Patents Issued in September 21, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170265721
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: an imaging unit disposed at a distal end portion of an insertion section inserted into a body of a subject; and a built-in component provided parallel with the imaging unit at the distal end portion, and extending substantially parallel with an axial direction of the insertion section. The imaging unit includes: a solid state image sensor including a light receiving unit; a flexible circuit board electrically connecting the solid state image sensor; and a rigid circuit board at least partially disposed on a proximal end side of the endoscope relative to the solid state image sensor, and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hironobu ICHIMURA, Tomohisa TAKAHASHI, Tomokazu YAMASHITA, Noriyuki FUJIMORI, Takatoshi IGARASHI, Yoshiki TAKAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170265722
    Abstract: An assistance tool that assists in moving a treatment device is provided. The assistance tool includes a flexible tube in which an insertion path is formed to insert the treatment device that is inserted into a channel in an insertion portion of an endoscope, a tube member that is coupled to the flexible tube and has a curved portion halfway of an overall length and in which an insertion path for the treatment device is formed, a coupling portion that is coupled to the tube member and is formed to couple the channel to the insertion path, and a holding portion that is attached to the flexible tube and holds the insertion portion or an operation portion that is coupled to the insertion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji YAMAYA
  • Publication number: 20170265723
    Abstract: An assist device which is applied to a treatment instrument including an insertion body to be inserted through a channel of an endoscope, and which is configured to assist movement of the insertion body relative to the channel, includes: a flexible tube including a passage into which the insertion body of the treatment instrument is inserted; a connector provided on the flexible tube and configured to connect to the endoscope to allow communication between the channel and the passage; a first retainer provided on the flexible tube and configured to hold an outer circumference of an insertion section of the endoscope or an outer circumference of an operation section connected to the insertion section; and a second retainer being movable relative to the first retainer and configured to hold the insertion body of the treatment instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji YAMAYA
  • Publication number: 20170265724
    Abstract: An endoscopic probe which advances within a lumen having a central valve unit. The valve unit has a central bore defining a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one valve for controlling the introduction and withdrawal of fluid into the central bore. The probe further includes a sliding tubular sheath movably disposed inside the central valve unit, and a flexible sleeve, impermeable to the fluid and sealingly anchored to the central valve unit on both distal proximal ends. The sleeve is folded over to cover both the inside and outside of the sheath to sealingly envelop the sheath and contain the fluid, together with said valve unit, while allowing sliding of the sheath. A method for providing, assembling and operating the probe is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yoav LICHTENSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20170265725
    Abstract: A focus control device includes: a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to implement: an area setting process that sets a plurality of areas to a captured image that has been captured by an imaging section, each of the plurality of areas including a plurality of pixels; an object distance information calculation process that calculates distance information about a distance to an object that is captured within each of the plurality of areas; and a focus control process based on the distance information, wherein the processor implements the focus control process that performs a classification process that classifies the plurality of areas into a plurality of groups, and performs the focus control process based on area information about each of the plurality of groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu ICHIKAWA, Toshiaki MIKAMI, Koichiro YOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20170265726
    Abstract: A focus control device includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to implement: an area setting process that sets a plurality of areas to a captured image that has been captured by an imaging section, each of the plurality of areas including a plurality of pixels; a direction determination process that determines whether a target in-focus position lies in a NEAR direction or a FAR direction with respect to a reference position with respect to some or all of the plurality of areas set to the captured image to calculate a direction determination result with respect to each of the plurality of areas, the target in-focus position being a target of an in-focus object plane position; and a focus control process that preferentially brings an area among the plurality of areas that is situated away from the imaging section into focus based on the direction determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki MIKAMI, Manabu ICHIKAWA, Koichiro YOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20170265727
    Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for delivery of fluid in connection with endoscopic irrigation and lens cleaning including a connector which is adaptable to a flexible or rigid container, a connector arranged at the end thereof and connected via a tubing supply to a fluid, air and or gas source and to an endoscope during a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel G. Maurice
