Patents Issued in July 10, 2018
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Patent number: 10016144Abstract: A biological signal acquisition device includes an electrode made up of a plurality of cell electrodes, and a controller that acquires an electrical signal from a biological body through a pair of cell electrode groups made up of a part or all of the plurality of cell electrodes. The controller determines a contact condition between the part or all of the plurality of cell electrodes and the biological body, based on a detection signal acquired by scanning the part or all of the plurality of cell electrodes. Further, the controller selects the cell electrodes making up the pair of cell electrode groups, based on the determined contact condition so that contact resistances between the cell electrode groups and the biological body are equal between the pair of cell electrode groups.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Shirai
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Patent number: 10016145Abstract: Electrical activity propagation along an electrode array within a cardiac chamber is reconstructed. Signals are sampled from the electrode array and the signals are plotted in multi-dimensional space with each axis corresponding to a channel in the electrode array. An excursion direction of global activation in the multi-dimensional space is estimated and a change in vectors of the sampled signals over time is determined. Signals with vectors that change over time in the excursion direction are suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Barun Maskara, Allan C. Shuros, Sunipa Saha, Shibaji Shome
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Patent number: 10016146Abstract: An MPI method determines calibration and measurement volumes, wherein the calibration volume is larger than the measurement volume and the overall measurement volume is arranged within the calibration volume. Calibration signals are detected and a system matrix S is created. An MPI measuring signal u is recorded, a location-dependent magnetic particle concentration c with magnetic particle concentration values ci within the calibration volume is reconstructed and the magnetic particle concentration values ci are associated with voxels in the calibration volume. Magnetic particle concentration values ci which were associated with voxels outside of the measurement volume are discarded and an MPI image is generated which exclusively contains magnetic particle concentration values ci which were associated with the voxels within the measurement volume. MPI image data are thereby generated with little artifacts within a short time even in case of high magnetic particle densities outside of the measurement volume.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Bruker BioSpin MRI GmbHInventor: Alexander Weber
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Patent number: 10016147Abstract: A method and system for estimating a specific absorption rate of a tissue region prior to performing a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scan on the tissue region. The method comprises radiating the tissue region with a plurality of short pulses, wherein the tissue region emits thermoacoustic signals responsive to the short pulses, receiving the thermoacoustic signals by at least one ultrasonic transducer, calculating a temperature rise of the tissue region based on the received thermoacoustic signals, scaling the temperature rise to estimate a temperature rise of the tissue region resulting from an MR imaging scan, and estimating the specific absorption rate of the tissue region based on the estimated temperature rise.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Inventors: Michael Thornton, Paul Picot, Brian Rutt, Simone Winkler
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Patent number: 10016148Abstract: In one aspect of the present technique, a method for selecting between a plurality of electromagnetic sensors to correct for one or more field distortions includes, in the presence of an electromagnetic field, acquiring signals representative of the location of a plurality of electromagnetic sensors. The method further includes selecting between the signals from the plurality of electromagnetic sensors based on one or more quality metrics. In another aspect of the present technique, a system for selecting an optimum EM sensor to correct for one or more field distortions includes a plurality of EM sensors and an additional EM sensor for transmitting or receiving signals representative of the location of each of the plurality of EM sensors. The system further includes a controller configured to acquire signals representative of the location of the plurality of EM sensors, and select between the signals from the plurality of EM sensors based on one or more quality metrics.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dun Alex Li, Vernon Thomas Jensen, Cristian Atria
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Patent number: 10016149Abstract: A handle component of the present invention into which atmospheric air is inhaled and breath is exhaled in the analysis of breath comprises inhalation holes, an inhalation inlet, an inhalation path, a breath discharge component, and an exhalation path. The inhalation holes are disposed near the tube connected for conducting exhaled breath to an analysis device main body for analyzing this breath, and are holes through which atmospheric air is inhaled into the interior of the handle component. The inhalation inlet is a place where the atmospheric air inhaled from the inhalation holes is sent into the body. The inhalation path is disposed between the inhalation inlet and the inhalation holes. The breath discharge component is a place where breath discharged from the body is taken in. The exhalation path is disposed between the breath discharge component and the tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignees: PHC Corporation, Circassia ABInventors: Masayoshi Yano, Takashi Kimura, Peter Hans Starck-Johnson
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Patent number: 10016150Abstract: The biological information detection sensor supply device is provided with a main body case having a supply port to which a biological information measurement device can be attached, a housing unit for housing a biological information detection sensor and a sensor supply film including a cover film and a holding film for sandwiching the biological information detection sensor, and a supply unit for supplying the biological information detection sensor from the housing unit to the supply port. The supply unit supplies the biological information detection sensor to the supply port, and separates the holding film and the cover film from the sensor supply film in a state before the biological information detection sensor is supplied to the supply port. At the supply unit, the biological information detection sensor supplied to the supply port is fitted to the biological information measurement device fitted to the supply port.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: PCH Holdings CorporationInventor: Shinichi Yasui
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Patent number: 10016151Abstract: A device for the real-time in vivo detection of a number of conditions within the patient, including CTCs, circulating nucleic acids, other circulating elements, blood pressure, heart rate data, pulse oxygen concentration, serum electrolyte concentrations, blood glucose, and pH, the device having an implanted subcutaneous access port in the chest region and a catheter having a terminus in the superior vena cava, the device having microelectronic circuitry with a rechargeable energy source encased in a titanium shell, an NIR laser sealed in the titanium-enclosed circuitry platform, and NIR-specific optical fibers (nir-FO) for transmitting the NIR photons to the end of the catheter tube in the superior vena cava. Scattered NIR photons are collected through the end of a second nir-FO bundle and transmitted back to the detector and microprocessor on the portal platform.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: LIFEBRIDGE HEALTH, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Tangrea, Sean O'Hearn, Mauro Moscucci
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Patent number: 10016152Abstract: In a special mode for imaging an oxygen saturation level of blood, an internal body portion is imaged under irradiation with special illumination light. A light amount evaluation section judges based on an obtained image whether or not a reflected light amount of the special illumination light is adequate for calculating the oxygen saturation level. When the reflected light amount is judged to be adequate, a normal image sensor captures an image under irradiation with the special illumination light. When the reflected light amount is judged to be low, a high-sensitivity image sensor is used. In using the high-sensitivity image sensor, a binning process is applied to an image signal in accordance with the reflected light amount of the special illumination light, in order to further sensitize the image signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Toshihiko Kaku, Jin Murayama
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Patent number: 10016153Abstract: Provided are a photoplethysmographic measurement apparatus, a photoplethysmographic measurement method, and an apparatus for measuring a biosignal. The photoplethysmographic measurement apparatus includes a probe, a light emitter comprising a nonelectrical light source and disposed at one end of the probe, the light emitter configured to illuminate a measurement part, and a light receiver disposed at another end of the probe and configured to detect light reflected or transmitted by the illuminated measurement part.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Yun Park
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Patent number: 10016154Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed. The system comprises: a solid substrate having a front side and a back side, a sensing assembly formed on the front side and being configured to provide electrochemical sensing, a plurality of electrical contacts, formed on the back side and being in electrical communication with the sensing assembly via a plurality of interconnects passing through the substrate and extending at least from the front side to the back side, and a mounting member configured for mounting the back side onto a tip of a movable device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.Inventors: Yosi Shacham-Diamand, Heftsi Ragones, Amihay Freeman, David Schreiber
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Patent number: 10016155Abstract: This liquid sample measurement device is provided with: a lancet mounting part to and from which a lancet device having a skin contact section for puncturing skin can be attached and detached; a sensor mounting part to which a biosensor, which is spotted with blood that comes out from the punctured skin, can be attached; and a measurement part that uses the biosensor attached to the sensor mounting part to measure the amounts of substances in the blood. The liquid sample measurement device includes a feature that makes it necessary to replace a lancet device that has been attached to the lance mounting part and has punctured skin, each time a lancet device is used to puncture skin.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: PHC Holdings CorporationInventors: Noriyoshi Terashima, AKio Nagao, Masataka Nadaoka, Yoshimasa Oda
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Patent number: 10016156Abstract: The present systems and methods provide a mechanism to assess viewer behavior, features of stimuli, and the interaction between viewer behavior and stimuli. The systems and methods described herein for quantifying blink response and blink inhibition provide moment-by-moments measurements of viewer engagement by measuring what is or is not engaging enough to warrant viewers' inhibition of blinking. The present disclosure describes measures of visual scanning, eye movements, blink data, and blink timing data to derive a measure of how engaged a person is with what he or she is looking at. Blink-related data as a measure of viewer engagement provides a mechanism for determining the most engaging spatial and temporal aspects of a stimulus.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc.Inventors: Ami Klin, Warren Jones, Sarah Shultz
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Patent number: 10016157Abstract: A detection device acquires traveling information and identification information of a driver from a first device installed in a vehicle and acquires a vital sign and the identification information of the driver from a second device that monitors the vital sign. The detection device determines probability of detecting a predetermined event, based on the vital sign in proximity of a certain time, when the predetermined event is detected at the certain time based on the traveling information and outputs a determination result.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignees: FUJITSU LIMITED, TRANSTRON INC.Inventors: Norio Hiraga, Masatsugu Isogai, Tomoyuki Tsuda
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Patent number: 10016158Abstract: A force measurement device capable of wirelessly transmitting information about strokes produced by a rower rowing a boat. The device itself attaches to an oarlock without requiring any modification to the oarlock, riggers, or boat. One device shall be required per oarlock. The device may be self powered or utilize an energy storage device. The device will transmit the information gathered by the sensors via wireless communications to a smart device in the boat or a nearby location. This smart device will display the information in a manner easily interpreted to the user, store received data and transmit the data.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: RhoForce LLCInventor: Thomas J. Donohoe
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Patent number: 10016159Abstract: A bioinformatics process which provides an improved means to detect TGF-? cellular signaling pathway in a subject, such as a human, based on the expression levels of one or more unique target gene(s) of the TGF-? cellular signaling pathway measured in a sample. The invention includes an apparatus comprising a digital processor configured to perform such a method, a non-transitory storage medium storing instructions that are executable by a digital processing device to perform such a method, and a computer program comprising program code means for causing a digital processing device to perform such a method. Kits are also provided for measuring expression levels of unique sets of TGF-? cellular signaling pathway target genes.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Jan Van Ooijen, Anja Van De Stolpe, Dianne Arnoldina Margaretha Wilhelmina Van Strijp
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Patent number: 10016160Abstract: A wristband, an electronics module, and a wrist device are disclosed. The wristband and the electronics module form the modular wrist device. The electronics module, when mounted to the wristband, stiffens a structure of at least a portion of the wrist device in order to enable the wrist device to firmly attach against a wrist of a user and to enable optical heart activity measurement by the electronics module.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventors: Juho Rahko, Erkki Hinkola, Lauri Lumme, Mikko Repka
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Patent number: 10016161Abstract: A description is provided of a wearable device that is made up of a display device and a securing device that provides at least an overlay portion to provide electrical connection to the display device. The display device and the securing device may both contain electrical circuitry. The overlay connection to the display device can create an electrical connection between the electrical circuitry on the display device and the electrical circuitry in the securing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: FITBIT, INC.Inventors: Marcus M. Townsend, Mark C. Solomon, Steven W. Johns
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Patent number: 10016162Abstract: This document describes techniques for, and systems that enable, in-ear health monitoring. The techniques described herein enable early detection of health conditions (e.g., contagious disease) through use of an in-ear health-monitoring and audio device. These techniques prompt a user, often through the user's smart phone, to listen to audio content through the device, which also takes the user's temperature. Through repetitive use, the techniques are capable of determining a temperature differential for the user, which aids in early detection of a contagious disease or other malady.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Jeffrey L. Rogers, Brian Derek DeBusschere
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Patent number: 10016163Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for acoustically monitoring a subject's airway to determine airway obstruction(s) and their location(s). The device is particularly useful when performing sleep analysis and sleep therapy, but is also highly useful in determining airway obstructions of any subject when the subject is sleeping or otherwise unconscious, and can further be used in certain applications when the subject is awake or conscious. The device, in its simplest form, is comprised of a supporting body (e.g. a mask, mouthpiece, or nasal cannula) used to position at least one acoustic generator and at least one acoustic sensor at a location essentially proximal to a subject's airway, the acoustic generator and acoustic sensor generating and/or sensing sound waves useful in determining obstruction(s) and their location(s) within the airway of a subject.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Cleveland Medical Devices Inc.Inventors: Hani Kayyali, Brian Kolkowski
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Patent number: 10016164Abstract: A system and method are provided for the design and assembly of a device including a sensor capable and a compatible matrix material incorporated into a dressing. The sensor is capable of detecting analytes such as molecular oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxides, dissolved analytes in plasma, and hydrogen ions, and the matrix is at least partially permeable to the analyte. The device emits a detectable signal when the sensor is excited in the presence of the analyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Conor L. Evans, Gabriela Apiou, Reginald Birngruber, Alexander J. Nichols, Emmanouil Rousakis, Zongxi Li
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Patent number: 10016165Abstract: An information processing apparatus may include a processor to acquire information associated with behavior of a user and information associated with satisfaction degree of the user, and to analyze an association between the information associated with behavior and the information associated with satisfaction degree.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takehiro Hagiwara, Naoki Kamimaeda, Masanori Miyahara, Yasutaka Fukumoto, Masatomo Kurata
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Patent number: 10016166Abstract: A contactless detection method with noise elimination is applied to measuring the information of physiological and physical activities. It includes following steps: sensing a human body to generate an image by an image sensor; capturing a physiological signal from the image; tracing a feature point of the human body in the image to generate a physical activity signal; and calculating information of physical activities covering step count, speed and calories according to the physical activity signal and the physiological signal. In particular, the contactless detection method treats the physiological signal cooperated with the physical activity signal to separate a noise from the physiological signal, so as to generate an ideal physiological signal. Therefore, the physiological information is calculated more accurately according to the ideal physiological signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Yuan-Hsiang Lin, Yu-Chen Lin
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Patent number: 10016167Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: FDNA INC.Inventors: Dekel Gelbman, Yaron Gurovich
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Patent number: 10016168Abstract: A device includes a lead configured to for use in applying an atrioventricular delay (“AVD”), an acceleration sensor adapted to output an endocardial acceleration signal, and circuitry configured to receive and process said endocardial acceleration signal to provide ventricular pacing by varying, in a controlled manner, the AVD in a range having a plurality of AVD values. The circuitry derives from said endocardial acceleration signal a value of a parameter representative of an component of the endocardial acceleration signal corresponding to the first endocardial acceleration peak associated with an isovolumetric ventricular contraction (“EAX component”), and evaluates a degree of variation of said parameter values as a function of said plurality of AVD values to detect atrial and ventricular events.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Sorin CRM SASInventor: Francesca Anselmi
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Patent number: 10016169Abstract: A device obtains a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of one or more patients. The device displays a monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within a monitoring workflow. The device displays a non-monitoring workflow home screen when the device is operating within a non-monitoring workflow. The device displays a continuous workflow home screen when the device is operating within a continuous workflow. The monitoring workflow home screen, the non-monitoring workflow home screen, and the continuous workflow home screen are each different.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Thomas Meador, Janalee Esler, Michele Marie Donovan
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Patent number: 10016170Abstract: The invention provides a loading mechanism for x-ray tube. The loading mechanism for x-ray tube includes an x-ray tube, a swing element and a rotating element. The x-ray tube includes a focal spot location and an x-ray opening. The swing element includes a first rotating axis, and the first rotating axis passes through the focal spot location. The swing element rotates about the first axis to rotate the x-ray tube within a limit swing range. The rotating element is connected to the swing element. The rotating element has a second rotating axis, and the first rotating axis perpendicular to the second rotating axis. The rotating element rotates about the second rotating axis to drive rotate the x-ray tube and the swing element. In addition, the scanning system for three-dimensional image is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN, R.O.C.Inventors: Sheng-Pin Tseng, Ho-Hui Hsieh
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Patent number: 10016171Abstract: A radiological imaging device including a gantry defining an analysis zone in which at least a part of the patient is placed, a source suitable to emit radiation, and a detector arranged to receive the radiation and to generate data signals based on the radiation received. The device also includes a horizontal gantry rotation apparatus having a ring to which the source and the detector are mounted and a rotational bearing member configured to rotate the ring. Also included is a control unit adapted to acquire an image from data signals received from the detector while the horizontal gantry rotation apparatus rotates the ring to scan the patient. The radiological imaging device can include at least one of a vertical gantry rotation apparatus, a lifter system, a roller support system, a cooling system, a source tilting device, and a translational apparatus configured to translation a position of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Epica International, Inc.Inventors: Damiano Fortuna, Leonardo Manetti, Luca Ferretti, Denis Mattia De Micheli
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Patent number: 10016172Abstract: A system of shields designed to provide substantially greater protection, head to toe, against radiation exposure to health care workers in a hospital room during procedures which require real-time imaging. The shields are placed around the patient and the x-ray table and provide protection even when the x-ray tube is moved to various angles around the patient.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Egg Medical, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Wilson, Uma S. Valeti, John P. Gainor
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Patent number: 10016173Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Radiation or X-ray source assembly methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, where the X-ray source assembly includes a first x-ray power source and a second plurality of distributed x-ray sources disposed in a prescribed spatial relationship.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2018Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: David H. Foos, John Yorkston, Xiaohui Wang
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Patent number: 10016175Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus in embodiments includes a calculating module, a generator, and a changing module. The calculating module calculates feature quantity concerning a flow of a contrast material for each pixel in a predetermined section based on temporal transition in signal intensity of the contrast material in a predetermined section of a plurality of X-ray images radiographed with time by using the contrast material. The generator generates a first color image in which color information corresponding to the feature quantity concerning the flow of the contrast material in a first section as the predetermined section is reflected in each pixel. The changing module changes the predetermined section to a second section that is within the first section.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Takuya Sakaguchi, Hisato Takemoto, Yuichiro Watanabe, Ryuji Zaiki, Ryoichi Nagae
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Patent number: 10016176Abstract: An X-ray image processing apparatus for performing image processing for frames successively obtained by an X-ray sensor acquires a first analysis value and a second analysis value by analyzing each of the successively obtained frames, and calculates, as a first statistic and a second statistic, statistics in a time direction of the first analysis values and the second analysis values of the successively obtained frames. Based on the calculated first and second statistics, the X-ray image processing apparatus determines whether to correct the first analysis value. If it is determined to correct the first analysis value, the X-ray image processing apparatus corrects the first analysis value based on the first statistic.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroyuki Omi
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Patent number: 10016177Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignees: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc., MAKO SURGICAL CORP.Inventors: Luke J. Aram, Michael D. Goatbe, Carrie A. Leman, Ian M. Scott, Graham R. Vincent, Kevin M. Augustine de Souza, Gwenael A. Guillard
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Patent number: 10016178Abstract: Various embodiments of an eye imaging apparatus are disclosed. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus may comprise a light source, an image sensor, a hand-held computing device, and an adaptation module. The adaptation module comprises a microcontroller and a signal processing unit configured to adapt the hand-held computing device to control the light source and the image sensor. In some embodiments, the imaging apparatus may comprise an exterior imaging module to image an anterior segment of the eye and/or a front imaging module to image a posterior segment of the eye. The eye imaging apparatus may be used in an eye imaging medical system. The images of the eye may be captured by the eye imaging apparatus, transferred to an image computing module, stored in an image storage module, and displayed in an image review module.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: VISUNEX MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO. LTD.Inventors: Wei Su, Li Xu
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Patent number: 10016179Abstract: A probe includes: a piezoelectric layer to generate ultrasonic waves, a backing layer to absorb ultrasonic waves generated at the piezoelectric layer and proceeding toward a rear, a reflective layer occupying an area smaller than an area of the piezoelectric layer and provided in between the piezoelectric layer and the backing layer to amplify the ultrasonic waves generated at the piezoelectric layer, and a lens layer to focus the ultrasonic waves proceeding toward a front of the piezoelectric layer at a certain point.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong-Sun Ko, Ki Soo Kim, Hyun Phill Ko, Yong Jae Kim, Saidmurod Akramov, Jong Mok Lee
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Patent number: 10016180Abstract: An extraction period specification unit specifies an extraction period (extraction section) for an M-mode image. A model expansion/contraction unit establishes a contour model (initial configuration) in relation to the specified extraction period while expanding/contracting the contour model in the direction of the time axis so as to conform with the extraction period. A node position change unit performs, for each node forming a plurality of node strings included in the established contour model, an edge (contour) search while successively changing the positions of the nodes, resulting in the formation of a revised contour model comprising a plurality of nodes at an edge detection position. A trace unit carries out interpolation on a plurality of node strings included in the revised contour model, thereby generating a plurality of trace lines simulating a plurality of contour lines.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Chono
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Patent number: 10016181Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of creating a three-dimensional image that expresses the shading effect due to leakage, absorption or others of light. The apparatus displays a three-dimensional image of an object based on luminance volume data, and includes: a light source information setting unit configured to set light source data indicating a property of a light source that is set in a three-dimensional space; an optical property setting unit configured to set a weight coefficient indicating an optical property of the luminance volume data with respect to the light source; an illuminance calculation unit configured to calculate an illuminance at a position corresponding to a coordinate of the luminance volume data, based on the optical data and the weight coefficient, and to create illuminance volume data based on the calculated illuminance; and a volume rendering unit configured to create the three-dimensional image from the data.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventor: Takehiro Tsujita
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Patent number: 10016182Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes a weight applier configured to, when a difference between a first imaginary component of a first frame image and a second imaginary component of a second frame image, the second frame image being adjacent to the first frame image, is less than or equal to a first threshold value, apply a first weight to the second imaginary component to increase the difference; and an image generator configured to generate a movement-amplified image based on the first frame image and the second frame image to which the first weight is applied so that a movement of interest corresponding to the increased difference is amplified.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Joo Young Kang, Kyu Hong Kim, Bae Hyung Kim, Su Hyun Park, Young Ihn Kho, Jung Ho Kim, Sung Chan Park
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Patent number: 10016183Abstract: Disclosed is a biopsy specimen carrier adapted for tissue biopsy samples where the specimen need not be removed or handled once housed within and including a backer board, a media removable secured to the backer board, a media carrier removable secured to the media and receptive to hold a tissue biopsy sample, a first strip of adhesive material on the media adjacent to the media carrier, and a release strip covering the first strip of adhesive material. The media is foldable to cover the media carrier carrying a tissue biopsy sample and is secured to the first strip of adhesive material with the release strip removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: 3DBiopsy, Inc.Inventors: Nelson N. Stone, David A. Schechter, Samuel V. Verplanck, Mike A. Brown, J. Louis Kovach, Dean M. Kingston
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Patent number: 10016184Abstract: A biopsy system includes an elongate cannula coupled to and extending from a support structure, the cannula having a distal portion with a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof, and an elongate hollow introducer sized and configured to be mounted to the support structure over the cannula. The support structure and a proximal portion of the introducer are respectively configured for providing releasable attachment of the introducer to the support structure over the cannula in a first attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out an open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture unobscured by the introducer, and in a second attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out the open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture partially obscured by the introducer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Kapushion
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Patent number: 10016185Abstract: A system and method for testing tissue in a patient. An optical probe illuminating the tissue generates reflected light corresponding to the illuminated tissue. A spectrometer and a tissue classification system provide a diagnostic classification. A treatment device delivers treatment to the tissue while the probe is in position to sense the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Precision Biopsy, Inc.Inventors: Amir Tehrani, Edward A. Jasion
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Patent number: 10016186Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a housing, an end effector carried by the housing, and one or more connections adapted to connect the surgical instrument to a controller such as an electrosurgical generator. The housing includes a plurality of handswitches located at different rotational positions around the housing. The handswitches comprise two handswitch sets the handswitches of each set being connected in to common so as to send the same signal to the controller whichever one of the handswitches is activated. In this way a user of the surgical instrument can send signals to the controller using any of the handswitches within a particular set, depending on the orientation of the surgical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITEDInventor: Christopher Charles Benn
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Patent number: 10016187Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism comprises a handle at a proximal end of the surgical instrument. The handle includes a plurality of controls for controlling a movement of the surgical instrument. The steering mechanism also comprises a hub that rotatably mates with the handle and a housing positioned about the hub. The handle, the housing, and the hub communicate with each other to provide at least a first degree of freedom and a second degree of freedom. An articulation region is at a distal end of the surgical instrument. A movement of the steering mechanism handle in one and only one of the first or second degrees of freedom relative to at least one of the housing or the hub translates to a movement of the articulation region in a single plane of motion.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Medrobotics CorporationInventor: Michael Salvatore Castro
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Patent number: 10016188Abstract: Closure systems, kits and methods for sealing a percutaneous puncture or other opening in a blood vessel wall, body cavity or biopsy tract are disclosed. A closure system can comprise an implant assembly, a delivery assembly, and an introducer sheath. The closure system can further comprise a valve bypass and a dilator. The implant assembly can include an inner member, a sealing membrane, and an outer member, each of which can be delivered by the delivery assembly. The inner member can be extended through the puncture or opening and positioned adjacent an inner tissue surface. The outer member can be positioned adjacent an outer tissue surface. The sealing membrane can have a distal end attached to the inner member, a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the outer member, and a mid-region therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Teleflex Innovation S.à.r.l.Inventors: Peter Jacobs, Thomas Holman, Chad Kugler
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Patent number: 10016189Abstract: A surgical rib refractor is disclosed. The surgical rib retractor includes a housing having at least one cam surface. The surgical rib retractor also includes an anterior arm unit configured to receive one rib. The surgical rib retractor further includes a posterior arm unit configured to receive another rib. The surgical rib retractor also has an actuator movable relative to the housing and operationally coupled to at least one of the anterior and posterior arm units to move said at least one of the anterior and posterior arm units against the at least one cam surface to create a relative movement between the anterior and posterior arm units, said relative movement comprising at least two directional components.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Jude S. Sauer
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Patent number: 10016190Abstract: A tissue retractor for attachment to an elongate member of a medical device. The tissue retractor includes a cap having a central longitudinal axis. The cap includes an attachment section adapted to attach to a distal end of the elongate member. The cap further includes a moveable component pivotally attached to the attachment section at one or more pivot points, and an actuator connected to the moveable component to transition the moveable component across the central longitudinal axis from an insertion state to an actuated state.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Paul Smith, Mary Ann Cornell, Samuel Raybin, Robert Devries, Meghan E. Soens, Niklas Andersson, Shawn Ryan, Matthew R. Jagelski, Ray H. Tong, Celine Chin, Jon Taylor, Daniel E. Hamilton, Robert Charles
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Patent number: 10016191Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Pivot Medical, Inc.Inventors: William Kaiser, Paritosh Ambekar, Ed Carcamo
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Patent number: 10016192Abstract: Described herein is a suture for connecting a human or animal tissue comprising a suture strand, wherein at least two protrusions are provided on the suture strand, the protrusions are provided spaced apart from each other along the suture strand. Also described herein is a soft anchor, the soft anchor having a proximal end and a distal end in an insertion direction. At the proximal end and the distal end the soft anchor includes respectively at least one opening for a suture. The proximal end and the distal end of the soft anchor are connected with at least one, in particular two, connecting portions. The soft anchor has a first state, in which it is adapted to be inserted into a bore in the insertion direction, and a second state, in which it is locked in a bore. In the first state, the distal end and the proximal end defines the extension of the soft anchor in insertion direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Tornier, Inc.Inventor: Clinton Andrew Beck
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Patent number: 10016193Abstract: A multiple-firing crimp device comprises crimps, a shaft, a crimp movement assembly, and a snare. Each crimp has an internal hollow. The shaft has a distal crimping location, an exterior surface, and an interior with the clips stacked therein, the crimps moving therein along a longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a lateral opening proximal to the crimping location and communicates the interior to the environment outside the exterior surface. The crimp movement assembly within the shaft delivers the first crimp to the distal crimping location by moving the first crimp longitudinally from a first proximal position into the distal crimping location and returning to a second proximal position without the first crimp. The snare pulls at least one cord from distal of the first crimp through the first crimp and through a portion of the shaft and out the side of the shaft through the lateral opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences AGInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Max Pierre Mendez, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Richard Cartledge, Korey Kline, Carlos Rivera, George Nunez
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Patent number: 10016194Abstract: A surgical suture module for a machine constructed and configured for automatic, continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time. A surgical suture module for continuous, subcuticular suturing. The module includes a generally circular needle with a needle shaft; a supply of thread; a thread guide; a hook with a hook shank, a holding arm mechanism; and a housing. The needle, rotationally movable between a first position and a second position, is configured to introduce the thread into a tissue. The hook is operable for hooking and lifting the thread in coordination with the needle and the holding arm mechanism is operable for pushing and catching the thread in automatic coordination with the hook. The needle, the hook, and the holding arm mechanism are held in position by the housing and the housing operable to attach to a power supply that provides power to the module.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: ISUTURING, LLCInventors: Adel W. Mohamed, Mansour H. Mohamed, Dmitri D. Mungalov