Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
  • Patent number: 9717367
    Abstract: The present application relates to a vacuum flask assembly (1). The vacuum flask assembly (1) comprises a vacuum flask (2) with a push-button lid (5). The push-button lid (5) is movable between an open condition and a closed condition, in which a sealing actuator (15) of the lid (5) is elevated when the lid (5) is in its open condition and retracted when the lid (5) is in its closed condition. The vacuum flask assembly (1) further comprises a container part (21) which is locatable over the lid (5) and is mountable to the vacuum flask (2). When the lid (5) is in its open condition, the container part (21) is configured to act on the sealing actuator (15) as the container part (21) is mounted to the vacuum flask (2), so that the lid (5) is urged to move from its open condition into its closed condition. The present application also relates to a container (3) for a vacuum flask (2) and a baby bottle kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Marc Leendert Verwillegen
  • Patent number: 9717368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pureeing unit (1) for an apparatus for processing foodstuffs with at least one knife (31, 32) arranged radially to a rotation axis (2) and with at least one blade (41, 42) arranged radially to the rotation axis (2). The at least one knife (31, 32) and the at least one blade (41, 42) are rotatable about the rotation axis (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: swizzzProzzz AG
    Inventor: Bruno Herren
  • Patent number: 9717369
    Abstract: The invention discloses a hand blender with a body which can be connected with different stirring tools. The body includes a motor with an output shaft, a deceleration component and a plurality of output connectors. The speed control knob and the safety switch, starting switch which control the moving of the motor are set up of the body. The control circuit includes a half speed control lever and a reverse control lever which can be moved by the corresponding stirring tools. The hand blender can connected with different stirring tools and output different kinds of speeds. It is more convenient and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Shu Sang Cheung, Xianliang Ouyang
  • Patent number: 9717370
    Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Potter
  • Patent number: 9717371
    Abstract: A portable sink includes a container for holding wash water, an inlet line to bring fresh water into the container, and an outlet line to remove wastewater from the container. A float valve on the inlet line maintains wash water at a selected level within the container. A faucet attached to the float valve may further provide a separate source of clean water to the user. The outlet line further includes a siphon to draw the wastewater from the container to a selected discharge location. The sink may be provided with one or more handles and/or a caster assembly or dolly for ease of movement about the work area. The siphon preferably includes an airlock to prevent the ingress of air at the discharge end under conditions of less than maximum flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Aaron Wade
  • Patent number: 9717372
    Abstract: A quick connecting device and a shower room assembly are disclosed. The quick connecting device comprises an inserting member, a receiving member and a locking key. The shower room assembly comprises a track connected at a corner uses the above quick connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Foshan Ideal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wuxiang Wei
  • Patent number: 9717373
    Abstract: A rigid material, preferably recycled plastic, Tubular Toothpaste Tube Stand with Brushing Timer is a countertop dental hygiene appliance. It is comprised of a vertically arranged, open top and open bottom, tubular toothpaste tube stand with an attached, stationary, sand/oil liquid timer hourglass to provide the user a visual gauge to determine elapsed brushing time. The appliance also assists with concentrating toothpaste, within the toothpaste tube, toward the tube's nozzle end. Also, the appliance can be made into various decorative shapes, and, can employ decorative graphics to attract users. It can be easily assembled as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Andrews, Amy Lynne Andrews
  • Patent number: 9717374
    Abstract: A bodily scrubbing assembly includes a housing that may be removably coupled to a wall in a shower. A sponge is removably positioned in the housing. Thus, the sponge is retained on the shower thereby facilitating the sponge to scrub a user's body. A plurality of couplers is provided and each of the couplers is coupled to the sponge. Each of the couplers engages the housing such that the sponge is removably retained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Anderson Kinsale
  • Patent number: 9717375
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a housing including a cover portion attached to a base portion. The cover portion includes an opening. The dispensing system includes a dispensing assembly within which a material is contained and from which the material is dispensed. The dispensing assembly is supported within an interior of the base portion and in fluid communication with the opening. At least one of the cover portion is movable relative to the base portion or the base portion is moveable relative to the cover portion. A position of the cover portion relative to the base portion is adjusted between a first position, in which the cover portion does not engage the dispensing assembly such that the material is not dispensed through the opening, and a second position, in which the cover portion engages the dispensing assembly such that the material is dispensed through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Keith A. Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 9717376
