Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9615712
    Abstract: A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Dooley, Nikolai Romanov, Marcus Williams, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9615713
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 9615714
    Abstract: Provided is an autonomous cleaning device that is capable of embodying various travelling motions, improving an obstacle avoidance capability, and stably travelling, the autonomous cleaning device including: a case in which an accommodation part and a hole are formed; and a wheel assembly accommodated in the accommodation part, wherein the wheel assembly includes: one wheel, of which part is exposed to an outside through the hole; a first motor that drives and travels the wheel; and a second motor that rotates the wheel so as to change a travelling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hwi Chan Jang, Won Min Lee, Sang Hwa Choi, Du Hwan Hyun
  • Patent number: 9615715
    Abstract: A robot cleaner including a cleaner body, a dust suction unit and a dust collection unit attached to the cleaner body, and a driving device to move the cleaner body, wherein the driving device includes a power generation unit to generate power, a power transmission unit to transmit the power generated by the power generation unit to a wheel such that the wheel is rotated by the power transmitted from the power transmission unit, and wherein the wheel includes a wheel member connected to the power transmission unit, and a first member and a second member attached to an outer circumference of the wheel member such that the first member and the second member contact different floor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hwang Kim, Sungil Park
  • Patent number: 9615716
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning device includes a main body and an operating unit. The operating unit is disposed on the lower side of the main body and includes several wheels. At least one of these wheels tilts downward with respect to the main body and the wheels may cause the automatic cleaning device to move around. In addition, with the aid of a piece of fabric, brush or dust removal paper attached to each wheel, the automatic cleaning device of the present invention can freely move around and clean up all corners of a flat floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Jason Yan
  • Patent number: 9615717
    Abstract: In a spin-dryable mop, a handle includes upper and lower tubes. A spinning mechanism movably connects the upper tube to the lower tube. The spinning mechanism rotates the upper tube on the lower tube when the upper tube moves axially on the lower tube. A locking mechanism includes a sleeve and a quick-release. The sleeve is secured to the upper tube and located at a place where the upper tube is connected to the lower tube. The sleeve includes an opening. The quick-release is connected to the sleeve in the opening. The quick-release includes a cam extending through the opening to press the lower tube to keep the upper tube in position on the lower tube. A spin-drying mechanism includes a net for movably receiving the lower tube and a shelter for rotationally receiving the net. A mop head is connected to the lower tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Jiaxing Jackson Travel Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xuelin Zhu
  • Patent number: 9615718
    Abstract: A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element is configured to increase the temperature of the pad for enhanced cleaning performance. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operation LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, Mark Rosenzweig, Brian R. McGee
  • Patent number: 9615719
    Abstract: A dishwasher including a washing chamber to wash dishes, a sump concavely formed at a lower portion of the washing chamber to collect water used in washing, a microfilter disposed at the sump to filter out dirt produced when the dishes are washed, and an ultrasonic generator to radiate ultrasonic waves toward the microfilter. Since the microfilter is automatically cleaned by the ultrasonic generator, a user may not need to manually clean the microfilter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Hee Lim, Su Jin Seong, Ae Lee Im, Jea Won Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Jung Min Choi, Hyung Kwen Ham, Kyung Ho Hwang
  • Patent number: 9615720
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber, a dish rack located within the wash chamber, and pump assembly for recirculating wash liquid is further provided with a spray assembly and a spray manifold with multiple nozzles each having at least one aperture emitting wash liquid into the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Carlson, Vincent P. Gurubatham, Jay C. Landsiedel, Edward L. Thies, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Patent number: 9615721
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with multiple, distinct washing fluid spray arms connected to a common, rack supported manifold. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, the manifold mates with a coupling of a fluid distribution system including a multi-tube feed arrangement configured to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to the multiple spray arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Walter T. Blanchard, David H. Chen
  • Patent number: 9615722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stemware holder unit (1) for holding a stemware (23) in a predetermined position in a dishwasher cup shelf (13), said stemware holder unit (1) comprising a flexible holding element (2) adapted to hold a stem (22) of said stemware (23). The holding element (2) comprises a first attachment portion (3) and a second attachment portion (4) adapted to be movably interconnected with said dishwasher cup shelf (13). The stemware holder unit (1) has a loading state, in which said holding element (2) is adapted to receive said stem (22) of said stemware (23), and a secured state, in which said holding element (2) is adapted to secure said stem (22) of said stemware (23), and wherein, in said loading state, said holding element (2) is essentially unfolded, and in said secured state, said holding element (2) is folded and essentially enclosing said stem (22) of said stemware (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Mesa, Adam Szczepanowski
