Patents Issued in October 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9788776
    Abstract: A wearable device mounted on a living body can detect an analyte response signal transmitted from tissue in the living body. The tissue contains at particles conjugated to at least one complex of (i) an antibody labeled with a fluorophore, the labeled antibody having a target analyte binding site; and (ii) protein M labeled with a quencher that is complimentary to the fluorophore of the labeled antibody, wherein the labeled protein M competes with the target analytes for the target analyte binding site on the labeled antibody; wherein the fluorophore and quencher are spectrally matched such that there is a detectable change in the fluorescent signal. The analyte response signal is related to interaction of the target analytes with the complexes. A processor can determine a presence or absence of the analytes based on the analyte response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Jason Donald Thompson, Jerrod Joseph Schwartz, Joshua Simon Klein
  • Patent number: 9788777
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to identify a mood of media are disclosed. An example method includes accessing a known audio known to evoke a first emotion. A first synthesized sample is synthesized based on the known audio sample. A first value of a first feature of the first synthesized sample is calculated. A mood model is created based on the first feature. The mood model is to establish a relationship between the first feature and the first emotion. A second value of the first feature of first media evoking an unknown emotion is identified. The unknown emotion is identified as the first emotion when the mood model indicates that the second value corresponds to the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Neilsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Knight, Ramachandran Gurumoorthy, Alexander Topchy, Ratnakar Dev, Padmanabhan Soundararajan, Anantha Pradeep
  • Patent number: 9788778
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring psychological stress disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises determining R-R intervals from an electrocardiogram (ECG) to calculate a standard deviation of the R-R intervals (SDNN) and determining a stress feature (SF) using the SDNN. In response to reaching a threshold, the method includes performing adaptation to update a probability mass function (PMF). The method includes determining a stress level (SL) using the SF and the updated PMF to continuously measure the psychological stress. In a second aspect, the system comprises a wireless sensor device coupled to a user via at least one electrode, wherein the wireless sensor device includes a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device stores an application which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to carry out the steps of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Vital Connect, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Chan, Ravi Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 9788779
    Abstract: We report a method of determining an occurrence of an epileptic convulsive seizure in a patient, comprising: receiving body data from a patient during a first time period, determining a work level relating to said first time period at least based partially upon said body data; determining whether said work level exceeds an extreme work level threshold; performing a responsive action, in response to a determination that said work level exceeds said extreme work level threshold. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Flint Hills Scientific, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Patent number: 9788780
    Abstract: An allergy testing kit contains a plurality of allergy testing applicators, an allergy testing tray and a plurality of allergen bottles each containing an allergen. Each of the applicators contains an elongated handle, a plurality of arms extending from the elongated handle and disposed in an asymmetrical configuration, and a plurality of legs with tines extending from each of the arms. The allergy testing tray contains a main body having an underside and a top surface, a cover for locking with the main body and a plurality of reservoirs extending from the underside of the main body. The reservoirs each have a chamber with an opening extending from the top surface. The reservoirs are disposed in different groups and each group has an asymmetrical configuration matching that of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Marvin Smollar
  • Patent number: 9788781
    Abstract: A method for providing feedback during ligament insertion in knee joint orthopedic surgeries includes providing an imaging device providing knee joint articular surface geometry data, providing a position measuring device providing distal ligament insertion sites, providing a strain measuring device providing ligament reference strain, providing a drive system providing a prescribed kinematic path for the knee joint and providing an adaptive migration application. The adaptive migration application receives inputs including the knee joint articular surface geometry data, the distal ligament insertion sites, the ligament reference strain and the prescribed kinematic path for the knee joint and generates outputs including sets of isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic points representing proximal insertion sites of a ligament fiber associated with prescribed distal ligament insertion sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. White, Darryl D'Lima
  • Patent number: 9788782
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus related to identification of apnea type. One aspect of the present subject matter provides a method for real-time apnea discrimination. The method includes sensing an impedance-based tidal volume signal to monitor a respiratory cycle of a patient, and detecting a reduction in tidal swing using the sensed impendence to detect an apnea event. When the apnea event is detected, a shape of the sensed signal is compared to a stored signal shape to determine whether the apnea event is primarily an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event or primarily a central sleep apnea (CSA) event, in various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, David J. Ternes, Stephen B. Ruble
  • Patent number: 9788783
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventor: Karl Otto
  • Patent number: 9788784
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating prospective treatments for progressive brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and the progressive effects of aging involve the use of an imaging device communicatively coupled to a computing device. The imaging device may takes a plurality of brain imaging measurements from each of a plurality of human subjects who are divided into a treated group and an untreated group based on various subject data including whether the subjects carry certain alleles of genes known to increase the risk of developing the brain disorder at issue. The computing device receives the brain imaging measurements from the imaging device and applies an advanced processing method that permits enhanced computational efficiency when calculating rates of change for the two groups and determining whether any calculated difference between the rates is statistically significant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Banner Health
