Patents Issued in April 5, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180092582
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Patton
  • Publication number: 20180092583
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Patton
  • Publication number: 20180092584
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bullington, Richard G. Patton, Jay M. Miazga, Shan E. Gaw
  • Publication number: 20180092585
    Abstract: A safety needle device includes a housing including a passageway with a needle cannula extending therefrom. A shielding member is movable between a first position in which a puncture tip of the needle cannula is exposed therefrom and a second position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is encompassed therein. The shielding member is maintained in the first position against a biasing force which biases the shielding member toward the second position. A fluid and/or a temperature activation material is associated with the shielding member and is adapted to deform upon contact with a fluid medium and/or a certain temperature or temperature range. The fluid medium flowing through the needle cannula causes the fluid activation material to deform, such as through expansion, thereby releasing the shielding member from the first position and allowing a drive member to bias the shielding member toward the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Charles G. Hwang, Bradley M. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20180092586
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting a stress level of a user. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on a periorbital area (THROI1) of the user. The computer generates feature values based on THROI1, and utilizes a model to detect the stress level based on the feature values. The model was trained based on: previous THROI1 taken while the user was under elevated stress, and other previous THROI1 taken while the user was not under elevated stress. Some embodiments may utilize additional thermal cameras that take thermal measurements of other regions on the face, which may be utilized to detect the stress level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M. Frank
  • Publication number: 20180092587
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for selecting a stressor based on thermal measurements. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on a periorbital area (THROI1) of the user. The computer detects extents of stress based on THROI1, receives indications of potential stressors to which the user was exposed while THROI1 were taken, and selects the stressor, from among the potential stressors, based on the indications and the extents. Optionally, during most of the time the user was affected by the stressor, the effect of the stressor, as manifested via changes to THROI1, was higher than the effects of most of the potential stressors. Optionally, thermal measurements of other regions on the face may also be utilized to detect the extents of stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • Publication number: 20180092588
    Abstract: Brain activity, and in particular which hemisphere is relatively more effective, is correlated with the dominant nostril (i.e., the nostril through which most of the air is exhaled when breathing through the nose). Since each side of the brain plays a different role in different types of activities, it may be better to conduct certain activities when a certain nostril is dominant. Described herein are systems and methods for suggesting activities according to the dominant nostril. In one embodiment, a system includes a sensor and a computer. The sensor takes measurements of a user that are indicative of the user's dominant nostril. The computer predicts, based on the measurements, which of the user's nostrils will be the dominant nostril at a future time and may suggest having a suitable activity accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M. Frank
  • Publication number: 20180092589
    Abstract: The three-dimensional (3D) shape of the exhale stream from a user's nostrils is often correlated with the user's state (e.g., an emotional state and/or a certain health condition). Thus, identifying the shape of a user's exhale stream can help determine the user's state. In one embodiment, a system that selects a state of a user includes at least one inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera that takes thermal measurements of at least three regions below the nostrils (THS). THS are indicative of shape of the exhale stream (SHAPE). The system also includes a computer that generates feature values based on THS, which are indicative of the SHAPE, and utilizes a model to select the state of the user, from among potential states of the user, based on the feature values. Optionally, the system includes a user interface that present the user's selected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M. Frank
  • Publication number: 20180092590
    Abstract: A unitary multilumen cranial bolt for use in multimodal monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters in brain tissue incorporates a plurality of lumens, each lumen directing a catheter borne sensor through a bore hole in the cranium and into brain tissue of a patient. The lumens are configured to cause the catheters to splay outward as they enter the cranial cavity and reach their intended depth of penetration. Each lumen is associated with a guide. The guides are adapted for use with introducers that enable fragile and/or flexible sensors to be introduced into brain tissue. Each catheter borne sensor can be positioned and repositioned within brain tissue independently of all other sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Thermal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Frederick Bowman, Sammy M. Khalifa, Dean Honkonen
  • Publication number: 20180092591
