Patents Issued in May 17, 2016
  • Patent number: 9339144
    Abstract: An apparatus for boosting fire and collecting ash includes a cup, a grate and a gate. The cup includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and apertures in communication with the lower chamber. The grate includes at least one aperture. The grate is placed in the cup between the upper and lower chambers. The gate includes at least one aperture corresponding to the aperture of the grate. The gate is pivotally placed in the cup between a first position and a second position. The aperture of the gate is in communication with the aperture of the grate to communicate the upper chamber with the lower chamber as the gate is in the first position. The gate shuts the aperture of the grate to shut the upper chamber from the lower chamber as the gate is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Kiosky Chung
  • Patent number: 9339145
    Abstract: A flare reduction grill plate device reduces flare ups and promotes even cooking of food items on a grill. The device includes a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer perimeter edge extending around and between the upper surface and the lower surface. Each of a plurality of openings extends through the plate between the upper surface and the lower surface. Each of a plurality of flaps coupled to the plate. Each flap extends upwardly from the plate and outwardly over an associated one of the openings through the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Wade Owczarzak
  • Patent number: 9339146
    Abstract: Escutcheons for a temperature-controlled food holding cabinet are removable and field replaceable by the use of interlocking keys and keyholes that hold the escutcheon in place and align the escutcheon to electrical connectors. The escutcheons are provided with illuminated user interfaces. A key formed on either the escutcheon or chassis of the cabinet, engages a corresponding keyhole formed on either the cabinet chassis or the escutcheon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Wieslaw Tomczyk, Terry Tae-Il Chung, Jeff Schroeder, Brian Mathews, Thomas A. Marchese
  • Patent number: 9339147
    Abstract: A configurable device includes a body, driveshaft, plate and driver. The body includes a receptacle, recess, and axial bore. The receptacle is disposed about the bore, and the recess is disposed below and in communication with the receptacle. The receptacle is to receive a pasta strand and communicate a portion of the strand into the recess. The driveshaft includes a first portion and second portion. The first portion extends through the bore, and the second portion extends into the recess. The plate is secured to the second portion and includes a surface having a radial projection extending toward the recess. The planar surface is to abut the portion of the strand in the recess. The driver has an axial opening to removeably engage the first portion. The driver is enabled to rotate the driveshaft that in turn rotates the plate causing the projection to break the portion of the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: George J. Catania
  • Patent number: 9339148
    Abstract: A supply assembly for a food homogenizer includes a cartridge defining a hollow interior for a food product. The supply assembly includes a force application device that applies a force to the food product. As such, the food product is movable with respect to the cartridge towards a blade assembly of the food homogenizer. A plunger movably supported within the hollow interior of the cartridge can be provided. As such, the plunger and the food product are movable with respect to the cartridge towards the blade assembly of the food homogenizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Healthy Foods, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Louis Machovina, Robert Johnson, Robert Schmidt, Winston Breeden, III, Douglas Edward Whitner, Ryan Scott Crisp, Eileen McHale
  • Patent number: 9339149
    Abstract: The food preparation assembly for preventing cross contamination includes a liner that is positionable in a sink. The liner may contain a food item. The liner is discarded after the food item is removed from the liner or the food item and liner are discarded together. A lip is coupled to the liner. A pad is coupled to the liner. The pad may absorb a fluid. A drain aperture extends through the liner. The drain liner is aligned with a drain in the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Nancy Leonard-Gardiner
  • Patent number: 9339150
    Abstract: A sink overflow hole plug can include a plug body defining an interior chamber, and at least one protuberance extending into the chamber, wherein the protuberance is configured to be received by an external aperture of an overflow prevention channel of a drainage system of a plumbing fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas L. Risko
  • Patent number: 9339151
    Abstract: Various shelving systems, such as shower caddies, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a shower caddy includes an elongate support member and a plurality of shelves, each of which can be supported by a clamping mechanism. The support member can have a telescoping configuration so that upper and lower ends of the support member can be pressed against upper and lower stationary objects. The shelving system can include a shroud configured to conceal, block, or surround a portion of a shelf in a closed position and allow access to the portion of the shelf in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 9339152
