Patents Issued in February 14, 2017
  • Patent number: 9565989
    Abstract: A rack for dishwashers, in particular for commercial dishwashers, is provided. With the aim of making optimum use of space in the rack, and of discharging residual water as best as possible, it is proposed, that the rack has a rack framework (20) with two directly adjacent set-down surfaces (SI, S2) which are intended for washware (10) and run parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the rack, wherein the set-down surfaces (S) are inclined in relation to the horizontal such that the surface normals (F1, F2) of the set-down surfaces (S 1, S2) diverge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel Maier, Udo Burkle, Bjorn Brodowski
  • Patent number: 9565990
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is provided. An endoscope apparatus includes a slave device including a plurality of drive motors configured to adjust insertion and insertion direction of an insertion tube of an endoscope, and a plurality of load sensors provided on the plurality of drive motors; and a master device including displacement sensors configured to generate signals for driving the drive motors according to an operator manipulation, and resistive motors configured to operate based on loads detected by the load sensors. The drive motors produce drive forces according to the signals generated by the displacement sensors and the resistive motors produce resistive forces corresponding to the operator manipulation based on the loads detected by the load sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University Erica Campus
    Inventors: Yong-Hee Lee, Byung-Ju Yi, Mun-Kue Park, Jin-Won Lee, Su-Kwang Lim, Jong-Tae Seo, Jae-Hong Woo
  • Patent number: 9565991
    Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, an attachment portion which attaches the base unit to a treatment instrument insertion portion, a tubular member provided to advance and retreat relative to the base unit coaxially with a central axis of a hole portion and a fixing portion which fixes an endoscopic treatment instrument to the tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a rotary portion which has an axis different from an axis of the tubular member and which rotates around the axis, and an advance and retreat mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 9565992
    Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Golden, John O. McWeeney, Christopher A. Benning, Robert Castoldi, John F. Howard, Brian Intoccia, Gary Kappel, William Lucas Churchill
  • Patent number: 9565993
    Abstract: The object lens 21 and the ocular lens 22 are disposed in the lens barrel unit 11 and the relay lens system 23 is disposed therebetween. The image sensor 31 is disposed in the camera unit 12 and the coaxial illumination unit 32 is disposed therearound. The focus position shift member 25 is disposed at the image formation position L1 in the lens barrel unit 11. The light from the coaxial illumination unit 32 is imaged at the image formation position L1 and is shifted to a position L2 by the focus position shift member 25. Since the position L2 positions at a position closer than a focus position, light through the object lens 21 diffuses to illuminate the object 51.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: PIONEER CORPORATION, NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Okuda, Hiroshi Yokota, Toshio Chiba, Hiromasa Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9565994
    Abstract: An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion may include a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Kappel, Francis T. MacNamara, Federico Gutierrez, John Kummailil, Thomas M. Ragonese, Robert B. DeVries, Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 9565995
    Abstract: A decontamination system including a test fixture configured to engage an endoscope in order to retain the test fixture thereto, wherein the endoscope can comprise a valve chamber and a valve removable from the valve chamber such that the test fixture can be inserted therein. The test fixture can comprise, first, a frame having a first gripping portion and a valve member analog extending from the frame, and, second, a housing having a second gripping portion movable relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the second gripping portion is configured to be moved toward the first gripping portion to position the housing in its unlocked position. The second gripping portion can be configured to be moved away from the first gripping portion to position the housing in its locked position such that the housing can engage a locking feature on the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICON, INC.
