Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
  • Patent number: 9968294
    Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring system for determining the efficacy of at least one compression device for use in compression therapy. The monitoring system comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure exerted onto a body part of a user by the compression device and at least one evaluation unit which is connectable to the pressure sensor. The evaluation unit is adapted to acquire at least one resting pressure prest with the user being in a resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jens Bichel, Joannes F. H. M. Schuren, Guido Hitschmann, Martin C. Neuenhahn
  • Patent number: 9968295
    Abstract: Software for calculating an astigmatism treatment is operable upon execution to perform the following steps: receiving an initial primary incision position; determining a power and orientation for a toric intraocular lens (IOL) to treat an astigmatism of an eye based on the initial primary incision position; determining an adjusted primary incision position based on the power and the orientation for the toric IOL to further reduce the astigmatism; and generating an output comprising the adjusted primary incision position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Gautam Chaudhary, Jack T. Holladay, Melvin Sarayba, Hadi Srass
  • Patent number: 9968296
    Abstract: A wearable socio-biosensor device can include a plurality of sensors to detect bio-behavioral data of a subject, social data related to a proximity of the subject to other persons wearing socio-biosensor devices and bio-behavioral data measured during the time the subject is in close proximity to other persons, and environmental data related to the subject's environment. The socio-biosensor device can also include a body portion that includes: a non-transitory memory to store the bio-behavioral data, the social data, and the environmental data; a wireless transceiver to communicate with another device based on at least one of the bio-behavioral data, the social data, and the environmental data; and a rechargeable battery. The socio-biosensor device can also include an attachment mechanism that facilitates attachment of the body portion to the subject (e.g., attached to the subject's wrist). At least one of the plurality of sensors can be embodied in the attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventor: Kiju Lee
  • Patent number: 9968297
    Abstract: This invention comprises EEG glasses (electroencephalographic eyewear) with a side section of an eyewear frame which spans forward and upward onto a portion of the person's forehead and then curves back downward to connect to the front section of the eyewear frame. These EEG glasses (electroencephalographic eyewear) further include a flexible protrusion which is attached to the side section and an electromagnetic energy sensor which collects data concerning electromagnetic brain activity, wherein the flexible protrusion holds the electromagnetic energy sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Medibotics LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Patent number: 9968298
    Abstract: A method and a device for folding a cover material on a medical sensor having a carrier material which is to be fixed to the skin of a patient and which, on the side facing the patient, is provided with an adhesion or adhesive layer to which the cover material is applied, wherein a section of the cover material which is opposite an adhesion-layer-free section of the carrier material forms a tab. The method and the device are based on the use of a tool for folding the cover material which has at least two contact surfaces which intersect at an edge which runs parallel to the plane of the combination of carrier material and cover material. The tool is moved on an axis which runs at an angle to the plane of the combination of carrier material and cover material in such a way that the tab is gripped by the tool and folded over by the tool. After the tab has been folded over, pressure is applied to the folded-over section of the carrier material to produce a folded edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: John Heppe, Roland Rullof
  • Patent number: 9968299
    Abstract: A device, system and method that communicate with at least one implantable medical device (IMD). The device includes a unit and a surface having at least one reception or transmission element that communicate with the at least one IMD. A minimum pressure required for the contact between transmission or reception elements and skin is provided by gravity or by patient interaction with the device. The system includes the at least one IMD, the unit that communicates with the at least one IMD and the device having the at least one reception or transmission element that communicate with the at least one IMD. The method includes the steps of providing a surface having at least one reception or transmission element that communicate with an IMD, and enabling communication upon detection of a minimum pressure on the surface. The communication with the IMD is acoustic or conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG
    Inventor: Christian Moss
  • Patent number: 9968300
    Abstract: A balloon catheter for providing a 3-dimensional rendering of the interior of a cavity, the catheter system including a controller, a catheter connected to the controller and a balloon positioned on the catheter. The balloon includes a mesh having members extending longitudinally and circumferentially about the balloon where each member of the mesh has an electrical characteristic that changes as the member is deformed. The controller uses a measurement of the variable electrical characteristic to generate a three-dimensional rendering of an interior surface of the cavity, which can be rotating to different viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Sanovas Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Erhan H. Gunday, Lawrence J. Gerrans, Lon Chu
  • Patent number: 9968301
