Patents Issued in January 25, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180020905
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an endoscope in a computer-controlled washer/disinfector comprising the steps of connecting each lumen of an endoscope to a fluid distribution system for selectively conveying pressurized air or pressurized fluids through lumens in an endoscope; identifying the type of endoscope to be cleaned in said washer/disinfector; determining a blockage threshold flow coefficient for each lumen for said endoscope to be cleaned; pressurizing each lumen in said endoscope individually and determining an actual flow coefficient through said lumen; determining whether said endoscope is suitable for cleaning by comparing said actual flow coefficients for a lumen in said endoscope to said blockage threshold flow coefficient for said lumen; and determining whether a connection to a lumen in said endoscope is properly connected based upon said flow coefficient through said lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Alain CHOUINARD, Louis MARTINEAU, Nicolas VERREAULT, Maxime ROBERT
  • Publication number: 20180020906
    Abstract: An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope includes a proximal end, which is mechanically connectable or connected to a handle in order to form an adaptive laryngoscope, a first flexible bar, which extends from the proximal end of the adaptive blade to the distal end thereof, and a second flexible bar, which extends from the proximal end of the adaptive blade to the distal end thereof. At the distal end of the adaptive blade, the flexible bars are connected to each other mechanically rigidly or in an articulated manner. In the proximal direction from the distal end of the adaptive blade, the flexible bars are mechanically connected to each other in such a way that they are movable relative to each other substantially in their longitudinal directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Vincent Nettelroth, Roland Hagen, Christopher Deppisch, Marcus Brechtold, Ulrich Merz, Eugenia Fuhr, Petra Kupferschmid, Andreas Efinger, Ralf Staud
  • Publication number: 20180020907
    Abstract: An adaptive blade for a laryngoscope includes a proximal end. a distal end. a first chain arranged between the ends and composed of a plurality of chain links connected in pairs in an articulated manner, a second chain arranged between the ends and composed of a plurality of chain links connected in pairs in an articulated manner, and a spacer component, connected at a first end in an articulated manner to the first chain, and connected at a second end in an articulated manner to the second chain. One or more or all of the articulated connections between the chain links of the first chain, the chain links of the second chain and the spacer component are provided as a form-fit hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Martina Aleckner
  • Publication number: 20180020908
    Abstract: A new combined index of structure and function (CSFI) for staging and detecting glaucomatous damage is provided. An observational study including 333 glaucomatous eyes (295 with perimetric glaucoma and 38 with preperimetric glaucoma) and 330 eyes of healthy subjects is described. All eyes were tested with standard automated perimetry (SAP) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) within 6 months. Estimates of the number of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were obtained from SAP and SDOCT and a weighted averaging scheme was used to obtain a final estimate of the number of RGCs for each eye. The CSFI was calculated as the percent loss of RGCs obtained by subtracting estimated from expected RGC numbers. The performance of the CSFI for discriminating glaucoma from normal eyes and the different stages of disease was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Felipe A. Medeiros, Robert N. Weinreb, Linda M. Zangwill
  • Publication number: 20180020909
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring areas of nonperfusion in the retina using OCT imaging. The disclosed methods and systems allow for the automated segmentation and quantification of avascular areas of the retina utilizing information obtained from both structural OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA) data. The disclosed methods include filtering approaches which enhance vessel structure while suppressing noise, dynamic thresholding approaches to mitigate the detrimental effects of within-scan variability and low scan quality, and distance transform-based approaches to improve detection of ischemic regions. When combined with methods such as projection-resolved OCTA, the sensitivity to detect nonperfusion within different plexuses of the inner retina is demonstrated. In the clinical setting of diabetic retinopathy, the disclosed methods and systems show high sensitivity and specificity to detect the mild non-proliferative form of the disease with high reproducibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Yali Jia, David Huang, Miao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20180020910
    Abstract: A portable visual acuity examination device comprises a mounting unit that can be mounted in front of eyes either using or not using eyeglasses, a visual target displaying unit that uses an organic EL display panel, a display controlling unit that changes the visual target displayed on the displaying unit, an inputting unit for visual target viewing results, and a transmitting unit for measurement results. The portable visual acuity examination device comprises an optical system that can change the distance at which the visual target virtual image is visible. The portable visual acuity examination device detects whether eyeglasses are used and matches an uncorrected vision acuity examination and a corrected vision acuity examination. The portable visual acuity examination device switches between a C-type visual target and an E-type visual target. With data display, both the right and left display units are enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Toshihisa MAEDA, Masahide Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20180020911
