Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9603500
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a housing, a base support configured to support the housing on a floor, and a communication module configured to send and/or receive data wirelessly. The communication module is disposed within the base support, with the base support being made of plastic, at least in an area adjacent to the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Huasgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Hering, Paul Nistor, Christian Wirth
  • Patent number: 9603501
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine is used for pre-rinse operation of soiled dishes. A cavity is configured and arranged to contain the soiled dishes. A nozzle is proximate the cavity and is in fluid communication with the cavity. An accumulator pan accumulates wash and rinse water including cleaning chemicals used in a previous cycle of the dishwashing machine. A fluid passageway interconnects the nozzle and the accumulator pan. A pump directs the accumulated wash and rinse water from the accumulator pan to the nozzle via the fluid passageway for pre-rinse operation of the soiled dishes in the cavity, and the nozzle directs the accumulated wash and rinse water into the cavity with the soiled dishes to assist in removing soil from the soiled dishes prior to a wash cycle of the dishwashing machine. The wash cycle utilizes fresh wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian E. Hartz
  • Patent number: 9603502
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, including a washing tub configured to provide a space for washing dishes; a supply tube configured to supply water into the washing tub; a motor configured to rotate the supply tube; a detachable rotating member in, on, attached to, or at an end of the supply tube, that rotates and interfaces with the supply tube; and a spin-dry tub on the rotating member, that rotates with the rotating member and spin-dries an object inside the spin-dry tub. Accordingly, a separate spin-dry function is added to the dishwasher, thereby maximizing spatial efficiency and hygienically and conveniently performing a spin-dry cycle or operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hyung Ki Park
  • Patent number: 9603503
    Abstract: Appliance pedestal that contains liquid leaks due to condensation, overflow, or system failure originating from the supported liquid filled or handling appliance, provides for multiple methods of discharge of collected liquids, and reduces installation and maintenance requirements and their associated hazards and provides an improved ergonomic operating position for the appliance operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Edward A. Chilcoat, Daniel J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9603504
    Abstract: Various apparatus for cleaning footwear are described. One footwear cleaning apparatus includes a box having an open top surface for receiving a piece of footwear; and a plurality of brushes arrayed within the box and positioned substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the box, wherein the plurality of brushes includes at least one first brush configured to contact a first side surface of the piece of footwear, at least one second brush configured to contact a different, second side surface of the piece of footwear, and at least one third brush configured to contact a bottom surface of the piece of footwear, and wherein the at least one first brush and the at least one second brush are configured to, when actuated, rotate towards a center of the box about an axis that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Oscar Cruz, Leo Bravo
  • Patent number: 9603505
    Abstract: An actuator control apparatus includes: a drive circuit configured to apply a current for causing an actuator to drive a driven body; a constant current circuit and configured to control a current value of the current applied to the actuator by the drive circuit; a sense resistance connectable to the drive circuit and in which the current passing through the actuator flows; a change-over switch configured to switch a connection destination of the drive circuit from the constant current circuit to the sense resistance in a predetermined period in a current application period in which the current is applied to the actuator by the drive circuit; and an FPGA configured to detect a resistance value of predetermined circuits including the actuator through which the current passes, based on the current flowing in the sense resistance, and configured to detect an abnormality of the actuator based on the detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaka Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 9603506
    Abstract: Devices and methods for visually confirming the positioning of a distal end portion of an illuminating device placed within a patient include inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating device internally into a patient, emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating device, observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on an external surface of the patient, and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Goldfarb, John Morriss, John Y. Chang, William M. Facteau
  • Patent number: 9603507
    Abstract: An insertion device includes an idle state detector detecting an idle state in which an insertion section does not move in directions along the longitudinal axis when a rotation unit rotates in directions around the longitudinal axis, and a movement displacement calculator calculating a rotation direction and amount of the rotation unit based on a driving direction and amount of the driving member and calculating a movement displacement of the insertion section from a reference position in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis based on the rotation direction and amount of the rotation unit. The movement displacement calculator calculates the movement displacement of the insertion section so that a movement amount of the insertion section in the longitudinal directions while the idle state being detected is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Umemoto, Kimihiko Naito, Hiroaki Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9603508
    Abstract: A method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps is disclosed generally comprising providing an endoscope with a view vector that pivots relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, programming a scan trajectory along which the view vector moves relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope to provide a predefined sequence of views of a surface, and capturing a sequence of images corresponding to the predefined sequence of views as the view vector moves along that scan trajectory. A set of configuration coordinates is associated with each of the captured images, and the images and the coordinates associated therewith are used to create a map of the interior surface that is larger than the view attending the view vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lawrence Hale, Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara
  • Patent number: 9603509
    Abstract: A check valve unit includes a low-strength part and a high-strength part which are provided in the side of a head part of the check valve unit moving and have strength levels which differ from each other. The low-strength part and high-strength part are arranged alternately in circumferential directions of the check valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Ando
  • Patent number: 9603510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical apparatus that includes a surgical instrument including an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, a working element coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft for manipulating tissue; an endoscope having a tubular body including an image fiber, an endoscopic lens coupled to a distal end of the tubular body and operably coupled to the image fiber, the endoscopic lens defining a viewing field about a central axis; and the endoscope mounted to the elongated shaft of the surgical instrument, the endoscopic lens protruding from an outer longitudinal surface of the elongated shaft, the central axis of the viewing field being oblique to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft and intersecting the outer longitudinal surface, the working element located within the viewing field and separated from the central axis by a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mario Ammirati
  • Patent number: 9603511
    Abstract: The specific gravity of a capsule-type endoscope according to the invention is set to be lower than that of liquid in an organ, so that the capsule-type endoscope is floated on a liquid surface of the liquid. A center of gravity of the capsule-type endoscope is set to a position deviated from a center of a casing, so that the casing is maintained in a specific floating position while being floated on the liquid surface. A boundary between the casing and the liquid surface is formed within a projection plane, which is obtained by projecting the casing in the specific floating position perpendicularly to the liquid surface, at a position excluding an outer periphery of the projection plane Ka.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miho Katayama, Hironao Kawano, Ayako Nagase
  • Patent number: 9603512
    Abstract: A medical device that is wirelessly powered by a resonant magnetic field, the device automatically coupling to a power transmitter in a control unit when brought within a threshold radius. In one embodiment, the control unit automatically identifies the medical device and automatically adjusts its settings to control the medical device, where the device and power transceivers may be provided detachable from either or both the endoscope/camera and camera control unit or may be provide integral to either one or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Charles E. Ankner, Ray Coussa
  • Patent number: 9603513
    Abstract: A medicinal solution collecting tool of the invention includes: a pillar-shaped portion including an insertion end and a withdrawal end; a collecting section provided on the insertion end side of the pillar-shaped portion; a collecting port provided on a surface of the pillar-shaped portion; and a guide section provided on the surface of the pillar-shaped portion, the guide section including a first guide section being convex or concave and parallel to an axial direction of the pillar-shaped portion, and a second guide section provided on the withdrawal end side relative to the first guide section, the second guide section being convex or concave and crossing the axial direction of the pillar-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroo Takada, Hisato Kogure
  • Patent number: 9603514
    Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus includes: a storing tank configured to store a liquid; a supply conduit through which the liquid remained inside the supply conduit flows reversely into the storing tank by a predetermined amount over time, the supply conduit having a first end portion connected to the storing tank; a liquid feeding section which is arranged at the storing tank or the supply conduit, and which is configured to feed the liquid from the storing tank to a second end portion of the supply conduit; a time measuring section which measures an elapsed time from stop of the liquid feeding by the liquid feeding section; and a control section which is connected to the liquid feeding section and the time measuring section and which is configured to drive the liquid feeding section for a predetermined time based on a length of the elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taiki Yashima, Takaaki Komiya
  • Patent number: 9603515
    Abstract: A catheter for tracheal or bronchial suction including a unit for displaying the artificial airways, the trachea and the bronchial tree so as to allow the removal of secretions; in particular, the catheter for tracheal or bronchial suction includes optical fibers, a microcamera or another visualization technology positioned in the distal end. The operator can identify the position of the distal end, of the artificial airways, of the trachea and of the bronchial tree on the screen. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the tube of the catheter is adjacent to or inside collections of fluid secretions or other material to be sucked up. The suction can be selectively applied to avoid damage to the mucosa and to facilitate the more complete elimination of secretions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mario Zocca, Peter Young
  • Patent number: 9603516
    Abstract: A system and method for determining an objective quality metric for image data collected by a wavefront aberrometer. The method may include quantifying a plurality of characteristics of the image data and calculating the objective quality metric based on the quantified characteristics of the image data. The objective quality metric can be a weighted sum of the quantified characteristics of the image data. The weightings for the weighted sum can be determined based on subjective quality metrics assigned to a set of training image data by a human expert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: WaveTec Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Jay Sarver, Thomas D. Padrick, Max Hall
  • Patent number: 9603517