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring biopotential signals in biomedical devices. The disclosure provides a mixed signal background calibration that stabilizes the time-varying coupling gain between the body and an electrode due to motion artifacts. The calibration technique involves a low-level test signal in the form of a one-bit pseudorandom bit-sequence that is injected through a reference electrode to the body, detected by the sensing electrode and recorded along with the bio signals. A digital algorithm is employed in the backend to identify the acquisition channel characteristics while maintaining its normal operation of recording. Programmable gain stages in analog or digital domain(s) can be used to stabilize the overall gain of the channel. The disclosed technique is in the background and not interfering with the normal recording operation(s), and provides continuous monitoring of the ETI and continuous correction of the ensuing channel characteristic degradation due to the ETI variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Yun Chiu, Jingyi Song
  • Patent number: 9968302
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining a measurement time period, receiving a plurality of signals associated with a monitored analyte level during the determined measurement time period from an analyte sensor, modulating the received plurality of signals to generate a data stream over the measurement time period, and accumulating the generated data stream to determine an analyte signal corresponding to the monitored analyte level associated with the measurement time period are provided. Systems and kits are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Fennell
  • Patent number: 9968303
    Abstract: A cluster database includes existing ECG datasets organized into clusters, wherein each existing ECG dataset includes an existing ECG waveform with at least one corresponding existing feature and existing interpretation. Each cluster is comprised of existing ECG datasets having a common existing feature. The cluster training module is executable by the processor to receive a new ECG waveform and a feature extracted from the new ECG waveform. The cluster training module then selects a cluster interpretation module based on the feature, wherein the cluster interpretation module is trained on one of the clusters from the cluster database. The cluster training module processes the new ECG waveform and/or the feature to provide a cluster interpretation output. The cluster interpretation output is then displayed on the user interface, and the cluster training module receives clinician input via the user interface accepting or rejecting the cluster interpretation output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Joel Qiuzhen Xue
  • Patent number: 9968304
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for detecting a vasoactive agent in patient's bloodstream. In one embodiment, an input signal is received that is associated with arterial blood pressure. A change of an arterial blood pressure parameter over time is determined. A vasoactive agent is then automatically detected using the determined change. In another embodiment, a waveform associated with an arterial blood pressure signal can be received. A parameter associated with the received waveform is calculate. Then the calculated parameter can be used to determine the presence of a vasoactive agent. In yet another embodiment, detection of a vasoactive agent in any of the other embodiments can be used in a calculation of a hemodynamic parameter, such as cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume variation, cardiac index, stroke volume index, systemic vascular resistance index, vascular compliance, and vascular tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Zhongping Jian, Feras Hatib
  • Patent number: 9968305
    Abstract: The Plant Choir™ system comprises a software program and hardware that measures electrical activity of a person, plant, or animal and translates those readings into music on a computing device. The system gathers electrical activity data using electrodermal activity (EDA) measurement devices. The EDA readings of the individual subjects are translated via the software into musical melodies in real time. The individual subject melodies are combined to create interesting harmonies similar to a choir. The music is rendered using a MIDI (Musical Instrument Data Interface) programming interface of the computer operating system. The software allows the user to select program options, set music and program parameters. Variations in the EDA signal are interpreted as music. Each subject connected to the system is assigned a musical voice and the voices are combined to create multi part harmonies similar to a choir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: James S Brown, Brian Lorne Fisher
  • Patent number: 9968306
    Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and kits are provided that buffer the time spaced glucose signals in a memory, and when a request for real time glucose level information is detected, transmit the buffered glucose signals and real time monitored glucose level information to a remotely located device, process a subset of the received glucose signals to identify a predetermined number of consecutive glucose data points indicating an adverse condition such as an impending hypoglycemic condition, confirm the adverse condition based on comparison of the predetermined number of consecutive glucose data points to a stored glucose data profile associated with the adverse condition, where confirming the adverse condition includes generating a notification signal when the impending hypoglycemic condition is confirmed, and activate a radio frequency (RF) communication module to wirelessly transmit the generated notification signal to the remotely located device only when the notification signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Cole
  • Patent number: 9968307