    Abstract: A method of early detection of multiple sclerosis (MS) in an animal in a vivarium is described. Animal activity data is collected at multiple times during the night. Sequential time regions of the night are identified as high-activity, activity-drop, or low-activity regions. Embodiments are described to quantify a drop, during the night, of an animal's activity level. These quantified activity-drop scalars for consecutive nights are accumulated in an animal health dataset. Then, a health detection function is applied to this dataset that, in response to the level of activity change and the speed of activity change, predicts or detects MS in the animal. One embodiment quantifies an activity-drop by fitting straight-line curves through the data in the three nightly regions. Another embodiment uses a Fourier transform on a circle and a linear combination. Another embodiment compares areas under data curves in the regions. Animals may be housed in cages with other animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ford, Laura Schaevitz
  • Publication number: 20180092592
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for personalized detection of an allergic reaction of a user. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on the nose (THN) of a user. The computer generates feature values based on THN and utilizes a model to detect an allergic reaction of the user based on the feature values. The model is trained based on previous THN of the user taken during different days. Some embodiments may utilize additional thermal cameras that take thermal measurements of other regions on the face, which may be utilized by the computer to generate additional feature values that are used to detect the allergic reaction. In some cases, detection of the allergic reaction may occur following a rise in nasal temperature, even before the user becomes aware of the allergic reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M. Frank
  • Publication number: 20180092593
    Abstract: The illumination apparatus and methods described herein increase the depth of the illumination's tissue penetration, help minimize surface reflections and back-scatter for a non-contact camera based imaging system thus providing increased tissue-structure contrast and more information about the structures beneath the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: QuickVein, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven H. DRUCKER
  • Publication number: 20180092594
    Abstract: A fat tissue observation method includes: a process A of applying an optical clearing agent to fat tissue within a body; a process B of heating the fat tissue to reduce a first refractive index of the fat tissue and put the first refractive index close to a second refractive index of the optical clearing agent; and a process C of observing an inside of the fat tissue that the optical clearing agent permeates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, SARATOV State University
    Inventors: Yohei Tanikawa, Yasunobu Iga, Shinichi Takimoto, Valery V. Tuchin, Elina A. Genina, Alexey N. Bashkatov, Irina Yu. Yanina, Yana V. Tarakanchikova, Georgy S. Terentuk, Polina A. Timoshina, Daria K. Tuchina
  • Publication number: 20180092595
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for training and monitoring administration of an inhaler medication. The system includes a mobile computing device that is configured to provide an augmented reality training and monitoring aid for asthma patients. In particular, the mobile device is programmed to capture video using a camera and sound recordings using a microphone in order to measure the patient's head position from the video and measure events relating to inhalation and exhalation from the microphone recordings. This real-time data is used to provide real-time testing and monitoring of the patient's technique for using an inhaler and an augmented reality training aid that informs the patients training. In addition, the mobile device is configured to collect background information from the patient relating to the patient's control over his or her asthma and can also interface with a back-end computing system for storing and maintaining related information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Karl Chen, Loh Siew Leng, Ghulam Murtaza Khan Qasuri
  • Publication number: 20180092596
    Abstract: A method of measuring efficacy of treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in an animal in a vivarium is described. Animal activity data is collected at multiple times during the night. Sequential time regions of the night are identified as high-activity, activity-drop, or low-activity regions. Embodiments are described to quantify a drop, during the night, of an animal's activity level. These quantified activity-drop scalars for consecutive nights are accumulated in an animal health dataset. This dataset is compared to healthy animals or a standard of care to determine efficacy. One embodiment quantifies an activity-drop by fitting straight-line curves through the data in the three nightly regions. Another embodiment uses a Fourier transform on a circle and a linear combination. Another embodiment compares areas under data curves in the regions. Animals may be housed in cages with other animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ford, Laura Schaevitz
  • Publication number: 20180092597
    Abstract: A method of collecting data for treatment of disease in vivarium animals is described. Animal activity data is collected at multiple times during the night. Sequential time regions of the night are identified as high-activity, activity-drop, or low-activity regions. Embodiments are described to quantify an activity-drop, during the night, of an animal's activity level. These quantified activity-drop scalars for consecutive nights are accumulated in an animal health dataset. One embodiment quantifies an activity-drop by fitting straight-line curves through the data in the three nightly regions. Another embodiment uses a Fourier transform on a circle and a linear combination. Another embodiment compares areas under data curves in the regions. Animals may be housed in cages with other animals. Additional functions may be applied to the activity changes in the dataset to detect disease, measure severity, measure efficacy, or predict outcomes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Laura Schaevitz, Daniel J. Ford
