Patents Issued in March 3, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160058320
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which changes in the position and/or orientation of an anatomical structure or of a surgical tool can be measured quantitatively during surgery. In some embodiments, a surgical electronic module can be configured to attach to a surgical device, to continually detect changes in a position and/or orientation of the surgical device during surgery, and to communicate the changes to a user. In this way, where the surgical device is attached to a portion of a patient's anatomy and/or is used to manipulate the patient's anatomy, the surgical electronic module can detect changes in the position and/or orientation of said anatomy. In embodiments where more than one module is used during surgery, the modules can continually detect changes in their positions and/or orientations relative to one another, which correspond to changes in relative positions and/or orientations of the surgical devices to which the modules are attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis Chien, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Publication number: 20160058321
    Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
  • Publication number: 20160058322
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, locating, tracking, monitoring, deflating, and retrieving the same are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Mark C. Brister, Neil R. Drake, Sheldon Nelson, Daniel J. Proctor
  • Publication number: 20160058323
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ingestible, implantable or wearable medical device comprising a microarray which comprises a bioactive agent capable of interacting with a disease marker biological analyte; a reservoir which comprises at least one therapeutic agent and is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent(s) from the medical device; and a plurality of microchips comprising a microarray scanning device capable of obtaining physical parameter data of an interaction between the disease marker biological analyte with the bioactive agent; a biometric recognition device capable of comparing the physical parameter data with an analyte interaction profile; optionally a therapeutic agent releasing device capable of controlling release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoirs; an interface device capable of facilitating communications between the microarray scanning device, biometric recognition device and the therapeutic agent releasing device; and an energy source to power the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Holmes, Shaunak Roy, John HOWARD, Chengwang WANG
  • Publication number: 20160058324
    Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring intra-ocular pressure of a patient using a miniature implantable sensor device are provided herein. Methods include obtaining multiple pressure measurements each day during an increment of an extended monitoring period according to a sampling program and wirelessly transmitting stored measurement data and wirelessly charging the device. Measurements and data process is performed with low power requirements such that sampling can be performed hourly for at least one week using energy stored on the miniature device and measurement data can be transmitted and the device charged rapidly when an external portable data acquisition/charging device is held in proximity to the device. In one aspect, methods include switching between differing use modes and powering the sampling device with a high impedance battery by switching between a supercapacitor and the battery with a microcontroller to perform impedance conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: ARIEL CAO
  • Publication number: 20160058325
    Abstract: A portable hand-held spirometer is disclosed for use in taking respiratory tests and storing and displaying test results. The configuration of the spirometer includes handgrips that are positioned to ensure that the user is properly positioned to provide maximum breathing required for valid test results to be obtained. The spirometer also includes a progressively illuminated indicator that can be viewed by the user during a test to provide an indication in real-time to the user of the expected/desired duration of the exhalation or inhalation test. The indicator is completely illuminated only when the measured accumulated volume of air passing through the spirometer equals a predicted volume determined based on the age, gender, height, weight and ethnicity of the user stored in the spirometer. The structures and arrangement of a turbine assembly and sensors is also disclosed. Further, a method of receiving, storing and displaying information on the spirometer via a color touch screen display is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: WAYNE MENG, JAY BOYCE, ANTONIO BOYER
  • Publication number: 20160058326
    Abstract: Gait and mobility assessment systems and methods are disclosed. A gait and mobility assessment system comprises a shoe, a plurality of force sensors mounted on the shoe, a plurality of motion sensors mounted on the shoe, and a microprocessor affixed to the shoe. The shoe is adapted to be secured to a foot of a user such that the user may freely ambulate in an unrestricted environment. The force sensors are configured to sense forces exerted by the foot of the user. The motion sensors are configured to sense a motion of the shoe. The microprocessor is coupled to receive data from the plurality of force sensors representing the sensed forces and from the plurality of motion sensors representing the sensed motion. The microprocessor is programmed to (i) store the received data in a memory affixed to the shoe, or (ii) wirelessly transmit the received data to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
