Patents Issued in June 9, 2015
  • Patent number: 9050001
    Abstract: A monitoring system including a reading device electrically connected to a probe via a wired interface. The probe has a physiological sensor/transducer configured as a Wheatstone resistive bridge balancing circuit. Integrated within the housing of the probe to prohibit separation during use by a user is a memory device arranged in parallel with the sensor. Communication between the reading device and the probe occurs via a wired interface utilizing a same number of electrical wires between the reading device and the Wheatstone as would be required without the memory device. Control circuitry selects between one of two modes for accessing either data detected by the sensor or the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Salim Kassem, Didier Balli, Nicholas D. Baruch
  • Patent number: 9050002
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a reconstructing unit, a first control unit, a detecting unit, a generating unit, and a second control unit. The first control unit controls the reconstructing unit to reconstruct first images based on projection data collected in first periods. The detecting unit detects second periods which belong to pulsation cycles different from one another and in which an organ to be imaged is in the substantially same form, based on the first images. The generating unit generates data for reconstruction including projection data for the required angle range by combining projection data collected in third periods close to the second periods. The second control unit controls the reconstructing unit to reconstruct a second image based the data for reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Noshi, Satoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 9050003
    Abstract: In order to provide a reconstruction computing device, a reconstruction computing method, and an X-ray CT apparatus capable of improving the image quality while reducing the amount of computation when reconstructing an X-ray CT image using an iterative method, a reconstruction computing device 45 divides an initial image 50 reconstructed using an analytical method such as an FBP method into a bed region 51, an object region 52, and the other air region 53, sets reconstruction conditions including at least convergence conditions and a pixel size for each of the divided regions, updates estimation images by performing an iterative process, and fixes estimation images or forward projection data of a subset satisfying the convergence conditions until other subsets satisfy the convergence conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisashi Takahashi, Taiga Goto, Koichi Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 9050004
    Abstract: A retractor instrument for minimally invasive surgery may include a housing with a longitudinal axis, an arm extending from a distal end of the housing, and an actuation mechanism, wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism causes radial expansion of the arm relative to the longitudinal axis. The device may be adapted for use with an endoscope or arthroscope or may be an integral part of one such scope. A method of performing surgery in constrained areas within the body is also included and may be applicable to the carpal tunnel of a wrist and palm or the cubital tunnel of an elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SOCORRO MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Edward Diao, Rajan Kashibhai Patel
  • Patent number: 9050005
    Abstract: A method of placing an electrode in a peritoneal cavity including the following steps: inserting an endoscope through a patient's mouth into the patient's stomach; passing the endoscope through an opening in the stomach into the peritoneal cavity; and using the endoscope to place the electrode in contact with tissue within the peritoneal cavity other than stomach tissue. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of electrically mapping tissue accessed from a peritoneal cavity including the following steps: inserting an endoscope through a patient's mouth into the patient's stomach; passing the endoscope through an opening in the stomach into the peritoneal cavity; passing an electrode through the endoscope; placing the electrode in contact with tissue within the peritoneal cavity other than stomach tissue; and applying a mapping stimulation signal to the electrode from a mapping stimulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Synapse Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Ignagni, Raymond P. Onders, James E. Gelbke
  • Patent number: 9050006
    Abstract: An example system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information are disclosed. An analysis signal and a reference signal are processed to determine whether there is a first point of change in a first selected-order derivative of the analysis signal with respect to a first selected-order derivative of the reference signal above a first threshold. The analysis signal and the reference signal are processed to determine whether there is a second point of change in a second selected-order derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a second selected-order derivative of the reference cardiac signal above a second threshold. An activation onset time is assigned in the analysis cardiac signal at a point based on a mathematical association of the first point of change and the second point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the analysis cardiac signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Topera, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs, Ruchir Sehra
  • Patent number: 9050007