    Abstract: A vision testing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a frame comprising a face plate with at least one eye shield having a viewing slot positioned in a viewing direction perpendicular to the face plate, at least one variable lens element including an outer rail and multiple regions of varying diopter power having a width that is equal to or greater than the width of the viewing slot of the eye shield, and adjustable controls for moving the variable lens element in a direction perpendicularly to the viewing direction along a plane of the face plate. The testing apparatus is portable and can be used in developing nations where visual acuity is not corrected because of lack of access to optometric care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Global Vision 2020, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Kevin WHITE, Brian EVERETT, Michael SWINEY, John CHURCH, James STEPHENSON
  • Publication number: 20180020912
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomograph that provides wavelength tunable source radiation and an illumination and measurement beam path, a dividing element that divides source radiation into illumination radiation and reference radiation, and collects measurement radiation. The illumination and measurement beam path has scanner. A detection beam path receives measurement radiation and reference radiation and conducts them onto at least one flat panel detector in a superposed manner. A beam splitter separates the measurement radiation from the illumination radiation. The beam splitter conducts the separated measurement radiation to the detection beam path and sets the numerical aperture of the illumination of the illumination field in the eye. An optical element sets the numerical aperture with which the measurement radiation is collected in the eye and a multi-perforated aperture defines the size of an object field and a number of object spots, from which the measurement radiation reaches the flat panel detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Daniel Bublitz, Christoph Nieten
  • Publication number: 20180020913
    Abstract: Methods and systems for single beam scanning capable of imaging the surface of a spherical body of arbitrary radius of curvature are provided. The spherical imaging methods and systems utilize one or more off-axis parabolic (OAP) mirror to perform a geometrical transformation of the spherical surface to a flat rectilinear imaging coordinate grid such that the single scanning beam maintains a normal incidence across the curved field of view of the spherical body. The imaging methods and systems project the spherical surface to a Cartesian plane and then the remapped surface is rapidly imaged by raster-scanning an illumination beam in the rectangular coordinate such that the OAP mirror produces a rectilinear image of the target. The imaging of the spherical surface is accomplished while maintaining the target, illumination source, and detector in a stationary position. The imaging systems and methods may utilize a single source and a single detector, and may incorporate a THz illumination source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Warren S. Grundfest, Shijun Sung, Zachary Taylor
  • Publication number: 20180020914
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fundus of a subject. The apparatus includes a focusing unit which adjusts a defocus of the apparatus. The focusing unit includes a first focusing mirror and a second focusing mirror. The first focusing mirror and second focusing mirror are arranged so that an incident beam from the light source entering the focusing unit and an emitted beam exiting the focusing unit are substantially parallel to each other. Adjustment of the defocus is accomplished by moving both first focusing mirror and second focusing mirror such that incident beam and emitted beam remain substantially parallel to each other. The apparatus includes a wavefront sensor for detecting a shape of a wavefront. The apparatus includes a wavefront correction device. The wavefront correction device adjusts a wavefront of the light from the light source based on the shape of the wavefront detected by the wavefront sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kenichi SAITO
  • Publication number: 20180020915
    Abstract: A method, a, controller, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions; each of which control an apparatus to produce multiple images of an area of an eye in parallel. Selecting one of the images for estimating a change in position of the area to be used for tracking the area of the eye being imaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Koji NOZATO
  • Publication number: 20180020916
    Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to detect a location of a source of at least one cardiac rhythm disorder in a patient's heart. In some embodiments, electrogram signals are acquired from inside a patient's heart, and subsequently normalized, adjusted and/or filtered, followed by generating a two-dimensional (2D) spatial map, grid or representation of the electrode positions, processing the amplitude-adjusted and filtered electrogram signals to generate a plurality of three-dimensional electrogram surfaces corresponding at least partially to the 2 D grid, one surface being generated for each or selected discrete times, and processing the plurality of three-dimensional electrogram surfaces through time to generate a velocity vector map corresponding at least partially to the 2 D grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Ruppersberg
