Patents Issued in November 14, 2017
  • Patent number: 9814351
    Abstract: A breast milk sterilizing apparatus provided with a nursing bottle holding breast milk, a holder cylinder body of metal having a cylindrical wall portion to which the nursing bottle is inserted, a heater and a heater temperature sensor wound around a periphery of the cylindrical wall portion, a breast milk temperature sensor to measure breast milk temperature on a bottom face of the nursing bottle, and a breast milk temperature controlling portion to control the heater based on a breast milk temperature measured value measured by the breast milk temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignees: MITA RIKA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Chigusa, Nobuyuki Takemoto
  • Patent number: 9814352
    Abstract: Cooking grates and grills incorporating such cooking grates are provided. A representative cooking grate includes: a plurality of elongate elements of heat resistant material, the elements being V-shaped in transverse cross-section, each of the elements having a first lower edge, a second lower edge and a vertex, the first lower edge and the second lower edge being spaced from each other with the vertex being located therebetween, the vertex being operative as a cooking surface to support food during cooking on the cooking grate; corresponding adjacent lower edges of adjacent ones of the elements being oriented to define gaps therebetween such that a first of the gaps, defined by a first lower edge of a first element and a second lower edge of a second element, exhibits a width of between approximately 5% and approximately 18% of a distance between the first lower edge and the second lower edge of the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CHAR-BROIL, LLC
    Inventor: Mallik R. Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9814353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a barbeque gas burner assembly (1) comprising inner (2) and an outer (3) gas burners and inner (3) and outer (5) heat directing shields, wherein the inner burner (2) is located within a boundary defined by the outer burner (3) and in a spaced-apart relationship thereto; the outer heat-directing shield (5) comprises a collar (21) with an outwardly extending rim (23) at one end thereof that is angled away from the collar (21), with the collar (21) and rim (23) complimentary shaped and sized to the outer burner (3) for the rim (23) to be supportable by the outer burner (3); the inner heat-directing shield (4) comprises a collar (24) that is complimentary shaped and sized to the inner burner (2) to be supportable thereby, and the collar (24) includes an outwardly extending rim (26) at one end thereof that is angled away from the collar (24); operatively for the rim (23) of the outer heat-directing shield (5) to be supported by the outer burner (3) with the collar (21) extending upwards fr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: M5 SPORT GROUP (PTY) LTD
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Denham, Michael Shane McAlery
  • Patent number: 9814354
    Abstract: A cooking grill includes a container defining a combustion area and a cooking surface over the combustion area. The grill features a pellet burner unit disposed within the container under the cooking surface and a pellet feeding device arranged to feed pellets into the burner unit. The burner unit comprises a trough into which the pellets are fed. The trough is mounted in a movable support which can be pulled out from within the container. The feeding device includes a removable cartridge for containing pellets and a receptacle for receiving the cartridge inserted thereon so that the cartridge supplies pellets for transfer to the pellet burner unit. In addition, a gas burner system is arranged in the container adjacent to the pellet burner unit so as to apply heat from the gas burner system to the cooking surface in addition to or as an alternative to the pellet burner unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom McAdams, Ethan Hofer, Lucien Dnestrianschii
  • Patent number: 9814355
    Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein may be methods for rapidly increasing pressure in a pressure fryer cooking vessel during a cooking cycle. Such methods and systems may comprise determining whether a pressure output in the cooking vessel is closed. Such methods and system may also include determining a pressure of the cooking vessel, comparing the pressure of the cooking vessel to a predetermined optimal pressure to determine whether the pressure of the cooking vessel is less than the optimal pressure, and activating a filter pump configured to supply air from a drain pan into the cooking vessel in response to determining that the pressure output is closed and the pressure of the cooking vessel is less than the optimal pressure. Such methods and systems may further include deactivating the filter pump when the pressure within the cooking vessel is equal to or greater than the optimal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Winter, Gary L. Mercer, Tim A. Landwehr, Keith Lambert
  • Patent number: 9814356