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for determining the pupillary distance of a person, more particularly determining the person's pupillary distance by using a computerized screen. The system and method do not require the trip or expense of a doctor or store visit, and are optimized for convenience and cost effectiveness. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining a pupillary distance of a person without physically measuring the pupillary distance with a device. The method includes receiving a front facial image of the person, determining a scale of the image based on an estimated canthal distance, and determining the pupillary distance of the person based, in part, on the determined scale of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Opternative, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Lee, Aaron Dallek
  • Patent number: 9603518
    Abstract: An optical measuring device is provided. An actuator of a reference mirror set drives a reference mirror to move back and forth at a scan velocity. A first light source module transmits a first light beam to an optical coupling module transmitting two parts of the first light beam respectively to an examinee object and the reference mirror set. The first light beam then is reflected by the examinee object and reference mirror set and then transmitted to the optical coupling module and the processing unit. The second light source module transmits a second light beam to the examinee object. Then the second light beam is reflected and then transmitted to the second sensing unit. The second sensing unit provides a sensing signal to the processing unit which accordingly provides a value of the relative velocity. The thickness is calculated according to the relative velocity and the scan velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CRYSTALVUE MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Jen Wang, Chun-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 9603519
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for analyzing the ophthalmic anatomy of a patient posterior to the cornea. The method may include scanning a focus of a femtosecond laser beam along a path within the patient's eye. A portion of the path may be disposed posterior to the patient's cornea. The method may also include acquiring a first reflectance image and a second reflectance image associated with the focus disposed respectively at a first location of the path and a second location of the path. The method may further include determining the presence or absence of an ophthalmic anatomical feature of the eye based on a comparison between the first reflectance image and the second reflectance image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AMO DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: John Tamkin
  • Patent number: 9603520
    Abstract: A ophthalmic apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to obtain, through a photographing optical system, an image of an eye to be examined which is illuminated with illumination light from an observation light source of an illumination optical system; a display unit configured to display the image obtained by the imaging unit; and an image processing unit configured to display an image of the eye on the display unit at a display magnification corresponding to an observation portion of the eye or a display magnification corresponding to operation of the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9603521
    Abstract: A measuring device for non-invasive determination of at least one physiological parameter includes at least one diagnostic sensor unit to generate measuring signals, and an evaluation unit for processing of measuring signals. The diagnostic sensor unit is integrated into or connectible to the keyboard of a computer or into a mobile device of entertainment or communication technology, with the diagnostic sensor unit including: an optical measuring unit including at least one radiation source for irradiation of the examined body tissue and at least one radiation sensor for detection of the radiation scattered and/or transmitted from the body tissue, and/or an ECG unit for capturing an ECG signal via two or more ECG electrodes, and/or a temperature or heat sensor, and/or a bio-electrical impedance measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ingo Flore
    Inventors: Ok Kyung Cho, Yoon Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 9603522
    Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in detecting neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof with brain tissue. For example, methods and materials for using probes to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, or combinations thereof during deep brain stimulation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, The University of Memphis Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kendall H. Lee, Kevin E. Bennet, Charles D. Blaha
  • Patent number: 9603523
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for outpatient monitoring. In some examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring and consultations of patients' state associated with automated interpretation of vital signs signals. In other examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring of patients' state associated with analysis of full-disclosure vital signs digital signals with reduced bit data or channel data. In some examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring of patients' state associated with ongoing automated analysis and transmission of full-disclosure vital signs digital signals and automatically generated signals' interpretation results and manually marked patient symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MEDICALGORITHMICS S.A
    Inventor: Marek Dziubinski
  • Patent number: 9603524
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to portable biometric monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, at least one band to secure the monitoring device to the user, a physiological sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of a physiological condition of the user data. The physiological sensor may include a light source to generate and output light having at least a first wavelength, and a photodetector to detect scattered light (e.g., from the user). A light pipe is disposed in the housing and optically coupled to the light source directs/transmits light therefrom along a predetermined path to an outer surface of the housing. Processing circuitry calculates a heart rate of the user using data which is representative of the scattered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: James Park, Christine Boomer Brumback, David Wayne Knight
  • Patent number: 9603525
    Abstract: A system comprising for selecting a portable telemetry device includes a status component, a request component, a selection component and an indication component. The status component is configured to determine a device status for a plurality of portable telemetry devices docked in a charging station. The request component is configured to receive a request to use at least one of the plurality of portable telemetry devices. The selection component is configured to select, in response to the request, a portable telemetry device based on device statuses for the plurality of portable telemetry devices. The indication component is configured to indicate selection of the portable telemetry device to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Frank Menzel
