Patents Issued in January 21, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160015300
    Abstract: A blood collection apparatus is provided with a blood collection assembly including blood collection tubes, adapter assemblies each including a first tube extending out of one end and a second tube extending out of the end to insert into one of the blood collection tubes, and a casing tube including a forward nose, connectors each connected to the first tube of each adapter assembly, and a rear flange having a flexible projection; a butterfly needle assembly mounted to the nose of the casing tube; and a plunger slidably disposed in the casing tube and including a forward plug and an elongated arm having cavities. A pulling of the plunger moves the plug rearward and pivots the projection to engage in one cavity so as to flow blood from the tube casing to one blood collection tube via one connector and one adapter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Hsien-Tsung WANG
  • Publication number: 20160015301
    Abstract: The present invention provides a personal hand-held monitor (PHHM) comprising a signal acquisition device for acquiring signals which can be used to derive a measurement of a parameter related to the health of the user, wherein the signal acquisition device comprises a blood photosensor having one or more photo-emitters for transmitting light to a body part of a user, one or more photo-detectors for detecting light transmitted through or scattered by the body part and two or more optical cells, at least one of which contains an analyte to be detected or which mimics the absorption spectrum of the analyte, through which the light that has been or will be transmitted through or scattered by the body part passes before it reaches the photo-detector(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Elliott, Marc-Eric Jones, Arushi Varshney, Matthieu Ruegg
  • Publication number: 20160015302
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for improving the accuracy of an analyte sensor are disclosed. The sensor may include a photodetector and a low angle sensitive (LAS) optical filter. The photodetector may be configured to convert received light into current indicative of the intensity of the received light. The LAS optical filter may be configured to prevent light having a wavelength outside a band pass region from reaching the photodetector and to pass light having a wavelength within the band pass region to the photodetector. The percentage of light passing through the LAS optical filter may decrease as the angle of incidence of the light increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SENSEONICS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joshua C. Schaefer, Andrew DeHennis, Szymon Tankiewicz
  • Publication number: 20160015303
    Abstract: Methods and devices to monitor an analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include continuous or discrete acquisition of analyte related data from a transcutaneously positioned in vivo analyte sensor automatically or upon request from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Milfred Bernstein, Martin J. Fennell, Mark Kent Sloan, Michael Love, Lei He, Christopher Allen Thomas, Udo Hoss, Benjamin Jay Feldman, Kenneth J. Doniger, Gary Ashley Stafford, Gary Alan Hayter, Phillip Yee, Namvar Kiaie, Jean-Pierre Cole, Hung Dinh, Marc Barry Taub, Louis George Pace, Jeffery Mario Sicurello
  • Publication number: 20160015304
    Abstract: Optoacoustic diagnostic systems, devices, and methods are described. A system may comprise a console unit and a handheld probe. The console unit comprises a controller, a processor, a photodiode array, an acoustic processing subsystem, and a cooling subsystem. The probe directs light signals from the photodiode array to patient tissue. The light signals each have different wavelengths selected based on the physiological parameter of interest. The probe further comprises an acoustic transducer that receives acoustic signals generated in response to the directed light signals. The probe may comprise a finger-held working end that can be directed to the skull of a fetus within the uterus during labor. The probe can then accurately determine blood oxygenation of the fetus to determine if a caesarian section is necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Rinat ESENALIEV, Donald S. PROUGH, Yuriy PETROV, Irene PETROV, George SAADE, Gayle L. OLSON, Tommy G. COOPER
  • Publication number: 20160015305
    Abstract: A medical puncturing device having a wicking element disposed on a portion of the medical puncturing device is disclosed. The wicking element allows a user to remove a first drop of blood upon puncturing the skin using the medical puncturing device. In this manner, a subsequent drop of blood can be used to test their blood to determine their blood glucose level for proper insulin dosing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Craig A. Gelfand, Gary D. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20160015306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of psychology and medicine and can be used for determination the psyche type of an individual with higher reliability of determination of the results. The method of determination the psyche type of an individual is in the following: forming a sampling of individuals with different known types of psyche, then selecting and measuring the external parameters, then comparing the selected and measured external parameters of the tested individual with the same external parameters of an individual from sampling, and finally relating psyche type of the tested individual to psyche type of an individual from sampling having similarity by external parameters. The technical result, achieved by the present invention is in providing higher reliability of the received results in determination the psyche type of an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Aleksandr Petrovich Khudiakov
  • Publication number: 20160015307
