Patents Issued in September 12, 2017
  • Patent number: 9757012
    Abstract: This endoscope includes an observation optical system capable of changing a magnified observation and a normal observation with each other, and a plurality of illumination optical systems, wherein a most tip side lens surface of at least one of the illumination optical systems is disposed at a position which is closer to a proximal end side than a most tip side lens surface of the observation optical system, and the following conditional expressions are satisfied. 0.03<D_Back(max)/ft<2??(1) 1.05<ft/fw<5??(2) In the expression, D_Back(max) is a maximum value of a distance between the most tip side lens surface and the most tip side lens surface, ft is a focal length in a close-distance magnified observation state, and fw is a focal length in a normal observation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Katakura
  • Patent number: 9757013
    Abstract: An optics tube for an endoscope including a magnet arrangement which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the optics tube. A rod lens including a rod-shaped lens unit made of a rod-shaped lens element or a plurality of lens elements cemented to one another, wherein, on one side on the circumferential face thereof, the lens unit includes a magnet arrangement. The invention also relates to a combination of an optics tube and a rod lens, and to an endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Vogel
  • Patent number: 9757014
    Abstract: An endoscope with adjustable viewing angle includes a pivotable prism (to divert light that can pivot around a pivot axis to adjust the viewing angle and a fixed prism to divert light that is diverted by the pivotable prism into a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, such that at least either a light outlet surface of the pivotable prism is positioned in a recess of the fixed prism or a light inlet surface of the fixed prism is positioned in a recess of the pivotable prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Weiger, Doris Leibinger
  • Patent number: 9757015
    Abstract: An imaging system for use in a spatially constrained location includes an image sensor for capturing an image, wherein the image sensor has (a) a first rectangular area containing a pixel array and connecting circuitry communicatively coupled with the pixel array and (b) a second rectangular area with only one shared side with the first rectangular area and containing support electronics for pixel array control and signal acquisition, where the support electronics is communicatively coupled with the connecting circuitry. An imaging method for use in a spatially constrained location includes (a) forming an image of a scene on a pixel array of an image sensor contained within a first rectangular area having a first side and (b) communicating electrical signals between the pixel array and support electronics located onboard the image sensor and contained within a second rectangular area sharing only one side with the first rectangular area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Junzhao Lei
  • Patent number: 9757016
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless communication system including a wireless capsule including an imaging section, a posture control section, a first wireless communication section which transmits an image captured by the imaging section and receives a control signal for controlling the posture control section, and a power supply section which supplies power to the imaging section and the posture control section, and a wireless terminal apparatus including a second wireless communication section which receives the image transmitted from the first wireless communication section, and transmits the control signal, a display control section which performs a control in a manner that the image is displayed on a display section, a posture detection section which detects a posture of the display section, and a generation section which generates the control signal based on a posture signal detected by the posture detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Hirabayashi, Yoichiro Sako, Katsuhiko Nakano
  • Patent number: 9757017
    Abstract: This endoscope has an observation optical system provided in a distal end of an inserted portion of the endoscope, for observation of an object, and plural illumination optical systems provided in the inserted portion, for illuminating a certain angle of view, wherein one illumination optical system having the widest light distribution is distant from the observation optical system relative to another illumination optical systems having the narrowest light distribution, and the following conditional expression is satisfied, 0.6?|?S·fW/?W·fS|?1.0??(1) wherein fW is a focal length of the widest light distribution optical system, fS is a focal length of the narrowest light distribution optical system, ?W is an outer diameter of the lens nearest to the object within the widest light distribution optical system, and ?S is an outer diameter of the lens nearest to the object within the narrowest light distribution optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Sone, Hideyasu Takato
  • Patent number: 9757018
    Abstract: A guidewire comprises an elongate metal core, an inner layer, an optical core, and an outer layer. The metal core is configured to communicate torsional motion from a proximal end of the metal core to the distal end of the metal core. The inner layer extends about the metal core and has a first index of refraction. The optical core is disposed about the inner layer, wherein the optical core is configured to transmit light along the length of the guidewire. The optical core has a second index of refraction, which is greater than the first index of refraction. The outer layer is disposed about the optical core and has a third index of refraction. The third index of refraction is less than the second index of refraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9757019
    Abstract: An optical medical instrument, in particular an endoscope or exoscope, has an elongate tubular shaft, a heat source generating lost heat, and a heat pipe which extends inside the shaft, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and has a distal heat pipe end and a proximal heat pipe end, wherein the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the heat source in order to collect heat from the latter and remove the heat from the heat source. Between the distal heat pipe end and the proximal heat pipe end, the heat pipe is coupled thermally conductively and two-dimensionally to the shaft over at least a partial length of the heat pipe and over at least a partial circumference of the heat pipe, in order to remove heat from the heat pipe, over at least a partial length and over at least a partial circumference of the shaft, to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kevin Pilz, Markus Kupferschmid, Daniel Ulmschneider, Andreas Heni
  • Patent number: 9757020
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments integrate a camera into an intraoral mirror. Integrating a camera into an intraoral mirror provides an efficient way to record and display what is visible to the healthcare provider in the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DENTAL SMARTMIRROR, INC.
