Patents Issued in May 9, 2017
  • Patent number: 9642530
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring of a body function and/or a body property of a patient having a sensor which determines measurement values with regard to the body function and/or the body property, a unit for detecting a critical condition of the respective body function and/or body property based on the measurement values, a unit for providing alert information to the patient in case a critical condition is detected, preferably optically and/or acoustically, an acknowledgement unit for acknowledging the critical condition and a transmitter for transmitting information with regard to the corresponding body function and/or body property, for example an emergency signal and/or a position information, wherein the transmitter is only activatable in the case, in which after a predefined time period from the detection of the critical condition the acknowledgement unit has not been operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Jasmin Groeschke, Jan-Peter Spengler, Marc Bender, Heinz Riederer
  • Patent number: 9642531
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least one first radiation can be forwarded to the portion through at least one optical arrangement. At least one second radiation can be received from the portion which is based on the first radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function. Further, it is possible to forward at least one third radiation to the portion through such optical arrangement (or through another optical arrangement), and receive at least one fourth radiation from the portion which is based on the third radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) and the third radiation and/or the fourth radiation, the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) can have a second transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu
  • Patent number: 9642532
    Abstract: An imaging system for acquisition of NIR and full-color images includes a light source providing visible light and NIR light to an area under observation, such as living tissue, a camera having one or more image sensors configured to separately detect blue reflectance light, green reflectance light, and combined red reflectance light/detected NIR light returned from the area under observation. A controller in signal communication with the light source and the camera is configured to control the light source to continuously illuminate area under observation with temporally continuous blue/green illumination light and with red illumination light and NIR excitation light. At least one of the red illumination light and NIR excitation light are switched on and off periodically in synchronism with the acquisition of red and NIR light images in the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NOVADAQ TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: John Fengler, Paul R. Westwick, Aurther E. Bailey, Paul Cottle
  • Patent number: 9642533
    Abstract: A system is used to measure, record and analyze ocular surface temperature. The system comprises a contact lens and a receiving analyzer. The contact lens includes a temperature sensing device and a signal transmitting device. The temperature sensing device obtains data by measuring ocular surface temperature, and the signal transmitting device transmits the data through wireless signals. The receiving analyzer includes a signal receiving unit and an analyzing unit. The signal receiving unit receives the wireless signals, and based on the wireless signals, the analyzing unit analyzes and determines whether the ocular surface temperature is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: UBIQUITY BIOMEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Horng Ji Lai
  • Patent number: 9642534
    Abstract: Systems and methods for epicardial electrophysiology and other procedures are provided in which the location of an access needle may be inferred according to the detection of different pressure frequencies in separate organs, or different locations, in the body of a subject. Methods may include inserting a needle including a first sensor into a body of a subject, and receiving pressure frequency information from the first sensor. A second sensor may be used to provide cardiac waveform information of the subject. A current location of the needle may be distinguished from another location based on an algorithm including the pressure frequency information and the cardiac waveform information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Srijoy Mahapatra, George T. Gillies, Jason Tucker-Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9642535
    Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry sets a first region and a second region different from the first region on first volume data and sets the first and second regions on second volume data, the first regions each including an observation target. The processing circuitry performs a former alignment on the second regions of the first and second volume data. The processing circuitry performs a latter alignment on the first regions of the first and second volume data by using a result of the former alignment. The processing circuitry applies a measurement condition used for a measurement of the observation target in the first volume data to a measurement of the observation target in the second volume data by using a result of the latter alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 9642536
    Abstract: Video of one or more people is obtained and analyzed. Heart rate information is determined from the video and the heart rate information is used in mental state analysis. The heart rate information and resulting mental state analysis are correlated to stimuli, such as digital media which is consumed or with which a person interacts. The heart rate information is used to infer mental states. The mental state analysis, based on the heart rate information, can be used to optimize digital media or modify a digital game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Affectiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef Kashef, Rana el Kaliouby, Ahmed Adel Osman, Niels Haering, Viprali Bhatkar
