Patents Issued in January 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9241583
    Abstract: A pusher tray is provided. The pusher tray includes a base structure defining a retail merchandise support surface. A pusher is slidably retained on the base structure and configured to bias retail merchandise toward a front stop of the pusher tray. The pusher has a floor and a front wall extending upwardly from the floor such that the front wall is oriented at an acute angle relative to the retail support surface. A pair of dividers are slidably mounted to the base structure. Each of the pair of dividers includes an arcuate frame portion and a pair of support elements supporting the arcuate frame portion such that a portion of each support element is tangent to a radius of curvature defined by each arcuate frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 9241584
    Abstract: A multifaceted merchandiser having a body and an internal cavity. A door is used for accessing the internal cavity. A dividing panel is formed with a first mounting surface facing towards the door. Mounting structures associated with the mounting surface are constructed and arranged as mounting magnets for affixing articles thereto. Mounting cavities are constructed and arranged for receiving a display hook. At least one bin has at least one magnetic material attached or associated therewith. The magnetic material attached is selected to provide a magnetic attraction and mate with the magnetic material mounting magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Hamid McHatet
  • Patent number: 9241585
    Abstract: A decorative adjustable fabric plant pot sleeve for covering various sized plant pots is provided in which a non-elastic fabric covering is integrated with an elastic lattice structure so as to provide an adjustable plant pot sleeve without sacrificing the quality of the fabric covering that is to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Merri Lee Marks
  • Patent number: 9241586
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing support to the head and/or neck, wherein the support may provide tension and desired orientation of the head and/or neck. In one embodiment, a cushioned saddle-shaped neck support is positioned at an upper end of a moveable support structure. A lower part of the saddle-shaped neck support is movably connected to an upper part of the support structure. A lower part of the support structure is movably supported by a surface on which a person's body can be positioned. The person's body is positioned on this surface with his neck over the neck support. As the person's neck comes into contact with the neck support, the weight of the person's head and/or neck pushes down on the neck support, which moves down and away from the person's shoulders to provide the desired tension and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Kelley Brown
  • Patent number: 9241587
    Abstract: A container (1), such as a drink container, comprises a body (2) for accommodating fluids, a bottom (10), a side wall (12), a body opening (28), and a first connecting element (32). A fluid-tight closing unit (30) is connectable to the first connecting element (32) in a fluid-tight manner and has a region where a fluid passage to the body can be provided. A mouthpiece module (24) comprises a mouthpiece (26), a fluid line (34), and a unit (36) for creating a fluid passage to the body in the region. By way of a guiding unit, the fluid line (34) and the unit (36) can be transferred from a distance from the region to a position in which a fluid passage through the closing unit (30) and, by way of the fluid line (34), a connection between the body (2) and the mouthpiece (26), is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Red Bull GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Rinderer, Catherine Reiter, Nathalie Mikhaeel, Peter Huels, Roland Concin, Gabriele Weber-Trinkfass
  • Patent number: 9241588
    Abstract: A non-spill container assembly having a container, a collar and an annular seal from which drinking can occur at any location around a rim of the container assembly. The collar has an internal frustoconical shape wall with a circular upper end that extends downward and inwardly into a closed lower end. The closed lower end has a projection that extends outward from its center. The collar includes a support surface arranged along an inner surface of an upper edge of the circular upper end and a fastener assembly disposed adjacent to a bottom of the collar provided to securely fasten to a container. A plurality of passages are radially disposed around the projection in the internal frustoconical shape wall to channel a fluid. A plurality of radial protrusions disposed radially adjacent to the support surface defining various channels along the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin Douglas Johnson, Matthew Joseph Saxton
  • Patent number: 9241589
    Abstract: An Exercise Yoga mat and method of use whereby the mat has printed indicia for measuring distance along the surface of the mat while executing yoga exercise positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Dan Saltzman
  • Patent number: 9241590
    Abstract: Quick-release control systems for architectural opening coverings and associated control systems and methods for rapidly deploying the coverings to extended positions. In one embodiment coupling assemblies are provided for controllably coupling and decoupling portions of lifting mechanisms in a variety of covering systems, including roller and cellular shade systems. In yet other embodiments, control systems for controlling a plurality of coverings are provided, which may be configured to remotely and simultaneously deploying each of the plurality of coverings to an extended position in response to a trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Gordon's Window Decor, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon M. Clements, Stephen Knieriem, Brian McCarthy, Christopher C. Coulter
  • Patent number: 9241591