  • Publication number: 20180092598
    Abstract: A flexible device includes two devices and a flexible interface. The two devices each include electrical components assembled therein. The flexible interface is coupled to the two devices such that the flexible interface connects the two devices to each other. When the two devices are positionable on a human body, the flexible interface provides stretchability and extendability so that the two devices can be set on two opposite sides of a protrusion site of bones of the human body, allowing for stretching and contracting of the human body to provide an effect of suiting the ergonomic needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: KING'S METAL FIBER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Reng Sho CHEN, Shu Fen LIAO, Yu Hsun KANG
  • Publication number: 20180092599
    Abstract: A headgear for placing sensors on a subject's head includes a centerpiece; a plurality of arms attached to and radiating outward and generally downward from the centerpiece; and sensor tips attached to the dorsal ends of at least some of the arms. At least one of the plurality of arms is a lower arm that is elastic and/or spring-like. When the headgear is placed on a subject's head, the at least one lower arm is so disposed in relation to the maximum circumference of the subject's head that the at least one lower arm must be bent outward for placement of the headgear on the subject's head and thereby provide a reactive force toward the head that causes the at least one lower arm to grasp at least a portion of the head that is at and/or below the maximum circumference of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor Austin Kerth, Yu Mike Chi, Aileen Ngoc Tran
  • Publication number: 20180092600
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for targeted memory enhancement. A computer processing circuit receives a plurality of electroencephalography (EEG) signals from a plurality of spatially separated EEG sensors located on the head of a subject that is asleep. A first process of the computer processing system determines a sleep state of the subject and upon determining that the subject is in sleep stage 2 or 3 based on a specific EEG signal, the processing system triggers a second process of the computer processing system that determines a transition event in the specific EEG signal, and upon detecting the transition event delivers an intervention to the subject designed to evoke a specific neurophysiological change to the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen Simons, Mario Aguilar-Simon, Patrick Connolly, Rolando Estrada, Renee Shimizu, Mary Whatley
  • Publication number: 20180092601
    Abstract: An earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear canal of a subject includes a housing, a sensor assembly disposed within the housing, and a cover removably secured to a free end of the housing. The sensor assembly includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector. The cover includes at least one light guide configured to guide light from the at least one optical emitter and/or guide light from the ear of the subject to the at least one optical detector. The cover also includes a plurality of stabilizing members extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cover adjacent the at least one light guide. The earpiece may also include at least one ear support fitting associated with the housing that is configured to stabilize the earpiece within the ear canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Wolfgang WAGNER, Steven Matthew JUST, Jonathan T. WALTER, Jesse Berkley TUCKER, Steven Francis LEBOEUF
  • Publication number: 20180092602
    Abstract: A synthetic aperture photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor is disclosed. A group or matrix of contiguous PPG sensors located on a toilet seat are conditionally combined based on sensor measurements. Conditional combinations may be based on timing data and signal-to-noise ratio data of each of the PPG measurements. Measurements associated with the conditional combinations are then used to determine a cardiac function of a toilet user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Andrew Davis, Daniel Hendricks, Justin Robinson
  • Publication number: 20180092603
    Abstract: A method of determining a remediation action includes detecting an acoustic event in a vehicle, detecting an environmental condition in the vehicle, detecting a respiratory disease symptom of a passenger in the vehicle based on the detected acoustic event, correlating the detected respiratory disease symptom with the environmental condition in the vehicle, and determining a remediation action for the detected respiratory disease symptom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ning DUAN, Peng Gao, He Yuan Huang, Jingchang Huang
  • Publication number: 20180092604
    Abstract: There is provided a system architecture including a PPG hardware module and a MEMS hardware module. The PPG hardware module processes PPG raw data, which is generally composed of analog signals or digital signals. The PPG hardware module filters the raw data for later digital calculation to, for example, find out frequency signals with higher peak values. The PPG hardware module then outputs the selected frequency signals to an MCU for heart rate calculation. The MEMS hardware module receives MEMS raw data from a motion detector made of MEMS elements. The MEMS raw data represents motion status of a user that could possibly affect the heart rate determination result. The MEMS hardware module filters the raw data for later digital calculation to find out frequency signals with higher peak values caused by motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ren-Hau GU, Yen-Min CHANG, Ming-Chang LI, Chih-Hsin LIN
  • Publication number: 20180092605
    Abstract: A method of predicting severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) in an animal in a vivarium is described. Animal activity data is collected at multiple times during the night. Sequential time regions of the night are identified as high-activity, activity-drop, or low-activity regions. Embodiments are described to quantify a drop, during the night, of an animal's activity level. These quantified activity-drop scalars for consecutive nights are accumulated in an animal health dataset. Then, an MS severity index function is applied to this dataset that, in response to the level of activity change and the speed of activity change, predicts or measures severity of MS in the animal. One embodiment quantifies an activity-drop by fitting straight-line curves through the data in the three nightly regions. Another embodiment uses a Fourier transform on a circle and a linear combination. Another embodiment compares areas under data curves in the regions. Animals may be housed in cages with other animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Laura Schaevitz, Daniel J. Ford
  • Publication number: 20180092606
    Abstract: A heart sound processing method for detecting cardiopathy includes: partitioning heart sound data to obtain a plurality of heart sound data fragments; converting the heart sound data fragments with continuous wavelet transformation to obtain CWT (continuous wavelet transformation) data; converting the heart sound data fragments with short-time Fourier transformation to obtain STFT (short-time Fourier transformation) data; and comparing the CWT data and the STFT data with at least one ultrasound data sample of cardiopathy to seek at least one correlation between time and frequency for identifying cardiopathy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventor: Gwo-Jia Jong
  • Publication number: 20180092607
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for monitoring, analysis, and feedback of pressure measurements associated with anatomical regions of a subject user. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes receiving pressure measurement samples from a user-wearable device. The samples are associated with anatomical stress locations of the user, such as, for example, knees, feet, and/or back. The method further includes calculating a percentage of the samples that exceed a threshold pressure value during a selected time period. The method also includes determining an alert condition if the calculated percentage exceeds a percentage threshold value; and generating a notification message based on the alert condition. The notification message is wirelessly transmitted from the user-wearable device to the user's mobile communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maximillan J. Domeika, Shashi R. Karpur, Nina M. Woolvett
  • Publication number: 20180092608
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies for facilitating reconstruction of flow data. In accordance with one aspect, the framework receives a four-dimensional projection image dataset and registers one or more pairs of temporally adjacent projection images in the image dataset. Two-dimensional flow maps may be determined based on the registered pairs. The framework may then sort the two-dimensional flow maps according to heart phases, and reconstruct a three-dimensional flow map based on the sorted two-dimensional flow maps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Sebastian Schafer, Sonja Gehrisch, Markus Kowarschik, Christopher Rohkohl, Kevin Royalty
  • Publication number: 20180092609
    Abstract: Cross-calibration is provided for functional imaging. In PET or SPECT, the inaccuracies from the dose and detector sensitivity may be reduced or removed in both activity concentration and uptake. By using measures from both the radiotracer for the patient and factory calibrated sources, the variability due to dose may be removed. In SPECT, a measurement of system specific sensitivity to a factory calibrated point source is used to improve the accuracy of uptake values, not just activity concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventor: Manojeet Bhattacharya
  • Publication number: 20180092610
    Abstract: Cross-calibration is provided for functional imaging. In PET or SPECT, the inaccuracies from the dose and detector sensitivity may be reduced or removed in both activity concentration and uptake. By using measures from both the radiotracer for the patient and factory calibrated sources, the variability due to dose may be removed. In SPECT, a measurement of system specific sensitivity to a factory calibrated point source is used to improve the accuracy of uptake values, not just activity concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventor: Manojeet Bhattacharya
  • Publication number: 20180092611
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient couch and a single supporting pillar on which the patient couch is arranged in an adjustable and cantilevered manner, is provided. The apparatus includes a first rotary frame and a second rotary frame. The first rotary frame rotates about a first axis and encloses the supporting pillar. The second rotary frame rotates about a second axis, rotatably encloses the first rotary frame, and is fixed to the patient couch. The first rotary frame and the second rotary frame form a gimbal mount for the patient couch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander Krämer, Wolfgang Neuber
