Patents Issued in August 16, 2016
  • Patent number: 9414752
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems provide an embolism deflecting device, methods for deflecting or diverting emboli away from critical locations in the body, and systems therefor. Embodiments of the embolism deflecting device comprise an embolism detector, a diverter controller operable for determining the presence of emboli from a target input from the embolism detector, and an embolism diverter operable by the diverter controller to deflect, divert, redirect, etc., emboli away from the critical body location on the detection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9414753
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive monitoring and detection of sudden changes in cardiovascular hemodynamics, in which a PPG signal is obtained from a patient, a time-frequency spectrum (TFS) is computed from the PPG signal, instantaneous modulations at a plurality of time points defining a curve of a prominent frequency of oscillation are extracted from the TFS, a peak power spectral density sequence is computed using the instantaneous modulations, and instantaneous peak values for following prominent frequency oscillations are monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, The Research Foundation of the State University of New York
    Inventors: Ki H. Chon, Nandakumar Selvaraj
  • Patent number: 9414754
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for exploiting left atrial pressure (LAP) measurements to determine various ventricular mechanical and electromechanical contraction intervals and for evaluating ventricular dyssynchrony based on those intervals. In one example, LAP measurements are combined with right ventricular pressure (RVP) measurements to determine the interventricular mechanical delay, which is the primary parameter representative of ventricular dyssynchrony. Other intervals determined based, in part, on LAP measurements include the electromechanical delay for the left ventricle (LV), as well as the LV systolic and diastolic intervals. Techniques are also described herein for detecting various RV intervals including the electromechanical delay for the RV, as well as the RV systolic and diastolic intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PACESSETTER, INC.
    Inventor: Anne M. Shelchuk
  • Patent number: 9414755
    Abstract: A physics-based mathematical model is used to estimate central pressure waveforms from measurements of a brachial pressure waveform measured using a supra-systolic cuff. The method has been tested in numerous subjects undergoing cardiac catheterisation. Central pressure agreement was within 11 mm Hg and as good as the published non-invasive blood pressure agreement between the oscillometric device in use and the so-called “gold standard.” It also exceeds international standards for the performance of non-invasive blood pressure measurement devices. The method has a number of advantages including simplicity of application, fast calculation and accuracy of prediction. Additionally, model parameters have physical meaning and can therefore be tuned to individual subjects. Accurate estimation of central waveforms also allow continuous measurement (with intermittent calibration) using other non-invasive sensing systems including photoplethysmography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: USCOM LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew Lowe
  • Patent number: 9414756
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device includes a sensing and detection circuit that senses at least one cardiac signal and detects cardiac electrical events from the sensed estimation. The sensed cardiac signal is filtered to produce a filtered cardiac signal having a signal frequency band and a noise signal having a noise frequency band. The noise frequency band is substantially different from the signal frequency band. A dynamic noise floor is produced based on the noise signal and used as the minimum value for the detection threshold. A cardiac electrical is detected when the amplitude of the filtered cardiac signal exceeds the detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Linder, Jeremy Maniak, Ron A. Balczewski
  • Patent number: 9414757
    Abstract: A device for detecting a cardiac event is disclosed. Detection of an event is based on a test applied to a parameter whose value varies according to heart rate. Both the parameter value and heart rate (RR interval) values are filtered with an exponential average filter. The filtered parameter value and heart rate values are stored as separate datasets corresponding to particular body postures. Upper and lower boundary values and detection thresholds of the parameter are computed for each of the datasets. The test to detect the cardiac event depends on the heart rate and the difference between the parameter's value and a corresponding detection threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Angel Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Hopenfeld
  • Patent number: 9414758
    Abstract: Monitoring of physiological signals is effected. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus, system and/or method is directed to sensing physiological signals such as ECG signals. A skin-contacting electrode apparatus includes an electrically conductive sheet having a conductive surface configured and arranged to contact a subject's skin, and conductive flexible microfibers extending from the conductive surface and configured and arranged to protrude into skin pores and sense an ECG signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: VivaQuant LLC
    Inventors: Brian Brockway, Marina Brockway, Anna M. Brockway
  • Patent number: 9414759