    Abstract: An architectural mesh hanging system having a hanger assembly including a hanger tube having a plurality of openings and an architectural mesh panel of predetermined size having an uppermost edge defined by a plurality of loops. The plurality of loops are positioned within the plurality of openings in the hanger tube and a retaining rod is disposed through the plurality of loops within an interior of the hanger tube, thereby preventing the plurality of loops from displacement out of the plurality of opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: George Howard Messick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9241592
    Abstract: A slow cooker having a thermometer such as a capillary thermometer and a graphic display device for indicating a temperature condition of the food product contained within the cooking vessel, the thermometer measuring the temperature of an outer surface of the cooking vessel and the graphic display device displaying the temperature measured by the thermometer but adjusted by a correlation factor to indicate at least an approximate temperature of the food product within the cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Phetsouvanh Kounlavong, Monte Davis
  • Patent number: 9241593
    Abstract: A system 10 and process for making beverages by infusing a product contained in a package 1. System 10 has an infusion chamber 7, a closure device 60 including upstream closure element 61 for selectively preventing and allowing access to chamber 7 from upstream of the latter and downstream closure element 62 for selectively receiving package 1 in chamber 7 or allowing package 1 to fall out of chamber 7 by gravity, the position of the upstream closure element 61 conditioning the position of downstream closure element 62 and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE MEDITERRANEENNE DES CAFES (SA)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Blanc, Alain Goering
  • Patent number: 9241594
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a beverage brewing device that includes a housing and a fill-port located on front side of the housing. The fill-port includes an inlet that may accept a fluid supply container. Provided in some embodiments is a method of preparing a brewed beverage that includes coupling a fluid supply container to a fill-port located on a front side of a brewing device, routing a fluid contained in the fluid container from the fluid container to a heat-exchange device to heat the fluid, routing the heated fluid to a brewing container to brew the fluid, and routing the brewed fluid into a beverage container used for serving the brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ENFLITE, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Martin Rodriguez, Anthony John Merkel
  • Patent number: 9241595
    Abstract: A cooking appliance kit includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining a heating cavity. A cooking vessel is configured to be inserted into the heating cavity. The cooking vessel includes a first rounded end, a second rounded end, and an intermediate necked portion that defines first and second wells that at least partially intersect. First and second distinct heater plates are disposed in the first and second wells, respectively. First and second drive arms are removable coupled to the housing in an operable communication with the drive system. The first drive arm includes a flipping wand and the second drive arm includes a stirring wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Bournay, Jr., Nicholas L. Stuart, Paul S. Paget, Michael P. Conti, Terence M. Duncan
  • Patent number: 9241596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant feeding warming system useful to repeatedly and precisely warm breastmilk or formula for use in the NICU. The system in one form comprises a bedside unit that is attachable to an IV pole. The system may also comprise a centralized warming station with multiple chambers, wherein one chamber heats a bottle or syringe, and the remaining chambers are used for storage and/or refrigeration. The system will use a non-liquid heating system to heat feedings. A disposable liner may be used inside the chamber. The system may also contain heating algorithms that are based on a user inputting milk parameters such as volume and initial temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Ryan Bauer, Amanda Miller, Jill M. Solberg
  • Patent number: 9241597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to grinding devices for dried plants and herbs. The herb grinder features four tiers for cutting and collecting the dried herbs. The grinder features arced cutters, a tier for collecting the cut herbs and an additional tier for separating the cut herbs from the ultra-fine pollen particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Dane Dukat
  • Patent number: 9241598
    Abstract: Provided is a static food cutting element including a hollow body having an inlet opening in which are arranged food cutting means, and also a discharge outlet. It includes a through-window formed in a lower part of the hollow body, and at least one lengthwise edge of the through-window forms a unit for guiding the cut foods towards the discharge outlet. Also provided is a cutting tool including such a static cutting element and also to an electric appliance including such a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Rouyer, Nicolas Suberbie, Jean-Marie Lafond
  • Patent number: 9241599
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a utensil that can be used to manipulate batter. In one embodiment, the utensil is a slotted batter spatula that comprises: (i) an elongated handle comprising a front end and a back end; (ii) a fork-shaped head attached to the front end of the elongated handle, said fork-shaped head having at least two substantially parallel tines; and (iii) a slotted head cover mounted over the fork-shaped head so that a slot of the head cover extends between each of the substantially parallel tines of the fork-shaped head. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manipulating batter with the slotted batter spatula. This method involves using the slotted batter spatula to lift, spread, stir, scrape, move, and/or remove batter from one or more surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: TONOGA INC.