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing skin uses a brushless electric motor and a spring. The apparatus may include a case; an operation unit installed outside the case; a power supply unit installed at one end inside the case; the brushless electric motor installed inside the case; a control unit to output an electric signal; a face-washing brush fitted with a shaft of the brushless electric motor to be rotated forward and reverse as the brushless electric motor is operated; a holder and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION, SENTRONIX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheonghwan Hwang, Sohee Kim, Wooram Park, Yoon-hee Lee, Hyeseong Nam, Chilsung Lee, Jeongmin Lee, Hyoyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 9717377
    Abstract: A system including a roll formed from a web having at least one characteristic mark of the roll, and a dispenser which has an element for identifying this mark in order to determine whether a new roll installed in the dispenser is a compatible roll. The mark is present on a free end section of the new roll. This marked free end section is followed by at least one section that does not have a characteristic mark of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SCA TISSUE FRANCE
    Inventors: Gilles Cattacin, Nicolas Pommier
  • Patent number: 9717378
    Abstract: Embodiments of a roll support, and a roll support system, for a sheet product dispenser are disclosed. One such roll support includes an arm having an end portion and an aperture proximate the end portion of the arm and recessed therein. The aperture includes a capture region and a release region. The capture region has a width dimensioned to receive a matching end cap and shaped to allow the matching end cap to rotate freely within the capture region. The release region is contiguous with the capture region and has a width less than the width of the capture region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LP
    Inventor: Antonio Michael Cittadino
  • Patent number: 9717379
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a selectable quantity of absorbent sheet products is provided. The dispenser includes a container for containing a stack of absorbent sheet products, and an opening through which at least one absorbent sheet product is graspable. The opening includes a main portion in a first side of the container and at least one additional portion extending the main portion towards a second side of the container such that the, at least one, additional portion extends above and transversally relatively to the stack of absorbent sheet products contained in the container. The, at least one, additional portion defines multiple exposing zones along an axis (x) from one end of the main portion towards another end of the main portion. Each additional portion has a length from the axis (x) being associated with a maximum amount of absorbent sheet products graspable at the same time in a single seizure by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SCA TISSUE FRANCE
    Inventors: Yoann Denis, Karine Papin, Loïc Sieber, Matti Ellonen
  • Patent number: 9717380
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include an air-permeable filter material, and a helical inlet guide. Dirt entering the helical inlet guide within a working airstream is visible to the user through an at least partially transparent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Krebs, Joseph A. Fester
  • Patent number: 9717381
    Abstract: A hose retractor valve for central vacuum cleaning systems that utilize retractable suction hoses that retract into a system vacuum tubing for storage. The hose retractor valve includes a vacuum assisted hose lock and seal assembly comprising a tapered cylinder and an elastomeric cylinder which restrain the vacuum hose from being drawn into the system vacuum tubing while in use, and seals around the hose outer diameter to prevent air from passing between the inside of the system vacuum tubing and exterior of the hose at the valve assembly. The hose lock and seal assembly is self-locking and vacuum assisted, while also permitting additional hose to be extracted by pulling on the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: James Roger Harman
  • Patent number: 9717382
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a reduced frictional force between a vacuum base and a cleaning medium is described. The vacuum has a handle, yoke, body, and base. A handle and yoke distinct from, and behind, the base provides a moment arm anterior to the base when a force is applied. The handle and yoke assembly reduce the friction between the cleaning surface and the vacuum, allowing for larger motor and debris capturing capabilities, with easier handling and maneuverability resulting in advanced and superior cleaning capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Charles J. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9717383
    Abstract: An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus can include a surface cleaning head having a brush motor that can be drivingly connected to a moveable brushing member. The brush motor may have a brush motor axis. The surface cleaning head can include a cyclone comprising a cyclone chamber. The cyclone may have a longitudinal cyclone axis. The surface cleaning head can include a suction motor having a first end, a second end. A suction motor axis may extend between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the brush motor may be located between the first and second ends of the suction motor. An upper portion may be moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising a drive handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 9717384