  • Patent number: 9615723
    Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes a first drive control section controlling a drive state of a drive member in such a manner that a rotary unit rotates toward a first periaxial direction with a first rotation amount during a reference time. The insertion apparatus includes a second drive control section controlling the drive state of the drive member in such a manner that the rotary unit rotates toward a second periaxial direction with a second rotation amount smaller than the first rotation amount during the reference time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Umemoto
  • Patent number: 9615724
    Abstract: A gas feeding duct, a suction duct, a first valve that is installed in the gas feeding duct and opens a flow passage only when gas feeding is underway, and a second valve that is installed in a part of the flow passage on an upstream side relative to the first valve, and opens the flow passage K along with gas feeding and closes the flow passage at least when suction is underway are included, and when neither gas feeding nor gas suctioning is underway, the second valve closes the flow passage in conjunction with the first valve unexpectedly opening the flow passage as a result of pressure variation in a part of the gas feeding duct on a downstream side relative to the first valve and thereby prevents reverse flow of a fluid to the upstream side relative to the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko Murayama
  • Patent number: 9615725
    Abstract: A housing for an instrument such as an endoscopic camera head is provided. The housing includes at least two parts which are attachable to each other by using tabs and grooves, creating a sealed and tamper-evident housing without the use of externally exposed fasteners. A tool for attaching the two parts and a method of its use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wenjie Deng, William H. L. Chang, Dai D. Tong
  • Patent number: 9615726
    Abstract: Provided is a medical instrument which has improved operability of an insertion portion and can guide a distal end of the insertion portion to an intended position. The medical instrument includes: an insertion portion (10) which is inserted into a body cavity; a rotor (11) which is provided in an outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion (10) and has its rotational axis arranged in a direction along an axis of the insertion portion (10); and a rotary drive unit which rotates the rotor (11) around the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiromu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9615727
    Abstract: An insertion portion, a bending portion, an inner guide sheath, an operation portion, a fixing lever, a guide member, a crank member, a pair of link members, and cam members that are rotatable to a second rotation position where the cam members simultaneously press exposed sites of moving members to wall surfaces in a vertical direction, and a first rotation position where the cam members are separated from the exposed sites, by either one of opening and closing of the respective link members are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichi Arai, Tsugio Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9615728
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CamPlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Patent number: 9615729
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes an illumination unit which includes a modulation section configured to control a visible light source so that visible light from the visible light source is subjected to intensity modulation in a predetermined pattern, and emits modulated visible light as illumination light, a detection section configured to detect the modulated visible light, and a determination section configured to determine whether an insertion portion of an endoscope is present in an object based on a detection result of the detection section. The illumination unit is arranged outside the object, and the detection section is arranged at the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Nishio
  • Patent number: 9615730
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for in-vivo imaging, for example, using an in-vivo imaging device including an imager a lens and an illumination source, all positioned behind a single viewing window. The in-vivo imaging device may include an element to block light from reaching a point of reflection on the inner surface of the viewing window, thereby preventing the light from being received by the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
    Inventors: Amit Pascal, Zvika Gilad, Haim Bezdin
  • Patent number: 9615731
    Abstract: A combined tube set for a disposable water bottle for a medical instrument includes a cap with threads suitable for attachment to various water bottles. The combined tube set provides a first tube set for rinsing that includes an air and water tubes, and air/water connector The combined tube set also provides a second tube set for irrigation that includes an irrigation connector, backflow valve(s), and flexible tubing section. In some embodiments, the tube set can provide warm and/or humid gas to the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Medivators Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Henry Bendele, Christopher Steven Adams, Dina Grudo, Don Byrne, Leon Russ Smith
  • Patent number: 9615732
    Abstract: A device for covering dental mirrors to prevent contact of metal surfaces of a dental mirror from coming in to contact with a persons mouth while in use without covering the mirror portion of the mouth mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Jeff Cohen