    Abstract: A T-wave offset point of an ECG signal is provided. In accordance with various example embodiments, a location of a QRS complex in the ECG signal is identified and used to determine a first time window of the ECG signal in which to search for a T-wave offset point. The T-wave offset point is identified within the first time window, and the identified T-wave offset point is provided as an output based upon a noise characteristic of the ECG signal in a second time window that includes at least a portion of the T-wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: VivaQuant LLC
    Inventors: Marina Brockway, Brian Brockway
  • Patent number: 9050008
    Abstract: An active medical device using non-linear filtering for the reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) from an endocardial electrogram (EGM) is disclosed. The device for the reconstruction of the surface ECG includes a plurality of inputs, receiving a corresponding plurality of EGM signals from endocardial or epicardial electrogram (x1[n], x2[n]), each collected on a respective EGM derivation of a plurality of EGM derivations, and at least one output delivering a reconstructed surface ECG electrocardiogram signal (y[n]), related to an ECG derivation, and a non-linear digital filter (12?, 12?, 14) with a transfer function that determines the reconstructed ECG signal based on said plurality of input EGM signals. The non-linear digital filter includes a Volterra filter type (12, 12?, 12?) whose transfer function includes a linear term (h1) and at least one quadratic (h2) and/or cubic (h3) term(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SORIN CRM SAS
    Inventor: Alaa Makdissi
  • Patent number: 9050009
    Abstract: Mammography-apparatus for detecting malignant cells in a breast comprising an x-ray source and an x-ray detector that cooperates with the x-ray source for providing an x-ray image of said breast, and further comprising a paddle for flattening the breast by pressing it against said x-ray detector, wherein at least one sensor is applied for measuring a parameter that is used for determining the pressure at which the paddle compresses the breast, and wherein a control system is provided which controls the actuation of the paddle depending on the pressure that is applied to the breast, wherein there is a contact area measuring unit for measuring the contact area between the breast and the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Academisch Medisch Centrum bij de Universiteit van Amsterdam
    Inventors: Gerard Johan Den Heeten, Cornelis Antonius Grimbergen
  • Patent number: 9050010
    Abstract: A catheter has a distal assembly with at least one loop, if not two, with ring electrodes. The distal assembly has an elongated support member covered by an extruded form having two lumens, one sized for nonslip tight fit with the support member. A single continuous puller wire for bidirectional deflection is pre-bent into two long portions and a U-shape bend therebetween. The U-shape bend is anchored at a distal end of a deflectable section which is reinforced by at least one washer having at least two holes, each hole axially aligned with a respective lumen in the deflectable section. Each hole is centered with a lumen so that each puller wire portion therethrough is straight and subjected to tensile force only. A proximal end of the support member is flattened and serrated to provide a better bonding to the distal end of the deflectable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Julie Bui, Oscar Galvan, Jose Jimenez, Thanh Nguyen, Ricardo Padilla, Thomas V. Selkee
  • Patent number: 9050011
    Abstract: A method for mapping, consisting of receiving an initial set of measured values of a physiological parameter, which were measured at respective locations in a body organ and receiving a three-dimensional (3D) map of the organ including an array of spatial map elements. The method includes forming a correspondence between the respective locations at which the measured values were measured and a sub-group of the map elements, and in response to the correspondence, associating respective element values of the physiological parameter with map elements other than the sub-group. The method further includes adjusting the respective element values so that contiguous sets of the map elements form a geodesic, and displaying a map of the organ showing the adjusted element values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Vladimir Rubinstein, Meir Bar-Tal
  • Patent number: 9050012
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an excitation-light radiation unit; a fluorescence-image acquisition unit; a fluorescence-spectrum storage unit; a density computation unit, an image combining portion; and an image display portion; wherein when coefficients at wavelengths of fluorescent components obtained from the fluorescence spectra in the storage unit, and when intensities of fluorescence images at the wavelengths acquired by the acquisition unit, the density computation unit calculates the densities of the fluorescent components from an equation, and when the densities are calculated, in accordance with a change in the value of an exposure condition item during acquisition of the fluorescence image at a wavelength, the density computation unit changes the coefficients at the wavelength using the ratio of the value after the change to the value of the exposure condition items under the reference exposure conditions has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9050013