  • Patent number: 9603526
    Abstract: An electromyography muscle sensing system including a sensor platform and a cloud-based data analysis and storage platform. The sensor platform has an electromyography muscle sensor having sensing electrodes and a signal processing circuit having a sensor output, an analog-to-digital converter having a digital output, a memory, a communications device, a display indicating a status and an indication of CMAP presence, a microcontroller maintaining a record of a current procedure, transmitting in real-time the record, determining if CMAP is being achieved, and displaying a status or indication of CMAP. The data analysis and storage platform has a database, organizes and stores the output data, maintains a history of each procedure, analyzes the output data and defines a successful CMAP outcome, predicts an outcome of the current procedure if the output data correlates with stored output data of a successful CMAP outcome, and real-time communicates the outcome of the current procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CMAP Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin D. Benson, Vincent R. Lucente, John R. Miklos
  • Patent number: 9603527
    Abstract: A person positioning and health care monitoring system includes a monitoring center, a RFID tag device, and a tracking module. The monitoring center includes positioning data corresponding to a target. The RFID tag device is located on the target and includes a memory storing a target identification (ID) number and an infrared LED. Each tracking module includes infrared cameras and an RFID device. The tracking module uses the RFID device to communicate with the RFID tag device so as to receive the target identification (ID) number. The tracking module communicates with the monitoring center so as to provide the target identification (ID) number and orientation data corresponding to the target for the monitoring center. The monitoring center determines coordinates of the target according to coordinates of the tracking module and the orientation data corresponding to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Chung Hua University
    Inventor: Jium Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 9603528
    Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Illumigyn Ltd.
    Inventors: Lior Greenstein, Gilad A. Davara, Gad Ganon, David Aviv
  • Patent number: 9603529
    Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Illumigyn Ltd.
    Inventors: Lior Greenstein, Gilad A. Davara, Gad Ganon, David Aviv
  • Patent number: 9603530
    Abstract: A dental system may trans-illuminate teeth using a light source for producing examination radiation by directing the examination radiation at a tooth to be examined. An optical image of the tooth illuminated by the examination radiation may be acquired. The light source may include a light-guiding and/or light-deflecting element that faces the tooth to be examined being embedded in a transparent. The light-guiding and/or light-deflecting element may be embedded in a transparent, flexible coupling body that is provided to rest on the tooth or the gingiva of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KALTENBACH & VOIGT GMBH
    Inventors: André Hackel, Hans Heckenberger, Sven Erdmann
  • Patent number: 9603531
    Abstract: A system for in-place visualization of sensed data is provided. The system includes a formable sheet comprising a display and sensors embedded within the sheet underneath the display. The display will display information relating to sensed data on a portion of the display corresponding to locations of the sensors located underneath the display. As a result, the display displays the information above or directly above the sensors that output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
    Inventor: Vijay Natarajan
  • Patent number: 9603532
    Abstract: A diagnostic ECG system analyzes lead traces for evidence of ST elevation in the lead signals. The pattern of ST elevation in leads having predetermined vantage points to the electrical activity of the heart and, in some instances, the presence of ST depression in certain other leads, identifies a specific coronary artery or branch as the culprit coronary artery for an acute ischemic event. ECG measurements which are associated with the identity of specific arterial occlusion locations are calculated and used to form a classifier of the probability of occlusion at different locations. The location identified as having the highest probability is indicated to a user as the most likely occlusion location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Richard Gregg, Sophia Huai Zhou, Cheng-Hao Chien
  • Patent number: 9603533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for carrying out the method of determining at least one cardiovascular quantity of a mammal. The method comprises (i) selecting a measuring site of a vessel; (ii) determining or estimating a mean diameter of the vessel at the measuring site; (iii) determining a pulse wave velocity and/or another elasticity related quantity of the vessel at the measuring site; (iv) determining a distension of the vessel at the measuring site; and (v) calculating the at least one cardiovascular quantity from the determined mean diameter, elasticity related quantity and distension of the vessel at the measuring site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Lars Lading, David Böttcher Bæk
  • Patent number: 9603534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a cardiovascular performance reserve for each individual patient, comprising the steps of: a) receiving input physiological data from the patient for obtaining a parameter Z which is or approximates the product of the Stroke Volume (SV) by the Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR); b) providing a value representing the Respiratory Rate (RR) of said patient, wherein the Respiratory Rate (RR) value is provided by measurements using dedicated device(s), calculations from the input physiological data or manually by using best estimate; c) providing anthropometric data of said patient for calculating the Body Surface Area (BSA) of said individual, wherein the anthropometric data includes at least body dimensions (such as height and weight) of said patient; d) calculating the Cardiovascular Reserve (CVR) by using said Z parameter and said RR according to following formula: CVR=(Z/RR); e) calculating a Cardiovascular Reserve Index (CVRI) by standardizing said CVR (by sa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CARDIO SCALE LTD.