    Inventors: Kyle N. WINFREE, Ingrid A. PRETZER-ABOFF, Sunil K. AGRAWAL
  • Publication number: 20160058327
    Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body carried at the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes a distal cap portion. The system further includes a mandrel extending through the elongated catheter and the expandable body and attached to the distal cap portion. The mandrel is movable within the elongated catheter and the expandable body to reposition the distal cap portion relative to the distal end of the elongated catheter while the expandable body is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Masoumeh Mafi, Samuel V. Bolosan, Ankit K. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20160058328
    Abstract: A subject person specifying apparatus includes a processor, and a memory storing a program causing the processor to perform acquiring characteristic quantities of variations of heart rate related to a meal of a subject person from heart rate data of the subject person as a target of an individual specifying process, calculating a distribution range of history values of the characteristic quantities associated with a plurality of candidates, and extracting the candidate corresponding to the subject person from within the plurality of candidates, based on a relation between the characteristic quantities acquired from the subject person and the distribution range of the history values of the characteristic quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Shinji Hotta, Akihiro Inomata
  • Publication number: 20160058329
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method, including obtaining, by the fitness tracking device, motion data of the user over a period of time, wherein the motion data can include a first plurality motion measurements from a first motion sensor of the fitness tracking device; determining, by the fitness tracking device, using the motion data an angle of the fitness tracking device relative to a plane during the period of time; estimating by the fitness tracking device, using the motion data, a range of linear motion of the fitness tracking device through space during the period of time; and comparing, by the fitness tracking device, the angle of the fitness tracking device to a threshold angle and comparing the range of linear motion of the fitness tracking device to a threshold range of linear motion to determine whether the user is sitting or standing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Umamahesh SRINIVAS, Hung A. PHAM, Richard Channing MOORE, III, Alexander SINGH ALVARADO, Xing TAN, Bharath Narasimha RAO, Mrinal AGARWAL, Karthik Jayaraman RAGHURAM
  • Publication number: 20160058330
    Abstract: A portable telemetry device includes a physiological component, a fall detector component, a radio, and a communication component. The physiological component is configured to receive, from at least one sensor, physiological data representative of a physiological condition of a patient. The fall detector component is configured to detect a fall of the portable telemetry device. The radio is configured to wirelessly send radio signals. The communication component is configured to transmit the physiological data and an indication of the fall to a monitoring system using the radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Menzel
  • Publication number: 20160058331
    Abstract: Pacer activity data of a user may be managed. For example, historical activity data of a user corresponding to a particular time of a day prior to a current day may be received. Additionally, a user interface configured to display an activity goal of the user may be generated and the user interface may be provided for presentation. In some aspects, the user interface may be configured to display a first indicator that identifies cumulative progress towards the activity goal and a second indicator that identifies predicted cumulative progress towards the activity goal. The cumulative progress may be calculated based on monitored activity from a start of the current day to the particular time of the current day and the predicted cumulative progress may be calculated based on the received historical activity data corresponding to the particular time of the day prior to the current day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel S. Keen, Jay C. Blahnik, Gaurav Kapoor, Michael R. Siracusa
  • Publication number: 20160058332
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method including obtaining, by a fitness tracking device configured to be worn by a user, a plurality of physical characteristics of the user, wherein the plurality of physical characteristics includes a first age and a sex of the user; mapping, by the fitness tracking device, each physical characteristic of the user to a corresponding index, wherein the first age of the user is mapped to a first age index of a first age range of a plurality of age ranges, and wherein the sex of the user is mapped to a first sex index; selecting, from a memory of the fitness tracking device, a first calorimetry model of a plurality of calorimetry models, wherein the first calorimetry model is associated with each corresponding index, including the first age index and the first sex index of the user; and estimating, by the fitness tracking device, an energy expenditure rate using the first calorimetry model, wherein the fitness tracking device can include constrained resources