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an identification module, an analysis module, and a determination module. The identification module is configured to identify a scanning mode of operation. The analysis module is configured to determine an attenuation for an object for a scan to be performed on the object. The determination module is configured to determine an image contrast for each of plural setting combinations, determine a corresponding tolerable noise for the image contrast for each of the setting combinations based on the scanning mode of operation, and determine a corresponding diagnostic dosage for each setting combination, the diagnostic dosages corresponding to the image contrast and tolerable noise for the corresponding setting combination. The determination module is also configured to select an operational setting for the scan to be performed using the dosages determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grant Morey Stevens, Roy A. Nilsen
  • Patent number: 9968308
    Abstract: A mammographic CT apparatus includes: a gantry, including a front face plate in which an insertion opening is formed for inserting a breast into an accommodation portion a radiation tube and sensing device disposed within the gantry; a driving unit configured to rotate the radiation tube and the sensing device around a rotation axis set in the normal direction of the accommodation portion, at the same angular speed and in the same direction; a collimator disposed between the accommodation portion and the radiation tube, and configured to rotate around the rotation axis integrally with the radiation tube and sensing device; and an annular shield disposed between the rotational path of the collimator and the rotational path of the radiation tube, having an annular gap corresponding to the rotational path of the collimator, wherein an edge of the collimator or sensing device is fit into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junya Kawase, Takeo Tsukamoto, Nobuhiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9968309
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a correction system for correcting tracer-uptake measurements for patient specific variations in the tracer-uptake. Input data are received about the patient and subsequently it is determining whether the received input data include tracer-impact data that impact the tracer-uptake measurements for the patient. In case the tracer-impact data are included in the input data a comparing is performed where the tracer-impact data are compared with pre-stored reference data that have associated thereto a correction indicator indicating an amount of deviation of the tracer-uptake measurement due to the tracer-uptake dependent data. The correction indicator of the pre-stored reference data that match with the tracer-impact data is then used to correct the tracer-uptake measurements for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Martin Weibrecht
  • Patent number: 9968310
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry, a plurality of image detectors, an x-ray source, an adjustable source collimator, and at least one processor. The image detectors are radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between adjacent image detectors. The x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors. The adjustable source collimator is interposed between the x-ray source and a center of the bore, and is configured to block a portion of the x-rays produced by the x-ray source The at least one processor is configured to control the adjustable source collimator to dynamically adjust a range of x-rays that are blocked by the adjustable source collimator along the fan angle during transmission of x-rays from the x-ray source and acquisition of computed tomography (CT) information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lucas Jason Divine, Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Joseph Lacey
  • Patent number: 9968311
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a holding unit configured to hold a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses configured to convert radiation emitted onto the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses into image signals. The radiation imaging system is configured to obtain a long radiographic image based on the image signals respectively from the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses. The holding unit is configured to hold the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses having imaging areas of different sizes, in such a manner that the plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses is partially overlapped with each other spatially, by a predetermined overlapping area as viewed from a radiation incident side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoki Tagawa, Masataka Suzuki, Ryo Suzaki, Shichihei Sakuragi
  • Patent number: 9968312
    Abstract: A system attenuates scatter radiation during a radiological procedure. The radiological procedure using a radiation machine including an emitter, a receiver, a base, and a table for a patient. The base is supported by a floor. The system includes a barrier formed of a radiation attenuation material and positioned over an area on the floor. The barrier is comprised of an elastomeric material and disposed beneath the table. The barrier on the floor can reduce substantial amounts of scatter radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Worldwide Innovations and Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Cadwalader, William Paul Radtke
  • Patent number: 9968313
    Abstract: A fluoroscopic system is disclosed with capability of differential exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier. The x-ray beam solid angle is limited by a collimator that is relatively near to the focal point of the x-ray tube, to occupy an area smaller then the input area of the image intensifier. Means to deflect the electron beam of the x-ray tube in two dimensions are constructed with the x-ray tube to provide scanning capability of the complete input area with full control on the motion function. The collimator may also be moved to control beam size and/or position at the image intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CONTROL RAD SYSTEMS INC
    Inventor: Haim Zvi Melman
  • Patent number: 9968314