    Inventors: John F. Cooper, Sherry Wong
  • Patent number: 9241600
    Abstract: An adjustable solar-power unit to power a dispenser includes a support housing maintaining a receiving aperture to rotatably retain a solar panel carrying holder therein. The adjustable solar-power unit is configured to be mounted remotely from the dispenser or may be configured to be integral with a housing that maintains the components of the dispenser. The holder may be rotated or pivoted so that the angle of incidence of the ambient light can be substantially perpendicular with that of the solar elements carried by the holder to generate an optimal amount of electrical power therefrom in order to power the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Allen Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 9241601
    Abstract: A dispenser suitable for dispensing a rolled product includes a housing having a back plate and a cover openably engaged with the back plate. Each of a pair of roll holder appliances disposed within the housing include a leg having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side. The first end has an attachment feature, and the second end has a first roll holder on the first side, and a second roll holder on the second side opposing and different from the first roll holder. The attachment feature of each appliance is removably attached to the back plate, each appliance being oriented with associated roll holders facing each other and suitably spaced apart so as to receive the rolled product therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Abby C. Case, Alexander Trampolski, Kathleen A. Jordan, Andrew Jackman
  • Patent number: 9241602
    Abstract: A driving wheel assembly and a robot cleaner having the same includes a main body and a driving wheel assembly including a driving wheel, a housing, a driving motor, a rotary member with rotation around a rotation shaft of the driving motor, where the rotary member includes a first unit and a second unit disposed at a position opposite to the driving wheel with respect to the rotation shaft of the driving motor, and a compression coil spring disposed between the housing and the second unit to apply pressure to the second unit, where a distance between a contact point where the compression coil spring and the second unit contact and the rotation shaft of the driving motor is shorter than a distance between a rotation shaft of the driving wheel and a rotation shaft of the driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung In Lee, Hwi Chan Jang, Hyun Soo Jung, Dong Won Kim
  • Patent number: 9241603
    Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assemblies can include first and second arcuate members that each includes a tab and a receiving section so the latter can receive the other member's tab. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory about two independent axes. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter. With the swivel systems and assemblies described herein, the versatility and efficiency of vacuum appliances and other tools can be improved through their multi-axes rotational capabilities and balanced airflow configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: Robert Hollis
  • Patent number: 9241604
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly is provided that is configured for receiving a docking station at two different heights so as to, for example, accommodate an adjustable upper rack in a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm assembly includes a chamber and a check valve plate having two check valves with closure protrusions extending therefrom to provide this functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Edward Dries
  • Patent number: 9241605
    Abstract: A water-using household appliance includes a treatment chamber, a water softener for wash or rinse water, a regenerating device associated with the water softener and configured to contain a supply of brine, and a storage container disposed in a thermally conductive relationship with the treatment chamber. The storage container includes a liquor volume, a regeneration volume for producing the brine supply, and a first outlet operable for substantially emptying the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Markus Druecker, Ralph Steinmeier, Dirk Wegener
  • Patent number: 9241606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub (2) having a base (3), a rear wall (4) and two side walls (5) surrounding the base (3), a door (6) providing access to the washing tub (2), connected to the washing tub (2) from its lower side and opening by tilting forward, a rack (8) wherein objects to be washed are placed, having more than one roller (7) disposed at two opposite sides of its lower surface, providing it to move forwards/backwards, having a washing position whereat it is placed on the base (3) to entirely remain inside the washing tub (2), a loading position whereat it is positioned on the inner surface of the door (6) by being moved forwards when the door (6) is open and whereat loading-unloading can be performed and a spray arm (9) extending from the base (3) towards inside the washing tub (2), remaining under the rack (8) when the rack (8) is in the washing position, spraying water towards inside the rack (8) by rotating around itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
