Patents Issued in February 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 9895086
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a monitoring device to be attached to a user is provided. Prior to attachment of the device, the device is aligned with respect to the user such that the measurement reference frame of the device is substantially aligned with a reference frame of the user. A first measurement of the orientation of the device with respect to a world reference frame is obtained. After attachment of the device, a second measurement of the orientation of the device with respect to a world reference frame is obtained. A transformation matrix is determined for use in transforming subsequent measurements obtained by the device into the reference frame of the user. The matrix is calculated using the first and second measurements and information on the amount of rotation of the device relative to the user about a vertical axis in the world reference frame between the first and second measurements being taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jakob Van De Laar, Haris Duric, Teun Van Den Heuvel
  • Patent number: 9895087
    Abstract: A wearable apparatus for measuring position and action of an arm includes: a main frame worn on an upper body of a user; and an arm motion-measuring unit connected to a side of the main frame, having a plurality of joints, and worn on an arm of a user, in which at least any one of the joints of the arm motion-measuring unit has a straight-motional degree of freedom. Accordingly, an instructor can conveniently move both arms in the apparatus, can precisely instruct a two-arm robot in motions of the instructor's arms, can reduce learning time of the robot, and can make the robot quickly and accurately learn the motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hoo-Man Lee, Joong-Bae Kim, Young-Bong Bang, Chang-Hyuk Lee, Ji-Won Choi
  • Patent number: 9895088
    Abstract: A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell Hearing Technologies AS
    Inventors: Viggo Henriksen, Trym Holter, Olav Kvaloy, Asle Melvaer, Georg Esa Ottesen, Odd Kristen Ostern Pettersen, Jarle Svean, Svein Sorsdal
  • Patent number: 9895089
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul V. Goode, Jr., James H. Brauker, Apurv Ullas Kamath, James Patrick Thrower
  • Patent number: 9895090
    Abstract: A system includes a mobile computing device, a sleeve, a contact surface, a sensor module, and a telemetry module. The mobile computing device has a first processor within a housing. The sleeve has an internal surface configured to fit the housing. The contact surface is disposed on an external surface of the sleeve. The sensor module is coupled to the contact surface and is configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a measured physiological parameter associated with tissue at the contact surface. The telemetry module is coupled to the sensor module and is configured to communicate data corresponding to the electrical signal to the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nonin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Johnson, Bryant Austin Jones, Christopher Holland
  • Patent number: 9895091
    Abstract: The present application provides Ag/AgCl based reference electrodes having an extended lifetime that are suitable for use in long term amperometric sensors. Electrochemical sensors equipped with reference electrodes described herein demonstrate considerable stability and extended lifetime in a variety of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Zenghe Liu, Benjamin J. Feldman, Hyun Cho, Udo Hoss
  • Patent number: 9895092
    Abstract: An extravacular system is disclosed. The system includes a body, a septum, a septum activator, and a blood sampling device. The body has and inner lumen extending therethrough. The septum is disposed within the inner lumen. The septum activator is disposed within the inner lumen proximal the septum. The septum activator has an inner passage extending therethrough. The blood sampling device has a tube that is longer than a length of the septum activator and has a width less than or equal to a width of the inner passage of the septum activator. An interior of the tube is in fluid communication with a reservoir within the blood sampling device. A vent is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The vent passes air but not blood therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Jonathan Karl Burkholz
  • Patent number: 9895093
    Abstract: A lancet magazine for use in a lancing aid is described comprising a plurality of lancets each having a lancet body at the proximal end of the lancet and a lancet tip at the distal end of the lancet, where the proximal end of the lancet points in the direction of the proximal end of the housing of the lancet magazine and the distal end of the lancet is aligned in the direction of the distal end of the housing and the lancets in the unused state are completely surrounded by the housing. Furthermore, an extension unit is movably connected to the housing in such a manner that the housing can be extended by movement of the extension unit in the direction of the distal end of the housing such that the lancet is prevented from emerging from the lancet magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Forster, Susanne Gentsch, Andreas Gorshoefer, Michael Keil, Thomas Weiss, Robert Wessel
  • Patent number: 9895094
    Abstract: A lateral flow device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow device is configured to be attached to an absorbent article via an attachment mechanism located on the lateral flow device or the absorbent article. The lateral flow device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. Regardless of its specific configuration, the lateral flow device is configured to be attached onto the absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be attached onto a diaper to provide information about the presence of enzymes or other compounds often encountered with a patient having a urinary tract infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Xuedong Song