  • Publication number: 20170265728
    Abstract: A combination aspiration/irrigation and illumination device using optical fibers circumferentially disposed around the aspiration conduit for transmitting illuminating light to a cavity to be aspirated. The aspiration conduit having a tip that is detachably affixed to and end of the aspiration conduit. The optical fibers terminated at a distance (d) from a distal end of the tip. Also provided is an image fiber(s) for transmitting image data from the distal end of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jonas V. Lieponis
  • Publication number: 20170265729
    Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: a focus switching type observation optical system including fixed lenses and a moving lens; fixed frames that hold the fixed lenses; a moving frame that is arranged to be movable back and forth in a direction along a photographing optical axis of the observation optical system and holds the moving lens; and a correction frame fixed in the fixed frames, configured to house the moving frame such that the moving frame can advance and retract, including a stopper that abuts the moving frame to restrict movement in one direction of the photographing optical axis, and being slightly adjustable to realize one of focal lengths of the observation optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi WATAYA, Akira MURAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20170265730
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing an image sequence using a capsule camera are disclosed. According to the present invention, a first energy-based frame time for the special images is determined based on first light energy perceived by the image sensor and a second energy-based frame time for the regular images is determined based on second light energy perceived by the image sensor. The capsule camera captures the image sequence comprising one or more sets of mixed-type images by configuring the capsule camera to cause a mixed-frame distance between the first energy-based frame time for one special image in a target set of mixed-type images and the second energy-based frame time for one regular image in the target set of mixed-type images smaller than an average frame period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kang-Huai WANG, Mark HADLEY, Chung-Ta LEE, Chang-Wei LIN
  • Publication number: 20170265731
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging sensor; a color filter including first band filters and a second band filter configured to transmit narrowband light having a maximum value of a transmission spectrum outside a range of the wavelength band of the light that passes through each first band filter; a first light source unit; a second light source unit configured to radiate light having an upward projecting distribution of a wavelength spectrum in relation to intensity and having a narrowband light spectrum narrower than the broadband; and a control unit configured to cause the first light source unit and the second light source unit to radiate the beams of light simultaneously, wherein a peak wavelength of the light radiated by the second light source unit is an infrared region or a near-infrared region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori YOSHIZAKI, Ken IOKA, Sunao KIKUCHI, Yasuhiro KOMIYA, Yasuhiro FUKUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20170265732
    Abstract: The present invention is aimed to design an improved lighting assembly for camera module of an endoscope. The camera module is received in a cylinder body, which is connected with the tail end of the tube of the endoscope. The character of this invention is to provide a secondary lighting apparatus between the cylinder body and the tube. The secondary lighting apparatus includes several LEDs being mounted inside annular-arrayed and covered by a transparent ring. The annular-arrayed LEDs can emit light through the transparent ring with 360 degrees lighting outwards that provides a perfect lighting effect for capturing the inner images of patients and will facilitate the judgement of users or doctors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: YEN TSUNG LIN
  • Publication number: 20170265733
    Abstract: A light source apparatus, capable of supplying white light including a predetermined wavelength band and a special light, which is light including the predetermined wavelength band and narrower in a band than the white light, includes: a first light source configured to emit light in a first wavelength band including the predetermined wavelength band, a second light source configured to emit light in a second wavelength band including the predetermined wavelength band, and a dichroic mirror configured to selectively transmit light in the predetermined wavelength band from one light of the lights in the first and second wavelength bands, selectively reflect light in a third wavelength band other than the predetermined wavelength band from the other light of the lights in the first and second wavelength bands, and mix and emit the light in the predetermined wavelength band and the light in the third wavelength band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke YABE, Hiroyuki KAMEE, Takeshi ITO
  • Publication number: 20170265734
    Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: lnvuity, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Vayser
  • Publication number: 20170265735
    Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices for carrying out internal examination, such as laryngoscopes (1). In particular, it relates to laryngoscopes (1) or devices which have a disposable blade (3) and provides means for restricting the re-use of blades (3) which have been used previously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew J.R. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20170265736
