Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
  • Patent number: 9968244
    Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source for producing white light, fluorescence excitation light, or fluorescence excitation light with a reference reflectance light. An endoscope directs light to illuminate a tissue sample and collects reflected light or fluorescence light produced by the tissue. A camera includes a high sensitivity color image sensor having a plurality of pixel elements. Each of the pixel elements has an integrated filter configured to block reflected excitation light from reaching the pixel elements and allow fluorescence and reflectance light to reach the pixel elements. A processor receives image signals from the image sensor, combines image signals from a first group of pixel elements to form a first image formed by fluorescence light, and combines image signals from a second group of pixel elements to form a second image formed by reflectance light. A video monitor simultaneously superimposes the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NOVADAQ TECHNOLOGIES ULC
    Inventors: Richard W. Cline, John J. P. Fengler, Joachim W. Boehm
  • Patent number: 9968245
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and process can be provided for imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, (i) first different wavelengths of at least one first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided within a first wavelength range provided on the portion of the sample so as to determine at least one first transverse location of the portion, and (ii) second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a second wavelength range can be provided on the portion so as to determine at least one second transverse location of the portion. The first and second ranges can east partially overlap on the portion. Further, a relative phase between at least one third electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from the sample and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference can be obtained to determine a relative depth location of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin
  • Patent number: 9968246
    Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a treatment tank configured to allow an endoscope to be disposed inside; a connector including an opening inside the treatment tank; a first conduit extending from the connector; an on-off valve disposed in the first conduit; a leak tester; and a second conduit including a conduit body having a conduit resistance that is higher than a conduit resistance of the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayoshi Iwanami
  • Patent number: 9968247
    Abstract: A cleaning device for use with an endoscope. The device includes an elongated and flexible base and a set of discs axially spaced along the base. Each disc is positioned along the base at a center point of the disc. The size and spacing of the discs may vary within the set of discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED STATES ENDOSCOPY, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kaye, Gary E. Mann, Michael Charles Hauser, Joseph Mrva, Kelsey G. Eikens
  • Patent number: 9968248
    Abstract: A laryngoscope handle is provided. The laryngoscope handle comprises a lower grip and an upper functional portion comprising a blade-retention portion formed with a slot extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a viewing axis, and being configured for slidingly receiving therewithin a laryngoscope blade, and a light source disposed above the slot and being directed substantially parallel to the viewing axis. A majority of the area above the slot and surrounding the light source is substantially free of visual obstructions along the viewing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Evgeny Pecherer
  • Patent number: 9968249
    Abstract: An endoscope particularly suited for endocranial procedures and a method of using the endoscope. In some examples the endoscope is rigid except for a bend/tilt portion near a distal end of a rigid tube that is inserted in a patient's cranium, which distal end is controlled in a degree and direction of tilt with a finger operated controller at the endoscope's handle. Some examples use telescoping tubes that allow customizing the endoscope size for specific procedures. A distal portion of the endoscope can be disposable, supplied in a sterile package for a single procedure, thus taking into account contamination dangers that are particularly high for intracranial and certain other interventions and the fact that it can be difficult or impossible to effectively autoclave heat-sensitive components of certain endoscopes or effectively sterilize them using other techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Clearmind Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Hao Huang, Sheng-Chi Lin, Feng-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 9968250
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for diagnosing a condition of an eye such as macular degeneration and/or cataracts. The system may include an optical system, which may project light at an eye and record lipofuscin fluorescence from a retina of the eye to form an image of the retina. A computing device may process the image to apply one or more image acceptance criteria and/or one or more image clarity criteria. If the image fails to meet the one or more image acceptance criteria, the image may be re-taken. Based on the level of conformance of the image to the one or more image clarity criteria, the system may indicate that the macular pigment level cannot be provided with confidence, indicate that the eye likely has one or more cataracts, and/or calculate and provide the macular pigment content based on a correction factor, if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Image Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen Sharifzadeh, Werner Gellermann
  • Patent number: 9968251
    Abstract: Various methods of displaying combined structural and functional disease progression information of a patient's eye are described. In one exemplary method, a set of structural measurements of the patient's eye is received. The set of structural measurements are taken at a plurality of testing dates. A set of functional measurements of the patient's eye is received. The set of functional measurements are taken at a plurality of testing dates. A single viewport comprising a side by side display of structural and functional measurements over a common time scale is generated, which is then displayed or the results of the generated viewport are stored. The structural and functional measurements are arranged in a chronological order of testing dates over the common time scale. Further, a structural and a functional measurement that have testing dates falling within a certain time period are placed in close proximity to each other for comparison purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC, INC.