    Abstract: A heart monitoring and/or therapy device for detecting and quantifying fusion beats, wherein the device includes an IEGM signal sensing channel that puts out a recorded IEGM signal and an evaluation unit operatively connected to the IEGM signal sensing channel that detects fusion beats. The evaluation unit comprises or is connected to a template memory including at least a first template electrogram signal and a second template electrogram signal. The evaluation unit compares the recorded IEGM signal with both, the first and the second template electrogram signal and determines at least a first degree of similarity reflecting the similarities between the recorded electrogram signal and the first template electrogram signal, and a second degree of similarity reflecting the similarities between the recorded electrogram signal and the second template electrogram signal. The evaluation unit then calculates a fusion index (FI) from the at least two degrees of similarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jie Lian, Dirk Muessig
  • Patent number: 9050014
    Abstract: A system for analyzing cardiac electrophysiological signals includes an acquisition processor for acquiring signal data representing heart electrical activity over multiple heart cycles. An individual heart cycle comprises a signal portion between successive sequential R waves. A time interval detector uses a signal peak detector for detecting multiple successive time intervals including individual time intervals comprising a time interval between a first peak occurring in a first heart cycle and a second peak occurring in at least one of, (a) a successive sequential second heart cycle and (b) a third heart cycle successive and sequential to the second heart cycle. A data processor processes the multiple detected successive time intervals by, determining at least one interval parameter of, a mean, variance and standard deviation of the time intervals and generating an alert message in response to the interval parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9050015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a physiological recording electrode, and, more particularly, to an EEG (electroencephalography) recording electrode that can be used without the need for numerous steps in preparing the subject's skin and the electrode itself. The invention further relates to a surface feature or penetrator with a size and shape which that will not bend or break, which limits the depth of application, and/or anchors the electrode or other device during normal application; and a packaging system comprising a well and electrolytic fluid for maintaining a coating of said electrolytic fluid on the surface feature or penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Neuro Wave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stéphane Bibian, Tatjana Zikov
  • Patent number: 9050016
    Abstract: A system for heart performance characterization receives an electrical signal indicating heart electrical activity of a patient over a heart beat cycle. The electrical signal is acquired at a particular anatomical location. A gating signal generator generates a gating signal for use in identifying a particular portion of the heart beat cycle. An acquisition device, responsive to the gating signal, derives first and second voltage potentials from the received electrical signal. The first voltage potential comprises a voltage potential derived over a time period comprising a heart beat cycle and the second voltage potential comprises a voltage potential derived over a time period comprising a particular portion of the heart beat cycle. A computation processor derives a dynamic impedance representative value by adjusting a baseline impedance value by a ratio of the first and second voltage potentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9050017
    Abstract: An impedance analyzer includes: a control voltage generating unit for generating a control voltage that has a predetermined amplitude value; a measuring unit operable to provide an output current, which has an amplitude value corresponding to that of the control voltage, for flowing through first and second body portions of a biological target, and to generate a measurement voltage that has an amplitude value corresponding to a difference between voltages at the first and second body portions attributed to flow of the output current therethrough; and a calculating module operable to determine an electrical impedance between the first and second body portions according to a predetermined adjustment value and the amplitude value of the measurement voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: National Chi Nan University
    Inventors: Tak-Shing Ching, Tai-Ping Sun, Chia-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 9050018
    Abstract: Means and methods for improving the MRI “image quality in an MRI imaging” apparatus comprising a non-superconducting electromagnet and a plurality of pole pieces are provided. Said means for improving the image quality chosen from the group consisting of (a) means for reducing degradation of MRI image quality due to B0 field instability; (b) means for decreasing or otherwise correcting residual magnetization; (c) means for providing a 3D scout image; and (d) any combination of the above. These means for improving the image quality provides greater resolution of the imaged object relative to an MRI apparatus not containing such means for improving image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: ASPECT IMAGING LTD
    Inventor: Uri Rapoport
  • Patent number: 9050019
    Abstract: A pharyngeal ultrasound guide (PUG) to be placed inside the pharynx which allows the transmission of ultrasonic waves from a ultrasonic probe placed therein into the structures of the pharynx, throat, and major vessels; the technique of acquisition of the ultrasonic images and Doppler measurements using such a device; and the procedures which may be performed using the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Luiz Ferreira Maracajá Neto
  • Patent number: 9050020