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Xing TAN, Hung A. PHAM, Richard Channing MOORE, III, Karthik Jayaraman RAGHURAM, Alexander SINGH ALVARADO, Umamahesh SRINIVAS, Mrinal AGARWAL, Edith Merle ARNOLD
  • Publication number: 20160058333
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method including obtaining, by a fitness tracking device, an average step count of a user of the fitness tracking device; mapping, by the fitness tracking device, the average step count to a first corresponding physical activity level of a plurality of physical activity levels; storing, in a memory of the fitness tracking device, the first corresponding physical activity level; estimating, by the fitness tracking device, an aerobic capacity of the user using the first corresponding physical activity level of the user; and estimating, by the fitness tracking device, an energy expenditure rate of the user using the aerobic capacity of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Edith Merle ARNOLD, Karthik Jayaraman RAGHURAM, Xing TAN
  • Publication number: 20160058334
    Abstract: An activity status information computation system includes: a first information acquisition unit which acquires measured biometric information measured about a user; a second information acquisition unit which acquires personal biometric setting information set as personal information of the user; and a processing unit which carries out computation processing of activity status information of the user on the basis of the measured biometric information and the personal biometric setting information. when there is an alteration request about the personal biometric setting information, the processing unit carries out decision processing about a timing of reflecting the alteration of the personal biometric setting information on the computation processing of the activity status information, or decision processing about whether to reflect the alteration or not, according to an attribute of the personal biometric setting information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Yusuke Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20160058335
    Abstract: A garment includes at least one electrode attached to a fabric of the garment, and at least one accelerometer attached to the fabric of the garment. A wireless device in is communication with an activity information device, and at least one haptic input mechanism is incorporated into the fabric that provide a haptic response based on communications with the activity information device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Darren C. Ashby
  • Publication number: 20160058336
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and processes for monitoring attributes of a user's physical activity (e.g., workout) or inactivity, and to user interfaces (e.g., an activity indicator) for displaying the same. In some examples, a device determines whether physical activity corresponds to a first type based on a first set of criteria, and whether physical activity corresponds to a second type based on a second set of criteria. In some examples, the device controls an inactivity timer that measures user's inactivity. In some examples, the device displays a first visual representation of an attribute or amount of a first type of physical activity, and a second visual representation of an attribute or amount of a second type. In some examples, the device displays a third visual representation of an attribute or amount of a third type of activity. In some examples, the third visual representation corresponds to user's inactivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jay BLAHNIK, Gary Ian BUTCHER, Kevin Will CHEN, David Chance GRAHAM, Daniel S. KEEN, Justin Shane RUSHING, T. Allan SHORTLIDGE, Anton M. DAVYDOV, Alan C. DYE, Jonathan P. IVE, Zachery KENNEDY, Zachury MINJACK, Dennis S. PARK, Brian SCHMITT
  • Publication number: 20160058337
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and processes for monitoring attributes of a user's physical activity (e.g., workout) or inactivity, and to user interfaces (e.g., an activity indicator) for displaying the same. In some examples, a device determines whether physical activity corresponds to a first type based on a first set of criteria, and whether physical activity corresponds to a second type based on a second set of criteria. In some examples, the device controls an inactivity timer that measures user's inactivity. In some examples, the device displays a first visual representation of an attribute or amount of a first type of physical activity, and a second visual representation of an attribute or amount of a second type. In some examples, the device displays a third visual representation of an attribute or amount of a third type of activity. In some examples, the third visual representation corresponds to user's inactivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jay BLAHNIK, Gary Ian BUTCHER, Kevin Will CHEN, David Chance GRAHAM, Daniel S. KEEN, Justin Shane RUSHING, T. Allan SHORTLIDGE, Anton M. DAVYDOV, Alan C. DYE, Jonathan P. IVE, Zachery KENNEDY, Zachury MINJACK, Dennis S. PARK, Brian SCHMITT