    Abstract: An improved cannula that provides improved visibility at a surgical site through the continuous flow of fluid through a cannula positioned in direct proximity of the surgical site, the improved cannula including a handle, a pair of portals, and a trephine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: James K. Brannon, Kristen Radcliff
  • Publication number: 20170265737
    Abstract: A method for evaluating retinal function and testing the visual field of a patient by monitoring how the patient tracks a target image on a display that comprises displaying the target image on the display such that it is located at a first position on the display and visible to the patient. The process continues by identifying what portion of the display the patient is looking at, selecting a location of the patient's retina to test, and calculating, based at least in part on what portion of the display the patient is looking at, a second position on the display corresponding to the selected location of the patient's retina. The target image is displayed at the second position on the display and the process identifies how many eye movements the patient made to look at the target at the second position. Based at least in part on the number of eye movements, the process determines whether the patient was able to see the target at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Tom N. Cornsweet, Paul Peterson, Brad Bower
  • Publication number: 20170265738
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing identification factors for an individual wearer. Some or all of the identification factors when within a predetermined value provide a prescription and corrective ophthalmic lenses for a selected individual wearer, the corrective ophthalmic lens having at least one correction that is to the nearest 0.20 diopter, or is in a range between about the nearest 0.01 diopter and about the nearest 0.20 diopter. The prescription and corrective ophthalmic lenses are obtained by at least first analysis performed with a first instrument, a second analysis performed with a second instrument, and a third analysis performed with a third instrument, in which each instrument is different, and each analysis is different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Gabriel KEITA, Howard PURCELL
  • Publication number: 20170265739
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for imaging an ocular tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image, wherein the specularly reflected light may be produced from various portions of the ocular tear film by obliquely illuminating various portions of the ocular tear film with a multi-wavelength light source, such as in a tiling pattern(s). The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image. The second image can be subtracted from the first image to reduce and/or eliminate the background signal(s) in the first image to produce a resulting image, which can used to measure a tear film layer thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
  • Publication number: 20170265740
    Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including the lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or the aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The TFLT can be used to diagnose dry eye syndrome (DES). Certain embodiments also include ocular topography devices, systems and methods for deducing corneal shape by capturing an image of a target reflecting from the surface of the cornea. The image of the target contains topography information that is reviewable by a clinician to diagnose the health of the patient's eye by detecting corneal aberrations and/or abnormalities in corneal shape. Certain embodiments also include a combination of the OSI and ocular topography devices, systems and methods to provide imaging that can be used to yield a combined diagnosis of the patient's tear film and corneal shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen M. Grenon, Donald R. Korb
  • Publication number: 20170265741
    Abstract: An ophthalmological device emits light from a measurement optical system to an eye to be examined and calculates a dimension along the eye axis of a target portion of the eye from interfering light composed of reflected light from the eye and reference light. The measurement optical system includes incidence position changing member that changes the incidence position of light emitted to the eye, and driving unit that drives the incidence position changing member so as to scan at the incidence position of emitted light in a predetermined region of the eye. The predetermined region is a region where a straight line passes through when the straight line radially extended from the cornea apex of the eye is circumferentially moved over a predetermined angle range in the case of the eye is viewed from the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Chihiro Kato, Yuji Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20170265742
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes an AOSLO apparatus, a WFSLO apparatus, and a tracking processor that controls a tracking mirror based on position information calculated from AOSLO and WFSLO images. In another embodiment, the tracking processor controls the tracking mirror based on position information calculated from WFSLO images only. Depending on the amount of movement a target image with respect to a reference image, and the accuracy of detection thereof, the tracking mirror of either the AOSLO apparatus or the WFSLO apparatus can be selectively controlled according to a difference in position of the target image with respect to the reference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Koji NOZATO, Kenichi SAITO, Kaishi OHASHI, Akira SATO, Futoshi HIROSE, Hiroshi IMAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170265743
