Patents Issued in February 24, 2015
  • Patent number: 8965464
    Abstract: A system for providing real-time always-on location is presented for maintaining the current location of a mobile device, while saving the battery by managing the GPS in a power-saving mode while the device is considered to be stationary. The system also provides a real-time location in an indoor environment where a GPS signal may not be available. Additionally, methods for driving detection are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: mPanion, Inc.
    Inventor: Neeraj Chawla
  • Patent number: 8965465
    Abstract: In some aspects, a portable electronic device, having a rear housing, an upper housing coupled to the rear housing and slideable relative thereto between a closed position and an open position, an antenna, and at least one element coupled to the antenna and configured to perform at least one of inhibiting low frequency shift and increasing high frequency sensitivity of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jay Robert Spoto, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz, Paul Brian Koch, Marko Antonio Escalante
  • Patent number: 8965466
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pouch for a mobile terminal and a mobile terminal having the same. The pouch includes a base defining a space for receiving at least part of a terminal body therein, a slide unit disposed within the base, and relatively slidable with respect to the base along a lengthwise direction of the terminal body, the slide unit supporting the terminal body, an elastic unit disposed between the base and the slide unit to apply an elastic force, a guide unit configured to guide the relative sliding of the slide unit, and a locking unit configured to lock and unlock the slide unit at and from a preset position of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seokhwan Oh, Dongguk Kang, Jongbeom Han, Zhimin Choo, Jongseok Park, Minsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 8965467
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a superconducting rotating electrical machine and a manufacturing method for a high temperature superconducting film thereof. The superconducting rotating electrical machine includes a stator, and a rotor rotatable with respect to the stator, the rotor having a rotary shaft and a rotor winding. Here, the rotor winding includes tubes disposed on a circumference of the rotary shaft and each forming a passage for a cooling fluid therein, superconducting wires accommodated within the tubes, and a cooling fluid flowing through the inside of the tubes. This configuration may allow for direct heat exchange between the superconducting wires and a refrigerant, resulting in improvement of heat exchange efficiencies of the superconducting wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeong Chun Kim, Jin Hong Joo, Tae Sun Moon, Heui Joo Park, Woon Sik Kwon, Jung Hyun Lee, Hyo Jung Kim, Jae Deuk Lee, Sung Hwan Lim
  • Patent number: 8965468
    Abstract: A persistent-mode High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) shim coil is provided having at least one rectangular shaped thin sheet of HTS, wherein the thin sheet of HTS contains a first long portion, a second long portion parallel to first long portion, a first end, and a second end parallel to the first end. The rectangular shaped thin sheet of high-temperature superconductor has a hollow center and forms a continuous loop. In addition, the first end and the second end are folded toward each other forming two rings, and the thin sheet of high-temperature superconductor has a radial build that is less than 5 millimeters (mm) and able to withstand very strong magnetic field ranges of greater than approximately 12 Tesla (T) within a center-portion of a superconducting magnet of a superconducting magnet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Yukikazu Iwasa
  • Patent number: 8965469
    Abstract: Disclosed are an oxide superconductor tape and a method of manufacturing the oxide superconductor tape capable of improving the length and characteristics of superconductor tape and obtaining stabilized characteristics across the entire length thereof. A Y-class superconductor tape (10), as an oxide superconductor tape, comprises a tape (13) further comprising a tape-shaped non-oriented metallic substrate (11), and a first buffer layer (sheet layer) (12) that is formed by IBAD upon the tape-shaped non-oriented metallic substrate (11); and a second buffer layer (gap layer) (14), further comprising a lateral face portion (14a) that is extended to the lateral faces of the first buffer layer (sheet layer) (12) upon the tape (13) by RTR RF-magnetron sputtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SWCC Show Cable Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhisa Nakanishi, Yuji Aoki, Tsutomu Koizumi, Atsushi Kaneko, Takayo Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8965470