    Abstract: An X-ray system includes a plurality of X-ray detector modules and a backbone for positioning the detector modules relative to an X-ray source. A mount for each detector module is coupled to the backbone. One or more actuators extend between the mount and the detector module for individually adjusting the detector module relative to the mount for aligning the detector module. A plate with a rocker member may be attached behind each module and the mount then includes a frame with cradle surfaces for the rocker member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Sebring Mechanical Design, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Paul Sebring
  • Patent number: 9968315
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette includes an inclined surface. The inclined is formed between a side surface and a rear surface of the housing and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. The inclined surface is provided with indicators for displaying a center position of each side of an imaging area and operation conditions of the electronic cassette. Each of the indicators consists of a light source and a display window through which light from the light source is emitted to the outside. The display window is formed on the inclined surface. Since the display window is formed on the inclined surface, the display window is not blocked by an outer grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryosuke Ogura, Toshiyuki Nabeta, Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 9968316
    Abstract: A process for deploying an anti-scattering grid in a mammograph is provided. The mammograph comprises a radiation source configured to emit radiation for taking mammographic images of a patient, a radiation detector comprising a network of sensors arranged periodically with a first pitch, and an anti-scattering grid arranged between the source and the detector, the anti-scattering grid comprising radiation adsorbing strips arranged parallel to each other and distributed periodically with a second pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Colin Auclair, Carlos Martinez Ferreira, Remy Andre Klausz, Henri Souchay, Mathias Cisaruk
  • Patent number: 9968317
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a housing configured to be hollow and extend along a first axial direction; a radiation emitter configured to be disposed in the housing and emit radiation along an optical axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction; protruding units configured to extend along a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction and the optical axial direction, and disposed to be fixed to both sides of the radiation emitter; and pressing units including an inclined unit disposed to contact at least one of the protruding units, so that the inclined unit and the at least one of the protruding units support each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jawoon Kim, Eun-hye Seo, Pil-yong Oh, Soon-tae Lee
  • Patent number: 9968318
    Abstract: An estimating apparatus according to an embodiment includes specifying circuitry, deriving circuitry, and display control circuitry. The specifying circuitry specifies a region of a subject irradiated with X-rays emitted from an X-ray tube of an X-ray CT apparatus on a human body model schematically representing the subject. The deriving circuitry assumes the human body model to be at a position where the subject is arranged in radiography performed by the X-ray CT apparatus and derives an exposure dose of the X-rays on a surface of the region specified by the specifying circuitry on the human body model based on irradiation conditions in the radiography. The display control circuitry displays, on a display, information in which the exposure dose derived by the deriving circuitry is associated with the region on the human body model specified by the specifying circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tadaharu Kobayashi, Manabu Tanaka, Teruomi Gunji
  • Patent number: 9968319
    Abstract: A method for generating an at least three-dimensional display data set of a time parameter relating to the chronological spreading of a contrast medium introduced into a vessel system is provided. A series of chronologically successive x-ray images of digital subtraction angiography from at least two different projection directions showing the chronological spreading of the contrast medium is used. The method includes determining a three-dimensional position for at least one correspondence point and/or correspondence region defined, in each case, in at least one x-ray image of a projection direction. For each three-dimensional position, a time parameter assigned to the three-dimensional position is determined by evaluation of time-intensity curves assigned to the correspondence points or correspondence regions over the series. The display data set formed from the three-dimensional positions is displayed with the assigned time parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Yiannis Kyriakou
  • Patent number: 9968320
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through an object, a supporting mechanism supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in directions to face each other, a display displays an X-ray image concerning the object based on an output from the X-ray detector, position specifying circuitry specifies a position of the face of a user who is visually recognizing the display, and moving circuitry moves the supporting mechanism to an imaging position corresponding to the specified position of the face of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuji Zaiki
  • Patent number: 9968321
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods may include an imaging system. The imaging system may include a 4D-CBCT apparatus able to generate a plurality of CBCT images corresponding to different temporal phases. The imaging system may also include a radiographic apparatus able to generate a radiograph. Further, the imaging system may include a synchronization device for correlating a radiograph of said radiographic apparatus with a CBCT image generated by said 4D-CBCT apparatus, such that a reference radiograph can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ion Beam Applications S.A.