    Inventors: Ebru Cetinkaya, Ismail Demircioglu, Erdem Akyildiz
  • Patent number: 9241607
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing dedicated spray coverage for silverware and dishware positioned within a silverware basket. In an example embodiment, the dishwasher includes a tub configured to receive dishware and a circulation system configured to circulate fluid within the tub. The dishwasher further includes a silverware basket disposed within the tub and comprising a handle portion and a basket portion. The basket portion is configured to receive dishware therein. The handle portion defines at least one spray jet opening that is configured to be in fluid communication with the circulation system and configured to direct fluid toward the basket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Porcaro, II, James L. Burrows
  • Patent number: 9241608
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash tub, a basket, a frame, and adjustment parts. The wash tub defines a space in which dishes are washed. The basket receives dishes. The frame is disposed inside the wash tub and configured to receive the basket. The adjustment parts are rotatably disposed on a side surface of the frame adjust a height of at least one end of the basket by lifting at least one end of the basket from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gapsu Shin, Moonkee Chung
  • Patent number: 9241609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of signals from a first type of image sensor to a second type of camera control unit is presented. A first interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and an image sensor, the image sensor being interchangeable between a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor. A second interface is provided for enabling electrical communication between the conversion module and a camera control unit (CCU). Also provided is conversion circuitry in communication with the first interface and the second interface, the conversion circuitry receiving signals of a first type from the first interface, converting the signals of a first type to signals of a second type and providing the signals of a second type to the second interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Ezra Navok, Shai Finkman, Christopher A. Cook
  • Patent number: 9241610
    Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: MEDEON BIODESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hsu, Senzen Hsu
  • Patent number: 9241611
    Abstract: A track-forming device can form an insertion route (track) along which a treatment tool is easily inserted. The track-forming device includes: a plurality of track-forming segmented members that are arranged in the longitudinal direction with spaces therebetween; a soft wire that connects the plurality of track-forming segmented members; and a wire pulling section that brings the plurality of track-forming segmented members into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction. When the plurality of track-forming segmented members are brought into contact with each other by the wire pulling section, a predetermined track is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Konno
  • Patent number: 9241612
    Abstract: A bending operation apparatus for an endoscope includes a bending operation knob, a first movable disk, a second movable disk, a cam member, a fixed disk, an annular member, and a step portion that is provided at the annular member and comes into contact with a base portion of the cam member as the cam member is pivoted in another direction to cause the second movable disk to move from a second position to a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Hoshino
  • Patent number: 9241613
    Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to provide wound closure based on rings positioned within the tissue layers of the wound opening (with the rings regionally separate the wound depth tissue layers into 2 compartments), followed by suture transport through the rings and full-thickness tissue layers of both compartments. Upon suture transport via synchronous or asynchronous manner and device removal, wound closure is achieved by tying the 2 ends of the suture without incorporating tissue above the level of the rings such as skin. When the device is applied to abdominal or chest wall wound opening, all tissue layers except the skin are incorporated in the suture closure of the wound. The closure process can be performed in a simple, reliable, and expeditious manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: MEDEON BIODESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hsu, Senzan Hsu
  • Patent number: 9241614
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided, including an elongate carrier (24), configured to be advanced through an esophagus (20) of a subject. An anchor member (30) is coupled to a distal end of the carrier, and configured to be mounted in a stomach (32) of the subject in a vicinity of a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (34) of the subject. An imaging capsule (26) is configured to move with respect to the carrier when the anchor member is in the vicinity of the LES. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: G.I. VIEW LTD.