    Inventor: Eric M. Reiman
  • Patent number: 9788785
    Abstract: A method of determining a value of a physiological parameter for a subject at a selected state includes obtaining, via a device located a distance from the subject, a value of the physiological parameter of the subject at a particular time-of-day, and applying a time-dependent relationship function to the obtained physiological parameter value via a processor to determine a value of the physiological parameter at the selected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Francis LeBoeuf
  • Patent number: 9788786
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automatic detection of clinical relevance of images of an anatomical situation. The method includes comparing a first image and a second image and determining whether a difference between the first and second images is at least one of a local type difference and a global type difference. The local type difference is a local difference of the first image and the second image and the global type difference is a global difference between the first image and the second image. The second image is determined as having a clinical relevance if it is determined that the difference between the first image and the second image comprises a local type difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Udo Pfrengle, Michael Kohnen, Arno Blau, Thomas Epting
  • Patent number: 9788787
    Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: AccuVein, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Goldman, David Hunt, Mark Mock, Graham Marshall, Stephen P Conlon, Robert Roth
  • Patent number: 9788788
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a three dimensional imaging system is disclosed. There is a first source of laser light and a second source of laser light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light of the first source. The laser light from the first and second sources are combined, and the combined laser light is transmitted to a scanner. The scanner further transmits the combined light to a surface to be imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: AccuVein, Inc
    Inventors: Ron Goldman, Fred Wood, Stephen P Conlon, Vincent Luciano
  • Patent number: 9788789
    Abstract: Improved stretchable printed circuit boards, and fabrication methods thereof, are described. The improved stretchable printed circuit boards include a serpentine conductive trace enclosed by stretchable dielectric material. The stretchable dielectric material has a serpentine shape itself, realized by crenulated edges. The crenulated edges reduce torsional strain on the conductive trace and are formed, for example, by cutting away sections of the stretchable dielectric material proximate segments of the serpentine conductive trace where the serpentine conductive trace changes direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: THALMIC LABS INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Bailey
  • Patent number: 9788790
    Abstract: Described herein are catheters for use with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) that include an optical fiber core having a first refractive index and an interface medium having a second refractive index, where the first and second refractive indexes are mismatched such that receiving electronics configured to receive optical radiation reflected from the reference interface and the target operate in a total noise range that is within 5dB of the shot noise limit. These OCT catheters may include a silicon die mirror having a reflective coating that is embedded in the interface medium. The optical fiber can be fixed at just the distal end of the catheter, and may be managed within a handle that is attached to the proximal end of the catheter body, and is configured to allow rotation of both the catheter body and the optical fiber relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: AVINGER, INC.
    Inventors: John F. Black, Maegan K. Spencer, Michael Zung, Charles W. McNall, Evangeline Lumabas, Michael H. Rosenthal, John B. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9788791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient monitoring system for monitoring cardio pulmonary performance or the like by means of capacitive measurement. Further the invention relates to a method for monitoring cardio pulmonary performance or the like by means of a capacitive measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Brauers, Olaf Such, Jens Muehlsteff, Harald Reiter
  • Patent number: 9788792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening various skin surfaces, including hard to reach areas of the human body, as well as more commonly seen areas such as the foot. The present invention can help patients, especially those who are immobile or those with diabetes self-monitor and transmit the skin condition accurately, so that medical providers may assess the risk or presence of skin tissue breakdown. Thus, provision is made for a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches and offers high resolution image, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, Professional Staff Group IV(024)
    Inventors: Gary D. Goldish, Andrew Hansen, Eric Nickel, John E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9788793
    Abstract: A system (10) and method to identify motion artifacts. Measurements of a physiological parameter of an associated patient are received from a probe (12) positioned on or proximate to the associated patient. Further, measurements of acceleration are received from an accelerometer (26) positioned on, proximate to, or integrated with the probe (12). Measurements of the physiological parameter are labeled based on the measured acceleration, such as being with or without motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Wei Zong, Dale Wiggins, Brian David Gross, Larry Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9788794
    Abstract: The methods and apparatuses presented herein determine and/or improve the quality of one or more physiological assessment parameters, e.g., response-recovery rate, based on biometric signal(s) and/or motion signal(s) respectively output by one or more biometric and/or motion sensors. The disclosed methods and apparatuses also estimate a user's stride length based on a motion signal and a determined type of user motion, e.g., walking or running. The speed of the user may then be estimated based on the estimated stride length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: VALENCELL, INC.