    Abstract: A device for thawing frozen items in a container of liquid, the container having one or more sidewalls, the device including a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a propeller coupled to the motor, and a fastener extending from the housing, the fastener detachably securable to the side wall of the container, the fastener oriented on the housing such that the propeller is positionable in the liquid when the fastener engages the side wall of the container. A controller can be operably connected to the motor, the controller including a thickness input, the controller programmed to determine an operational time period in response to the thickness input. The controller instructs the motor to rotate the propeller for the operational time period to help thaw the frozen item. A display can be operably connected to the controller. A method of thawing a frozen item is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Smartsy LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Edmonds, Badsha Das
  • Patent number: 9814357
    Abstract: In a container and method for processing food, the container has a closed end, and open end and a tubular sidewall extending therebetween and together with the closed end defining an interior space of the container. The container is configured to accommodate a blade member within the interior space of the container. The container has a center and the sidewall has at least one rib projecting inward of the interior space of the container and extending heightwise along at least a portion of the sidewall. The rib is asymmetric in transverse cross-section. A blade member is also disclosed and is configured to have different planes in which the blade member moves upon rotation of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Kroy Everett Nernberger, Jacob Daniel Smith, David W. Everett
  • Patent number: 9814358
    Abstract: An aromatic misting system for use with a bathtub comprises a reservoir having an open top end in which a removable cover structure is disposed. The cover structure has an orifice through which an aromatic mist is discharged. A liquid atomizing piezoelectric element is sealingly secured at a bottom end of the reservoir. The cover structure has a switch actuator when disposed at one position. When the cover is positioned at a second closed position, the reservoir is closed and the switch is not actuated. When there is hot water in the bathtub, the aromatic mist created in the reservoir is drawn out by the hot air generated by hot water placed in the bathtub adjacent the cover orifice, thus creating a temperature differential between the hot air and the cooler mist generated in the reservoir wherein the mist is drawn out by the temperature differential and propagates into a misty cloud over the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GESTION ULTRA INTERNATIONALE INC.
    Inventor: Henry Brunelle
  • Patent number: 9814359
    Abstract: A system for dispensing paper product at a food-selling establishment. The system includes a point-of-sale device for entering details of a particular sale transaction, with the point-of-sale device being configured to output a slip containing specific indicia associated with the particular sale transaction. A dispenser of paper product is configured to obtain information from the specific indicia on the slip and to dispense a predetermined quantity of paper product in response to the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Ernest Saffran
  • Patent number: 9814360
    Abstract: A toilet seat cover mounting system including a seat cover configured to move longitudinally from a rearward position to a forward position as the toilet seat cover is pivoted from a lowered position to a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Joel Michael Gray, Chris Kors
  • Patent number: 9814361
    Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head, a flexible conduit section and an upper section movably mounted to the cleaning head. The upper section may include an air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, The surface cleaning apparatus may also include a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. The upper section may also include an upflow conduit positioned in the air flow passage between the flexible conduit section and the air treatment member. When the upper section is in the upright position, the flexible conduit may include a portion that extends downwardly to a downstream end of the flexible conduit and the upflow conduit may extend upwardly from an upstream end of the upflow conduit to a downstream end of the upflow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Dan Bilger, Susan Rifkin St. Amand
  • Patent number: 9814362
    Abstract: A shop vac includes a handle, a canister, a vacuum tube, and a pick-up device. The canister holds an enclosure that generates a negative pressure by forcing compressed, high velocity air through a orifice plug and out a muffler to create a vacuum in the enclosure. The vacuum in the enclosure is transferred to the vacuum tube and the pick-up device to pick up liquid or debris on a shop floor. The enclosure inside the canister includes a flow control valve such as a ball in cage device to prevent fluid from entering the enclosure. An evacuation spout is located at the bottom of the canister for draining the vacuum when the canister becomes full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeff Romero
  • Patent number: 9814363
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body and a dust container communicating with the cleaner main body, the dust container storing dusts separated from air. The dust container includes a dust collection body including a dust storage part for storing the dusts, a pressing member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection body, and a cleaning member contacting an inner surface of the dust collection body to clean the inner surface of the dust collection body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gun Ho Ha, Ji Hoon Kim, Seung Heun Lim