    Abstract: A back and body washing device includes a main body having a central portion and a top and bottom handle portion extending outward therefrom. The main body being constructed from a soft fabric material and including an inner liner that is constructed from an interface material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Ellsworth Gallimore
  • Patent number: 9339153
    Abstract: A wall mounting bath accessory assembly contains: a fixing mount and a base. The fixing mount includes an inner fence, an outer fence, two peripheral fences, and two through orifices. The inner fence faces to an external face of a wall, each peripheral fence has a flexible wing, and between two free segments of two flexible wings of the two peripheral fences is defined a movable portion. The fixing mount also includes a first locking portion, and the movable portion has a second locking portion opposite to the first locking portion. The base includes a first hooking portion and a second hooking portion, wherein the second hooking portion is hooked with the second locking portion of the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Dulun Chang, Weimien Hsu
  • Patent number: 9339154
    Abstract: A compressible axle has first portion that telescopically interfaces within a cavity of a second portion. An end of the first portion has a well containing a lubricant with a side wall having orifice(s) for emitting lubricant and an open end sealed by a movable plunger. A compression spring within the cavity urges the first portion away from the second portion such that a closing force applied to compress the first portion further into the cavity compresses the compression spring and thereby applying force onto the plunger and expelling a portion of the lubricant at an area where the first portion telescopically interfaces with the cavity in the second portion. Nubs at ends of the compressible axle are sized and shaped to fit within corresponding depressions of the depressions in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Donald Rudnick
  • Patent number: 9339155
    Abstract: A portable urinal includes a hollow shell having an upper end, a lower end and an open front face in communication with an interior chamber. Surrounding a portion of the open front face, near the lower end, is a semispherical lip that forms a urinal receptacle. Depending from the lower end of the shell is a threaded post in fluid communication with the urinal receptacle. A disposal bottle includes an internally threaded neck that mates with the threaded post for collecting urine entering the shell. One or more hooks on the rear surface of the shell releasably grip U-shaped brackets mounted on a bedroom wall. Accordingly, the shell provides a temporary, bedside urinal that is more easily accessible than a remote bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Byrd F. Parker
  • Patent number: 9339156
    Abstract: A cover installation 120 includes a cover 40 which is connected to the base 60 by a connecting module 80. The connecting module 80 enables the cover 40 to be opened and closed. A driving device 30 drives the connecting module 80 so that the cover is automatically opened and closed. A locking module can allow the cover 40 to be operated manually by disabling the driving device 30. Two connecting components 82 and 84 are connected to the cover 40 and configured to allow the top surface of the cover 40 to face the user when the cover 40 is opened automatically, while allowing the bottom surface of the cover 40 to face the user when the cover 40 is opened manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SHANGHAI KOHLER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yihua Wang, Eric M. Plate, Nicholas W. Paterson
  • Patent number: 9339157
    Abstract: A padded seat cover for use on a toilet seat which encourages users with sensory integration issues, Autism or ADHD to remain on the toilet. The padded seat cover has a textured top layer, a bottom layer, and a middle layer disposed between the top and bottom layer. The top, bottom, and middle layers completely and securely cover the toilet seat when a user sits on the padded seat cover, preventing contact of the user's skin with a toilet seat. The top layer has a textured surface formed by cavities and the cavities provide even heat distribution across the padded seat cover. The bottom layer has a gripping member for removably connecting the padded seat cover to a toilet seat. The middle layer provides cushioning making the padded seat cover more comfortable for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Ivette Sarkar
  • Patent number: 9339158