  • Publication number: 20180092612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation blocking unit including: an attachment member that is attachable between sources and an object table surface to which radiation from a radiation source and visible light from a visible light source are emitted, the sources including the radiation source and the visible light source; a radiation blocking portion, disposed on the attachment member, that transmits the illuminated visible light to an overlapping incidence region on the object table surface in which an incidence region of the radiation and an incidence region of the visible light overlap, and that blocks the irradiated radiation outside the overlapping incidence region; and a visible light blocking portion, disposed on the attachment member, that transmits the irradiated radiation to the overlapping incidence region, and blocks the illuminated visible light outside the overlapping incidence region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroaki YASUDA, Yoshihiro NISHI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Publication number: 20180092613
    Abstract: A mobile radiography imaging system comprising a portable radiation source adapted to move in all degrees of freedom; a portable detector operable to detect the radiation from the radiation source, wherein the detector is adapted to move independently of the radiation source in all degrees of freedom; and wherein the radiation source and the detector each includes an alignment sensor in communication with a computer; wherein the computer is in communication with the radiation source and the detector; and wherein the position and orientation of the radiation source and the detector are established by the computer, and wherein the computer sends an activation signal to the radiation source to indicate when radiation may be emitted. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source is prevented from emission of radiation until the detector and the radiation source have achieved predetermined alignment conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventor: Terry L. Ancar
  • Publication number: 20180092614
    Abstract: A C-arm X-ray apparatus with a surgical positioning and linear navigation function is provided. The apparatus includes a C-arm, an image enhancer, an X-ray tube, a support frame, a trolley, a monitor and a central controller. The image enhancer is disposed at one end of the C-arm, and the X-ray tube is disposed at the other end of the C-arm which is mounted on the support frame and capable of rotationally sliding along the support frame, the support frame is mounted on the trolley and capable of sliding horizontally along the trolley, and the monitor and the central controller are electrically connected with the image enhancer and the X-ray tube, where a positioning module is further disposed on the C-arm and cooperates with the image enhancer and the X-ray tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: HANGZHOU SANTAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Bin HE, Shigui YAN, Shuogui XU, Liping SHEN
  • Publication number: 20180092615
    Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains image data rendering a blood vessel of patient. The processing circuitry performs a fluid analysis on the obtained image data and calculates an index value related to a blood flow in the blood vessel with respect to each of a plurality of positions in the blood vessel. With respect to the index values to be calculated, the processing circuitry selects a position in which a first value is to be obtained from among the plurality of positions or selects a value serving as the first value from among the index values exhibited in positions. The processing circuitry causes a display to display the first value in a predetermined display region thereof used for displaying the first value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya SAKAGUCHI, Takahiko NISHIOKA, Kazumasa ARAKITA
  • Publication number: 20180092616
    Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a first index value obtained based on fluid analysis that is performed based on an image including a blood vessel of a subject, the first index value being related to blood flow at each of positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry acquires external information including a second index value related to blood flow at each of the positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry changes one of an arrangement direction of index values in a first graph and an arrangement direction of index values in a second graph in accordance with the other one of the arrangement directions. The processing circuitry displays the first graph and the second graph on a display unit such that the arrangement directions of the index values match each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya SAKAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180092617
    Abstract: An example imaging device for generating an image is disclosed. The device may include an imaging detector array configured to collect charges during a radiation exposure at the imaging detector array. The device may include a signal generator coupled with the imaging detector array. The signal generator may be configured to generate a detection signal based on the charges collected by the imaging detector array. The device may include an accelerometer configured to generate an acceleration signal indicative of external forces applied to the imaging device. The device may 1further include a signal processor coupled with the signal generator and the accelerometer. In response to a determination that the acceleration signal is below a predetermined disturbance threshold and the detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the signal processor may be configured to generate the image based on the detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: VAREX IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rudiger SCHWARTZ, Michelle RICHMOND, Maxwell ALLEN, Isaias JOB
  • Publication number: 20180092618