    Inventors: Gidon Oded Elazar, Dan Zidkiahu Harkabi, Joshua Israel Wachspress, Yael Miriam Harkabi
  • Patent number: 9757021
    Abstract: Two system-level bronchoscopy guidance solutions are presented. The first incorporates a global-registration algorithm to provide the physician with updated navigational and guidance information during bronchoscopy. The system can handle general navigation to a region of interest (ROI), as well as adverse events, and it requires minimal commands so that it can be directly controlled by the physician. The second solution visualizes the global picture of all the bifurcations and their relative orientations in advance and suggests the maneuvers needed by the bronchoscope to approach the ROI. Guided bronchoscopy results using human airway-tree phantoms demonstrate the potential of the two solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: William E. Higgins, Rahul Khare
  • Patent number: 9757022
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a software algorithm that measures the number of corneal nerve fibers in images captured by microscopy including images from patients obtained by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy, a noninvasive technique. The present invention solves a complicated segmentation problem, by exploiting the piece wise linear nature of the nerve fibers—i.e., the nerves are made up of a lot of straight line segments. The image is split into sub-regions, where each sub-region contains nerves mostly running in the same, straight direction. Having the nerves all in straight-lines within a single 2d image region dramatically simplifies the segmentation problem. The image intensities are summed in the direction of the nerves to reduce the 2d representation to a 1d signal having pronounced peaks where the nerves are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, VOXELERON, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mankowski, Jonathan D. Oakley, Daniel B. Russakoff
  • Patent number: 9757023
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for automatically detecting an optic disc in a retinal fundus autofluorescence image. A monochromatic image of a retina is obtained by stimulated autofluorescence. The image is processed using filters and machine learning to identify blood vessel segments and to identify pixels as possible optic disc pixels. The possible optic disc pixels are grouped into clusters, and a best fit circle (or portion thereof lying within the image) is fitted to each cluster. The circle may be enlarged to improve image contrast at the circumference of the circle. Blood vessel segments that intersect the circle are identified, and metrics are derived from such intersecting blood vessel segments. These metrics are assessed by machine learning processes to determine the probability that each cluster contains the optic disc, and the contours of the optic disc are further determined by analysis of the possible optic disc pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Kanishka T. Jayasundera, Matthew K. Johnson-Roberson
  • Patent number: 9757024
    Abstract: An instrument arm assembly is provided for presenting an examination instrument to a seated patient. The instrument arm assembly includes an arm having an attachment assembly, an instrument supporting element for supporting the examination instrument and having an attachment assembly, and a linkage having first and second attachment assemblies. The instrument supporting element attachment assembly is pivotably connected with the linkage first attachment assembly, and the arm attachment assembly is pivotably connected with the linkage second attachment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Reliance Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean J. Corrigan, Tomas Matusaitis, Keith A. Grider, Antonio Belton
  • Patent number: 9757025
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring a characteristic of an eye of a subject receive data pertaining to the subject; assign the subject to an assigned age category based on the data pertaining to the subject; adjust a brightness level of a fixation target according to the assigned age category for the subject; provide the fixation target for a subject to view; and objectively measure at least one characteristic of the eye of the subject while the subject views the fixation target at the adjusted brightness level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMO WAVEFRONT SCIENCES, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Copland, David J. Tanzer, Thomas D. Raymond
  • Patent number: 9757026
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus which photographs an endothelial cell and measures a coat thickness of a cornea of an eye to be examined in a non-contact manner; comprising an image pickup unit (19) for photographing a corneal endothelium of the eye to be examined, a control unit (49) for detecting a cell wall of the endothelial cell from a corneal endothelial image photographed by the image pickup unit and for performing an image processing of hatching the cell wall with a boundary line, a display unit (54) for displaying an analytical image in which the cell wall hatched with the boundary line, and an operation unit (55), wherein the control unit changes the shading of the boundary line based on an input from the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventor: Hiroki Oe
  • Patent number: 9757027
