Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9456761
    Abstract: When applying shielded ECG leads to a patient, during the presence of strong RF signals such as electrocautery, high currents may flow through the cable capacitance to the shield and from there back to the patient via another cable capacitance and electrode, thus causing skin burnings. Such high currents can be reduced dramatically when the shields of the lead cable are separated by means of connecting series resistances into the shield conductors. Implementing these resistors into a ECG trunk cable allows the usage of uniform lead cables for all applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Rainer Willi Elschenbroich
  • Patent number: 9456762
    Abstract: A method to detect atrial fibrillation including the steps of receiving an electrical signal representative of a beating heart, measuring atrial activity over a time window of three or more beats, measuring beat interval variation over the time window, combining the measures of atrial activity and beat interval variation to produce an indication of an atrial fibrillation condition in the electrical signal, and generating an alert based on the indication of an atrial fibrillation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Medicomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Kurzweil, Lucy Gibson, Paul Albrecht, Paul Grimshaw
  • Patent number: 9456763
    Abstract: A medical device and associated method acquire a biopotential signal from a pair of electrodes at a first sampling rate and a bioimpedance signal from the pair of electrodes at a second sampling rate. An onset and/or offset of the drive signal delivered to the pair of electrodes for acquiring the bioimpedance signal is synchronized to the first sampling rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gordon, Gregg T. Sarkinen, Michael B. Terry
  • Patent number: 9456764
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for reducing artifacts in an MRI image as a result of radiation induced current in collector coils of an MRI apparatus. The method comprises the following steps. Selecting a plurality of pixels in a k-space image prior to generation of the MRI image. Analyzing each of the plurality of selected pixels to determine whether a pixel intensity is greater than a predefined global threshold. For each pixel having pixel intensity greater than the predefined global threshold, determining whether the pixel lies within a signal region of the k-space image or outside of the signal region of the k-space image. For each pixel that lies outside of the signal region, modifying the pixel intensity to be similar to a background pixel intensity, thereby creating a modified k-space image. Generating the MRI image based on the modified k-space image. A non-transitory computer readable medium and a radiation therapy system configured to implement the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Alberta Health Services
    Inventors: Benjamin Burke, B. Gino Fallone, Keith Wachowicz, Satyapal Rathee
  • Patent number: 9456765
    Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system includes a display, an input device configured to receive data input by a user, and a processor, coupled to the input device and the display. The processor is configured to establish a first position of a pre-operative center of rotation of a joint in a first coordinate space of a first bone and a second coordinate space of a second bone and establish a second position of the pre-operative center of rotation of the joint in the first coordinate space, wherein the second position is a projection into the first coordinate space of the position of the pre-operative center of rotation maintained in a constant position in the second coordinate space. The processor is further configured to determine a change in a parameter associated with the joint based on the first and second positions and output a result indicating the determined change to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Odermatt, Matthew Thompson
  • Patent number: 9456766
    Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. The needle can include a donut-shaped magnet disposed about the needle cannula, or a removable stylet with a magnetic element and a strain gauge for detection of the needle distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Jiaye Z. Jho
  • Patent number: 9456768
    Abstract: A disposable volume spirometry apparatus and non-contact measurement system is described. The spirometry system includes an expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus, a remote non-contact sensor, memory, and a processor. The remote non-contact sensor captures images associated with the expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus. The memory stores the captured images. The processor is operatively coupled to the memory and determines a volume for the expandable disposable volume spirometry apparatus by analyzing the captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Stefano Soatto, Giuseppe Torresin
  • Patent number: 9456769
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring medial-lateral tilt of a bone is disclosed. The bone is coupled to a joint of the muscular-skeletal system. The method comprises coupling a three-axis accelerometer to a prepared bone surface of a bone. The three-axis accelerometer is configured to measure position, rotation, and tilt. The joint is rotated between two points. The rotation between the two points traverses an arc having a maximum therebetween. The joint pivots off of a surface to which the bone is coupled. In one embodiment, a pivot point and joint rotation relates to a mechanical axis of the joint and bone. The three-axis accelerometer measures data points along the arc as it is rotated between the two points. Multiple passes along the arc generates sufficient data points to determine the maximum. The position of the maximum is used to calculate the medial-lateral tilt of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC.