  • Patent number: 9615733
    Abstract: An orthopedic surgery system includes: a retractor support arm; a table mounting assembly for securing the retractor support arm to the operating table; a first blade mounting arm slidably engaging the retractor support arm; a second blade mounting arm slidably engaging the retractor support arm in spaced relationship with respect to the first blade mounting arm; a first retractor blade connected to the first blade mounting arm; a second retractor blade connected to the second blade mounting arm; and a plate support assembly for releasably engaging an orthopedic plate wherein the plate support assembly slidably engages at least one of the retractor support arm or the first blade mounting arm or the second blade mounting arm. In one version of the invention, the system used in anterior cervical spine surgery and the orthopedic plate is an anterior cervical plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Eric W. Nottmeier
  • Patent number: 9615734
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a photographing part of an ophthalmologic apparatus photographs an eye from different directions. An optical system splits light into measurement light and reference light and detects interference light of measurement light returned from the eye and reference light. A changing part changes optical path length of measurement light. A controller controls the photographing part to perform photography and the optical system to perform first detection when first optical path length is set and controls the optical system to perform second detection when second optical path length is set and a second image substantially the same as a first image acquired by the photography is acquired. Based on the first and second optical path lengths, a calculator calculates distance between first and second sites of the eye through which measurement light has passed in the first and second detections, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventor: Takefumi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9615735
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining thickness of lipid and aqueous layers of a tear film in which a spectrum array is generated from optical coherence tomography and input into a statistical estimator, which determines the thickness of the lipid and/or aqueous layers at a nanometer resolution based on the inputted spectrum and other information, such as information about a laser intensity noise, Poisson noise, and dark noise associated with the OCT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: University of Rochester, The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of The University of Arizona
    Inventors: Jinxin Huang, Jannick P. Rolland, Eric Clarkson, Matthew Kupinski
  • Patent number: 9615736
    Abstract: In order to acquire a tomographic image of the eye to be inspected with high precision even in case where an optical path length and intensity vary depending on a scanned position in an OCT apparatus acquiring the tomographic image of a predetermined part of an object to be inspected, based on the intensity of interference light obtained by combining return light from the object that has been irradiated with the measuring light, with reference light corresponding to the measuring light, includes: a scanning optical system which scans the object with the measuring light in an optical path of the measuring light; an image forming unit which generates the tomographic image based on the intensity of the interference light; and an image correcting unit which subjects the tomographic image to a correction process appropriate to the scanned position with the measuring light on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Risa Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9615737
    Abstract: A distortion in an image, which occurs when the image is formed by scanning a retina with a resonance scanner, is reduced. An image forming apparatus for forming an image of an object to be inspected includes: a detecting unit for detecting signals relating to a resonance scanner which is set to scan the object to be inspected with measurement light at a first frequency; a determining unit for determining a second frequency which is estimated to be used for the scanning by the resonance scanner, based on a correlation between groups of the detected signals for each cycle of the first frequency; and an image forming unit for forming the image of the object to be inspected based on the determined second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiko Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 9615738
    Abstract: A method and an analysis apparatus for measuring a cornea of an eye includes an ophthalmological analysis system. The ophthalmological analysis system measures a topography of a cornea in a measurement time interval to obtain a number of image data sets of a surface area of the cornea experiencing a change in intraocular pressure. A repeated change in the topography of the cornea is determined from the number of image data sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OCULUS OPTIKGERAETE GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Steinmueller
  • Patent number: 9615739
    Abstract: A corneal topographer includes: a flat panel display configured to display a light pattern and to project the light pattern onto a cornea of an eye disposed on a first side of the flat panel display; an optical system disposed on a second side of the flat panel display, the optical system being configured to receive and process reflected light from the cornea that passes through the flat panel display from the cornea to the optical system; a camera configured to receive the processed reflected light from the optical system and to capture therefrom a reflected light pattern from the cornea produced in response to the projected light pattern; and one or more processors configured to execute an algorithm to compare the projected light pattern to the reflected light pattern from the cornea, and to produce a topographic map of the cornea based on a result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AMO WAVEFRONT SCIENCES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Farrer, W. Shea Powers, Daniel R. Neal, Larry B. Voss