  • Patent number: 9642537
    Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a syncope sensor imbedded into an electrocardiography monitor, which correlates syncope events and electrocardiographic data. Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended-wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest at the sternal midline and includes a unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improving the ability of the monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and QRS interval signals, which indicate ventricular activity in electrocardiographic waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BARDY DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Felix, Jon Mikalson Bishay, Gust H. Bardy
  • Patent number: 9642538
    Abstract: A health care band operably attaches a biosensor to a patient. The biosensor includes one or more sensors for collecting vitals of a patient and a wireless transmitter that is configured to communicate with an EMR network that stores and maintains an EMR of the patient. The biosensor stores a unique identification associated with the patient's EMR such that vitals measured by the biosensor may be transmitted with the patient's unique identification for storage in the patient's EMR. The sensors in the biosensor may include a thermometer, motion detector/accelerometer, pulse detector and oximeter, etc. In an embodiment, one of the sensors in the biosensor includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) based sensor that may be configured to continuously or periodically measure a patient's vitals, such as heart rate, pulse, blood oxygen levels, blood glucose or insulin levels, or other blood analytics in vitro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Sanmina Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Steven Newberry
  • Patent number: 9642539
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric sensor for the improved measurement of mechanical variables such as force, pressure or measurement variables which are derived there from, particularly a PVDF film sensor having an improved sensitivity and temperature stability of the measurement signal for pressure measurements that vary in time and/or space, and for the one-and two-dimensional determination of the position and propagation velocity of pressure fluctuations and pressure waves with a single measurement sensor at a measurement location. A preferred field of application of the invention is the non-invasive, low strain and continuous measurement of the pulse rate and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of humans and animals by determining the velocity and the signal form of the pulse waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SECTORCON INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT FUR SYSTEM-UND SOFTWARETECHNIK MBH
    Inventors: Roland Kopetsch, Mohammad Nasseri, Stephan Bergmann
  • Patent number: 9642540
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device includes a measurement air bladder for being wrapped around a body part to be measured, a compression member that compresses the measurement air bladder from the outside of the measurement air bladder against the body part to be measured; an inflation member for inflating the measurement air bladder, a deflation member for deflating the measurement air bladder, a blood pressure determination unit that determines a blood pressure during the inflation by the inflation member or during the deflation by the deflation member, and a control unit that causes the compression member to apply a pressure that is higher than or equal to an atmospheric pressure to the measurement air bladder when an internal pressure of the measurement air bladder reaches or falls below a certain pressure due to the deflation by the deflation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kinoshita, Chisato Uesaka, Yukiya Sawanoi
  • Patent number: 9642541
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device corrects the error caused by blood congestion. The device includes a blood pressure measurement section that calculates a blood pressure value of a patient based on the cuff pressure and pulse waves detected by a pressure sensor, a blood congestion determination section that determines a degree of blood congestion that occurred at a peripheral side of the measurement location due to the cuff pressure on the measurement location in accordance with a predetermined method, a blood pressure correction section that calculates a corrected blood pressure value based on the degree of the blood congestion, and a display that displays the corrected blood pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukiya Sawanoi
  • Patent number: 9642542
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device measures blood pressure and a blood pressure change affecting factor of a patient. The device includes a memory, a tolerance determination section, and a display unit. The tolerance determination section includes a rest/unrest condition determination section and a blood pressure tolerance determination section. The tolerance determination section determines whether the blood pressure of the patient is tolerant to the blood pressure change affecting factor. The display unit of the device displays the measured blood pressure, the measured blood pressure change affecting factor, and a tolerance determination of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiya Sawanoi, Mika Ezoe, Ayako Sakano
  • Patent number: 9642543