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a sensor panel, a sound emitting member that provides notification of a state via sound, a casing that contains the sensor panel and the sound emitting member, where the casing includes a first sound transmission hole and a sound transmission member that covers the first sound transmission hole, where the sound transmission member includes a second sound transmission hole with a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first sound transmission hole. The radiographic imaging apparatus includes a detection unit that detects information related to an installed state of the radiographic imaging apparatus and a control unit that controls a volume of the emitted sound based on the detected information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Motoki Tagawa, Takahiro Koyanagi, Youjirou Hiratsuka, Satoru Omura, Katsushi Kato
  • Publication number: 20180092619
    Abstract: A mobile radiography system is disclosed, which includes a radiation source for radiating a plurality of beams; a detector for detecting the plurality of beams from the radiation source; a controller for determining an angular difference between the radiation source and the detector; and a positioning device mounted with the radiation source for recognizing a position of the detector relative to the radiation source based on the angular difference between the radiation source and the detector to align the radiation source to the detector. A method of aligning a mobile radiography system including a radiation source and a detector is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Jiajun Gu, Hao Lai, Li Tao, Hao Xu, Kun Tao
  • Publication number: 20180092620
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope lacking an earpiece assembly can include a chestpiece base. The base can include a diaphragm, a transducer, a computer readable storage medium, and a transceiver. The transducer can detect analog auscultatory sounds from an auscultatory source and convert the sounds to a digital encoding. The encoding can be transmitted to a proximate or remote computing device via a secure communication channel. The earpiece assembly can be a cavity for transmitting the analog auscultatory sound from the base to the ear canal of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: FAIZ FATTEH, IMTIAZ FATTEH
  • Publication number: 20180092621
    Abstract: A system for detecting blood velocity within a blood vessel includes a piezoelectric transducer supported on a ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate supports the piezoelectric transducer at a fixed angle of incidence that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The ceramic substrate is formed of steatite ceramic and is configured to couple an ultrasonic signal emitted by the transducer to skin underlying the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Andre Duerr, Thomas Rocznik, Christian Peters, Jochen Stehle
  • Publication number: 20180092622
    Abstract: A system for detecting artery location to measure blood velocity includes a first piezoelectric transducer array including a plurality of transducer elements, each of the transducer elements being supported on a first ceramic substrate, the first ceramic substrate having a planar lower surface configured to be placed on a surface of an area of skin of a user, the first ceramic substrate being configured to couple an ultrasonic signal emitted by the transducer elements to the skin. A phase control system is configured to supply each of the transducer elements with an electrical actuation signal, the electrical actuation signal being phase shifted for each of the transducer elements. The phase control system is configured to phase shift the electrical actuation signal supplied to the transducer elements such that an ultrasonic beam is formed and to steer the ultrasonic beam toward a blood vessel located beneath the area of skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Andre Duerr, Thomas Rocznik, Christian Peters, Jochen Stehle
  • Publication number: 20180092623
    Abstract: A system for detecting blood velocity within a blood vessel includes a transducer array including a plurality of transducers. Each of the transducers includes a carrier substrate; at least one spacer extending upwardly from substrate, a transducer element attached to spacer such that the piezoelectric transducer is spaced apart from the substrate, and setting electrodes positioned on the upper surface of the substrate under the piezoelectric transducer. A tilt control system is configured to apply a bias voltage to the setting electrodes which causes the transducer element to pivot about a pivot axis between a first tilted position and a second tilted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Andre Duerr, Thomas Rocznik, Christian Peters, Jochen Stehle
  • Publication number: 20180092624
    Abstract: The application describes an adjustable arm for a patient monitoring device to be placed on a surface portion of a patient's body, said arm comprising: at least first and second arm parts; abase to which the first arm part is connected and which includes mounting means for mounting it relative to a patient support platform; and holding means for receiving the patient monitoring device, to which the second arm part is connected; the arm parts, the base and the holding means being articulated by means of joints therebetween, which joints are fixable against movement when the patient monitoring device is in use; wherein the joints between the first arm part and the base and between second arm part and the holding means comprise multidirectional joints; wherein the base has a fixed portion and a tillable portion, the fixed portion comprising the mounting means and the first arm part being connected to the tillable portion, whereby when the said joints are fixed the adjustable arm can maintain the patient monitori
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: ANTONIUS MARIA RIJKEN, WILHELMUS JOHANNES ANTONIUS PASMAN, MARLEEN VAN AARTRIJK
  • Publication number: 20180092625