    Abstract: A system and method are described for performing tear film structure measurement. A broadband light source illuminates the tear film. A spectrometer measures respective spectra of reflected light from at least one point of the tear film. A color camera performs large field of view imaging of the tear film, so as to obtain color information for all points of the tear film imaged by the color camera. A processing unit calibrates the camera at the point measured by the spectrometer so that the color obtained by the camera at the point matches the color of the spectrometer at the same point. The processing unit determines, from the color of respective points of the calibrated camera, thicknesses of one or more layers of the tear film at the respective points. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ADOM, Advanced Optical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoel Arieli, Yoel Cohen, Shlomi Epstein, Dror Arbel, Ra'anan Gefen
  • Patent number: 9757029
    Abstract: Provided is an imaging method for correcting aberration generated when imaging an object to be inspected. The imaging method includes: irradiating an imaging area with a first light beam which is scanned by a scan unit and taking an image of the object to be inspected based on return light of the first light beam; detecting a moving amount of the object to be inspected; comparing the detected moving amount with a predetermined threshold value; and adjusting the imaging area to be irradiated with the first light beam. The adjusting includes determining in accordance with a result of the comparison to change the imaging area by at least one of: using the scan unit, and using an aberration correcting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Tomoyuki Makihira, Kazuhide Miyata
  • Patent number: 9757030
    Abstract: The invention refers to eye technology and in particular a system and method for the characterization of eye fixation. The invention further refers to a system and method for the determination of parameters of eye fixation and saccadic motions. The system and method may be used to diagnose and evaluate reading difficulties for ascertaining how much benefit an individual would derive from an intervention with an expert, i.e. after treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Ioannis Aslanis-Aslanidis, Georgios Kaloutsakis
  • Patent number: 9757031
    Abstract: An ophthalmoscope device includes a support structure, an image capture device, and a display device. The support structure is configured to be worn by a subject. The image capture device is configured to capture images of the eye fundus of the subject. The display device is configured to overlay images in the field of view of the subject. The overlaid images are used to align the pupil/fovea orientation axis with the optical axis of the image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun Paul Wang, Ervin Goldfain, Eric G. Petersen
  • Patent number: 9757032
    Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Arc Devices, LTD
    Inventors: Irwin Gross, Michael G. Smith, Mark Khachaturian, Martin Crawley, Steven Gerst, John Barrett, Michael Cronin, Derek Turnbull, Jason Bodnick
  • Patent number: 9757033
    Abstract: A sensor attachable to a body of a user includes a heartbeat sensor or a motion sensor; and an antenna including a resonator structure configured to interact with a radio frequency signal. The resonator structure includes a dielectric resonator element. The dielectric resonator element is configured to resonate as a response to the radio frequency signal for at least one of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventor: Juha Sorvala
  • Patent number: 9757034
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking a functional part of an instrument during an interventional procedure and displaying dynamic imaging corresponding to a functional part of the instrument. The system comprises: at least one instrument; a system for acquiring anatomical images relevant to guiding the instrument; a tether connected to the imaging system at a fixed end and connected to the instrument at a distal end, the tether comprising at least one longitudinal optical fiber with a plurality of optical shape sensors; an optical console that interrogates the sensors and detects reflected light; and a processor that calculates local curvature at each sensor location to determine the three-dimensional shape of the tether and determines the location and orientation of the instrument relative to the images using the local curvatures of the tether and the location of the fixed end of the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Adrien Emmanuel Desjardins, Gert Wim 'T Hooft, Raymond Chan, Robert Manzke, Guy Shechter, Christopher Stephen Hall
  • Patent number: 9757035
    Abstract: A membrane assembly for use with a three-dimensional imager to obtain a topographical plantar image of a foot is provided. The assembly includes a support structure having a front end and a rear end elevated relative to the front end, and a flexible membrane suspended from the support structure and configured to receive and support an entire plantar surface of the foot. The membrane defines and encloses an upper portion of an inflatable chamber, and includes a forefoot- and a rearfoot-receiving region respectively adjacent to the front and the rear end of the support structure. The rearfoot-receiving region is under less tension than the forefoot-receiving region. The imager is positionable under the membrane in order to acquire the plantar image when the foot is disposed on the membrane. An apparatus including a membrane assembly and a three-dimensional imager, and a method for imaging a foot are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CRYOS TECHNOLOGIES INC