    Abstract: A method of detecting at least one analyte in extra-cellular spaces includes the step of inserting a microprobe through the stratum corneum toward the stratum basale of the skin of a subject into extra-cellular spaces containing interstitial fluid having at least one analyte to be detected, said microprobe having a diameter at its tip no larger than approximately 10-50 microns. The method further includes optically testing for a predetermined analyte in the extra-cellular space adjacent the distal end of the microprobe without drawing a sample of the interstitial fluid. Preferably the microprobe body includes a sensor layer covering the distal optical tip of the microprobe body, the sensor layer being adapted to interact with a predetermined analyte to be detected in the interstitial fluid, and an optical detector responsive to interaction of the sensor layer with the predetermined analyte to signal detection of said predetermined analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Eric Jules Raskas
  • Patent number: 8965471
    Abstract: A tissue profile wellness monitor measures a physiological parameter, generates a tissue profile, defines limits and indicates when the tissue profile exceeds the defined limits. The physiological parameter is responsive to multiple wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within a tissue site. The tissue profile is responsive to the physiological parameter. The limits are defined for at least a portion of the tissue profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cercacor Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcelo Lamego
  • Patent number: 8965472
    Abstract: A near infrared spectrophotometric (NIRS) sensor assembly for non-invasive monitoring of blood oxygenation levels in a subject's body is provided that includes a pad, at least one light source, a near light detector, a far light detector, and a cover. The light source is operative to emit near infrared light signals of a plurality of different wavelengths. The near light detector is separated from the light source by a first distance that is great enough to position the first light detector outside of an optical shunt field extending out from the light source. The far light detector is substantially linearly aligned with the near light detector and light source, and is separated from the near light detector by a second distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Benni
  • Patent number: 8965473
    Abstract: A sensor for pulse oximetry or other applications utilizing spectrophotometry may be adapted to reduce motion artifacts by fixing the optical distance between an emitter and detector. A flexible sensor is provided with a stiffening member to hold the emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. Further, an annular or partially annular sensor is adapted to hold an emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. A clip-style sensor is provided with a spacer that controls the distance between the emitter and detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Carine Hoarau, Clark R. Baker, Jr., Edward Karst
  • Patent number: 8965474
    Abstract: An in vivo monitoring method in a laparoscope system is provided. An object image is sequentially created with expression of a surface color of an object in a body cavity. A lock area (specific area) is determined within the object image, the lock area being movable by following motion of the object. A monitor image including a graph of oxygen saturation is generated according to a part image included in the object image and located in the lock area. The monitor image is displayed. Preferably, the oxygen saturation of the lock area is acquired according to two spectral data with respect to wavelengths of which an absorption coefficient is different between oxidized hemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin in data of the object image. The object is constituted by a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8965475
    Abstract: An exemplary sensor includes an integrated sensor pad having a first portion and a second portion separated by a waist portion. The waist portion is narrower than the first portion and the second portion. A light source that is disposed on the first portion is configured to generate near-infrared light and transmit the near-infrared light into a patient's body. A light detector that is disposed on the second portion is configured to detect near-infrared light that has traveled through part of the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Oleg Gonopolskiy, Arik Anderson, Melissa Muto, Richard Morbito, Matthew Stimpson
  • Patent number: 8965476
    Abstract: A body fluid testing device has at least one penetrating member and a penetrating member driver configured to be coupled to the at least one penetrating member. A plurality of analyte sensors are coupled to a spoked disk substrate. Each of a penetrating member can pass between spokes of the disk substrate to provide that a used penetrating member can be removed and a new penetrating inserted without removing the disk. A disposable houses the at least one penetrating member and the plurality of analyte sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dominique M. Freeman, Thomas Shoup, Jeffrey Perry, Mark Castle, Rodney Kugizaki, Robert Englert, Don Alden
  • Patent number: 8965477
