6675012Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for generating a message summary field. The message summary field indicates whether 802.11-formatted data packets are communicated upon a frequency range to which a mobile station operable in an IEEE 802.11 radio communication system is tuned. An indicator indicates whether an 802.11 data packet is detected. And, a reporter generates a measurement summary which includes a measurement summary field populated with a value indicating the determination. Subsequent analysis of the value of the field of the measurement summary is utilized pursuant to dynamic frequency selection operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.Inventor: Steven D. Gray
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Patent number: 6675013Abstract: The present invention corrects for Doppler shift in both forward and reverse links in a cellular communications system including an airborne repeater. A reverse link pilot reference signal in a band similar to a communications signal band is received at a reverse link processor, and the Doppler shift in the reverse feeder link is corrected based on the reverse link pilot reference signal. The Doppler shift in the forward feeder link is also corrected based on the reverse link pilot reference signal prior to the forward feeder link being affected by the Doppler shift. The present invention also compensates for signal strength variations due to changing flight pattern positions of the repeater. Pre-compensation for forward feeder link path losses due to movement of the airplane is performed to cause communications signals transmitted to and from the cellular communications system repeater to have identical strength before the signals are transmitted to the system user cell phones within the area of coverage.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan H. Gross, Thomas Peter Emmons, Jr., Scott C. White, Duke E. Hanson
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Patent number: 6675014Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for updating a location register with an updated position of a mobile station operable in an H.323-based, radio communication system. RAS-protocol (registration, admissions, status-protocol) messages are generated in a H.323 network to effectuate the updating of the location register.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Jaakko Sundquist
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Patent number: 6675015Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating handover of communication in a BLUEPAC (Bluetooth public access) or other radio communication system. Address and timing information associated with potential target base stations is collected and broadcast to mobile devices during operation of the radio communication system. The information is utilized by the mobile device during handover procedures to facilitate efficient handover of communications to a selected target base. In a further implementation, a base station is provided with separate, dedicated transmitters in which a first set of dedicated transmitters is dedicated for setup operations with a mobile device during handover operation and another set of dedicated transmitters is dedicated for regular data communications.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Peter Martini, Matthias Frank, Rolf Göpffarth, Wolfgang Hansmann
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Patent number: 6675016Abstract: The invention concerns a method wherein a radio link control stage processes separately first data units containing information items of a specific type and second data units not containing information items of said type. A control stage for access to the media delivers the first data units through a first dedicated transport channel and the second data units through a second dedicated transport channel. The data units delivered through said dedicated transport channels are supplied to an encoding and multiplexing stage to form at least a train of symbols relative to a dedicated physical channel and supplied to a radio transmission stage. The encoding and multiplexing stage and/or the radio transmission stage ensure greater protection against noise through the first dedicated transport channel than through the second dedicated transport channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Nortel Networks LimitedInventors: Thierry Lucidarme, Pierre Lescuyer
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Patent number: 6675017Abstract: The invention disclosed is a location blocking service for use in a wireless network that tracks the location and identity of network users, such as networks complying with enhanced 911 standards. The service provides a network user with the ability to prevent the location of her wireless handheld device from being disclosed to parties other than the wireless network provider and PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points). The network user blocks the forwarding of location information by signaling to the wireless handheld device when the location information originates from the wireless handheld device, or by signaling to the network when the location information originates from the wireless handheld device or the network. Primary components of the present invention include at least one user interface and at least one location block processor provisioned in the wireless handheld device and/or the wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property CorporationInventors: Samuel N. Zellner, Mark J. Enzmann, Robert T. Moton, Jr.