    Inventors: Patrick Mougin, Mohamed Lachhab, Philippe Légaré
  • Patent number: 9757036
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing an electrophysiological map of a heart of a patient are disclosed. An example method may include determining a target location and an orientation of a catheter tip, confirming that the tip is located at the target location, measuring the heart parameter value at each of the target locations, and superimposing a plurality of representations of the heart parameter value. Confirmation that the tip of the catheter is located at a target location can be accomplished by comparing the current location of the tip with the target location, a corresponding heart parameter value being measured at each of the target locations by a heart parameter sensor, and the representations of the heart parameter value being superimposed on an image of the heart at the target location to produce the electrophysiological map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MEDIGUIDE LTD.
    Inventors: Gera Strommer, Uzi Eichler, Liat Schwartz, Amit Cohen, Itay Kariv
  • Patent number: 9757037
    Abstract: Apparatus for real-time in vivo bioluminescence monitoring in a conscious small animal, comprising a light-tight enclosure (4) with a base (16), side wall (19) and cover (20) configured for housing the small animal such that it may move freely, a bioluminescence detector system (6) comprising a light detector (22) for detecting the light emitted by said small animal connected to a data processing system, and a life-sustaining system (8) configured for maintaining the small animal alive for a prolonged period of time spanning from a few days to a few weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITE DE GENEVE
    Inventors: Ueli Schibler, Andre Liani, Camille Saini, Luigi Bonacina, Jean-Pierre Wolf
  • Patent number: 9757038
    Abstract: A miniature intraoperative probe (30) capable of forward-imaging with optical coherence tomography. The probe includes a housing (130), an actuator (150) supported by the housing, and a single mode (146) fiber supported by the housing and configured to laterally scan light data reflected from a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen
  • Patent number: 9757039
    Abstract: A functional optical coherent imaging (fOCI) platform includes at least one active camera unit (ACU) having a coherent and/or a partially coherent light source, and means for spectral filtering and imaging a selected body area of interest; an image processing unit (IPU) for pre-processing data received from an ACU; at least one stimulation unit (STU) transmitting a stimulation to a subject; at least one body function reference measurement unit (BFMU); a central clock and processing unit (CCU), with interconnections to the ACU, the IPU, the STU, for collecting pre-processed data from the IPU, stimuli from the STU body function reference data from the BFMU in a synchronized manner; a post-processing unit (statistical analysis unit, SAU); and an operator interface (HOD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Theo Lasser, Dimitri Van De Ville, Erica Martin-Williams, Marcel Leutenegger, Iwan Maerki, Michael Friedrich, Martin Villiger
  • Patent number: 9757040
    Abstract: A wearable device for use with a smart phone or tablet includes a measurement device having a plurality of LEDs generating a near-infrared input optical beam that measures physiological parameters. The measurement device includes lenses configured to receive and to deliver the input beam to skin which reflects the beam. The measurement device includes a reflective surface configured to receive and redirect the light from the skin, and a receiver configured to receive the reflected beam. The light source is configured to increase a signal-to-noise ratio of the input beam reflected from the skin by increasing the light intensity from the LEDs and modulation of the LEDs. The measurement device is configured to generate an output signal representing a non-invasive measurement on blood contained within the skin. The wearable device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the smart phone or tablet which receives and processes the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Omni Medsci, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammed N. Islam
  • Patent number: 9757041
    Abstract: Tools and techniques for estimating a probability that a patient is bleeding or has sustained intravascular volume loss (e.g., due to hemodialysis or dehydration) and/or to estimate a patient's current hemodynamic reserve index, track the patient's hemodynamic reserve index over time, and/or predict a patient's hemodynamic reserve index in the future. Tools and techniques for estimating and/or predicting a patient's dehydration state. Tools and techniques for controlling a hemodialysis machine based on the patient's estimated and/or predicted hemodynamic reserve index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Flashback Technologies, Inc., The Regents of The University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Gregory Zlatko Grudic, Steven Lee Moulton, Isobel Jane Mulligan
  • Patent number: 9757042