    Inventors: Steven F. LeBoeuf, Michael Edward Aumer, Eric Douglas Romesburg
  • Patent number: 9788795
    Abstract: Provided is a method for compensating for tissue motion during magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and an apparatus for use thereof. The method includes acquiring a plurality of short-time MR scan images; selecting a reference scan image from the acquired plurality of short-time MR scan images; defining a set of transformation images based on the acquired plurality of short-time MR scan images other than the selected reference scan image; registering the reference scan image and the defined set of transformation images; calculating an average of aligned, registered images of the defined set of transformation images; and generating a motion-corrected image based on the calculated average.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York
    Inventors: Jerome Zhengrong Liang, Qin Lin
  • Patent number: 9788796
    Abstract: A cluster database includes existing ECG datasets organized into clusters, wherein each existing ECG dataset includes an existing ECG waveform with at least one corresponding existing feature and existing interpretation. Each cluster is comprised of existing ECG datasets having a common existing feature. The cluster training module is executable by the processor to receive a new ECG waveform and a feature extracted from the new ECG waveform. The cluster training module then selects a cluster interpretation module based on the feature, wherein the cluster interpretation module is trained on one of the clusters from the cluster database. The cluster training module processes the new ECG waveform and/or the feature to provide a cluster interpretation output. The cluster interpretation output is then displayed on the user interface, and the cluster training module receives clinician input via the user interface accepting or rejecting the cluster interpretation output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Joel Qiuzhen Xue
  • Patent number: 9788797
    Abstract: A device (1) for assisting with physical exertion management, includes a physiological sensor, a positioning device, at least one memory in which data representative of the itinerary to be travelled during the physical exertion can be recorded, and at least one data processing unit organised so as to produce forecast data representative of the change in an physical exertion parameter over the remaining itinerary to be travelled by the individual, to compare these forecast data with predetermined data, and to produce and transmit a message, the content of which depends on the result of the comparison of the forecast data and the predetermined data, with a view to communicating the message to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: CENTRE NATIONAL D'ETUDES SPATIALES (CNES)
    Inventor: Sebastien Rouquette
  • Patent number: 9788798
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a simultaneous graphical representation, a risk of bleeding and a risk of thrombosis providing a visualized bridge therapy process. Furthermore, the present invention provides for a computer-based prediction of the haemostatic situation of the examined blood circulation by using a combination of a biochemical model and a pharmacokinetic model for calculation or another mathematical representation of the blood circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Henk Jan Van Ooijen, Rene Van Den Ham, Bart Bakker
  • Patent number: 9788799
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a medical procedure performed in a clinical environment is provided. An audio recorder is configured to produce a verbal data signal that is representative of a verbal communication occurring in the clinical environment, and a data analyzer is configured to detect an adverse condition based upon the verbal data signal. An alert module is configured to alert an operator upon the detection of an adverse condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Surgical Safety Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Wagner, Marco Zenati, J. C. Flaherty, R. M. Flaherty, Jason Maron
  • Patent number: 9788800
    Abstract: The present invention includes a healthcare system for capturing and maintaining patient healthcare records and employing information in the records to proactively alert hospital workers to a condition that places patient health at risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Mayoras, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9788801
    Abstract: A process for the control of a gas analyzer, respirator or anesthesia device (10), a control module (19) and a gas analyzer, respirator or anesthesia device (10) are provided with a control module (19). The process is used for the output of online help and for guiding the user via a sequence of operating steps that are executed via defined operational controls (17). Each operational control (17) is designed with a selection signal generator and with an activation signal sensor in order to make possible a visual selection of the respective operational control. The selection may be coupled with the output of a visual indication on the graphical user interface (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventor: Ulrike Gerder-Kallisch
  • Patent number: 9788802
    Abstract: In a method and imaging device for ascertaining an absolute scan region on a patient, who is positioned on an examination table, for a subsequent medical imaging examination by operation of the medical imaging device, the height of the patient is ascertained, a relative examination region is ascertained, and the absolute scan region of the patient for the subsequent medical imaging examination is determined in a processor using the patient height and the relative examination region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Wullenweber
  • Patent number: 9788803
    Abstract: The disclosure has an object to provide a medical-data processing device that allows generation of an MIP image suitable for diagnosis. With the medical-data processing device of the disclosure, intensity of a body surface region in three-dimensional space data is adjusted. The body surface region corresponds to a body surface of a stereoscopic image of a subject. Since the intensity of the body surface region is adjusted to be decreased, the maximum intensity is selected from a portion except for the body surface region to generate the MIP image. This prevents the body surface of the subject from appearing upon generating the MIP image. Therefore, the MIP image is obtainable having excellent visibility to the inside of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Ohi, Yoshiyuki Yamakawa, Ayako Akazawa