  • Patent number: 9615740
    Abstract: An eye surgery microscope 1 having an illumination beam path 9 for imaging a portion of an eye 3 of a patient and a measurement beam path 25 for measuring an ametropia of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG, CARL ZEISS AG
    Inventors: Christoph Hauger, Markus Seesselberg, Marco Wilzbach
  • Patent number: 9615741
    Abstract: In order to perform observation and imaging by the same image capture unit, an ophthalmologic imaging method includes illuminating a fundus of an eye to be inspected with light having a first wavelength, guiding return light from the fundus to an image capture unit through a focus lens so as to obtain an in-focus position of the focus lens in accordance with the light having the first wavelength, illuminating the fundus with light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and guiding return light from the fundus to the image capture unit through the focus lens so as to obtain an image of the fundus. The focus lens is moved to an in-focus position for the light having the second wavelength based on a wavelength difference between the light having the first wavelength and the light having the second wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiraku Ogura
  • Patent number: 9615742
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for imaging, recognizing, and tracking of a user's eye that is wearing a HWC. Aspects further relate to the processing of images reflected from the user's eye and controlling displayed content in accordance therewith. Aspects further relate to determining health conditions of the user based on eye imaging technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Osterhout Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Border, John Haddick, Joseph Bietry
  • Patent number: 9615743
    Abstract: A method for generating an alarm during the monitoring of a patient with the step of determining a minute volume (MVpat) of the patient, setting a minute volume lower limit (MVlow) and/or a minute volume upper limit (MVhigh), wherein the minute volume (MVpat) is cumulated by means of an increment function into a volume (Vdeficit_kum) when the measured value drops below the minute volume lower limit (MVlow) or exceeds the minute volume upper limit (MVhigh), and an alarm is triggered when the cumulated volume (Vdeficit_kum) exceeds a maximum allowable volume (Vdeficit_apn). Furthermore, the present invention pertains to a device for reducing clinically irrelevant alarms during the monitoring of a patient for carrying out the method according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Thomas Krüger, Frank Franz, Birger Landwehr
  • Patent number: 9615744
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure is directed to a mixer amplifier that can be utilized within a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications. In some examples, the mixer amplifier may include a current source configured to generate a modulated current at a modulation frequency for application to a load to produce an input signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the input signal to produce an amplified signal, and a demodulator configured to demodulate the amplified signal at the modulation frequency to produce an output signal indicating an impedance of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Denison, Wesley A. Santa
  • Patent number: 9615745
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject is provided. The system may include a casing with a sensor coupled to the casing. The sensor may be configured to detect a physical parameter of the subject. The physical parameter may include a chemical parameter of the subject. The system includes an endoscopic clip coupled to the casing and may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting a signal via a wireless medium. The signal encodes the physical parameter of the subject detected by the sensor and the wireless transmitter is electronically connected to the endoscopic clip. The system may further include a monitor configured to communicate with the wireless transmitter for receiving the signal encoding the physical parameter of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Inventors: Christopher C. Thompson, Robert Westervelt, Alex Nemiroski, Keith L. Obstein
  • Patent number: 9615746
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for sensing health characteristics of a user using a floor mat including a set of health sensors integrated therewith. The set of health sensors including temperature sensors, body position sensors, and body fat sensors. A method including receiving, from the temperature sensors, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the body position sensors, body position data corresponding to a sensed body position of the user, receiving, from the body fat sensors, body fat data corresponding to a sensed body fat of the user, and transmitting, to a computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the body position data, and the body fat data for use in determining the body temperature, the body position, and the body fat of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Samantha J. Horseman
  • Patent number: 9615747
    Abstract: A method for the measurement and analysis of skin fluorescence across multiple subjects. The method includes illuminating each subject with an excitation wavelength, detecting a peak fluorescence level within a corresponding emission wavelength range, determining relative levels of skin glycation for each subject, and evaluating the efficacy of a skin treatment based on the relative levels of skin glycation. The method can include ranking and normalizing the peak fluorescence levels for each subject, and the method is suitable for use in placebo-controlled studies of anti-glycation skin therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Roth, Matthew C. DePauw, Deborah A. O'Toole