    Abstract: The invention provides systems for measuring blood pressure and stroke volume values from a patient. Both systems feature a floormat system and a body-worn sensor working in concert. In aspects, the floormat generates calibrations for both blood pressure and stroke volume measurements. It features a base having a bottom surface configured to rest on or near a substantially horizontal surface, and a top surface configured to receive at least one of the patient's feet. Within the floormat are weight and blood pressure-measuring systems that determine, respectively, the calibrations for stroke volume and blood pressure. Its transmits these parameters to the body-worn sensor, which further processes them, along with other signals, to determine real-time values of blood pressure and stroke volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Banet, Marshal Singh Dhillon, Susan Meeks Pede, Lauren Nicole Miller Hayward, Arthur Deptala, Jonas Dean Cochran
  • Patent number: 9757043
    Abstract: A method and system for detection of pulsus paradoxus are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a power spectrum density for a plethysmographic waveform and identifying pulsus paradoxus based on the power spectrum density. The power spectrum density may include a first wave peak indicative of a respiratory rate and a second wave peak indicative of a heart rate. Pulsus paradoxus can be identified by comparing a height of the first wave peak and a height of the second wave peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: LOS ANGELES BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Gregory R. Mason, John M. Criley, Stuart R. Criley
  • Patent number: 9757044
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices (100), systems (500), and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various located within the associated chamber of the heart. To create a database of dipole densities, mapping information recorded by multiple electrodes (316) located on one or more catheters (310) and anatomical information is used. In addition, skin electrodes may be implemented. Additionally, one or more ultrasound elements (340) are provided, such as on a clamp assembly or integral to a mapping electrode, to produce real time images of device components and surrounding structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ACUTUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christoph Scharf, Gunter Scharf, Randell L. Werneth
  • Patent number: 9757045
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining and maintaining a concentration level of medication in a patient sufficient to achieve and maintain a desired effect on that patient. Generally speaking, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a medication delivery controller uses a patient response profile to determine a concentration of medication in the patient that will achieve the desired effect on the patient. The patient response profile is a graphical, tabular or analytical expression of the relationship between the concentration of a medication and the effect of the medication at the specific concentration. Using this information, the medication delivery controller provides instructions to a medication delivery unit such as, for example, an infusion pump or inhalation device, to deliver the medication to the patient at a rate that will achieve the desired concentration level of the medication in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Michel M R F Struys, Tom De Smet, Steven L. Shafer
  • Patent number: 9757046
    Abstract: Light-blocking structures for optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors are disclosed. Such optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors may include two photodetectors and a photo-emitter, as well as barrier walls that are interposed between the photo-emitter and the photodetectors. The barrier walls may have recesses that intermesh with surface profiles of protrusions that are attached to or part of a window of the optical physiological parameter measurement devices or sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Freschl, Chris H. Sarantos, Peter W. Richards, Anthony Alexander Cacace, Ritika Sahai, Lindsey Michelle Sunden
  • Patent number: 9757047
    Abstract: Arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI offers a non-invasive means to create blood-borne contrast in vivo for dynamic angiographic imaging. By spatial modulation of the ASL process it is possible to uniquely label individual arteries over a series of measurements, allowing each to be separately identified in the resulting images. This separation requires appropriate analysis for which a general framework has previously been proposed. Here the general framework is modified for fast analysis of non-invasive imaging of blood flow using vessel encoded arterial spin labelling (VE-ASL). This specifically addresses the issues of computational speed of the analysis and the robustness required to deal with real patient data. The modification applies various approaches for estimation of one or more parameters that change the way a vessel, for example an artery, is encoded to provide the fast analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Chappell, Mark Woolrich, Thomas Okell
  • Patent number: 9757048