  • Publication number: 20180020917
    Abstract: A physiological monitoring device, a physiological monitoring method and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for implementing the physiological monitoring method are provided. The physiological monitoring device has a blood pressure sensing module, a motion sensing module and a processor. The motion sensing module senses a physical state of the physiological monitoring device to generate a physical state signal accordingly. The processor, which is coupled to the blood pressure sensing module and the motion sensor module, determines whether the physiological monitoring device is in a stationary state and a horizontal state according to the physical state signal so as to determine whether an ideal measurement condition is met. When the ideal measurement condition is met, the processor controls the blood pressure sensing module to measure a blood pressure of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keng-Chih LIN, Yen-Liang KUO, Chien-Chih CHEN, Chun-Yih WU, Chieh-Sen LEE
  • Publication number: 20180020918
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a social network system for electronic delivery of information in personalized health care, may include capturing one or more data streams where each of the data streams relates to health care of a patient. The system may further include integrating the data streams to generate integrated diagnostic data and analyzing the integrated diagnostic data to generate analyzed diagnostic data. The system may further include curating the analyzed diagnostic data and generating an integrated report for presentation to a physician of the patient based on the curated analyzed diagnostic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Janos Redei
  • Publication number: 20180020919
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable medical device system comprising an active medical device having or connected to at least one electrode and circuitry connected to the electrode. The active medical device comprises a telemetry unit. The circuitry connected to the electrode comprises at least one single conductor that provides a radio frequency antenna for the telemetry unit. The implantable medical device system further comprises at least one electronic filter that is arranged between the single conductor of circuitry connected to the electrode and the telemetry unit. The least one electronic filter comprises at least one inductor having a core that comprises a ferromagnetic material with saturating behavior when exposed to an external magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: James W. HESS
  • Publication number: 20180020920
    Abstract: Disclosed are instruments and methods for acquiring co-registered orthogonal fluorescence and photoacoustic volumetric projections of an interrogated object. In an embodiment, an instrument includes an imaging tank filled with a liquid coupling medium. An object positioning mechanism is configured to position the interrogated object inside the coupling medium and to rotate the interrogated object. An optical excitation unit that is fixed with respect to the tank is configured to induce both fluorescence and photoacoustic responses inside the interrogated object using the same optical excitation spectrum and the same irradiation pattern at the surface of the interrogated object. An array of unfocused photoacoustic transducers is fixed with respect to the tank, and each element of the array is configured to detect photoacoustic signals generated inside the interrogated object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: PhotoSound Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey A. Ermilov, Hans-Peter Brecht, Vassili Ivanov
  • Publication number: 20180020921
    Abstract: Various aspects are directed to systems and methods for assessing neural activity of a neural region having multiple subfields. In certain embodiments, a method includes evoking a cellular electrical response in at least one subfield due to neural activity in the neural region, capturing image data of the electrical response at a level sufficiently detailed in space and time to differentiate between polarization-based events of two respective portions of the subfield, and then assessing neural activity by correlating space and time information, from the captured data, for the two respective portions of the sub-field. Other more specific aspects of the invention involve different preparation and neural stimulation approaches which can vary depending on the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Karl Deisseroth, Raag D. Airan, Leslie A. Meltzer
  • Publication number: 20180020922
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the determining a rate of change of one or more analyte concentrations in a target using non invasive non contact imaging techniques such as OCT. Generally, OCT data is acquired and optical information is extracted from OCT scans to quantitatively determine a flow rate of fluid in the target; angiography is also performed using one or more fast scanning methods to determine a concentration of one or more analytes. Both calculations can provide a means to determine a change in rate of an analyte over time. Example methods and systems of the disclosure may be used in assessing metabolism of a tissue, where oxygen is the analyte detected, or other functional states, and be generally used for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Wenzhong Liu, Lian Duan, Hao F. Zhang, Kieren J. Patel, Hao Li, Biqin Dong, Amani A. Fawzi
