Patents Issued in March 30, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170087345
    Abstract: A drug-delivery device includes a body configured for attachment to a handle of an ablation device, a shaft portion defining a passageway therein, and a delivery lumen to provide for drug delivery to tissue. The body includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a contoured portion disposed therebetween. The contoured portion is configured for engagement with a contoured portion of the handle of the ablation device. The shaft portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the shaft engages with an opening defined in the distal end of the body. The passageway of the shaft portion is configured to receive the delivery lumen slideably moveably therein. The delivery lumen includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The drug-delivery device also includes a knob member coupled to the proximal portion of the delivery lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: RACHIT OHRI, LAN PHAM, PHILLIP D. BLASKOVICH, LES HULL, RUPAL AYER, STEPHEN H. WU, CLIFFORD J. HERMAN, WILLIAM H. NAU, JR., FRANCESCA ROSSETTO, ALLISON WALLER, WENXING HUANG, PAUL DICARLO
  • Publication number: 20170087346
    Abstract: A microneedle unit including a microneedle having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the microneedle being flexible and having one or more projections on the first surface, and a support member connected to the second surface of the microneedle such that the support member supports the microneedle. The support member includes an adhesive portion and a rigid portion connected to the adhesive portion, the adhesive portion is adhesive to skin and extends outside of the second surface in plan view of the second surface, and the rigid portion includes a rigid plate which is more rigid than the adhesive portion and the microneedle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki KATO, Hisami UENO
  • Publication number: 20170087347
    Abstract: The present invention provides a controlling apparatus for a skin resurfacing device performing a surgical procedure on a human skin with a surgical needle, including: a controller 20; a voltage regulator 50 configured to regulate a voltage supplied to the skin resurfacing device from a power supply 10 according to a control of the controller; and a starting switch 80 configured to turn on/off a supply of power between the voltage regulator and the skin resurfacing device, in which the controller controls the voltage regulator so as to output a preset jump start voltage to the skin resurfacing device every time the starting switch is turned on, if a jump start function that is a function of starting the skin resurfacing device is set by a starting voltage when an operating voltage of the skin resurfacing device is lower than the starting voltage of the skin resurfacing device at the time of the surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Seung-Ho LEE
  • Publication number: 20170087348
    Abstract: Medical devices for rotating an elongate medical instrument can be used to remove, break up, clear, and/or eliminate obstructions within a lumen. Some medical devices for rotating an elongate medical instrument may include a coupling member for coupling the medical device to a secondary medical device. Some medical devices may include a flared distal region and some medical devices may include an elongate housing that is disposed around a portion of the distal region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory R. McArthur, Ken Sykes
  • Publication number: 20170087349
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a hemostasis sealing device having a device enclosure with a first seal portion for a medical device and a second seal portion for guide wire sealing. The device enclosure can be generally configured for compressive communication with a housing. The second seal portion can define a split that is in compressive communication with structural elements of the hemostasis sealing device, which can simultaneously provide sealing functionality and allow passage of relatively large-bore devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Gregg Stuart Sutton, Eric Joseph Dille
  • Publication number: 20170087350
    Abstract: A system for wound treatment includes adjunctive wound therapy devices and substrates comprising multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffry Skiba
  • Publication number: 20170087351
    Abstract: Anchors for use with implantable medical leads include an elastic body containing one or more rigid bodies that have longitudinal free edges. The longitudinal free edges run from end to end to define full length slots. Partial length slots may also be included within the one or more rigid bodies. The full length and partial length slots allow for deflection of the rigid bodies against the body of an implantable medical lead to hold the anchor in place on the lead. The full length slots allow a blade to pass through and cut a slit in the elastic body which allows the anchor to be removed from the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert L. Olson, Thomas C. Bischoff, Michael J. Kern
  • Publication number: 20170087352
    Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use, which may be positioned on a face of a solid support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: NEURONANO AB
    Inventors: Fredrik EK, Nils DANIELSEN, Jenny ERIKSSON LINSMEIER, Per PETERSSON, Jens SCHOUENBORG