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Patent number: 6675018Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating time of arrival of radio signals in particular as used for location determination. A known method of determining the location of a subscriber unit (401) calculates a number of ranges based on the distance from base stations (403,405,407) with known location. The ranges are calculated from time of arrival estimates of the signals from the different base stations but a significant source of error is the multipath signal components typical in for example cellular mobile communication systems. According to the invention, the effect of multipath is mitigated by selecting a subset of signals based on a time of arrival estimate of each of the signals. An averaged time of arrival estimate with improved accuracy is then determined from the selected subset. A typical use of the invention is for location determination in a cellular mobile communication system.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Eric Villier, Luis Lopes, Brendan Ludden
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Patent number: 6675019Abstract: An accident response radio identification system is provided for use with vehicles carrying hazardous loads for identifying the loads to safety personnel when the vehicle is involved in an accident. A first communication unit on the motor vehicle is adapted to selectively transmit information describing the hazardous load in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote second communication unit. The second communication unit is adapted to convert the information describing the hazardous load received from the first communication unit into a form intelligible by human safety personnel. In addition, a logistics system is provided for use with a motor for compiling logistical information relating to an accumulated time the motor vehicle is driven.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: James D. Thomson, Soheyl C. Salahshour
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Patent number: 6675020Abstract: In a cellular telecommunications network, a method and a cell radio controller for reducing Out Of Band radio Emissions (OOBEs) generated by cellular transmissions into downlink radio channels of a coexisting radio network, such as the police radio network. The invention detects an uplink transmission of the coexistent network radio terminal, and measures its transmitting power level. If the power level exceeds a predetermined threshold, then the downlink radio channel associated with the radio transmission is determined, and further it is determined the cellular downlink channels that create OOBEs that interfere with the downlink radio channel of the coexistent system.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventor: François Sawyer
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Patent number: 6675021Abstract: A base station transmits, to a mobile station, a transmission power control instruction signal for controlling the transmission power of the mobile station, along with a transmission signal, at regular periods, based on a received power of a signal transmitted by the mobile station. The mobile station at its transmission power control bit monitor monitors the transmission power control instruction signal transmitted by the base station and changes the rate of modification in the transmission power in a step size determining unit, based on either the number of consecutive transmission power control instruction signals that give the same content or the number of consecutive transmission power control instruction signals that give different contents, one from another.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Shiraki, Chiharu Yamano
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Patent number: 6675022Abstract: A wide area communication system (100,200) employs a method and apparatus for providing a localized information (410) to a communication device (500) located in the wide area communication system (100,200). The wide area communication system (100,200) includes a plurality of local coverage areas (110-112, 219-225) that are each served by one or more broadcast transmission sites (103-108, 203-212). A broadcast transmission site (300) providing communication service to a local coverage area that includes the communication device (500) transmit, during a first pre-allocated time interval and/or together with a first pre-allocated broadcast address, information relating to their local coverage area.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Motorola Inc.Inventors: John M. Burgan, Eugene Lopatukhin
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Patent number: 6675023Abstract: A flip-flop circuit 23 receives timing signals from a plurality of waiting timer circuits 24 and 25, and generates a mode switching signal to a radio unit 21 and a control unit 22. The radio unit 21 and control unit 22 are common to a plurality of systems for transmission and reception of data from and by an antenna 26.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kiyoshi Tamukai
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Patent number: 6675024Abstract: A system for receiving a transmitted signal is provided. The system includes a first receiver that can receive the transmitted signal and decode the transmitted signal according to a first demodulation format, such as a CDMA or PCS format. A second receiver, such as an FM demodulator, is connected to the first receiver at a suitable location, such as after initial signal amplification and processing has been completed. The second receiver can decode the transmitted signal according to a second demodulation format, such as AMPS.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Aravind Loke, Mohy F. Abdelgany, Dana Vincent Laub
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Patent number: 6675025Abstract: A method for establishing telecommunications links in a switching system includes the steps of providing terminal devices and a base station having transmitting/receiving devices. The number of terminal devices is greater than the number of transmitting/receiving devices. A transmission of useful information and/or signaling information is performed between a transmitting/receiving device and a given terminal device in a first transmission cycle. The transmission between the transmitting/receiving device and the given terminal device is subsequently interrupted for a given time period. The given time period lasts as long as a transmission period of at least one transmission frequency. The transmission between the transmitting/receiving device and the given terminal device is continued in a second transmission cycle in time after the given time period has elapsed. A switching system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Bernhard Raaf