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning toilet seat assembly with a cover surrounding a toilet seat to define a conduit spanning from a back end to a front end of a toilet seat and with a width approximately from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface, defining at least one liquid aperture fluidly coupled to a liquid source with a liquid matter, and defining at least one gas aperture in fluid communication with the conduit and fluidly coupled to a gas source with a gaseous matter, the assembly also having an electrical system operable to cause the liquid matter to discharge onto a portion of the toilet seat proximal to the back end of the toilet seat through the at least one liquid aperture and to cause the gaseous matter to discharge through the at least one gas aperture at a speed sufficient to transport the liquid matter through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Maximo Dorra
  • Patent number: 9339159
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is described, the vacuum cleaner having a vacuum head with a housing, a suction port, a motor, and a brush. The brush is connected to a drive pulley, the motor has a motor pinion, and a belt extends from the motor pinion to the drive pulley the belt having teeth with a rounded profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: AERUS LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Eide
  • Patent number: 9339160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer system for a vacuum motor in a suction cleaner, which may be constructed using only one or two parts to form a housing for the vacuum motor including the silencer system. The system may have a main fan silencer system for the main fan and a second motor cooling silencer system for the motor cooling fan. The main fan is encapsulated in a housing surrounded by a substantially circular first wall part in such a way that a first cavity is formed between the housing and the first wall part. The system further includes two ducts, each duct connected at one end with a serpentine shaped exhaust air duct and at the other end with a second cavity connected with the first cavity by an opening in the first wall part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Nilfisk Advance A/S
    Inventors: Joakim Petersen, Peter Nøhr Larsen
  • Patent number: 9339161
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprising a telescopic suction wand fluidly connected to a separating apparatus on the cleaner via a hose and which is used, as required, to clean above the level of the floor. The wand comprises a lower wand section, an upper wand section telescopically mounted to the lower wand section and a moveable locking member which, when the wand is released for use, is biased towards a locking position for locking out the wand sections in telescopic extension. The locking member is releasable from this locking position via a reaction member provided on the cleaner, against which reaction member a user may readily force the biased locking member out of the locking position using the locked-out wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Paul Andrew McLuckie, Charles Edward Park, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 9339162
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a surface. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels and a handle extending outwardly therefrom. A disc plate assembly is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first vertical axis and a nozzle assembly is mounted on the disc plate assembly for rotation about a second vertical axis. The disc plate assembly is rotated at a lower speed than the nozzle assembly. Separate pneumatically-operable motors drive the wheels, the disc plate assembly and nozzle assembly. A skirt extends downwardly from the frame and outwardly from nozzles on the nozzle assembly. The nozzles may be raised or lowered relative to the surface to be cleaned. Fluid is delivered from a fluid source to the nozzles and a vacuum port is provided on the frame to enable dirty fluid to be removed from a chamber bounded by the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Gromes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9339163
    Abstract: Data within a designated distance from a main body of the mobile robot is accumulated and stored to form a local area map. A traveling direction or a rotating direction is set while avoiding an obstacle around the main body and a path may be readily set. Repetition of unnecessary operation is prevented and thus a traveling velocity based on rapid movement may be improved. Obstacles are readily avoided and cleaning efficiency may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dongki Noh, Seungmin Baek
  • Patent number: 9339164
    Abstract: The cleanup system employs an associated clearing component, such as a tool comprised of plate portion and an adjacent squeegee and/or brush element, to close the top opening and entrance to a containment or receptacle unit with which it is pivotably interengageable, to thereby prevent leakage or escape of liquid, semi-liquid, and/or dry matter during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Santarsiero, Roger Comora
  • Patent number: 9339165
    Abstract: A pad for cleaning a hard target surface. The pad may be removably attached to a device for cleaning debris from a target surface. The pad has a predetermined 90 degree peel force to prevent undue removal force from the device and prevent the pad from coming loose during the cleaning task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kerry Andrew Vetter, David John Hoying, Roberto Manuel Matos, Mimi Gizaw Daniel, Hirotaka Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9339166
    Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The method includes operating a first pump and a second pump of the dishwasher appliance during a wash cycle of the dishwasher appliance, working the second pump of the dishwasher appliance during a soil collection cycle of the dishwasher appliance, and running the first pump of the dishwasher appliance during a drain cycle of the dishwasher appliance. The first pump of the dishwasher appliance is deactivated during the step of working, and the second pump of the dishwasher appliance is deactivated during the step of running. A related dishwasher appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Patent number: 9339167
    Abstract: Provided is a dishwasher, which includes a washing chamber, a sump, and a washing water pump. The washing chamber accommodates a dish. The sump stores washing water supplied to the washing chamber. The washing water pump is provided to the sump and generates suction force for circulating washing water. The washing water pump includes a washing water motor for generating driving force, an impeller part disposed under the washing water motor and rotated by the driving force, and a heating space under the impeller part. Washing water is heated by a heater in the heating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Minchul Kim, Ganghyun Lee, Nungseo Park, Kyungrae Kim
  • Patent number: 9339168
    Abstract: An endoscope operation portion structure includes: a frame member inserted from an opening portion on an operation portion main body and arranged; a first fixing portion formed such that a length between a first apex protruded from one side of the frame member and a point on another side opposed to the first apex is longer than a long side of the opening portion; and a second fixing portion formed such that a length between a second apex protruded from the other side of the frame member and a point on the one side opposed to the second apex is longer than the long side of the opening portion, wherein the length between the first apex and the point on the other side and the length between the second apex and the point on the one side portion are shorter than a diagonal direction of the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Okada
  • Patent number: 9339169
    Abstract: Micro-patterned treads for endoscopes are disclosed. In an embodiment, the treads include a micro-patterned surface and a roller engaging surface. Micro-patterned tread bearing robotic capsule endoscopes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the endoscope includes a housing, a motor, a geared drive, rollers, and at least one micro-patterned tread. Methods of fabricating closed loop treads are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a solid layer of PDMS on one side of double-sided tape and wrapping a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape. In another embodiment, a method includes forming a timing belt PDMS strip on one side of double-sided tape and a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Mark Edwin Rentschler, Levin John Sliker, Benjamin Spencer Terry, Madalyn Diane Kern, Jonathan Schoen
  • Patent number: 9339170
    Abstract: A medical device includes a capsule endoscope in which a magnet having a magnetization direction in an axial direction is mounted and a fin portion is provided at a rear end of an endoscope main body, and which can be self-propelled through the inside of a body; and a capsule controller which controls self-propulsion of the capsule endoscope from the outside of the body by generating a static magnetic field whose direction is controlled three-dimensionally, and an alternating magnetic field orthogonal to the static magnetic field. The capsule endoscope rotates upon receiving the static magnetic field so that the magnetization direction of the magnet is parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field and the fin portion vibrates by bending with movement of the magnet in response to the alternating magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MU LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Nishihara, Naotake Ohtsuka, Yasunori Shindo, Kazuhide Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9339171
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of an insertion portion; one pair of pulling members extending from a bending portion; a pulley rotated by a motor; rotating bodies that are elastically deformable and arranged on the pulley; a suspension frame to which the pulling members are fixed; a manipulator provided to project from the operation portion, the manipulator being capable of applying an amount of force of pulling a part of a pulling member on the insertion portion side using a frictional resistance generated as a result of, upon a tilting operation being performed, the pulling member being pulled to reduce a diameter of the corresponding rotating body and the rotating body being thereby brought into contact with the pulley; and a force amount adjustment section capable of changing the amount of force of pulling by making an adjustment of a friction generation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9339172