    Inventors: Benad Goldwasser, Oz Cabiri, Yossi Gross, Shlomo Lewkowicz
  • Patent number: 9241615
    Abstract: Identifying, based on a special image, a prescribed region of interest in a special image, determining a boundary line of an area which includes a region in an ordinary image corresponding to the identified region of interest and a predetermined margin added to the region, and displaying a boundary line of the region and the boundary line of the area in the ordinary image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yoshida, Masayuki Iwasaka
  • Patent number: 9241616
    Abstract: An illumination attachment for an intraoral camera quickly attaches to the distal end of the camera and provides non-white illumination at a specific desired wavelength for diagnosing gum disease and tooth decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Martin Mortensen
  • Patent number: 9241617
    Abstract: A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semitransparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Invuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Grey, Alex Vayser, Jonathan G. Gasson
  • Patent number: 9241618
    Abstract: A light for use with an oral anesthesia syringe that is received into a passageway of a barrel of the light. When the syringe is received into a first opening in a proximal end of the barrel's passageway, the needle of the syringe extends through a second opening at the proximal end of the barrel. At least one lamp and preferably a plurality of lamps at the distal end of the barrel illuminate the needle and the interior of a patient's mouth. A battery is included in the light for powering the lamps. The insertion of the syringe into the barrel may a pair of contacts to cause the battery to power the lamps, or the battery may be removed to remove power from the lamps. A disposable integrated syringe and light combination is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: M. Wade Clayton, Jimmy E. Brown
  • Patent number: 9241619
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the at least one of the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portions of the first and second retractor blades are configured to be secured proximate to the first and second securement features respectively, such that the first and second retractor blades may be positioned in a first position wherein the first and second retractor blades are laterally opposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha, John Thalgott, Josh Delickta
  • Patent number: 9241620
    Abstract: A method, a system, and an information handling system dynamically provide individualized dynamic digital display correction for users of an electronic device. An information handling system detects a login of a first user profile that is associated with a first user. The information handling system then determines whether the first user profile has an associated first vision profile. In response to the first user profile having an associated first vision profile, a vision correction value associated with the first user is identified and a first change in image characteristics which may be applied to a graphical user interface (GUI) in order to achieve the vision correction value is calculated. A size of the display of the information handling system is detected and the first change in image characteristics is further adjusted based on this size before the adjusted image characteristic in image characteristics is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, L.P.
    Inventor: Sinem Kockan
  • Patent number: 9241621
    Abstract: A method for wireless control of an auto chart instrument and an auto phoropter by using a smart pad, comprising: control data inputting step for being inputted with control data for wireless control of one of the auto chart instrument and the auto phoropter; and controlling step for controlling one of the auto chart instrument and the auto phoropter according to the control data inputted during the control data inputting step, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: MEDIZS INC.
    Inventors: Ji Hyoung Park, Yu Kyeom Kim, Ki Dong Lee, Sung Yun Jin, Bo Ra Kim
  • Patent number: 9241622
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting ocular surface defects. The methods of the invention can be used to detect ocular surface diseases, such as dry eye, uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), autoimmune disorders of the ocular surface, meibomianitis, conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid hyperemia, ocular rosacea, ocular inflammation, or eye lid swelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ornberg, Gary W. Williams
  • Patent number: 9241623
    Abstract: An ocular axial length measurement apparatus is provided with: a measurement section for obtaining the ocular axial length of an examinee's eye by using an optical interferometer; a drive mechanism for adjusting the relative positions of the measurement section and the examinee's eye; an operation section operated by an examiner; and a control unit. The ocular axial length measurement apparatus is equipped with an ultrasonic probe for obtaining length information in an axial direction of the examinee's eye in advance, or configured to mount the ultrasonic probe. The control unit, when measuring the eye using the ultrasonic probe, changes a setting at the time of measuring the eye using the ultrasonic probe based on an operation signal output from the operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Miyuki Satake
  • Patent number: 9241624
    Abstract: Disclosed is a binocular visual simulator for correcting eyeball aberration by using adaptive optics to form a chart image on both eyes. The binocular visual simulator includes; a chart-projecting unit for producing a chart light; an adaptive optics element for changing the chart light in accordance with wavefront aberration measured for both eyes; a beam splitter for dividing the changed chart light into two chart lights; a left eye correction unit for changing the divided chart light in accordance with wavefront aberration of the left eye so that the chart light is focused on a retina of the left eye; and a right eye correction unit for changing the divided chart light in accordance with wavefront aberration of the right eye so that the chart light is focused on a retina of the right eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: HUVITZ CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Minsoo Cho
  • Patent number: 9241625
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a planar image acquisition unit configured to acquire a planar image of a subject, a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image indicating a polarization state of the subject, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display the planar image and the tomographic image indicating the polarization state side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Iwase, Kazuhide Miyata, Tomoyuki Makihira, Makoto Sato, Hiroyuki Shinbata, Ritsuya Tomita, Daisuke Kibe
  • Patent number: 9241626
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved acquisition of ophthalmic optical coherence tomography data are presented, allowing for enhanced ease of use and higher quality data and analysis functionality. Embodiments include automated triggering for detecting and initiating collection of OCT ophthalmic data, an automated technique for determining the optimal number of B-scans to be collected to create the highest quality image and optimize speckle reduction, automated review of fundus images collected with an adjunct imaging modality to guide the OCT data collection, a single scan protocol in which a large field of view is collected with HD B-scans embedded at different locations depending on automated analysis of either a fundus image or sparse OCT scan, and various scan configurations for imaging eyes with large axial depth range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC, INC.
