Patents Issued in September 25, 2018
  • Patent number: 10080515
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for non-invasively measuring blood glucose levels in a biological sample based on spectral data. This includes utilizing at least one light source configured to strike a target area of a sample, utilizing at least one light filter positioned to receive light transmitted through the target area from the at least one light source, utilizing at least one light detector positioned to receive light from the at least one light source and filtered by the at least one light filter, and to generate an output signal, having a time dependent current, which is indicative of the power of light detected, receiving the output signal from the at least one light detector with a processor and based on the received output signal, calculating the attenuance attributable to blood in a sample with a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 20-to-1; and determining a blood glucose level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: St. Louis Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhi Xu
  • Patent number: 10080516
    Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collection of the blood sample, the plasma portion is separated from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a biological fluid testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the biological fluid testing device. The biological fluid testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Ellis, Bradley M. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 10080517
    Abstract: A method of assembling a lancet housing assembly comprising multiple lancets for use in a portable handheld medical diagnostic device for sampling bodily fluids from a skin site of a patient is disclosed. The method includes forming a plurality of lancet structures in a lancet sheet. The lancet sheet has a removable ledge for releasing the lancet structures. The removable ledge of the lancet sheet is flexed for releasing the lancet structures from the removable ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangqun Max Chen, Chris Fruhauf, Steven N Roe
  • Patent number: 10080518
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided for determining a level of wakefulness of a driver of a vehicle using a mobile telephone. The method includes (a) employing a wearable monitor to detect a biometric parameter of a user while the user is driving a vehicle; (b) communicating biometric parameter information from the wearable monitor to a mobile telephone of the user while the user is driving the vehicle; (c) employing the mobile telephone to obtain a level of wakefulness of the user while the user is driving the vehicle, the level of wakefulness of the user being determined based on biometric parameter information received from the wearable monitor; and (d) if the level of wakefulness determined for the user is below a predetermined level of wakefulness, employing the mobile telephone to attempt to increase the level of wakefulness of the user. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventors: Brian M. Dugan, Valerie G. Dugan
  • Patent number: 10080519
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient for seizure activity may include one or more detection units. The detection units may include one or more electromyography sensors configured to evaluate a patient for seizure activity. The detection units may further include one or more sensors configured to detect an orientation of the patient and/or when a sensor is bearing a portion of the patient's weight or otherwise pressed against the patient. In some embodiments, methods of detection may include adjusting an algorithm for seizure detection based on a recognition of whether a muscle is constrained or whether the muscle is free to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Brain Sentinel, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Leininger, Jason T. Getman, Michael R. Girouard, Russell M. Herring, Jose E. Cavazos
  • Patent number: 10080520
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices that noninvasively monitor the activity of pelvic floor muscles during labor, and in embodiments also provides perivaginal tissue support. electrode sensors are applied to perivaginal tissue and, in embodiments, a perivaginal support device during labor. The electrode signals are analyzed to estimate an efficacy of voluntary pushing and the efficacy is used, at least in part, to predict a success of vaginal birth. A pressure detection system may also be included with the perivaginal support device to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perivaginal tissue of a patient, which may be modified to prevent tissue damage to the patient. The incidence of Cesarean childbirth may be reduced by managing the labor process in this manner. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perivaginal tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Stetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Blurton
  • Patent number: 10080521
    Abstract: A new Continuous/Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure device (C/BiPAP) that provides positive pressure when the user breathes in and creates negative pressure as the user breathes out. A control system monitors and adjusts oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and air flow. The device includes the ability to self-clean the mask when it is placed into the housing, the inclusion of a lithium battery for back-up and for use outdoors, and wireless capabilities in the control device. The self-cleaning regime includes a water storage compartment, a water heater, and a tube for steam and warm air running from the water reservoir compartment to the self-cleaning compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Joshua Parrish
  • Patent number: 10080522
    Abstract: A system for providing a connected dental device is disclosed. In particular, the system may include integrating a network chip or transceiver into a dental device, such as a toothbrush, so as to enable the dental device to communicate with a user device and one or more accessory devices. Once the user device and one or more accessory devices are paired with the user device, the system may track information associated with the dental device and the user using the dental device. Based on the tracked information, the system may determine an action to be performed by the user using the dental device. Using the dental device, the system may transmit a notification to the user device to alert the user of the action that needs to be performed. The system may also transmit notifications providing status information for the dental device and the one or more accessory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Krishnapraveen Suri, Perla Hizon
  • Patent number: 10080523
    Abstract: An automated adaptive muscle stimulation system and method are disclosed. The stimulation system includes at least one electrode assembly adapted to deliver a muscle stimulation signal to the tissue of a user, a sensor system adapted to detect a muscle response, and an electrical stimulation device operably coupled to the at least on electrode assembly and the sensor system, the electrical stimulation device including a control system operable to automatically diagnose at least one characteristic of a muscle from the detected muscle response and adjust at least one parameter of the muscle stimulation signal in response thereto to deliver an adjusted muscle stimulation signal. A dual mode muscle stimulation system adapted to accept first and second data sets and provide first and second levels of treatment data is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: DJO GLOBAL SWITZERLAND SÀRL