    Abstract: A physiology detecting garment, a physiology detecting monitoring system, and a manufacturing method of a textile antenna are provided. The physiology detecting garment detects and collects physiology information of a wearer. The physiology detecting garment includes a garment, a textile antenna and a detecting device. The textile antenna is made of a conductive composition including a conductive nanowire and a polyurethane polymer. The textile antenna is thermal-compression bonded to the garment. The detecting device is electrically connected to the textile antenna and emits a detecting signal via the textile antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Hong-Dun Lin, Wen-Hsien Sun, Yong-Syuan Chen, Chih-Lung Chen, Yen-Hsien Lee, Pei-Fen Zhen, Jing-Wen Tang
  • Publication number: 20170265744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dental imaging apparatus which includes an x-ray imaging means and at least one colour camera for photographing the face of a patient positioned at the imaging station of the apparatus, which at least one colour camera is arranged to image the patient's face positioned at the patient support station from different directions, and means arranged into functional connection with said at least one colour camera for creating a virtual three-dimensional texture model of the patient's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kustaa Nyholm, Christian DeGodzinsky, Juha Koivisto
  • Publication number: 20170265745
    Abstract: The present application in some embodiments relates to methods for directing a procedure in a region of interest (ROI) using an access tube for introducing an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning head into the ROI and/or scanning the ROI with the scanning head. Optionally the scanning head is retracting from ROI via the access tube while the distal end of the access tube remains in the ROI and a second tool is introduced into ROI via the access tube. An access tube may include a standard cannula and/or some or all of a distal opening, a proximal opening and/or a window. All or part of an OCT engine and/or a control system (for example including a location indicator for 3D collage image composition) may be attached to the tool. In some embodiments an OCT tool, control system and/or OCT engine may be fully retractable from the access tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Gavriel J. IDDAN, Roni ZVULONI
  • Publication number: 20170265746
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sundar Rajendran, Dan Joel Kopacz
  • Publication number: 20170265747
    Abstract: A system and methods for polyp detection using optical colonoscopy images are provided. In some aspects, the system includes an input configured to receive a series of optical images, and a processor configured to process the series of optical images with steps comprising of receiving an optical image from the input, constructing an edge map corresponding to the optical image, the edge map comprising a plurality of edge pixel, and generating a refined edge map by applying a classification scheme based on patterns of intensity variation to the plurality of edge pixels in the edge map. The processor may also process the series with steps of identifying polyp candidates using the refined edge map, computing probabilities that identified polyp candidates are polyps, and generating a report, using the computed probabilities, indicating detected polyps. The system also includes an output for displaying the report.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Nima Tajbakhsh, Jianming Liang, Suryakanth R. Gurudu
  • Publication number: 20170265748
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoacoustic apparatus including a processing unit configured to obtain, for each of a plurality of timings, a light fluence with which a region of interest is irradiated, configured to weight, for each of the plurality of timings, a corresponding one of reception signal groups stored in a storage unit using a weighting factor based on the light fluence with which the region of interest is irradiated, and configured to obtain target-object information on the region of interest, based on the plurality of weighted reception signal groups respectively corresponding to the plurality of timings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nanaumi, Takuro Miyasato, Robert A. Kruger
  • Publication number: 20170265749
    Abstract: A processing apparatus, comprises: a first acquirer configured to acquire a first specific information distribution of an object based on acoustic waves propagating from the object onto which light is irradiated; a second acquirer configured to acquire a characteristic value of the first specific information distribution of the object; a third acquirer configured to acquire information indicating a correspondence between an optical coefficient and the characteristic value of the first specific information distribution; and a fourth acquirer configured to acquire the optical coefficient of the object using the characteristic value of the first specific information distribution of the object and the information indicating the correspondence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Nobuhito Suehira
  • Publication number: 20170265750
    Abstract: There is employed an information processing system including: a photoacoustic image acquiring unit that acquires photoacoustic image data derived from photoacoustic waves generated by an object that is irradiated with light; a setting unit that sets a simulation condition; a reference image acquiring unit that acquires simulation image data being photoacoustic image data corresponding to the simulation condition set by the setting unit; and a display controlling unit that causes a photoacoustic image based on the photoacoustic image data and a reference image based on the simulation image data, to be displayed on a display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Naoya Iizuka, Takuro Miyasato, Kenichi Nagae