    Abstract: System and method for non-contact acquisition of current physiological data representing a subject. A first electromagnetic wave representing current physiological status of a first subject is modified by a second electromagnetic wave representing current physiological status of a second subject in proximity to the first subject. A parameter of the first electromagnetic wave representing a first physiological status of a first subject is measured with electronic circuitry to extract a parameter of the second electromagnetic wave. Historical physiological data associated with the second subject is acquired. The current physiological data representing current physiological status of the second subject is then derived based on historical physiological data of the second subject and a comparison between the first and second parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS
    Inventors: Ayan Banerjee, Sandeep K. S. Gupta
  • Patent number: 9642544
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the wellbeing of a fetus by the non-invasive detection and analysis of fetal cardiac activity data, utilizing a plurality of acoustic sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Oren Oz, Amit Kam, Nathan Intrator
  • Patent number: 9642545
    Abstract: A neural probe is disclosed for optically stimulating or silencing neurons and recording electrical responses to the stimulus. Using patterning techniques, an integral optical waveguide may be fabricated on the probe for transmitting neuron-affecting light from a light source to a probe tip. The probe tip may include one or more electrodes to receive electrical responses from stimulated neurons for recording or further processing. According to various embodiments, the disclosed neural probes may utilize multiple light sources simultaneously, switch between multiple light sources, or utilize a single light source to stimulate or silence multiple neuron locations simultaneously via multiple probe tips or via multiple light-emitting sites located along the length of the probe. Neural probes are thereby provided that have sufficient spatial resolution to accurately target, stimulate, and record the reaction of neurons, or as few as a single neuron, utilizing a slim, compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Euisik Yoon, Il-Joo Cho
  • Patent number: 9642546
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a relaxation state evaluation system and method and a computer program product thereof. The method comprises steps: measuring ECG data of a user; analyzing the ECG data to generate a first, second, third and fourth parameters, wherein the first parameter is the short-scale entropy slope of the user before cardiovascular disease treatment (CVDT); the second parameter is the difference of the post-CVDT and pre-CVDT mean RR intervals; the third parameter is the logarithm of the variance of the pre-CVDT high frequency NN intervals; the fourth parameter is the logarithm of the ratio of the variances of the pre-CVDT low frequency and high frequency NN intervals; working out an evaluation index, which is a function of the abovementioned parameters; and evaluating the relaxation state of the user, wherein the user is determined to be in a relaxation state if the evaluation index is over a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hung-Chih Chiu, Yi-Lwun Ho, Yen-Hung Lin, Hsi-Pin Ma, Tzung-Dau Wang, Chun-Chieh Chan, Hung-Chun Lu
  • Patent number: 9642547
    Abstract: A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for a cardiac arrest victim, the method comprising transforming one or more time domain electrocardiogram (ECG) signals into a frequency domain representation comprising a plurality of discrete frequency bands, combining the discrete frequency bands into a plurality of analysis bands, wherein there are fewer analysis bands than discrete frequency bands, determining the content of the analysis bands, and determining the type of treatment based on the content of the analysis bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Qing Tan, Gary A. Freeman, Frederick J. Geheb, James E. Brewer
  • Patent number: 9642548
    Abstract: An electrode pad for use on a living organism can measure an electrocardiographic signal without being hindered by body-motion noise. The electrode pad is attached to the skin of the living organism, detects an electrical signal, and supplies the electrical signal to an electrocardiograph. The electrode pad for use on a living organism is characterized by the provision of a mesh-like electrode that extends along the skin, a conductive gel sheet that is layered on top of the electrode and extends along the surface of the skin, and a soft protective sheet that covers the layered electrode and conductive gel sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: NIPRO CORPORATION, HARADA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sano, Masahide Harada
  • Patent number: 9642549
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for automation of QRS detection. In one example, among others, a system includes an integrate and fire (IF) sampler that can generate an IF pulse train from an analog input signal, and decision logic circuitry that can determine whether a QRS complex waveform is present in a pulse segment of the IF pulse train. In another example, a method includes generating an integrate and fire (IF) pulse train from an analog input signal, identifying a pulse segment of the IF pulse train, and determining whether a QRS waveform is present in the pulse segment based at least in part upon attributes associated with the pulse segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Gabriel Nallathambi, Jose C. Principe
  • Patent number: 9642550
    Abstract: A method is provided of analyzing a cardiac electrogram using a computer. In one step, a determination is made as to a plurality of cycle lengths between a plurality of activation peaks of the cardiac electrogram. In another step, a determination is made as to whether a mean of the plurality of cycle lengths meets at least one criteria. The method may be used to iteratively adjust a detection threshold level for detecting atrial fibrillation based on the cardiac electrogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Jason Ng