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a detector, a determination unit, a retention controller, and a display controller. The detector is configured to detect a peak flow velocity of blood flow velocities acquired from Doppler waveforms collected in a time-serial manner or a peak value of average flow velocities of the blood flow velocities as a representative flow velocity for each predefined period. The determination unit is configured to determine a maximum value in a predefined polarity of a plurality of representative flow velocities. The retention controller is configured to control a memory unit to retain maximum waveform information that is Doppler waveform information of Doppler waveforms collected for a period in which the maximum value was detected. The display controller is configured to control a display unit to display the maximum waveform information with Doppler waveform information having been collected by a present time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Abe, Shinichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9050021
    Abstract: The present method describes a new method for the measurement of dark adaptation. The dark adaptation status of subjects may then be used to identify those subjects who are at risk of developing and/or who are currently suffering from a variety of disease states having their clinical manifestations in impaired dark adaptation. The disease states include, but are not limited to, age related macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy, late autosomal dominant retinal degeneration, retinal impairment related to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An apparatus for administering the test method described is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory R. Jackson, Cynthia A. Owsley
  • Patent number: 9050022
    Abstract: A method for dynamically analyzing distribution variation of scatterers is provided and used for dynamically analyzing changes in two or three dimensional scatterer distribution and concentration of ultrasound data by using probability density function along with a moving window technique. The present invention has advantages in low computation load and may be used for real-time analysis. A method for dynamically detecting thermal ablation area and thermal ablation level and a method for dynamically controlling thermal ablation intensity are also provided for non-invasive detection and thermal ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Meng-Lin Li, Hao-Li Liu, Da-Wei Li
  • Patent number: 9050023
    Abstract: A controller determines a lower edge position of an imaging area of an image combined in long-length imaging through light illumination from a line marker. Thereby the controller performs control such that light from the line marker is switched off beyond an area, set in advance, capable of being imaged upon determination of the imaging area. Consequently, an operator just performs operation while looking at only light from the line marker upon determination of the imaging area, which achieves easy operation. As a result, operation upon determination of the imaging area can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoharu Okuno
  • Patent number: 9050024
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detection and treatment of respiratory disorders using implanted devices are described. In one form, afferent nerves are electrically or electro-mechanically stimulated to increase the tone of upper airway muscles. Detection of respiratory disorders is carried out using electrodes implanted in sub-pectoral regions. Open and closed airway apneas are distinguished using a combination of acoustic detectors and electrical transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: RedMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony John Ujhazy, Gregory Newton Brewer
  • Patent number: 9050025
    Abstract: A system and method for determining volume-related parameters of a biological tissue, such as ocular tissue, include a light source for projecting light towards the biological tissue, a receiver for receiving light reflected from the biological tissue at two spectral wavelengths, and an image acquisition system in communication with the receiver for forming an image from the reflected light at each wavelength. A processor applies a mathematical model to the image which compares the absorption of light by the biological tissue at a selected image point at each of the two spectral wavelengths to determine the volume-related parameters, such as the relative thickness and material properties, of the biological tissue at that location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Eyelab Group, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Dilworth, Bruce E. Cohan, Zvi Flanders, Hannah R. Peshkin
  • Patent number: 9050026
    Abstract: An apparatus including a wavefront sensor including a light source configured to illuminate a subject eye, a detector, an image sensor configured to output an image of the subject eye, a first beam deflecting element configured to intercept a wavefront beam returned from a subject eye when the subject eye is illuminated by the light source and configured to direct a portion of the wavefront from the subject eye through an aperture toward the detector and a controller, coupled to the light source, the image sensor and the beam deflecting element, configured to process the image to determine transverse movement of the subject eye and to control the beam deflecting element to deflect and project through the aperture portions of an annular ring portion of the wavefront and further configured to pulse the light source at a firing rate to sample selected portions of the annular ring at the detector, to process the image of the subject eye to calculate transverse movement of the subject eye and to orient the beam de
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Clarity Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Zhou, Bradford Chew, William Shea
  • Patent number: 9050027