  • Publication number: 20170087353
    Abstract: A multi-lead multi-electrode system and method of manufacturing the multi-lead multi-electrode system includes a multi-electrode lead that may be used to deploy multiple separable electrodes to different spaced apart contact sites, such as nerve or muscle tissues, for example, that are spatially distributed over a large area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Anil K. Thota, Ranu Jung, Sathyakumar S. Kuntaegowdanahalli
  • Publication number: 20170087354
    Abstract: An EMI/energy dissipating filter for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) is described. The filter comprises a first gold braze hermetically sealing the insulator to a ferrule that is configured to be mounted in an opening in a housing for the AIMD. A lead wire is hermetically sealed in a passageway through the insulator by a second gold braze. A circuit board substrate is disposed adjacent the insulator. A two-terminal chip capacitor disposed adjacent to the circuit board has an active end metallization that is electrically connected to the active electrode plates and a ground end metallization that is electrically connected to the at least one ground electrode plates of the chip capacitor. There is a ground path electrically extending between the ground end metallization of the chip capacitor and the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Christine A. Frysz, Richard L. Brendel
  • Publication number: 20170087355
    Abstract: An EMI/energy dissipating filter for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) is described. The filter comprises a first gold braze hermetically sealing the insulator to a ferrule that is configured to be mounted in an opening in a housing for the AIMD. A lead wire is hermetically sealed in a passageway through the insulator by a second gold braze. A circuit board substrate is disposed adjacent the insulator. A two-terminal chip capacitor disposed adjacent to the circuit board has an active end metallization that is electrically connected to the active electrode plates and a ground end metallization that is electrically connected to the at least one ground electrode plates of the capacitor. A ground path electrically extends between the ground end metallization of the chip capacitor and the ferrule. The ground path comprises a conductive pin electrically and mechanically connected to the ferrule by a third gold braze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Christine A. Frysz, Richard L. Brendel
  • Publication number: 20170087356
    Abstract: An EMI/energy dissipating filter for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) is described. The filter comprises a first gold braze hermetically sealing the Insulator to a ferrule that is configured to be mounted in an opening in a housing for the AIMD. A lead wire is hermetically sealed in a passageway through the insulator by a second gold braze. A circuit board substrate is disposed adjacent the insulator. A two-terminal chip capacitor disposed adjacent to the circuit board has an active end metallization that is electrically connected to the active electrode plates and a ground end metallization that is electrically connected to the at least one ground electrode plates of the capacitor. A ground path electrically extends between the ground end metallization of the chip capacitor and the ferrule. There is also an active path electrically extending between the active end metallization of the chip capacitor and the lead wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Christine A. Frysz, Richard L. Brendel
  • Publication number: 20170087357
    Abstract: A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section capacitively coupled to the first section and configured to be electrically coupled to the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas Barry Hoegh
  • Publication number: 20170087358
    Abstract: Connector enclosure assemblies for medical devices provide an angled lead passageway. The lead passageway which is defined by electrical connectors and intervening seals within the connector enclosure assembly establishes the angle relative to a base plane of the connector enclosure assembly. Various other aspects may be included in conjunction with the angled lead passageway, including an angled housing of the connector enclosure assembly, feedthrough pins that extend to the electrical connectors where the feedthrough pins may include angled sections, and a set screw passageway set at an angle relative to the lead passageway to provide fixation of a lead within the lead passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Deininger, Michael J. Baade, Katherine J. Bach, Van L. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20170087359
    Abstract: Connector enclosure assemblies for medical devices provide an angled lead passageway. The lead passageway which is defined by electrical connectors and intervening seals within the connector enclosure assembly establishes the angle relative to a base plane of the connector enclosure assembly. Various other aspects may be included in conjunction with the angled lead passageway, including an angled housing of the connector enclosure assembly, feedthrough pins that extend to the electrical connectors where the feedthrough pins may include angled sections, and a set screw passageway set at an angle relative to the lead passageway to provide fixation of a lead within the lead passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Deininger, Michael J. Baade, Katherine J. Bach, Van L. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20170087360