  • Patent number: 9814364
    Abstract: New and novel structure(s) for cleaning surfaces have been disclosed. The device may include: a wiping surface, which may be disposable; a brush roll/larger debris gathering mechanism; a local debris storage and/or staging area, and a larger remote debris storage structure. Additionally, there are mechanisms and structures disclosed for powering the brush roll, activating the brush roll from an out of use position to an in use position, and moving the waste from one area to another. The invention at hand uniquely and inventively improves upon the known devices in this field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Caruso
  • Patent number: 9814365
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head including a cleaning pad mount that is configured to receive a water absorbent cleaning pad and a fluid distribution system in communication with the cleaning pad mount. An automatic dispensing system is provided. The automatic dispensing system is operatively connected to the fluid distribution system and comprises a detector that receives a signal indicative of the usage of a cleaning pad provided on the cleaning pad mount and a controller configured to adjust the amount of at least one of steam and cleaning solution delivered based on a signal from the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 9814366
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a first spray assembly and a second spray assembly disposed within a wash chamber of a tub. A hydraulic switch of the dishwasher appliance has a first outlet conduit that extends towards the first spray assembly and a second outlet conduit that extends towards the second spray assembly. A plug of the hydraulic switch is movable between the first outlet conduit and the second outlet conduit. The hydraulic switch may permit a flow of wash fluid to either the first spray assembly or the second spray assembly. A related method for operating a dishwasher appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Lazaro Galban
  • Patent number: 9814367
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet, a tub providing a washing space, a sump located below the tub and providing a space in which the washing water is stored, racks provided inside the tub and providing a space in which washing targets are received, spray arms for spraying the washing water to the racks, a pump for supplying the washing water stored in the sump to the spray arms, and at least two insulating units for connecting the pump with the sump to allow the pump to be spaced apart from a bottom of the cabinet at a predetermined distance and attenuating transfer of vibration generated in the pump to the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gapsu Shin, Sangheon Yoon
  • Patent number: 9814368
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic doormat device for detecting and replenishing contaminated surface to keep contaminants from entering the house. An exemplary doormat device comprises a sticky sheet configured to adhesively pick up contaminants; a first roller configured to support windings of the sticky sheet; a second roller, spaced apart from the first roller, configured to wind the sticky sheet unwound from the first roller in rotation; a case configured to enclose the first roller and the second roller and support the sticky sheet on a portion exposed between the first roller and the second roller; and a drive motor configured to generate a driving force for rotating the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Dong Hyun Kang
  • Patent number: 9814369
    Abstract: A surgical camera assembly includes a proximal member defining a longitudinal axis and a distal member defining a pointed tip configured to puncture tissue to permit insertion of the surgical camera assembly therethrough. The distal member is pivotably coupled to the proximal member and is movable relative thereto between a first position, wherein the distal member is aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a second position, wherein the distal member is angled off the longitudinal axis. First and second surgical cameras are disposed within the distal member in fixed position and longitudinally-spaced relative to one another. Each of the cameras is oriented to define a viewing area in a direction extending from an outer lateral periphery of the distal member. The cameras are configured to produce video images that are used in conjunction with one another to provide a three-dimensional video image of the internal surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Ashwini K. Pandey
  • Patent number: 9814370
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, and more particularly, to a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, which selectively transmits light to a detector sensor of a television camera according to the white light condition or the fluorescence condition to diagnose patients using a fluorescence endoscope. The present invention provides a filter switching device for a fluorescence endoscopic television camera system, which is configured to conveniently switch filters according to the rotational movement of the camera head, by inducing a change of magnetic forces according to the rotation of the camera head by magnetic substances disposed therein while maintaining a sealed structure inside the camera head connecting between a fluorescence endoscope and a television camera and thus allowing the frame of the camera head mounted with two types of filter to move upward and downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA ELECTROTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Uk Kang, Guang Hoon Kim, Soo Jin Bae, Min Woong Jung, Garry V Papayan, Vladimir Berezin