    Inventors: Tobias Kurzke, Matthias Monhart, Vincent Michael Patella
  • Patent number: 9968252
    Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing and/or quantifying the degree of strabismus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a beam that supports at least two targets, a video camera, a light source for generating Purkinje reflexes, and a computer. The patient gazes at the targets while the video camera captures the patient's eyes. The frames of the video are then analyzed as described herein to determine the location of the pupil and the first Purkinje reflex. With this information, strabismus can be diagnosed, as well as the angle of deviation, which is useful for surgically correcting the strabismus. Methods of analyzing the frames are also discussed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: University Hospitals of Cleveland
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bloom, Kevin White, Andreas Inmann, Ryan Peters
  • Patent number: 9968253
    Abstract: Mobile computer devices and systems for refraction determination of an eye, for example for objective refraction determination and/or subjective refraction determination, are provided. Here, a display of the mobile computer device can be driven to display an image for refraction determination. The mobile computer device includes a display, a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a program code stored therein. The program code is configured to cause the processor to drive only the display to display an image thereon for determining refraction of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH, Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Karsten Lindig, Jesús-Miguel Cabeza-Guillén
  • Patent number: 9968254
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure monitoring device has a soft contact lens and a pressure sensor united with the contact lens, the pressure sensor comprising an active strain gage, a passive gage, a rigid element and a microprocessor. The active strain gage, passive gage and rigid element are placed at a distance from the center of the contact lens, the active strain gage comprising a portion encircling the center of the contact lens on at least 180°, wherein the passive gage and the rigid element each comprise a portion encircling the center of the contact lens on at least 180°, and wherein the portion of the passive gage situated around the center of the contact lens is placed in immediate vicinity of the portion of the rigid element situated around the center of the contact lens. A kit has such a pressure monitoring device and a portable recording device configured for communicating with the pressure monitoring device and for storing data received from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SENSIMED SA
    Inventor: Sacha Cerboni
  • Patent number: 9968255
    Abstract: A portable telemetry device includes a measurement component, a unidirectional radio, a bidirectional radio, and a communication component. The measurement component is configured to receive, from at least one sensor, physiological data representative of a physiological condition of a patient. The unidirectional radio is configured to transmit signals in a first wireless frequency band. The bidirectional radio is configured to transmit and receive signals in a second wireless frequency band different from the first wireless frequency band. The communication component is configured to transmit the physiological data using the unidirectional radio and transmit and receive control data using the bidirectional radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 9968256
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a portion of a body of a subject including acquiring a plurality of images of the portion, and displaying one of the images. In response to receiving an input that is indicative of a given location within the image, an indication of a region within the portion is generated on the image. In response to receiving a further input, a dimension of the region that is indicated within the image is modified. In response thereto, at least one tool that is suitable for being placed at the region is identified, and/or a dimension of at least one tool that is suitable for being placed at the region is identified. An output is generated is response to the identification. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SYNC-RX LTD.