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Patent number: 6675026Abstract: There is provided a method for editing terminating ring tones in a mobile wireless terminal with a memory in which a plurality of melodies are stored. The method comprises displaying a bell/melody selection menu, when a terminating ring tone editing key is input by a user, displaying a bell/melody editing menu, when a bell/melody editing item on the bell/melody selection menu is selected by the user; displaying a sequence designation menu for designating an output sequence of the melodies stored in the memory, when a sequence designation item on the bell/melody editing menu is selected by the user; and setting the output sequence of the melodies according to the sequence designated by the user, and storing the melodies in the memory in the set output sequence.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Woo-Sun Yoon
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Patent number: 6675027Abstract: A mobile computing device, adapted to be held in the palm of a user's hand, includes an antenna for transmission of information from the mobile computing device. A first microphone, adapted to convert audible speech from the user into speech signals, is positioned at a distal end of the antenna. The antenna is rotatable, while the mobile computing device is held by the user, into a position which directs the first microphone toward the mouth of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Xuedong Huang
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Patent number: 6675028Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating use of a mobile station by a visually-impaired user. A data message, such as a SMS (Short Message Service) message provided to the mobile station during operation of the radio communication system in which the mobile station is operable is converted into Braille patterns readable by a visually-impaired user of the mobile station.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.Inventor: Anders Fahnøe Heie
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Patent number: 6675029Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructively estimating a tissue property, such as hydration, of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, an estimation model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the tissue hydration for the sample. The method of tissue hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Sensys Medical, Inc.Inventors: Stephen L. Monfre, Timothy L. Ruchti, Thomas B. Blank, Brian J. Wenzel
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Patent number: 6675030Abstract: An individualized modeling equation for predicting a patient's blood glucose values is generated as a function of non-invasive spectral scans of a body part and an analysis of blood samples from the patient, and is stored on a central computer. The central computer predicts a blood glucose value for the patient as a function of the individualized modeling equation and a non-invasive spectral scan generated by a remote spectral device. If the spectral scan falls within the range of the modeling equation, the predicted blood glucose level is output to the patient. If the spectral scan falls outside the range of the modeling equation, regeneration of the model is required, and the patient takes a number of noninvasive scans and an invasive blood glucose level determination. The computer regenerates the individualized modeling equation as a function of the set of spectral scans and corresponding blood glucose values.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Euro-Celtique, S.A.Inventors: Emil W. Ciurczak, Kevin P. Bynum, Howard Mark
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Patent number: 6675031Abstract: Sensors and monitors for a physiological monitoring system having capability to indicate an accuracy of an estimated physiological condition. The sensor senses at least one physiological characteristic of a patient and is connectable to a monitor that estimates the physiological condition from signals detected by the sensor. The sensor includes a detector for detecting the signals from the patient which are indicative of the physiological characteristic. The sensor is associated with a memory configured to store data that defines at least one sensor signal specification boundary for the detected signals. The boundary is indicative of a quality of the signals and an accuracy of the physiological characteristic estimated from the signals by the monitor. The sensor further includes means for providing access to the memory to allow transmission of the data that defines the at least one sensor boundary to the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.Inventors: Charles Porges, Clark Baker, Thomas J. Yorkey, Michael Bernstein, Paul Mannheimer
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Patent number: 6675032Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Medical Media SystemsInventors: David T. Chen, Steven D. Pieper, Michael A. McKenna
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Patent number: 6675033Abstract: The invention describes a system, method, and means for an MRI guidewire that can be visible on an MRI, can act as an antenna and receive MRI signals from surrounding subject matter, and can allow the use of multiple interventional tools without removal of the guidewire from a subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignees: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Surgi-Vision, Inc.Inventors: Albert C. Lardo, Xiaoming Yang, Ergin Atalar, Parag Karmarkar, Elliott R. McVeigh, Henry R. Halperin, Christine Enger McNamara, Paul A. Bottomley
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Patent number: 6675034Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses direct, continuous, unaliased, real-time imaging for motion compensation. Unaliased, real-time two dimensional (2D) images are acquired continuously of the anatomy of interest. The images are compared to at least one template to using a correlation coefficient technique to select images corresponding to minimal motion and distortion. A spatial grid of templates can be used to cover an anatomy of interest. Multiple temporal templates can be used to create a time series of magnetic resonance (MR) images. The selected images are used to provide a high-resolution image, preferably a three dimensional (3D) image.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Sunnybrook and Women's Health Sciences CentreInventors: Marshall S. Sussman, Graham A. Wright, Charles H. Cunningham