  • Publication number: 20180020923
    Abstract: An electric motor including a rotor including magnetic pole units and a stator including slots facing an outer peripheral surface of the rotor. Each of the magnetic pole units is bulged to an outside in a radial direction so that a waveform of a magnetic flux density generated from the rotor is a sine wave shape, and a concave part or convex part which is small enough to prevent changing of a waveform cycle of cogging torque determined by a least common multiple of the number of slots and the number of magnetic poles of the rotor, is formed at a central part in a circumferential direction of an outer peripheral surface in each of the magnetic pole units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Maeda
  • Publication number: 20180020924
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system operable to gather physiological information about a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The information may be gathered from sensors, a user interface, or a hospital information system. The control system uses the data gathered to predict whether a patient is likely to be in need of care from a caregiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: David L. RIBBLE
  • Publication number: 20180020925
    Abstract: Catheter apparatus comprises a coaxial cable having proximal and distal ends. The cable includes a hollow center conductor, an outer conductor and an electrically insulating layer between the conductors. An antenna is at the distal end of the cable, and a diplexer is connected to the cable, the diplexer including a transmit path for connecting the antenna to a transmitter which transmits first frequency signals and a receive path for connecting the antenna to a receiver which detects second frequency signals the diplexer isolating the signals on the two paths from one another. A transmission line connects the cable to the diplexer, the transmission line having a segment with a tubular inner conductor one end of which is connected to the center conductor and a second end of which is adapted for connection to a coolant source, the center and inner conductors forming a continuous coolant pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Publication number: 20180020926
    Abstract: Methods and systems of monitoring and controlling thermal therapy treatments. One method includes determining, with an electronic processor, a propagation constant for a plurality of waveports. The method also includes modeling an object within an imaging cavity using a sparse mesh model. The method also includes determining a simulated impedance of the object based on the model of the object. The method also includes calibrating the simulated impedance with a theoretical impedance numerically calculated for the object. The method also includes determining a distribution of an electric field and a distribution of a magnetic field for a mode in a conformal modeled waveport based on the calibrated impedance and the model of the object. The method also includes exciting the plurality of waveports to generate the determined distribution of the electric field and the distribution of the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: John P. Stang, Mark S. Haynes, Mahta Moghaddam
  • Publication number: 20180020927
    Abstract: Blood flow of a user can be measured using a sensor. Sensor data based on the measuring of the blood flow can be generated. Based on the sensor data, at least a first physiological biomarker of the blood flow measured by the sensor and at least a first morphological characteristic of the blood flow measured by the sensor can be determined. The user can be authenticated based, at least in part, on the first physiological biomarker and the first morphological characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Jawahar Jain, Vatche A. Attarian, Sajid Sadi, Pranav Mistry
  • Publication number: 20180020928
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient includes measuring neural respiratory drive using a monitoring device (10), repeating the measurement either continuously or at regular time intervals, and comparing the measurements obtained in order to predict treatment failure and/clinical deterioration and/or re-admission. In embodiments of the invention, the neural respiratory drive is measured by obtaining a measure of the second intercostal space parasternal electromyogram. A monitoring device (10) includes a signal input (20), a processing unit (30), and a output unit (50), and is arranged to measure the neural respiratory drive, store the measured value and compare it to a previously measured value for the neural respiratory drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas Hart, John Moxham, Fiammetta Fedele
  • Publication number: 20180020929
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method for calculating fractional flow reserve including providing a pressure sensing guidewire, advancing the pressure sensing guidewire through a blood vessel to a first position distal of an intravascular occlusion, determining a distal pressure within the body lumen with the pressure sensing guidewire, proximally shifting the pressure sensing guidewire to a second position proximal of the occlusion, determining a proximal pressure within the body lumen with the pressure sensing guidewire, measuring an aortic pressure, and calculating a pressure drift. The pressure drift may be the difference between the aortic pressure and the proximal pressure. The method may also include calculating a drift-compensated fractional flow reserve. The drift-compensated fraction flow reserve may correspond to (the distal pressure+the pressure drift) divided by the aortic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: DANIEL J. GREGORICH