    Inventors: Nick N. Nguyen, Walter Francovich, Philippe Conseil
  • Patent number: 9565996
    Abstract: A plenoptic otoscope enables three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging of the inside of the ear to assist in improved diagnosis of inflammations and infections. The plenoptic otoscope includes a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor. The primary imaging system includes an otoscope objective and relay optics, which cooperate to form an image of an inside of an ear at an intermediate image plane. The plenoptic sensor includes a microimaging array positioned at the intermediate image plane and a sensor array positioned at a conjugate of the pupil plane. An optional filter module may be positioned at the pupil plane or one of its conjugates to facilitate three-dimensional and/or spectral imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kathrin Berkner, Sapna A. Shroff, Lingfei Meng, Nikhil Balram
  • Patent number: 9565997
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscopic camera for a robotic surgical system includes a stereo camera module mounted to a robotic arm of a patient side cart. The optical and electro-optic components of the camera module are hermetically sealed within a first housing. Signals from an electro-optic component travel through traces in a ceramic substrate forming one side of the hermetically sealed first housing. A second housing surrounds the first housing and optical fibers are dispersed between the housings to provide lighting in a body cavity. The camera module may be sterilized by an autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Scott, David C. Shafer, Dominique Brichard, Peter M. Herzlinger
  • Patent number: 9565998
    Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen of a patient including a flexible catheter having a first lumen configured and dimensioned to receive an endoscope therethrough and a second lumen configured and dimensioned to receive a first flexible tube therethrough. The first flexible tube is movable through the second lumen and has a distal portion including a first curve extending in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second curve extending in a second different direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. A retractor system is positioned at a distal portion of the catheter and is movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded cage to form a larger working space. The distal portion of the first flexible tube is movable within the expanded cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, John To, Mariel Fabro, Brian Tang, Sergey Kantsevoy
  • Patent number: 9565999
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image of a subject's eye based on a combined beam obtained by combining a return beam from the subject's eye, which is irradiated with a measuring beam, and a reference beam corresponding to the measuring beam, an optical path length difference changing unit configured to change an optical path length difference between the measuring beam and the reference beam, and a control unit configured to, in a case where relative positions of an optical system for irradiating the subject's eye with the measuring beam and an anterior segment of the subject's eye satisfy a predetermined condition based on an image of the anterior segment, control the optical path length difference changing unit so that the optical path length difference is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motoya Takai
  • Patent number: 9566000
    Abstract: A method for detecting amyloid beta plaques and drusen is disclosed. The method for detecting amyloid beta plaques and drusen may include applying a combination of optical retro mode illumination techniques to acquire a plurality of amyloid beta plaques and drusen images that are too small to be seen with other imaging modalities. The amyloid beta plaques and drusen images may also be detected with a non-transitory computer storage media having instructions stored thereon which, when executed, execute the method for detecting amyloid beta plaques and drusen. The method may track changes in plaque, size, area and density of the amyloid beta plaques and drusen over a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroVision Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Steven Verdooner, David Biggs, Austin Blanco
  • Patent number: 9566001
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a reflective member that reflects light from a first scanning unit that scans an object to be examined with first light and light from a second scanning unit that scans the object with second light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first light so as to be applied to the object. The ophthalmologic apparatus includes an optical path synthesis and separation unit that is arranged on two optical paths from the scanning units to the reflective member, and synthesizes two optical paths from the scanning units to the object and separates an optical path of return light from the object into two optical paths on which the scanning units are arranged. A reflection optical path of the optical path synthesis and separation unit is arranged opposite to the object with respect to the optical path synthesis and separation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Katashiba
  • Patent number: 9566002