  • Patent number: 9814371
    Abstract: An imaging module of the invention includes: an electrical cable; a solid-state image sensing device; and a flexible wiring substrate including: a device-mounted portion onto which the solid-state image sensing device is mounted; two extended portions which bend at both sides of the device-mounted portion and extend from the device-mounted portion so as to come close to each other with increasing distance from the device-mounted portion; two connection end portions extending from the two extended portions along the direction of the axis of the front end of the electrical cable on an opposite side of the device-mounted portion; and terminals which are provided on the two connection end portions and connected to the electrical cable, the flexible wiring substrate electrically connecting the solid-state image sensing device and the electrical cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Segi, Yusuke Matsuda, Katsuya Yamagami, Kenichi Nakatate
  • Patent number: 9814372
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible, locking insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument, a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument, and a handle to be gripped by an operator. A device locks the handle to and unlocks the handle from the instrument, which is at least partly disposed within the hollow body. A device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. A method for operating a torque-transmitting, locking insertion device includes placing the instrument at least partly within the hollow body and locking the handle to and unlocking the handle from the instrument. The hollow body is transitioned between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Smith, Derek Deville, Korey Kline, Thomas Bales, Matthew Palmer, Carlos Rivera
  • Patent number: 9814373
    Abstract: A passive bending section for an endoscope is disposed between an active bending section of an inserting section and a flexible tube of the inserting section and is passively bent by receiving an external force. In the passive bending section, a curvature gradually increases from the distal end portion of the passive bending section toward the proximal end portion of the passive bending section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichiro Saito, Takahiro Kishi
  • Patent number: 9814374
    Abstract: There is provided herein a flexible electronic circuit board for a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the circuit board comprising a front camera surface configured to carry a forward looking camera, a first side camera surface configured to carry a first side looking camera, a second side camera surface configured to carry a second side looking camera, one or more front illuminator surfaces a configured to carry one or more front illuminators to essentially illuminate the FOV of the forward looking camera, one or more side illuminator surfaces configured to carry one or more side illuminators to essentially illuminate the FOV of the first side looking camera and one or more side illuminator surfaces configured to carry one or more side illuminators to essentially illuminate the FOV of the second side looking camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Endochoice Innovation Center Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaniv Kirma, Moshe Levi, Amram Aizenfeld
  • Patent number: 9814375
    Abstract: A light source device includes: excitation light sources configured to emit a plurality of excitation light including mutually different spectra; wavelength converting members configured to wavelength-convert the excitation light emitted from the excitation light sources into light having mutually different spectra and configured to be disposed in a common application region of the excitation light; and a light source control unit configured to switch a combination of the excitation light sources that are lighted among the excitation light sources based on the observation mode including a normal light observation mode and a special light observation mode to highlight a particular observation target input to an input unit, wherein light emitted from the wavelength converting members is used as illumination light, and the illumination light corresponding to the observation modes is emitted from a same emitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bakusui Daidoji, Kazuaki Tamura, Takeshi Ito, Hiroyuki Kamee
  • Patent number: 9814376
    Abstract: A light source unit is provided with a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source that emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively, as illumination light. A light source controller controls emission intensity and emission timing of the illumination light to make an emission period of the red light longer than an emission period of each of the green light and the blue light. An image sensor is capable of separately receiving the light of each color reflected from an object of interest irradiated with the illumination light and capable of separately changing a light-receiving period of the light of each color. An imaging controller makes the light-receiving period of at least the red light coincide with the emission period of the red light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kubo
  • Patent number: 9814377
