Patents Issued in October 25, 2016
  • Patent number: 9474464
    Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray imager, an image data generator, a position information acquisition mechanism, a position information corrector, and a display. The X-ray imager generates projection data by X-ray imaging in first and second imaging modes for a patient. The image data generator generates reference image data based on projection data in the first imaging mode and image data for positional deviation correction based on projection data in the second imaging mode. The position information acquisition mechanism acquires position information of a treatment device inserted into the patient. The position information corrector corrects the position information of the treatment device based on the position information of the treatment device and treatment device information of the image data for positional deviation correction, collected by X-ray imaging in the second imaging mode. The display displays the reference image data to which the corrected position information is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Haruki Iwai, Shingo Abe, Shumpei Ohashi, Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 9474465
    Abstract: An improved system for magnetic position tracking of a device includes a magnetic transmitter, a magnetic sensor, a computing system and a polarity inverter. The magnetic transmitter includes at least one transmitter coil that outputs a transmitted magnetic field having a time derivative component. The magnetic sensor includes at least one sensor coil that has coil terminals having a polarity, and the sensor coil is responsive to the time derivative component of the transmitted magnetic field and outputs a sensor signal. The computing system computes position and angular orientation data of a device based on the sensor signal and the polarity inverter is configured to connect to the coil terminals and to cause the polarity of the coil terminals to be reversed according to a switching signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ascension Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Westley Ashe
  • Patent number: 9474466
    Abstract: A location pad includes a housing having a flat surface and multiple field generators. The multiple field generators are fixed to the housing and are configured to generate respective magnetic fields having respective axes that are perpendicular to the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yaron Ephrath, Andres Claudio Altmann, Vadim Gliner
  • Patent number: 9474467
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method is disclosed for determining information about a position of an object. The method includes: (i) causing current to flow between each of three or more sets of current-injecting electrodes on a first catheter inserted into an organ in a patient's body, the organ having a periphery (ii) in response to current flow caused by each set of current injecting electrodes, measuring an electrical signal at each of one or more measuring electrodes located on one or more additional catheters inserted into the organ in the patient's body and (iii) determining the position of each of one or more of the measuring electrodes on the additional catheters relative to the first catheter based on the measured signals from the one or more measuring electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Rhythmia Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Rotem Eldar, Zsolt Badics
  • Patent number: 9474468
    Abstract: In a method for positioning linear array of electrodes (LAE) mounted on distal end section of elongated flexible member in patient's respiratory airways (PRA) at level of diaphragm, a length of the member pre-determined to position LEA at the level of the diaphragm is inserted through PRA. Signals representative of an electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) are detected through LAE, presence/absence of ECG signal components is detected in EAdi signals, and position of LAE in PRA is detected in response to presence/absence of ECG signal components in EAdi signals. Lower esophageal sphincter activity may be detected in EAdi signals, and position of LAE in PRA determined in response to the detected lower esophageal sphincter. End-expiratory occlusion of PRA may be performed to verify that the electrical activity of the diaphragm coincides with a negative deflection of PRA pressure again in view of determining adequate positioning of LAE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MAQUET CRITICAL CARE AB
    Inventors: Christer Sinderby, Jennifer Beck, Frederik Jalde, Joachim Sallvin
  • Patent number: 9474469
    Abstract: A method of monitoring tracheal pressure of a subject is disclosed. The subject is ventilated with breathing gas flowing via an endotracheal tube having an inflatable cuff. The method comprises monitoring sealing of the trachea by the cuff using a close loop control, varying a ventilation pressure thereby varying flow level of the breathing gas, monitoring a response pressure within the cuff in response to the variation, and calculating the tracheal pressure using the ventilation pressure variations, the cuff response pressure and the flow level. In some embodiments, an under-pressure is applied for suctioning fluid carrying secretions, synchronously with variations in the tracheal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hospitech Respiration Ltd.