  • Patent number: 9642551
    Abstract: Atrial-Ventricular (A-V) condition in a heart is evaluated. Signal data sensed from the heart during an atrial stimulation of the heart is received. An Atrium-Hision (A-H) interval corresponding to an extra-stimulus event during the atrial stimulation of the heart is computed using the sensed signal data. Furthermore, a difference between the A-H interval corresponding to the extra-stimulus event and an A-H interval corresponding to a preceding extra-stimulus event is determined. Moreover, a presence of an A-H jump is automatically determined based on the determined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Chandrashekhar Pujar
  • Patent number: 9642552
    Abstract: The invention comprises an elongated device adapted for insertion, including self-insertion, through the body, especially the skull. The device has at least one effector or sensor and is configured to permit implantation of multiple functional components through a single entry site into the skull by directing the components at different angles. The device may be used to provide electrical, magnetic, and other stimulation therapy to a patient's brain. The lengths of the effectors, sensors, and other components may completely traverse skull thickness (at a diagonal angle) to barely protrude through to the brain's cortex. The components may directly contact the brain's cortex, but from there their signals can be directed to targets deeper within the brain. Effector lengths are directly proportional to their battery size and ability to store charge. Therefore, longer angled electrode effectors not limited by skull thickness permit longer-lasting batteries which expand treatment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Sherwin Hua
  • Patent number: 9642553
    Abstract: A magnetic field measuring apparatus includes a cell array which includes plural cells different in size of detection surface through which a magnetic flux passes when the cells are arranged in a magnetic field of a measurement object, a medium which is enclosed inside each of the plural cells and rotates a light polarization plane according to an intensity of the magnetic field, an irradiator to irradiate a light to the detection surface of each of the cells, and a detector to detect a rotation angle of a polarization plane of the light passing through each of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Hokari
  • Patent number: 9642554
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method for adjusting interference signal estimates provided by multichannel biomagnetic field measurements. A so-called Signal Space Separation method (SSS) is applied in the calculatory analysis of the measurement signals, providing for the division of the sources causing the fields in objects of interest and external interferences. When the signal basis representing the interferences has been estimated, this interference signal estimate is adjusted by measuring the fields without the object to be measured and without changing the sensor assembly. Interference components obtained in this manner are analyzed in such a way as to include only the most significant interference components. An adjusted interference subspace is formed, by means of which signal processing and the analysis of the useful signals can be continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Patent number: 9642555
    Abstract: An apparatus for subcutaneous lead guidance includes a flexible guide strap, a navigation catheter and a tunneling tool. The guide strap includes an upper layer having a plurality of retainer formations and a substrate attachable on a patient's skin extending between an incision and a target site. The navigation catheter is coupled to the upper layer via the retainer formations from a first end to a second end of the guide strap. The navigation catheter includes a plurality of position sensors for generating a subcutaneous navigation volume between the incision and the target site when the navigation catheter is coupled to a navigation system. The tunneling tool has a distal portion with a leading end and at least one position sensor on the distal portion for viewing digital representation of the distal portion in relation to the navigation volume on a display coupled to the navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Bonner, Kenneth Gardeski, Bruce R. Mehdizadeh, Roger Christopherson, Michael R. Neidert
  • Patent number: 9642556
    Abstract: Methods of using subcutaneously implantable sensor devices and associated systems having a communication module that is controlled based upon the detection of a predetermined chemical agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley Mo, Alexandra Zafiroglu, Giuseppe Raffa, Joshua Ratcliff, Jose Sia, Jr., Adam Jordan
  • Patent number: 9642557
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing respiration of a subject (20). Using a non-contact microphone (22), a raw signal indicative of air-flow sounds of the respiration is generated. The raw signal is analyzed to determine a first set of one or more parameters of the respiration. An algorithm is applied to the first set of one or more parameters of the respiration. An algorithm is applied to the first set of parameters to derive a second set of one or more estimated parameters of the respiration that are not generally directly measurable in the raw signal. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: 2BREATHE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Benjamin Gavish, Yoram Doron
  • Patent number: 9642558
    Abstract: A system and method is provided to measure intrathoracic complex impedance and to identify and indicate disease conditions based on the impedance measurements. Multiple impedance vectors may be taken into account, and an optimal vector may be selected to provide the most useful impedance measurement for the identification and indication of disease conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M Zielinski, Douglas A Hettrick, Shantanu Sarkar