    Inventors: David Tolkowsky, Gavriel Iddan, Ran Cohen
  • Patent number: 9968257
    Abstract: A computing system accesses complementary image data of a biological tissue structure (BTS), which can include a human cardiovascular structure. The complementary image data is comprised of two-dimensional images which represent different views of the BTS respectively aligned with a plurality of distinct image planes. A plurality of separate convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are used to respectively process each of the plurality of two-dimensional images. Each CNN determines a probability map which is then adaptively fused into a single segmented output. A contouring operation is automatically performed to calculate at least one clinical measurement and/or create at least one 3D volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Halsa Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy Burt
  • Patent number: 9968258
    Abstract: Devices for use in fluorescence or luminescence lifetime imaging include a chip featuring an imaging region that includes a photodetector for receiving optical signals, and a time-to-digital converter for providing digital phase output based on the received optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Tufts University
    Inventors: Jian Guo, Sameer Sonkusale
  • Patent number: 9968259
    Abstract: Diffuse fluorescence flow cytometers and methods of using them include a plurality of excitation sources and a plurality of detectors, all circumferentially arranged about a space for accommodating a limb of a subject. Tomographic reconstructions of cells within the limb are made by varying the intensity and direction of excitation and then analyzing the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Niedre, Eric William Zettergren, Charles P. Lin
  • Patent number: 9968260
    Abstract: The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising: a shaft tube with a proximal section; a middle section extending from the proximal section of the shaft tube, the middle section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; an inner hypotube installed substantially within the middle section for optimal mechanical properties; a pressure sensor with a communication means routed through the middle section and the proximal section; and a sensor housing for receiving the pressure sensor. There are also described methods for joining the inner hypotube to the shaft tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Opsens Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Belleville
  • Patent number: 9968261
    Abstract: An apparatus can be provided according to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, the apparatus can include a waveguiding first arrangement providing at least one electromagnetic radiation. A configuration can be provided that receives and splits the at least one electromagnetic radiation into a first radiation and a second radiation. The apparatus can further include a waveguiding second arrangement which has a first waveguide and a second waveguide, whereas the first waveguide receives the first radiation, and the second waveguide receives the second radiation. The first arrangement, the second arrangement and the configuration can be housed in a probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Motafakker-Fard, Paulino Vacas Jacques, Guillermo Tearney, Mireille Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9968262
    Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Illumigyn Ltd.
    Inventors: Lior Greenstein, Gilad A. Davara, Gad Ganon, David Aviv
  • Patent number: 9968263
    Abstract: A probe capable of reducing positional displacement of an acoustic lens from a capacitive transducer is provided. The probe includes a transducer having elements and extraction electrodes of the elements, flexible wiring boards having wiring electrically connected to the extraction electrodes, and an acoustic lens having stepped portions which is provided on the elements. The acoustic lens is butted against end portions of the flexible wiring boards at the stepped portions and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9968264
    Abstract: Manifestation of some physiological responses (e.g., stress, mental workload, or a headache) may involve the emergence of asymmetric thermal patterns on the face. Thus, thermal measurements of the face that are indicative of thermal asymmetry can be useful to detect such physiological responses. In one embodiment, a system includes first and second inward-facing head-mounted thermal cameras (CAM1 and CAM2, respectively) that are located less than 15 cm from the user's face, which take thermal measurements of regions on the right and left sides of the face (THROI1 and THROI2, respectively) of the user. The symmetric overlapping between the regions on the right and left sides (ROI1 and ROI2, respectively) is above 60%, and CAM1 and CAM2 do not occlude ROI1 and ROI2. Optionally, the system includes a computer that detects a physiological response based on thermal asymmetry between THROI1 and THROI2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • Patent number: 9968265
    Abstract: Methods to identify and risk stratify disease states, cardiac structural defects, functional cardiac deficiencies induced by teratogens and other toxic agents, pathological substrates, conduction delays and defects, and ejection fraction using single channel biological data obtained from the subject. A modified Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm may be used to find a noiseless model of the data that is sparse and does not assume periodicity of the signal. After the model is derived, various metrics and subspaces are extracted to characterize the cardiac system. In another method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions (which is largely determined by the signal length), the density of the signal is computed in each region and input to a learning algorithm to associate them to the desired cardiac dysfunction indicator target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ANALYTICS FOR LIFE
    Inventors: Timothy Burton, Shyamlal Ramchandani, Matthew Howe-Patterson, Mohsen Yazdi, Sunny Gupta