  • Patent number: 9895095
    Abstract: This invention provides a dynamic urine monitor. The dynamic urine monitor comprises a case, inside which is equipped with a urine collection device, a pipeline for flowing the urine into the urine collection device, and a measurement system for dynamically measuring the urine. The measurement system comprises a weight measurement subsystem, a density measurement subsystem, and an outlet-inlet module. The weight measurement subsystem comprises a weight sensor and a weight information ADC; the weight sensor dynamically measures the urine weight of the urine collection device. The density measurement subsystem comprises a density sensor and a density information ADC. The density sensor dynamically measures the urine density and it is serially connected with the upstream pipeline of the urine collection device. The outlet-inlet module is used to exchange the information of the weight information ADC and with density information ADC with outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ZHUHAI WOMU ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun Chen
  • Patent number: 9895096
    Abstract: Athletic activity may be monitored using heart rate in addition to or instead of other types of metrics. Accordingly, multiple different activity types may be compared based on heart rate information. Additionally, the heart rate information may be visualized by displaying the heart rate data over time or relative to pace or distance. Additionally, the system may allow a user to analyze his or her heart rate performance by identifying one or more portions of the athletic activity in which a user exhibited a specified range of heart rates. Athletic activity sessions may further be tagged with various indicators including weather, terrain, difficulty and intensity. According to one or more aspects, data for different types of activity metrics may be polled and/or transmitted to a system at different rates or based on different schedules. Moreover, users may specify whether sensed data may be uploaded, recorded and/or visualized prior to or during an activity session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Nims, Matt Capozzi, Michael Benjamin Hailey, Kwamina Crankson
  • Patent number: 9895097
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for delivering bone conduction stimuli for measuring the gravitation receptor functions of the inner ear. In some embodiments, a system may include (i) an impactor operatively linked to a guide disposed within a housing and (ii) an electrically driven actuator enclosed within the housing. The electrically driven actuator may be configured to cause the impactor to (i) travel to a striking point to deliver a mechanical bone conduction stimulus for transmission to a skull bone and (ii) controllably decelerate prior to the instance of stimuli delivery. The system may also include an oculometric response monitoring system including a video camera for capturing video of motion of one or more eyes of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ear and Skull Base Center, P.C.
    Inventors: Phillip Ashley Wackym, Ashton Rhys Wackym
  • Patent number: 9895098
    Abstract: An optical biometric system (1) is characterized by being provided with: a first received light amount information acquisition unit (25) which acquires skin blood flow data relating to a skin blood flow in a wide range of the scalp of a subject by controlling the transmission/reception of light to/from a light transmission/reception unit (30) using a wide-range control table; and a selection control table creation unit (24) which causes a storage unit (23) to store a selection control table for acquiring X pieces of first received light amount information (?A1) selected from among N pieces of first received light amount information (?A1), and in that when acquiring multiple pieces of measurement data relating to the brain activity in a predetermined range of the brain of the subject by controlling the transmission/reception of light to/from the light transmission/reception unit (30) using a control table, a light transmission/reception control unit (21) acquires skin blood flow data relating to a skin blood f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Ishikawa, Yoshihiro Inoue, Takashi Amita, Satoru Kohno, Haruhide Udagawa, Yoshinori Masuda
  • Patent number: 9895099
    Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatuses and methods of detecting impacts to the head. Accelerometers attached to a user's head and neck or body is used to measure the differential acceleration of the head with respect to the neck or body. A differential acceleration exceeding a certain threshold may be indicative of the user suffering a traumatic brain injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Robert Rennaker
  • Patent number: 9895100
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wearable device for the detection of mild traumatic brain injury, such as concussions, and methods of use thereof. Further disclosed are a method and system for detecting a mild traumatic brain injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas L. Port
  • Patent number: 9895101
    Abstract: A method for identifying changes in an epilepsy patient's disease state, comprising: receiving at least one body data stream; determining at least one body index from the at least one body data stream; detecting a plurality of seizure events from the at least one body index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each seizure event; performing a first classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events from the at least one seizure metric value; detecting at least one additional seizure event from the at least one determined index; determining at least one seizure metric value for each additional seizure event, performing a second classification analysis of the plurality of seizure events and the at least one additional seizure event based upon the at least one seizure metric value; comparing the results of the first classification analysis and the second classification analysis; and performing a further action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Flint Hills Scientific, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Patent number: 9895102