  • Patent number: 9642559
    Abstract: A compression device (100) configured to provide compression therapy is provided. The compression device includes a wrap (101) having an outer face (105) defining a proximal edge (106), a distal edge (107), a first side edge (108), and a second side edge (109). The second side edge may include a plurality of attachment tabs (110,111,112). An index line (113) can be disposed on at least one of the plurality of attachment tabs. A measurement scale (114) can be disposed along the outer face. The measurement scale can include longitudinal boundaries (115,116) identifying a range within which the index line should position for the compression device to provide an appropriate fit for compression therapy when the compression device is wrapped about a patient's limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret Falconio-West, Kristy Matus, Jack Bowser
  • Patent number: 9642560
    Abstract: A data processing method for determining the relative orientation of an object coordinate system of an anatomical object in a global co-ordinate system, comprising the steps of: acquiring a reference direction dataset representing a first reference direction of a line between a first anatomical landmark of a reference object and a second anatomical landmark of the reference object, and a second reference direction of a line between a third anatomical landmark of the reference object and a fourth anatomical landmark of the reference object, wherein the first and second reference directions are given in a reference coordinate system and the reference object corresponds to the anatomical object; acquiring an object direction dataset representing a first object direction of a line between the first anatomical landmark of the anatomical object and the second anatomical landmark of the anatomical object, and a second object direction of a line between the third anatomical landmark of the anatomical object and the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Mario Schubert, Melanie Wegner, Sabine Kling
  • Patent number: 9642561
    Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body attached to the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes proximal and distal end portions. The system further comprises a securing mechanism encircling at least one of the proximal or distal end portions of the expandable body to tighten the expandable body against the elongated catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Ankit K. Mehta
  • Patent number: 9642562
    Abstract: A bio-surveillance system monitors symptoms or groups of symptoms experienced by people in a geographical area. The system tracks symptoms reported by calls to an emergency service dispatcher. The bio-surveillance system monitors the symptoms and associates the geographical location with the symptoms. Various triggers are programmed and stored in the system to look for certain types of threats. Each trigger is set based on a statistical variation of the historical data relating to the symptoms within a predetermined time in a predefined geographical area. When the reported symptoms exceed one of the triggers, an alert is activated to provide an indication of a potential biological or chemical terrorist attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Stout Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Stout
  • Patent number: 9642563
    Abstract: A smartphone protective cover that houses a glucose monitor, test strips, lancets, a lancet striker, a power source, and a biohazard debris receptacle is presented. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective covering is configured to include a smartphone adapted glucose monitor and also to accept a smartphone. In the preferred embodiment, the smartphone is removably placed into the protective covering with the glucose monitor connecting to a data receptacle on the smartphone. The protective further includes a lancet storage compartment adjacent to a lancet striker having a tension control member and striker release button, a test strip storage compartment, and a biohazard debris receptacle. The lancet storage compartment and test strip storage compartment can be re-fillable or disposable. A battery is also located in the cover and is electrically connected to the glucose for monitor, thus enabling the monitor to be powered independently of the phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: CRAWFORD CAPITAL INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer Crawford, Michael Landis
  • Patent number: 9642564
    Abstract: A device for detection of substances transmitted into the body surrounding environment through body boundaries including a first sensor arranged to face a body boundary surface and structured to locally detect a substance indicative of at least one targeted substance of interest transmitted through the body boundary surface in proximity of the body boundary surface of a monitored subject. The device also includes a second sensor arranged to face in an opposite direction from the body boundary surface and structured to detect in a surrounding environment at least one substance indicative of the targeted substance of interest transmitted through the body boundary surface of the monitored subject. In addition the device further include an electronic circuit structured to receive and process the signals generated by the first and second sensors, and to determine presence of the at least one targeted substance of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Zinovy Shnaper, Joseph Straub
  • Patent number: 9642565