  • Publication number: 20170265751
    Abstract: Non-contact ultrasound imaging system. The system includes a pulsed near infrared scanning laser source for illuminating a surface of a structure to generate ultrasonic elastic waves that propagate into the structure. A laser Doppler vibrometer measures vibration of the surface caused by the propagating ultrasonic waves in the structure and a data acquisition module processes data from the vibrometer to construct an image of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert W. Haupt, Anthony Samir, Charles M. Wynn, Jae H. Kyung, Kevin W. Holman
  • Publication number: 20170265752
    Abstract: A photoacoustic measuring apparatus includes a light source, a movable holding unit which holds an object, a light diffusing unit which fixes the distance between the light diffusing unit and the holding unit and diffuses light incident from the light source, and an acoustic wave obtaining unit which obtains an acoustic wave generated from the object by the light emitted via the holding unit and the light diffusing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Shigeru Ichihara, Yukio Furukawa, Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20170265753
    Abstract: An optical sensor and a method of using the optical sensor in an optical measuring device that measures cardiovascular properties and compensates for movement artifacts by directing a sheet of light towards an artery. The optical sensor may include one or more light sources, one or more transmit light guides coupled to the one or more light sources and configured to direct light from the one or more light sources as a sheet of light towards an artery, such that the cross-sectional profile of the sheet of light may have a length transverse to a longitudinal direction of the artery that is longer than the diameter of the artery. The optical sensor may include one or more light detectors configured to receive backscattered light and generate an output based on the received backscattered light that is a reflection of the sheet of light from the artery and surrounding tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: David Boettcher Baek, Russell Gruhlke, Evgeni Poliakov, Khurshid Alam, Lars Lading
  • Publication number: 20170265754
    Abstract: A method and system for determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) for a coronary artery stenosis of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, medical image data of the patient including the stenosis is received, a set of features for the stenosis is extracted from the medical image data of the patient, and an FFR value for the stenosis is determined based on the extracted set of features using a trained machine-learning based mapping. In another embodiment, a medical image of the patient including the stenosis of interest is received, image patches corresponding to the stenosis of interest and a coronary tree of the patient are detected, an FFR value for the stenosis of interest is determined using a trained deep neural network regressor applied directly to the detected image patches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Puneet Sharma, Ali Kamen, Bogdan Georgescu, Frank Sauer, Dorin Comaniciu, Yefeng Zheng, Hien Nguyen, Vivek Kumar Singh
  • Publication number: 20170265755
    Abstract: An infrared thermography based technique is described for monitoring an individual's thermoregulation performance and thermal comfort level through measuring the skin temperature on several points the face as the face has a high density of blood vessels and it is typically not covered by clothing. This technique allows for continuous monitoring during normal daily activities and instantaneous identification of thermoregulation performance and thermal comfort. The vascular territories in addition to vasodilation and vasoconstriction of the blood vessels can be used to estimate personal thermal comfort levels. Systems for implementing the technique are described, and can include one or more infrared sensors implemented on glasses for detecting temperature. Data from the sensors is processed by a suitable processor and memory. The processor can continuously monitor the person's blood vessels shrinking and widening which represents thermoregulation performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Burcin Becerik-Gerber, Guillermo Castro, Ali Ghahramani
  • Publication number: 20170265756
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement, control, or both, of thermodilution injectate flow for calculation of transpulmonary thermodilution parameters. An injectate delivery system includes a syringe for holding an injectate and a conduit configured at one end to be connected to a catheter. A flow measurement device is interposed in the conduit to generate a signal for determining the flow rate of the fluid from the syringe to the catheter. A processor receives the signal from the flow measurement device and calculates the injectate volume to be used as input for calculating a transpulmonary thermodilution parameter such as cardiac output. A GUI is provided to direct a user on whether the injection rate is too fast or too slow. Rather than measuring or calculating flow rate, a system may include a constant flow valve to provide a constant flow rate from the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander H. Siemons, Wei-Jiun Liu
  • Publication number: 20170265757