  • Patent number: 9788804
    Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly for an imaging system is provided. The X-ray detector assembly includes a block for mounting to a rotating disc, the block including two opposing end surfaces, two opposing side surfaces and at least one mounting surface, and at least two detector chips, each detector chip including an X-ray detecting surface and an opposing block-facing surface, two opposing end surfaces and two opposing side surfaces, and each detector chip having a flexible bus mounted to the opposing block-facing surface of the detector chip adjacent to a side surface of the detector chip. The at least one mounting surface of the block receives the at least two detector chips in side-by-side disposition, with the buses of the at least two detector chips extending along a side surface of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Bailey, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 9788805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental radiography device capable of: reducing the amount of radiation exposure and the amount of battery consumption by reducing radiation exposure time by using a high switching frequency of 100 kHz or greater; preventing occurrence of operation errors caused by a momentary high voltage, etc. while using the high switching frequency; and easily setting X-ray irradiation time according to the type of teeth. Thus, the dental radiography device is safe, accurate and easy to use, and can have a small size and light weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: RHT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Joon Ho Oh
  • Patent number: 9788806
    Abstract: A breast composition information acquisition section acquires a mammary gland content ratio in each unit pixel in a breast region of a radiological image obtained by irradiating a breast of a subject with radiation. A noise reduction section acquires an index value indicating the size of a variance range of pixel values at each unit pixel position from the mammary gland content ratio of each unit pixel, performs a noise reduction process so that the level of noise reduction at a position of an attention pixel is low as the index value is small, and performs the noise reduction process so that the level of noise reduction at the position of the attention pixel is high as the index value is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Hamauzu
  • Patent number: 9788807
    Abstract: The invention relates to a processing apparatus for processing cardiac data of a living being and to an imaging system comprising the processing apparatus. A distribution of Fractional flow reserve (FFR) values being indicative of the FFR of different coronary arteries of the living being, a distribution of myocardial perfusion values like values of an iodine map being indicative of the myocardial perfusion of different portions of the myocardium of the living being and assignments between coronary arteries and portions of the myocardium of the living being are used for determining degrees of correspondence between FFR values and myocardial perfusion values. This allows for, for example, a determination of the reliability of the FFR values, if the myocardial perfusion values are known to be reliable, based on the determined degrees of correspondence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Holger Schmitt, Hannes Nickisch, Sven Prevrhal
  • Patent number: 9788808
    Abstract: A medical image displaying apparatus includes: an image obtainer that obtains a medical image of an object without placing a physical ruler beside the object; a controller that generates a virtual ruler based on a location of the image obtainer when the medical image is obtained; and a display that displays the virtual ruler on the medical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heeyeon Moon, Seung Hoon Shin, Woosup Han
  • Patent number: 9788809
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging control apparatus includes a control unit, a setting unit, and an obtaining unit. The control unit performs a first control to cause a radiation sensor to transit into a state where electric charges can be stored if it is determined that a predetermined standby time elapses and performs a second control to cause the radiation sensor to transit into the state where electric charges can be stored in response to a signal received from a detection unit configured to detect start of a generation of radioactive rays. The setting unit designates either the first control or the second control as a control to be performed. The obtaining unit acquires radiation image data from the radiation sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taro Hiroike, Norihiko Miyachi
  • Patent number: 9788810
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning system comprising at least a portable detector that enables users to continuously know the spatial location of a detector relative to an x-ray source so that it can be more easily aligned, and monitored for maintenance of alignment, with the portable detector within predetermined tolerances during procedures. In preferred embodiments, the invention further comprises a radiation interlock switch to prevent the emission of radiation in the event of the x-ray source and detector not being aligned within a predetermine tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: PORTAVISION MEDICAL LLC
    Inventor: Terry L Ancar
  • Patent number: 9788811