  • Patent number: 9968266
    Abstract: A system comprises a risk analysis module and a worsening heart failure (WHF) detection module. The risk analysis module measures at least one first physiological parameter of a subject using a physiological sensor of an ambulatory medical device, and determines a heart failure (HF) risk score for the subject according to the at least one measured first physiological parameter. The HF risk score indicates susceptibility of the subject to experiencing a HF event. The WHF detection module measures at least one second physiological parameter of the subject using the same or different physiological sensor, and generates an indication of prediction that the subject will experience a WHF event when the at least one second physiological parameter satisfies a WHF detection algorithm. The risk analysis module adjusts generation of the indication by the WHF detection algorithm according to the determined HF risk score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi An, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Viktoria A. Averina, Yi Zhang, Robert J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9968267
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a computing device that includes a memory configured to store instructions. The computing device also includes a processor to execute the instructions to perform operations that include receiving a signal representative of electrical impedance in a chest of a patient, and, receiving a signal representative of the motion of chest compressions performed on the patient during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment. The operations also include processing the received signal representative of the motion of chest compressions to determine one or more characteristics of the motion, and, processing the received signal representative of the electrical impedance to determine parameters relevant to a production of a signal representative of airflow activities of the patient. Operations also include modifying the one or more determined parameters based on the one or more determined characteristics of the motion to produce the signal representative of airflow activities of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick J. Geheb, Gary A. Freeman, Ulrich Herken
  • Patent number: 9968268
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various located within the associated chamber of the heart. To create a database of dipole densities, mapping information recorded by multiple electrodes located on one or more catheters and anatomical information is used. In addition, skin electrodes may be implemented. Additionally, one or more ultrasound elements are provided, such as on a clamp assembly or integral to a mapping electrode, to produce real time images of device components and surrounding structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ACUTUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christoph Scharf, Gunter Scharf, Randell L. Werneth
  • Patent number: 9968269
    Abstract: A wireless disposable angioplasty transducer manifold is disclosed. The wireless disposable angioplasty transducer manifold includes am elongated manifold frame and a hollow elongated tubular manifold disposed within the frame. The hollow elongated tubular manifold has an inlet end for receiving fluid directly from a patient, an outlet end for returning the fluid to the patient, and a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet ends. The transducer manifold also includes at least one valve port and at least one sensing port provided on the tubular manifold, the sensing port having a pressure sensing transducer within a housing formed in the sensing port. A Radio Frequency (RF) or Infra-red (IR) transmitter and battery electrically coupled to the pressure sensing transducer allow for pressure signals to be transmitted wirelessly to remotely located monitoring equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Louis O. Noce, Alisa A. Noce
  • Patent number: 9968270
    Abstract: Example embodiments assess cardiovascular health by receiving, from at least one monitoring device, pulse rate data from a subject. The pulse rate data includes pulse rate measurements and corresponding measurement timestamps. The embodiments select, with at least one processor, a plurality of recovery periods in the pulse rate data. Each recovery period corresponds to a respective decrease in pulse rate from a respective upper pulse rate to a respective lower pulse rate. The respective upper pulse rate is less than a peak pulse rate of the subject or the respective lower pulse rate is greater than a resting pulse rate of the subject. The embodiments determine, with the at least one processor, an exponential decay from the plurality of selected recovery periods. The exponential decay characterizes a pulse rate recovery for the subject. The embodiments provide, via a user interface, the pulse rate recovery based on the exponential decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Mark Murphy, Philip John Stephens
  • Patent number: 9968271
    Abstract: A needle electrode is provided incorporating a protective flap and optionally a retraction chamber. By providing an impenetrable barrier covering the area of skin over the needle's tip, the protective flap protects against needle sticks that can occur when the tip of a needle electrode is pushed back out through the skin. An adhesive layer on the skin-side of the protective flap secures the needle in place without the use of a separate piece of adhesive tape. Other types of needles can incorporate flaps for protection or for securing the needle to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: David J. Padalino, Blair Calancie
  • Patent number: 9968272