    Abstract: The invention provides a save and non-invasive alternative to the traditional modified Evans blue dye test for dysphagia in intubated patients. The method employs direct application of dye to the tongue, in combination with a tracheal tube that provides suction in the subglottal region above the cuff. By keeping the cuff inflated, the aspiration of food and liquid, as used in the traditional test, is avoided entirely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Flosure Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hamid Khosrowshahi, Gerald W. Gentile
  • Patent number: 9895103
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an implantable device, systems, and methods related thereto, that includes at least one sensor and/or therapeutic agent delivery depot. In one embodiment, the system and device include methods for detecting general or specific biological agents in a subject's intestinal tract, and utilizing the information from the detection for determining the timing and content of any therapeutic treatment needed by the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Tony S. Pan, Dennis J. Rivet
  • Patent number: 9895104
    Abstract: The device performs reference point indentation without a reference probe. The indentation distance is measured relative to the instrument which remains substantially stationary during the impact process, which occurs on the order of one millisecond. In one embodiment, an impact motion with a peak force of order 28N creates an indentation in bone with a depth of approximately 150 ?m during which the instrument case moves less than 1 ?m. Thus the error in measuring indentation depth due to the motion of the case is less than 1%, making a reference probe unnecessary. Further, this “error” is consistent and can be corrected. In one embodiment, the device measures the fracture resistance of hard tissues by actually creating microscopic fractures in the hard tissues in a measured way. It creates these microscopic fractures by impacting the sample with a sharpened probe. The indentation distance in the sample is correlated with fracture resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Randall Connor, Daniel Bridges, Paul Hansma
  • Patent number: 9895105
    Abstract: A seamless, substantially continuous, independent and wearable health monitoring and self-alert system, configured for use by a living being on a daily basis, including by a healthy living being. The wearable health monitoring and self-alert system includes a garment worn by the living being adjacently to preconfigured portions of the body of the living being. The system further includes a garment-control device that includes a garment-processor and a battery. The system further includes a multi-lead ECG measuring device including multiple electrodes or probe-devices embedded into the garment, and an alerting unit. Preferably, the system further includes multiple sensing devices selected from the group consisting of sensors and electrodes. At least one of the sensing devices is embedded into the garment, wherein each of the sensing devices is configured to detect a predetermined physiological or chemical parameter of the living being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: HEALTHWATCH LTD.
    Inventor: Yoram Romem
  • Patent number: 9895106
    Abstract: Imaging devices may be mounted to one or more hands of a worker, e.g., on a glove or other substrate that maybe worn on the hands of the worker, and used to capture images or imaging data from a perspective associated with the hands. The images or imaging data may be stored, analyzed or displayed on a computer display, e.g., a display provided on the glove or substrate. Additionally, the images or imaging data may be evaluated to determine whether a task has been properly performed by the worker, such as by identifying one or more markings (e.g., bar codes) that may be provided within the images or the imaging data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jules Cook Graybill, James Christopher Curlander, Danny Guan
  • Patent number: 9895107
    Abstract: A sensor cartridge according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive physiological sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cartridge protect the sensor from damage, such as damage due to repeated use, reduce the need for sensor sanitization, or both. Further, embodiments of the sensor cartridge are positionable on the user before insertion in the sensor and allow for improved alignment of the treatment site with the sensor. In addition, the sensor cartridge of certain embodiments of the disclosure can be configured to allow a single sensor to comfortably accommodate treatment sites of various sizes such as for both adult and pediatric applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Marcelo Lamego, Jim Litchfield, Gregory A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 9895108
    Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component positioned within a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a plurality of conductors are electrically coupled to the pressure sensing component and a potting material covers the electrical connections between the plurality of conductors and the pressure sensing component. In some instances, the potting material has a durometer hardness between about 20 Shore A and about 50 Shore A, a moisture absorption rate of about 0% per twenty-four hours, a linear shrinkage of 0%, a coefficient of thermal expansion (m/m/-° C.) of between about 1.0×10?5 and about 5.0×10?4, and a volume resistivity (?-cm) between about 6.0×1013 and about 1.0×1014. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: David H. Burkett, Douglas E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9895109