    Inventors: Marc Stein, Martin Roche
  • Patent number: 9456770
    Abstract: A device determining a biological state of a driver more accurately, including a hypnagogic symptom phenomenon detecting mechanism, an imminent sleep phenomenon detecting mechanism, a subjective sleepiness/low consciousness traveling state detecting mechanism, and a homeostasis function level determining mechanism, which are configured to function in parallel. Therefore, detection of a hypnagogic symptom phenomenon or an imminent sleep phenomenon, or detection of a period resisting a light sleepiness mild sleepiness or a strong sleepiness which occurs consciously, or the case where a low consciousness traveling state due to a decrease in consciousness level momentarily occurs or the case where it occurs longer continuously, or the like, can be determined/detected, and the driver's biological state can be accurately determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA TOOLING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yumi Ogura, Shinichiro Maeda, Ryuichi Uchikawa, Yoshika Nobuhiro
  • Patent number: 9456771
    Abstract: A fall detector includes an accelerometer for producing a time series of measurement samples representing the acceleration acting on the fall detector; a processor for estimating a vertical velocity and/or displacement of the fall detector from the measurement samples and using the estimated vertical velocity and/or displacement to determine whether the user has suffered a fall. The processor is configured to estimate a vertical velocity and/or displacement of the fall detector by estimating a corresponding time series of unit vectors representing acceleration due to gravity in the reference frame of the accelerometer from the time series of measurement samples; projecting each measurement sample onto the corresponding unit vector and subtracting acceleration due to gravity to give a series of estimates for the vertical acceleration of the fall detector; and integrating the series of estimates to give a time series of values for the vertical velocity and/or displacement of the fall detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KONIKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Constant Paul Marie Jozef Baggen, Ningjiang Chen
  • Patent number: 9456772
    Abstract: A noninvasive method and apparatus for determining analyte concentration (e.g., glucose) in a subject that includes measuring light refraction from at least a portion one or more structures. One example of such structure is the subject's iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Brent D. Cameron, Anthony J. Webb
  • Patent number: 9456773
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the blood oxygen saturation level within a subject's tissue is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a spectrophotometric sensor operable to transmit light into the subject's tissue, and to sense the light; b) detecting light after passage through the subject's tissue using the sensor, and producing initial signal data from the light sensed; c) calibrating the sensor to that particular subject using the initial signal data, thereby accounting for the specific physical characteristics of the particular subject's tissue being sensed; and d) using the calibrated sensor to determine the blood oxygen parameter value within the subject's tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul B. Benni
  • Patent number: 9456774
    Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating 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 information may be derived from the pass of a capsule. Capsules may be subsequently passed through to treat the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. One variation uses an electrical stimulation capsule to treat and/or diagnose a condition in the intestinal tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Entrack, Inc.
    Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Olivier K. Colliou, Ted W. Layman, Sharon L. Lake, Harm TenHoff, Timothy J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 9456775
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a single, handheld device that provides for both insertion of a catheter and collection of a fluid. Some embodiments further include a needle that assists in the insertion of the catheter into a blood vessel, and which includes a retraction feature that protects the user from an accidental needle stick when the device is ready for disposal. Still further embodiments include a protective cover that prevents a user from accidentally being stuck by a second needle used for the introduction of the patient's blood into a collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Millaghi Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Millerd
  • Patent number: 9456776
    Abstract: According to a measuring method or a control method of life activity, a life object is illuminated with an electromagnetic wave including a wavelength in a designated waveband, and a characteristic in a local area of the life object is detected, or a life activity thereof is controlled. The “designated waveband” is defined based on phenomena used for detecting or controlling an activity state of the life object or a change of the state. This “local area” is an area constituted by one or more cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Hideo Ando
  • Patent number: 9456777
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for assessing microbiota of skin are described which include: a skin-covering material with an inner surface conforming in shape to a topography of a skin surface and including a plurality of specific microbe-binding elements; an image capture device to capture an image of the inner surface of the skin-covering material and to transform the image into a digital output including information associated with at least one property and a spatial distribution of at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding elements; and a computing device including circuitry configured to receive the digital output from the image-capture device, compare the at least one property of the at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding elements with a database of reference microbe properties, and generate a digital profile including the at least one property and the spatial distribution of the at least one type of microbe bound to the specific microbe-binding eleme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi G. Bangera, Michael H. Baym, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Gary L. McKnight, Tony S. Pan, Katherine E. Sharadin, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9456778