    Abstract: An implantable system includes terminals, a pulse generator, a sensing circuit, separate signal processing channels, and first, second and third multiplexers. The terminals are connected to electrodes via conductors of leads. Different subsets of the electrodes are used to define different electrical pulse delivery vectors, and different subsets of the electrodes are used to define different sensing vectors. The pulse generator produces electrical pulses, and the sensing circuit senses a signal indicative of an impedance associated with a selected sensing vector. The first multiplexer selectively connects outputs of the pulse generator to a selected one of the different electrical pulse delivery vectors at a time. The second multiplexer selectively connect inputs of the sensing circuit to a selected one of the different sensing vectors at a time. The third multiplexer selectively connects an output of the sensing circuit to one of the plurality of separate signal processing channels at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecilia Qin Xi, Jimmy Johansson, Allan Olson, Weiqun Yang
  • Patent number: 9757049
    Abstract: An electrode, a biosignal detecting device and a method of measuring a biosignal are provided. The electrode includes an ion conductive member configured to be attached to a body surface, a nonconductive member including a through hole and disposed on the ion conductive member, a conductive member disposed on the nonconductive member, and a nonpolarizable conductive member configured to electrically couple the ion conductive member to the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Yun Park, Byung Hoon Ko
  • Patent number: 9757050
    Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of force sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of force sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the force sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MC10, Inc.
    Inventors: Roozbeh Ghaffari, Yung-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9757051
    Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a tracking system for the muscular-skeletal system. The tracking system can identify position and orientation. The tracking system can be attached to a device or integrated into a device. In one embodiment, the tracking system couples to a handheld tool. The handheld tool with the tracking system and one or more sensors can be used to generate tracking data of the tool location and trajectory while measuring parameters of the muscular-skeletal system at an identified location. The tracking system can be used in conjunction with a second tool to guide the second tool to the identified location of the first tool. The tracking system can guide the second tool along the same trajectory as the first tool. For example, the second tool can be used to install a prosthetic component at a predetermined location and a predetermined orientation. The tracking system can track hand movements of a surgeon holding the handheld tool within 1 millimeter over a path less than 5 meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC.
    Inventors: Marc Stein, Glen Vaughn
  • Patent number: 9757052
    Abstract: There is provided an exhaled breath moisture reduction system including a dryer mechanism and a connector adapted to connect the dryer mechanism proximate to a respiratory output device. There is also provided an exhaled breath sampling assembly including an airway adaptor and a moisture reduction sleeve comprising a material adapted to reduce moisture and a connector adapted to connect said sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet within the adaptor. Also provided, a method of sampling breath which includes attaching an exhaled breath moisture reduction sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: ORIDION MEDICAL (1987) LTD.
    Inventors: Gershon Levitsky, Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Patent number: 9757053
    Abstract: A photo scaling guide or system configured to scale both the area and linear dimensions of wounds or objects at the same time with one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Richards
  • Patent number: 9757054
    Abstract: A system for warning of protruding body parts of a medical vehicle occupant includes a sensor, a feedback device, and a processing circuit. The sensor is configured to generate sensor data based on a position of the occupant, and the processing circuit is configured to determine a contour of the medical vehicle, detect a protruding extremity of the occupant based on the sensor data and the contour, and generate a warning using the feedback device, where the warning is based on the detected protruding extremity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9757055
    Abstract: The invention relates, to the field of motion tracking and sensorimotor assessment and training, by providing a method, system and software for tracking of a target by moving the head and neck or other body part in two or three-dimensional space. In particular the invention teaches a method to create incremental difficult classes of unpredictable movement patterns according to specific criteria. The created movement patterns can be used to accurately grade the deficits of movement control and other sensorimotor deficits of the head/neck and consequently a treatment can be prescribed which starts at each patient's impairment level by using the same method. The invention provides also a reliable and valid method to detect fraudulent neck compensation claims from genuine deficits by said assessment of sensorimotor function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NECKCARE LLC.