  • Publication number: 20180020930
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to estimate an arterial diastolic pressure of a patient using ventricular pressure information of a heart of the patient and heart sound information of the heart of the patient, such as a timing of at least one of a first heart sound (S1) or a second heat sound (S2), in certain examples, adjusted by a respective correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Qi An, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Michael J. Kane, Yinghong Yu, Jeffrey E. Stahmann
  • Publication number: 20180020931
    Abstract: Modular, miniaturized cardiovascular sensors, systems, methods, and wearable devices for the non-obtrusive evaluation, monitoring, and high-fidelity mapping of cardiac mechanical and electromechanical forces and central arterial blood pressure are presented herein. The sensor manufacturing process is also presented. Using accelerometers, the sensors register body-surface (preferably torso-surface) movements and vibrations generated by cardiac forces. The sensors may contain single-use or reusable components, which may be exchanged to fit different body sizes, shapes, and anatomical locations; they may be incorporated into clothing, bands, straps, and other wearable arrangements. The invention presents a practical, noninvasive solution for electromechanical mapping of the heart, which is useful for a wide range of healthcare applications, including the remote monitoring of heart failure status and the guidance of cardiac resynchronization therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Vladimir Shusterman
  • Publication number: 20180020932
    Abstract: Multispectral imaging systems are provided including a first light source having a first wavelength configured to image a sample; a second light source, different from the first light source, having a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, configured to image the sample; and at least a third light source, different from the first and second light sources, having a third wavelength, different from the first and second wavelengths, configured to image the sample. A camera is configured to receive information related to the first, second and at least third light sources from the sample. A processor is configured to combine the information related to the first, second and at least third light sources provided by the camera to image an anatomical structure of the sample, image physiology of blood flow and perfusion of the sample and/or synthesize the anatomical structure and the physiology of blood flow and perfusion of the sample in terms of a blood flow rate distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Cheng Chen, T. Bruce Ferguson, JR., Kenneth Michael Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20180020933
    Abstract: Vessel perfusion and myocardial blush are determined by analyzing fluorescence signals obtained in a static region-of-interest (ROI) in a collection of fluorescence images of myocardial tissue. The blush value is determined from the total intensity of the intensity values of image elements located within the smallest contiguous range of image intensity values containing a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Vessel (arterial) peak intensity is determined from image elements located within the ROI that have the smallest contiguous range of highest measured image intensity values and contain a predefined fraction of a total measured image intensity of all image elements within the ROI. Cardiac function can be established by comparing the time differential between the time of peak intensity in a blood vessel and that in a region of neighboring myocardial tissue both pre and post procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Novadaq Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter DVORSKY, David Mark Henri GOYETTE, T. Bruce FERGUSON, JR., Cheng CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180020934
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously detecting surface pressure and blood volume of an object and a method of detecting the same are provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB); a light emitter disposed on the PCB which emits light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength; a first light receiver which detects light of the first wavelength and a second light receiver which detects light of the second wavelength; a transparent elastic body on the PCB which covers the light emitter, the first light receiver, and the second light receiver; and a dichroic coating formed on the transparent elastic body. The dichroic coating reflects light of the first wavelength and transmits light of the second wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sangyun PARK, Jaemin KANG, Yongjoo KWON, Sunkwon KIM, Younho KIM
  • Publication number: 20180020935