    Abstract: Method and system for determining real time analyte concentration including an analyte sensor having a portion in fluid contact with an interstitial fluid under a skin layer, an on-body electronics including a housing coupled to the analyte sensor and configured for positioning on the skin layer, the on-body electronics housing including a plurality of electrical contacts, on the housing; and a data analysis unit having a data analysis unit housing and a plurality of probes, on the housing. Each of the probes configured to electrically couple to a respective electrical contact when the data analysis unit is positioned in physical contact with the on-body electronics. The one or more signals on the probes correspond to one or more of a substantially real time monitored analyte concentration level (MACL), MACL over a predetermined time period, or a rate of change of the MACL, or combinations thereof, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Udo Hoss, Benjamin J. Feldman, Zenghe Liu, Hyun Cho, Benjamin M. Rush
  • Patent number: 8965478
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent that selectively reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. The working electrode can have at least one dimension less than 25 micrometers. The reference electrode can have an area at least five times greater than an area of the working electrode. A portion of the polymeric material can surround the working electrode and the reference electrode such that an electrical current conveyed between the working electrode and the reference electrode is passed through the at least partially surrounding portion of the transparent polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Zenghe Liu
  • Patent number: 8965479
    Abstract: A biosensor is described which can obtain physiological data from an individual. The biosensor may collect electrodermal activity, skin temperature, and other information. The biosensor may be attached to the body through the use of a garment which may be fastened in multiple locations on the human body. The biosensor has replaceable electrodes which may be interchanged. The electrodes contact the body without having any wires or leads external to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Affectiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Orion Wilder-Smith, Rosalind Wright Picard
  • Patent number: 8965480
    Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for measuring arterial transit delay using pseudo- continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) with variable TR and interleaved post-labeling delays. In one aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging method for measure arterial blood flow and transit delay using arterial spin labeling (ASL) includes applying an ASL pulse sequence. The ASL pulse sequence includes a pre- saturation pulse, and a labeling pulse. The method includes performing data acquisition to measure a transit delay, which represents a time needed for labeled blood to arrive in an imaging slice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Youngkyoo Jung, Kun Lu
  • Patent number: 8965481
    Abstract: Improvements in magnetic resonance imaging methods to obtain three-dimensional models and diagnoses of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Vanguard Specialty Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Werden
  • Patent number: 8965482
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning implanted devices in a patient are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes, for each of a plurality of patients, receiving a target location from which to deliver a modulation signal to the patient's spinal cord. The method further includes implanting a signal delivery device within a vertebral foramen of each patient, and positioning an electrical contact carried by the signal delivery device to be within ±5 mm. of the target location, without the use of fluoroscopy. The method can still further include, for each of the plurality of patients, activating the electrical contact to modulate neural activity at the spinal cord. In further particular embodiments, RF signals, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and/or other techniques are used to locate the signal delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Thacker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre
  • Patent number: 8965483
    Abstract: A computer assisted surgery system for conducting orthopedic surgery on a knee joint includes a condyle digitizer having a posterior condyle abutment surface defining a first plane and a distal condyle abutment surface defining a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and a trackable member which is locatable and trackable in three dimensional space by the computer assisted surgery system to define at least orientation of the condyle digitizer in real time. A computer determines a most remote reference point of the femur of the knee joint lying within at least one of the first and second planes when the condyle digitizer is abutted against condyles of the femur such that the posterior condyle abutment surface abuts a posterior side of the condyles and the distal condyle abutment surface abuts a distal side of the condyles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Pierre Couture, Alain Richard, Louis-Philippe Amiot
  • Patent number: 8965484
    Abstract: A method of displaying image data for a tissue of an organ includes acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) projection dataset using a Computed Tomography (CT) imaging system, performing a segmentation of the 3D projection dataset that includes a plurality of voxels, performing a perfusion viability cluster analysis to identify myocardium voxels, grouping the myocardium voxels into viable clusters and non-viable clusters based on a density and a location of the myocardium voxels, and generating an image of the myocardium and a coronary tree using the viable clusters and the non-viable clusters. An imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronan Quelever, Laurent Launay, Amy Deubig