  • Publication number: 20160058338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for estimating blood analyte levels using a noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) based physiological monitor. An algorithm correlates OCT-based estimated blood analyte data with actual blood analyte data determined by other methods, such as invasively. OCT-based data is fit to the obtained blood analyte measurements to achieve the best correlation. Once the algorithm has generated sets of estimated blood analyte levels, it may refine the number of sets by applying one or more mathematical filters. The OCT-based physiological monitor can be calibrated using an Intensity Difference plot or the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Schurman, Walter J. Shakespeare, William Henry Bennet
  • Publication number: 20160058339
    Abstract: A small biological information acquisition device that can noninvasively acquire biological information is provided. The biological information acquisition device includes a first light emitting element 30A serving as a first infrared light source that is used for acquiring positional information of blood vessels and emits infrared light having a peak wavelength ?1, and a second light emitting element 30B serving as a second infrared light source that is used for spectral analysis and emits infrared light having a peak wavelength ?2 different from the peak wavelength ?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Tsukasa EGUCHI, Hideto ISHIGURO
  • Publication number: 20160058340
    Abstract: A noninvasive analyzer apparatus and method of use thereof is described using a plurality of sample illumination zones optically coupled to at least two optically stacked two-dimensional optical filter arrays. Sectioned pixels and/or zones of a detector array are optionally filtered for different light throughput and/or are passed through various pathlengths using the stacked two-dimensional optical filter arrays. Resulting pathlength resolved/wavelength controlled groups of spectra are subsequently analyzed to determine an analyte property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Ruchti, Alan Abul-Haj, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20160058341
    Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Heller, Steven H. Drucker, Robert Y. Jin, Jeffery V. Funderburk
  • Publication number: 20160058342
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention enable sensing the presence and concentration of molecules such as electrolytes, biomarkers, chemically defined drugs and proteins in transdermal and cell interstitial body fluids. Today, these tests are generally performed by blood extraction in a clinic environment and a later analysis resulting in inconvenience to the patient, high cost, the need for specialized personnel and a delay in the results. The present invention enables performing those tests at a low cost, by non-specialized personnel or the patient him(her)self, in a home or clinic environment and provides near real time results that get communicated to the patient and authorized clinician. The invention achieves that by describing an innovative product architecture that integrating micro-needles with micro-sensors in a low cost disposable unit, a specially designed applicator for ease of use and automated wireless transmission and data analytics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Maiz-Aguinaga, Lennart Olsson
  • Publication number: 20160058343
    Abstract: A subcutaneous sensor system includes a sensor, a plurality of reservoirs, a plurality of pumps, a mixer provided with a plurality of mixer inlets and a mixer outlet, and a controller having an input coupled to the sensor output and a plurality of control outputs coupled to the plurality of pumps and the mixer. In certain embodiments, the system further includes an enclosure for the reservoirs, the pumps, the mixer and the controller, e.g. in the form of a skin patch or in the form of an implantable enclosure. In certain embodiments, the sensor is external to the enclosure and implanted beneath the skin tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: John F. Di Cristina
  • Publication number: 20160058344
    Abstract: An inserter assembly for continuous glucose monitoring with medication delivery capability where the assembly has a deployment button containing a needle deployment mechanism having a sharp held in a pre-release position, a housing body in which the deployment button is movably received within a top end of the housing body, the housing body having a sensor deployment assembly containing a lumen and a sensor disposed within the lumen and extending out of the lumen to a circuit board that is part of the sensor deployment assembly, the sensor deployment assembly matingly connected to the sharp where the sharp extends beyond the sensor deployment assembly and contains the sensor not fixedly attached to the sharp, and a sensor housing releasably received within a lower end of the housing body, the sharp extending into a sensor deployment assembly recess within the sensor housing and directly above a sensor opening in a bottom of the sensor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Scott P. Cionek, Anthony Florindi, Julian I. Hart
  • Publication number: 20160058345
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an analyte monitoring device having a user interface with a display and a plurality of actuators. The display is configured to render a plurality of display screens, including a home screen and an alert screen. The home screen is divided into a plurality of simultaneously displayed panels, with a first panel displays a rate of change of continuously monitored analyte levels in interstitial fluid, a second panel simultaneously displays a current analyte level and an analyte trend indicator, and a third panel displays status information of a plurality of components of the device. When an alarm condition is detected, the display renders the alert screen in place of the home screen, the alert screen displaying information corresponding to the detected alarm condition. Furthermore, the actuators are configured to affect further output of the analyte monitoring device corresponding to the detected condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Scott Harper, Annie C. Tan, Timothy Christian Dunn, Mark Kent Sloan, Kenneth J. Doniger, Michael Love, Phillip Yee, Gary Alan Hayter, R. Curtis Jennewine, Glenn Howard Berman