    Abstract: To ensure display of a region of interest on a fundus image and a tomographic image of an eye to be inspected in a correspondence manner, an apparatus for processing images of an eye to be inspected includes: a unit that acquires a fundus image of an eye to be inspected; a unit that designates an arbitrary point on the fundus image; a unit that acquires a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected; a unit that calculates a point on the tomographic image corresponding to the arbitrary point; and a unit that converts a coordinate system for displaying the tomographic image and the fundus image in association with each other on the basis of positions of the arbitrary point and the corresponding point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakahara, Shigeaki Ono, Yukio Sakagawa, Hiroki Uchida
  • Patent number: 9566003
    Abstract: In order to detect a position alignment state between an apparatus and an eye to be inspected in a working distance direction with high precision at a high speed in the apparatus side, an ophthalmologic apparatus is disclosed. The position alignment state between the eye to be inspected and the apparatus in the working distance direction is detected by evaluating a contrast of an index image that is obtained as a reflection image of an index projected onto an anterior ocular segment, and a contrast of the index image is evaluated using a ratio or a difference between pixel numbers of the index image in at least two or more gray scale values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Manabu Wada
  • Patent number: 9566004
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods that use a video content analysis algorithm to measure and quantify repetitive motion activity of a designated body part, including velocity, acceleration, frequency, and duty cycle, without applying sensors or other instrumentation to the body, for the purpose of preventing repetitive motion injuries. In some embodiments, the video-based direct exposure assessment system uses marker-less video and a video content analysis algorithm. The video content analysis algorithm is able to recognize and identify the pattern of repetitive motion, through a process known as cyclic motion analysis. Determination of the cycle pattern provides parameters for determining a body part's activity level, and thereby allows determination of the body part's activity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: KINEVID, LLC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Radwin, Yu Hen Hu, Chia-Hsiung Chen, Thomas Y Yen
  • Patent number: 9566005
    Abstract: There is provided a measuring apparatus, including a light receiving element, provided at a position facing a measurement object region on which is placed a measurement object, which forms an image with light from the measurement object region, light emitting elements, arranged surrounding the light receiving element, which emit light for measuring the measurement object, and reflective optical elements, provided above the light emitting elements, which guide, to the measurement object region, emission light radiated from the light emitting elements. A light receiving surface of the light receiving element and light emission surfaces of the light emitting elements are positioned mutually on a same plane. The emission light radiated from the light emitting elements is reflected by the reflective optical elements, and center lines of the emission light radiated from each of the light emitting elements pass through an approximate center of the measurement object region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Toriumi, Hideo Kawabe, Kenichi Kabasawa, Tatsuya Suzuki, Hirokazu Imai, Masatoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 9566006
    Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus comprises an irradiating unit configured to irradiate an object with light; a plurality of detecting units configured to receive an elastic wave generated within the object irradiated with light, and convert the elastic wave to a received signal; a distribution acquiring unit configured to acquire a light intensity distribution within the object irradiated with light; a setting unit configured to select a minimum block unit in which light intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, using the light intensity distribution; and a generating unit configured to generate object information of the minimum block unit selected by the setting unit, using the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryuichi Nanaumi
  • Patent number: 9566007
    Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Devin McCombie, Matt Banet, Marshal Dhillon, Jim Moon
  • Patent number: 9566008
    Abstract: A biological signal processing apparatus includes: a provider which provides state probability which corresponds to a value of a first biological signal; an acquirer which acquires a first biological signal in time series from a living body and which acquires state probability in time series which corresponds to a value of the acquired first biological signal from the provider; and a determiner which acquires determination probability based on the state probability acquired by the acquirer and which performs determination whether a process is performed or not by using the determination probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teiji Ukawa
  • Patent number: 9566009
    Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.