  • Patent number: 8965485
    Abstract: Integrated surgical systems and methods for using same are provided that can receive scanned images and produce a three dimensional model from the images. Based at least in pan on the three dimensional model, a processor generates code defining an optimized tool path, which is sent to a surgical machining system that can machine the desired portion of the patient. In one exemplary aspect, the integrated system operates in a clearly defined and pre-programmed manner with no necessity for in-situ sensory or guidance feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alagar K. Balaji, William T. Couldwell, Joel D. MacDonald, Bradley C. Hansen, Aniruddha Lapalikar, Bharat Thakkar, Brenda Marie Thomas
  • Patent number: 8965486
    Abstract: The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SenoRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Paul Lubock, Michael L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8965487
    Abstract: A system, process and software arrangement are provided to determining data associated with at least one structural change of tissue. In particular, a first optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) signal which contains first information regarding the tissue at a first stress level, and a second OCT signal which contains second information regarding the tissue at a second stress level are received. The first and second information are compared to produce comparison information. The data associated with the at least one structural change is determined as a function of the comparison information and further information associated with (i) at least one known characteristics of the tissue and/or (ii) characteristics of an OCT system. Further, at least one optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) signal which contains information regarding the tissue can be received, and the modulus of the tissue may be determined as a function of the received at least one OCT signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Raymond C. Chan, Guillermo J. Tearney
  • Patent number: 8965488
    Abstract: Vessel perfusion and myocardial blush are determined by analyzing fluorescence signals obtained in a static region-of-interest (ROI) in a collection of fluorescence images of myocardial tissue. The blush value is determined from the total intensity of the intensity values of image elements located within the smallest contiguous range of image intensity values containing a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Vessel (arterial) peak intensity is determined from image elements located within the ROI that have the smallest contiguous range of highest measured image intensity values and contain a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Cardiac function can be established by comparing the time differential between the time of peak intensity in a blood vessel and that in a region of neighboring myocardial tissue both pre and post procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Novadaq Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Dvorsky, David Mark Henri Goyette, T. Bruce Ferguson, Jr., Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8965489
    Abstract: A method and system for determining activation times for electric potentials from complex electrograms to identify the location of arrhythmic sources or drivers. The method includes counting a number deflections in a recorded cardiac electrogram signal from at least one electrode for a predetermined amount of time. A deflection time is identified for each of the counted number of deflections. A most negative slope is identified between each of the identified deflections times. Each of the identified most negative slopes is correlated to a possible activation time. Each possible activation time is associated with a corresponding electrode from the at least one electrode. A spatial voltage gradient at each corresponding electrode is calculated for each possible activation time. The greatest spatial voltage gradient is identified. The greatest spatial voltage gradient is correlated to an activation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Subham Ghosh
  • Patent number: 8965490
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices and methods to increase the accuracy of intravascular catheter placement, and to improve electrocardiogram (ECG), intravascular electrogram, and ultrasound Doppler signal processing to detect the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) area. Embodiments of the invention are intended to place an intravascular catheter within the lower ? of SVC to the junction of the SVC and the right atrium (RA)—called the cavoatrial junction (CAJ). In particular, the improved accuracy of CAJ location detection during an intravascular catheter placement can be provided by optimization of ECG parameters and ultrasound Doppler signal using Neuro-Fuzzy logic and/or other processing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Vasonova, Inc.