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for an intraocular imaging system are disclosed comprising an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The OCT system has an imaging range that may enable substantial portions of an eye or even a whole eye to be imaged. The OCT system may be coupled to an operation microscope, such that, for example, a surgeon can visualize ocular structures like the human crystalline lens and other ocular structures such as the cornea and/or vitreous while surgical instruments are in the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Adventus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Roger Uhlhorn, Marco Ruggeri, Fabrice Manns, Jean-Marie Arthur Parel
  • Patent number: 9050028
    Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: ControlRad Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allon Guez
  • Patent number: 9050029
    Abstract: A method and system for sizing an earpiece include situating a calibration device proximate a user's ear. The user holds an image capture device so as to aim the image capture device at the user's ear. The user then touches and holds a random area of the touch screen display and releases the touch screen display to activate the image capture device and capture an image of the user's ear and the calibration device. The captured image is then analyzed and an earpiece size is determined based on the analysis of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Seth Burgett, Richard J. Daniels, Bharat Rajaram, Michael D. Wetle, Tonya An
  • Patent number: 9050030
    Abstract: Wavefront measurements of eyes are often taken when the pupil is in a first configuration in an evaluation context. The results can be represented by a set of basis function coefficients. Prescriptive treatments are often applied in a treatment context, which is different from the evaluation context. Hence, the patient pupil can be in a different, second configuration, during treatment. Systems and methods are provided for determining a transformed set of basis function coefficients, based on a difference between the first and second configurations, which can be used to establish the vision treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventor: Guang-ming Dai
  • Patent number: 9050031
    Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, Jr., James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, Richard J. Schuman, Christopher A. Mathura
  • Patent number: 9050032
    Abstract: The invention features methods and systems to monitor changes in the magnitude of attentional disturbance and the magnitude of motor activity disturbance in a subject. The invention also features methods and systems for determining a subject's degree of concordance with individuals having an attentional disorder versus individuals not having an attentional disorder. The methods and systems of the invention can enable clinicians and consumers to ascertain both the severity of an attentional disorder as well as how much an individual changes over time, or with therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The McLean Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Teicher
  • Patent number: 9050033
    Abstract: An information processing method includes the following steps: applying a pattern matching process on the body motion signal information, and extracting rhythm cycle candidate waves which are rhythm cycle candidates related to the rhythmic motion; performing ?1 or more times integration on the body motion signal information to obtain a motion trajectory, and performing coarse-graining on the motion trajectory to produce an auxiliary wave; superimposing the rhythm cycle candidate waves which are extracted in the process of extracting the cycle candidate waves, on the obtained auxiliary wave, and selecting a cycle of a rhythm cycle candidate wave which has a peak in the auxiliary wave, as a true cycle; and finally obtaining a result of the processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Hiroshi Mitoma
  • Patent number: 9050034
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of an optical device user with non-visible light includes a non-visible light source that is positioned to direct a beam of non-visible light onto an eye of the optical device user. A non-visible light sensor is positioned to receive non-visible light that is reflected off of the eye and is configured to generate a signal corresponding to either a level or an intensity of the received non-visible light. A processor is connected to the light sensor, and is configured to determine a condition of the eye including whether the eye is either not moving, closed without blinking or open without blinking for more than a pre-determined amount of time based upon signals received from the light sensor. Also disclosed herein is a method for monitoring the condition of an optical device user with non-visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: EXELIS, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Hines
  • Patent number: 9050035
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a pupillary light reflex (PLR) system, wherein the PLR system includes a remote tracking and imaging system that is structured and operable to generate and acquire high resolution pupil stimulus and response data from a test subject while the test subject is moving and is disposed a distance from remote tracking and imaging system that is greater than or equal to one-third of a meter. The PLR system additionally includes a computer based system controller that is structure and operable to execute PLR software to control the operation of the remote tracking and imaging system and compute PLR information based on the pupil stimulus and response data acquired as the test subject is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Gang Yao, Judith H. Miles, Dinalankara M. R. Dinalankara
  • Patent number: 9050036