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for determining the compatibility level of users by creating an emotional DNA profile for the user and matching the emotional DNA profile with profiles of other users. Based on the matching performed, appropriate content or product is displayed to the user or the level of compatibility aspect between individuals is determined. The emotional DNA profile is created by receiving inputs from various sensors that can measure user's physiological responses to content as various signals such as, facial expression, audio tone, biometrics, eyetracking and the like for various time slices and/or optionally sub-segments of standard probe content. Based on the emotional DNA profile created for the user, the overall personality is determined by optionally augmenting additional explicitly mentioned personality information of the user. Further, the emotional DNA profile that is created is matched with other users profile to determine the level of compatibility aspect between individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ravikanth V. Kothuri
  • Publication number: 20160015308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) and method for monitoring vital signs of a subject. In particular, the device for monitoring vital signs (1) comprises an imaging unit (2) for obtaining image data (3) of said subject, an interface (7) for receiving motion data (8) of said subject and/or said imaging unit (2), a processing unit (4) for extracting vital signs (9) of said subject from said image data (3), and a control unit (5) for adapting parameters (6a, 6b) of said imaging unit (2) and/or said processing unit (4) based on the received motion data (8). A further aspect of the invention relates to a fitness device (10) comprising a device for monitoring vital signs (1) and a motion detection unit (13, 14, 15) for providing said device for monitoring vital signs (1) with motion data (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: IHOR OLEHOVYCH KIRENKO, ADRIAAN JOHAN VAN LEEST, GERARD DE HAAN
  • Publication number: 20160015309
    Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to devices, systems and methods for detection, evaluation and/or monitoring olfactory dysfunction by measuring and determining the patient's olfactory detection threshold for the left and the right nostril. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for detecting an asymmetric differential in a patient's olfactory detection threshold (left vs right nostril) which, when present, may be used as a tool to screen, detect, diagnose and/or monitor relative olfactory deterioration resulting from Alzheimer's disease. A preferred embodiment comprises cascading aromas by serially administering more than one pure odorant to the patient's nostrils, left vs right, with measurement of the time, or numbers of breaths, required to cognitively notice the pure odorants' presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory B. Mills
  • Publication number: 20160015310
    Abstract: Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, A portable apparatus for dermatological monitoring, comprising a housing; an imaging device integrated into the housing, wherein the imaging device is adapted for obtaining a digital, high-resolution, dermatological image of a patient; a processor device integrated into the housing and in communication with the imaging device, wherein the processor device is adapted for applying an anti-motion algorithm to the dermatological image to enhance image quality; and a wireless communications interface integrated into the housing and coupled to the processor device, wherein the wireless communications interface is adapted to upload the dermatological image to a remote server to be viewed by a medical professional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael P. COPELAND, Mark S. FLEMING, Christina A. LARA, Calline K. SANCHEZ
  • Publication number: 20160015311
    Abstract: Apparatus (2) for sensing and measuring and/or shear components of a force at an interface between two surfaces, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) at least one flexible means (4) for receiving the pressure and/or shear components of the force; and (ii) transducer means (6) for producing electrical signals consequent upon movement of the flexible means (4) in response to the pressure and/or shear components of the force, and the apparatus (2) being such that: (iii) the flexible means (4) comprises first and second electrode parts (18, 20) which are spaced apart by the flexible means (12); (iv) the first and second electrode parts (18, 20) move solely towards each other as a result of the pressure component of the force being applied to the flexible means (4); and (v) the first and second electrode parts (18, 20) move towards and parallel to each other as a result of the shear component of the force being applied to the flexible means (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Liudi Jiang
  • Publication number: 20160015312
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for measuring the level of muscle relaxation, a device thereof and an apparatus for measuring muscle relaxation, and the method respectively obtains the sampled values of the acceleration and angular velocity of the measurement site via an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor or a speed sensor and an angular velocity sensor, in order to calculate the degree of muscle relaxation according to the sampled values of the acceleration and angular velocity. As the calculated results combine the sampled values of the acceleration and angular velocity of the measurement site, the accuracy of the calculated results is higher. Moreover, the measurement combines an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor or a speed sensor and an angular velocity sensor, so that the apparatus for measuring muscle relaxation can be placed in any position of the measurement site without influencing the accuracy of the measured results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Hui Yu, Shuiyang Pan, Wenyu Ye, Jian Cen, Fang Liu