    Abstract: An apparatus controls operations of a cleaner. The apparatus comprises a network interface unit for receiving first information regarding external conditions through an external network, and a controller for setting up operating schedules of the cleaner based on the first information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jong-Gyu Ham, Hee-Jun Song
  • Patent number: 9717385
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, having a wireless communication and control system including two or more wireless radio frequency communication devices configured to transmit and receive control instructions and responses to control the operation of various electrical components disposed within or attached to the surface cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Charles Andrew Liter
  • Patent number: 9717386
    Abstract: A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a cleaning solution tank, a recovery tank, first and second spray nozzles, a spray selection switch, a vacuum inlet port, an agitator assembly, and a handle. The spray selection switch controls whether liquid is expelled from the second spray nozzle when liquid is expelled from the first spray nozzle. The agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators. The first agitator is configured to rotate. The second agitator is configured to reciprocate. The handle is pivotally connected to the rest of the liquid extraction cleaning device and is lockable in several pivotal orientations. The handle can also be pivoted forward from a rearwardly extending direction to an extent that it extends forward horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: RUG DOCTOR, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Wall, Ann Marie Morrow, Walter Haug, Phuong Le, Charles Michael Ostendorf, Schubert Pereira, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Vincent Lau, Jason Edward Hill, Jason Tilk, Evan Spirk, Lindsey Tufts, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens
  • Patent number: 9717387
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for training and operating of robotic appliances. Robotic appliance may be operable to clean user premises. The user may train the appliance to perform cleaning operations in constrained areas. The appliance may be configured to clean other area of the premises automatically. The appliance may perform premises exploration and/or determine map of the premises. The appliance may be provided priority information associated with areas of the premises. The appliance may perform cleaning operations in order of the priority. Robotic vacuum cleaner appliance may be configured for safe cable operation wherein the controller may determine one or more potential obstructions (e.g., a cable) along operating trajectory. Upon approaching the cable, the controller may temporarily disable brushing mechanism in order to prevent cable damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Brain Corporation
    Inventors: Botond Szatmary, Vadim Polonichko
  • Patent number: 9717388
    Abstract: A pad changer capable of automatically replacing a pad used to wipe out dust on a floor, a cleaner and a cleaner system having the pad changer are provided. The pad changer to replace a pad mounted to a cleaner includes a replacement unit. The replacement unit includes a separation cartridge to separate the pad from the cleaner and receive the separated pad therein, and a mounting cartridge to receive a pad therein and mount the pad to the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Youl Jeong, Dong Hun Lee, Min Jae Kim, Heum Yong Park, Dong Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9717389
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a fluid recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and dirt. The fluid delivery system can further include a bladder housed within a tank of the recovery system, and the bladder can be closed by a fill cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Johnson, Michael Graham, Mitchell DeJonge, Kenneth M I Lenkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9717390
    Abstract: A steam cleaning apparatus comprising: a main body having a boiler and a pump; a main power switch; a cleaning head coupled to a main body through a joint; a yoke in the main body or the cleaning head, the yoke having an arm contacting a position sensitive switch so that when the main body is in a non-use position, the position sensitive switch prevents the main switch from supplying power, and when the main body is in an in-use position, the position sensitive switch allows the main switch to provide power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Barry Pears, David Rowntree, Martyn Riley, Stephen Houghton, Andrew Walker
  • Patent number: 9717391
    Abstract: The disclosed cleaning system provides a system for storing and containing together a cleaning tool and cleaning ampoules, which contain the cleaning material, so that all the necessary parts of the cleaning system are easily stored and accessible for cleaning needs. In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes a cleaning tool and a cleaning ampoule. The cleaning tool includes a body with a working surface having scrubbing elements. The body has an ampoule receptacle. The cleaning ampoule contains a cleaning material. The cleaning ampoule includes a compartment and a cover for containing the cleaning material in the compartment. The ampoule receptacle is capable of holding the cleaning ampoule while the cleaning material is dispensed to the working surface from the cleaning ampoule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Mitchell E. Culbreath, Philip J. Dumont, Trisha D. Adamson
  • Patent number: 9717392