  • Patent number: 9615748
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and system for determining a position on or in a biological tissue can be provided. For example, using such exemplary embodiment, it is possible to control the focus of an optical imaging probe. In another exemplary embodiment, it is possible to implement a marking apparatus together with or into an optical imaging probe. According to one exemplary embodiment, it is possible (using one or more arrangements) to receive information associated with at least one image of at least one portion of the biological tissue obtained using an optical imaging technique. Further, it is possible to, based on the information, cause a visible change on or in at least location of the portion(s) using at least one electro-magnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, Dongkyun Kang, Melissa J. Suter
  • Patent number: 9615749
    Abstract: A method of remote monitoring of vital signs by detecting the PPG signal in an image of a subject taken by a video camera such as a webcam. The PPG signal is identified by auto-regressive analysis of ambient light reflected from a region of interest on the subject's skin. Frequency components of the ambient light and aliasing artefacts resulting from the frame rate of the video camera are cancelled by auto-regressive analysis of ambient light reflected from a region of interest not on the subject's skin, e.g. in the background. This reveals the spectral content of the ambient light allowing identification of the subject's PPG signal. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and breathing rate are obtained from the PPG signal. The values can be combined into a wellness index based on a statistical analysis of the values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: David Andrew Clifton, Mauricio Christian Villarroel Montoya, Lionel Tarassenko
  • Patent number: 9615750
    Abstract: A method for optoacoustic imaging of a tissue mass after treating the skin overlying a portion of a tissue being imaged to improve optical clarity is presented. In an embodiment, the method involves optoacoustic imaging after first applying a carrier agent such as hyaluronic acid to the skin surface and applying a clearing agent to the skin. A method of temporarily reducing optical scattering (opacity) of skin for diagnostic purposes is also presented. In an embodiment, the method involves applying a liquid comprising at least one of: polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, to the skin, the skin having been pretreated with hyaluronic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Anton Liopo, Alexander Oraevsky
  • Patent number: 9615751
    Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of detecting elements which detect an acoustic wave generated from an object irradiated with light and convert the acoustic wave into detection signals; a signal determining unit which determines a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is not in acoustic contact with the object, of the plurality of detecting elements; a signal acquisition unit which generates a corrected detection signal by deleting at least a region which is not based on an acoustic wave generated from the interior of the object, from the determined detection signal; and an image processor which forms image data of the object from a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is in acoustic contact with the object and from the corrected detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Fukutani
  • Patent number: 9615752
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for enabling the acquisition of physiological parameters of a mammal or other specimen using thermo-mechanical responses (e.g., temperature, pressure and alternatively acceleration, pulse, position). In accordance with one example embodiment, a monitoring device for wired and/or wireless sensors is used to acquire a series of sensor signals that are attached to achieve the physiological measurements of a mammal vital signs is provided. The device includes a Temperature-Pressure (T-P) sensor configured to attach to respiration, vascular pressure and audio points of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining the acquired individual sensor electrical signal. The sensor system is configured to attach to alternative locations of the specimen in a manner suitable for obtaining electrical signals in communication with a signal receiver and transmitter. Physiological parameters, such as those associated with vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick J. Buja
  • Patent number: 9615753
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for assessing the compliance of internal patient tissue for purposes of catheter guidance and/or ablation procedures. Specifically, the system/method provides for probing internal patient tissue in order to obtain force and/or tissue displacement measurements. These measurements are utilized to generate an indication of tissue elasticity. In one exemplary embodiment, the indication of elasticity is correlated with an image of the internal tissue area and an output of this image including elasticity indications is displayed for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Hauck
  • Patent number: 9615754
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of assessing heart function and a system for assessing heart function. In detail, the present disclosure relates to a measuring a change in oxygenation or blood flow in the heart of the subject in response to a breathing maneuver and comparing the change in oxygenation or blood flow to a control. The change in oxygenation may be measured by segmenting an image of a heart, determining the signal intensity of a region of interest in a segment of the image and comparing the signal intensity to a control. An abnormal change in oxygenation blood flow or signal intensity in the heart compared to the control is indicative of reduced heart function. The disclosure further relates to a system for diagnosing heart disease which comprises an imaging device and processor configured to assess heart function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Friedrich, Kady Fischer, Jacqueline Flewitt, Dominik Günsch