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring physiological characteristics is provided that includes a circuit assembly and a means of deforming the sensor to a desired shape of small radius compound curvature. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a deformable layer configured to conform and maintain a shape of a surface on which the sensor is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Oleg Gonopolskiy, Rick Scheuing
  • Patent number: 9642566
    Abstract: A flexible embedded sensor array includes a first substrate, an electrically conductive pad disposed on at least a portion of the first substrate, and a plurality of sensors disposed on at least a portion of electrically conductive pads. Further, the flexible embedded sensor array includes an electrically non-conductive adhesive material disposed in proximity to one or more of the plurality of sensors, a second substrate, and an electrical contact disposed between at least a portion of the sensor and at least a portion of the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher James Kapusta, Eric Patrick Davis, Jason Harris Karp
  • Patent number: 9642567
    Abstract: A device includes a body part and a wearable part integrally attached to the body part and to be worn on a finger, and includes a light source unit and a light receiving unit that are arranged so as to oppose each other. The body part includes an electric circuit including a signal processor, a power supply unit, and a first terminal unit electrically connected to the electric circuit, and the wearable part includes at least one of the light source unit and the light receiving unit, and a second terminal unit electrically connected to the at least one of them. The first and second terminal units are mechanically in contact with and electrically connected to each other. The signal processor acquires a digital value concerning a pulse wave based on a signal output from the light receiving unit receiving light from the light source unit via the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Norihiro Tateda, Masaharu Kanazawa, Hitoshi Kamezawa
  • Patent number: 9642568
    Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system may include a hand-held monitor, a transmitter, an insulin pump, and an orthogonally redundant glucose sensor, which may comprise an optical glucose sensor and a non-optical glucose sensor. The former may be a fiber optical sensor, including a competitive glucose binding affinity assay with a glucose analog and a fluorophore-labeled glucose receptor, which is interrogated by an optical interrogating system, e.g., a stacked planar integrated optical system. The non-optical sensor may be an electrochemical sensor having a plurality of electrodes distributed along the length thereof. Proximal portions of the optical and electrochemical sensors may be housed inside the transmitter and operationally coupled with instrumentation for, e.g., receiving signals from the sensors, converting to respective glucose values, and communicating the glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Jesper Svenning Kristensen, Katherine T. Wolfe, Soren Aasmul, Anubhuti Bansal
  • Patent number: 9642569
    Abstract: A fluid collection assembly (10) and method for use thereof is provided including a fluid collection cartridge (20) having a tubular member (21) with a plunger assembly slidably inserted. The plunger assembly includes a stopper (32) and a plunger rod (31). The stopper and plunger rod are removably interlocked together which enables the plunger rod to exert a force in a distal direction on the stopper and to be removed from the stopper upon the application of a proximal force thereto. The fluid collection assembly is particular useful in the collection of arterial blood. In use, the assembly is primed with a liquid anticoagulant, the plunger rod is removed, and a blood sample is collected with the arterial pressure causing the stopper to travel in a proximal direction along the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kevin Wei Li Neo, Chee Mun Kuan
  • Patent number: 9642570
    Abstract: A multi-modal olfactometer including a carrier assembly slidably coupled with a track and movable between a loading and testing position, a distribution block coupled with the carrier assembly and including a plurality of independent flow channels, a plurality of bottles configured for containing a gas stimuli and for being coupled with the distribution block, a plurality of tubes in flow communication with corresponding channels defined in the distribution block, an outlet piece including a plurality of independent flow channels that are each in flow communication with one of the respective tubes, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent to the bottles when the carrier assembly is in the testing position. The actuator operates to impact each of the bottles to cause the respective gas stimulus to flow through the respective channel in the distribution block, tube, and channel in the outlet piece for inhalation by a test subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Terry E. Acree, Stephen G. Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 9642571
    Abstract: A system and method for is provided for operation of an orthopedic system. The system includes a load sensor for converting an applied pressure associated with a force load on an anatomical joint, and an inertial sensing device configured to measure alignment. The inertial sensing device provides alignment measurement data to measure alignment. An ultrasonic transducer, MEMs microphone, electromagnets, optical elements, metallic objects or other transducers can be configured to convert or convey a physical movement to an electrical signal and support measurement of muscular-skeletal alignment. The load sensor can be used to measure load magnitude and position of load of an applied load by the muscular-skeletal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC
    Inventors: Jason McIntosh, Martin Roche, Marc Boillot, Carlos Gil
  • Patent number: 9642572