    Abstract: A wearable medical device and method of detecting clipping of ECG signals is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wearable medical device comprises a plurality of ECG sensing electrodes configured to sense an ECG of a patient and an ECG acquisition circuit electrically coupled to a pair of the plurality of ECG sensing electrodes and configured to provide an amplified and conditioned analog ECG signal, a programmable attenuation/gain stage electrically coupled between a first gain stage and a second gain stage, an ADC electrically coupled to the ECG acquisition circuit to receive and digitize the amplified and conditioned analog ECG signal and provide a digitized ECG signal, and a signal conditioning and control unit electrically coupled to the ECG acquisition circuit and the ADC to receive and monitor the digitized ECG signal and to detect clipping of the amplified and conditioned analog ECG signal based upon the digitized ECG signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, John D. Macho
  • Patent number: 9456779
    Abstract: Biomarkers are collected and used to determine biological propensities of a patient, to determine the efficacy of medical devices, to select and administer therapeutic agents, to select medical devices, to make adjustments to medical devices, and/or to adjust surgical techniques. An apparatus includes a port to draw a biological fluid (e.g., a mist) from a surgical site. The apparatus includes a sensor having a cantilevered beam. The beam includes substances selected to attract certain biomarkers as the fluid is communicated across the beam. The same apparatus or another apparatus is used to administer a therapeutic agent based at least in part on collected biomarker data. The therapeutic agent delivery apparatus may include a device that is also used to create a wound at a surgical site. For instance, a harmonic surgical instrument may be used to both collect biomarkers and administer a therapeutic agent (e.g., gene therapy using sonoporation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Clymer, Prasanna Malaviya, Donna L. Korvick, Kevin L. Houser, Cory G. Kimball, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 9456780
    Abstract: Systems for delivery of therapeutic agents and related methods are disclosed. A sensing system is configured to detect a chemical in the vicinity of a patient and transmit a signal to a controller upon detection. A controller is configured to release a therapeutic agent which is transported to the site of interest. The controller communicates with an electronic medical records database, an alarm and a nurse call system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Ribble, Laetitia Gazagnes, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 9456781
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9456782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for withdrawing body fluid from a body part via a withdrawal site located on the surface of the body part, with at least one sensor for detecting at least one variable dependent on the location or state of the withdrawal site, and with an evaluation unit for evaluating the at least one variable detected by the at least one sensor and for triggering a reaction, dependent on the value of the detected variable, in the system for withdrawing body fluid, said reaction serving to prepare the system for puncturing the surface of the body part, and with at least one puncturing device for creating an opening in the body at the withdrawal site. The invention further relates to an integrated analysis system, to a method for configuring a system for withdrawal of body fluid, and to a method for selecting a menu item from a menu for controlling a system for withdrawing body fluid from a body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Jürgen Rasch-Menges, Günter Schmelzeisen-Redeker, Jochen Schulat, Wilfried Schmid, Rudolf Pachl
  • Patent number: 9456783
    Abstract: The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Jeffrey J. Blewett, James E. Gharib, Allen Farquhar
  • Patent number: 9456784
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to a patient, the apparatus including a head mount for disposition on the head of a patient; and a plurality of magnet assemblies for releasable mounting on the head mount, wherein each of the magnet assemblies includes a magnet for selectively providing a rapidly changing magnetic field capable of inducing weak electric currents in the brain of a patient so as to modify the natural electrical activity of the brain of the patient; wherein the number of magnet assemblies mounted on the head mount, their individual positioning on the head mount, and their selective provision of a rapidly changing magnetic field is selected so as to allow the spatial, strength and temporal characteristics of the magnetic field to be custom tailored for each patient, whereby to provide patient-specific TMS therapy, to assist in diagnosis or to map out brain function in neuroscience research.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: The Methodist Hospital, Cornell University
    Inventors: Santosh A. Helekar, Henning U. Voss
  • Patent number: 9456785
    Abstract: A performance measuring system integrated with an article of clothing, the system has a computing unit for coordinating, processing and transmission of sensor data connected to a bus and an antenna. A sensor for measuring performance characteristics is connected to the bus; the bus facilitates transmission and reception of control and data values between the computing unit and the sensor. Also, an antenna is connected to the computing unit for communicating with other computing devices and transmission of sensor data. The other computing devices display the sensor data to a user or forward the sensor data onto another communication media such as the internet or interactive television. A social networking system sharing athletic statistics using a webservice, a personal processing unit connectible to the webservice, and a computing unit having an activity program for at least one sensor. This system has an activity update service integrally associated with the webservice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Mayfonk Athletic, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Matak, Jef Spaleta
  • Patent number: 9456786
    Abstract: A sensing assembly for sensing contact with an object is disclosed. The contact sensing assembly may comprise an elongate tubular body. An electrode may be connected to the elongate tubular body. A vibration element is operatively connected with the electrode and configured to deliver a vibration-inducing signal to induce vibration of the electrode. A sensor is configured to monitor the electrode for a perturbation in the induced vibration. The perturbation results from contact between the electrode and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schweitzer, Steven C. Christian, Anthony D. Hill
  • Patent number: 9456787
    Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects collecting concurrent output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, detects a periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and uses the periodic component of the output data from the motion detecting sensor to remove a corresponding periodic component from the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor. From this result, the device may determine and present the user's heart rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Subramaniam Venkatraman, Shelten Gee Jao Yuen
  • Patent number: 9456788
    Abstract: At least one of the common regions in time-sequence images is specified. Then, the time-sequence images are adjusted such that the position of that common region in at least one image among the time-sequence images is adjusted to the position of that common region in a different image. Then, the new adjusted time-sequence images are subjected to video compression processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Masumoto, Yuanzhong Li, Yoshinori Itai, Yasunori Ohta, Yoshinao Fujimori, Keigo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9456789
    Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus includes a holding member including a movable holding member configured to be movable in a direction of sandwiching an object, an irradiation member configured to irradiate the object with light from a light source through the holding member, an acoustic wave detection unit configured to receive an acoustic wave generated in the object by the light and to convert the acoustic wave into an electrical signal, a processing unit configured to acquire information in the object by using the electrical signal, a light diffusion member configured to be arranged on the movable holding member, and an imaging unit configured to capture an optical pattern formed when the light diffusion member is irradiated with the light, wherein the imaging unit is configured to be capable of adjusting a focus according to a movement of the movable holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yohei Motoki
  • Patent number: 9456790
    Abstract: Based on a plurality of detection data sets acquired by a data acquisition unit and correspond to respective tube voltages, an image generator generates a plurality of reference substance image data sets targeting respective reference substances contained in a subject. The image generator generates a correction data set for each of the plurality of tube voltages by applying, to a detection data set corresponding to each of the tube voltages, a correction coefficient for suppressing a discrepancy of an actual energy spectrum of the X-rays detected by an X-ray detector from a predetermined X-ray energy spectrum, and generates the plurality of reference substance image data sets based on a plurality of correction data sets corresponding to the respective tube voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Taguchi, Satoru Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 9456791
    Abstract: A constraint having a main body and at least one coupler. The main body can be substantially arcuate in shape and can be configured to constrain a patient. The at least one coupler can couple the main body to a bed or treatment pallet. The constraint can be sized to restrict a patient within a computerized tomography (CT) scan field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Hamill, Carl Eric Arnsdorff
  • Patent number: 9456792
    Abstract: A heading positioning apparatus and the method of use for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerald T. Grant, Shayne A. Kondor
  • Patent number: 9456793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a patient support (17) for an odontological x-ray apparatus, which can be arranged e.g. to a patient support station (18) of the x-ray apparatus (10). The patient support (17) includes a substantially uniform, substantially curved or bendable to be curved band structure (21) substantially extending at least from one patient's temple to the other. The material and layer thickness of the band structure (21) are chosen such that the band structure (21) is soft, elastic and/or flexible and its density with respect to attenuation of x-radiation is substantially lower than that of cranial soft tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: PLANMECA OY
    Inventor: Mikko Jarva
  • Patent number: 9456794
    Abstract: Molecular imaging of radioluminescent nanoparticle probes injected into biological tissue is performed by irradiated the tissue with ionizing radiation to induce radioluminescence at optical wavelengths, preferably at predetermined near infrared wavelengths. The optical light is detected and processed to determine a spatial distribution of the probes. The radioluminescent nanoparticles may be inorganic or organic phosphors, scintillators, or quantum dots. Imaging systems realizing this technique include tomographic systems using an x-ray beam to sequentially irradiate selected regions, systems with a radioactive source producing the ionizing radiation from outside the tissue, such as with a beam, or inside the tissue, such as with an endoscope or injected radiopharmaceutical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Colin M Carpenter, Lei Xing, Guillem Pratx, Conroy Ghin Chee Sun
  • Patent number: 9456795
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus automatically distinguishes between right and left breasts during mammography. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray assembly configured to press a breast, irradiate X-rays onto the pressed breast, and detect X-rays transmitted through the breast; two handles respectively provided in both sides of the X-ray assembly so that a patient is able to grip the handles, each handle including a sensor for detecting the patient's grip; and a controller configured to determine a position of a handle including the sensor that has detected the patient's grip, and to determine that a breast subject to mammography is a breast corresponding to the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Ha Lee, Young Hun Sung
  • Patent number: 9456796
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to radiate first-energy X-rays toward an object, an X-ray detector configured to detect the first-energy X-rays which propagate through the object, an image processor configured to generate a first object image which correspond to the detected first-energy X-rays and to estimate a second object image which corresponds to second-energy X-rays based on the generated first object image, and a controller configured to control the image processor to repeatedly estimate the second object image by controlling the X-ray generator to repeatedly radiate the first-energy X-rays toward the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SAMSUNG LIFE PUBLIC WELFARE FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seok Min Han, Dong Goo Kang, Sung Hoon Kang, Young Hun Sung, Myung Jin Chung
  • Patent number: 9456797
    Abstract: A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 9456798
    Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing a contrast injection function for CT imaging. The method includes injecting, with an injector pump, a test bolus of a contrast agent into a subject. The method also includes computing, on a processor, an impulse enhancement function. The method also includes determining, on a processor, a target enhancement function for a region of interest. The method also includes determining, with a processor, a plurality of parameters for a functional form for a contrast injection function in a time domain. The method also includes determining for the contrast injection function a constraint. The method also includes determining, with a processor, particular values for the plurality of parameters, which satisfy the constraint and minimize a difference between a value of an enhancement function and the target enhancement function computed in the time domain at discrete time periods without use of a Fourier transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: Ming Xue, Wei Lu, Seth Kligerman, Hao Zhang, Warren D'Souza, Wookjin Choi
  • Patent number: 9456799
    Abstract: An imaging modality includes a first computer, a second computer, a computer select circuit connected to a manually operable switch and configured to allow an operator to select whether to operate the first computer or the second computer by manually operating the manually operable switch, a single power supply unit configured to supply operating power to the first computer and the second computer; and a power control circuit connected to a power input of the first computer and connected to a power input of the second computer. The power control circuit outputs a trigger signal to activate or deactivate flow of power supply to the second computer in response to first computer receiving a turn ON or turn OFF input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Virtual Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Chicchetti, Carmine Pizzuto
  • Patent number: 9456800
    Abstract: A force-controlled ultrasound imaging device uses a linear drive system to maintain a suitable contact force with a subject. A combination of hardware and software limits on travel for the linear drive system provide intuitive user feedback while helping to ensure that the linear drive system remains active throughout the scan, while responding appropriately to initiation and termination of scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian W. Anthony, Matthew W. Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 9456801
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer, a liquid filled section filled with a liquid, a contact section, and a flexible section. The contact section includes a deformable resin material, is positioned outside the ultrasonic transducer, and forms a portion of the liquid filled section. The flexible section includes the deformable resin material and forms a portion of the liquid filled section. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves through the contact section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9456802
    Abstract: A system for use with ultrasound procedures including an ultrasound control and/or imaging system which has a microminiature motor, a rotatable reflector and a stationary ultrasound transducer. The transducer may be placed between the motor and the reflector, so as to eliminate the need for placement of wires or other artifact-creating items in the path of ultrasound signals. In particular embodiments, such systems can be incorporated in or retrofitted to commercially standard diagnostic and therapeutic catheters or other housings. Examples can be used in variety of ultrasound procedures, e.g. to perform intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: Yun Zhou, Peter S. McKinnis, Neal E. Fearnot
  • Patent number: 9456803
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a substrate, a diaphragm, a thin-film piezoelectric element, a communication passage, and an air hole. The substrate has first and second cavities thereon. The diaphragm is configured at the first cavity. The thin-film piezoelectric element is configured to the diaphragms. The communicating passage is configured in the substrate and extending from the first cavity to the second cavity. The air hole extends between the communicating passage to an outside of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Hosomi
  • Patent number: 9456804
    Abstract: A region of interest which is considered to be a vascular wall of an artery is set in a B-mode image, and tracking processing is performed for each region of interest. A maximum displacement velocity Vu in a positive direction and a maximum displacement velocity Vd in a negative direction are obtained as a peak value of a displacement velocity of the vascular wall. If a first peak ratio (Vu/Vd) of a region of interest corresponding to an anterior wall is equal to or greater than a predetermined first feature threshold value (for example, 2.0) using the obtained maximum displacement velocity Vu in the positive direction and maximum displacement velocity Vd in the negative direction, it is determined that the region of interest is an artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Natsumi Tamada
  • Patent number: 9456805
    Abstract: The quality of a parametric map is improved based upon information contained in optoacoustic images. Frames are acquired by a multi-wavelength optoacoustic imaging system. A first sub-set including uncorrelated frames from a first wavelength is generated. A first interframe artifact estimate is generated. The first artifact estimate is applied to a frame from a first wavelength to mitigate the interframe persistent artifact in the frame, creating a first processed frame. A second sub-set including uncorrelated frames from a second wavelength is generated. A second interframe artifact estimate is generated. The second artifact estimate is applied to a frame from the second wavelength to mitigate the artifact in the frame from the second wavelength, creating a second processed frame. A parametric map is generated from information in the first processed frame and information in the second processed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Zalev, Bryan Clingman, Donald G. Herzog
  • Patent number: 9456806
    Abstract: A biopsy probe mechanism includes an elongate sample receiving member having a longitudinal axis and having a sample receiving notch. The elongate sample receiving member and a cutting cannula are movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis. A first echogenic feature is established on the elongate sample receiving member and a second echogenic feature is established on the cutting cannula. The elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are configured to have a first position in which the first echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature, and configured such that when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are moved relative to one another from the first position, the first echogenic feature and the second echogenic feature are out of longitudinal alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafal Chudzik, Jason G. Seiger, Jennifer Smith, Charles Simpson
  • Patent number: 9456807
    Abstract: An excisional device for either handheld or stereotactic table use may comprise an outer sheath that may comprise a distal trough shape configured to penetrate and/or cut tissue independently or in concert with work element(s). The articulable work element(s) may comprise articulable beak(s) and may be configured to translate and/or rotate at a first rate and to cut tissue in a direction implied by placement of the trough shaped outer sheath. A first helical element or equivalent assembly may be configured to transport tissue cut by the work element(s) and/or trough, may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and may be operative to rotate at a second rotation rate that is different than the first rate. A proximal sheath may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and the first helical element, and may be configured to rotate and actuate the work element(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TransMed7, LLC
    Inventors: James W Vetter, Eugene H Vetter, Daniel E Clark, Alisen E Vetter
  • Patent number: 9456808
    Abstract: A biopsy system includes an elongate cannula coupled to and extending from a support structure, the cannula having a distal portion with a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof, and an elongate hollow introducer sized and configured to be mounted to the support structure over the cannula. The support structure and a proximal portion of the introducer are respectively configured for providing releasable attachment of the introducer to the support structure over the cannula in a first attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out an open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture unobscured by the introducer, and in a second attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out the open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture partially obscured by the introducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Kapushion
  • Patent number: 9456809
    Abstract: A method for operating a biopsy device to acquire at least one tissue sample from a body of a living being, including retracting a sample-receiving device through a hollow needle to a sample removal position, a tissue sample being simultaneously transported to the sample removal position by the sample-receiving device; operatively connecting a liquid supply unit to a cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is at the sample removal position; and delivering a lateral flow of a flushing liquid from the liquid supply unit to the cavity of the sample-receiving device to facilitate a lateral tissue sample ejection from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Bondo Jorgensen, Karsten Videbaek
  • Patent number: 9456810
    Abstract: A surgical instrument handle assembly configured for rigid and releasable connection to orthopedic devices including orthopedic shaping or cutting members such as a broaches, reamers and/or osteotomes adapted to prepare the intramedullary canal of a femur in total hip arthroplasty procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wayne Rister, Brian David Davis
  • Patent number: 9456811
    Abstract: A vascular closure device comprised of a sheath-delivered cincture or noose-like device or knot comprised of suture, wire, or other suitable materials, that is placed on the external surface of a puncture wound, and closed. The vascular closure cincture is delivered by a sheath, and after closing is left resident on the external surface of a tissue puncture wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ABBOTT VASCULAR INC.
    Inventors: Wilmer L. Sibbitt, Jr., Randy R. Sibbitt