    Inventors: Harihar Narasimha-Iyer, Tilman Schmoll, Utkarsh Sharma, Siddharth Srivastava, Alexandre R. Tumlinson
  • Patent number: 9241627
    Abstract: An ophthalmological analysis system for examining an eye, in particular in the region of a front eye section of an eye includes first and second analysis systems obtaining sectional images of the eye. The first analysis system includes a projection device and a monitoring device arranged relative to each other according to the Scheimpflug rule. The second analysis system is an optical coherence interferometer. A processing device processes a first image data set obtained by the first analysis system and a second image data set obtained by the second analysis system to supplement the first image data set, at least partially, with data of the second image data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Steinmueller
  • Patent number: 9241628
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus is configured to determine a direction in which a target that is used to adjust a working distance comes into focus based on an influence of astigmatism contained in a cornea reflection image of an eye to be examined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ohban
  • Patent number: 9241629
    Abstract: A wearable sensor and method for providing a wearable sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the wearable sensor comprises at least one power source and a first module coupled to the at least one power source. The first module includes a first outer shell and a first printed circuit board (PCB) within the first outer shell. The wearable sensor further comprises a second module coupled to the first module. The second module includes a second outer shell and a second PCB within the second outer shell. One of the first and second modules is disposable and the other of the first and second modules is reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: VITAL CONNECT, INC.
    Inventors: Yun Yang, Azin Sahabi
  • Patent number: 9241630
    Abstract: A mounted or portable device that allows for instant communication and notification between two parties is provided. Directed primarily at elderly family members and the like that live on their own, such a device includes a video screen for display of various media in order to provide memory inducements, as well as video communication on demand. Furthermore, such a device permits a remote user to contact the person with a request for instant verification of the person's condition. Failure to respond to such a request leads to automatically sent communications to pre-assigned recipients that attention for the person user may be required, thereby seeking the closest recipient proximally at that specific moment to provide such attention and/or notification to proper authorities that medical or other help is needed. The system also allows the direct user the capability of contacting medical/police/etc. authorities if attention is needed immediately as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Frazier Watkins
  • Patent number: 9241631
    Abstract: A system is provided including a continuous analyte sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's analyte concentration and a device that receives and records data from the data stream from the continuous analyte sensor. The data received from the continuous analyte sensor may be used to provide alarms to the user when the analyte concentration and/or the rate of change of analyte concentration, as measured by the continuous analyte sensor, is above or below a predetermined range. Data received from the continuous analyte sensor may also be used to prompt the diabetic or caregiver to take certain actions, such as to perform another single point blood glucose measurement. The device may provide for toggling between modes that allow or prevent the display of glucose concentration values associated with the continuous glucose sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Valdes, David Price, Leif N. Bowman, Kristin Cote
  • Patent number: 9241632
    Abstract: A method includes disposing multiple medical probes to acquire physiological data concurrently from a living body. The data is sent from the multiple medical probes by transmitting over wireless channels respective sequences of data packets that are marked with respective packet numbers. A synchronization signal that is broadcast to the multiple probes is received in the probes. In response to receiving the synchronization signal, the packet numbers that are to be assigned in the probes to subsequent data packets in the respective sequences are reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Nahum Kilim, Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Yaron Ephrath