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method of monitoring a position of a joint. An inertial monitoring unit is configured to be coupled to a portion of a patient, such as a thigh. Another inertial monitoring unit is configured to be attached to another portion of the patient, such as a shank, that is connected to the other portion by a joint, such as a knee. The inertial monitoring units detect motion of their respective portions of the patient and transmit data indicative of this motion. These transmissions may be received by a computer and used to determine an orientation of the joint. The inertial monitoring units may also be coupled to vibration detection units and/or ultrasound modules that provide additional data regarding a condition of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Joint Vue, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed R. Mahfouz, Gary To
  • Patent number: 9642573
    Abstract: A practitioner device for facilitating at least one of testing and treatment of at least one auditory disorder is disclosed. The practitioner device includes a user interface configured for receiving an input from a practitioner. Further, the practitioner device includes a communication interface configured for communicating information between the practitioner device and at least one of a mobile device and another practitioner device over at least one of a wired communication channel and a wireless communication channel, wherein the information is based on the input, wherein the information corresponds to at least one of at least one auditory test and at least one auditory treatment procedure, wherein the mobile device facilitates at least one of testing of at least one auditory disorder and treatment of at least one auditory disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Yong D Zhao, Jennifer Jinping Zhao
  • Patent number: 9642574
    Abstract: A biometric sensor assembly measures biometric data of a wearer of a hardhat. The biometric sensor assembly includes a suspension harness to be removably secured to the hardhat. A biometric sensor is attached to the suspension harness in a way that allows direct or indirect contact with the wearer to enable measurement of the biometric data. The biometric sensor assembly also includes an electrical connection of the biometric sensor and the hardhat for data and power transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GuardHat, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Zhavoronkov, Gerrit Reepmeyer, Saikat Dey
  • Patent number: 9642575
    Abstract: An ECG processing system which removes vehicle motion artifact from a measured ECG signal based on vehicle cabin motion and vehicle suspension motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Ulrich R. Herken
  • Patent number: 9642576
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for canceling shunted light. The method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation at tissue of interest and generating a signal representative of detected electromagnetic radiation. A portion of the generated signal representing shunted light is canceled from the generated signal and the remaining portion of the generated signal is used to compute physiological parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Ethan Petersen
  • Patent number: 9642577
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of using wavelet transform in a dual-track architecture to process ECG signals of patients and reference ECG signals of previously studied subjects to assess the cardiovascular health of the patients. The dual-track architecture refers to running wavelet transform on the ECG signals of the patients and the reference ECG signals to extract and analyze 2-dimensional time-domain signal characteristics of the ECG signals, and to build and analyze a 3-dimensional model of frequency-domain and time-domain information of the ECG signals. The characteristics of the ECG signals of the patients and the reference ECG signals may be compared and used to identify a cardiovascular disease of the patient or to recommend follow-up tests. The results of the comparison may also be used to configure the ECG device used to acquire the ECG signals of the patient and/or to optimize the parameters of the 2-D/3-D analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: American Reliance, Inc.
    Inventors: Fu Yu Li, Edward Chen
  • Patent number: 9642578
    Abstract: A biosensor includes a PPG circuit that emits light directed at living tissue at a plurality of wavelengths. A first and second spectral response of light reflected from the tissue is obtained around a first wavelength and a second wavelength. Using absorption coefficients for substances at the plurality of wavelengths, concentration levels of a plurality of substances may then be determined from the spectral responses. This embodiment of the biosensor may thus be used to determine concentrations of a plurality of substances in arterial blood flow using the spectral response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SANMINA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Steven Newberry
  • Patent number: 9642579
    Abstract: A system and a method for processing data obtained from an input signal including physiological information representative of at least one at least partially periodic vital signal. The physiological information is derivable from visible radiation reflected by an object, such as a person. The system includes a detector for detecting at least one vital signature in the input signal and a converter for creating an output signal by modifying the input signal depending on the detected vital signature. The output signal includes an artificial signature at least partially replacing a respective vital signature of the at least one vital signature of the input signal. The system may further include a sensor for detecting visible electromagnetic radiation within at least one particular wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jeanne, Nathalie Magali Danielle Velthoven