    Abstract: A monitoring device (7) operates an input block (30) to acquire a pressure signal from a pressure sensor (6a-6c) in an apparatus for extracorporeal blood processing connected to the vascular system of the subject. A processing block (34) repeatedly processes the pressure signal for generation of a time-sequence of parameter values indicative of pressure pulsations originating from heartbeats in the subject, and an evaluation block (35) evaluates the parameter values for detection of cardiac arrest and, if cardiac arrest is detected, generates a dedicated alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Per Hansson, Bo Olde, Kristian Solem, Jan Sternby
  • Patent number: 9895110
    Abstract: An exercise physiological sensing system, a motion artifact suppression processing method and a motion artifact suppression processing device for obtaining a stable exercise heart rate signal of a user during exercise are provided. The exercise physiological sensing system includes a bone conduction object, a signal-to-noise ratio analysis module, and a computation module. The bone conduction object has a physiological sensor. The physiological sensor detects a physiological signal of otic bones of the user. The signal-to-noise ratio analysis module is coupled to the physiological sensor and detects a stability of the physiological signal of the otic bones. The computation module is coupled to the signal-to-noise ratio analysis module and generates the stable exercise heart rate signal according to the physiological signal of the otic bones. Accordingly, the exercise physiological sensing system can effectively improve the detected stability of an exercise physiological signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsing-Chen Lin, Shuenn-Yuh Lee, Tzung-Min Tsai
  • Patent number: 9895111
    Abstract: An alarm notification apparatus includes an event detector for monitoring vital information of a body, such as a blood pressure and electrocardiogram, to check whether an anomalous event has occurred to the body. A reliability evaluator evaluates reliability of a result of detection of the anomalous event in the event detector. A notifier selects at least one addressee according to the reliability among plural predetermined addressees, and notifies the selected addressee of occurrence of the anomalous event. Preferably, a storage area is used for storing error log data expressing a false detection of an anomalous event in spite of non-occurrence of an anomalous event. Assuming that the event detector detects the anomalous event, the reliability evaluator obtains the reliability according to the error log data. Thus, it is possible to reduce influence of the false detection due to measurement artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yuya Kudo, Satoshi Ueda, Hironori Matsumasa, Ryosuke Usami, Takamasa Yaguchi, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 9895112
    Abstract: A cancerous lesion identifying method via hyper-spectral imaging technique comprises steps of: acquiring a plurality of first pathology images via an endoscopy, wherein the first pathology images are cancerous lesion images respectively; importing the first pathology images into an image processing module to acquire a plurality of first simulating spectra of the first pathology images so as to generate a principle component score diagram in accordance with the first simulating spectra; defining a plurality of triangle areas in the principle component score diagram in accordance with the first simulating spectra; determining whether a principle component score of a second simulating spectrum of a second pathology image is within any one of the triangle areas; and confirming the second pathology image belongs to one of the cancerous lesion images when the principle component score of the second simulating spectrum is within any one of the triangle areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: National Chung Cheng University
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chen Wang, Shin-Hua Chen, Shih-Wei Huang, Chiu-Jung Lai, Chu-Chi Ting
  • Patent number: 9895113
    Abstract: Systems and methods for planar imaging with detectors having moving heads are provided. One system includes a gantry having an opening therethrough, a patient table movable through the opening of the gantry along an examination axis, and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry and aligned in a row transverse to the examination axis. The plurality of detector units are spaced apart from each other, wherein the spacing forms gaps between adjacent detector units. The plurality of detector units are configured to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data. The system further includes a controller configured to control movement of the patient table and the plurality of detector units to acquire two-dimensional (2D) SPECT data, wherein the plurality of detector units remain in a fixed relative orientation with respect to each other when acquiring the 2D SPECT data and move together to acquire the 2D SPECT data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yaron Hefetz
  • Patent number: 9895114
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a rotating gantry, a bed, plural nuclear medicine (NM) imaging detectors, and a processing unit. The rotating gantry has a bore. The NM detectors are disposed about the bore of the gantry. The NM detectors each have an in-plane field of view, and are configured to pivot about a corresponding axis with respect to the gantry to change the in-plane field of view. The processing unit is configured to acquire first NM imaging information at a first gantry rotational position, with the in-plane fields of view of the NM imaging detectors parallel to a predetermined direction; actuate the gantry to rotate to a second gantry rotational position; actuate the NM imaging detectors to pivot such that the in-plane fields of view are parallel to the predetermined direction; acquire additional NM imaging information at the second gantry rotational position; and reconstruct a planar image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yaron Hefetz, Jonathan Sachs, Gil Kovalski, Avi Bar-Shalev