  • Publication number: 20160058346
    Abstract: A method of estimating the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood of a patient comprises determining an arterial oxygen saturation for a patient, determining a breathing gas carbon dioxide value, and determining breathing gas oxygen value. The method further includes calculating an arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure for the patient based on at least the arterial oxygen saturation value, the breathing gas carbon dioxide value, and the breathing gas oxygen value for the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Erkki Paavo Heinonen
  • Publication number: 20160058347
    Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (herein “OCT”) based analyte monitoring systems are disclosed. In one aspect, techniques are disclosed that can identify fluid flow in vivo (e.g., blood flow), which can act as a metric for gauging the extent of blood perfusion in tissue. For instance, if OCT is to be used to estimate the level of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in tissue, a measure of the extent of blood flow can potentially indicate the presence of an analyte correlating region, which would be suitable for analyte level estimation with OCT. Another aspect is related to systems and methods for scanning multiple regions. An optical beam is moved across the surface of the tissue in two distinct manners. The first can be a coarse scan, moving the beam to provide distinct scanning positions on the skin. The second can be a fine scan where the beam is applied for more detailed analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Samuel Reichgott, Walter J. Shakespeare, George Kechter, Phillip William Wallace, Matthew J. Schurman
  • Publication number: 20160058348
    Abstract: A band limiter comprises an optical filter, which has first and second filter sections, and a filter moving mechanism for moving the optical filter to place the first or second filter section in a light path of blue light. A passband where transmittance of the first filter section is greater than or equal to half a peak value thereof is defined as a first transmission band. The first transmission band includes a peak wavelength, at which an absorption coefficient of hemoglobin is at its peak. A passband where transmittance of the second filter section is greater than or equal to half a peak value thereof is defined as a second transmission band. The second transmission band does not include an isosbestic wavelength (in the order of 450 nm), at which an absorption coefficient of oxyhemoglobin equals or crosses an absorption coefficient of deoxyhemoglobin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori MORIMOTO, Satoshi OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20160058349
    Abstract: A band limiter comprises an optical filter, which has first and second filter sections, and a filter moving mechanism for moving the optical filter. The first filter section reduces intensity of blue light, which is emitted from a B-LED, in a wavelength range of greater than or equal to a peak wavelength of the blue light to generate first blue light. The second filter section reduces intensity of the blue light in a wavelength range of less than or equal to the peak wavelength of the blue light to generate second blue light. A light source controller places the first filter section in a light path of the blue light in a normal mode to generate the first blue light, and places the second filter section in the light path of the blue light in an oxygen saturation mode to generate the second blue light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori MORIMOTO, Satoshi OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20160058350
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to maintaining sensor quality standards and/or preventing improper remanufacture of sensors, such as pulse oximetry sensors. Present embodiments may include a system that includes a biometric measurement device configured to obtain biometric data of a patient and a pulse oximetry sensor configured to obtain physiological data from a patient. The pulse oximetry sensor may include a memory device configured to receive and to store biometric data obtained during an initial reading of the patient by the biometric measurement device. The system may include a processor configured to obtain subsequent biometric data from the biometric device, to compare the subsequent biometric data to the biometric data obtained during the initial reading, and to prevent the pulse oximetry sensor from obtaining physiological data if the subsequent biometric data does not correspond to the biometric data obtained during the initial reading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Casey V. Medina, Charles Haisley, Michelle L. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20160058351
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to membranes composed liquid crystals having continuous aqueous channels, such as a lyotropic liquid crystal, including a cubic phase lyotropic liquid crystal, and to electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes. The membranes are useful in limiting the diffusion of an analyte to a working electrode in an electrochemical sensor so that the sensor does not saturate and/or remains linearly responsive over a large range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with membranes of the present invention demonstrate considerable sensitivity and stability, and a large signal-to-noise ratio, in a variety of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Adam Heller, Pawel Rowinski, Benjamin J. Feldman
  • Publication number: 20160058352
    Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to analyte determining devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that include an indicator element that provides information relating to service history of the analyte determining devices, including, for example, previous use of the analyte determining devices. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte determining devices in analyte monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Benjamin J. Feldman, Brian Cho
  • Publication number: 20160058353
    Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring analyte in a host, 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. In one embodiment, the device includes a single point analyte monitor, from which it obtains an analyte value, and is configured to display only single point analyte measurement values, and not any analyte measurement values associated with data received from the continuous analyte sensor. Instead, data received from the continuous analyte sensor is 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jorge Valdes, David Price, Leif N. Bowman, Kristin Cote
  • Publication number: 20160058354
    Abstract: Personal diagnostic devices including diagnostic patches (bio-patches) and interactive medical bracelets (bio-bracelets) are provided with a skin/patch interface, at least one analysis layer, a signal processing layer, and a user output interface. Embodiments of the interactive diagnostic devices may include micro-fluidic circuits with reaction chambers, analysis chambers, mixing cambers, and various pre-disposed chemistries or reagents for performing a wide verity of tests by trans-dermal transport of blood or perspiration. Sample collection chambers for the fluidic circuit may include minimally invasive tubules that penetrate the skin surface to acquire blood samples from capillaries near the epidermis. Alternate implementations of the personal diagnostic device may be equipped with logic processing, input/output devices, acoustic microphones, cryogenic circuits, embedded processors, electrical control circuitry, and battery current sources or photovoltaic sources of electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Brigitte Chau Phan, Andrew Atilla Pal, Ramoncito M. Valencia, Donald Bollella
  • Publication number: 20160058355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring bladder pressure, comprising: a measurement rod inserted into the abdomen of a user to measure both abdomen pressure and bladder pressure; and a body unit provided to be worn on the waist of the user and electrically connected to the measurement rod so as to calculate and store urinary detrusor pressure measured by subtracting a measurement abdomen pressure from a measurement bladder pressure measured by the measurement rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Kyung Jin CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20160058356
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to improving calorie expenditure prediction and tracking and, more particularly, to techniques for calibration and calorimetry using data from motions sensors and heart rate sensors. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a fitness tracking device and techniques for accurately tracking an individual's energy expenditure over time and over a variety of activities while wearing the fitness tracking device. In some embodiments, the fitness tracking device may be a wearable device. The wearable device may be worn on a wrist, such as a watch, and it may include one or more microprocessors, a display, and a variety of sensors, including a heart rate sensor and one or more motion sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Karthik Jayaraman RAGHURAM, Hung A. PHAM, Richard Channing MOORE, III, Alexander SINGH ALVARADO, Umamahesh SRINIVAS, Xing TAN
  • Publication number: 20160058357
    Abstract: Systems and methods facilitating objective evaluations of subjects to facilitate detecting clinically relevant changes in balance are provided. The system includes a portable balance board with a sensor in each of four feet for detecting downward force. Each sensor is communicatively coupled to a circuit board with a wired or wireless communication capability. A subject stands on the balance board and each sensor sends a signal to the circuit board, which communicates the four signals to a companion device that uses the signals to calculate the center of pressure (“COP”) of the subject over time. The subject can perform the BESS test and the resulting COP data is used to calculate a field path length for the subject. The field path length is compared to a previously determined baseline path length for the subject to detect any clinically relevant change in balance of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel J. GOBLE
  • Publication number: 20160058358