    Abstract: A device detects electric potentials with measuring inputs (7) for connection to measuring electrodes (9), which can be placed on the body of a patient (3). Measuring amplifiers (Op1, . . . , OpN) have a first and a second input as well as an output (11). A summing unit (13, 23) is connected to the outputs of the measuring amplifiers and sends a signal proportional to a mean value of the signals of the outputs of the measuring amplifiers to an output (15, 17) of the summing unit. Each of the measuring inputs is connected to a first input of a measuring amplifier. The second input of each measuring amplifier is connected to the output (17) of the summing unit. A potential output (19) connects to an electrode and to an output of a further amplifier Opc), with an input connected to the output (15) of the summing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Frank Sattler, Marcus Eger
  • Patent number: 9968273
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ECG waveform detecting apparatus includes an input circuit and processing circuitry. The input circuit receives an ECG signal. The processing circuitry performs first detection of a specific waveform included in the ECG signal, performs update processing of a detection parameter for detecting the specific waveform based on a part of the specific waveform or result of the first detection, performs second detection of the specific waveform from the ECG signal by using the detection parameter after the update processing, and generates a synchronization signal based on information on the second detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidenori Takeshima
  • Patent number: 9968274
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing ECG data may include: receiving ECG data representing a plurality of heartbeats; analyzing the ECG data to determine whether each of the plurality of heartbeats is a normal heartbeat or an abnormal heartbeat; associating each of the abnormal heartbeats with an existing template or a new template; receiving input related to each new template, wherein the input includes either: a) a confirmation that the new template represents an abnormal heartbeat, or b) a reclassification of the new template as representing a normal heartbeat or a different abnormal heartbeat; and in response to the user input, updating a label of each of the heartbeats associated with each confirmed new template and each of the heartbeats associated with each reclassified new template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: InfoBionic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lev Korzinov, Eric Baumann, Anna McNamara
  • Patent number: 9968275
    Abstract: The present disclosure uses physiological data, ECG signals as an example, to evaluate cardiac structure and function in mammals. Two approaches are presented, e.g., a model-based analysis and a space-time analysis. The first method uses a modified Matching Pursuit (MMP) algorithm to find a noiseless model of the ECG data that is sparse and does not assume periodicity of the signal. After the model is derived, various metrics and subspaces are extracted to image and characterize cardiovascular tissues using complex-sub-harmonic-frequencies (CSF) quasi-periodic and other mathematical methods. In the second method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions, the density of the ECG signal is computed in each region and inputted into a learning algorithm to image and characterize the tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Analytics For Life Inc.
    Inventors: Sunny Gupta, Mohsen Najafi Yazdi, Timothy William Fawcett Burton, Shyamlal Ramchandani, Derek Vincent Exner
  • Patent number: 9968276
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that includes a) monitoring a cardiac cycle of the subject to identify a predetermined point and, b) upon identifying the predetermined point, performing the steps of i) performing at least one of a desired number of magnetization suppressing preparations to suppress signal from blood flow through at least the region of interest, ii) acquiring a first set of imaging data from the region of interest, and iii) repeating step i) and step ii) to acquire at least a second set of imaging data from the region of interest. The method further includes c) repeating step b) a predetermined number of times over a series of cardiac cycles to acquire respective sets of medical imaging data of the region of interest and d) reconstructing first set of imaging data and the second set of imaging data into a time-resolved series of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NORTHSHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM
    Inventor: Ioannis Koktzoglou
  • Patent number: 9968277
    Abstract: A medical apparatus (1100) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system and an interventional device (300) comprising a shaft (302, 1014, 1120). The medical apparatus further comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance fiducial marker (306, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1122) attached to the shaft. The shaft passes through a center point (610, 810, 908, 1006) of the fiducial marker. The medical apparatus further comprises machine executable instructions (1150, 1152, 1154, 1156, 1158) for execution by a processor. The instructions cause the processor to acquire (100, 200) magnetic resonance data, to reconstruct (102, 202) a magnetic resonance image (1142), and to receive (104, 204) the selection of a target volume (1118, 1144, 1168). The instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly: acquire (106, 206) magnetic resonance location data (1146) from the fiducial marker and render (108, 212) a view (1148, 1162) indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Steffen Weiss, Ronaldus Frederik Johannes Holthuizen, Sascha Krueger, Peter Koken, Daniel Wirtz, Thomas Erik Amthor, Falk Uhlemann
  • Patent number: 9968278
    Abstract: A medical image measuring apparatus includes a tissue information label assigning unit that assigns each point of a medical image with a tissue information label representing tissue information each point belongs, a measuring unit that performs measurement in the medical image, and a measurement subject label assigning unit that determines, based on a tissue information label assigned to a measurement point or a point within a region of interest used for the measurement, a measurement subject label representing a measurement subject and assigns the label to a result of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Itai
  • Patent number: 9968279