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing having an interior, a distal end and an opposing proximal end. A supporting member is disposed within the interior of the housing, and supports a plurality of LEDs. A light guide made from a light transmissive material is distally disposed in relation to the LED supporting member for transmitting light emitted by the plurality of LEDs through the distal end of the housing. In at least one version, at least one end of the light guide can be provided with a patterned surface that is configured to produce a uniform illumination spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lia, Robert L. Vivenzio, John R. Strom, Ervin Goldfain
  • Patent number: 9814378
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a light output to an optical guide for illumination of an imaged object including a plurality of solid state light-emitting sources each of which are independently powered and independently controlled, each light-emitting source emitting light at a wavelength which is different from the wavelength emitted by the other light-emitting sources. The apparatus also includes a heat sink configured to thermally couple the plurality of solid state light-emitting sources and provide conduction of heat generated by the plurality of solid state light-emitting sources. The apparatus further includes an optical elements to collect, collimate, and combine the emissions from the plurality of solid state light-emitting sources into a combined beam of light to be optically coupled to the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Novadaq Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Allen Moore
  • Patent number: 9814379
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, John Y. Chang, Ketan P. Muni, John H. Morriss, Hung V. Ha, Isaac J. Kim, Julia D. Vrany
  • Patent number: 9814380
    Abstract: The Pedicle Endoscope represents a new way to image the insertion of screws in vertebrae with the aid of fiber optics. The endoscope can operate in the visible and infrared spectra and is used in conjunction with a polyaxial or multiaxial screwdriver assembly. The mechanical assembly is comprised of a screwdriver, a polyaxial or multiaxial shaft, and a pedicle screw. The polyaxial shaft is inserted in the screwdriver and this assembly couples with the pedicle screw. Once this mechanical assembly is integrated, the endoscope is inserted through a bore that runs along the polyaxial shaft and the pedicle screw and it comes out of the screw tip, imaging the progression of the screw as it penetrates the incision in the vertebra. The endoscope consists of three fiber cores, one for imaging and two for illumination and a conduit for irrigation and air suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Octavio Cesar Silva, Fernando Emilio Silva
  • Patent number: 9814381
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus is capable of communicating with a PDA device provided with a display unit and includes a main body that includes an image-capturing unit, the image-capturing unit obtaining a moving image of an eye to be examined (target eye) based on light returned from the target eye which is illuminated, the moving image of the target eye used by the ophthalmic apparatus for obtaining, based on an examination of the target eye, information regarding the target eye, a driving unit that drives the main body, a transmission unit that transmits, before the information regarding the target eye is obtained, a moving image signal of the obtained moving image to the PDA device, a reception unit that receives a control signal from the PDA device during transmission of the moving image signal, and a control unit that controls the driving unit based on the received control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Uchida
  • Patent number: 9814382
    Abstract: A method for calculating the power of an intraocular lens including measuring an axial separation between the front surface of the cornea and the plane of the iris root; and determining the power of the intraocular lens using the measured axial separation together with other measured parameters and empirically determined lens constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Murai Von Bünau, Burkhard Wagner, Scott A. Meyer, Xunchang Chen
  • Patent number: 9814383
    Abstract: OCT imaging systems are provided for imaging a spherical-type eye including a source having an associated source arm path and a reference arm having an associated reference arm path coupled to the source path. The reference arm path has an associated reference arm path length. A sample is also provided having an associated sample arm path coupled to the source arm and reference arm paths. A lens having a focal power optimized for a diameter of the spherical-type eye is provided along with a reference arm path length adjustment module coupled to the reference arm. The reference arm path length adjustment module is configured to automatically adjust the reference arm path length such that the reference arm path length is based on an eye diameter of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bioptigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Hart, Eric L. Buckland, Glenn A. Myers, Joseph A. Izatt, Joseph Elliott Vance
  • Patent number: 9814384
    Abstract: Techniques are introduced to improve the ability of OCT to determine more accurately the nature of the flow of fluids in the eye, including faster measurements of the flow and a method to reduce geometric uncertainties due to eye movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC, INC.