  • Patent number: 9895115
    Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Thomas Farbizio, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 9895116
    Abstract: A fail safe concealment mechanism for a radiation imaging capsule, including, a collimator having a first area that blocks radiation and an second area that releases radiation, a radiation source that is initially positioned inside the collimator in the area that blocks radiation, a linear mechanism that moves the radiation source inside the collimator to the area that releases radiation when power is provided to the mechanism and automatically returns the radiation source to the area that blocks radiation when power is not provided to the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: CHECK-CAP LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Kimchy, Shai Brenner
  • Patent number: 9895117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grating device for phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging of a movable object, an interferometer unit, a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging system, a phase contrast and/or dark-field imaging method, a computer program element for controlling such device and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The grating device comprises a grating unit, an actuation unit, a motion detecting unit, and a control unit. The actuation unit is configured to position the grating unit in different sampling positions relative to the moveable object. The motion detecting unit is configured to detect a motion of the movable object. The detected motion of the moveable object may be a repetitive motion. The control unit is configured to control the actuation unit to position the grating unit in the different sampling positions based on the detected motion of the movable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Grass, Dirk Schafer, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 9895118
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a supporting arm configured to support the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in directions to face each other, a moving mechanism configured to move the supporting arm around a plurality of rotation axes and processing circuitry configured to set an imaging sequence concerning a plurality of left-eye imaging positions with respect to the object and a plurality of right-eye imaging positions respectively corresponding to the plurality of left-eye imaging positions and configured to control the moving mechanism to move the supporting arm in accordance with the set imaging sequence. The imaging sequence includes a sequence of continuously performing imaging at at least two of the plurality of left-eye imaging positions or a sequence of continuously performing imaging at at least two of the plurality of right-eye imaging positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Zaiki
  • Patent number: 9895119
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates various approaches by which mask and contrast projection data may be acquired using a continuous projection acquisition process, without an interruption in acquisition or resetting of the system between the acquisition of the mask projection data and the contrast projection data. In certain implementations, the approaches described herein may be employed with a single-plane or multi-plane tomosynthesis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Allen Langan, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus
  • Patent number: 9895120
    Abstract: The invention relates to tracking motion of a patient's jaw, wherein motion of a tracking item which represents motion of the jaw is followed by at least one camera arranged to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus and wherein the motion detected by the at least one camera is applied on a digital model depicting hard tissue of the jaw. The moving digital model of the hard tissue of the jaw thus generated is shown on a display to visualize movement of the hard tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: PLANMECA OY
    Inventors: Kustaa Nyholm, Lasse Toimela
  • Patent number: 9895121
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for methods, devices and systems that can be used to determine a breast density value from an input image of patient's breast. In one example embodiment, the breast density value is calculated by receiving an input image corresponding to the digital mammogram, removing metadata information from the input image to generate an intermediate image, generating a region of interest (ROI) image based on the intermediate image, extracting values for predictor variables based on the metadata information, the intermediate image and the ROI image, and calculating breast density based on the values of the predictor variables. The breast density value is calculated based on a breast density model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Densitas Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohamed Abdolell, Tyna Hope, Shiva Zaboli, Kaitlyn Tsuruda
  • Patent number: 9895122