  • Publication number: 20160015313
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a signal from a function to record a set of values for each signal monitored; determining for each signal monitored the relative value of the signal being monitored over time; identifying each signal exhibiting a relative value representing a change in a pre-identified direction and each signal exhibiting a relative value not representing a change in the pre-identified direction, wherein each signal is aligned in the same direction relative to the pre-identified direction; dynamically weighting at least one signal monitored; displaying the monitored signals as an aggregate including enhancement of each signal exhibiting a change in the pre-identified direction; and causing a desired change in at least one monitored function based upon feedback of the displayed aggregate signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Laurence I. Sugarman, Brian L. Garrison, Stephen Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20160015314
    Abstract: A sleep assist system to monitor and assist the user's sleep, comprising: a bedside device adapted to be positioned near the user's bed, the bedside device optionally comprising a loudspeaker, a light source, a microphone, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a control unit, an air quality sensor, a display unit, a user interface. The system further comprises a first sensing unit positioned in the user's bed comprising one or more sensors adapted to sense at least pressure and changes in pressure exerted by the user lying in the bed; an additional sensor device to be in contact with the user's body, and to be coupled to the bedside device; the system is configured to correlate the data obtained from both the first sensing unit and the additional sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: WITHINGS
    Inventors: Florent Dusanter, Ruiyi Yang, Nadine Buard, Eric Carreel, Villard Joffrey
  • Publication number: 20160015315
    Abstract: A sleep assist system to monitor and assist the user's sleep, comprising a bedside device positioned near the user's bed, the bedside device comprising a loudspeaker and a light source and optionally a microphone, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a control unit, an air quality sensor, a display unit, a user interface. The sleep assist system further comprises a first sensing unit positioned in the user's bed and comprising one or more sensors adapted to sense at least pressure and/or changes in pressure exerted by the user lying in the bed. The system monitors the user's sleep, assesses the user's sleep cycles and the phase of sleep cycle, and provides the user with at least one light and sound program, the light and sound program being based on the assessment of the user's sleep cycles and the phase of sleep cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Withings
    Inventors: Raphael Auphan, Florent Dusanter, Ruiyi Yang, Nadine Buard, Cédric Hutchings, Bastien Rechke, Julien Gautier
  • Publication number: 20160015316
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pain detection system and method. Preferred methods include capturing imaging data from patient using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. In methods of the invention, pain may be assessed from a non-responsive patient. Preferred methods may further include measuring hemodynamic parameters using the optical imaging data and averaging the measured hemodynamic parameters to reduce background noise. Additionally, a pattern in the averaged hemodynamic parameters is identified and the pattern is compared to a predetermined associated with patient pain. The method further includes detecting, by the processor, a similarity between the pattern and the predetermined pattern and outputting a signal indicating patient pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: David Borsook, Lino Becerra
  • Publication number: 20160015317
    Abstract: A system operable to determine a future point of time, at which the alcohol concentration in blood of a user is less than a threshold value. The system includes an alcohol sensor operable to detect a current alcohol concentration in blood of the user, and a portable apparatus. The alcohol sensor and the portable apparatus each comprise a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus in the alcohol sensor is operable to wirelessly transmit the current alcohol concentration to the wireless communication apparatus in the portable apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Miguel Arias
  • Publication number: 20160015318
    Abstract: A method is described for the determination of the taking of a medication utilizing at least one physiological parameter monitoring platform. In addition, the method also may enable the determination of physiological effects or events resultant from the taking of a medication (or lack thereof) through the use of one or more physiological monitoring platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Naresh Chandra BHAVARAJU, Carl Frederick EDMAN, Michael Wayne MACCOLLUM, Darrel Dean DRINAN
  • Publication number: 20160015319
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a human body includes a node network with at least one motion sensor and at least one acoustic sensor. A processor is coupled to the node network, and receives motion information and acoustic information from the node network. The processor determines from the motion information and the acoustic information a source of acoustic emissions within the human body by analyzing the acoustic information in the time domain to identify an event envelope representing an acoustic event, determining a feature vector related to the event envelope, calculating a distance between the feature vector and each of a set of predetermined event silhouettes, and identifying one of the predetermined event silhouettes for which the distance is a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Fabrizio BILLI, Per Henrik BORGSTROM, William KAISER, Harry A. MCKELLOP
  • Publication number: 20160015320
    Abstract: An external or implantable system for measuring for measuring electrical factors, such as voltage, current, and impedance, to assess the behavior of metallic biomaterials surfaces and to determine the corrosion-based activity of the surfaces while placed in their normal location within the human body. The system includes electrodes for interrogating the medical implant and electronics for monitoring the implant and controlling the electrodes, as well as a power source and communication module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Jeremy GILBERT
  • Publication number: 20160015321
    Abstract: Innovative oral health monitoring technologies, which may be embodied in various apparatuses, systems, and methods, provide enhanced patient sample pH testing and other health data. The technologies may involve an oral health monitoring apparatus, which may include a mouthpiece housing, a pH sensor, and a wireless communication interface. The mouthpiece housing may be fitted to a mouth of a patient and may, by way of the pH sensor, capture saliva pH measurements. The technologies may involve wirelessly transmitting the measurements to a server for health condition correlation analyses, visual report generation, and subsequent display on a user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Shervin Tony Hashemian
  • Publication number: 20160015322
    Abstract: A leadless pacing system includes a leadless pacing device and a sensing extension extending from a housing of the leadless pacing device. The sensing extension includes one or more electrodes with which the leadless pacing device may sense electrical cardiac activity. The one or more electrodes of the sensing extension may be carried by a self-supporting body that is configured to passively position the one or more electrodes proximate or within a chamber of the heart other than the chamber in which the LPD is implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas A. Anderson, Todd J. Sheldon, Matthew D. Bonner, Noelle C. Neafus
  • Publication number: 20160015323
    Abstract: A sensor sheath for a catheter. The sensor sheath includes a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith; and an electronics unit in communication with at the at least one sensor, wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Prashant Tathireddy, Carlos Mastrangelo, Florian Solzbacher, Nassir Marrouche, Jules Magda
  • Publication number: 20160015324
    Abstract: A system for gathering pulmonary data includes a smartphone and a back cover for the smartphone. The smartphone has a processor, a display, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is operatively coupled to the processor (e.g. electrically coupled) and the display is also operatively coupled to the processor. The back cover attaches to the back of the smartphone and has an interface for accepting a breath from a user and routing the breath through at least one channel such that the breath is fluidly interfaced between the interface for accepting the breath and the pressure sensor. The application gathers samples of the breath to calculate exhalation volume and pressures and, in some examples, generates and displays a spirogram from the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Dean Du Bois
  • Publication number: 20160015325
    Abstract: A personal medical product design method based on an audio port includes steps of: using a universal mobile terminal and a vital sign collecting apparatus, using the mobile terminal for supplying a power for a collecting apparatus and driving the collecting apparatus to collect a vital sign signal, and then receiving the vital sign signal and performing subsequent processing; additionally mounting a physical hardware with a standard audio port on the collecting apparatus, and respectively connecting a data signal output terminal, a control signal input terminal and a power input terminal of the collecting apparatus to wire connecting terminals of the standard audio port; achieving a power supply from the mobile terminal to the collecting apparatus because a power of an audio signal outputted by the mobile terminal meets operating power requirements of the collecting apparatus; and physically connecting the collecting apparatus to the mobile terminal by the standard audio port, wherein a left sound channel sig
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Zhufa LIN
  • Publication number: 20160015326
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus configured to sequentially execute plural imaging sequences includes: processing circuitry configured to calculate a predicted value of Long MR Examination specific absorbed energy which is an accumulated SAR (Specific Absorption Ratio) value over the plural imaging sequences; and a display configured to display information on the predicted value with respect to a predetermined safety reference value of the Long MR Examination specific absorbed energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Kazuya TANOUE, Takao KASUGAI, Shinya OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20160015327
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. The methods can include obtaining proximal pressure measurements from a proximal pressure sensing component positioned within a vessel of a patient; obtaining distal pressure measurements from multiple pressure sensing components positioned within the vessel of the patient, wherein the multiple pressure sensing components are positioned distal of the proximal pressure sensing component and are spaced along a length of the vessel; and outputting a screen display having a visual representation of the proximal and distal pressure measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Fergus Merritt, Andrew Tochterman, David Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160015328
    Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to translation of physiological properties of a user's body to digital properties of a virtual object. The proposed technology also relates to a method and device for handling the translation. According to one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method, performed in an electronic device including communication circuitry and processing circuitry for translating the properties. The method includes the steps of receiving information representing physiological properties of the user's body, the information being collected using at least one sensor, calculating digital properties associated with a virtual object, wherein the virtual object is a virtual representation of the user, based on the physiological properties of the user's body and providing the digital properties to the virtual object in a virtual environment. Aspects described herein further relate to an electronic device for implementing the method and a corresponding computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Staffan Dahlberg, Fredrik Permo
  • Publication number: 20160015329
    Abstract: There is provided a system for use with a patient in a healthcare environment, the system comprising a medical device configured to monitor or treat a patient, the medical device being for use in a room in which the patient is located and comprising an alarm unit configured to issue an audible alarm; a detection unit configured to detect whether a healthcare staff member is in the room in which the patient is located; a remote alarm unit configured to issue an alarm to alert a healthcare staff member located outside the room in which the patient is located; and a control unit that is connected to the medical device, the remote detection unit and the alarm unit, the control unit being configured to: (i) control the alarm unit in the medical device to issue an audible alarm in the event that the medical device detects an alarm condition for the patient or the medical device and the detection unit detects that a healthcare staff member is in the room in which the patient is located; and (ii) control the remote a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Armin Gerhard KOHLRAUSCH, Thomas FALCK, Mun Hum PARK, Sam Martin JELFS, Katja LEUSCHNER
  • Publication number: 20160015330
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a table disposed in a cavity which is formed in a bore, a head support having a support hole through which an upper surface of the table is visible to an object disposed on the table, and a display configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) image, the display being disposed between the table and the head support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Hee JO, Young Ha KIM
  • Publication number: 20160015331
    Abstract: In a method and imaging device for ascertaining an absolute scan region on a patient, who is positioned on an examination table, for a subsequent medical imaging examination by operation of the medical imaging device, the height of the patient is ascertained, a relative examination region is ascertained, and the absolute scan region of the patient for the subsequent medical imaging examination is determined in a processor using the patient height and the relative examination region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Michael Wullenweber
  • Publication number: 20160015332
    Abstract: There is provided a panoramic imaging apparatus which serves as a radiation imaging apparatus. The panoramic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube radiating an X-ray as a radiation, a detector outputting digital-quantity frame data corresponding to an incident X-ray, and moving means moving the pair of X-ray tube and the detector relatively to an object. The apparatus further includes means for acquiring the frame data from the detector during movement of the X-ray tube and the detector, and means for optimally focusing a portion being imaged of the object using the acquired data and producing a three-dimensional optimally focused image in which the real size and shape of the portion being imaged are reflected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Akitoshi KATSUMATA, Koichi OGAWA, Tsutomu YAMAKAWA, Masahiro TSUJITA, Tatsuya NAGANO, Kazuhide KITOU
  • Publication number: 20160015333
    Abstract: A radiography system includes an imaging controller, a reconstruction processor, a process sequence controller and a display section. The imaging controller controls a radiation source to move in a range of a designated sweep angle and project X-rays at different angles to an imaging subject, while controlling a flat panel detector to acquire a set of projection images. The reconstruction processor uses the set of projection images to produce a plurality of tomographic images for use in diagnosis. The process sequence controller determines a parameter for sorting the plurality of tomographic images into first and second groups according to the sweep angle of the radiation source so as the first group of tomographic images to be produced prior to the second group of tomographic images. The display section displays at least the first group of tomographic images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiki MORITA, Takaaki HIGUCHI, Masataka SUGAHARA, Wataru SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20160015334
    Abstract: An X-ray detector and an X-ray CT apparatus that facilitate collimator plate arrangement are characterized by comprising radiation detection element arrays in which a plurality of radiation detection elements detecting a radiation generated from a radiation source are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, collimator plates that are arranged along the first direction on the radiation source side of the radiation detection element arrays to remove scattered radiations, and collimator plate support members that have grooves supporting the collimator plate and are arranged along the second direction between the radiation detection elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20160015335