    Inventors: Kichang Lee, Brian J. Wenzel, Jin Jiang, Stephen P. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 8965491
    Abstract: Methods and implantable devices for cardiac signal analysis. The methods and devices make use of waveform appraisal techniques to distinguish event detections into categories for suspect events and waveform appraisal passing events. When adjustments are made to the data entering analysis for waveform appraisal, the waveform appraisal thresholds applied are modified as well. For example, when the data analysis window for waveform appraisal changes in length, a waveform appraisal threshold is modified. Other changes, including changes in sensing characteristics with which waveform appraisal operates may also result in changes to the waveform appraisal threshold including changes in gain, sensing vector, activation of other devices, implantee posture and other examples which are explained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Venugopal Allavatam, Rick Sanghera, Jay A. Warren
  • Patent number: 8965492
    Abstract: A body-worn patient monitoring device includes providing a substrate that supports one or more electrical connections to a patient's body. The method further includes determining a print pattern and thickness of a first material having a first resistivity to be printed on the substrate, determining a print pattern and thickness of a second material having a second resistivity to be printed on the substrate, printing the first material onto the substrate, and printing the second material onto the substrate wherein at least part of the second the material overlays the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Eric T. McAdams, James P. Welch
  • Patent number: 8965493
    Abstract: An electromedical implant for monitoring a thoracic property of a living being is provided that includes a detector arrangement including an impedance measuring unit and an electrode arrangement, which are equipped to capture a measurement signal associated with the thoracic property in the form of an impedance signal; a monitoring arrangement, which is connected to the detector arrangement and equipped to generate a parameter from the measurement signal that is indicative of the thoracic property, and an evaluation unit, which is connected to the monitoring arrangement and equipped to determine an evaluation result regarding the thoracic property based on the parameter. According to the invention, the electrode arrangement comprises at least a plurality of mutually isolated electrodes, which are disposed on the housing and operatively connected by way of the impedance measuring unit and which can be separately controlled, wherein an electrode body has a strip shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Olaf Skerl, Michael Lippert, Gerald Czygan
  • Patent number: 8965494
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the detection of cardiac events that includes an implanted device called a cardiosaver, a physician's programmer and an external alarm system. The system is designed to provide early detection of cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction or exercise induced myocardial ischemia caused by an increased heart rate or exertion. The system can also alert the patient with a less urgent alarm if a heart arrhythmia is detected. Using different algorithms, the cardiosaver can detect a change in the patient's electrogram that is indicative of a cardiac event within five minutes after it occurs and then automatically warn the patient that the event is occurring. To provide this warning, the system includes an internal alarm sub-system (internal alarm means) within the cardiosaver and/or an external alarm system (external alarm means) which are activated after the ST segment of the electrogram exceeds a preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Angel Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Fischell, Tim A. Fischell, Jonathan Harwood, Robert E. Fischell, Steven R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8965495
    Abstract: An implantable electronic therapy device, having a therapy unit, a heart rate capturing unit, a contractility determination unit, and an evaluation and control unit. The therapy unit delivers an antitachycardiac therapy. The heart rate capturing unit determines a ventricular heart rate from an input signal, and the contractility determination unit generates from an input signal, a contraction signal reflecting a contractility of a ventricle. The evaluation and control unit is connected to the therapy unit, the heart rate capturing unit, and the contractility determination unit actuates the therapy unit to administer an antitachycardiac therapy when the heart rate capturing unit detects an increase in the heart rate above a specified threshold value and the contractility determination unit supplies a contraction signal which is not physiologically adequate for the increase in the heart rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Biotronik Se & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Doerr
  • Patent number: 8965496
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image of the location of one or more low voltage structures in tissue is provided. The method includes receiving electrical mapping data corresponding to a portion of the tissue. The method further includes generating an image using the electrical mapping data. Electrical mapping values within at least one voltage range having two endpoints that bound the upper and lower limits of the voltage range are distinguishable from electrical mapping values outside the at least one voltage range. The two endpoints are selected to distinguish the one or more low voltage structures of the tissue from other portions of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Steven J. Bailin
  • Patent number: 8965497