    Inventors: Israel Deutsch, Shai Efrati
  • Patent number: 9474470
    Abstract: An instrument for establishing orientation of a pelvic prosthesis comprises a tripod having an angularly adjustable guide rod on it. The tips of the legs define a plane, and the guide rod is set by the surgeon to a defined orientation with respect to this plane on the basis of preoperative studies. In use, two of the legs of the instrument are positioned by the surgeon at defined anatomical locations on the pelvis (e.g., a point in the region of the posterior/inferior acetabulum and a point on the anterior superior iliac spine). The third leg then lands on the pelvis at a point determined by the position of the first two points, as well as by the separations between the third leg and the other two legs. The position of the guide rod then defines with respect to the actual pelvis the direction for insertion of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen B. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9474471
    Abstract: An instrument defining instruments proximal and distal ends and positionable with respect to a body valve in the body of a living subject for implanting anchors into living tissue at a predetermined location relative to the body valve. The instrument includes a body. A movement sensor and an effective portion including an anchor implanting mechanism are mounted to the instrument body in the instrument distal end section in a predetermined positional relationship relative to each other. The effective portion positioner is mounted to the instrument body in the instrument proximal end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Renzo Cecere, Toufic Azar
  • Patent number: 9474472
    Abstract: An apparatus, article, and system, the apparatus including a housing, a 3-axis accelerometer contained in the housing, a medium storing program instructions, and a processor to execute the program instructions stored in the memory to receive a signal from the 3-axis accelerometer indicative of a user's activities, extract features from the received signals, classify the extracted features into a plurality of activity types, determine a total energy expenditure based on the classification of the extracted features; and provide a report of the total energy expenditure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Amit S. Baxi
  • Patent number: 9474473
    Abstract: A method (10) of obtaining acoustical measurements of an individual ear that are compensated for errors caused by ear canal resonances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Oleg Saltykov, Anton Gebert
  • Patent number: 9474474
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a patient monitor, such as a pulse oximeter, functions as a spot check glucometer when in communication with a blood glucose strip reader. In an embodiment, communications between the patient monitor and the strip reader may optionally be encrypted. Embodiments also include the strip reader housed in a dongle configured to mate with a sensor port of the pulse oximeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marcelo M. Lamego, Jeroen Poeze, Cristiano Dalvi, Hung Vo, Ferdyan Lesmana, Gregory A. Olsen, Sean Merritt, Ashish Patel
  • Patent number: 9474475
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining an estimate of an analyte level over time. The invention includes sampling sensor data using an analyte sensor positioned at least partially subcutaneously; storing a plurality of datasets of sensor data, each at a different rate; determining an estimated analyte level based on the datasets; and outputting the estimated analyte level to a display. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Erwin Satrya Budiman
  • Patent number: 9474476
    Abstract: The present invention causes measurement light, emitted from an object and to be measured, to enter a fixed mirror and a movable mirror forming interfering light between the measurement light reflected by the fixed mirror and measurement light reflected by the movable mirror. Change to the intensity of the interference light of measurement light is obtained by moving the movable mirror unit, acquiring the interferogram of measurement light. Reference light of a narrow wavelength band included in a wavelength band of the measurement light enters the fixed mirror and the movable mirror, forming interference light of the reference light. The movable mirror is moved to correct the interferogram of measurement light, which is at the same wavelength as the reference light in the measurement light, and the reference light, and a spectrum of the measurement light is acquired based on the corrected interferogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KAGAWA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Ichiro Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 9474477
    Abstract: A digital pulse oximeter with automatic orientation change function, comprising a housing that is configured to clamp a human finger being tested, a display window disposed at outside of and atop the housing, a circuit being disposed within the housing for calculating and analyzing the tested signals, and displaying them in the display window atop the housing via a display, wherein the said circuit has only one control key disposed on the housing, the said circuit allowing the display contents of the display to be always oriented properly for easy reading by connecting with one two-axis or three-axis accelerometer. The digital pulse oximeter of the present invention is featured with small size and convenient operation and can shift from one function to another using only one control key in conjunction with the interface display, thereby increasing the functions of small-sized pulse oximeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Hu, Yunlong Xu, Jinling Zhang, Yatao Zhao, Zhichao Song