    Abstract: There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus including: an X-ray source; a wedge which is disposed between the X-ray source and a subject and in which a shield blocking apart of an X ray is formed; a wedge driving unit for moving position of the wedge; and a system control unit controlling the wedge driving unit during a scan execution period to control the position of the wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi OOTA, Sakae KIMISHIMA
  • Publication number: 20160015336
    Abstract: The invention relates to a movable radiation protection system comprising a frame which is open on one side and comprises a lower part and an upper part, said upper part being vertically adjustable relative to the lower part, at least two flexible radiation protection drapes for protecting against radiation, preferably X-ray radiation, wherein a first of the at least two radiation protection drapes is attached to the lower part of the frame and preferably extends to the lower edge of the frame, and wherein a second of the at least two radiation protection drapes is attached to the upper part of the frame and is formed such that the at least two radiation protection drapes overlap in each vertical position in which the upper part is adjusted relative to the lower part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: MAVIG GMBH
    Inventor: Barbara BALLSIEPER
  • Publication number: 20160015337
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method for diagnosis acquiring information of an inside of a blood vessel and reconstructing a vascular image are disclosed, wherein when acquiring data through a rotation position and a movement of an imaging core, X-ray images at a fixed viewpoint position are synchronized so as to be continuously input along a time axis. Then, timing when vascular activity such as a cardiac beat can occur is determined based on the X-ray images. A plurality of vascular cross-sectional images on a plane orthogonal to a vascular axis acquired through the rotation and the movement of the imaging core are acquired. Then, a vascular image along the vascular axis is generated from the vascular cross-sectional image or the vascular cross-sectional images in series, and when performing a display, a site having vascular activity is displayed in a discriminable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouichi INOUE, Junya FURUICHI, Hijiri ETOU
  • Publication number: 20160015338
    Abstract: Dosimeters with an environmental safety are provided, by which a dose of radiation can be measured in real time when taking or fluoroscopically viewing an image by using the radiation while suppressing influence on the image taken or fluoroscopically viewed. The present dosimeter comprises a radiation detection part 100 including a phosphor 120 made of Y2O2S as a matrix with at least Eu as an activating agent, an optical fiber 200 of transmitting light emitted from the phosphor 120 of the radiation detection part 100 by receiving a radiation, and a light detection part 310 of detecting the light transmitted through the optical fiber 200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Koichi Chida, Masayuki Zuguchi, Masaski Nakamura, Koetsu Sato, Tsutomu Iyoki, Eiichi Uchijima
  • Publication number: 20160015339
    Abstract: An imaging device for electromagnetic radiation, especially for x-ray and/or gamma radiation, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the imaging device includes a layering including a number of detection elements, a number of read-out boards and a base board. Each of the detection elements is electrically contacted with a respective read-out board via a plurality of first solder contacts. Each read-out board includes a plurality of through-contacts and is electrically contacted with the base board via a plurality of second solder contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ludwig DANZER, Miguel LABAYEN DE INZA, Jan WREGE
  • Publication number: 20160015340
    Abstract: For identification of individual electronic cassettes, a different label is attached to each of the electronic cassettes. Selection buttons for selecting one of the electronic cassettes are provided on a console in correspondence with the respective electronic cassettes. A cassette ID is assigned to each of the electronic cassettes, and the console communicates with the selected electronic cassette using the cassette ID assigned to the selected electronic cassette. Data of correspondence between the cassette ID and the label is memorized for each electronic cassette. The same label is displayed on the selection button as the label on the corresponding electronic cassette, allowing confirming whether the electronic cassette actually positioned for imaging coincides with the electronic cassette selected on the console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyo NENOKI, Haruka IKEGAME
  • Publication number: 20160015341
    Abstract: Provided is an X-ray detector including: a data transceiver configured to wirelessly receive identification (ID) information relating to a central controller from the central controller when the X-ray detector is in a sharing mode in which the X-ray detector exchanges certain data with the central controller; and a processor configured to perform a configuration based on the received ID information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-hun LEE, Jeong-sik KIM
  • Publication number: 20160015342
    Abstract: When an X-ray detector is removed from a storage part, a sensor senses this, and transmits to an up and down control part a signal indicating that the X-ray detector has been taken out of the storage part. Upon receipt of the signal, the up and down control part releases braking force by electro permanent magnets. In doing so, sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a fixing part, and sticking force of the electro permanent magnet on a stopper plate are released. The weight of a counter weight is larger than the total value of the weights of the arm, X-ray tube, collimator, and the like, and therefore in a state where the arm is released from being fixed by the electro permanent magnets, the arm starts to move up together with the X-ray tube and the collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: TOMOHARU OKUNO