    Abstract: An integrated pressure sensing device is disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosed concepts provide a device that integrates hemodynamic pressure transducers or sensors into a single package. The package can be designed for precordial placement on the subject so that pressure readings are substantially accurate and appropriately calibrated without “leveling” the sensors relative to a subject's heart using a separate support, and regardless of the subject's position. A lumen set can be configured to maintain a fluid column between each pressure transducer and the subject's blood stream and in some embodiments, the assembly, including all transducers, can be fed from a single fluid source such as a single IV bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander H. Siemons, Steven E. Backer
  • Publication number: 20170265758
    Abstract: A personal locator beacon system has a personal locator beacon and a biometrics monitor. The personal locator beacon includes a first microprocessor, a first global positioning subsystem coupled to the first microprocessor, a first low energy transceiver coupled to the first microprocessor, and a first low energy antennae coupled to the first low energy transceiver. The biometrics monitor includes a second microprocessor, a second low energy transceiver coupled to the second microprocessor, a second low energy antennae coupled to the second low energy transceiver, and one or more nanosensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kannan Raman, Sai Bhanu Prakash Thupalli
  • Publication number: 20170265759
    Abstract: A photobiological measurement apparatus 1 may include a second received light quantity information calculation unit 33 for calculating measurement data relating to cerebral activity, a data display controller for displaying the measurement data for a specified area of a subject's brain, is characterized: is being provided with a reference light-receiving probe 14, which is disposed at a position separated by a first setting distance r1 from the light-transmitting prober 12 that is shorter than a second setting distance r2, and a first received light quantity information calculating unit 32, which calculates skin blood flow data relating to the skin blood flow using first received light quantity information ?A1 from the light transmitting probe 12 to the reference light-receiving probe 14, and in displaying the skin blood flow data at a specified position of the subject's scalp by indicating the measurement position on the subject's scalp and displaying the skin blood data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Akihiro Ishikawa, Yoshihiro Inoue, Takashi Amita, Satoru Kohno, Yoshinori Masuda, Haruhide Udagawa
  • Publication number: 20170265760
    Abstract: Technologies for a fabric acoustic sensor are disclosed. The fabric acoustic sensor includes a conductive thread and a non-conductive thread, which form a diaphragm that vibrates in response to a sound wave. As a result of the vibration, the conductive thread stretches, and a resistance of the conductive thread varies. The change in resistance is measured by a compute device, and the compute device may determine the sound wave based on the change in resistance. In some embodiments, the fabric acoustic sensor may be used to monitor a heart rate, locate an object, and/or provide an input for noise cancellation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Cagri Tanriover, Cliodhna Ni Scanaill
  • Publication number: 20170265761
    Abstract: A bio-pressure sensor system is disclosed, comprising a first sensor configured to provide a reference pressure measurement and second sensor configured to measure a fluid pressure within a human body. The bio-pressure sensor system also comprises a first reference element and second reference element. The first and second sensors share the first reference element. The second reference element is coupled to the first sensor and configured to provide a reference pressure. The first and second sensors each comprise independent output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Chad E. Seaver
  • Publication number: 20170265762
    Abstract: An anatomical manometry catheter system, comprising a plurality of balloons on the distal end and being configured to be inflatable and/or deflatable. The system includes a connector assembly coaxially aligned with the catheter assembly, the connector assembly being connectable to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may have a connector interface connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may include a manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured to deliver the pressure transmission medium therethrough toward a respective catheter lumen for inflating one or more balloons. The connector assembly may include a charging mechanism fluidly coupled to the catheter that facilitates inflating each balloon of the plurality of balloons by a common actuating mechanism so as to simultaneously charge each balloon of the plurality of balloons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Schlumpf, Ing Han Goping, Matthias Stadler, Tristan Zimmermann, Bryce Smith
  • Publication number: 20170265763
    Abstract: A textile electrode device, for detection of electrophysiological signals from the skin of a subject, having: a substrate designed to be positioned on the skin; at least a first detection electrode arranged on the substrate; and at least a first conducting element, carried by the substrate and electrically connected to the first detection electrode. The first detection electrode has a plurality of textile fibres, including conductive fibres and, optionally, fibres of a super-absorbent material, arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to an upper surface of the substrate and reciprocally in contact with each other, so as to ensure uniform electrical contact over the entire first detection electrode. In particular, the first detection electrode is obtained by means of the flocking technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Marco Gazzoni, Roberto Merletti