  • Patent number: 9474478
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data and end of life detection are provided. In some embodiments, a method for determining the end of life of a continuous analyte sensor includes evaluating a plurality of risk factors using an end of life function to determine an end of life status of the sensor and providing an output related to the end of life status of the sensor. The plurality of risk factors may be selected from the list including the number of days the sensor has been in use, whether there has been a decrease in signal sensitivity, whether there is a predetermined noise pattern, whether there is a predetermined oxygen concentration pattern, and error between reference BG values and EGV sensor values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Naresh C. Bhavaraju, Arturo Garcia, Hari Hampapuram, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Aarthi Mahalingam, Dmytro Sokolovskyy, Stephen J. Vanslyke
  • Patent number: 9474479
    Abstract: A lancing device having a drive mechanism whereby unidirectional motion of the drive mechanism drives a lancet along an advancing portion and a retraction portion of a lancing stroke. A rotationally mounted crank member or a translationally mounted shuttle of the drive mechanism operate upon an associated linkage and/or a cam path portion of the lancet carrier to drive the carrier along the lancing stroke. Spring biased members optionally drive the mechanism and/or limit its extent of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FACET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lauren R. Pusey, Carmine L. Cuda
  • Patent number: 9474480
    Abstract: A device for invasive parenteral administration of pharmaceutical preparations and sampling of blood consists of: a cuff, a mounting frame for accommodating a sliding disc that consists of a movable front disc half and a movable rear disc half, said rear disc half being provided with a channel for accommodating a cassette cartridge for a cassette with needles; a vial of anaesthetic; and a scanning device. Upon compression of the disc halves, the scanning device locates a vein, a signal is given off, and the disc halves lock in the appropriate position. The needle is introduced into the blood stream by pressing on the lid of the cassette. The lid slides back and the tip of a syringe or of the cannula of a blood transfusion system or of the cannula of an evacuated blood sample container is introduced via a hermetic aperture situated beneath the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Aleksandr Stanislavovich Psyanin
  • Patent number: 9474481
    Abstract: A system and method that enables a person to unobtrusively quantify the effect of mobility, physical activity, learning, social interaction and diet on cognitive function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MINDSTRONG, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Dagum
  • Patent number: 9474482
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing motility disorders of a gastrointestinal tract of a body. The method can include measuring electrical signals from the gastrointestinal tract while the patient is engaged in normal daily activities, recording the measured electrical signals on a portable electronic device carried by the body, recording by the patient in real time one or more symptoms of the body and analyzing characteristics of the recorded electrical signals with the recorded symptoms of the body to diagnosis gastrointestinal disorders of the body. Apparatus for use therewith and methods for treatment thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: G-Tech Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Udaya Sankar Devanaboyina
  • Patent number: 9474483
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for assessing and altering swallowing, speech, and breathing function. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and systems to assess and improve speech, breathing, and swallowing function in subjects in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Tye Gribb, JoAnne Robbins, Jackie Hind, John Peterman
  • Patent number: 9474484
    Abstract: A physiological monitor device includes a central processing unit (CPU) that is configured to control operation of the device, a display screen, and one or more computer readable data storage media storing software instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the device to: create or modify a patient profile, select a patient test, store one or more test parameters selected or entered for the patient test, store one or more thresholds selected or entered for at least one of the test parameters, store one or more instructions for the patient, start the test, display test results while the test is in progress, determine whether any of the test parameters exceed limits set by the one or more thresholds, take one or more actions when it is determined that one or more of the test parameters exceed the limits set by the one or more thresholds, provide a summary and analysis of the test results, and send the test results to a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kinsley, Matthew D. Mullin, John A. Lane, Cynthia A. Kuiper, Daniel J. Wilson, Shawn C. St. Pierre
  • Patent number: 9474485
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device includes a cuff, a display, a distance sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a CPU. The display displays a positional relationship between the patient's heart and the device, which includes a flat screen. The distance sensor measures a distance between the device and the patient, and detects a subject to be measured on a line perpendicular to the flat screen of the display and measures the distance. The acceleration sensor measures an angle of inclination of the device when mounted on the patient's wrist. The CPU calculates a positional relationship between the patient's heart and the device based on the distance between the device and the subject to be measured, the angle of inclination of the device mounted on the patient's wrist, the length of the patient's forearm and upper arm, and a vertical distance between the patient's shoulder and heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Sato, Toshihiko Ogura, Tatsuya Kobayashi, Yukiya Sawanoi, Kenji Fujii
  • Patent number: 9474486
    Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Braden J. Eliason, Don Curtis Deno, Eric Jon Voth, Dale Eric Just
  • Patent number: 9474487
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for measuring pressure and/or for quantitative or qualitative measurement of analytes within the eye or elsewhere in the body. Optical pressure sensors and/or optical analyte sensors are implanted in the body and light is cast from an extracorporeal light source, though the cornea, conjunctiva or dermis, and onto a reflective element located within each pressure sensor or analyte sensor. The position or configuration of each sensor's reflective element varies with pressure or analyte concentration. Thus, the reflectance spectra of light reflected by the sensors' reflective elements will vary with changes in pressure or changes in analyte concentration. A spectrometer or other suitable instrument is used to process and analyze the reflectance spectra of the reflected light, thereby obtaining an indication of pressure or analyte concentration adjacent to the sensor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: BCC Enterprise
    Inventors: Roy S. Chuck, George Baerveldt, Jim-Son Chou
  • Patent number: 9474488
    Abstract: A neural sensor includes a substrate defining an array of vias passing therethrough, a plurality of conductive surfaces, a light source, a plurality of groups of quantum dot-based luminescence units and a charge-coupled device (CCD) array. Each via allows a neurite to grow therethrough. Each conductive surface is adjacent to a different via and is electrically coupled thereto. The light source directs light toward the substrate. Each group of quantum dot-based luminescence units extends upwardly from a different one of the conductive surfaces generates light at a different predetermined wavelength when excited with light from the light source. Each luminescence unit changes its luminescence when electrically stimulated by a neural potential generated by a neurite. The CCD detects luminescence from each of the plurality of groups of quantum dot-based luminescence units and generates a signal representative of intensity of each wavelength of light detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Neural Signals, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Kennedy, Steven A. Siebert
  • Patent number: 9474489
    Abstract: A smart portable stethoscope is formed of a smart mobile device and a casing assembly for the mobile device. The casing assembly comprises a casing member, a diaphragm holder member configured to securely and effectively retain a diaphragm, and a vibrator-transducer member. The casing member includes a diaphragm connector part configured to securely fasten the diaphragm holder member to the casing member. The vibrator-transducer member is configured to be securely fastened to diaphragm holder member or casing member in such a manner that its vibrator is disposed to interconnect with the diaphragm and effectively duplicate vibrations captured by the diaphragm so as to deliver medical-grade auscultation electronic signal based on the duplicated vibrations to the mobile device through an electronic transmission channel coupling an audio interface of the mobile device and a signal-transmitting component of the vibrator-transducer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Barry Poplaw
  • Patent number: 9474490
    Abstract: A method of evaluating gastrointestinal cancer risk. The method comprises generating a set of features comprising a plurality of current blood test results from a blood collected from a target individual, providing at least one classifier generated according to an analysis of a plurality of respective historical blood test results of each of another of a plurality of sampled individuals, and evaluating, using a processor, a gastrointestinal cancer risk of the target individual by classifying the set of features using the at least one classifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Medial Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Nir Kalkstein, Yaron Kinar, Varda Shalev, Gabriel Chodick, Inbal Goldshtein
  • Patent number: 9474491
    Abstract: The local conduction velocity of a cardiac activation wavefront can be computed by collecting a plurality of electrophysiology (“EP”) data points using a multi-electrode catheter, with each EP data point including both position data and local activation time (“LAT”) data. For any EP data point, a neighborhood of EP data points, including the selected EP data point and at least two additional EP data points, can be defined. Planes of position and LATs can then be defined using the positions and LATs, respectively, of the EP data points within the neighborhood. A conduction velocity can be computed from an intersection of the planes of positions and LATs. The resultant plurality of conduction velocities can be output as a graphical representation (e.g., an electrophysiology map), for example by displaying vector icons arranged in a uniform grid over a three-dimensional cardiac model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenwen Li, Erhan Erdemir, Eric Voth, Valtino Afonso, Carlo Pappone
  • Patent number: 9474492
    Abstract: A system provides an image acquisition trigger signal compensated for signal processing time delay. An interface receives waveform signal data representing electrical activity of a patient heart over at least one heart beat cycle. A detector detects a particular point associated with a particular signal portion within successive heart beat cycles of the signal data. A first time variation detector provides a first timing adjustment signal in response to detected change in time of occurrence of the detected particular point. A second time variation detector provides a second timing adjustment signal in response to comparison of relative timing of the trigger signal and the detected particular point. An output processor generates the trigger signal in response to the detected particular point and the first timing adjustment signal and the second timing adjustment signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxuan Zhang, Dennis Steibel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9474493
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to compare in real-time an intended radiation treatment plan with a delivered plan. Markers are arranged, on a subject receiving radiation, at three-dimensional (3D) positions between a two dimensional radiation detector and a radiation source and are used to reconstruct the actual position of a high dose rate (HDR) source in three-dimensional (3D) space. The detected position is compared with the intended radiation path of the treatment plan. Adjustments can be made to the treatment plan if the detected position and the intended path do not correspond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Dorin A. Todor, Aditya A. Bondal
  • Patent number: 9474494
    Abstract: Portable human-machine interface device intended to be removably connected to a controller (2) of at least one surgical or dental instrument (4), the controller (2) being installed in a power and control unit (6) or a table top equipment (8), the interface device (1) including hardware and software means allowing a user to enter an instruction or data into the interface device (1) to control, via the controller (2), the operation of the surgical or dental instrument (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Bien-Air Holding SA
    Inventors: Damien Frochaux, Marco Gallina
  • Patent number: 9474495
    Abstract: Imaging system and method are presented. Emission scan (ES) and anatomical scan (AS) data corresponding to a target volume in a subject are received. One or more at least partial AS images are reconstructed using AS data. An image-space certainty (IC) map representing a confidence level (CL) for attenuation coefficients of selected voxels in AS images and a preliminary attenuation (PA) map based on AS images are generated. One or more of selected attenuation factors (AF) in projection-space are initialized based on PA map. A projection-space certainty (PC) map representing CL for the selected AF is generated based on IC map. An emission image of the target volume is initialized. The selected AF and emission image are iteratively updated based on the ES data, PC map, initial AF, and/or initial emission image. A desired emission image and/or AF values are determined based on the iteratively updated AF and/or emission image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sangtae Ahn, Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Florian Wiesinger, Dattesh Dayanand Shanbhag, Sandeep Suryanarayana Kaushik, Hua Qian, Anne Menini
  • Patent number: 9474496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray image apparatus having an improved signal transmitting structure connecting an X-ray generating unit or an X-ray detecting unit to a control unit or a power supply unit. It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an X-ray image apparatus including an X-ray generating unit generating X-rays and radiating the X-rays; an X-ray detecting unit detecting the X-rays radiated from the X-ray generating unit; a moving unit for moving the X-ray generating unit; a power supply unit for supplying power to the X-ray generating unit; a control unit controlling a movement of at least one of the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit; and at least one signal transmitting unit transmitting a signal to at least one of the power supply unit and the control unit, and coupled to an inner side of the moving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Hoon Lim
  • Patent number: 9474497
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for generating a pre-scaled image for at least one mammography image of a series, the series containing a plurality of mammography images, each mammography image displaying a breast having tissue points, the method comprising: obtaining an overview breast window, wherein the overview breast window encloses all tissue points; and, rendering the pre-scaled image based on the overview breast window. In some embodiments, the overview image, the overview breast window, or both may be stored in the database memory. In some embodiments, the overview breast window may be stored as the image breast window for each image of the series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AGFA HEALTHCARE
    Inventor: Viktor Kopylov
  • Patent number: 9474498
    Abstract: The imaging system can comprise a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is selectively mounted onto a first rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is selectively mounted onto a second rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail being mounted relative to the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system can also comprise a needle injection assembly that is selectively mounted onto the third rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Zan
  • Patent number: 9474499
    Abstract: A method for the determination of the delay time of a radiographic generator and to the setting of a standard value for such delay time. According to the method it is determined by a series of decreasing chosen values for the delay time whether a signal for the confirmation of the start of the radiographic exposure is rendered by the radiographic generator. The last value of the chosen delay time whereby still such a confirmation signal is rendered, is retained as standard operational value for the delay time of the radiographic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AGFA HEALTHCARE NV
    Inventors: Walter Exelmans, Patrick Pandelaers, Patrick Lambrechts
  • Patent number: 9474500
    Abstract: A system and method is provided which allows for the transfer of an image data file such as a medical image data file. Device scan slices of an object are acquired per time point. A portion of the device scan slices of the object, e.g., live body organ, per time point which illustrate a change in the object from a previous time point is selected. At least one optical temporal image in spiral fashion per time interval is formed from the selected portion. The at least one optical temporal image is transmittable as an image data file to a location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Michael Poon, Satya P. Sharma, Arie Kaufman, Rong Zhao, Jacob Sharony
  • Patent number: 9474501
    Abstract: A medical system (28) for normalization correction of an imaging system (10) includes a detector geometry correction unit (44), a crystal efficiency unit (46), and a normalization unit (54). The detector geometry correction unit (44) mathematically calculates a detector geometry correction component for a type of scanner (12) of interest. The crystal efficiency unit (46) configured to empirically determine a crystal efficiency component for at least one individual scanner (12). The normalization unit (54) generates a normalization data set (56) which corresponds to a normalization correction factor of the at least one individual scanner (12) in accordance with the detector geometry correction component and the crystal efficiency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Amy Perkins, Manoj Narayanan, Andreia Maria Araujo Trindade Rodrigues, Pedro Jorge Da Silva Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 9474502
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube (6), a ceiling suspension (2) for the X-ray tube, a detector trolley (12) with an X-ray detector (10) mounted thereon, an active sensor matrix (24), an optical indication unit (20) and a control unit (26). The active sensor matrix (24) is fixedly mounted on the ceiling suspension (2), the optical indication unit (20) is fixedly mounted to the detector trolley (12) and is adapted for emitting an optical indication (22) onto the active sensor matrix (24). The control unit (26) is connected to the active sensor matrix (24) and is adapted for acquiring the position of the optical indication (22) on the active sensor matrix (24) and to create control signals for aligning the detector trolley position and the ceiling suspension position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Christoph Kurze
  • Patent number: 9474503
    Abstract: An ultrasound system and a method of detecting vector information with transmission delays are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to set at least two focal points and form ultrasound data corresponding to the respect two focal points by considering transmission delays to the respective focal points; and a processor configured to form vector information of a target object by using the ultrasound data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deok Gon Kim, Min Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9474504
    Abstract: A method of obtaining a Doppler image of tissue which is captured using an ultrasonic wave. The method includes: transmitting an ultrasonic signal to a target object such that a plurality of ensembles are formed and receiving an ultrasonic response signal from the target object. The method further includes filtering the received ultrasonic response signal by using a variable filter and estimating a frequency of the received ultrasonic response signal based on the filtered data. Thereafter, the Doppler image of the tissue based on the estimated frequency can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Kwak, Jae-keun Lee, Hyeong-do Lee
  • Patent number: 9474505
    Abstract: The embodiments of the tracking device for the ultrasound imaging diagnostic apparatus include a predetermined combination of an ultrasound probe, an operator and a patient to be tracked, a space measuring device for measuring at least distance and angle of the probe based upon emitted electromagnetic radiation that is emitted towards the probe and reflected electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the probe; and a processing device connected to the space measuring device for determining a change in distance and angle of the probe in space based upon on the emitted electromagnetic radiation and the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The space measuring device is used to track movement in a combination of a probe, a patient and an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zoran Banjanin, Christopher J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 9474506
    Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound catheter system is provided and enables a simplified, economical technique for ultrasound visualization of a blood vessel. The catheter may include a park ablation system for crossing chronic total occlusions and severe stenoses. The catheter is advanceable and is oriented entirely under manual control of the clinician and the application of radiofrequency energy for spark erosion of the stenosis also is controlled manually by the clinician. The system enables the clinician to observe an ultrasound image sufficiently to determine where to orient the ablation electrode so as to reduce the risk of dissection or perforation of the blood vessel. The ultrasound image is generated in response to manual rotation of the catheter and the ablation spark is generated only when the physician is satisfied as to the orientation of the electrode within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Magnin, Edward I. McNamara, Russell W. Bowden, Rodney J. Solomon