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing tub defining a space that is configured to receive dishes to be washed by wash water, a sump configured to receive and collect wash water flowing from the washing tub, a filter unit disposed at the sump and configured to filter the wash water flowing from the washing tub to the sump, and a cap configured to prevent the wash water received in the sump from flowing from the filter unit to the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sanghoon Lee, Sangheon Yoon, Gapsu Shin
  • Patent number: 9717393
    Abstract: A household appliance, such as dishwasher, includes a bulk unit-dose dispenser configured to hold multiple unit doses of treating chemistry and dispense the treating chemistry at the appropriate time in a cycle of operation. The bulk unit-dose dispenser can include a multiple compartments moveable along a track, and the compartments can be sequentially moved into registry with a dispensing opening of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kristopher L. Delgado, Michael I Hirsh, Nathan W. Kryglowski, Rafael G. Reyes, Michael S. Seeley, Barry E. Tuller, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Patent number: 9717394
    Abstract: A lint remover cover is provided. The cover is a substantially flat and bendable sheet having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, and an edge about the perimeter. A strap is attached to the upper surface and protrudes past the edge on the first end. A connector is attached to the upper surface near the second end and releasably attaches to the strap. The cover is wrapped around a lint roller covering the adhesive tape. The strap connects to the connector to further secure the cover to the lint roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Helen Ann DeSimone
  • Patent number: 9717395
    Abstract: A piston is inserted into a piston passage of a cylinder. The piston is displaced between a first position of a non-contact state and a second position by a pressing operation. At the first position, a suction source connection port of the cylinder faces a circumferential groove of the piston and a suction source conduit communicates with an outside atmosphere. At the second position, the suction source connection port faces an outer peripheral surface opening and the suction source conduit communicates with a suction connection port. A V-shaped opening portion as a correction opening portion is formed in the outer peripheral surface opening. The V-shaped opening portion causes an increment of a communication opening width at which the suction source connection port overlaps with the outer peripheral surface opening to be three times or less an increment of a pressing stroke of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Toyoda
  • Patent number: 9717396
    Abstract: A video endoscope with sideways viewing direction including an endoscope shaft having a jacket tube, an entry window joined hermetically to the jacket tube at the distal end of the jacket tube, a sideways viewing optical subassembly and a sensor module having an optical sensor, wherein the sensor module is disposed on a distal side of a longitudinally extended sensor module carrier that is rotatably mounted with respect to the jacket tube. In the video endoscope, the sideways viewing optical subassembly can be formed as an attachment which can be plugged distally onto the sensor module and/or the sensor module carrier and which is rotatably mounted with respect to the sensor module and/or the sensor module carrier, wherein the attachment has at least one lock which interacts with at least one corresponding lock on the jacket tube, such that the attachment is rotationally fixed with respect to the jacket tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Jungbauer, Sebastian Stuehle, Patrick Scherr, Ronny Huebl
  • Patent number: 9717397
    Abstract: A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The external sheath includes projections that fit closely on either side of one or more of the external ribs to lock the sheath in place circumferentially relative to the arthroscope. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Cannuflow, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Kucklick
  • Patent number: 9717398
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting system for endoscopic examinations having a lighting unit that includes at least two LED elements for illuminating an area of examination that is to be observed by means of an endoscope optic. To create a lighting system for endoscopic examinations that ensures a constantly sufficient illumination of the area of examination, it is proposed according to the invention that the direction of radiation of the lighting unit can be displaced between a direction essentially perpendicular to the direction of observation of the endoscope optic upon insertion into the area of examination and a direction essentially in the direction of observation of the endoscope optic after insertion into the area of examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus M. Irion
  • Patent number: 9717399
    Abstract: An endoscope and methods of use thereof are provided, which includes at least one multi-functional extending arm supporting a plurality of imaging, lighting and other sensory elements. The arms provide a mounting platform upon which cameras, lights and sensors may be mounted to generate multiple-angled images and video, arena-like lighting and other data for performing a minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) procedure. The arms may be inserted through a single portal in the endoscope and extended outward in multiple directions from the single portal once inserted into a body cavity. The endoscope may also include support arms which support the extending arms within the body cavity and a stabilization plate which anchors the endoscope to an external surface of the body. An endoscopic tool with optical, lighting and other sensors integrated into a functional end is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ENDOPODIUM, INC.