    Inventor: Eythor Kristjansson
  • Patent number: 9757056
    Abstract: Example eye-mountable devices and methods for fabricating eye-mountable devices are described. A method may involve forming a first polymer layer, which defines an anterior side of the eye-mountable device and is configured to allow an analyte to diffuse therethrough. Further, the method may involve positioning a sensor apparatus on the first polymer layer, wherein the sensor apparatus comprises at least one sensor configured to detect the analyte, and wherein the at least one sensor is oriented relative to the first polymer layer to receive the analyte via diffusion through the first polymer layer. The sensor apparatus may have a height dimension of at least 50 micrometers. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the sensor apparatus, such that the sensor apparatus is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kubba, Jeffrey George Linhardt
  • Patent number: 9757057
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments that relate to the deployment of a glucose sensor comprising an optical fiber into a physiological fluid, wherein the optical fiber has disposed along a distal region thereof a chemical indicator system comprising a fluorophore and a glucose binding moiety immobilized within a hydrogel, wherein the components of the chemical indicator system are in a dry state before deployment. Also disclosed is a one-point in vivo calibration of the chemical indicator system based on an independently measured glucose concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Stuart L. Gallant, William H. Markle, Manouchehr Goharlaee
  • Patent number: 9757058
    Abstract: Light beams emitted from one or more light sources may be directed into an abdomen of a pregnant mammal toward a fetus contained therein. Some of the light may be reflected by the pregnant woman and fetus and received at a detector over a first time. A photo detector into an electronic reflected signal, which may be communicated to a computer, may then convert the received light. The electronic reflected signal may then be processed and/or analyzed to isolate a portion of the electronic reflected signal reflected from the fetus. The isolated portion of the electronic reflected signal reflected from the fetus may then be analyzed to determine a fetal hemoglobin oxygen saturation level of the fetus. An indication of the fetal hemoglobin oxygen saturation level may then be provided to an operator by way of, for example, a computer display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: RAYDIANT OXIMETRY, INC.
    Inventor: Neil Padharia Ray
  • Patent number: 9757059
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of integrated systems which comprise a test element and a lancet which can be firstly used to make a wound in a skin opening in order to collect a sample. The sample is subsequently directly taken up by the test element in the process of which it comes into contact with a reagent contained in the test element and results in an optically detectable change in a test field. The change in the test field is detected by means of an analytical unit which is optically contacted with the test field via at least one light-conducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Hoenes, Karl Miltner
  • Patent number: 9757060
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor that employs multiple electrode areas that are exposed for contact with a body fluid, e.g., when the sensor is inserted subcutaneously into a patient's skin. The exposed electrode areas are arranged symmetrically, such that a symmetrical potential distribution is produced when an AC signal is applied to the sensor. The sensors in accordance with these teachings can advantageously be used with AC signals to determine characteristics of the sensor and thus improve sensor performance. These teachings also provide a biocompatible sensor with multiple reference electrode areas that are exposed for contact with body fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Buck, Georgeta Lica, Karl-Heinz Koelker, Ewald Rieger
  • Patent number: 9757061
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Shults, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Stuart J. Updike, James H. Brauker
  • Patent number: 9757062
    Abstract: A lancet device used for drawing a blood sample for testing has a lancet, a lancet holding mechanism, a lancet activation plunger, and a removable lancet cap with an opening for touching against the human body. The lancet has a needle, where the needle is movable inside the cap with the lancet activation plunger. The lancet device has positioned inside the device, a disinfectant material, disinfecting the lancet needle for each use. The disinfectant material lets the needle move or rest inside the disinfectant material disinfecting the needle between each use. The lancet needle moves through the disinfectant material when used, disinfecting the needle for each use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Tara Chand Singhal