    Inventors: Denise R. Barbut, Peter T. Keith, Steven W. Berhow, Jon P. St. Germain
  • Patent number: 9566010
    Abstract: A method for detecting cardiac status is provided. A user's heart rate is measured by a heart rate detection unit, and the user's acceleration or activity level is measured by an acceleration detection unit, which the activity level is calculated by the acceleration detection unit. A cardio force index is obtained by a calculating unit based on the heart rate, and the acceleration, or the weight as the following formula (Ia) or (Ib): CFI=(Weight×)Acceleration/Heart Rate??(Ia) CFI=(Weight×)Activity Level/Heart Rate??(Ib) The cardio force ratio is a ratio of the user as the following formula (II): Cardio Force Ratio=CFI of Exercise/CFI of Walking??(II) A method for monitoring cardiac status during exercise and an apparatus for monitoring cardiac status are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL DEFENSE MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventor: Chi Ming Chu
  • Patent number: 9566011
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cardiovascular condition is diagnosed by recording a vectorcardiogram for a subject under evaluation, comparing the vectorcardiogram with vectorcardiograms of other subjects, and diagnosing the subject under evaluation based upon the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9566012
    Abstract: A medical device is configured to receive at least two physical cardiac electrical signals from a patient's heart via electrodes defining at least two physical sensing vectors. The medical device determines a signal feature for each of a plurality of virtual sensing vectors extending at a plurality of angles relative to one of the at least two physical sensing vectors during a known cardiac rhythm, compares the determined signal features and establishes criteria for confirming a suspected condition in response to the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Saul E. Greenhut, Xusheng Zhang, Robert W. Stadler
  • Patent number: 9566013
    Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus for dynamically monitoring paced and sensed P-wave duration, P-wave end and/or QRS duration and/or S-T segment duration, or length, in a patient having an implantable medical device (IMD) provides diagnostic and clinical benefit allowing for predictions about future arrhythmia, advanced notification, alert and intervention as well as providing acute and chronic information regarding cardiac status, including both possibly declining and/or improving cardiac function. The methods can be performed using a wide variety of IMDs, such as pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and implantable loop recorders (e.g., such as the REVEAL® device manufactured by Medtronic, Inc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksandre T Sambelashvili
  • Patent number: 9566014
    Abstract: A system for cardiac MR imaging receives a heart rate signal representing heart electrical activity. The system, over multiple successive heart cycles, uses multiple MR imaging RF coils in gradient echo imaging a patient heart, synchronized with the heart rate signal and uses an inversion recovery pulse for inverting myocardium tissue MR signal for an individual heart cycle, to acquire, within multiple individual successive portions of an individual heart cycle, corresponding successive multiple patient heart images. An individual image of an individual heart cycle portion is derived from multiple heart image representative data sets comprising a reduced set of k-space data elements acquired using corresponding multiple coils of the RF imaging coils. An image generator generates an MR image of an individual heart cycle portion using the multiple heart image representative data sets comprising the reduced set of k-space data elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Jian Xu
  • Patent number: 9566015
    Abstract: A signal processing module includes an input module electronically coupled to a sensing probe of a nerve integrity monitoring system. The probe senses electrical signals from a patient during operation of an electrosurgical unit. The input module receives an input signal from the probe. An EMG detection module is coupled to the input module and is adapted to detect conditions in the input signal. The conditions are classified as a function of a level of electromyographic activity. An output module, coupled to the EMG detection module, provides an indication of electromyographic activity in the input signal based on the detected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John Murdock Murphy, John A. Meyer, Adnorin Luis Mendez, Kevin Lee McFarlin, David C. Hacker
  • Patent number: 9566016
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for visualizing multi-channel sensor signals, especially myoelectric signals, which are derived from a limb or an amputation stump by way of electrodes, comprising the following steps: a display direction and a display amount are associated with each sensor signal, the display direction represents exactly one sensor signal, the display amount represents the intensity of the respective signal, the display direction and the display amount of all sensor signals are presented simultaneously in real time on a display device as a graphical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventors: Georg Brandmayr, Hubert Egger
  • Patent number: 9566017