    Abstract: For use in MR imaging of a patient a plurality of surface electrodes such as ECG or defibrillator are provided for obtaining electrical signals for determining electrical activity within the body of the patient and remain in place during the MR imaging. The surface electrodes include a quick disconnect wire for carrying the signals to a signal processing system to be removed during the MR imaging to prevent heating. Each electrode comprises a conductive layer divided by slits into separate side by side sections to reduce eddy currents which are induced in the surface electrodes when they are exposed to variations in the magnetic field. The sections all are connected through the layer to the conductive location to allow the signal therefrom to be connected to the communication conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Imris Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lang, Labros Petropolous, Mark Alexiuk
  • Patent number: 9414760
    Abstract: Physiological parameters of a patient can be used to monitor patient status and/or in conjunction with patient therapy. Physiological cycles may be monitored by implanting a monitoring system into the patient, the system including an implantable pulse generator operably connected to a lead implanted on a carotid sinus of the patient, measuring at least one signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient along at least two vectors selected from: a first vector defined between a first electrode of the lead and a second electrode of the lead, a second vector defined between the first electrode of the lead and an electrode integrated into an implantable pulse generator, and a third vector defined between the second electrode of the lead and the electrode integrated into the implantable pulse generator, and providing an output indicative of the at least one signal indicative of the physiological parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Kieval
  • Patent number: 9414761
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to processing of Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, and in particular, relates to identifying a QRS complex in an ECG signal. The method includes receiving, and filtering the ECG signal by passing through at least one of a first low-pass filter and a high-pass filter to obtain a filtered ECG signal. The filtered ECG signal is processed based on a moving average technique. Further, a search region is identified in the processed ECG signal, and a maximum amplitude peak is identified in a time interval of the filtered ECG signal that corresponds to a time span of the search region of the processed ECG signal. The maximum amplitude peak is an R peak of the QRS complex. Subsequently, a Q peak and an S peak of the QRS complex is identified based on the R peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY DELHI
    Inventors: Basabi Bhaumik, Sanjeev Kumar Jain
  • Patent number: 9414762
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a mapping device may be capable of passing through cerebral veins and other cerebrovascular spaces to provide electrophysiological mapping of the brain. These embodiments of the device may also be capable of providing, simultaneously or separately, ablation energy or other treatments to targeted brain tissue. In such circumstances, a user may be enabled to analyze an electrophysiological map of a patient's brain and, at the same time or within a short time period before or after the mapping process, may be enabled to apply ablation energy for treatment of a central nervous system disorder. Such treatment may be accomplished without the use of invasive surgery in which the brain is accessed through an opening in the patient's cranium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Samuel J. Asirvatham, Paul A. Friedman, Charles J. Bruce, David R. Holmes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9414763
    Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: EMTensor GmbH
    Inventor: Serguei Y Semenov
  • Patent number: 9414764
    Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: EMTensor GmbH
    Inventor: Serguei Y Semenov
  • Patent number: 9414765
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is configured to effect magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data acquisition sequences including electrocardiogram (ECG) triggered fresh blood imaging (FBI) images respectively associated with systolic and diastolic phases of ECG cycles. An operator input and display interface may be configured to provide operator options for independently controlling at least one imaging sequence parameter to have a different value for each of systolic and diastolic phase images in an FBI MRI data acquisition sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Andrew J. Wheaton
  • Patent number: 9414766
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing a plurality of images depicting a subject from image data that is simultaneously acquired from a corresponding plurality of slice locations with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI] system is provided. Image data is acquired following the application of radio frequency (RF] energy to the plurality of slice locations. The RF energy is tailored to provide a different phase to each of the plurality of slice locations. Reference image data is also acquired for each slice location following the application of RF energy that has the same phase as is used to excite the respective slice location for the acquisition of the image data. Aliased images are reconstructed from the image data, and reference images are reconstructed from the reference image data. Using both of these image sets, an unaliased image is produced for each of the plurality of slice locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrzej Jesmanowicz, Shi-Jiang Li, James S. Hyde
  • Patent number: 9414767
    Abstract: In a method to correct an EKG signal, the EKG signal is acquired, and used for R-spike triggering, during a magnetic resonance (MR) image acquisition sequence that produces interference signals in the EKG signal generated by gradient jumps, wherein the gradient jumps repeat at a fixed time interval, and wherein the duration of a cardiac cycle measured via the EKG signal is at least five times the time interval. During at least a first cardiac cycle, immediately after detection of the R-spike in the EKG signal no detection of the R-spike for triggering takes place for a dead time that is shorter than the duration of the cardiac cycle and during which the MR sequence is already running, and the EKG signal is acquired in that dead time as a reference signal. The reference signal is analyzed to extract interference signals that respectively repeat after the time interval, which are used to determine a correction signal having a duration equal to the time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Speier
  • Patent number: 9414768
    Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating inflammatory disorders (such as Crohn's disease) or other diseases, disorders or conditions of the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed impedance and or temperature may be derived from the pass of a capsule to diagnose the disorder or disease. The capsule or subsequently passed capsules may treat, further diagnose, or mark the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Entrack, Inc.
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Patent number: 9414769
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to devices, systems, and/or methods for collecting, processing, and/or displaying stroke volume and/or cardiac output data. For example, a device for assessing changes in cardiac output and/or stroke volume of a subject receiving airway support may comprise a processor; an airway sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the airway sensor is configured and arranged to sense pressure in the subject's airway, lungs, and/or intrapleural space over time; a blood volume sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the blood volume sensor is configured and arranged to sense pulsatile volume of blood in a tissue of the subject over time; and a display configured and arranged to display a representative of an airway pressure, a pulsatile blood volume, a photoplethysmogram, a photoplethysmogram ratio, the determined cardiac output and/or stroke volume, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Edward Karst, Joseph Douglas Vandine, Charles E. Porges, Clark R. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9414770
    Abstract: A method, including positioning body-electrodes in galvanic contact with a body of a patient and locating a probe in the body of the patient. The method further includes tracking positions of the probe during respiration of the patient and determining indications related to impedances between the body-electrodes during the respiration. The method also includes calculating a function relating the positions of the probe to the indications, and applying the function to identify end-expirium points of the respiration based on subsequent indications related to the impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Bar-Tal
  • Patent number: 9414771
    Abstract: A pulmonary ventilation system including storage for an empirical relationship that is designed and adapted to determine at least one pulmonary ventilation parameter as a function of a plurality of measured anatomical distances and volume-motion coefficients, acquisition circuitry for acquiring the anatomical distances, a processor for determining the plurality of motion coefficients, and a processor for determining the ventilation parameter based on the acquired anatomical distances and determined plurality of volume-motion coefficients. In one embodiment, the system further includes correlating a base-line ventilation characteristic to the ventilation parameter determined with the empirical relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventor: Franklin Dennis McCool
  • Patent number: 9414772
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a sensor for measuring shear forces applied to the sensor, and further a statically responsive sensor for measuring shear forces. The present invention further includes a method of designing athletic wear, such as footwear or clothing, using these sensors. The present invention further relates to a method of using such athletic wear, whereby the sensor(s) detect physical factors encountered by an athlete wearing the athletic wear, and whereby those physical factors detected are used to improve the performance of the athletic wear and or the athlete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Great Lakes Neuro Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Matthew David Tarler
  • Patent number: 9414773
    Abstract: A respiratory motion determination apparatus determines respiratory motion of a living being (3). A raw data providing unit (2) provides raw data assigned to different times, wherein the raw data are indicative of a structure like the apex of the heart muscle, which is influenced by cardiac motion and by respiratory motion. A reconstruction unit (6) reconstructs intermediate images of the structure from the provided raw data. A structure detection unit (7) detects the structure in the reconstructed intermediate images. A respiratory motion determination unit (10) determines the respiratory motion of the living being based on the structure detected in the reconstructed intermediate images. This allows determining respiratory motion with high accuracy, without relying on, for example, a stable correlation between a tracking signal of an external respiratory gating device and respiratory phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Sven Kabus, Hans-Aloys Wischmann, Cristian Lorenz
  • Patent number: 9414774
    Abstract: A system and method for carrying out the withdrawal of body fluid with as little body fluid as possible visible to the user at the end of the process. The present invention provides a pressure piece for exerting pressure on a body part. The pressure piece is moved relative to a support for the body part, and in the final phase of fluid withdrawal, the compressive or resistive force of the pressure piece on the body part is reduced in order to avoid the escape of body fluid from the puncture site. The support results in a defined positioning of the body part that rests against it for the lancing process, whereas the relative movement of the pressure piece enables an additional increase in pressure and thus an improved collection of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Korner, Rainer Jaeggi, Patrick Griss, Emad Sarofim, Irio Guiseppe Calasso
  • Patent number: 9414775
    Abstract: Methods, sensors, and systems for determining a concentration of glucose in a medium of a living animal are disclosed. Determining the glucose concentration may involve emitting excitation light from a light source to indicator molecules, generating a raw signal indicative of the amount of light received by a photodetector, purifying and normalizing the raw signal, and converting the normalized signal to a glucose concentration. The purification may involve removing noise (e.g., offset and/or distortion) from the raw signal. The purification and normalization may involve tracking the cumulative emission time that the light source has emitted the excitation light and tracking the implant time that has elapsed since the optical sensor was implanted. The purification and normalization may involve measuring the temperature of the sensor. The purification, normalization, and conversion may involve using parameters determined during manufacturing, in vitro testing, and/or in vivo testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr., Xiaolin Wang, Colleen Mdingi, Andrew DeHennis
  • Patent number: 9414776
    Abstract: A suite of components comprising an objective measurement medical data collection device and a cohort database may standardize, simplify, and objectify clinical outcomes tracking, culminating in population health measurements within the restorative neurosciences such as Parkinson disease individuals diagnosed with a disease. A data collection device may comprise one or more of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a locator, a camera and a magnetometer for collecting, for example, data related to tremors experienced by the individuals diagnosed with disease and receive instruction data responsive to evaluation of the collected data in relation to the cohort database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Navigated Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Arthur Sillay, John Douglas Birdwell
  • Patent number: 9414777
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brister, Paul V. Neale, Sean Saint, James R. Petisce, James Patrick Thrower, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Daniel S. Kline, John A. Guerre, Daniel Shawn Codd, Thomas F. McGee, David Michael Petersen
  • Patent number: 9414778
    Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9414779
    Abstract: A system and article of manufacture for electronic communication warning and modification include automatically detecting an emotional state of a sender of an electronic communication, encoding the detected emotional state of the sender, using input from at least one additional source, as metadata, embedding the metadata in the electronic communication to create an annotated version of the electronic communication, and transmitting the annotated version of the electronic communication to a recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dimitri Kanevsky, James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover, Tara N Sainath
  • Patent number: 9414780
    Abstract: In one arrangement, a smartphone camera gathers skin imagery while controlled spectral illumination is emitted from the smartphone display. In a particular embodiment, differently colored bands move across a darkened screen to illuminate the skin from different angles as plural images are being captured. The collection of imagery from different viewing angles, with different spectral illumination, and different illumination angles, can provide imagery (including composite imagery) useful in manual or automated dermoscopic analysis. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 9414781
    Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging system comprises a vertical stand (1), a computer (3), as well as an ultrasound scanner, a space sensor, and a first display (8) connected to the computer (3) respectively. The ultrasound scanner is provided with an ultrasonic probe (17). The three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging system further comprises a gravity balance board (2) mounted under the vertical stand (1) and connected to the computer (3), a second display (4) connected to the computer (3), and a support structure for supporting a patient. The support structure is mounted on an upper part of the vertical stand (1). The gravity balance board (2) is used to measure feet pressure distribution data information of the patient, and send the feet pressure distribution data information to the computer (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TELEFIELD MEDICAL IMAGING LIMITED
    Inventors: Yongping Zheng, Chung Wai James Cheung, Tak Man Mak, Cheong Lim Lee
  • Patent number: 9414782
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining analyte concentration in a sample such as bodily fluid. Systems and methods disclosed herein can also include a treatment dosing system to infuse or inject a treatment drug (e.g., insulin or glucose) and provide glycemic control. The dose of the treatment drug may be based on the concentration of the analyte or the average value for the concentration of the analyte and/or the rate of change of the value of the concentration of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: OptiScan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Braig, Richard Keenan, Peter Rule, Gil Rivas, Mahesh Seetharaman
  • Patent number: 9414783
    Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Atrial Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Sumit Verma
  • Patent number: 9414784
    Abstract: A movement assessment apparatus configured to provide biofeedback to a user regarding one or more movements executed by the user is disclosed herein. The movement assessment apparatus generally includes a sensing device comprising one or more sensors, a data processing device operatively coupled to the sensing device, and a sensory output device operatively coupled to the data processing device. The data processing device is configured to determine executed motion data of a body portion of the user and/or executed motion data of an object manipulated by the user using one or more signals from the one or more sensors, to compare the executed motion data or a modified form of the executed motion data to baseline motion data of a reference motion, and to determine how closely the executed motion data or the modified form of the executed motion data conforms to the baseline motion data of the reference motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Bertec Limited
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Jan Jakub Ober
  • Patent number: 9414785
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a garment for measuring biological information, a measurement system, a measurement device and a method of controlling thereof capable of measuring biological information with accuracy regardless of variations of each examinee. When an examinee wears a shirt, four limb electrodes are arranged at positions so that the electrodes cover the body surface other than around the clavicle. At that time, the four limb electrodes are assigned to positions so that they cover about the pelvis. Also, during the use of the shirt, chest electrodes cover from the body surface (around lower part of left side of the body) of a presternal region around the left thorax in a perpendicular direction of the body axis (a direction perpendicular to the length of the shirt) and the electrodes are assigned so as to cover from the body surface around the fourth rib to that around the sixth rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Nagata, Ryuji Nagai
  • Patent number: 9414786
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to signal processing. In accordance with example embodiments, methods and apparatuses involve using at least two electrodes that sense an ECG signal. A denoising module is communicatively coupled to the at least two electrodes, and receives the ECG signal sensed by the sensing electrodes. The denoising module includes circuitry that conditions and digitizes the ECG signal, and a computing circuit that processes the digitized ECG signal to denoise the ECG signal. A communications circuit generates a communication including the denoised ECG signal for access by a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: VivaQuant LLC
    Inventors: Marina Brockway, Brian Brockway
  • Patent number: 9414787
    Abstract: An electrocardiograph device and methods of navigating displays of such a device are disclosed. In one example, an electrocardiograph device includes a display, a plurality of electrocardiograph signal leads, and a programmable circuit. The programmable circuit is configured to receive electrical signals via the electrocardiograph signal leads representative of a heartbeat of a patient. The programmable circuit is configured to generate a user interface to be presented on the display, the user interface comprising a lead display including a screen layout including a plurality of waveform regions. The waveform regions display a waveform corresponding to an electrical signal from one of the leads over a time interval including at least one heartbeat period. Selection of a region causes display of an extended waveform region displaying a waveform over a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval, and which includes a plurality of heartbeat periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Elaine Carole Montambeau, Kathryn Coles
  • Patent number: 9414788
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for generating a stereoscopic image by using the apparatus. The stereoscopic image generation method includes emitting first X-rays toward a target object at a first emission angle, detecting the first X-rays which have propagated through the target object in order to acquire a first X-ray image, emitting second X-rays toward the target object at a second emission angle which is different from the first emission angle, detecting the second X-rays which have propagated through the target object in order to acquire at least a second X-ray image, and generating a stereoscopic image based on the first X-ray image and the at least second X-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Hun Sung, Kang Eui Lee
  • Patent number: 9414789
    Abstract: A diagnostic device for morpho-functional investigations includes a plurality of measuring elements (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) of the scintillation type, positioned around a receiving area (3) for performing relative three-dimensional investigations on different parts of a patient (P) positioned in the receiving area, the first ring (5) having an internal diameter (d) less than the internal diameter (D) of the second ring (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (C.N.R.)
    Inventors: Alessandro Soluri, Roberto Massari
  • Patent number: 9414790
    Abstract: A CT scanning apparatus includes a control apparatus arranged to cause a first rotation of a gantry and trigger an x-ray source to emit x-radiation at a first x-ray energy when an angular encoder reports that the gantry is at each of multiple predetermined angular locations, and cause a second rotation of the gantry and trigger the x-ray source to emit x-radiation at a second x-ray energy differing from the first x-ray energy when the angular encoder reports that the gantry is at each of the same predetermined angular locations. An image processing means receives the projection images and reconstructs them into a volumetric image. A support couch is provided for the patient, and to minimize the likelihood of movement artifacts, the support couch includes a patient immobilisation system such as an evacuatable bead bag, bite post, or stereotactic frames, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventor: Malcolm Williams
  • Patent number: 9414791
    Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray photographing apparatus comprising: an X-ray generator for generating X-rays; an X-ray detector for detecting the X-rays discharged from the X-ray generator; and a collimator for permitting only a portion of the X-rays to pass through and blocking the rest X-rays, wherein the apparatus further comprising a support means for supporting the X-rays generator and the X-ray detector and varying heights of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are arranged facing each other at respective left and right sides with respect to the support means for supporting the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector so as to achieve a weight balance, and the support means has an X-ray path through which the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator pass without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GENORAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin-Hwan Jun
  • Patent number: 9414792
    Abstract: A CT apparatus for scanning an object is provided. An x-ray source is provided, wherein the x-ray source provides a collimated x-ray beam with a cross-section. A plurality of wedges is provided between the source and object. An actuator is connected to the wedges for moving the wedges substantially perpendicular to the length of the cross-section of the collimated x-ray beam. An x-ray detector is located on an opposite side of the object from the x-ray source and is for detecting x-rays that pass through the object and the plurality of wedges. A gantry rotates the x-ray source, the plurality of wedges, and the x-ray detector around an axis of rotation. A detection system measures the relative position of the plurality of wedges. The detection system comprises an optical sensor and a plurality of optical markers, where each wedge has at least one optical marker attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Scott Hsieh, Norbert J. Pelc
  • Patent number: 9414793
    Abstract: An X-ray CT system as the embodiment comprises an annular rotating body configured to accommodate an X-ray tube, the rotating body having a central opening, into which a bed can be inserted in the center thereof, a cover shaped in a tubular form and having a tubular case part, which, when fitted in the opening, shields the annular rotating body from a central side of the opening, the cover being provided with an X-ray transmission opening at the tubular case part, through which, X-rays from the X-ray tube are allowed to transmit, and two sheet-like soundproof members configured to sandwich a soundproof layer, the soundproof members being disposed to to close the X-ray transmission opening. According to the X-ray CT system, it is possible to reduce sufficiently the noise leaking from inside the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Kodaira
  • Patent number: 9414794
    Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes: a mobile cart having a casing as an exterior member; an X-ray generation unit that can be stored in the casing; a handle portion arranged on an upper portion of the casing; and a movable portion having the handle portion and configured to be alternately stored in and pulled out from the casing, wherein an upper portion of the movable portion is pulled out in an inclined state from the mobile cart through a drawing-out operation performed on the handle portion by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Wataru Kaku, Naofumi Sekine, Nobuo Komiya, Yoshiki Kuno
  • Patent number: 9414795
    Abstract: There are provided a radiation generating apparatus and a radiation imaging apparatus that have excellent transportability. The radiation generating apparatus and radiation imaging apparatus include a radiation generating unit configured to generate radiation, an arm configured to support the radiation generating unit, and a support pillar configured to support the arm and rotate the arm, wherein the support pillar has a housing portion that has a space for housing at least a part of the radiation generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakata, Hideki Hayashi, Hitomi Ogasawara, Kenta Koyama, Kazuhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9414796
    Abstract: An x-ray recording system is disclosed for x-ray imaging of an object under examination by way of direct measurement of an interference pattern, especially for differential, real-time capable phase-contrast imaging. In at least one embodiment, the system includes with at least one x-ray emitter for creating quasi-coherent x-ray radiation; an x-ray image detector, including a detector layer and detector pixels arranged in a matrix; and a diffraction or phase grating, disposed between the object under examination and the x-ray image detector, configured to create an interference pattern, directly detectable in the nth Talbot order by an x-ray image detector with a very high achievable local resolution, which amounts to at least half the wavelength of the interference pattern in accordance with the Nyquist theory arising in the nth Talbot order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Martin Spahn
  • Patent number: 9414797
    Abstract: A mammography CT system is disclosed which includes an X-ray generator; and a first radiator-detector system. A contrast medium, including an opacifying element including an absorption peak in a first energy range, is useable for tomographic imaging of a female breast of a patient. After filtering, the X-rays with a prespecified tube voltage that form at an anode, are configured to emit an X-ray spectrum having a second energy range, wherein the radiator-detector system is configured to acquire a plurality of circumferential projections around the breast. The first energy range is a part of the second energy range and the second energy range includes an upper limit of less than 70 keV and a lower limit of greater than 20 keV. A corresponding method for generating tomographic mammography CT images is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Bayer Pharma Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Flohr, Gregor Jost, Rüdiger Lawaczeck, Hubertus Pietsch, Bernhard Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9414798
    Abstract: A method for bolus tracking includes acquiring one or more baseline images. One or more trigger regions are automatically established within the baseline images. A bolus is administered. The automatically established trigger regions are monitored for bolus arrival at the one or more trigger regions. Bolus arrival at a volume of interest is forecasted based on the bolus arrival at the one or more trigger regions. A diagnostic scan of the volume of interest is acquired at the forecasted time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ute Feuerlein, Arun Krishnan, Xiang Sean Zhou
  • Patent number: 9414799
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a time resolved series of time and energy subtracted 3D volume reconstructions, e.g., using a switched dual energy C-Arm type X-ray imaging system or a bi-plane type X-ray imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: MISTRETTA MEDICAL, LLC, CMS MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Charles A. Mistretta, Charles M. Strother
  • Patent number: 9414800
    Abstract: There is provided a device including an X-ray output apparatus including an X-ray output section including a plurality of X-ray sources and outputting parallel X-ray beams, a shield section capable of changing a position which blocks the output parallel X-ray beams and permeate the parallel X-rays beams, and a control section controlling an output of the parallel X-ray beams at the X-ray output section and the position which permeates the parallel X-ray beams at a shield section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Takagi, Hiromi Yoshinari, Hisakazu Shiraki, Yuki Sugie
  • Patent number: 9414801
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a control method therefor in which a region of a compressed breast is measured by a touch sensor and a collimator is controlled such that an X-ray emission region corresponds to the measured region of a compressed breast, whereby workflow for performing X-ray imaging may be reduced and subject pain due to breast compression may be alleviated. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source to generate X-rays and irradiate an object with the generated X-rays, a collimator to adjust an emission region of the X-rays generated from the X-ray source, an X-ray detector to detect X-rays having passed through the object to acquire X-ray data, a touch sensor disposed above the X-ray detector, a compression paddle to compress the object placed on the touch sensor, and a collimator control unit to calculate location and size of the compressed object based on an output value of the touch sensor and control the collimator based on calculation results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Pil Kim, So Dam Baek