    Inventor: Tilman Schmoll
  • Patent number: 9814385
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmoscope comprising a camera and an associated illumination device; the invention further concerns a novel method for processing a plurality of images of the eye taken by said device; and software, typically included in said ophthalmoscope, for executing said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignees: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, The Greater Glasgow Health Board, The University Court of the University of St Andrews
    Inventors: Stewart Jordan, Mario Giardini, Iain Livingstone, Andrew Bastawrous
  • Patent number: 9814386
    Abstract: An ocular alignment system for aligning a subject's eye with an optical axis of an ocular imaging device comprising one or more guide light and one or more baffle configured to mask the one or more guide light from view of the subject such that the one or more guide light is only visible to the subject when the eye of the subject is aligned with the optical axis of an ocular imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: IDx, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Abramoff, Eric Talmage, Ben Clark, Edward DeHoog, Timothy Chung
  • Patent number: 9814387
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes a controller embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The controller is electrically connected to an antenna included in the eye-mountable device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive an indication of an interrogation signal via the antenna, (ii) responsive to the interrogation signal, output a substantially unique identification sequence; and (iii) use the antenna to communicate the substantially unique identification sequence. The substantially unique identification sequence can then be used by external readers to associate the eye-mountable device with device-specific information without storing such information on the eye-mountable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Otis, Daniel Yeager, Andrew Nelson
  • Patent number: 9814388
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes at least two wireless sensing devices, each configured to measure a different physiological parameter from a patient and wirelessly transmit a parameter dataset. The system further includes a receiver that receives each parameter dataset, a processor, and a monitoring regulation module executable on the processor to assign one of the at least two wireless sensing devices as a dominant wireless sensing device and at least one of the remaining wireless sensing devices as a subordinate wireless sensing device. The physiological parameter measured by the dominant wireless sensing device is a key parameter and the parameter dataset transmitted by the dominant wireless sensing device is a key parameter dataset. The key parameter dataset from the dominant wireless sensing device is processed to determine a stability indicator. The subordinate wireless sensing device is then operated based on the stability indicator for the key parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stanislava Soro, Robert F. Donehoo, Otto Valtteri Pekander
  • Patent number: 9814389
    Abstract: An improved analyte monitoring system having a sensor and a transceiver with improved communication and/or user interface capabilities. The transceiver may communicate with and power the sensor. The transceiver may receive one or more analyte measurements from the sensor and may calculate one or more analyte concentrations based on the received analyte measurements. The transceiver may generate analyte concentration trends, alerts, and/or alarms based on the calculated analyte concentrations. The system may also include a display device, which may be, for example, a smartphone and may be used to display analyte measurements received from the transceiver. The display device may execute a mobile medical application. The system may include a data management system, which may be web-based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Andrew DeHennis
  • Patent number: 9814390
    Abstract: Insertable imaging devices, and methods of use thereof in minimally invasive medical procedures, are described. In some embodiments, insertable imaging devices are described that can be introduced and removed from an access port without disturbing or risking damage to internal tissue. In some embodiments, imaging devices are integrated into an access port, thereby allowing imaging of internal tissues within the vicinity of the access port, while, for example, enabling manipulation of surgical tools in the surgical field of interest. In other embodiments, imaging devices are integrated into an imaging sleeve that is insertable into an access port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL (BARBADOS) INC.
    Inventors: Cameron Piron, Michael Wood, Murugathas Yuwaraj, Alex Panther, Nishanthan Shanmugaratnam, William Lau, Monroe M. Thomas, Gal Sela, Joshua Richmond, Wes Hodges, Simon Alexander, David Gallop
  • Patent number: 9814391
    Abstract: A mouth guard comprises a base member configured to fit inside the mouth of a user, and at least one shock-sensing and indicating device coupled to the base member. In one exemplary embodiment, the shock-sensing and indicating device is a passive shock-sensing and indicating device that detects a shock substantially along a selected axis with respect to the base member. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one shock-sensing and indicating device detects a shock substantially along a plurality of selected axes with respect to the base member, each selected axis being substantially orthogonal from another selected axis. The shock-sensing and indicating devices can be configured to detect different levels of shock. In one exemplary embodiment, the shock-sensing and indicating device comprises a multi-component chemical-reaction system, such as a chemi-luminescent reaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Don B. Hennig, Jeffry L. VanElverdinghe, Joseph P. Curtin
  • Patent number: 9814392
    Abstract: A visual tracking and annotation system for surgical intervention includes an image acquisition and display system arranged to obtain image streams of a surgical region of interest and of a surgical instrument proximate the surgical region of interest and to display acquired images to a user; a tracking system configured to track the surgical instrument relative to the surgical region of interest; a data storage system in communication with the image acquisition and display system and the tracking system; and a data processing system in communication with the data storage system, the image acquisition and display system and the tracking system. The data processing system is configured to annotate images displayed to the user in response to an input signal from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Marcin A. Balicki, Russell H. Taylor, Gregory D. Hager, Peter L. Gehlbach, James T. Handa, Rajesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 9814393