    Inventor: Allen Newman
  • Patent number: 9717400
    Abstract: An illuminating lens for a medical headlamp, endoscope or exoscope, to generate an illuminating light bundle with variable light distribution includes a liquid lens with variable focal length to modify a focusing of the illuminating light bundle. The invention also relates to an observation device with an illuminating lens of this type as well as a method to generate an illuminating light bundle with variable light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan Dahmen
  • Patent number: 9717401
    Abstract: A surgical headlight system includes an adjustable headband, a light assembly mounted to the headband, a motor assembly mounted to the headband and the light assembly, and electronic controller having a wireless transceiver therein, a power control circuit for varying electrical power delivered to a light source of the light assembly, a power source in electrical communication with the light assembly, the motor assembly, and the wireless transceiver, and a sterilizable wireless controller configured to transmit instructions to the wireless transceiver, the instructions causing the electronic controller to one or more of actuate at least one motor of the motor assembly to alter an orientation of the light assembly, adjust a diameter of an aperture of the light assembly, adjust a spacing between one or more condensing lenses and an objective lens, or operate the power control circuit to increase or decrease electrical power delivered to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Jay S. Orringer, M.D., A Professional Corporation
    Inventors: Jay S. Orringer, JoLynne V. Orringer, Jordan H. Orringer, Thomas V. Root, Michael A. Cook
  • Patent number: 9717402
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, apparatuses, and computing device readable media for confocal imaging using astigmatism. Confocal imaging can include receiving an image of a portion of an object captured by a confocal imaging device having a particular astigmatic character, determining an image pattern associated with the image, and determining a distance between a focus plane of the confocal imaging device and the portion of the object based, at least in part, on information regarding the image pattern. Confocal imaging can also include receiving data representing an image pattern associated with an image of an object captured by a confocal imaging device having a particular astigmatic character and having an image sensor with a plurality of pixels, and determining a positional relationship between the object and a focus plane of the confocal imaging device based on a distribution of the diffraction pattern over a portion of the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Erez Lampert, Isaia Glaser-Inbari
  • Patent number: 9717403
    Abstract: The foregoing application describes a system and method of performing a minimally invasive surgical operation. More specifically, the invention involves the use of disposable cannula and slender dilators of variable lengths, which incorporate a source of illumination to carry light to a surgical site and video capabilities for capturing and displaying images from a CMOS or CCD camera device. According to one embodiment, fiber optics run semi-circumferentially or along walls of the cannula/dilator and terminate at about a centimeter from the distal end of the cannula/dilator, thereby preventing illumination from “bottoming out” at the floor of the incision. According to one alternate embodiment, the light fibers may be fashioned in an annulus around one or more camera chips to provide illumination and video of the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Kleiner
  • Patent number: 9717404
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating simulated images includes an input device, a processor and a display device. The input device is configured to input information on a pupil of an eye and design information for a multifocal lens. The processor is configured to generate, based on the inputted pupil information and design information, a simulated image that is visible to the eye when the multifocal lens is disposed in the eye. The display device is configured to display the simulated image generated by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SPECIALEYES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Brauner, Michael John Simpson
  • Patent number: 9717405
    Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan data is used to automatically detect and characterize vitreoretinal membranes in a spatially precise manner to generate a mask image. The mask image may characterize various aspects of a vitreoretinal membrane. The mask image is then overlaid with an optical image of the retina to enable visualization of the vitreoretinal membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Hugang Ren, Lingfeng Yu
  • Patent number: 9717406
    Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of folding apparatus for ocular purposes for the first time. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Netra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manish Dinkarrao Kulkarni, Manmohan Singh Sidhu
  • Patent number: 9717407
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing night vision are disclosed. At least one visual mark is presented to a test person having an open pupil from a distance of several meters. The visual mark is configured as a light point, and a visual impression of the test person is determined by means of the visual mark. The apparatus comprises means for opening a pupil of a test person, in particular a darkened room. An examination position for the test person and a presentation apparatus for visual marks arranged at a distance of several meters from the examination position are also provided. The presentation apparatus comprises at least one point-shaped light source. A light beam thereof is directed towards the examination position. Means are provided for determining a visual impression of the test person with the help of the visual marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS VISION GMBH
    Inventors: Jesus Miguel Cabeza Guillen, Timo Kratzer
  • Patent number: 9717408
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes: a first optical system that applies an accommodation stimulus to a subject's eye; a tomographic image forming unit that includes a second optical system that splits light from a light source into signal light and reference light, and detects interference light between the signal light having travelled via the subject's eye and the reference light, and creates a tomographic image of the subject's eye based on a detection result of the interference light; and an analyzer that compares a first tomographic image with a second tomographic image to acquire change information indicating a change in a tissue of the subject's eye due to an accommodation stimulus change. The first and second tomographic images are respectively created by the tomographic image forming unit for the subject's eye, to which first and second accommodation stimuli are respectively applied by the first and second optical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Masahiro Akiba, Yasufumi Fukuma, Hiroshi Akiyama, Hisashi Tsukada, Eiichi Yanagi