    Abstract: A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient. A bacterial biofilm removal system is provided that includes an endoscope, an irrigation duct and an aspiration duct. The endoscope includes a working end. The irrigation duct includes an outlet. The aspiration duct includes an inlet. The endoscope working end, the irrigation duct outlet and the aspiration duct inlet are disposed proximate a target site that includes a layer of bacterial biofilm. The target site is imaged with the endoscope working end. The fluid is dispensed through the irrigation duct outlet toward the target site to mechanically remove at least a portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm. The removed bacterial biofilm and the dispensed fluid are collected with the aspiration duct inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil “Bo” O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Patent number: 9339173
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWeeney, Benjamin E. Morris, David W. Robertson, David I. Freed, James F. Schuerman, John B. Golden, Jozef Slanda, Brian Keith Wells, Jesse Leonard Farris, III, Michael S. H. Chu, Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr., Todd A. Hall, Yem Chin, Mark L. Adams
  • Patent number: 9339174
    Abstract: A device and method for viewing a body lumen are provided. An assembly of a capsule endoscope and an endoscope is inserted into a body lumen. The capsule endoscope is positioned within the body lumen at a predetermined distance from the endoscope, and images are obtained from opposite sides of a desired location in the body lumen. In vivo procedures may be performed, while images of the procedure are obtained from opposite sides of the procedure location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GIVEN IMAGING LTD
    Inventors: Zvika Gilad, Amit Pascal
  • Patent number: 9339175
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address the deficiencies of the art in respect to oral cavity medical assessment and provide a method, system and apparatus for mouth disease diagnosis and treatment. In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for scanning an oral cavity can include a mouth guard spreader that has a partially transparent receiving member that defines a receiving cavity, a first spreader portion and a second spreader portion coupled to the partially transparent receiving member. The apparatus further can include an image capture device for capturing images of the oral cavity disposed within the partially transparent receiving member of the mouth guard spreader. The apparatus yet further can include a storage device coupled to the image capture device for storing each captured image of the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Selcuk S. Eren, Brian J. Jaeger, Douglas A. Law, Paul A. Roberts, Shawn K. Sremaniak
  • Patent number: 9339176
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards tools for use in performing surgery or examination via the oral cavity, in particular in the region of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx, devices and systems incorporating these tools, and procedures using these tools. More specifically, the tools, devices, systems and procedures are directed towards Transoral Robotic Surgery or any non-robotic transoral surgical approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Gregory S. Weinstein, Bert W. O'Malley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9339177
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including the lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or the aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The TFLT can be used to diagnose dry eye syndrome (DES). Certain embodiments also include ocular topography devices, systems and methods for deducing corneal shape by capturing an image of a target reflecting from the surface of the cornea. The image of the target contains topography information that is reviewable by a clinician to diagnose the health of the patient's eye by detecting corneal aberrations and/or abnormalities in corneal shape. Certain embodiments also include a combination of the OSI and ocular topography devices, systems and methods to provide imaging that can be used to yield a combined diagnosis of the patient's tear film and corneal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb
  • Patent number: 9339178
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods that utilize a technique of changing a position of the set of optical fibers of the fiber bundle in cooperation with the scanning of the imaging light across a proximal surface of the fiber bundle to improve the resolution of the scanned image. In particular, a bundle actuator can be provided to change a position of the set of optical fibers of the fiber bundle in cooperation with a scanning of the imaging light across the proximal surface of the fiber bundle to cover the areas of the gaps between the optical fibers and to increase a resolution of the scanned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Lingfeng Yu, Kambiz Parto
  • Patent number: 9339179
    Abstract: A corneal confocal microscope characterized by a particular illumination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sifi Medtech S.R.L.
    Inventors: Renato Frison, Cesare Tanassi, Walter Zanette
  • Patent number: 9339180
    Abstract: An ophthalmic optical power measurement device can include a light source configured to direct an input beam of light into the eye of a patient. The ophthalmic optical power measurement device can also include an aperture configured to receive an output beam that consists of light from the input beam that scatters from a location on the retina of the eye and exits through the pupil of the eye. The ophthalmic optical power measurement device can also include a detector configured to receive the output beam after it has passed through the aperture. A processor can be configured to determine the size of a spot created by the output beam on the detector, and to determine the optical power of the eye based upon the size of the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: WaveTec Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Michaels, Aric K. Plumley
  • Patent number: 9339181
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a physiological parameter of a subject through interrogation of an eye of the subject with an optical signal are described. Interrogation is performed unobtrusively. The physiological parameter is determined from a signal sensed from the eye of a subject according to a schedule, under the control of a scheduling controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Allen L. Brown, Jr., Douglas C. Burger, Eric Horvitz, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Chris Demetrios Karkanias, Eric C. Leuthardt, John L. Manferdelli, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Barney Pell, Clarence T. Tegreene, Willard H. Wattenburg, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Richard N. Zare
  • Patent number: 9339182
    Abstract: An eye imaging system, including: a light source module; a radial splitting module; a common optical module; an image receiver; a power supply module for the light source module; a driver module for the image receiver; a processing-displaying module; and a motion driving module. The image receiver is an area array sensor. The motion driving module is connected to the light source module and drives the light source module to move in a radial direction of an upstream illuminating optical path formed by the light source module and the radial splitting module. The image receiver continually opens for exposure in a radial direction of a downstream observation optical path formed by the radial splitting module and the image receiver. The continual opening of the image receiver for signal acquisition is synchronous with the movement of the light source module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SHANGHAI MEDIWORKS PRECISION INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenguang Chen, Sufeng Yan, Yue Wei, Zhaosong Kong
  • Patent number: 9339183
    Abstract: A fundus image photographing apparatus with adaptive optics generally corrects an aberration by feedback control using a wave front sensor and a wave front correction device. The reduction in the time required to correct the aberration to a high-resolution photographing level is demanded. Aberration correction information of last photographing is stored for each subject, and a stored correction value is used to correct the aberration to reduce the time before the completion of the aberration correction. If there is no stored information, a correction value for a preset reference aberration amount is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsutomu Utagawa
  • Patent number: 9339184
    Abstract: A contact lens assembly has a central lens and a circumscribing flange, the lens having an eye contact surface shaped generally to a radius of curvature of a cornea of an eye. The flange comprises a sterile sponge-like liquid absorbent flexible material having a central aperture for fitting snugly about an outer circumference of the lens and extending radially outward therefrom. The flange may include an inner attachment ring for attachment to the outer circumference of the central contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Insight Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Tarek Shawky Hassan, K. Peter Luloh, Michael Annen
  • Patent number: 9339185
    Abstract: In order to reduce a measurement range of an aberration of an eye to be inspected, provided is an imaging apparatus, including: a first image acquiring unit for acquiring a first image of the eye based on first return light from the eye irradiated with first measuring light via a first focus unit for focusing the first measuring light on the eye; a second image acquiring, by using an aberration correction unit, unit for acquiring a second image of an area corresponding to a part of the first image of the eye based on second return light from the object to be inspected irradiated with second measuring light via a second focus unit for focusing the second measuring light on the eye; and a focus adjustment unit for adjusting a focus condition of the second focus unit based on a focus condition of the first focus unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Futoshi Hirose
  • Patent number: 9339186
    Abstract: An imaging method according to some embodiments of the present invention includes obtaining working distance information from an optical coherence tomography system, the working distance being the working distance to the sample; obtaining information from one or more ocular systems; combining the information from said optical coherence tomography information and said ocular system; and displaying said combined information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Optovue, Inc.
    Inventors: Seema Somani, Jay Wei
  • Patent number: 9339187
    Abstract: An IOP monitoring device for implantation in an eye of a patient may include a first tube having a first opening, the first tube being configured to extend into an anterior chamber of the eye and extend to a first sensor outside the anterior chamber. The first sensor may be in fluid communication with the first opening of the first tube. The device also may include a second tube having an opening spaced from a second sensor. The opening of the second tube may be configured to be exposed to a pressure representative of atmospheric pressure, with the second sensor being in fluid communication with the second opening. In one aspect, a patch is attachable to a globe of the eye and configured to lie over the opening of the second tube and secure the opening in place in the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Patent number: 9339188
    Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining monitored information about an individual to create life activity data. Individual information is detected or measured. The individual information is selected from of at least one of, an individual's activities, behaviors and habit information, and an individual's health. A monitoring device is used to detect or measure the individual information. The monitoring device includes ID circuitry with an ID storage that contains a unique individual ID, a communication system which reads and transmits the unique individual ID from the ID storage, a power source and a pathway system. The individual information is received from the monitoring device at a telemetry system that includes a database. The individual information is analyzed using life activity data with one or more analysis tools at the telemetry system. Life activity data is created for the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: James Proud
  • Patent number: 9339189
    Abstract: During the transmission of sensor data of an implantable sensor with a measurement data recorder, an energy storage unit and a transmitter unit to an external data processing unit with a transmitter/receiver unit, a high-frequency energy carrier signal is firstly emitted from an energy supply unit. At least a part of the energy contained in the high-frequency energy carrier signal is stored in the energy storage unit of the implantable sensor. After the ending of the emission of the high-frequency energy carrier signal, a sensor measurement is carried out using the measurement data recorder of the implantable sensor. The measured sensor data are transmitted from the transmitter unit of the implantable sensor to the transmitter/receiver unit of the external data processing unit. The result is a transmission method, in which interference from the HF feed is avoided, with a compact design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: RAUMEDIC AG
    Inventors: Karlheinz Göhler, Peter Peitsch, Reinhard Jurisch
  • Patent number: 9339190
    Abstract: Gastric apparatus (18) is provided, including one or more sensors (70, 72, 74), adapted to generate respective sensor signals responsively to a gastrointestinal (GI) tract physiological parameter of a GI tract of a subject, and an implantable control unit (90), comprising a rechargeable battery and a first set of one or more transducers. The implantable control unit (90) is adapted to receive the sensor signals, using one or more of the transducers of the first set, and transmit data responsively to the sensor signals, using one or more of the transducers of the first set. An external control unit (200), including a power source and a second set of one or more transducers, is adapted to drive the power source to inductively transfer energy via one or more transducers of the second set, so as to recharge the battery, and receive the transmitted data, using one or more transducers of the second set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: METACURE LIMITED
    Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Shai Policker, David Prutchi, Benny Rousso, Jason Sholder
  • Patent number: 9339191
    Abstract: Provided is a near-infrared spectroscopy apparatus using a phosphor. [Object]: Information in a specimen is observed by using light without contacting an optical fiber and an electronic circuit with the specimen. [Means for Solution]: A small and lightweight phosphor is contacted with the specimen to measure the fluorescence intensity at a separate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Kiguchi, Tsukasa Funane, Kei Utsugi, Atsushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9339192
    Abstract: An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) directs light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound is sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed to develop a 2D or 3D image. In one example, the guidewire outer diameter is small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. Techniques for improving ultrasound reception include using a high compliance material, resonating the ultrasound sensing transducer, using an attenuation-reducing coating and/or thickness, and/or using optical wavelength discrimination. Techniques for improving the ultrasound generating transducer include using a blazed FBG, designing the photoacoustic material thickness to enhance optical absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Bates, Gil M. Vardi
  • Patent number: 9339193
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of measuring physiological adaptability of a subject is described. The method may include receiving, from a first sensor, a first data signal indicating a first biological function of the subject. The method may also include receiving, from a second sensor, a second data signal indicating a second biological function of the subject. The method may also include calculating an adaptability of the subject based on the first data signal and the second data signal. The method may also include reporting the calculated adaptability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Rudi Cilibrasi, David L. Marvit