    Abstract: A bone oximeter probe includes an elongated member and a sensor head at an end of the elongated member to make measurements for a bone. The measurements can indicate the viability or nonviability of the bone. In an implementation, the probe is advanced through an incision in soft tissue, towards the underlying bone, and positioned so that the sensor head faces the bone to be measured. Optical signals are sent from the sensor head and into the bone. The bone reflects some of the optical signals which are then detected so that measurements for the bone can be made. Some of these measurements include an oxygen saturation level value, and a total hemoglobin concentration value of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Jian-Min Mao, Robert E. Lash
  • Patent number: 9814394
    Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer array, first and second light sources and a switching power supply that generates power for the light sources. The switching power supply includes an input for impeding its switching operation. A data acquisition unit samples the ultrasound transducer array for a first predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and for a second predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source and stores the sampled data. A master processor utilizes the input to impede operation of the switching operation of the switching power supply during the first predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source, and during the second predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Schmid
  • Patent number: 9814395
    Abstract: Implanted electrodes can be used to deliver electrical stimulation signals to areas near blood vessels, nerves, or other internal body locations. In an example, an electrode can be implanted in a cervical location and can be used to measure dimensional changes in an artery using impedance plethysmography. Measured artery dimensional changes can be used to determine one or more physiological parameters associated with a patient's health status, such as pulse transit time, relative pulse pressure, or aterial compliance, among others. These parameters can be used to monitor a patient health status or to modulate a patient's therapy, among other uses. In some examples, an electrode configured to deliver an electrostimulation signal to nerve tissue can be used to provide non-neurostimulating electrical stimulation plethysmography signals near a blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, David J. Ternes, Barun Maskara, Shantha Arcot-Krishnamurthy, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez, Scott Vanderlinde
  • Patent number: 9814396
    Abstract: In a pulse wave signal processor, a first filter attenuates a frequency component in an acquired pulse wave signal or in a differentiated pulse wave signal, and the attenuated frequency component is more than or equal to a first frequency. A second filter attenuates a frequency component in the acquired pulse wave signal, and the attenuated frequency component is less than the first frequency and more than or equal to a second frequency. A characteristic-point extractor extracts a characteristic point that exists in each single pulse of the pulse wave signal filtered by the second filter, and a signal separator partitioning the pulse wave signal or the differentiated signal filtered by the first filter into sections such that each section includes one of the extracted characteristic points. The partitioned sections are overlapped such that the characteristic points are coincident with each other, and arithmetically averaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouki Futatsuyama, Taiji Kawachi, Tsuyoshi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9814397
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a body-weight sensing scale includes cardio-based physiological sensing circuitry to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide outputs indicative of the detected heart characteristics. A processor circuit is arranged with the cardio-based physiological sensing circuitry to process data to provide a noise-reduced cardiogram signal which characterizes functionality/health of the user's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Omer T. Inan, Mozziyar Etemadi, Laurent B. Giovangrandi, Gregory T. Kovacs, Richard M. Wiard
  • Patent number: 9814398
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Tensys Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart L. Gallant, Gregory I. Voss, William H. Markle
  • Patent number: 9814399
    Abstract: A biological information detection apparatus includes a detection unit which has a light receiving unit receiving light from a subject, a light transmitting member which is provided on a housing surface side in contact with the subject of the biological information detection apparatus, transmits light from the subject, and comes into contact with the subject when measuring biological information of the subject, and a diaphragm unit which is provided between the light transmitting member and the detection unit, between the light transmitting member and the subject, or inside the light transmitting member, and narrows light from the subject in an optical path between the subject and the detection unit. The detection unit includes a light emitting unit which emits light to the subject, and the biological information detection apparatus has a light shielding unit which is provided between the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Takahashi, Hideto Yamashita, Masao Kuroda, Ichiro Aoshima
  • Patent number: 9814400
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the frequency of a cardiovascular pulse based on a photoplethysmographic measurement of blood in a portion of subsurface vasculature. A plurality of samples of the photoplethysmographic signal are obtained and a frequency spectrum determined based on a first set of the plurality of samples. A frequency is determined based on a maximum frequency component of the frequency spectrum. Further, a confidence level of the determined frequency of the maximum frequency component is determined based on the magnitude of the maximum frequency component and the overall energy in the frequency spectrum. A pulse rate is then determined by updating a predicted pulse rate of a second, earlier set of the plurality of samples based on the frequency of the maximum frequency component and the determined confidence level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Raphael Cendrillon, Christopher Towles Lengerich, Mark Murphy, Ali Shoeb