  • Patent number: 9717409
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a planar image acquisition unit configured to acquire a planar image of a subject, a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomographic image indicating a polarization state of the subject, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display the planar image and the tomographic image indicating the polarization state side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Iwase, Kazuhide Miyata, Tomoyuki Makihira, Makoto Sato, Hiroyuki Shinbata, Ritsuya Tomita, Daisuke Kibe
  • Patent number: 9717410
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus measures a dimension of an eye to be examined. The ophthalmologic apparatus includes a light source, an incidence member, an acquisition unit, and a display unit. The incidence member causes light from the light source to be incident on a plurality of different positions in the eye to be examined. The acquisition unit acquires a two-dimensional tomographic image of an interior of the eye to be examined on the basis of a plurality of interference signals acquired as a result of the incidence member causing the incidence of light on the plurality of different positions. The display unit displays the acquired two-dimensional tomographic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Tomey Corporation
    Inventors: Chihiro Kato, Katsumasa Okouchi
  • Patent number: 9717411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an intraocular pressure sensor that is put into an eyeball of a patient and measures the intraocular pressure, the method comprising: preparing a first substrate; depositing a base film on the bottom of the first substrate; exposing the top of the base film by etching the first substrate; applying epoxy onto the center of the exposed base film; disposing the first electrode at the epoxy-applied portion on the base film; preparing a second substrate; depositing a support film onto the second substrate; forming a second electrode on the support film; exposing the bottom of the support film by etching the second substrate; and disposing the second substrate onto the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SOONGSIL UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM TECHNO-PARK
    Inventors: Byung Joo Kang, Ji Sung Jo, Chang Kun Park
  • Patent number: 9717412
    Abstract: A wireless fetal and maternal monitoring system includes a fetal sensor unit adapted to receive signals indicative of a fetal heartbeat, the sensor optionally utilizing a Doppler ultrasound sensor. A short-range transmission unit sends the signals indicative of fetal heartbeat to a gateway unit, either directly or via an auxiliary communications unit, in which case the electrical coupling between the short-range transmission unit and the auxiliary communications unit is via a wired connection. The system includes a contraction actuator actuatable upon a maternal uterine contraction, which optionally is a EMG sensor. A gateway device provides for data visualization and data securitization. The gateway device provides for remote transmission of information through a data communication network. A server adapted to receive the information from the gateway device serves to store and process the data, and an interface system to permits remote patient monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GARY AND MARY WEST HEALTH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Masoud Roham, Enrique Saldivar, Srinivas Raghavan, Mehran Mehregany, Mitul Shah
  • Patent number: 9717413
    Abstract: A biocompatible, human implantable apparatus and a method for fully encasing a circuit within a polymer housing. The method may include placing the circuit in a mold, injecting a formulation into the mold, and polymerizing the formulation. The formulation may include monomers and polymers. The apparatus may include a circuit in a polymerized formulation of monomers and polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Arthur Earl Colvin, Carrie R. Lorenz, Casey J. O'Connor, Steven J. Walters
  • Patent number: 9717414
    Abstract: A method for isolating a potential anomaly in imaging data comprising: providing a set of at least one given anomaly property representative of a given anomaly; providing a anomaly property identifier for identifying each of the at least one given anomaly property; in the imaging data, isolating a first zone having a first property and a group of at least one other zone, each of the at least one other zone having a corresponding property different than the first property; in the imaging data, and resulting from the isolation of a first zone and a group of at least one other zone, providing a transition zone selected from a group consisting of: a closed zone separating the first zone and the group of at least one other zone; and a closed zone extending in one of the first zone and the group of at least one other zone; applying the anomaly property identifier for identifying each of the at least one given anomaly property on at least the transition zone for providing a computed indication for a selected zone, t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DOG MICROSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Florent André Robert Chandelier, Thomas Bernard Pascal Vincent
  • Patent number: 9717415
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including inserting a tool into a blood vessel, and, while the tool is within the blood vessel, acquiring an extraluminal image of the blood vessel. In the extraluminal image of the blood vessel, a location of a portion of the tool with respect to the blood vessel is detected automatically. In response to detecting the location of the portion of the tool, a target portion of the blood vessel that is in a vicinity of the portion of the tool is designated automatically. Using the extraluminal image, quantitative vessel analysis is performed on the target portion of the blood vessel. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SYNC-RX, LTD.
    Inventors: Ran Cohen, Eldad Klaiman, Alexander Steinberg, Sagiv Philipp, David Tolkowsky
  • Patent number: 9717416
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclose an optical zoom probe including an aperture adjuster configured to adjust an aperture in which light transmitted by a light transmitter passes, a focus adjuster configured to focus the light passed through the aperture and adjust a focal length to an ultra-close location and a close location, and a filter which includes a center region in which incident light passes without change, and a filter region which surrounds the center region and increases a depth of focus (DOF) of light that is focused on the ultra-close location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-wan Lee, Eun-sung Lee, Jong-hyeon Chang, Kyu-dong Jung, Min-seog Choi