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Patent number: 6675035Abstract: A breast-shaped phantom for optical imaging comprises a cup in the shape of a human breast in its natural pendant position and a filler occupying the volume of the cup. The cup forms an outer skin of the phantom with a thickness similar to human skin and with optical transparency at selected optical wavelengths similar to human skin. The filler material has optical scattering and absorption characteristics similar to human breast tissue. A method for making the phantom is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Grable, Steve Ponder, Steve Gardner, Paul Jackewicz, Jerry Porter
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Patent number: 6675036Abstract: A diagnostic medical imaging device including a signal processor that includes an adaptive filter noise canceler that is used to reduce the additive electrical noise on low power bio-potential signals caused by a patient's respiration. A noise reference signal associated with the patient's respiration is adaptively filtered with only minimal time delay and subtracted from a noisy bio-potential signal that is acquired from the patient. The resultant signal is a clean bio-potential signal that may be used for, among other things, triggering an MRI scan. The noise reference signal is received by an adaptive filter having adjustable filter coefficients. The filter coefficients are adjusted using the clean bio-potential signal that acts an error signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Scott Kreger, Bo Johan Pettersson
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Patent number: 6675037Abstract: The combination of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-guided subcutaneous core biopsy can be used as a robust approach for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. MRI provides the means to accurately position and monitor interventional procedures such as biopsy, removal of tissue or other transcanular procedures. MRI may also be used in this invention to position and monitor the progress of breast conserving therapies (BCT), such as laser photo-ablation, cryoablation and localized hyperthermia. The general practice of this invention is to provide a remotely controlled apparatus for MR-guided interventional procedures in the breast. The apparatus allows the practice of a method that provides flexibility in conditioning the breast, i.e. orientation and degree of compression, and in setting the trajectory of the intervention.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventor: Nikolaos V. Tsekos
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Patent number: 6675038Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing textual ultrasound probe position information corresponding to an ultrasound image of a target is described. Based on a user's graphical manipulations of a probe icon relative to a breast icon, a text sequence corresponding to the user's estimate of the position of an ultrasound probe is automatically generated. User error and fatigue are reduced because manual keying of the probe position text sequence is no longer required, and the resulting outputs are standardized in format and therefore more amenable to archiving and electronic analysis. In one preferred embodiment, the user is permitted to select a snapping mode of operation in which the probe icon is snapped to align with a major direction of a preselected coordinate system, further enhancing ease-of-use and reducing user fatigue.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: U-Systems, Inc.Inventors: Tommy Earl Cupples, Donald Chin, Karen D. Maroc
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Patent number: 6675039Abstract: A review and analyze protocol is described. The protocol comprises the steps of performing a patient scan to collect scan data to be used in generating an image, performing at least one of a single exam review and a dual exam review of images generated using the scan data, and analyzing an area of interest identified in performing the exam review.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Beth Ann Heckel, David Charles Mack, Toan T. Le
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Patent number: 6675040Abstract: Camera systems in combination with data processors, image scan data, and computers and associated graphic display provide tracking of instruments, objects, patients, and apparatus in a surgical, diagnostic, or treatment setting. Optically detectable objects are connected to instrumentation, a patient, or a clinician to track their position in space by optical detection systems and methods. The recognition of instruments by patterns of optically detectable structures provides data on three-dimensional position, orientation, and instrument type. Passive or active optical detection is possible via various light sources, reflectors, and pattern structures applicable in various clinical contexts.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventor: Eric R. Cosman
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Patent number: 6675041Abstract: Apparatus for tracking net consumption of calories by a user has an input to allow a user to enter the number of calories in food consumed by the user. The apparatus also includes a heart rate monitor and a timer. The heart rate monitor and timer. A processor in the apparatus can calculate the number of calories expended by the user in an exercise session from the duration of the exercise session, as measured by the timer, and the intensity of the exercise session as measured by the timer. The apparatus may be provided as a light weight wrist wearable instrument. The apparatus simplifies tracking the expenditure of calories in exercise and makes it possible to vary dietary constraints on calorie consumption in accordance with the amount of exercise in which the user has participated.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Physi-cal Enterprises LPInventor: Elisabeth N. Dickinson
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Patent number: 6675042Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: Charles D. Swerdlow, Kalyanam Shivkumar