    Abstract: An imaging system of microbubble therapy cooperated with an ultrasound device for monitoring a cavitation on microbubbles in a vessel of an affected part is disclosed in the present invention, in which the cavitation is occurred by applying an ultrasound to disrupt the microbubbles. The system comprises an image acquiring module and a controlling module. The image acquiring module comprises at least one magnetic resonance device for acquiring a plurality of magnetic resonance images of the cavitation, and the controlling module provided for controlling an acquiring time of the magnetic resonance device and an irradiation time of the ultrasonic device through a controlling mode. An image evaluation method using the same is also disclosed herein and comprises steps as the following. First, injecting the microbubbles into the vessel of the affected part is performed. And then, a plurality of magnetic resonance images by a magnetic resonance device and in an acquiring time is acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Wu, Hsu-Hsia Peng
  • Patent number: 9788812
    Abstract: A needle guide assembly for inserting a needle into the body of a patient in order to access a subcutaneous target, such as a vessel, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the needle guide assembly comprises a needle guide body that is configured to at least indirectly and removably attach to an image producing device, such as an ultrasound probe. The needle guide body defines at least first and second elongate guide channels. Each guide channel defines a unique insertion angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe. Further, each guide channel is configured to accept needles of differing gauges. In other embodiments other needle guide assemblies are disclosed that include multiple guide channels for inserting a needle at a variety of insertion angles into the patient's body. Related methods are also disclosed. In yet other embodiments, needle guide assemblies including needle stop features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Orome, Matthew W. Bown, William R. Barron, Eric W. Lindekugel
  • Patent number: 9788813
    Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate physical apertures of ultrasound arrays. The probe can include separate backing plates configured to secure the ultrasound arrays in predetermined positions and orientations relative to one another. Some embodiments of the probe include flex circuit connected to the ultrasound arrays. In additional embodiments, a flex/PC board comprising flex connectors and an array of terminals is connected to the ultrasound arrays. Algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the probe apparatus to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Sharon L. Adam, David M. Smith, Donald F. Specht, Kenneth D. Brewer
  • Patent number: 9788814
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer device having a substrate and an ultrasonic transducer element array that has a first channel group and a second channel group that are arranged on the substrate, a first integrated circuit apparatus that is mounted on the substrate, at one edge portion of the ultrasonic transducer element array in a first direction, such that a long-side direction coincides with a second direction that intersects the first direction, and performs at least one of signal transmission to the first channel group and signal reception from the first channel group, and a second integrated circuit apparatus that is mounted on the substrate, at the other edge portion of the ultrasonic transducer element array in the first direction, such that the long-side direction coincides with the second direction, and performs at least one of signal transmission to the second channel group and signal reception from the second channel group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kogo Endo
  • Patent number: 9788815
    Abstract: A contrast imaging method based on a wide beam and a method for extracting a perfusion time-intensity curve (TIC) are provided to increase contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) through the contrast imaging method based on the wide beam via a pulse inversion microbubble wavelet transform sum squared differences decorrelation (PIWSSD). An auto adaptive analysis method about rapidly and accurately extracting a TIC tendency of the contrast imaging method based on the wide beam is also provided to overcome limitations of a decrease in the CTR of the contrast imaging based on the wide beam and a decrease in SCR of the perfusion TIC. The present invention plays an important role in effectively reducing an ultrasound contrast imaging acoustic power and a contrast microbubble perfusion concentration, reducing potential threat to human body, acquiring a contrast image with the high CTR, and accurately evaluating and diagnosing blood perfusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mingxi Wan, Diya Wang, Xuan Yang, Yu Zhai, Hui Zhong
  • Patent number: 9788816
    Abstract: A fluid withdrawing, expelling and filtering apparatus includes a fluid container including a first chamber, a second chamber, and, a first through hole and a second through hole respectively disposed in communication between the first chamber and the second chamber, a filter device movable between a first position and a second position to open or close the second through hole of the fluid container and including a filter element mating with the first through hole, and a fluid withdrawing and expelling operator operable to withdraw and expel a fluid through the first chamber of the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignees: Mackay Memorial Hospital, Shin Yan Sheno Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Schu-Rern Chen, Chih-Ping Chen, Ching-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 9788817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a urine specimen capture device comprising a narrow slit disposed on a surface exposed to urine that retains a portion of the urine specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Stephen C. Davis, Joshua D. Larsen, Jared M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9788818
    Abstract: An improved tissue specimen trapping device for collecting and separating solid particles and materials from body fluids has a porous separator that rests on a shelf-like annular ledge between upper and lower portions of the tissue collection container. At least one tissue collection basket removably disposed in the tissue collection container above the separator shelf has a porous bottom surface to filter tissue specimens from body fluids and has downward projections to the tissue collection basket above the separator shelf to create a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Endochoice, Inc.