  • Patent number: 9474507
    Abstract: A device for internal ultrasound procedures includes a motor which rotates a drive shaft and an ultrasound transducer. A gearing assembly provides reciprocating rotational motion from a unidirectional motor. A cam assembly provides reciprocating pivotal motion to the transducer. Conductors can attach to the transducer and extend through the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Muffin Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Havel, Peter S. McKinnis, Neal E. Fearnot
  • Patent number: 9474508
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes “m” first ultrasonic elements including first diaphragms, and “n” second ultrasonic elements including second diaphragms. “m” represents a number of the first ultrasonic elements and is an integer of 1 or more. Each of the first diaphragms has a first area. “n” second ultrasonic elements includes second diaphragms. Each of the “n” second diaphragms has a second area being smaller than the first area. “n” represents a number of the second ultrasonic elements and is an integer larger than “m”. The “m” first ultrasonic elements are electrically connected in series in a case where “m” is an integer of 2 or more. The “n” second ultrasonic elements are electrically connected in series. B/A is within a range of 0.9 to 1.1, when a total sum of the first areas is “A” and a total sum of the second areas is “B”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Jiro Tsuruno
  • Patent number: 9474509
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a 3D ultrasonic color image of a fetus based on skin color of a mother includes a sample image acquisition unit acquiring a sample image by photographing a skin of a pregnant woman, a 2D color map generator generating a 2D color map based on the sample image, a probe irradiating ultrasonic signals into the pregnant woman and receiving reflected ultrasonic echo signals, a volume data generator generating 3D volume data based on the ultrasonic echo signals, and a controller generating a 3D ultrasonic color image of the fetus by applying values of the 2D color map to a 3D ultrasonic image obtained by volume rendering of the 3D volume data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Ihn Kho, Hee-Sae Lee, Min-Su Ahn
  • Patent number: 9474510
    Abstract: An ultrasound system and a method of forming an ultrasound image by selectively extracting ultrasound data necessary for forming the ultrasound image from stored ultrasound data are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system includes a storage unit configured to store ultrasound data acquired from an object; and a processor configured to selectively extract ultrasound data necessary for forming a target ultrasound image from the ultrasound data stored in the storage unit, and to form the target ultrasound image by using the extracted ultrasound data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deok Gon Kim, Min Woo Kim, Hyoung Jin Kim, Sung Hoo Hong
  • Patent number: 9474511
    Abstract: A biopsy system comprising a probe and a holster. The probe comprises a rotatable needle portion a rotatable thumbwheel coupled with the needle portion and a rotatable tissue sample manifold. The holster is removably coupled to the probe. The holster comprises a selective engagement mechanism configured to selectively link rotation of the thumbwheel with rotation of the tissue sample manifold. A method of collecting tissue samples using a biopsy system unlinking rotation of the thumbwheel with rotation of the tissue sample manifold by actuating the selective engagement mechanism; and obtaining a tissue sample after the unlinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scott Ehlert, Edward A. Rhad, Jessica Pyzoha Leimbach, Morgan Robert Hunter
  • Patent number: 9474512
    Abstract: A surgical system for use in removing smoke created in surgical procedures from within an insufflated surgical cavity can comprise a discharge assembly having an end located within said surgical cavity so that surgical smoke inside said cavity can pass from said cavity and through said discharge assembly; a discharge limb having an operational site end and an outlet end, and a wall between said operational site end and said outlet end, in use said open operational site end sealingly connected to said discharge assembly so that said surgical smoke can pass from said discharge assembly and into said discharge limb; and a filter connected to the outlet end of the discharge limb, at least part of said discharge limb comprising a breathable material configured to allow the passage of water vapor through the wall of the discharge limb without allowing the passage of liquid water or surgical smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, James Alexander Gordon, Jonathan David Harwood, David John Bain
  • Patent number: 9474513
    Abstract: A medical manipulator includes a surgical tool that has an end effector at a distal end and a drive unit that is detachable from a handle of the surgical tool. In a state where the drive unit is mounted on the handle, when a manipulation lever is manipulated, a driving force of a motor is transmitted to the handle, and the end effector is operated. Even in a state where the drive unit is detached from the handle, the surgical tool can be independently used by a manual manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Shinji Ishida, Hiroaki Sano, Kazuhito Ishihara, Keiko Kitamura, Yoshio Hiyama