    Abstract: The present application discloses several embodiments of a devices for maintaining visualization with a surgical scope. The embodiments of the device are adapted to shield, defog or clean the lens of the surgical scope while the surgical scope is being used to perform a surgical procedure within a patient's body. In one embodiment, a view optimizer is provided that is adapted to deliver at least one fluid to the objective lens of the laparoscope to clean and/or defog the objective lens of the laparoscope without the need to remove the laparoscope from the surgical field. In additional embodiments, a view optimizer is provided that is adapted to create leakage or venting of gas from the body cavity so as to ensure continuous gas flow from an insufflator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Lyle Poll, Matthrew J. Huddleston, William J. Post, Thomas J. Ward, Caroline M. Crisafulli, Adam Landis
  • Patent number: 9050037
    Abstract: The present application discloses several devices for maintaining visualization with a surgical scope. The embodiments of the device are adapted to shield, defog or clean the lens of the surgical scope while the surgical scope is being used to perform a surgical procedure within a patient's body. In some embodiments, the view optimizer is provided in multiple parts enabling separation of one or more operator control features from engagement with the surgical scope. In some embodiments, the view optimizer features stabilization means for securement and positioning with the surgical scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Poll, Matthew J. Huddleston, Caroline M. Crisafulli, Adam Landis, Gregory Drach
  • Patent number: 9050038
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus: in conjunction with change of a projection region using an operation part, changes a viewpoint to a position where a reference cross section is in front and the changed projection region is on the back; in conjunction with change of the viewpoint using the operation part, changes a region where the reference cross section is in front and the changed viewpoint is on the back to the projection region; in conjunction with change of a scanning region using the operation part, changes the viewpoint to a position where the reference cross section is in front and the changed scanning region is on the back; in conjunction with change of the viewpoint using the operation part, changes the scanning region to a region where the reference cross section is in front and the viewpoint is on the back; and then executes rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Sasaki, Tomohisa Imamura
  • Patent number: 9050039
    Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes plural individual detectors defining an irregular rectangular active area responsive to x-rays and with different widths along a length of the active area. The individual detectors may be of different rectangular shapes and mounted on a motherboard. The motherboard may be formed of a first module mounting a first of two individual detectors and a second module detachable connected to the first module and mounting a second of two individual detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: OY AJAT LTD.
    Inventors: Konstantinos Spartiotis, Tom Schulman, Tuomas Pantsar
  • Patent number: 9050040
    Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray imaging system for capturing an X-ray image of teeth and a jawbone, including a tubular X-ray generating unit placed in an oral cavity, and a movable X-ray detection unit placed in the oral cavity outer side region corresponding to the X-ray generating unit and corresponding to a face or an X-ray detection unit having a curved surface shape similar to the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: EWHA UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Rena Lee
  • Patent number: 9050041
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include detecting a concurrent occurrence of a decrease in monitored analyte level and a corresponding decrease in monitored on-skin temperature, confirming a presence of an impending hypoglycemic condition, and asserting a notification corresponding to the confirmed impending hypoglycemic condition. Devices, methods, systems and kits incorporating the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Jay Feldman, Adam Heller, Namvar Kiaie
  • Patent number: 9050043
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for producing a plurality of archetype signals in wavelet space at a plurality of wavelet scales. A signal is transformed using a continuous wavelet transform based at least in part on a wavelet function. A scale dependent archetype transformed signal is computed based at least in part on the transformed signal and based at least in part on a natural periodicity of the wavelet function used to transform the signal. Information may be derived about the signal from the archetype transform signal, and stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Ireland
    Inventors: Paul Addison, James Ochs, James Watson
  • Patent number: 9050044
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a physiological parameter of tissue in a patient are provided herein. In a first example, a method of measuring a physiological parameter of blood in a patient is provided. The method includes emitting at least two optical signals for propagation through tissue of the patient, detecting the optical signals after propagation, identifying propagation pathlengths of the optical signals, and identifying detected intensities of the optical signals. The method also includes processing at least the propagation pathlengths to scale the detected intensities for determination of a value of the physiological parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Youzhi Li, Clark R. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9050045