    Inventors: Uri Gabbay, Ben Zion Bobrovsky
  • Patent number: 9603535
    Abstract: A system for determining a life threatening condition of a human may include at least one mobility sensor couplable to a human body and configured to measure mobility parameters of said human body; at least one physiological sensor couplable to a human body and configured to measure physiological parameters of said human body; at least one environmental sensor configured to measure environmental parameters indicative of an environment of said human body; and a computer processor configured to apply a decision function configured to determine a predefined life endangering condition of said human body, based on said measured mobility, physiological, and environmental parameters, and statistical relationship therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LifeBEAM Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvi Orron, Yoav Aminov, Omri Yoffe, Elad Hofstetter
  • Patent number: 9603536
    Abstract: A patient's vital sign measurements are displayed in a fishbone diagram defined by a horizontal line with a vertical line crossing it to form four compartments. The patient's respiratory rate and heart rate are displayed in assigned compartments above the horizontal line separated by the vertical line and the patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2) and temperature are displayed in assigned compartments below the horizontal line separated by vertical lines. Two diverging horizontal lines form a sideways “V” are connected with the right hand side of the horizontal line to define a fifth compartment in which the patient's blood pressure is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: John Francis Humphrys, Youssef Abou-Hawili
  • Patent number: 9603537
    Abstract: A unit, assembly and device suitable for a medical localization device suitable for localizing a region in a body with a distal hollow needle includes a tube extending from a proximal first end to a distal second end. The first end is designed to be in communication with a fluid filled container. The unit includes a first part of sensor means. The first part is a sensor interface, in which the sensor interface is provided to the tube between the first end and the second end. The sensor interface is suitable for observation of the pressure in a fluid in the tube that is in communication with the fluid in the container. The unit includes a closing device distally with respect to the sensor interface for varying the pressure in the fluid in the tube, in which the sensor interface is a membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: APAD OCTROOI B.V.
    Inventor: Timotheus Joan Marie Lechner
  • Patent number: 9603538
    Abstract: An implantable cuff includes an elastic collar, at least one conductive segment disposed on or within the elastic collar, and at least one conductor in electrical communication with the at least one conductive segment. The elastic collar defines an internal opening configured to receive an internal body tissue. At least a portion of the elastic collar includes a stiffening region having a stiffness greater than a second region of the elastic collar. The at least one conductor is configured to operably mate with an apparatus capable of delivering electrical stimulation to, and/or recording an electrical activity of, the internal body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Lee Fisher, Matthew Stone, Dustin J. Tyler, Daniel Tan, Matthew Schiefer, Natalie Brill, Michael Miller, Ronald Triolo
  • Patent number: 9603539
    Abstract: A system for modeling electrical activity of an anatomical structure. The system includes a database that is configured to store cell set data corresponding to a group of cells of the anatomical structure. The cell set data includes a cell model that represents electrical activity of the group of cells. The cell model has a model parameter that relates to ion channels in the cells. The electrical activity represented by the cell model is at least partially based upon the model parameter. The system also includes a user interface that is configured to accept user inputs to change the model parameter and thereby change the electrical activity represented by the cell model to form a reconfigured cell model. The system also includes a display that is configured to display the user inputs and a processor that is configured to determine the electrical activity of the anatomical structure using the reconfigured cell model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joel Q. Xue, Weihua Gao, Yao Chen, Xiaodong Han
  • Patent number: 9603540
    Abstract: A method of placing ECG electrodes in an environment where persons of limited training are available includes making a trial placement of the electrodes. Then, the method includes testing the electrodes and evaluating signals from the electrodes as a result of the testing. Verbal or visual feedback can be provided to the person placing the electrodes so that placed electrodes could be adjusted as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Lillegard, Cameron Brackett
  • Patent number: 9603541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bio-medical electrode (100). In a preferred embodiment, an electrode interface comprises a top part (10) with an aperture and a bottom part (20). The bottom part (20) has a head portion designed for a fixation in said aperture and a flexible flange that clamps electrode sheets (31,32) in the connected state of the electrode interface such that the contact force between top and bottom parts is approximately constant during lifetime of the electrode interface. The top part (10) may preferably have the shape of a disk of magnetic or magnetizable material. The bottom part (20) may preferably be made from a conductive plastic such as ABS. The electrode interface may particularly be used in a TENS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Frederik Rethmeier, Severin Luc Ramses Harvey