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Patent number: 6675043Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient. The method includes receiving signals from a sensor coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physical exertion by the patient. The signals are analyzed to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient, and excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation is applied so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic need.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Impulse Dynamics N.V.Inventors: David Prutchi, Yuval Mika
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Patent number: 6675044Abstract: A software-based medical data record management system includes access to time-line ordered clinical data acquired/stored by at least one implanted device. The system enables data management categorized in relation to the time cardiac episodes and events were captured by the at least one implanted device. An interactive screen display is implemented to enable users to review therapy, diagnosis and medical device data on a time-line basis.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Yuemean Chen
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Patent number: 6675045Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device utilizing the device housing as an antenna. Such radio-frequency communications can take place over much greater distances than with inductively coupled antennas.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: William R. Mass, Jeffrey A. Von Arx
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Patent number: 6675046Abstract: A system and method is described for preferentially stimulating dorsal column fibers while avoiding stimulation of dorsal root fibers. The invention applies hyperpolarizing pre-pulses and depolarizing pre-pulses to neural tissue, such as spinal cord tissue, through a lead placed over the spinal cord having the electrodes arranged on a line approximately transverse to the axis of the spine. To increase the threshold needed to stimulate dorsal root fibers, the anodal pulse given by each lateral contact of the electrodes has to be preceded by a depolarizing pre-pulse and simultaneously, the central electrode contact gives a hyperpolarizing pre-pulse, thereby reducing the stimulation threshold for the dorsal column fibers to subsequent depolarizing pulses.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Jan Holsheimer
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Patent number: 6675047Abstract: A method of electromagnetic field therapy consists in that an organ or a whole organism is locally acted upon with a pulsed electromagnetic field with a radio pulse packet repetition frequency within a range of from 0.1 to 100 Hz with spacing of 0.01 Hz, and the electromagnetic field carrier frequency ranging from 10 to 15 kHz. An apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention comprises a power supply source (1), a stabilizer (2), an antenna (4), a matching unit (3), a unit (5) for shaping packets of radio pulses, made as a microprocessor controller with a permanent memory, a computer interface unit (6), a liquid-crystal display (7), and a keyboard (8).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: Sergei Petrovich Konoplev, Tatyana Petrovna Konopleva
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Patent number: 6675048Abstract: A multi-functional portable electro-medical device provides interferential current stimulation to promote bone growth. Two electrical signals are applied to a target area, each electrical signal being formed by a set of two electrode pads. A beat frequency is created at the location the signals intersect with each other. The beat frequency is the difference between the frequencies of the two signals and has an amplitude that is additive and greater than either signal alone. The depth of the interferential signal is increased by increasing the carrier frequency of the signals. The direction of the interferential signal shifts toward the signal having the lower amplitude. The electrical stimulation is used in combination with biologics to further increase bone growth. The target area is large enough to include multiple vertebral segments.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: International Rehabilitative Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. McGraw, William A. Rux, William J. Carroll, Richard M. Terrell, Randy Alan Murphy
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Patent number: 6675049Abstract: An automated identification and configuration system for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The system includes a first communication circuit that is attached to, or otherwise carried by, a detachable component associated with the IMD such as a medical lead. The communication circuit stores data such as model numbers, serial numbers, technical data, and/or calibration information that describes the additional component. This information may be transferred by the first communications circuit to a second communications circuit that is external to the additional component. This transferred data can be used to automatically configure the internal circuitry and connection functions of the IMD to properly interface with, and support, the additional component. For example, the data can be used to automatically adjust amplifier gains or other sensor circuitry, or to configure a connector block to properly couple to the component.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David L. Thompson, Steven D. Goedeke, Gregory J. Haubrich, Ryan Cobian, Eric Bonde, John L. Sommer, Jonathan Werder, Nels Nerison, Eric V. Blaha
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Patent number: 6675050Abstract: A method, simulation, and apparatus are provided that are highly suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A catheter is disclosed that includes a small diameter disk loaded monopole antenna surrounded by fusion material having a high heat of fusion and a melting point preferably at or near body temperature. Microwaves from the antenna heat prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. The fusion material keeps the urethra cool by means of the heat of fusion of the fusion material. This prevents damage to the urethra while the prostatic tissue is necrosed. A computer simulation is provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: G. Dickey Arndt, James Carl, Phong Ngo