    Abstract: A method for identifying a user of an electronic device is presented. In the method, for each of a plurality of users, a bioelectrical impedance of the user is measured, a value based on the measurement is generated, and the value is associated with information corresponding to the user. A bioelectrical impedance of a current user of the electronic device is also measured, and a value based on this measurement is generated. The value associated with the current user is compared with at least one of the values associated with the plurality of users. In response to the comparison, the electronic device is operated based on the information corresponding to one of the plurality of users in response to the current user interacting with the electronic device if the value associated with the current user indicates the current user is the one of the plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: David A. Kummer
  • Patent number: 9566018
    Abstract: An airway adaptor includes: an airway case; and an expired gas guiding portion which is connected to the airway case to introduce a respiratory gas to the airway case. The airway case includes: a first respiratory gas flow path in which the respiratory gas flows in a first direction; and a second respiratory gas flow path in which the respiratory gas flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Yamamori
  • Patent number: 9566019
    Abstract: A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed K. Diab
  • Patent number: 9566020
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed herein for measuring anterior-posterior slope of a bone to set a cutting jig coupled to the muscular-skeletal system. The system comprises a sensored module that can be placed within a prosthetic component to measure anterior-posterior slope. The system further includes a remote system for receiving, processing, and displaying quantitative measurements from the sensors. A first bone and a second bone are placed in extension. A sensored module is referenced to a bone landmark of the first bone. The sensored module includes a three-axis accelerometer that is configured to measure position, tilt, and rotation. A bone cutting jig is coupled to the first bone. The sensored insert is coupled to the bone cutting jig. The accelerometer in the sensored insert is used to measure the anterior-posterior slope. The bone cutting jig is then adjusted to a predetermined anterior-posterior slope as measured by the sensored insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC
    Inventors: Marc Stein, Martin Roche
  • Patent number: 9566021
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure help to synchronize multiple video segments of an actor or actors performing athletic maneuvers. Among other things, various embodiments help provide a side-by-side visual comparison of athletic maneuvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ALPINEREPLAY, INC.
    Inventors: Anatole M. Lokshin, David J. Lokshin
  • Patent number: 9566022
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining 3D load displacement characteristics of an anatomical joint formed by a first body portion and a second body portion moveable with respect to the first body portion. The apparatus includes a first frame for receiving and securing the first body portion and a load displacement assembly. The load displacement assembly includes a first axis for alignment with a first anatomical plane of the joint, a second frame for receiving and securing the second body portion. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame. The load displacement assembly also includes a first counterweight configured to balance the weight of the second frame, a force for applying a load to the second frame, and a displacement sensor for measuring displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame upon application of the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hospital for Special Surgery
    Inventor: Carl Imhauser
  • Patent number: 9566023
    Abstract: The present technology relates to an earphone apparatus adapted for use in audiometry examinations. The earphone apparatus comprises a housing and a receiver having an acoustic output adapted to connect with an audio signal source. The earphone apparatus can also include a circuit board with an electrical equalization network connected to the receiver. A coupling can be connected to the acoustic output of the receiver. A sound tube can be connected to the acoustic output and extends out from the housing to an ear piece. The earphone also includes a resonance cancellation assembly comprising a damping chamber and a tubing section acoustically connecting the damping chamber to the coupling. The damping chamber can provide an acoustic compliance to the sound delivered by the receiver. The earphone can also comprise an electrical connector with a protector that is adapted to connect with a female connector delivering electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ETYMOTIC RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Mead C. Killion, Charles J. Aldous, Viorel Drambarean, Donald Wilson, Jonathan K. Stewart
  • Patent number: 9566024
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for non-invasively measuring blood glucose levels in a biological sample based on spectral data. This includes utilizing at least one light source configured to strike a target area of a sample, utilizing at least one light filter positioned to receive light transmitted through the target area of the sample from the at least one light source, utilizing at least one light detector positioned to receive light from the at least one light source and filtered by the at least one light filter, and to generate an output signal, having a time dependent current, which is indicative of the power of light detected, receiving the output signal from the at least one light detector with a processor, calculating the attenuance attributable to blood with a ratio factor based on the received output signal, and determining a blood glucose level based on the calculated attenuance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: St. Louis Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhi Xu
  • Patent number: 9566025
    Abstract: The present invention is an image based oxygen saturation measuring device and method thereof. The method comprises steps of providing a plurality of red lights and a plurality of infrared lights arranged uniformly in an interlocked fashion and turned on alternatively; controlling the plurality of red lights and infrared lights to irradiate onto a selected skin area of a testee to have a red light turn-on period and an infrared light turn-on period; receiving a reflected version of the plurality of red lights and infrared lights from the selected skin area, respectively; and analyzing one reflected red light and one infrared light to acquire an oxygen saturation index for each of the coordination points. By means of the present invention, the measurement of oxygen saturation may be much exempted from effects brought from exterior interference and poor blood circulation, and may achieve a large measurement area in a single time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Hsin-Yi Tsai, Kuo-Cheng Huang, Yi-Ju Chen, Han-Chao Chang
  • Patent number: 9566026
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described for providing continuous measurement of an analyte concentration. In some embodiments, the device has a sensing mechanism and a sensing membrane that includes at least one surface-active group-containing polymer and that is located over the sensing mechanism. The sensing membrane may have a bioprotective layer configured to substantially block the effect and/or influence of non-constant noise-causing species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Boock, Monica A. Rixman, Huashi Zhang, Michael J. Estes, Kristina Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9566027
    Abstract: A medical device is presented for reduced-pain blood sampling and testing. The device comprises a housing defining a finger site for supporting a user's finger or a portion thereof within said finger site during the device operation; piercing, sampling and testing assemblies sequentially actuatable to successively initiate piercing, sampling and testing operational modes of the device; a carriage at least partially accommodated within said housing and being adapted for movement with respect to said finger site between its first position corresponding to the piercing mode of the device and a second position corresponding to the sampling and testing modes of the device, the device being thereby capable of operating in the piercing, sampling and testing modes while at a static position of the user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: RAPIDX LTD.
    Inventor: Nili Tamir
  • Patent number: 9566028
    Abstract: A lancet pricking device comprising a lancet, a launching spring and a lancet holder for housing therein the lancet and the launching spring. The lancet pricking device of the present invention is characterized in that the lancet comprises a lancet body, a lancet cap and a pricking needle, and the pricking needle is disposed in both the lancet body and the lancet cap; wherein the launching spring is attached to the lancet body, and the lancet body is secured by abutting against the lancet holder such that the launching spring is kept compressed before a pricking operation; and wherein, when the lancet cap is removed, the lancet body becomes capable of warping upon being pressed from an outside to cause the secured lancet body to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: ASAHI POLYSLIDER COMPANY, LIMITED, IZUMI-COSMO COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideaki Saeki, Hiroshi Hanafusa, Kazuharu Seki, Teruyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 9566029
    Abstract: A device and method for evaluating or improving perceptual-cognitive abilities of a subject, comprising displaying virtual objects moving in a given three-dimensional environment during successive tests. The subject is in visual contact with the virtual objects moving in the three-dimensional environment, and the speed of movement of the virtual objects in the three-dimensional environment during the successive tests is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: COGNISENS INC.
    Inventors: Jocelyn Faubert, David Tinjust
  • Patent number: 9566030
    Abstract: An optical system and apparatus for the diagnosis of a biological sample is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes an optical probe, a probe head distally connectable to the optical probe, the optical probe further comprising at least one optical element for applying an electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength to the biological sample, and one or more collection elements positioned proximate the at least one optical element; and an analyzer for analyzing a signal received from the biological sample by the one or more collection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: LS BIOPATH, INC.
    Inventors: Moshe Sarfaty, Amir Lev
  • Patent number: 9566031
    Abstract: Measured sleep alarm signaling is provided which activates an alarm in a manner that allows a user to get a predetermined amount of measured sleep, rather than just awakening the person at a specific time, or when the person has been in the bed for a certain amount of time. A method for awakening a person includes: setting a desired amount of actual sleep time; receiving measurement signals relating to the person's state of sleep over time; determining, using the received measurement signals, an actual sleep time indicating an amount of time that the person has actually slept; determining whether the actual sleep time is greater than or equal to the desired amount of actual sleep time, as a first determination result; and initiating an alarm for awakening the person using the first determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: KINGSDOWN, INC.