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first scanning control unit, a first determination unit, a second scanning control unit, a second determination unit, and a third scanning control unit. The first scanning control unit obtains at least one first slice image of the leg in an approximate coronal plane direction. The first determination unit determines a direction of a gap between a thighbone and a shinbone in the at least one first slice image. The second scanning control unit obtains at least one second slice image of the leg in a direction vertical to the direction of the gap in the at least one first slice image. The second determination unit determines an axial plane direction according to the at least one second slice image. The third scanning control unit obtains at least one slice image of the leg in the axial plane direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bowen Zhang, Jianchun Zhao
  • Patent number: 9895123
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an X-ray image are provided. The method includes obtaining an X-ray image of an object, performing image analysis on a tissue of interest in an area other than an interference target region in the obtained X-ray image, and performing image processing on an entirety of the obtained X-ray image based on information on the analyzed tissue of interest and generating a final X-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Su Kim, Hyun Hwa Oh, Jae Hyun Kwon, Young Hun Sung, Kang Eui Lee
  • Patent number: 9895124
    Abstract: In an FFS method that improves spatial resolution by moving an X-ray focal spot to multiple positions to acquire projection data, in order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and an image reconstruction method that enables to improve spatial resolution of the entire effective field of view without reducing a rotational speed, the X-ray focal spot in the X-ray tube device 101 is shifted to acquire focal shift projection data (FFS projection data), the virtual view generation unit 126 up-samples the FFS projection data (generates a virtual view) in the view direction, and the reconstruction computing unit 127 reconstructs an image using actual data of the FFS projection data in the central region 604 closer to the image center than a predetermined boundary and using the up-sampled projection data in the peripheral region 603 outside the boundary in an image reconstruction computing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Fujii, Tetsuo Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 9895125
    Abstract: A computed tomography scanner has multiple radiation sources or source arrays, in specific geometric dimensions for optimized imaging speed. A CT system with maximum fan-angle ? and K simultaneously active x-ray sources distributed over an angle of ??2? radians, the sources partially overlapping on a detector array, measures summed projection data corresponding to K or less line-integrals at each detector element. When the CT machine's dimensions RM, Rd, and RS, corresponding respectively to the measurement field-of-view, detector distance from iso-center, and source distance from iso-center, are such that projections of the two extreme radiation sources do not overlap on the detector, the individual line-integrals can be recovered by inversion of linear systems comprising K or less rows in fewer unknown than rows; the unknowns given by the exponential of the negative of the line integrals to be recovered. The CT scanner then reconstructs an image from the line-integral estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Guy M. Besson
  • Patent number: 9895126
    Abstract: A system and method for quantifying muscle and fat from abdominal image data. An input is configured to receive the abdominal image data from a CT imaging system. A non-transitive computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions. A processor is configured to receive the abdominal image data and access the storage medium to execute instructions. The executed instructions perform automated segmentation of the abdominal image data into at least one of a subcutaneous fat compartment, a muscle compartment, or a visceral fat compartment. One or more of the compartments are compared to a predetermined threshold to identify corresponding boundaries thereof. An area of one or more of the compartments is calculated based on the corresponding boundaries and predetermined threshold. A display is coupled to the processor and configured to display the at least one subcutaneous fat compartment, muscle compartment, or visceral fat compartment on the abdominal image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventor: Naoki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9895127
    Abstract: Systems and methods of object reconstruction from x-ray imaging include receiving an input of a first angulation for a first x-ray image. A first score representative of a quality of a reconstruction of an object from an x-ray image acquired at the first angulation is calculated. The first x-ray image is acquired at the first angulation. An input of a second angulation for a second x-ray image is received. A second score representative of the quality of the reconstruction of the object from the first x-ray image and an x-ray image acquired at the second angulation is calculated. The second x-ray image is acquired at the second angulation. The object is reconstructed from the first x-ray image and the second x-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Maxime Taron, Yves Lucien Trousset
  • Patent number: 9895128
    Abstract: In order to provide a technique for reducing system noise from an output signal value (measurement data), an X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray generation unit that irradiates X-rays to an object, an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays transmitted through the object, a correction processing unit that corrects an output signal from the X-ray detector, and a reconstruction calculating unit that reconstructs an image on the basis of an output from the correction processing unit, in which the X-ray detector includes arranged detection elements, and in which the correction processing unit maintains an average value of output signal values of a plurality of predetermined detection elements centering on a focused detection element among the detection elements, and also reduces a variance of the output signal values of the plurality of predetermined detection elements centering on the focused detection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hisashi Takahashi, Taiga Goto, Koichi Hirokawa