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transfer table assembly suitable for use in association with an MR scanner. The transfer table assembly includes a transfer table attached to a transfer table base that may releasably engage an incubator. The transfer table may be dimensionally constructed such that it may be inserted directly into an MR scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventor: Charles L. Dumoulin
  • Patent number: 9968280
    Abstract: A method for tracking movement of a movable portion of an interventional device disposed within a natural or artificial body opening is provided. In particular, image data of fiducials is acquired and therefrom an initial position of an interventional device movable portion with respect to a given coordinate system is determined. Next, real time position data from the encoders is acquired as the movable portion is moved from the initial position, and a displaced position from the initial position is determined. From this acquired information, a position of the movable portion in the coordinate system is determined using both the initial position as determined from the image data and the real time displaced position as determined from the encoders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Louis L. Whitcomb, Axel Krieger, Robert C. Susil, Gabor Fichtinger, Ergin Atalar, Iulian I. Iordachita
  • Patent number: 9968281
    Abstract: A breath condensate collector (10) comprising a chamber having a breath inlet port (14) and an outlet port (16); a sample collector, adapted to receive breath from the chamber outlet and having air exhaust means; cooling means (112) to promote in use condensation of vapor from breath entering the sample collector and where collector comprises a partially lidded dish (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Exhalation Technology Ltd
    Inventor: George Lee Bulbrook
  • Patent number: 9968282
    Abstract: A medical system (10) and method measures hemoglobin level of a subject (38). A hemoglobin color scale (HbCS) (22) is projected into afield of view (FOV) (42) of an imaging system (12). The HbCS (22) includes a plurality of blood color regions (26a-f), each blood color region (26a-f) corresponding to a hemoglobin level and colored to represent the color of blood at the corresponding hemoglobin level. An image of blood of the subject (38), and the projected HbCS, is acquired using the imaging system (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Vishnu Vardhan Makkapati, Michael Mathias Spaeth, Shrutin Ulman
  • Patent number: 9968283
    Abstract: A method and related system to, among other things, automatically infer answers to all of the ADL questions and the first four questions of the IADL in the home. The inference methods detect the relevant activities unobtrusively, continuously, accurately, objectively, quantifiably and without relying on the patient's own memory (which may be fading due to aging or an existing health condition, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)) or on a caregiver's subjective report. The methods rely on the judicious placement of a number of sensors in the subject's place of residence, including motion detection sensors in every room, the decomposition of each relevant activity into the sub-tasks involved, identification of additional sensors required to detect the relevant sub-tasks and spatial-temporal conditions between the signals of sensors to formulate the rules that will detect the occurrence of the specific activities of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: University of Virgina Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Majd Alwan, Robin A. Felder, Steven W. Kell, Sarah G. Wood, Michael Cvetanovich, Beverly L. Turner, J. William Holman
  • Patent number: 9968284
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for reducing electrochemical interference in a transdermal sampling and analysis device. A one-step transdermal glucose biosensor may calculate glucose concentrations that are artificially high compared to traditional home blood glucose sensors due to interference, which may be mitigated by forming an anti-interferent barrier layer over a sensing element. The anti-interferent barrier layer may be formed over a sensing layer and may possess a charge type which repels interferent molecules having the same charge type from interacting with the sensing layer disposed below the anti-interferent barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CLINITECH, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J Vidalis, Joseph A Marcanio, John Frederick Currie, Sundar Nadarajan, Helena Woodvine
  • Patent number: 9968285
    Abstract: A multispectral medical imaging device includes illumination devices arranged to illuminate target tissue. The illumination devices emit light of different near-infrared wavelength bands. The device further includes an objective lens, a near-infrared image sensor positioned to capture image frames reflected from the target tissue, and a visible-light image sensor positioned to capture image frames reflected from the target tissue. A processor is configured to modulate near-infrared light output of the plurality of illumination devices to illuminate the target tissue. The processor is further configured to determine reflectance intensities from the image frames captured by the near-infrared image sensor and to generate a dynamic tissue oxygen saturation map of the target tissue using the reflectance intensities. The device further includes an output device connected to the processor for displaying the dynamic tissue oxygen saturation map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CHRISTIE DIGITAL SYSTEMS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Gopal Valsan, Sina Zarei Mahmoodabadi, Robert Benjamin Wagner, David Priest, Robert Amelard
  • Patent number: 9968286