  • Patent number: 9603542
    Abstract: An apparatus and method (4,5,6,7,2) for capacitive measurement of electrophysiological signals (1) suppresses or reduces motion artifacts by providing a feedback mechanism. An average voltage between a capacitive sensor electrode (1) and the body (3) is controlled so as to reduce or minimize motion-induced signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Veen, Mohammed Meftah, Nicolaas Lambert, Bart Michiel De Boer, Bastiaan Feddes, Lena Gourmelon, Ronald Rietman, Sri Andari Husen
  • Patent number: 9603543
    Abstract: A method and implantable medical device for determining an atrial arrhythmia event that includes sensing a cardiac signal, determining an atrial arrhythmia score for identifying the arrhythmia event in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining a sensing window in response to the sensed cardiac signal, the sensing window having a first portion and a second portion, determining signal characteristics of the sensed cardiac signal within the first portion and within the second portion, determining whether the sensed cardiac signal within the first portion and within the second portion corresponds to a P-wave in response to the determined signal characteristics, determining whether a signal to noise ratio of the sensed cardiac signal within the first portion and the second portion of the sensing window is satisfied, determining whether to update the arrhythmia score in response to the determined P-wave and the determined signal to noise ratio, and determining whether to delivery an arrhythmia therapy in r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shantanu Sarkar, Daniel L Hansen, Grant A Neitzell, Jerry D Reiland, Ryan Wyszynski
  • Patent number: 9603544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining physical, chemical and/or biological state variables, particularly substance concentrations, temperature, pH and/or physical fields, and/or the change in these state variables in an examination area of an examination object by determining the change in the spatial distribution of magnetic particles in this examination area as a function of the effect of influencing variables on at least a partarea and/or in the conditions in at least a part-area of the examination area, by means of the following steps: a) introducing magnetic particles into at least part of the examination area in a first state in which in the examination area or in parts thereof at least some of the magnetic particles that are to be examined are agglomerated and/or coupled to one another in pairs or more, or introducing magnetic particles into at least part of the examination area in a second state in which the particles are deagglomerated and/or decoupled and can be agglomerated and/o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Bernhard Gleich
  • Patent number: 9603545
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing targeted lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing a stenotic lesion from a vessel, the device comprises a sizing portion capable of measuring a luminal size parameter when at least part of the device is positioned within a lumen of a luminal organ, a typing portion, wherein at least part of the at least one typing portion is capable of physically touching a portion of the luminal organ or a structure therein, and a treatment portion capable of removing at least part of a stenotic lesion from the luminal organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 9603546
    Abstract: A phantom calibration body (12) for calibrating diffusion MRI device (16) that mimics a material such as a mammalian tissue is disclosed. The phantom calibration body (12) includes a homogeneous aqueous solution (30) that contains a mixture of low molecular-weight and high molecular-weight polymers housed in a container (14) that is placed in the diffusion MRI device (16) for obtaining one or more diffusion MRI images of the phantom calibration body (12). A measure of diffusivity is calculated for each of the one or more diffusion MRI images in order to calibrate the diffusion MRI device. Methods of using the phantom calibration body (12) to calibrate diffusion MRI device (16) are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Ferenc Horkay, Carlo Pierpaoli, Peter J. Basser
  • Patent number: 9603547
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter. The catheter comprises an inner member defining a guidewire lumen, a balloon assembly, a treatment device mounted about the balloon assembly, and an imaging device. The balloon assembly comprises an inner sleeve surrounding the inner member and a connection medium, wherein the connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member, and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve. The imaging device is disposed distal to the balloon assembly and is coupled to the connection medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventor: Jeremy Stigall
  • Patent number: 9603548
    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, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ascension Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Westley S. Ashe
  • Patent number: 9603549
    Abstract: An implantable device, such as a pacer, defibrillator, or other cardiac rhythm management device, can include an automatic testing and adjusting of cardiac signal sensing after an MRI scanning procedure, such as to accommodate an MRI-induced physiological change in sensed cardiac depolarization amplitude or in lead impedance such as at an electrode/tissue interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Stubbs, Jeffrey E. Stahmann