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring an intravenous (IV) line functionality of an IV device. In one embodiment, the system includes an IV catheter to be inserted into the vein of the living subject, at least one pressure sensor in fluid communication with the IV catheter to acquire peripheral venous signals; and a processing device. The processing device receives the peripheral venous signals from the pressure sensor, performs a spectral analysis on the peripheral venous signals to obtain a peripheral venous pressure frequency spectrum, and then performs a statistical analysis on amplitudes of peaks of the peripheral venous pressure frequency spectrum to determine an IV line functionality of the IV catheter in real time. When the IV line functionality indicates IV infiltration, the processing device may control the fluid controlling device to stop the fluid flow from the fluid source to the IV catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Susan S. Eagle, Colleen Brophy, Kyle Mitchell Hocking, Franz Baudenbacher, Richard Boyer
  • Publication number: 20180020936
    Abstract: A stretchable conductive sheet comprising a first insulating layer and a stretchable conductor layer provided on the first insulating layer, wherein the stretchable conductor layer has an electric resistance of 300 ?/cm or less, and a load at stretching of a stretching rate of 10% of the conductive sheet is 100 N or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOBO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Euichul KWON, Sonoko ISHIMARU
  • Publication number: 20180020937
    Abstract: The present invention discloses wearable electrocardiographic measurement device which includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is mounted on a user's body via a wearable structure, and the second electrode is implemented to contact the user's upper limb, neck or shoulder, so as to achieve a loop for acquiring electrocardiographic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Chang-An Chou
  • Publication number: 20180020938
    Abstract: A system and associated method for determining whether a signal is ambiguous, wherein the system includes a plurality of electrodes configured to be located proximate tissue of a patient. A display apparatus thereof includes a graphical user interface configured to present information to a user. A computing apparatus thereof is configured to determine maximums for beats of signals from the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Juan Du, Subham Ghosh, Jeffrey M. Gillberg
  • Publication number: 20180020939
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, apparatuses, and systems for heart monitoring of a patient. The heart monitoring system can be used to take an electrocardiogram (ECG) using only two electrodes. A handheld device can be used to sequentially measure the electrical signal between different positions on a patient's body. The electrical signals can be processed and analyzed to prepare an ECG for the patient, including a 12-lead ECG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: David E. ALBERT
  • Publication number: 20180020940
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac system that includes an implantable cardiac pacemaker or leadless pacemaker (iLP) and a second device such as a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD). The pacemaker includes an R-spike amplifier that amplifies stimulated ventricle excitations or R-waves to increase R-wave to T-wave signal to noise ratio and to improve indirect detection of ventricular rhythm classification by the S-ICD. The S-ICD includes an electrode line for defibrillation, a sensing unit and a stimulation detection unit. The S-ICD records a subcutaneous electrocardiogram between shock electrode poles and provides potentially life-saving therapy based thereon. The system significantly increases the specificity and sensitivity of an S-ICD in combination with an implanted cardiac pacemaker or iLP having an R-spike amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Doerr, Dirk Muessig
  • Publication number: 20180020941
    Abstract: A method and system provides for headgear usable for electrophysiological data collection and analysis and neurostimulation/neuromodulation or brain computer interface for clinical, peak performance, or neurogaming and neuromodulation applications. The headgear utilizes dry sensor technology as well as connection points for adjustable placement of the bi-directional sensors for the recoding of electrophysiology from the user and delivery of current to the sensors intended to improve or alter electrophysiology parameters. The headgear allows for recording electrophysiological data and biofeedback directly to the patient via the sensors, as well as provide low intensity current or electromagnetic field to the user. The headgear can further include auditory, visual components for immersive neurogaming. The headgear may further communication with local or network processing devices based on neurofeedback and biofeedback and immersive environment experience with balance and movement sensor data input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: David W Hagedorn
  • Publication number: 20180020942
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate wearable patches having rigid inserts. The rigid insert is positioned adjacent to one or more connectors, such as studs for receiving sockets to distribute the force transferred to a patient when reconnecting a socket to the stud. The rigid insert may be sized to maintain flexibility in areas of the wearable patch. An optional adhesive layer may be applied to the wearable patch adjacent the rigid insert to reduce the likelihood of delamination of the wearable patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Brian KRONSTEDT, Andrew ARROYO, Charles RECTOR
  • Publication number: 20180020943
    Abstract: A method for constructing a stress-pliant physiological electrode assembly is provided. An electrode backing is formed from a stretchable woven textile material compatible to contact the skin on at least one surface. A pair of flexile wires is provided to serve as electrode circuit trace and electrode signal pickup. At least one of the flexile wires is sewn into the textile material which provides a stress-pliant malleability. Each of the flexile wires has an electrically-contacting area functioning for electric signal pickup. The electrically-contacting area may be sewn into the woven textile or affixed to the woven textile via conductive adhesives. The stress-pliant physiological electrode assembly is applicable for a wide array of physiological monitors, including ECG monitors, and especially is suitable for long-term wear. The method disclosed is both environmentally friendly and low-cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Felix, Jon Mikalson Bishay, Gust H. Bardy
  • Publication number: 20180020944
    Abstract: A stapedius muscle recording electrode arrangement is described having one or more wire electrodes with an inner conducting wire covered by an outer layer of electrical insulation. There is an electrode opening in the electrical insulation that exposes underlying conducting wire. A curved needle has a tip configured for insertion into stapedius muscle tissue, and a base end coupled to the at least one wire electrode. The wire electrode and the needle are configured for insertion of the curved needle through the stapedius muscle tissue or between the stapedius muscle surface and the inner bony surface of the pyramidal eminence to embed the wire electrode in the stapedius muscle tissue or between the stapedius muscle surface and the inner bony surface of the pyramidal eminence for electrical interaction of the conducting wire at the electrode opening with the stapedius muscle tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Andrzej Zarowski, Claude Jolly, Anandhan Dhanasingh
  • Publication number: 20180020945
    Abstract: A bioimpedance measurement apparatus is provided. The bioimpedance measurement apparatus includes an electrode-side board that is configured to be connected to a current electrode in contact with a body and that includes a current source configured to apply a current to the current electrode. The electrode-side board may be connected via a cable to a board in which a processing circuit configured to process a signal acquired through the electrode-side board and/or a frequency signal generator configured to provide a predetermined frequency signal to the electrode-side board are located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: InBody Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Bum Woo
  • Publication number: 20180020946
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting collagen within tissue using magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, pulse sequences are employed to measure signals at multiple TE values including ultra-short echo times, and the TE dependence of the measured signal is fitted to a mathematical function including at least two decay terms, where the first (initial) decay term is modulated and is associated with the presence of collagen. In another example embodiment, spectroscopy or spectroscopic imaging is employed to measure the free induction decay within at least one region of interest, and the time-dependence of the measured signal is fitted to a mathematical function including at least two decay terms, where the first decay term is modulated and is associated with the presence of collagen. In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be employed for the detection and/or assessment of myocardial fibrosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: ADRIENNE GRACE SIU, GRAHAM A. WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20180020947
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method that involves at least three steps: (1) acquisition of a NMR data set or spin relaxation curve for plasma, serum or whole blood samples, or for tissues monitored from outside the body, (2) analysis of the NMR data or relaxation curve to extract the T2 and/or T1 relaxation times for water (or surrogates thereof), and (3) conversion of the water T2 and/or T1 values (or surrogates thereof) into a measure of someone's health status (referred to as a T2 or T1 health score depending on the value (T1 or T2 or both T1 and T2) associated with the score).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: DAVID P. CISTOLA, MICHELLE D. ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20180020948
    Abstract: In part, disclosure relates to a monitoring system for monitoring RF attenuation of a material. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of transmitting antennas; an RF generator having a first output terminal in electrical communication with each of the plurality of transmitting antennas and a second output terminal; a plurality of receiving antennas, each of the receiving antennas having an output terminal, and a processor having a first input terminal in electrical communication with the second output terminal of the RF generator, having a second input terminal in electrical communication with the output terminal of each of the plurality of receiving antennas, and having a first output in electrical communication with a display. In one embodiment, the processor calculates the attenuation of the RF signal in response to the RF signals received by the plurality of receiving antennas through the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian Richard Butterworth, Luca Giancardo, Carlos Sanchez Mendoza
  • Publication number: 20180020949
    Abstract: An apparatus including a tubular channel having a pathway extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the tubular channel. The proximal end is configured to connect directly or indirectly to an end tidal CO2 monitor. The distal end has an opening. The apparatus further includes a detection member including a chamber disposed in fluid communication with the pathway of the tubular channel such that gas entering the tubular channel via the opening on the distal end passes into the chamber. A detection element is disposed within the chamber and includes a component that is sensitive to one or more systemic biomarkers such that, upon exposure to a predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers contained in the gas, a state of the detection element experiences a permanent alteration and the detection member indicates that the predetermined concentration level of the one or more systemic biomarkers is present in the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Casey Johnson, Doran Thomas, Greg Bauer
  • Publication number: 20180020950
    Abstract: A lower loading assessment system having at least one motion sensor mounted to a subject's lower limb that is configured to sense the tibial shockwaves experienced by the lower limb as the subject performs a repetitive physical activity involving repetitive footstrikes of the lower limb with a surface. The motion sensor comprises an accelerometer that is configured to sense acceleration data in at least three axes and generate representative acceleration data over a time period associated with the physical activity. The acceleration data represents a series of discrete tibial shockwaves from the discrete footstrikes. A data processor receives the tibial shockwave data and processes that to generate output feedback data comprising data to assist the subject to minimize future loading in their lower limbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Mark FINCH, Thor BESIER
  • Publication number: 20180020951
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adapting a control mapping associating sensor signals with control signals for controlling an operation of a device. The method comprises obtaining first state information for an operation of the device, providing the first state information as input to an intention model associated with an operation of the device and obtaining corresponding first intention model output, providing a plurality of neuromuscular signals recorded from a user and/or signals derived from the neuromuscular signals as inputs to a first control mapping and obtaining corresponding first control mapping output, and updating the first control mapping using the inputs provided to the first control mapping and the first intention model output to obtain a second control mapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick Kaifosh, Timothy Machado, Thomas Reardon, Erik Schomburg, Joshua Merel, Steven Demers
  • Publication number: 20180020952
    Abstract: A system for warning of protruding body parts of a medical vehicle occupant includes a sensor, a feedback device, and a processing circuit. The sensor is configured to generate sensor data based on a position of the occupant, and the processing circuit is configured to determine a contour of the medical vehicle, detect a protruding extremity of the occupant based on the sensor data and the contour, and generate a warning using the feedback device, where the warning is based on the detected protruding extremity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood,, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180020953
    Abstract: A method and device for identifying a human movement state that includes: determining according to acceleration signals that are collected by a three-axis acceleration sensor that a human is in a walking state, calculating a walking step number of the human, and calculating a walking step frequency according to the number; calculating a corresponding physical sign frequency during the walking process according to a physical sign signal that is collected; and comparing the walking step frequency and the physical sign frequency that are obtained by calculating respectively with a step frequency threshold and a physical sign frequency threshold, and if the walking step frequency is greater than the step frequency threshold, and the physical sign frequency is greater than the physical sign frequency threshold, determining that the human movement state is a running state, and recording the calculated walking step number to be a running step number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Goertek Inc.
    Inventors: Bo LI, Na LI
  • Publication number: 20180020954
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for automated biomechanical analysis for bodily joints generally and in one use to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention and recovery. The disclosure includes processing an automated biometric analysis algorithm on a computer processor and recording measurements relating to a plurality of physical therapy tests. The disclosure tracks the movement of joints on the subject's body from the subject's trunk downward to the subject's toes and calculates the results of the physical therapy tests for analyzing angles, movement quality, and related interrelationships amongst said joints. The method and system further derive and provide reports of comparisons of results with normative values and associate indicators for the comparisons to the potential of the subject to experience biomechanical conditions of injury or development.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: L & C ORTHOPEDICS, LLC
    Inventors: JEFFREY S. LILLIE, DANIEL A. CHAPIN, BRITTANY E. LILLIE, KAHL GOLDFARB