    Inventors: David Kresser, Robert D. Oexman, David B. Scott
  • Patent number: 9566032
    Abstract: A method of providing a graphical representation of sleep quality includes obtaining ECG data for a patient, obtaining a plurality of N-intervals from the ECG data, calculating a plurality of spectral densities based on the plurality of N-N intervals, wherein each spectral density is associated with one of a plurality of successive time windows and is calculated based on certain ones of the N-N intervals associated with the one of the plurality of successive time windows, and generating the graphical representation of sleep quality using the plurality of spectral densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Saeed Babaeizadeh, Sophia Huai Zhou
  • Patent number: 9566033
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a wireless biometric monitoring system that may be capable of acquiring, compiling, analyzing, and transmitting biometric data in near real time/real time. The system may utilize either the most up-to-date Bluetooth protocol (currently Bluetooth Smart) or a similar wireless protocol. The system may further integrate through this wireless protocol with peripheral devices to expand the measurement capacity of the system. In embodiments, the system may be capable of monitoring multiple biometric responses including, but not limited to: skin temperature, core temperature, respirations, heart rate, predicted tidal volume, chest wall movement, abdominal movement in conjunction with inspiration, abdominal movement in conjunction with expiration, HRR (heart rate reserve), HRV (heart rate variability), body position relevant to perpendicular, shoulder position relevant to hip position, general body posture, up time, down time, and malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventors: Phillip Bogdanovich, Craig Weller
  • Patent number: 9566034
    Abstract: A method and a configuration for visualizing an electrical signal are provided with a stand, a movable part, an electromechanical actuator and a vessel. The movable part is movable by the electromechanical actuator in at least one stroke direction. The movable part is mechanically connected to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Schoene
  • Patent number: 9566035
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an X-ray detector includes: applying a mask having an opening on a substrate on which a plurality of charge detection units are positioned; filling the opening with a paste including a photoelectric conversion material that absorbs X-rays to generate charges; and forming a photoconductive layer from the paste by separating the mask from the substrate. A thickness of the paste within the opening is thicker in an area adjacent to at least one edge among edges of the opening than in areas around other edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changbum Lee, Sunil Kim, Dongwook Lee, Jaechul Park
  • Patent number: 9566036
    Abstract: A medical dose information management apparatus according to an embodiment includes a dose measuring unit, a dose graph generation unit, a dose graph generation unit, a display mode setting unit and an output unit. The dose measuring unit acquires dose information including an area dose in X-ray irradiation. The dose graph generation unit generates, based on the dose information, a dose graph indicating area doses respectively corresponding to imaging operations associated with the X-ray irradiation. The display mode setting unit sets a display mode for the dose graph in accordance with each of imaging schemes corresponding to the imaging operations included in the dose information. The output unit outputs the dose graph accompanied by the set display mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Kuroki, Naobumi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9566037
    Abstract: The present invention defines the parameters whereby “quantification” of isotope emission may occur and be clinically applied and provides a method for detecting abnormal coronary blood flow by “quantifying” emissions of a radiopharmaceutical after stressing the heart either pharmacologically or physiologically under “same state” conditions of stress-stress for detection of ischemic vascular (IVD) disease and the ability to differentiate (a) ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to narrowed coronary lumen and subsequent reduced lumen responsiveness to demand for more coronary blood flow and (b) vulnerable inflammatory plaque (VIP) disease, which reduces lumen responsiveness to blood flow demand with potential for sudden rupture and sudden cardiac death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Max Fleming
  • Patent number: 9566038
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for analyzing a sample comprising a material of interest and at least first and second adjacent materials each generally adjacent to the material of interest, the material of interest having a generally different density from the at least first and second adjacent materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: StraxCorp Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Roger Zebaze, Eleanor Jean Mackie, Anne Bohte, Aloys Mbala, Ali Ghasemzadeh, Ego Seeman