    Inventor: William Parks
  • Patent number: 9788819
    Abstract: A biopsy system comprises an introducer and a biopsy device. The introducer comprises a cannula and at least two leaves. The cannula comprises an ovular cross-section, an open distal end and an open proximal end. The ovular cross-section defines a lumen extending between the open distal end and the open proximal end. The ovular cross-section of the cannula includes at least two flat sides. The at least two leaves extend distally from the open distal end. At least a portion of each of the at least two leaves extend from a respective flat side of the at least two flat sides of the cannula. The biopsy device comprises a body and an elongate needle. The elongate needle extends distally from the body. The elongate needle includes an ovular cross-section defining two straight sides. The cannula of the introducer is configured to slidably receive the elongate needle of the biopsy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Householder, Edward A. Rhad, Andrew Paul Nock, Kevin M. Fiebig
  • Patent number: 9788820
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices comprising a cutting element used to contact circumferentially and longitudinally the surface walls of the endocervical canal to provide for broad and complete contact of the intended surface with the device, resulting in attainment of a sufficient volume and comprehensive tissue sample for analysis as an endocervical curettage or screening pap smear. The device may provide for a reservoir for the obtained sample to be contained when removing from the cervical canal and vagina. The device may be comprised of a detachable means or be of a material that allows the user to cut the sampling head of the device for placement in collection means to maximize the amount of tissue or cells being sent to the laboratory for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: FEMASYS INC
    Inventors: Kathy Lee-Sepsick, Max S. Azevedo, Jeffrey A. Marcus
  • Patent number: 9788821
    Abstract: Described are expanded collagenous materials and methods for their preparation and use. Certain expanded collagenous materials can be prepared by treating a first collagenous material with an alkaline substance under conditions effective to expand the first collagenous material, and recovering the expanded material. Expanded materials can exhibit beneficial persistence and tissue generation characteristics when implanted, and can be used in the formation of highly porous medical implant bodies which can be compressed to fractions of their original volume and will thereafter substantially recover their original volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad E. Johnson, David M. J. Ernst, Michael Hiles, F. Joseph Obermiller
  • Patent number: 9788822
    Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley
  • Patent number: 9788823
    Abstract: Several methods to reduce surgical site infections include inserting a surgical access device into an incision, retracting tissue, and introducing fluid into the surgical access device such that the fluid exits the surgical access device and irrigates a surgical site. Other methods do not include introducing fluid into a surgical access device but include suctioning a fluid into the surgical access device and removing the fluid from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Insoo Suh, Jonathan Coe, Swaminadhan Gnanashanmugam, Jeremy Koehler, Mark Welton
  • Patent number: 9788824
    Abstract: An iris retractor made of two slender elements operatively coupled via a joining mechanism, wherein each slender element has an iris grabbing hook located at its distal end; and a handle located at the proximal end of the slender element, wherein the joining mechanism is configured to endow the iris retractor with at least two configurations: a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the length of each slender element is between 4 mm to 14 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: APX OPTHALMOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Ehud Assia, Eliahu Eliachar, Nir Lilach
  • Patent number: 9788825
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for attaching soft tissue to bone. In general, a deployment device, insertion assembly, and suture anchor are provided. The insertion assembly is coupled between the deployment device and the suture anchor to allow the deployment device to deploy the suture anchor into bone. Each of the various components disclosed herein can be used alone, in combination with one another, or in combination with various other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Mitek, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory R. Whittaker, Jose E. Lizardi, Donald Ziniti, Makoto Ohira, Kevin J. Ranucci