    Inventor: David Wikler
  • Patent number: 9968322
    Abstract: A method for early recognition of bone and joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, by radiographic analysis, in which a digital radiographic image of the bone in the area of the joint head and/or joint socket is taken and the fractal dimension of at least one image zone is determined, and a bone structural value is calculated on the basis of the fractal dimension of the at least one image zone and used for assessing the state of health of the joint is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Braincon Handels-GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Schoen
  • Patent number: 9968323
    Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray detector, a data-acquisition module and a reconstruction module. In the X-ray detector, a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in a channel direction and a column direction. The data-acquisition module includes a plurality of data-acquisition circuits and a plurality of output modules. A plurality of systems of at least the data-acquisition circuits among the X-ray detection elements and the data-acquisition circuits are disposed in parallel per element of the X-ray detection elements in a center vicinity. Each of the output modules outputs digital data obtained via the data-acquisition circuits. The reconstruction module reconstructs a medical image, based on the output digital data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9968324
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to generating a 2D projection image of a vascular system of a body region of interest, including: (1) acquiring a 3D dataset of the body region of interest, (2) acquiring at least one 2D projection image of the body region of interest (S3), (3) generating a modified 3D dataset by eliminating vessels whose size exceeds a predetermined limit value, (4) normalizing the 2D projection image using projection data of the modified 3D dataset, (5) eliminating vessel projections in the normalized 2D projection image whose size exceeds a predetermined limit value, (6) interpolating the areas of the 2D projection image in which the vessel projections have been eliminated, and (7) denormalizing the normalized and interpolated 2D projection image using projection data of the modified 3D dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Yiannis Kyriakou
  • Patent number: 9968325
    Abstract: A radiographing apparatus includes a correction data acquiring unit configured to acquire, by image data obtained by photography in a predetermined photographing mode, offset correction data corresponding to the photographing mode, and a correction data update unit configured to update the offset correction data corresponding to the photographing mode by using a predetermined number of pieces of the image data, wherein the correction data update unit further is configured to adjust the number of pieces of the image data according to the photographing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuta Mako
  • Patent number: 9968326
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube holding device, an X-ray detector, a rotator, an arm, and a tubular body. The X-ray tube holding device generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The rotator holds the X-ray tube holding device so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis obtained by setting an irradiation direction of the X-rays as an axis. The arm holds the rotator and the X-ray detector and is rotatable about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis. The tubular body connects the X-ray tube holding device and a device away from the arm. The arm holds the rotator so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis in a direction in which torsion of the tubular body is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kobayashi, Shumpei Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9968327
    Abstract: An X-ray image detection system includes a charge accumulation device, a switch device, a comparator device and an analog to digital converter. The charge accumulation device receives current produced by a pixel and converts the current to a voltage signal. The switch device has an input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The input terminal is connected to the charge accumulation device to receive the voltage signal. The comparator device is connected to the first output terminal for generating first or second indication signal according to the voltage signal. The analog to digital converter is connected to the second terminal. When the first indication signal is generated, the input terminal of the switch device is connected to the first output terminal. When the second indication signal is generated, the input terminal of the switch device is connected to the second output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: INNOLUX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yu-Heing Chen
  • Patent number: 9968328
    Abstract: A system is described herein. The system includes a first transceiver mounted on a rotating assembly arranged on an axis, and a semi-echoic corridor mounted on a stationary assembly which is arranged proximate to the rotating assembly and arranged on the axis, wherein the semi-echoic corridor comprises a slot configured to accommodate the first transceiver of the rotating assembly. The system also includes a second transceiver arranged on the stationary assembly, wherein the first and second transceivers enable wireless communication between the rotating assembly and the stationary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Donald Murray
  • Patent number: 9968329
    Abstract: A processing device detects a medical device and sends an audio wake-up signal to the medical device, wherein the audio wake-up signal causes the medical device to transition from a low power state to a higher power state. The processing device receives a diagnostic audio signal from the medical device after sending the audio wake-up signal. The processing device processes the diagnostic audio signal to determine medical information of a patient, the medical information comprising at least one of heart beat information or breathing information of the patient. The processing device performs at least one of storing the medical information or transmitting the medical information to a remote computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CliniCloud Inc.
    Inventors: Hon Weng Chong, Lain Cai Cai, An Lin, Robert James Skillington
  • Patent number: 9968330
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image acquirer, a volume information calculator, a wall motion information calculator, a time change rate calculator, an extremum detector, and an index calculator. The image acquirer acquires ultrasonic image data including data for a left ventricle. The volume information calculator calculates time-series data of volume information of the left ventricle. The wall motion information calculator calculates time-series data of wall motion information of the left ventricle. The time change rate calculator calculates time-series data of the time change rate of volume information (first time-series data) and time-series data of the time change rate of wall motion information (second time-series data). The extremum detector detects extremums in early diastole of the first time-series data and the second time-series data (first extremum and second extremum).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Abe, Toshihiko Asanuma, Satoshi Nakatani
  • Patent number: 9968331
    Abstract: Piezoelectric crystal elements are provided having preferred cut directions that optimize the shear mode piezoelectric properties. In the discovered cut directions, the crystal elements have super-high piezoelectric performance with d15, d24 and d36 shear modes at room temperature. The d15 shear mode crystal gives a maximum d value and is free from the cross-talk of d11 and d16. The d36 mode is extremely reliable compared to other shear elements due to its ready re-poling capability. The crystal elements may be beneficially used for high-sensitive acoustic transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pengdi Han
  • Patent number: 9968332
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes “m” first ultrasonic elements including first diaphragms, and “n” second ultrasonic elements including second diaphragms. “m” represents a number of the first ultrasonic elements and is an integer of 1 or more. Each of the first diaphragms has a first area. “n” second ultrasonic elements includes second diaphragms. Each of the “n” second diaphragms has a second area being smaller than the first area. “n” represents a number of the second ultrasonic elements and is an integer larger than “m”. The “m” first ultrasonic elements are electrically connected in series in a case where “m” is an integer of 2 or more. The “n” second ultrasonic elements are electrically connected in series. B/A is within a range of 0.9 to 1.1, when a total sum of the first areas is “A” and a total sum of the second areas is “B”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Jiro Tsuruno
  • Patent number: 9968333
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing elastography of tissue using ultrasound waves, wherein elastography information of tissue in a region of interest (ROI) is analyzed by irradiating ultrasound waves for diagnosis towards the ROI to which a shear wave is induced from an ultrasound probe, receiving echo ultrasound waves, and acquiring three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images with respect to the ROI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji-young Park, Ki-wan Choi, Hyoung-ki Lee, Jong-hwa Won
  • Patent number: 9968334
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic method and apparatus determines a transmission condition for generating shear waves at two or more positions of an object, for each of a plurality of elements of a transducer, and generates an ultrasound signal transmitted to the object through a full aperture of the transducer, according to the transmission condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-ho Park, Ki-wan Choi, Hyoung-ki Lee
  • Patent number: 9968335
    Abstract: Devices for collecting a fluid sample from the oral cavity, the device including a mouthpiece that includes a chamber, the chamber including front and rear inner walls; and means for collecting the fluid sample from the oral cavity; and methods of collecting and analyzing samples of fluid from the oral cavity, including the steps of placing the device in the oral cavity, collecting the fluid sample and conducting an analysis of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Curt Binner, Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi, II, Justin E. McDonough, Karin Lynne Nicholson Tomishima, Megha Reddy
  • Patent number: 9968336
    Abstract: A device for capturing a predetermined volume of a predefined portion (e.g. first void) of a liquid flow, comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a guide with an element displaceable in a first position for capturing the first liquid portion in a reservoir, and in a second position for blocking access to the reservoir, and for passing the liquid to the outlet. The displaceable element moves in transverse direction to the liquid flow, and has lifting means. The element may be substantially flat, or tubular with an elliptical cross section. A kit of parts and a method of assembly are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NOVOSANIS NV
    Inventors: Pierre Van Damme, Alex Vorsters, Vanessa Vankerckhoven, Stijn Verwulgen, Christiaan Baelus, Lara Biekens, Koen Beyers, Kristof Sorgeloos, Hanne De Bauw
  • Patent number: 9968337
    Abstract: Biopsy devices and methods are provided for collecting a sufficiently-sized tissue sample from a region at a known distance by boring into the sample region using simultaneous axial and rotational movement and providing a reduced risk of: over-passing or under-passing the sample sought, injury and trauma to the surrounding tissue area, having to stick the patient more than once, sample contamination, and the user's exposure to sharps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Haselby, David Eric Orr, James D. Purdy, Carl Agnew
  • Patent number: 9968338
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutting cannula mechanism having a cutting cannula and an inner stylet mechanism having an inner stylet coaxial with the cutting cannula. A cocking mechanism is configured to cock the cutting cannula mechanism and the inner stylet mechanism by retracting each of the cutting cannula and the inner stylet in a proximal direction to a cocked position. A trigger device is configured to fire at least one of the inner stylet mechanism and the cutting cannula mechanism to advance a respective at least one of the inner stylet and the cutting cannula from the cocked position in a distal direction. A selector assembly includes a selector switch having an exterior tab accessible by a user. The selector assembly is configured to select between at least two user selectable operating modes and at least two user selectable firing distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Victor Shabaz
  • Patent number: 9968339
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel
  • Patent number: 9968340
    Abstract: The invention provides a disposable endometrial biopsy device comprising an elongated blunt-end catheter with distally placed tissue acquisition side-hole and proximally attached aspiration syringe with spring-loaded plunger having latching mechanism to release plunger for induction of aspiration. The device has a pin-hole channel or filter acting as a tissue trap between the catheter channel and the syringe in order to prevent aspiration of tissue into the body of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: William Zinnanti
  • Patent number: 9968341
    Abstract: A dental bite block assembly includes a U-shaped mounting base having an upper bite portion, a lower bite portion, a central portion, an accessory mount, and a first magnetically energetic material embedded in the central portion of the U-shaped mounting base proximate the accessory mount. A dental accessory has a dental bite block mount that is detachably coupled with the accessory mount of the U-shaped mounting base and a second magnetically energetic material disposed in the dental accessory proximate the dental bite block mount. When the dental bite block mount is coupled with the accessory mount, the first magnetically energetic material embedded in the central portion of the U-shaped mounting base and the second magnetically energetic material disposed in the dental accessory are in operable magnetic engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Austin Rasmussen Ritter
  • Patent number: 9968342
    Abstract: A handle for surgical instruments that has a “wishbone” configuration. In one embodiment, the instrument is provided with a ratchet mechanism allows two operating handles to be locked in a predetermined position (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is in use) or to move relative to each other when the ratchet is partially or fully released (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is not in use). In another embodiment, the instrument is provided with a rotary gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Weber, Philip S. O'Quinn
  • Patent number: 9968343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive surgical instrument having a bent shaft, and more particularly to a minimally invasive surgical instrument in which at least a part of a shaft includes a bend. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an end effector connected to one end of the shaft; a joint unit interposed between the shaft and the end effector; and a plurality of wires connected to the joint unit to enable the end effector to carry out joint motion, wherein the shaft comprises at least one bend, and the at least one bend may transmit therein force to operate the end effector in a roll direction, independently of the shaft. The present invention relates to a minimally invasive surgical instrument having a bent shaft, and more particularly, to a minimally invasive surgical instrument in which at least a portion of a shaft is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Chang Wook Jeong, Hyung Tae Kim