    Abstract: A removable oral device is disclosed. The removable oral device comprises a mounting retainer configured to align with a set of teeth. An electrical stimulator is coupled to the mounting retainer. A single lead is employed that has a first and a second end and lacking a mechanical connection to the mounting retainer. A first and a second electrode are positioned along the single lead. The lead is disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a patient's tongue such that the first electrode is proximate a first hypoglossal nerve and the second electrode is proximate a second hypoglossal nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Avram Scheiner
  • Publication number: 20170087361
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation apparatus includes a sleep depth determiner that determines a sleep depth by using biological information of a user who is sleeping; an electrical muscular stimulation intensity determiner that determines an electrical muscular stimulation intensity on basis of the sleep depth; and an output that output electrical muscular stimulation by using electrodes arranged on a skin of the user at the electrical muscular stimulation intensity determined by the electrical muscular stimulation intensity determiner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: SHINOBU ADACHI, SOUKSAKHONE BOUNYONG, JUN OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20170087362
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-channel physiotherapy device, which is fitted with an electrical source, a power supply unit, a photo-coupler, a microprocessor, and an electrode. It is characterized in that the electrical source is connected to a single power supply unit, the power supply unit is connected to the microprocessor, and the microprocessor is connected to the photo-couplers and, through the photo-couplers and the channels, to the electrodes, the number of which is at least approximately equal to the number of photo-couplers and channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Janos PAPP
  • Publication number: 20170087363
    Abstract: The system includes various embodiments of components, including (1) a sensor array, (2) a processor, (3) a transmitter, (4) a receiver-stimulator, and (5) an implantable electrode array. The gustatory implant system generates tastant fingerprints by detecting tastants with an array of chemical sensors and then transmitting variable spatiotemporal stimulation patterns for an electrode array with electrode stimulating points positioned at different locations in the gustatory cortex (e.g., stimulating the chorda tympanic nerve). Different patterns of activity in the gustatory cortex are thereby generated which mimic the sense of taste in a subject. Once trained the system should be usable by a subject to detect or correctly identify or perceive one or more tastes. The system may also include an external electronic device for processing and displaying information to monitor ingestion of various substances in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Richard M. Costanzo, Woon-Hong Yeo
  • Publication number: 20170087364
    Abstract: An electrostimulation device includes a computer generating an electrostimulation generator control signal and outputting a music signal, a transcutaneous electrostimulation generator, an electronic signal conduit, and an electrode coupler. The generator receives the generator control signal and the music signal, generates a nerve electrostimulation signal dependent upon the generator control signal, and outputs the nerve electrostimulation signal at the stimulation output and the music signal at an audio output. The coupler fits in an ear canal, has a speaker connected to the audio output to output the music signal into the ear canal when worn, and has electrostimulation electrodes conductively connected to the stimulation output through the electronic signal conduit to receive the nerve electrostimulation signal and positioned to contact tissue within the canal to transcutaneously apply the nerve electrostimulation signal thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Nervana, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Cartledge, Daniel Cartledge, Ami Brannon, Kermit Falk, Gregory L. Mayback
  • Publication number: 20170087365
    Abstract: The invention provides improved electrotherapeutic apparatus which detect a vibrational frequency of heart blood vessel and then produce a stimulating frequency current corresponding to the vibrational frequency of heart blood vessel. The improved electrotherapeutic apparatus comprises: a detecting module which detects a vibrational frequency of heart blood vessel and produces a signal of the vibrational frequency of heart blood vessel, a processing module which receives the signal of vibrational frequency of heart blood vessel and produces a response signal and a action module which receives the response signal and then produces a stimulating current corresponding to the vibrational frequency of heart blood vessel and then adjusts stimulating signal frequency to enhance the therapeutic effect of pain and rehabilitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Hsing-Rong Chao
  • Publication number: 20170087366
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with a trial neurostimulation device having a lead for implant within a patient. In one example, neurostimulation is delivered using the lead while an indication of patient pain is detected. Various functions of the trial device are then controlled in response to patient pain, such as by adjusting neurostimulation control parameters to improve pain reduction, recording diagnostic information representative of patient pain or transmitting such parameters to a separate external instrument for analysis. In this manner, patient pain is automatically detected to provide objective feedback as to the efficacy of trial neurostimulation. Various embodiments of flexible trial neurostimulation device patches are described herein, including patches that are adhesively mounted over the point of entry of the trial lead into the patient, thus providing a comfortable patch that hygienically isolates the point of entry of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Yelena Nabutovsky, Gene A. Bornzin, Brad Maruca
  • Publication number: 20170087367
    Abstract: Electrical non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) delivers weak electrical currents to the brain via electrodes that are affixed to the scalp. NIBS can excite or inhibit the brain in areas that are impacted by that electrical current during and for a short time following stimulation. Electrical NIBS can be used to change brain structure in terms of increasing white matter integrity as measured by diffusion tensor imaging. Together the electrical NIBS can induce changes in brain structure and function. The present methods and devices are adaptable to and configurable for facilitating the enhancement of brain performance, and the treatment of neurological diseases and tissues. The present methods and devices are advantageously designed to utilize modern electrodes deployed with, inter alia, various spatial arrangements, polarities, and current strengths to target brain areas or networks to thereby enhance performance or deliver therapeutic interventions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Rio Grande Neurosciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. WEISEND
  • Publication number: 20170087368
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter for implantable medical devices includes a switch capacitor converter core including a plurality of power transistor switches configured to receive an input voltage and output an output voltage; a switch driver connected with the switch capacitor converter core and configured to turn on corresponding power transistor switches in the switch capacitor converter core so as to supply power to a load receiving the output voltage; a switch signal router connected with the switch driver and configured to selectively transmit signals required by the switch driver; a gain selection decoder connected with the switch signal router; a gain controller connected with the gain selection decoder, the gain selection decoder being configured to decode gain selection instructions transmitted from the gain controller; an input adjusting device connected with the gain controller and configured to receive the input voltage and a reference voltage, to indicate relationship between the input voltage and the referen
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: AGILITECH LIMITED
    Inventor: Min TAN
  • Publication number: 20170087369
    Abstract: A method for electrical stimulation of a patient includes a) implanting at least a portion of an electrical stimulation lead; b) stimulating the patient using the electrical stimulation lead at multiple test stimulation amplitudes; c) observing a response for each of the test stimulation amplitudes; d) selecting a working stimulation amplitude based on the responses from a group consisting of the test stimulation amplitudes and, optionally, a default stimulation amplitude; e) stimulating the patient using the electrical stimulation lead and the working amplitude at multiple test duty cycles; f) observing a response for each of the test duty cycles; g) selecting a working duty cycle based on the responses from a group consisting of the test duty cycles and, optionally, a default duty cycle; and h) stimulating the patient using the electrical stimulation lead, the working amplitude, and the working duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Hemant Bokil, Stephen Carcieri, Ljubomir Manola
  • Publication number: 20170087370
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Publication number: 20170087371
    Abstract: An ambulatory medical device comprising: a monitoring component comprising at least one sensing electrode for detecting a cardiac condition of a patient; at least one processor configured for: adjusting one or more detection parameters for detecting the cardiac condition of the patient based at least in part on at least one of 1) one or more environmental conditions and 2) input received from the monitoring component; and providing at least one of an alarm and a treatment in response to detecting the cardiac condition of the patient based on the adjusted one or more detection parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe
  • Publication number: 20170087372
    Abstract: A method and device to apply a cold plasma to a substance at a treatment surface of a patient to cause electroporation of the substance into cells of the patient. The substance can be previously applied to the treatment surface. Alternatively, the substance can be placed in a foam-like material within a tip that passes the cold plasma from the cold plasma device to the treatment area. The tip can be a cannula device with an aperture at the distal end. The cannula device can also have apertures along a portion of the length of the cannula device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Plasmology4, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc C. JACOFSKY, David J. Jacofsky, Gregory A. Watson
  • Publication number: 20170087373
    Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue treatment produce a shock wave therapy and electromagnetic field therapy. The shock wave therapy provides stimulation of the blood circulation and stimulates the treated cells. The electromagnetic field enables thermal treatment of tissue. Combination of both therapies improves soft tissue treatment, mainly connective tissue in the skin area and fat reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: TOMÁS SCHWARZ
  • Publication number: 20170087374
    Abstract: A method of irradiating a target region containing at least one fullerene comprising molecule promotes the heating or combustion of the target region. The heating method can be employed in a variety of applications including: selective targeting and destruction of cancer cells, detonation of explosives, ignition of a combustible mixture, photolithographic processes, and writing of optical storage media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Vijay Krishna, Brij M. Moudgil, Benjamin L. Koopman
  • Publication number: 20170087375
    Abstract: Improved methods of treating prostate cancer by vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy, and improved methods of planning treatment, are presented using a light density index to plan and guide effective treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Suzy CHARBIT, Bertrand Gaillac, Lucien Abenhaim
  • Publication number: 20170087376
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for directing a localized biological response of a mammalian body to an implant disposed within the body. In one embodiment, a delivery system is positioned outside the body and adjacent to the implant within the body. The delivery system comprises a first tissue response modifier effective for directing a localized biological response of the body to the implant. The tissue response modifier is nonsurgically delivered from the delivery system into the body in a quantity effective to direct the localized biological response of the body to the implant. The invention also provides an implant system for long-term use comprising an implant and nonsurgical means for delivering a tissue response modifier through the epidermis of the body, the tissue response modifier effective for directing a localized biological response of the body to the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Profusa, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. MCMILLAN, Natalie WISNIEWSKI
  • Publication number: 20170087377
    Abstract: A transnasal delivery method for treating or preventing Parkinson's disease using photobiomodulation. An optical system is provided including a light source and an optical fiber. The optical system is advanced through the nasal cavity until a distal end of the optical fiber is positioned inside the sphenoidal sinus. Then the light source is activated to irradiate substantia nigra brain tissue with an effective amount of light in the treatment or prevention of Parkinson's disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Martin Pfleiderer, Yanik S. Tardy, Blaise Lovisa
  • Publication number: 20170087378
    Abstract: The present invention provides laser therapy for treatment of herpes simplex virus infection also known as cold sores. The invention uses laser, preferably diode lasers which are directed against the infected area including rashes. The laser could provide immediate relief in pain and promote healing process. The energy delivered by the laser could kill harboring viruses in the infected area thereby promoting the healing process and providing relief in pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Deborah Rae Wentz
  • Publication number: 20170087379
    Abstract: A skin treatment device uses blue-light therapy to treat acne or other skin conditions. The device includes a positioning mechanism that allows a user to position the device on a target treatment area. Once the device is positioned, a safety triggering mechanism of the device activates the blue light therapy if it detects that the device is touching human skin, ensuring that sensitive areas (e.g., eyes) are not exposed to the blue-light therapy. An embodiment of the device includes a timing circuit to monitor the operating time of the device and an automatic shutdown circuit to prevent over-exposure of the blue-light therapy. Other embodiments of the device include a micro-vibration motor to massage a user's skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Filip Sedic
  • Publication number: 20170087380
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical needle comprising a needle body, a coupling seat and an optical fiber. The needle body comprises a cavity to accommodate a portion of the optical fiber. The coupling seat provides a junction plane to couple a light source. An end of the needle body is aligned with the junction plane, so to align an end of the optical fiber with the junction plane. The optical needle is characterized in that the long axis of the optical fiber reduces from a section aligned with the junction plane to an end adjacent to the needle body. The coupling interface may be provided in a recess to accommodate the light source. The optical needle may associate a light source. A method for preparation of the optical needle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Hsiao-Sen Tseng
  • Publication number: 20170087381
    Abstract: A patient positioning/constraint apparatus and method of use thereof is described in combination with a charged particle cancer therapy system. In one embodiment, a patient is tilted about a longitudinal axis, such as rotation about a head-to-foot axis of the patient where the head-to-foot axis of the patient is horizontal. Optional side support constraints are optionally used to constrain radial movement of the patient on the tilted patient support. The side support constraints are optionally pre-formed to or coupled to a radially outer shape of an individual patient, such as the dexter or sinister side of the individual's head, arm, torso, hip, and/or leg. Patient tilt is optionally combined with rotation of the patient about a vertical axis, rotation of the entire patient about an axis not overlapped by the patient, and/or dynamic control of angles of incident charged particles directed by beamline magnets of the charged particle therapy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Publication number: 20170087382
    Abstract: A control circuit forms a radiation therapy treatment plan by automatically generating a base dose that references dosing information from multiple sources and then using that base dose to optimize a radiation therapy treatment plan. That radiation therapy treatment plan is then used to administer radiation therapy to a patient. That automatically generated base dose can represent any or all of earlier radiation therapy treatments for the patient, a same fraction as a dose presently being optimized per the radiation therapy treatment plan, and future planned fractions for the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Juha Kauppinen, Janne I. Nord
  • Publication number: 20170087383
    Abstract: A control circuit forms a radiation therapy treatment plan. By one approach this comprises displaying a structure dose volume histogram on a display and detecting when a user directly manipulates the displayed structure dose volume histogram. In response to detecting that manipulation the control circuit uses a corresponding virtual set of optimization objectives to optimize a radiation therapy treatment plan. If desired, the control circuit can also use weighted optimization objectives when optimizing the radiation therapy treatment plan. Also if desired, the control circuit can use only a low-resolution approximate geometry to represent a particular trajectory as corresponds to different exposure fields for the radiation therapy to be administered when initially optimizing the radiation therapy treatment plan. The control circuit can then subsequently use a high-resolution geometry to represent that trajectory to further optimize the radiation therapy treatment plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Jarkko Y. Peltola, Janne I. Nord
  • Publication number: 20170087384
    Abstract: A multi-layer multi-leaf collimation system includes at least a first layer of collimation leaves that are vertically offset with respect to a second layer of collimation leaves. A control circuit generates a preliminary radiation treatment plan using a model of a radiation therapy treatment platform using a single-layer multi-leaf collimation system following which the control circuit generates a final radiation treatment plan that takes into account at least a second layer of collimation leaves. The resultant final radiation treatment plan can then be used to administer radiation to a patient using the aforementioned multi-layer multi-leaf collimation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Esa Kuusela
  • Publication number: 20170087385
    Abstract: A radiation-treatment plan to treat a treatment target in a given patient takes into account imaging-based dosing of that patient by, for example, automatically accounting for radiation dosing of the given patient that results from imaging to determine at least one physical position of the given patient when forming the radiation-treatment plan. These teachings are particularly beneficial when applied in application settings where the aforementioned imaging comprises obtaining images using megavoltage-sourced radiation. By one approach these teachings provide for automatically accounting for radiation dosing of the given patient that results from imaging by, at least in part, automatically adjusting therapeutic dosing of the given patient as a function of the radiation dosing of the given patient that results from such imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mika Miettinen, Stefan J. Thieme-Marti, Jeff Everett, Andres Graf, Joakim Pyyry, Juha Kauppinen
  • Publication number: 20170087386
    Abstract: System and method for shaping the intensity profile of a radiation beam incident on a target volume. Embodiments according to the present disclosure include a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) capable of sharpening (e.g., “trimming”) a proton beam, the MLC having a reduced overall weight. Leaves of the MLC according to embodiments of the present disclosure have two regions of different density, where a high density region is proximal to a radiation beam so as to block a portion of the beam, and a lower density region provides structural integrity to the leaf while reducing overall MLC weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Dave MELLENBERG, Wolfgang KAISSL, Jan TIMMER
  • Publication number: 20170087387
    Abstract: A control circuit administers a radiation treatment plan that specifies a planned total radiation dose for a radiation treatment session for a given patient by modulating a radiation beam with at least one high-resolution aperture that is formed using one of a plurality of linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. By one approach the foregoing comprises modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures that are formed using a plurality of the linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. In some cases the foregoing can comprise administering the radiation treatment plan using at least two separate radiation exposures for only a single treatment field, in which case, by one approach, each of the separate radiation exposures for the single treatment field can comprise modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Esa Kuusela, Steven W. Prince
  • Publication number: 20170087388
    Abstract: These teachings provide for administering a radiation treatment plan to a patient in a single radiation treatment session using a multi-leaf collimator that is comprised of pairs of selectively movable collimating leaves. By one approach this comprises administering a sequential plurality of modulated radiation doses to the patient, where the sequential plurality of modulated radiation doses comprises at least a substantial majority of a planned total radiation dose for the radiation treatment session and where each modulated radiation dose is administered while modulating a radiation beam with the multi-leaf collimator using a curtain pattern (or, perhaps more typically, a plurality of curtain patterns).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Juha Kauppinen, Esa Kuusela
  • Publication number: 20170087389
    Abstract: A control system is described which provides a user interface that displays a clear graphical representation of relevant data for a particle radiation therapy system (such as a pencil-beam proton therapy system) for treating multiple beam fields as efficiently as possible. The user interface allows a user to visualize a treatment session, select one or multiple beam fields to include in one or more beam applications, and dissociate beam fields previously grouped if necessary. Further embodiments extend the ability to initiate the application of the generated proton therapy beam and the grouping of beam fields to be performed remotely from the treatment room itself, and even automatically, reducing the need for manual interventions to setup between fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Anke BENNER, Julie CLIFT, Andreas HENSEL, Richard KANE, Jan KARIS, Nilesh SINHA, Brian SPATOLA, Jan TIMMER
  • Publication number: 20170087390
    Abstract: Laser accelerated Proton beams provides compact sources for Proton beams. This invention describes several examples of optic designs which provide a compact beam delivery system capable of supporting pencil beam scanning and delivering the required clinical dosage in a tight beam spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Carol Johnstone, Shmulik Eisenmann, Sagi Brink-Danan
  • Publication number: 20170087391
    Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Publication number: 20170087392
    Abstract: The present invention provides a personal support system for use by physically disabled and/or otherwise unstable persons. The support system generally includes: a body harness donned by the user; a navigational surface mounted to the ceiling or other overhead support feature in a structure; a device mounted for movement along the navigational surface; a retractable line such as a strap extending between the body harness and mounted moving device; a motor to control the winding and unwinding of the cable/strap; and a control module for the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Lee Lambert, Chris Markou, Athanassios Sambanis
  • Publication number: 20170087393
    Abstract: The present invention features systems, methods and devices directed to fire suppression and/or extinguishment using solid carbon dioxide and/or liquid or aqueous hydrogen. Systems and methods of deployment and/or dispersal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen (which would form water at its deployment location) are contemplated. The present invention also contemplates method(s) of fire suppression and/or extinguishment which may include the steps of: carbon dioxide canister deployment, formation of a carbon dioxide curtain and hydrogen deployment and/or dispersal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: GRAVITY WELLS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: KENT BUTLER
  • Publication number: 20170087394
    Abstract: A data center includes a plurality of racks on a floor and one or more fire suppression systems coupled to at least some of the racks. The fire suppression systems include reservoirs mounted on the racks, a fire suppression material in the reservoir, and one or more material dispensing devices coupled to the reservoir. The material dispensing devices may dispense fire suppression material onto or into the racks in response to a fire condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: BROCK ROBERT GARDNER, OSVALDO P. MORALES, MICHAEL P. CZAMARA