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Visura Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David B. MARMOR, Morgan CLYBURN, C. Lance BOLING
  • Publication number: 20180092626
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus is disclosed comprising an ultrasound acquisition unit (10) connected to a plurality of ultrasound probes (42, 44, 46, 70, 72, 74) each for providing ultrasound data suitable for ultrasound imaging of a patient (12) in a field of view (32) of the ultrasound probes. The ultrasound imaging apparatus further comprises a detection unit (20) for detecting an anatomical object (36) of the patient in the field of view on the basis of the ultrasound data received from at least one of the ultrasound probes and for determining a spatial relationship of the anatomical object and each of the ultrasound probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: IRINA WAECHTER-STEHLE, FRANK MICHAEL WEBER, CHRISTIAN BUERGER
  • Publication number: 20180092627
    Abstract: An ultrasound signal processing device includes: a receiver acquiring a receive signal sequence based on reflected detection waves received in time sequence from a subject, to generate receive signal frame data in a first orthogonal space (time direction and azimuth direction); an orthogonal space transform unit transforming the receive signal frame data to a second orthogonal space, to generate observed spectrum frame data; a transform processor processing observed spectrum partial frame data corresponding to a partial region in the second orthogonal space of the observed spectrum frame data, to generate transformed spectrum partial frame data in a third orthogonal space; and an orthogonal space inverse transform unit performing an inverse orthogonal transform on the transformed spectrum partial frame data to an orthogonal space (subject depth direction and the azimuth direction), to generate acoustic line signals for observation points in a region of interest, to generate acoustic line signal frame data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Susumu
  • Publication number: 20180092628
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires position information relating to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic image. The processing circuitry acquires ultrasonic image data which is obtained by transmission and reception of ultrasonic from the ultrasonic probe at a position where the position information is acquired, the ultrasonic image data being associated with the position information. The processing circuitry executes associating between a first coordinate system relating to the position information and a second coordinate system relating to medical image data. The processing circuitry executes image alignment between an ultrasonic image based on the associated ultrasonic image data and a medical image based on the medical image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka MINE, Satoshi Matsunaga, Yukifumi Kobayashi, Kazuo Tezuka, Jiro Higuchi, Atsushi Nakai, Shigemitsu Nakaya, Yutaka Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20180092629
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image processing circuit and a processing circuit. The image processing circuit generates an ultrasound image. The processing circuit receives a medical image acquired by another medical image diagnosis apparatus, and aligns the ultrasound image and the medical image. The processing circuit has a function of recognizing identification information held by the medical image when the ultrasound image and the medical image are displayed side by side on a display. The processing circuit also has a function of retrieving diagnostic protocol information corresponding to the identification information and displaying it on the display, and a function of performing examinations and processes based on the diagnostic protocol information displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki YONEYAMA, Takatoshi OKUMURA, Naoyuki NAKAZAWA, Masatoshi NISHINO, Norihisa KIKUCHI, Kazutoshi SADAMITSU
  • Publication number: 20180092630
    Abstract: A system includes at least one piezoelectric transducer array having a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements. The transducer array is configured to be placed on an area of skin. A phase control system is configured to generate a first electrical actuation signal for actuating the transducer elements to emit first ultrasonic signals, the first electrical actuation signal being phase shifted for each of the transducer elements. A multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control system is configured to generate a second electrical actuation signal for actuating the transducer elements to emit second ultrasonic signals, the second electrical actuation signal being different for each of the transducer elements. A switching device is configured to switchably connect the phase control system and the MIMO control system to the phased transducer array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Andre Duerr, Thomas Rocznik, Christian Peters, Jochen Stehle
  • Publication number: 20180092631
    Abstract: A blood vessel analysis device includes a photoelectric detector, a processor and an ultrasonic detector. The photoelectric detector detects a blood vessel and generates a detecting signal. The processor is connected to the photoelectric detector for receiving the detecting signal. The processor converts the detecting signal into a blood flow information specifying a blood flow condition of the blood vessel, and outputs a driving signal when the specified blood flow condition matches a reference blood flow condition. The ultrasonic detector is connected to the processor. The ultrasonic detector detects the blood vessel and generates a blood vessel diameter information upon reception of the driving signal. Based on this, the detection efficiency is improved. An operating method of the blood vessel analysis device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventor: Jian-Chiun Liou