  • Patent number: 9895129
    Abstract: Provided are a CT-image processing apparatus and a method which can remove noise caused by one of a heartbeat and a breathing beat and extract only an accurate periodic motion by the other one. A CT-image processing apparatus 5 that processes projection data in which an animal is captured as a subject at each time by an X-ray CT apparatus includes a breathing beat threshold specification unit 36a to specify a lower limit of a breathing beat frequency from a feature amount waveform within a ROI for breathing beat synchronization in a series of projection data, a heartbeat threshold specification unit 37a to specify a lower limit of a heartbeat frequency from a feature amount waveform within a ROI for heartbeat synchronization in the series of projection data, a breathing beat extraction unit 36b to extract a breathing beat waveform using a band-pass filter defined by the lower limit of the breathing beat frequency and the lower limit of the heartbeat frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Rigaku Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Koike, Minoru Maesawa, Yukihiro Hara
  • Patent number: 9895130
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products that enable calculating the water equivalent diameter of an exposed subject by defining a patient object using anterior/posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) scout images are provided. Pixels corresponding to air in the LAT and AP scout image are determined. Pixels outside the of the air area belong to either to the patient or the table. The table for both the LAT and AP scout images is identified. The remaining pixels in the LAT AP scout images are from the patient. For each segmented object (patient or table) the boundaries of the segmented object are identified and the attenuations within the segmented boundaries are computed. The final shape and attenuation values of the patient is stored and the size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) is calculated. The water equivalent diameter value is normalized by using the technical acquisition parameters provided by the acquisition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Pierre Guntzer, Vincent Pangon, Benedicte Archambault
  • Patent number: 9895131
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for X-ray tube scanner automation using a 3D camera is disclosed. An RGBD image of a patient on a patient table is received from a 3D camera mounted on an X-ray tube. A transformation between a coordinate system of the 3D camera and a coordinate system of the patient table is calculated. A patient model is estimated from the RGBD image of the patient. The X-ray tube is automatically controlled to acquire an X-ray image of a region of interest of the patient based on the patient model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Yao-Jen Chang, Vivek Kumar Singh, Kai Ma, Ralf Nanke, Susanne Dornberger, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 9895132
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes: an imaging table housing a radiation detector that detects radiation that has passed through a breast of a subject; a first press member that presses the breast downward from above in a case in which radiation is being detected by the radiation detector; and a second press member that is provided facing the first press member and that presses the breast upward from below, wherein an end portion of the second press member at a chest wall side of the subject is supported by the imaging table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayoshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 9895133
    Abstract: Systems and methods which implement a plurality of different imaging signatures in generating an image frame are shown. A first imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to subsurface regions of living tissue, for example, whereas a second imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to interventional instruments inserted into living tissue at a steep angle. Image sub-frames generated using each such different imaging signature are blended to form a frame of the final image providing a relatively high quality image of various objects within the volume being imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Pagoulatos, Qinglin Ma, Andrew K. Lundberg, Richard Hippe, Clinton T. Siedenburg
  • Patent number: 9895134
    Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of outputting an appropriate ultrasound image with no distortion regardless of a sound velocity distribution in a subject. In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, sound velocities are calculated at two or more points in a subject, and coordinate transformation of a generated ultrasound image is performed based on the calculated sound velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9895135
    Abstract: An ultrasound system has an ultrasound transducer equipped with a position marker and a needle equipped with a position marker. The position markers allow the position and orientation of the transducer and needle to be determined. A display depicts an ultrasound image acquired via the transducer and a graphical element representative of a projection of the longitudinal axis of the needle onto a plane of the ultrasound image. The quality of the position and orientation information from the position markers is monitored, and when quality is below a quality threshold the display indicates this fact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Analogic Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Pelissier, Kris Dickie, Corina Leung, Bo Zhuang