  • Patent number: 9615755
    Abstract: A method of determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) in a blood vessel having stenosis includes injecting fluid into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using a power fluid injector, measuring pressure drop across the stenosis, and calculating FFR from measured pressure drop. The injected fluid may comprise a contrast medium. Further action may include placing a pressure sensor proximal of the stenosis, injecting fluid into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using the power fluid injector, and measuring pressure in the blood vessel proximal of the stenosis. The pressure sensor may then be repositioned to a position distal of the stenosis, fluid may be reinjected into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using the power fluid injector, and pressure may be measured in the blood vessel distal of the stenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Riley, Michael A. Spohn, Gerald W. Callan
  • Patent number: 9615756
    Abstract: A device and method for use in monitoring blood pressure. The device comprises a controller configured to monitor a first blood pressure measurement based on a first blood pressure signal. The controller is configured to initiate acquiring a second blood pressure measurement based on a second blood pressure signal if the first blood pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold. The decision to initiate acquiring the second blood pressure measurement is based on only one blood pressure measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: CNSystems Medizintechnik AG, LiDCO Group PLC
    Inventors: Eric Mills, Terence Kevin O'Brien, Jürgen Fortin, Katja Maier
  • Patent number: 9615757
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine the presence of and track functional chronotropic incompetence (hereinafter “CI”) in an in-home setting under conditions of daily living. The functional CI of the patient may be determined with one or more of a profile of measured patient heart rates, a measured maximum patient heart rate, or a peak of the heart rate profile. The functional CI of the patient may be determined with the measured heart rate profile, in which the measured heart rate profile may correspond to heart rates substantially less than the maximum heart rate of the patient, such that the heart rate can be safely measured when the patient is remote from a health care provider. The functional CI of the patient may be determined based a peak of the remotely measured heart rate profile, for example a peak corresponding to the mode of the heart rate distribution profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolphe Katra, Niranjan Chakravarthy, Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 9615758
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiac tissue and treatment modalities for ablating ROS-associated tissue in cardiac disease. The methods rely upon targeting ROS-associated cardiac tissue for ablation and/or gene therapy in a subject using analytical tools based upon a plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for a tissue to assess ROS content and underlying AF organization as a function of ROS blockade conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventor: Rishi Arora
  • Patent number: 9615759
    Abstract: A new device and a method are provided which allow for making an electrical connection between an electrolyte and an electric wire. A new connector is provided which allows to be used by a single sterile operator. A new valved device is provided which allows for maintaining the integrity and the pressure of a saline column in the central venous line. A new device is provided which allows for automatically maintaining a continuous flush of a saline syringe in order to allow for keeping the valves of central venous lines open and capable of electric conduction. A new syringe is provided which allows for simultaneous electrical connection between the fluid in the syringe and an electrical wire. Several new methods are provided for making an electrical connection to a central venous line during and after the catheter placement procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Isabella Barbara Hurezan
  • Patent number: 9615760
    Abstract: Apparatus, which consists of a plurality of modules. Each of the modules has: an insulating frame, a pair of electrodes fixed to the frame at respective locations that are spaced apart, and circuitry configured to receive signals from the pair of electrodes and in response output a differential signal. The apparatus further consists of an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends and containing the plurality of modules in locations spaced longitudinally in proximity to the distal end. There is cabling running through the tube that is connected to convey differential signals from the modules to the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL), LTD.
    Inventor: Yoav Lichtenstein
  • Patent number: 9615761
    Abstract: Electrode impedances on a body of a subject are measured by connecting a sense electrode, a reference electrode and a return electrode to the body, using the sense electrode to deliver a test current from a current source to the body of the subject, and measuring the potential difference between the sense electrode and the reference electrode. The impedance of the sense electrode on the body is measured in accordance with the measurement of the potential difference between the sense electrode and the reference electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cognionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Mike Chi