    Abstract: A traumatic brain injury diagnostic system may comprise a current transmission unit, a voltage detection unit, a demodulation unit, and at least one processor. The current transmission unit may output an electric current to at least a first pair of electrodes attached to a head of a subject. The voltage detection unit may detect a voltage via at least a second pair of electrodes attached to the head of the subject proximal to the first pair of electrodes. The demodulation unit may extract an electrical impedance signal from an output electric current of the current transmission unit and the detected voltage of the voltage detection unit. The processor may perform operations to diagnose traumatic brain injury including comparing a static component of the electrical impedance signal to a pre-defined threshold and comparing a dynamic component of the electrical impedance signal to a pre-defined dynamic value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Shmuel Marcovitch, Michal Marcovitch, Shlomi Ben-Ari
  • Publication number: 20160058359
    Abstract: A method for identifying changes in an epilepsy patient's disease state, comprising: receiving at least one body data stream; determining at least one body index from the at least one body data stream; detecting a plurality of seizure events from the at least one body index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each seizure event; performing a first classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events from the at least one seizure metric value; detecting at least one additional seizure event from the at least one determined index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each additional seizure event, performing a second classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events and the at least one additional seizure event based upon the at least one seizure metric value; comparing the results of the first classification analysis and the second classification analysis; and performing a further action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Flint Hills Scientific, L.L.C.
    Inventor: IVAN OSORIO
  • Publication number: 20160058360
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a main body, a support portion, an electrode assembly, and a processor. The main body can be worn by a user. The support portion is secured to the main body and faces the user. The electrode assembly is secured to the support portion, and includes two electrode arrays and a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged in arrays. Each electrode array includes arranged electrodes electrically connected to each other. The electrodes of each electrode array include at least two first electrodes each electrically connected to one carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotubes electrically connected to the two electrode arrays are alternatively arranged on the support portion and spaced from each other to form a detecting surface. The processor detects a resistance value of each electrode assembly, and determines an amount of the perspiration corresponding to the detected resistance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: JEN-TSORNG CHANG
  • Publication number: 20160058361
    Abstract: A nursing monitoring device includes an inlet conduit with an inlet opening to enable milk that is released from a nipple to enter the inlet conduit. An outlet conduit with an outlet opening enables milk from the outlet conduit to enter a mouth of a nursing child. A measurement unit connected to the inlet conduit and to the outlet conduit enables measurement of a property of the milk that flows from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit via the measurement unit. The outlet conduit is sufficiently long to enable placement of the measurement unit laterally to the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SMART BREAST FEEDING LTD.
    Inventor: Ofer Melamed
  • Publication number: 20160058362
    Abstract: The invention provides a system (100) for acquiring cervical images which comprises an image acquisition subsystem (120) for acquiring cervical images (122) of a cervical region of a patient during a colposcopy procedure, and a display subsystem (160) for displaying the cervical images on a display (060) by providing image data (162) of the cervical images to the display. According to the invention, the image acquisition subsystem (120) is arranged for, when operating in an interval mode, acquiring the cervical images (122) at predetermined time intervals to obtain a time-series of cervical images showing changes in the cervical region over time, and reporting a progress of said acquiring to the display subsystem. Moreover, the display subsystem (160) is arranged for establishing a progress indicator (400-416) on the display by generating indicator data (164) and providing the indicator data to the display (060), the progress indicator providing visual feedback on the progress of said acquiring to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lu WANG, Subhendu SETH, Pallavi VAJINEPALLI, Vipin GUPTA, Payal KESWARPU, Sarif Kumar NAIK
  • Publication number: 20160058363
    Abstract: The invention concerns fetal movement monitoring apparatus having a deflection sensor device arranged to be applied to a mother's abdomen for detection of abdominal deflections indicative of fetal movements and to output a signal comprising one or more record of said abdominal deflections. A processor under the control of machine readable instructions is arranged to process the signal output from the deflection sensor device and to output a log of fetal movement over time. The processor is arranged to receive one or more further input indicative of maternal or fetal movement or wellbeing, for example from a second sensor device by which a user can input a record of perceived fetal movements. The processor may compare the output of the first sensor device and the user's input via the second sensor device and output a log of fetal movements over time based upon said comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Monica Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Barrie HAYES-GILL, Jean Francois PIERI