    Abstract: Light reflected from a pregnant woman's abdomen and fetus contained therein that has been received by a detector and converted into a reflected electronic signal may be received by a processor. A portion of the reflected electronic signal that is reflected from the fetus may be isolated and the isolated portion of the reflected electronic signal may be analyzed to determine a fetal hemoglobin oxygen saturation level of the fetus. The isolation may be achieved by synchronizing the reflected electronic signal with a fetal heartbeat signal and multiplying the synchronized reflected electronic signal by the synchronized fetal heartbeat signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: RAYDIANT OXIMETRY
    Inventor: Neil Padharia Ray
  • Patent number: 9968287
    Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for monitoring a user for a traumatic brain injury. Aspects include monitoring a speech of the user with a microphone embedded in the helmet and analyzing, by a processor, one or more characteristics of the speech of the user. Aspects also include determining whether the one or more characteristics of the speech indicate that the user may have suffered the traumatic brain injury and creating an alert that the user of the helmet may have suffered the traumatic brain injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Mark C. H. Lamorey, Clifford A. Pickover, John J. Rice
  • Patent number: 9968288
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a computer system including at least one server having software stored on a non-transient computer readable medium; where, upon execution of the software, the at least one server is at least configured to: i) receiving physiological data representative of a first physiological measurement of at least one physiological characteristic of an epileptic user; ii) receiving physiological data representative of a second physiological measurement of at least one physiological characteristic of the epileptic user; iii) comparing the first physiological measurement of the epileptic user to the second physiological measurement of the epileptic user; iv) based on the comparing, determining that a difference between the first physiological measurement of the epileptic user and the second physiological measurement is: a) higher than a predetermined threshold value, or b) smaller than the predetermined threshold value; and v) generating at least one alert; vi) transmitting the at least one
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Eco-Fusion
    Inventor: Oren Fuerst
  • Patent number: 9968289
    Abstract: A biosensor includes an optical sensor circuit that emits light directed at skin tissue of a patient at a plurality of wavelengths. A first and second spectral response of light reflected from the tissue is obtained around a first wavelength in a UV range and a second wavelength in an IR range. A measurement of nitric oxide (NO) is then determined from the spectral responses. A risk of septic condition is obtained using the measurement of NO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SANMINA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Steven Newberry
  • Patent number: 9968290
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for capsule endoscopy are described for locating, positioning, steering, aiming and tracking of an endoscopy capsule (100) within a patient's esophagus and stomach. The apparatus includes an endoscopy capsule (100) with a magnetic element (110), an external capsule positioning system (200) including at least one magnet (202) movable along a track (204) for positioning the endoscopy capsule (100) within a patient. Also described are apparatus and methods for performing endoscopic spectroscopy using different wavelengths of light and other imaging technologies to diagnose various disease conditions, such as premalignant or inflammatory changes and internal bleeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
    Inventor: Amir Belson
  • Patent number: 9968291
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting uterine activity uses cutaneous electrodes on the maternal abdomen to obtain electrophysiological signals that can be used to obtain fetal and maternal heart rate. The apparatus includes a first input for receiving electrical signals from the cutaneous electrodes and a second input for receiving movement signals indicative of a movement of the maternal body from a movement detector. A signal processor separates a uterine electromyogram signal from fetal and maternal heart rate signals and filters out motion artifacts from the electromyogram using the movement signals. An output presents electrohysterogram (EHG) data from the uterine electromyogram signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MONICA HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Barrie Robert Hayes-Gill, Jean-Francois Pieri
  • Patent number: 9968292
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and surgical procedures for detecting, imaging, analyzing, diagnosing and/or treating vascular disorders and related conditions of the human and mammalian body in males and/or females. In particular embodiments, treatments include methods for imaging, analyzing and improving erectile dysfunction and related conditions and potentially increasing angiogenesis in response to specifically diagnosed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CARDIOVASCULAR BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Vance Gardner, John Jacobs, Laurence R Meyerson, Mickael Flaa
  • Patent number: 9968293
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems receive a plurality of user characteristics. The characteristics are transmitted to a server. A sleep profile selected by the server based upon the characteristics is received. The sleep profile includes an estimated sleep cycle having a plurality of stages representing aggregated sleep data from a plurality of persons. The sleep profile is selected in response to determining that the plurality of persons is associated with characteristics similar to the received user characteristics. A shift from a first stage in a current sleep cycle to a second stage in a current sleep cycle is detected. The detection of the shift is based upon a set of data from a sensor measuring physical indications of the user's sleep. An estimate of an additional portion of the current sleep cycle is generated by matching the detected shift to a corresponding shift between stages in the estimated sleep cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving