Patents Issued in May 24, 2016
  • Patent number: 9345360
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may comprise an infant formula cartridge for preparing infant formula from premeasured quantities of dry or concentrated liquid components. Other embodiments may include a device for preparing infant formula from said cartridge including means for customizing the infant formula preparation to suit specific health issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Sims
  • Patent number: 9345361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to flameless heating apparatus for food products. In particular, it relates to an improved potentially exothermic mixture/blend for such heaters and to meal packages including foods and heating apparatus. An embodiment of the invention comprises a composite material consisting of a potentially exothermic metallic alloy powder dispersed throughout a porous polyethylene matrix, which releases hydrogen in an exothermic reaction. The present invention seeks to reduce the production of such gas per unit mass, and further seeks to improve the efficiency of the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Canland UK (Hot Pack) Ltd
    Inventor: James R. A. Pollock
  • Patent number: 9345362
    Abstract: A temperature-controllable gas grill includes a base, a cover, a gas valve, several burners, and a temperature controlling device. The cover is provided on the base to form a grilling chamber between the base and the cover. The gas valve is connected to the gas pipe. The burners are provided in the base and are connected to the gas valve. The temperature controlling device includes a gas controller, a temperature sensor, and a main controller. The temperature sensor senses a temperature in the grilling chamber and provides a temperature signal accordingly. The main controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor to receive the temperature signal. The main controller changes a gas flow supplied to the burners according to the temperature signal to control the temperature in the grilling chamber to control the temperature in the grilling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GRAND MATE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin, Yen-Jen Yeh
  • Patent number: 9345363
    Abstract: A salad spinner has a support frame with a receiving aperture. A colander is supported by the support frame in the receiving aperture for rotation about an axis of rotation. A removable drive assembly is removably coupled to the support frame and colander, and the removable drive assembly includes an actuator to transmit a driving input applied to the actuator to rotate the colander. A fan having a plurality of angled blades is mechanically coupled to the actuator to force air into the colander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy C. Repp, Thomas B Murphy
  • Patent number: 9345364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a whisk comprising a whisk member, which whisk member is transformable between an expanded spiral configuration, which is suitable to be used in a deep container, and a substantially flat configuration, which is suitable to be used in a shallow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: King's Flair Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Siu Wah Wong
  • Patent number: 9345365
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a diverter member attachable to a shower water supply pipe for passing warm water along first and second paths, and a distributor coupled to the diverter member for receiving water via conduit(s) along the first path, in which the distributor is retained in a water dispersion member to enable positioning of the distributor over at least over the shoulders of the person. The distributor has holes to distribute water onto the upper body of the person, via the dispersion member. The diverter member can be coupled to a handheld showerhead to provide water along a second path to the showerhead to enable showering of the person while the water is continuously being provided along the first path via the distributor via the openings to maintain the person in a warmed state. Flow of water may be controllable separately along the first and second paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Linda B. Welles, Andrew V. Welles, Richard V. Welles, Steven B. Welles, Thomas S. Welles
  • Patent number: 9345366
    Abstract: A bathing aid includes a base, a scrubbing member mounted to a top side of the base, a fastener mounted to a bottom side of the base for detachably fastening the base to a surface of an object, and a binding member for binding the scrubbing member and the fastener to the base. The base has a positioning portion and a connecting part. The scrubbing member is partially received in the positioning portion. The connecting part is detachably coupled with the base of another same bathing aid to substantially expand the scrubbing area for body cleaning. In this way, the bathing aid can not only be fixed to a wall or the ground for the user to conveniently clean his or her back or feet but expand the area for contact the user's body or serve as a pillow for the user to lie on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Che-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 9345367
    Abstract: A paper toweling dispenser includes an electric motor driven toweling support roller, a handle for rotating the toweling support roller and a one-way clutch including a stabilized pawl, which allows the handle to rotate the toweling support roller only in a single direction of rotation transporting toweling on the toweling support roller to an exit opening of the dispenser when the electric motor does not drive the toweling support roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Dispensing Dynamics International
    Inventors: Joel P. Keily, Niko Anthony Cvjetkovic
  • Patent number: 9345368
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing paper product stacked along a stacking dimension includes a housing for holding the stack of paper product and having a longitudinal dimension associated with the stacking dimension. The movable ejector is located adjacent the housing and is configured to contact paper product at an end of the stack. Movement of the ejector is effective to slide paper product at the end of the stack, relative to a remainder of the stack, in a dispensing direction, to thereby dispense paper product from the housing. A first restrictor in the housing is configured to exert a force on the stack in a first restricting direction transverse to the dispensing direction, with the first restrictor being spaced from the ejector, in the longitudinal dimension, by a first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: John Stephen Formon, Edward Arthur Raleigh, Jeffrey Jay Brickl, Matthew Tarrence Woerpel
  • Patent number: 9345369
    Abstract: A waste receiving apparatus such as a toilet has a body having an interior and an upper waste receiving opening. A bagging material storage area holds the bag supply of continuous bag material to receive waste introduced through the waste receiving opening. A motor is provided for rotating accumulated waste relative to the bag supply. A fan is provided for pressurizing and/or depressurizing an interior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Dry Flush LLC
    Inventors: Rod Livingston, Robert Roczynski
  • Patent number: 9345370
    Abstract: A cleaning head includes tip and corner ends configured for providing enlarged areas at the tip and corner ends of the cleaning head to enable the cleaning element to form a sharp 90° corner when wrapped around the tip and corners of the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Post
  • Patent number: 9345371
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having base and handle assemblies. The base has a bottom face, left and right side regions, an opening between the left and right side regions, and a resiliently-deformable crossbeam extending across the opening. The handle is at least partially in the opening and pivotally mounted to the base. The handle is rotatable, relative to the base, between upright and reclined positions. A protrusion extends from the handle and rotates through an arc that intersects the crossbeam. The protrusion contacts one side of the crossbeam when the handle is upright, and is on another side of and spaced from the crossbeam when the handle is reclined. The protrusion deforms the crossbeam when the protrusion is moved past the crossbeam. The cleaner also has a suction inlet on the base, a suction source, a dirt collector, and air passages connecting the suction inlet, suction source and dirt collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Curtis Morphey, Alexander Douglas Goare, Donald Joseph Davidshofer
  • Patent number: 9345372
    Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Williams, Terrence L. Stanek, Jeffrey L. Young
  • Patent number: 9345373
    Abstract: A cleaning system comprises a power plant, a regenerative blower having a power input shaft, a suction port, and a discharge port, an interface assembly configured for transmitting power from the power plant to the regenerative blower, a pump configured for generating pressurized water, and a heat exchanger system configured for heating the pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Nilfisk, Inc.
    Inventors: Horace Kurt Betton, Mark Wayne Baxter, Lance Ronal Joseph Koty, Christopher Isamu Ryan
  • Patent number: 9345374
    Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a Relative Bendtsen Smoothness at 1 kg of pressure of at least 1.5 as compared with a like wiper prepared without microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sumnicht, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9345375
    Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative water residue removal efficiency of at least 150% as compared with a like sheet without regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sumnicht, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9345376
    Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of independent regenerated cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative oil residue removal efficiency of at least 150% as compared with a like sheet without independent regenerated cellulosic microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sumnicht, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9345377
    Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a Laplace pore volume fraction at pore sizes less than 15 microns of at least 1.5 times that of a like wiper prepared without such microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sumnicht, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9345378
    Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 mil. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a capillary pressure at 10% saturation by extrusion porosimetry of at least twice that of a like sheet prepared without regenerated independent cellulose microfibers. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sumnicht, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9345379
    Abstract: A mitten-shaped cosmetic brush cleaning device includes a frontal panel and a complementary rear panel forming an enclosure for receiving the user's hand. The frontal panel overlies the palmar side of the hand and incorporates washing, rinsing, and post-rinsing textures suited to larger cosmetic brushes. The rear panel incorporates washing, rinsing and post-rinsing textures suited for smaller brushes used to apply eye makeup. The device incorporates a shaping surface along a thumb section and an index-finger side of a main body, to facilitate use of the thumb and index finger to compress a brush head between confronting portions of the shaping surface to remove excess moisture after cleaning. One version of the device features a primary section, and two thumb sections emanating from opposite sides of the primary section. This version incorporates two shaping surfaces, one between each thumb section and its adjacent side of the primary section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Sigma Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Rene Xavier Filho, Simone Rodrigues Oliveira Xavier
  • Patent number: 9345380
    Abstract: A mop device composed of a handle, a mop head configured to connect to the handle and a mop strand bundle connected to the mop head. The mop strand bundle is composed of a plurality of strand members disposed in parallel relation to one another and connected to one another in at least one location. The mop strand bundle also includes a head band. The head band is positioned at a location between first and second ends of the mop strands other than medial between the first and second ends of the strand bundle. The mop head engages the mop strand bundle at a location defined by the head band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Tuway American Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John Feeny, Doug Koester, Grover Nuding
  • Patent number: 9345381
    Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a washing cycle by the water-conducting domestic appliance; a door movable between an open position for permitting access to the washing compartment and a closed position for preventing access to the washing compartment; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving compartment for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent, the detergent dosing system having the capability to store a quantity of detergent greater than a quantity needed for a single washing cycle and the one receiving compartment being configured such that, in the event that the door is partially opened, at least one cartridge can be inserted into the receiving compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Patent number: 9345382
    Abstract: A domestic dishwasher includes a wire rack that does not include any rolling elements that would otherwise allow the rack to roll between an extended position and a retracted position. Instead of rolling elements, the rack includes sliding surfaces that slide along corresponding surfaces inside the dishwasher and/or on a dishwasher door. The rack may be a lowermost rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Casey Carr, Mike Holmes, Jeff Vogus
  • Patent number: 9345383
    Abstract: The disclosed tape cleaner comprises an adhesive tape roller, a support roller inserted in the adhesive tape roller and supporting the adhesive tape roller, an upper cover having both sides connected to both sides of the support roller and partially covering the outer circumferential surface of the adhesive tape roller, a rotary cover having both sides connected to both sides of the support roller, partially covering the outer circumferential surface of the adhesive tape roller, on the inside of the upper cover, and rotatable by 360° in both directions about the longitudinal direction of the support roller, and a handle connected with the upper cover. Both the adhesive tape roller and the support roller rotate about the longitudinal direction of the support roller, and the adhesive tape roller, the support roller, the upper cover and the rotary cover are all attachable and detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: In-Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 9345384
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a first breakable portion provided between a part of an outer peripheral surface of a distal rigid section main body and a second inner peripheral surface, and including a fragile portion which is formed in a concaved-shape and which is more easy to break than any other part of the outer peripheral surface except for thereof. The endoscope includes a second breakable portion provided between a first inner peripheral surface and the second inner peripheral surface, and a third breakable portion provided between the first inner peripheral surface and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the distal rigid section main body, which differs from the fragile portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motohiro Kuroda, Toru Shinmura, Hiroaki Kagawa, Hiroyuki Nagamizu
  • Patent number: 9345385
    Abstract: A subject observation apparatus of the invention includes: a light-emitting section for emitting a light to a subject; an optical modulation section for detecting a scattering angle of a return light from the subject and performing optical modulation on the return light in accordance with the scattering angle; and a signal output section for generating a signal to show a state of light scattering in the subject based on the light subjected to the optical modulation by the optical modulation section, and outputting the generated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Gono
  • Patent number: 9345386
    Abstract: An endoscope sheath is providing comprising a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath tube configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope; a hub adapter connected to the sheath tube, the hub adapter including an arm configured to engage at least a portion of the endoscope so that the hub adapter and the sheath tube are restricted from rotating about the longitudinal axis; and a knob configured to engage a shoulder of the endoscope and the sheath tube so that movement of the knob relative to the hub adapter moves the sheath tube axially along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventor: Ming J. Cheng
  • Patent number: 9345387
    Abstract: Collisions between a minimally invasive surgical instrument and patient tissue are prevented in various ways. In one aspect a body cavity is mapped by recording positions of a surgical instrument, and the map is used to insert another surgical instrument. In another aspect, a surgical instrument is inserted into a space vacated by a guide tube. In yet another aspect, a volume is defined in which a control system permits an instrument to move, and the volume is a sum of one volume that is defined by previous movements of the instrument and other volume that is defined by the boundaries of an image capture component. In yet another aspect, a real time image of a surgical site is mosaiced over a previously recorded more distal image of the site. Surgical instruments are visible in the real time image, and representations of the surgical instruments as they would appear in the previously recorded image are generated and displayed on the previously recorded image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: David Q. Larkin
  • Patent number: 9345388
    Abstract: A driving force transmitting unit includes a line portion extending along a driving axis in a channel, and a slider portion attached to a proximal portion of the line portion and movable relative to the line portion along the driving axis. The driving force transmitting unit includes an urging portion contracting in response to a movement of the slider portion relative to the line portion toward a distal direction and thereby applying an urging force toward the distal direction to the line portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kimihiko Naito
  • Patent number: 9345389
    Abstract: A system and method for intra-operatively providing anatomical guidance in a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is disclosed. In embodiments, the system includes multiple light sources configured to emit different frequencies, multiple electronic imaging devices to detect various frequencies of reflected, emitted, or scattered light. The system and method incorporate an optical probe is integral to an endoscopic device or a therapeutic laser system, optically coupled to a light source; a display for displaying at least one visual representation of data; and a controller programmed to generate at least one real-time integrated visual representation of an area of interest and to display the real-time visual representation on the display for guidance during the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: EMORY UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shuming Nie, Aaron M. Mohs, Michael C. Mancini
  • Patent number: 9345390
    Abstract: In an endoscope flexible tube and an endoscope device of the present invention, an endoscope flexible tube which exhibits flexibility to be inserted into a body cavity includes a bending portion formed at a distal end side, a first flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end of the bending portion, and a second flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end of the first flexible tube portion. When the bending portion and the first flexible tube portion pass a flexed portion of the body cavity, a curvature radius of the first flexible tube portion which is passively bent under a predetermined force is set to be larger than a curvature radius of the bending portion in a maximum bent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9345391
    Abstract: A control device includes an image acquisition section that acquires an image of an object captured by an imaging optical system of an endoscope apparatus, a determination section that determines whether or not an observation area is in focus based on a pixel value of each pixel within the image of the object, the observation area being an observation target area within the image of the object, and an aperture control section that controls an aperture of the imaging optical system based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoya Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 9345392
    Abstract: In a special observation mode, an oxygen saturation frame period, a normal frame period, and a vessel pattern frame period are repeatedly performed. A brightness detector detects the brightness of a latest frame image of an oxygen saturation video image, being a key video image. The intensity of light to be applied in the next oxygen saturation frame period is determined from the detected brightness. From the determined light intensity and a light intensity ratio among frames, the intensity of light to be applied in the next normal frame period and the next vessel pattern frame period is calculated. The exposure time of the next oxygen saturation frame period is determined from the detected brightness. From the determined exposure time and an exposure time ratio among frames, the exposure time of the next normal frame period and the next vessel pattern frame period is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Saito
  • Patent number: 9345393
    Abstract: There is provided an endoscope camera that achieves closer cumulative tolerance of a camera head and achieves improved accuracy in positioning the camera head. An endoscope camera includes a cylindrical hard case, a camera head provided at a distal end portion of the hard case, and a cover attached to the distal end portion of the hard case which covers the camera head. A rib wall having a holding section is provided inside the cover, and an abutment section which is held by the holding section is provided at the camera head. The abutment section is biased toward the holding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jyouji Wada, Yuuichi Takenaga, Masahiko Misawa
  • Patent number: 9345394
    Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a storage section that stores three-dimensional image information in a subject, the three-dimensional image information being acquired in advance; an image pickup unit that acquires an optical image in the subject; a luminal organ extracting section that extracts image information of a three-dimensional shape of a specific luminal organ in the subject; a position correspondence control section that sets correspondence between two coordinate systems; a feature information acquisition section that acquires feature information in the image information of the extracted three-dimensional shape of the specific luminal organ; an associated image generating section that generates an image in which the feature information is associated with the image information of the three-dimensional shape of the specific luminal organ; a control section that performs control to display a piece of the feature information in the vicinity of the position information of the image pickup unit, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Syunya Akimoto, Junichi Onishi
  • Patent number: 9345395
    Abstract: An imaging module includes: a solid-state imaging element including a light receiving face for receiving light; a mounting substrate including a connection portion which is located inside an imaging element projection area that is a projection area where the solid-state imaging element is projected in an optical axis direction and which is connected to a back surface of the solid-state imaging element on a distal end side of the mounting substrate, the mounting substrate on a rear end side being extended in the optical axis direction; and a metallic reinforcing member that has a sleeve shape open at both ends and covers the solid-state imaging element and the connection portion of the mounting substrate along the optical axis direction in a state where an inner circumferential surface of the reinforcing member is away from the solid-state imaging element and the mounting substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohisa Takahashi, Hironobu Ichimura, Tatsuya Daimaru, Tomokazu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9345396
    Abstract: A scanning endoscope system has a light guide portion that guides an illuminating light, a drive portion capable of causing the light guide portion to swing so that an irradiation position of the illuminating light draws a locus corresponding to a predetermined scanning pattern, a light detecting portion that receives a return light of the illuminating light and outputs a signal, a control portion that drives the drive portion to perform scan so that the irradiation position of the illuminating light becomes a locus in a spiral shape, and an image generating portion that generates an image of an object based on a signal outputted from the light detecting portion in a predetermined timing, wherein the control portion further performs control for driving the drive portion so that the irradiation position of the illuminating light circles on a same circumference in the predetermined timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Hasegawa, Katsumi Hirakawa, Yuji Sakai
  • Patent number: 9345397
    Abstract: A sensing system for implant surgery includes an insertion device for moving an implant into a narrow cavity in a patient's body. A sensor measures the distance from an end of the insertion device to anatomic surfaces at a distance from the end of the insertion device. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system integrates the sensor and produces OCT images, which can be quantified to distance measurements. The system is particularly useful for cochlear implant surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Russell H. Taylor, Jin U. Kang, John Niparko
  • Patent number: 9345398
    Abstract: A drive assembly for driving an imaging catheter has a rotatable fiber and a rotatable drive shaft. The drive assembly includes a fiber optic rotating junction and a motor configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the fiber optic rotating junction. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the fiber optic rotating junction and a processor configured to obtain the detected rotational position and stop the motor only when the fiber optic rotating junction is in a predetermined rotational position. In some embodiments, the motor includes a hollow shaft through which at least a portion of the fiber optic rotating junction extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Avinger, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Y. Tachibana, Charles W. McNall, Michael Zung, Peter Howard Smith, Brian Chiu, Douglas Joseph Scott Bourne, Priyanshu Gupta
  • Patent number: 9345399
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to obtain refractive correction with superior visual acuity (e.g., 20/10) by achieving an astigmatism-free customized refractive correction. The astigmatism-free customized refractive correction involves obtaining an objective and precise measurement of cylindrical power in a resolution between 0.01 D and 0.10 D in an eye using an objective aberrometer, reliably relating the cylindrical axis obtained from the objective aberrometer to that in a phoroptor, determining an optimized focus error of an eye through subjective refraction with a phoroptor, generating a customized refraction by combining the objective measured cylindrical power, the objective measured cylindrical axis, and the subjectively measured focus power, fabricating a custom lens with a tolerance finer than 0.09 D based on the generated customized refraction, and delivering an ophthalmic lens that can provide an astigmatism-free refractive correction for an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Perfect Vision Technology (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Junzhong Liang
  • Patent number: 9345400
    Abstract: An ocular dominance testing apparatus and method for determining a person's dominant eye wherein the method comprises the steps of fixing a target at a predetermined distance from the person, placing an ocular dominance testing apparatus between the person and the target wherein the apparatus comprises a viewing piece having a central opening therethrough, focusing both eyes on the target through the opening, closing and reopening the right eye to determine whether the target appears to move or change color, focusing both eyes on the target through the opening, and closing and reopening the left eye to determine whether the target appears to move or change color. The dominant eye is identified as the eye that appears to move the target or change the color around the target when closed and reopened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Donald W. Benefield
  • Patent number: 9345401
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided an embodiment of a calibration system for use with a vision tester having a display. In this particular embodiment, the calibration system comprises a calibration stand and a reflective surface. The calibration stand is configured to hold the vision tester. The reflective surface is coupled to the calibration stand and is oriented substantially parallel to the display. The calibration stand is configured to hold the display of the vision tester at a fixed distance from the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: VITAL ART AND SCIENCE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bartlett, William R. Krenik, Yi-Zhong Wang
  • Patent number: 9345402
    Abstract: An optical system for eye tracking is disclosed. The system includes a light guiding prism that guides light from an ocular object to an imaging system through multiple internal reflections. The light guiding prism may include one or more freeform surfaces having optical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Augmented Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Chunyu Gao
  • Patent number: 9345403
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that uses telemetry data based on a user habit information or user monitoring. A user monitoring device has a unique user ID. The monitoring device acquires user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information, and user monitoring. ID circuitry is at the user monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. A telemetry system is in communication with the user monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of user ID's. The telemetry system is in communication with the user monitoring device. An activity manager is provided is used with the other elements to manage lifestyle activities of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Hello Inc.
    Inventor: James Proud
  • Patent number: 9345404
    Abstract: A mobile device is provided that obtains monitored information about an individual. A display is coupled to a housing. A memory is coupled to a memory and one or more processing units (CPU's), a peripherals interface, a Network Systems circuitry and an input/output (I/O) subsystems. A system is included with one or more sensors that detects or measure an individual's activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Hello Inc.
    Inventor: James Proud
  • Patent number: 9345405
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an electrophysiological map are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to receive a signal generated by an electrode disposed at a position on an external surface of the body and indicative of electric potential. The ECU is further configured to identify a surface boundary of an object of interest within the body using an image of the object. The ECU is further configured to identify intervening objects along a pathway between the position on the external surface and the surface boundary of the object of interest from one or more images of the pathway. The ECU is further configured to obtain an impedance value for each of the intervening objects and to determine an electric potential at the surface boundary of the object of interest responsive to the signal from the electrode and the impedance values of the intervening objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Richard Everling, Eric J. Voth
  • Patent number: 9345406
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing and identifying characteristic (“crescent shaped”) regions indicative of an atherectomy plaque within a vessel, and systems and devices adapted to take advantage of this characteristic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Avinger, Inc.
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, John B. Simpson, Stephen C. Davies
  • Patent number: 9345407
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Ervin Goldfain, Raymond A. Lia
  • Patent number: 9345408
    Abstract: An oral screening toothbrush is provided for screening for oral diseases such as oral cancer and dental caries. The toothbrush emits blue light into the oral cavity and captures an image of the reflection of blue light. Image processing techniques are used to analyze the images to screen for oral diseases. Further, the toothbrush is comprised in a system including a data transfer medium (i.e. “smartphone”) and the Cloud, which allows for data transfer between multiple platforms from the toothbrush. The oral screening toothbrush and extended system provide for in-home oral screening and interaction with health professionals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BEAM TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander D. Curry, Daniel E. Dykes, Alex X Frommeyer
  • Patent number: 9345409
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement apparatus includes a sensor, an input section, and a circuit. The sensor is configured to measure blood flow speed in a target blood vessel. The input section is configured to input blood pressure from a measurement apparatus continuously measuring the blood pressure. The circuit is configured to estimate the blood pressure on the basis of the blood flow speed by referencing a correlation formula that indicates correlation characteristics of the blood pressure from the measurement apparatus and the blood flow speed from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Natsumi Tamada