  • Publication number: 20170265764
    Abstract: A thalamic medical device system enables automated detection of epileptic seizures and optionally providing contingent thalamic stimulation triggered by automated seizure detection. The thalamic medical device system includes an implantable medical device connected to an electrode assembly and a lead. The electrode assembly has at least one electrode surgically implanted into an anterior thalamic nuclei or a centro-median thalamic nuclei of a brain. The implanted medical device is configured to detect electrical signals and analyze detected electrical signals using a seizure detection algorithm, and further configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the anterior thalamic nuclei or centro-median thalamic nuclei via the electrode assembly when a seizure is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Publication number: 20170265765
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described that provide improved diagnosis from the processing of physiological data. The methods include use of transforms prior to submitting the data to a multiple level neural network. In one embodiment for ECG analysis, a template is used to subtract data that is not pertinent to the diagnosis and then a Fourier transform is applied to the time series data. Examples are shown with applications to electrocardiogram data, but the methods taught are applicable to many types of physiological data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Baumann, Lev Korzinov, David Churchville
  • Publication number: 20170265766
    Abstract: Previous research has shown that the risk of sudden death due to cardiac arrhythmias can be predicted by observing the shape of recorded endocardial electrograms in response to pacing, and in particularly detecting certain small deflections in the recorded electrogram following early stimulation of the heart. A long standing problem has been the reliable detection of these small individual potentials because of the presence of noise in the recorded electrical signals created by other electrical equipment within a typical catheter laboratory. The solution described involves deriving a model of noise from a first portion of the electrogram in which a physiological signal is presumed to be absent, and transforming a second portion of the electrogram, presumed to contain a physiological signal, into the model of noise. The physiological signal can then be identified by identifying portions of signal within the second portion of the electrogram that do not conform to the model of noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Fen EP, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard SAUMAREZ
  • Publication number: 20170265767
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an electronic device having a housing and at least one male connection portion for detachably connection the electronic device to a female snap. The male connection portion comprises a stud having a male head portion capable of fitting within a socket region of a snap. The male head portion has a terminal end which is the terminal end of the stud and a second end which separates the male head portion from a mid-portion, and an end portion opposite the male head portion. The end portion has a terminal end which is second terminal end of the stud. A mid-portion is between the male head portion and the end portion. The stud is in electrical contact with an electronic component of the electronic device, and the head portion has a centered cavity open at the terminal end of the male head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kimmo Pernu, Tapio Selby, Ossi Lehtinen
  • Publication number: 20170265768
    Abstract: A medical device and method for detecting a ventricular arrhythmia event is disclosed. The medical device includes input circuitry configured to receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and processing circuitry coupled to the input circuitry that is configured to identify fiducial points within the ECG signal. Feature extraction circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry is configured to determine interval variability between the fiducial points. Machine learning circuitry is coupled to the feature extraction circuitry and is configured to detect ventricular arrhythmia based on the interval variability between the fiducial points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Nourhan Yahya Bayasi, Temesghen Tekeste Habte, Hani Hasan Mustafa Saleh, Ahsan Habib Khandoker, Mohammed Ismail Elnaggar
  • Publication number: 20170265769
    Abstract: A health-monitor patch comprising at least one physiological sensor and digital processor is configured to be adhered to the skin of a subject. A health-monitor patch may further include an accelerometer and may detect cardiac waveforms, activity performed by the subject, and a body orientation of the subject. A health-monitor patch may be disposable, in some embodiments, and used for outpatient monitoring. Aspects of noise cancellation and reel-to-reel manufacturing are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Quinlan, Paul J. Gaudet, David Peabody Goodall, III, John Edgar MacLean
  • Publication number: 20170265770
    Abstract: A health-monitor patch comprising at least one physiological sensor and digital processor is configured to be adhered to the skin of a subject. A health-monitor patch may further include an accelerometer and may detect cardiac waveforms, activity performed by the subject, and a body orientation of the subject. A health-monitor patch may be disposable, in some embodiments, and used fox outpatient monitoring. Aspects of noise cancellation and reel-to-reel manufacturing are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Quinlan, Paul J. Gaudet, Norbert Ohlenbusch, Jianwei Zhang, Steven R. Oliver, Thomas P. Blackadar, David P. Monahan