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrophysiological analysis system which comprises a plurality of electrodes (E1-E4), power supply means (10, 30) for successively applying a substantially continuous voltage ranging approximately from 1 to 5 volts and lasting from 0.1 to 5 seconds to different slotted electrode pairs, collecting and storing means (450) for recording the variation of a current flow in the electrode pairs to which said voltage slots are applied, means (50) for enabling the current variations obtained by comparison between at least two current variations caused by supposed identical conditions and means (50) for comparing data related to the current variations recorded for several electrode pairs and enabled with reference data. Said invention can be used for chronoamperometrically detecting pathologies, pathological areas and organ dysfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Impeto Medical
    Inventors: Annick Nicole Lydie Tournefier, Philippe Brunswick, Nicolas Bocquet
  • Patent number: 8965498
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus combine patient measurement data with demographic or physiological data of the patient to determine an output that can be used to diagnose and treat the patient. A customized output can be determined based the demographics of the patient, physiological data of the patient, and data of a population of patients. In another aspect, patient measurement data is used to predict an impending cardiac event, such as acute decompensated heart failure. At least one personalized value is determined for the patient, and a patient event prediction output is generated based at least in part on the personalized value and the measurement data. For example, bioimpedance data may be used to establish a baseline impedance specific to the patient, and the patient event prediction output generated based in part on the relationship of ongoing impedance measurements to the baseline impedance. Multivariate prediction models may enhance prediction accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Corventis, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolphe Katra, Niranjan Chakravarthy, Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8965499
    Abstract: A nerve overwrap for an implantable nerve stimulation system includes a flexible sheet of electrically insulative material, having an electrical resistivity of from about 108 ohm*m to about 1020 ohm*m, adapted to wrap substantially around a group of nerve stimulation electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Cowley, Robert J Chilton, Victor S. Kokx, Jeffrey H. May
  • Patent number: 8965500
    Abstract: A wearable defibrillator and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable defibrillator includes at least one therapy pad, at least one sensor and at least one processing unit operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and the one or more sensors. The wearable defibrillator also includes at least one audio device operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zoll Medical Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Macho, Shane S. Volpe, Richard A. Rattanni, Philip C. Skalos, Thomas E. Kaib, Marshal W. Linder
  • Patent number: 8965501
    Abstract: A medical device such as an external defibrillator delivers electrical therapy using a special ascending, biphasic waveform. The special waveform is characterized by a set of at least two peaks. The amplitude of the second peak is greater than the amplitude of the first peak. The waveform is generated by switching capacitance configuration in the defibrillator from a parallel configuration to a series configuration while the defibrillator is delivering the defibrillation shock to the patient. Because of the switching capacitances and/or the waveform, the external defibrillator can be made physically smaller and weigh less, without sacrificing the therapeutic effect of a larger external defibrillator that would deliver a defibrillation shock of higher energy. As such, the defibrillator is easier to configure for transporting, handling, and even wearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8965502
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a cardiac stimulator comprising at least one stimulation unit to deliver subthreshold stimulation pulses for a cardiac contractility modulation therapy via at least two stimulation electrode poles, and at least one sensing unit to detect cardiac electrical or mechanical actions. The at least one sensing unit detects signals characteristic of cardiac action and comprises, or is connected to, an evaluation unit that evaluates signals detected by the sensing unit and supplies a corresponding evaluation result signal. The cardiac stimulator further comprises a therapy control unit to control a respective cardiac contractility modulation therapy depending on a respective evaluation result signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Doerr
  • Patent number: 8965503
    Abstract: In various method embodiments, a supraventricular arrhythmia event is detected, and a supraventricular arrhythmia treatment, including neural stimulation to elicit a sympathetic response, is delivered in response to a detected supraventricular arrhythmia event. Some embodiments detect a precursor for a supraventricular arrhythmia episode, and deliver prophylactic neural stimulation to avoid the supraventricular arrhythmia event. Some embodiments detect a supraventricular arrhythmia episode, and deliver therapeutic neural stimulation for the supraventricular arrhythmia event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8965504