    Abstract: Disclosed is a psychological state estimation device for estimating the psychological state of a subject. A psychological state estimation device for estimating the psychological state of a subject includes bioinformation acquiring means for acquiring bioinformation of the subject, perception response acquiring means for acquiring the perception response of the subject to an external event, influence degree acquiring means for acquiring the degree of influence on a change in the psychological state of the subject on the basis of the acquired perception response, and estimating means for estimating the psychological state of the subject on the basis of the bioinformation and the degree of influence on the change in the psychological state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Mori
  • Patent number: 9050046
    Abstract: A urine collection system includes an anti-flux mechanism to reduce the amount of urine that may flow from within the collection bag back into the urine meter. The urine collection system includes a urine meter, a collection member defining at least a first opening for receiving urine from the urine meter and a shield positioned adjacent the opening of the collection member. The shield is affixed to the collection member at predetermined connection points along a periphery of the shield whereby urine flows between the connection points from the urine meter to the collection member. The shield may be affixed to an internal surface of the bag. The shield may be spot welded to the collection member at the connection points. The shield may include at least a first slot configured to permit the passage of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Chelsey Elliott, Stephen Tully, Lawrence Salvadori
  • Patent number: 9050047
    Abstract: A resistance feedback laryngoscope contains a pushing grip, a trigger pad, a rotary shaft, a first transmitting rod, a second transmitting rod, and a two-step levering blade. The pushing grip includes a curved front side connecting with the two-step levering blade. The two-step levering blade includes a first movable blade, a second movable blade, and a fixed blade. The first transmitting rod and the second transmitting rod connect with the rotary shaft fixed on a drive post with a resilient element. The resilient element has a first foot butting against a locking peg proximate to the drive post and has a second foot being biased against a side piece of the rotary shaft. The trigger pad contacts with the pushing grip and curves upward slightly, and the trigger pad includes an arcuate groove formed therein, a bottom end of the arcuate groove contacts with the side piece of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Alliance Global Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Hung-Shu Chen, Hsu-Fu Wu, Tuo-Hou Chang
  • Patent number: 9050048
    Abstract: This application presents minimally-obstructive and structurally-adjustable retractors which afford an open work area of desirable size and enhanced visualization for a surgeon about the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall of the patient. The retractors may be lightweight and compact, and also configured and dimensioned to minimize slippage during use. The retractors may retract the engorged labia of the postpartum patient as well as the vaginal walls. The device may also be used as a speculum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: ALFRED E. MANN INSTITUTE FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Afshin Nadershahi, Ricardo Hahn, Carrie Nichols, Kelly Jones, Sudeep Deshpande
  • Patent number: 9050049
    Abstract: A urethra gauge for measuring an inner size of a urinary tract. The gauge permits a clinician to measure the size of the urethral lumen (proximal to an outer orifice of the urethra) before a catheterization is performed. Selecting a properly-sized catheter for insertion into a patient by measuring the size of the urethral lumen before performing a catheterization is believed to reduce: (1) catheter-associated-urinary-tract infections; (2) urethral injuries due to inserting a catheter that is too large for the urethra; and/or (3) leakage associated with catheters that are too small for a particular patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel David Ryan
  • Patent number: 9050050
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for monitoring the status of women's health, including HRT monitoring and determination or diagnosis of ovulation, contraception, pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovarian disease, and female sexual dysfunction. The method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting a tear fluid from a female human; (b) determining the tear concentration of at least one hormone of relevance to female fertility, sexual differentiation or sexual dysfunction in a female human, wherein the tear concentration is diagnostics of the status of women's health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Fiona Patricia Carney, Carol Ann Morris
  • Patent number: 9050051
    Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiation detector including plural radiographic image acquisition pixels that are arranged in a matrix in an imaging region for capturing a radiographic image and that acquire image information representing the radiographic image by converting applied radiation into electric charges and storing the electric charges and plural radiation detection pixels that are arranged in the imaging region, that have mutually different characteristics, and that detect the applied radiation by converting the applied radiation into electric charges and storing the electric charges; and a detecting unit that uses the radiation detection pixels selectively according to the characteristics to detect a state of application of the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Yasunori Ohta, Naoyuki Nishino, Naoto Iwakiri