  • Publication number: 20160058364
    Abstract: System for monitoring the hydration status of a living being by exploiting the modulation of backscattered RF electromagnetic waves from a wearable patched placed on the skin, said system comprising: a RF-tag adapted to be directly or indirectly fixed to the skin and containing at least one passive integrated circuit coupled to an antenna; an electromagnetic RF power source for supplying different signal frequencies to said RF-tag; a reader adapted to receive and to process the backscattered electromagnetic waves generated by said electromagnetic power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Mihai Adrian IONESCU, Hoël GUERIN
  • Publication number: 20160058365
    Abstract: Parametric model based computer implemented methods for determining the stiffness of a bone, systems for estimating the stiffness of a bone in vivo, and methods for determining the stiffness of a bone. The computer implemented methods include determining a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f) and fitting a parametric mathematical model to Y(f) and to H(f). The systems include a device for measuring the stiffness of the bone in vivo and a data analyzer to determine a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f). The methods for determining the stiffness include fitting a parametric model to stiffness of the skin-bone complex as a function of frequency H(f) and the compliance of the skin-bone complex as a function of frequency Y(f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Lyn Bowman, Patricia A. Arnold, Emily R. Ellerbrock
  • Publication number: 20160058366
    Abstract: Wearable electronic devices, systems, and methods for monitoring sleep are described. In one method, motion sensor values of the current motion of the electronic device are acquired and the change in motion intensity of an electronic device is calculated by comparing motion sensor values over two or more time periods. If the change in motion intensity fits a predetermined pattern, it is determined whether the electronic device is currently being worn. If it is determined that the electronic device is currently being worn, sleep monitoring is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Byung-Hun CHOI, Do-Yoon Kim, Jae-Geol Cho
  • Publication number: 20160058367
    Abstract: A device can estimate the heart rate of an active user by using a physiological model to refine a “direct” measurement of the user's heart rate obtained using a pulse sensor. The physiological model can be based on heart rate response to activity and can be informed by context information, such as the user's current activity and/or intensity level as well as user-specific parameters such as age, gender, general fitness level, previous heart rate measurements, etc. The physiological model can be used to predict a heart rate, and the prediction can be used to assess or improve the direct measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, James M. Silva, Alexander Kanaris, Barker N. Bhaskaran
  • Publication number: 20160058368
    Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for visualizing thermal ablation lesions by imaging specific chemical compounds that are created during thermal ablation procedures, such as cardiac ablation procedures. When a cardiac ablation procedure is performed, a central area of coagulative necrosis is created at the treatment site. This necrotic region is surrounded by layers of tissues with ultra-structural and electrophysiological changes. Two particular changes include the denaturation of proteins and the formation of ferric iron containing chemical compounds, such as methemoglobin and metmyoglobin. The formation of and distribution of such chemical compounds can be imaged with the appropriate systems and methods. Accordingly, these chemical compounds can be utilized as biomarkers that indicate the presence and physical characteristics of thermal ablation lesions. Imaging can be performed using magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging, or photoacoustic imaging, as examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Venkat R. Swaminathan, Haydar Celik, Graham A. Wright
  • Publication number: 20160058369
    Abstract: An example method includes receiving monitoring data representing one or more substantially real time electrical signals based on measurements from one or more respective electrodes. The method also includes selecting at least one signal of interest (SOI) from the monitoring data, each selected SOI being associated with a respective anatomical location and storing SOI data in memory corresponding to each selected SOI. The method also includes quantifying changes between signal characteristics of real time signals acquired for one or more respective anatomical locations and the at least one SOI that is associated with each of the respective anatomical locations. An output can be generated based on the quantifying to characterize spatially local signal changes with respect to each of the respective anatomical locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: RYAN BOKAN, Charulatha Ramanathan, Ping Jia, Meredith E. Stone