    Abstract: An implantable sensor circuit can be configured to generate a first sensor signal representative of mechanical activation of a first chamber of a heart of a subject and a second sensor signal representative of mechanical activation of a second chamber of the heart. A chamber synchrony measurement circuit can be configured to generate a measure of synchrony of the mechanical activations of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber using the first and second sensor signals, a tachyarrhythmia detector circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit can be configured to receive an indication of a detected episode of tachyarrhythmia, and to initiate, select, or adjust a device-based therapy at least in part using the measure of synchrony of the mechanical activations in response to the tachyarrhythmia detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Li
  • Patent number: 8965505
    Abstract: A medical device and method for detecting and classifying cardiac rhythm episodes that includes a sensing module to sense cardiac events, a therapy delivery module, and a detection module configured to determine intervals between the sensed cardiac events, determine a predetermined cardiac episode is occurring in response to the determined intervals, determine whether a ventricular rate is greater than an atrial rate in response to the determined intervals, determine whether undersensing is occurring in response to the ventricular rate being greater than the atrial rate, perform a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) discrimination analysis in response to undersensing occurring, and control the therapy delivery module to deliver therapy in response to the SVT discrimination analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra B. Charlton, Troy E. Jackson, Benjamin P. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8965506
    Abstract: Methods and/or devices may be configured to monitor the performance of pacing therapy and provide fault-tolerant operation to provide therapy in the event of certain failure modes occurring in the pacing delivery circuits, leads, and/or lead/tissue interfaces. Generally, the methods and/or devices may provide fault-detection, fault-recovery and fault-handling to, e.g., handle potential faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Hareland, Kenneth J Kahle, Leonard P Radtke, John D. Wahlstrand, Jeffrey M Gillberg
  • Patent number: 8965507
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for quickly and efficiently determining cardiac pacing vectors that minimize phrenic nerve stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepa Mahajan, Yanting Dong, Sunipa Saha, Holly Rockweiler, Kenneth N. Hayes, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Clayton S. Foster
  • Patent number: 8965508
    Abstract: Medical monitoring and treatment apparatus, which is controlled by a plurality of control sources, includes a “personal medical device” (PMD) or an “implantable medical device” (IMD), respectively carried by, or implanted in, a patient. The PMD/IMD is alternatively self-controlled or controlled by one or more local external control stations, at or near the location of the patient, and/or one or more remote external control stations, remote from the patient. Either or both of the local and remote stations may be operated by a person, such as the patient, a patient facilitator and/or a medical professional, or the stations may operate automatically. Since the device is controlled by multiple sources, hierarchies are used to select the source of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Matos
  • Patent number: 8965509
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for adjusting the operation of implantable stimulation devices used to provide medical monitoring and treatment. Several hierarchical algorithms are described which operate according to conditionally obtaining a patient response to an alert signal. In one such strategy semi-automatic therapy adjustment occurs by automatically issuing patient alert messages when selected operations are to occur, and using a patient's response to the alert message that is provided within a selected time limit in order to contingently adjust therapy. Methods are also described for resolving conflicts which may occur when time information and sensed data information each indicate different patient states are occurring. Although treatment of neural and cardiac disorders is emphasized, the techniques can be applied to the monitoring and treatment of any medical disorder with an implanted device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 8965510
    Abstract: Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax, Greg Baldwin, Andrew DiGiore
  • Patent number: 8965511
    Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats hypertension through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints PC5, PC6, LI4, ST36, ST37, LI11, LR3, and GB34. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Greiner, David K. L. Peterson, Chuladatta Thenuwara
  • Patent number: 8965512
    Abstract: System and methods for adhering a patch of stimulation electrode(s) to blood vessels to stimulate a target site on the blood vessel are described. In various embodiments, the system includes an adhesion patch and at least one electrode. The adhesion patch includes a passive adhesion mechanism that may produce an adhesive force sufficiently strong to adhere the adhesion patch to the exterior of the blood vessel and to operationally position the at least one electrode for use in electrically stimulating a target site of the blood vessel. The adhesion patch may also include a release mechanism that is configured for a user to disengage the patch from the exterior of the blood vessel without significant trauma to the blood vessel. After being released, the adhesion patch may be re-adhered to a different target site of the blood vessel and stimulate the different target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan C. Shuros, Ismail Guler, Richard Charles Gunderson, Joel P. Grover, Eric A. Mokelke, Adam David Grovender
  • Patent number: 8965513
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Benjamin Pless