  • Publication number: 20160015343
    Abstract: A radiological imaging system including a bed extending along a main direction, and a load-bearing structure supporting the bed in a raised position. The system includes a collapsible gantry having a circular trajectory of expansion lying on a positioning plane, and the collapsible gantry includes a source to emit radiation and a detector to receive the radiation. The gantry also includes a casing housing the source and the detector. The casing includes a fixed arched module and a mobile arched module. There is a rotation mechanism suitable to rotate the collapsible gantry in relation to the bed and the load-bearing structure to vary the inclination of the positioning plane in relation to the main direction. There is also a kinematic expansion mechanism connected to the casing to translate the mobile arched module with respect to the fixed arched module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti
  • Publication number: 20160015344
    Abstract: A radiological imaging system including a bed and a load-bearing structure supporting the bed. The system also includes a gantry defining a main axis of expansion, and the gantry has a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector with a sensitive surface suitable to detect the radiation. The gantry also has an internal inner guide suitable to rotate the detector around the main axis of expansion defining an inner sliding trajectory, and an internal outer guide suitable to rotate the source around the main axis of expansion defining an outer sliding trajectory. In one embodiment, the distance from the source to the main axis of expansion is greater than the distance from the detector to the main axis of expansion. The gantry also includes a casing housing the source, the detector, the internal inner guide, and the internal outer guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti
  • Publication number: 20160015345
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a first arm, a second arm, a holding structure, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The first arm rotates by a first rotating shaft and slides along a first arc-like slide axis relatively to the first rotating shaft. The second arm rotates by a second rotating shaft and slides along a second arc-like slide axis relatively to the second rotating shaft. The holding structure is connected with a first arm side and configured to hold the second arm. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are installed on the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji NODA
  • Publication number: 20160015346
    Abstract: A technique for measuring thoracic vertebral bone density (BMD) and coronary calcium score (CCS). Representatively, BMD was measured and averaged at three consecutive thoracic spines (3T) starting from the left main coronary artery caudally and averaging the results of the measurements at the first, second and third spine regions to obtain a thoracic trabecular bone mineral density measurement. The “reference”, as the 3T BMD value of 30 year old and the piBMD (predicted individual BMD (piBMD) were developed. Based on the “reference”, and piBMD, T and Z score of 3T formula were derived in both genders. The new calibration phantom of TQCT and LQCT was designed. The ratios of CTHU/mg/cc were obtained with varying scanners, which were used to translate the CTHU to density units (mg/cc) in BMD and CCS mass measurement. A processor capable of quantitating both BMD and CCS burden was designed. In image without a calibration phantom, formulas were created to quantitate BMD with a high precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Budoff, Song Shou Mao, Christopher A. Dailing
  • Publication number: 20160015347
    Abstract: There is provided a computerized method for estimating a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) score from CT imaging data, comprising: receiving imaging data of a computed tomography (CT) scan of a body of a patient containing at least a bone portion; segmenting the bone portion from the imaging data; computing at least one grade based on pixel associated values from the bone portion; and correlating the at least one grade with at least one score representing a relation to bone density values in a population obtained based on a DEXA scan; wherein the grade is computed from a calculation of sub-grades performed for each one or a set of pixels having at least one of a common medial-lateral axial coordinate and a common cranial-caudal axial coordinate along a dorsal-ventral axis of a volume representation of the imaging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Orna BREGMAN-AMITAI, Eldad ELNEKAVE
  • Publication number: 20160015348
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain time changes of concentrations of a contrast agent, based on at least X-ray contrast image data; generate a gray scale or a color scale by assigning a change in pixel value for at least one period, to a period shorter than a period from an initial time to an ending time of the time changes of the concentrations of the contrast agent; and generate blood vessel image data according to the gray scale or the color scale. The blood vessel image data have pixel values corresponding to times at which the concentrations of the contrast agent become a specific condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru OHISHI
  • Publication number: 20160015349
    Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain first volume data showing a morphological shape of an object and second volume data showing information corresponding to a position spatially different from a position of the object. The processing circuitry is configured to provide the information in the second volume data to the position of the object in the first volume data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki OHUCHI, Shinichi HASHIMOTO