    Inventors: Felix Buhlmann, Pierre-Yves Lampo, Pierre Rigaux, Pierre-Yves Mueller, David Truffer, Klaus Schonenberger
  • Patent number: 10080524
    Abstract: A wearable thermometer patch for monitoring healing of a wound on a user's skin includes a circuit substrate comprising an electric circuit and a plurality of temperature probe units distributed in a two-dimensional array. Each of the plurality of temperature probe units can include a temperature sensor in electric connection with the electric circuit in the circuit substrate. The plurality of temperature probe units can measure temperature values on a user's skin at different positions defined by the two-dimensional array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: VivaLnk, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecilia Xi
  • Patent number: 10080525
    Abstract: Provided are devices and methods suitable for immobilizing tissue and for use in non-invasive methods of assessing lower urinary tract symptoms as well as in surgical application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: BioFluid Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Reuben E Kron, Stephen J Kron
  • Patent number: 10080526
    Abstract: A biosensor includes a microfluidics layer, a transduction layer and a transceiver layer. The transduction layer further includes a functionalized layer that reacts with a biomarker, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes adjacent the functionalized layer. The conductivity of the carbon nanotubes changes in response to a biomarker reacting with at least a portion of the functionalized layer. The functionalized layer can include dendrimers, such as a tadpole dendrimer scaffolding that includes a plurality of sites for receiving receptors for biomarkers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: LEIDOS INNOVATIONS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Patricia D. Palena, Madiha Jafri, Jason Poleski, Sanipa K. Arnold
  • Patent number: 10080527
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for reducing noise in health monitoring including monitoring systems, methods and/or devices receiving a health signal and/or having at least one electrode or sensor for health monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: RHYTHM DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: George Stefan Golda, Daniel Van Zandt Moyer, Mark P. Marriott, Sam Eletr, Bruce O'Neil
  • Patent number: 10080528
    Abstract: This document describes optical central venous pressure measurement. To determine the central venous pressure (CVP) of a person optically, video of a right side of the person's neck is captured. By way of example, a medical professional records a video of the right side of the person's neck using a smartphone. The right side of the person's neck is captured because it is where the person's external and internal jugular veins are located and pulsatile motions that are usable to measure CVP occur in those veins. The video is then processed according to video motion amplification techniques to generate a reconstructed video of the right side of the person's neck. In the reconstructed video, the pulsatile motion of the person's venous system that occurs at the right side of their neck is visually amplified. Using the reconstructed video, measurements are made of a distance between a peak of the visually-amplified pulsatile motion and an anatomical feature of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Brian Derek DeBusschere, James Moad Reid, Jeffrey L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10080529
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristics values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide dynamic glucose monitoring functions that perform predictive analysis to anticipate harmful conditions, such as glucose crash and hyperglycemic incidents for a patient. The dynamic functions can also be used to maximize athletic performance and warn of inadequate nocturnal basal rate. Other aspects include advanced alarm and reminder functions, as well as advanced data presentation tools to further facilitate convenient and efficient management of various physiological conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kelly Fox, Garry M. Steil, Kerstin Rebrin, Mark C. Estes, Frank Saidara
  • Patent number: 10080530
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for generating alarms and congratulatory messages to reduce sedentary time. One method includes an operation for capturing motion data using an activity tracking device. The method further includes operations for storing the motion data in memory, and for identifying one or more intervals during a day. Each interval includes a start time and an end time, and a near-end time is defined between the start and the end time. For each interval, the number of steps taken during the interval is determined, and the number of steps is compared against a goal defined by a number of steps to be taken during the interval. A first notification is displayed when the number of steps is less than the goal and the near-end time has been reached. A second notification is displayed congratulating the user if the interval goal is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Yeqing Cheng, Yasaman Baiani, Jacob Antony Arnold, Allison Maya Russell, Alan McLean, Delisa Lopez, Nicholas Myers
  • Patent number: 10080531
    Abstract: Embodiments of medical device(s) configured for use by a debilitated or single handed user including flexible strap sections, a semi-rigid strap section configured to be formed into at least a partially enclosing semi-rigid shape by the user, and a ratcheting strap retraction unit or buckle coupled to one end of the first flexible strap section and an oversized buckle on an opposing end of the first strap section. A semi-rigid strap section is configured to insert into and be drawn into the oversized buckle and formed into an enclosing shape, maneuvered by the user over an injured appendage past a point of injury, then folded back over the oversized buckle; next the user operates the ratcheting strap retraction unit or buckle to constrict the strap sections to apply enclosing pressure to the injured appendage. Embodiments can further comprise an injector medical case module and a medical condition monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerry Miller, Garry Wieneke, Ameer Beitvashahi
  • Patent number: 10080532
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprises a first imaging system, a second imaging system, a first support member, a second support member, control circuitry, and a reconstruction circuitry. The first projection data corresponds to a first imaging angle range. The second projection data corresponds to a second imaging angle range. A deficiency angle as an angle at which no imaging is performed is provided between the first imaging angle range and the second imaging angle range to make an imaging angle range in the projection data group have discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Ohishi
  • Patent number: 10080533
    Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (110) with a focal spot (204) that emits a beam of x-ray photons that traverses an examination region (106). The imaging system further includes a photon counting detector array (122) that detects a sub-set of the x-ray photons that traverse an examination region. The imaging system further includes a controller (116) that generates and transmits a pause signal, in response to a calculated drop in an intensity of the emitted the beam of x-ray photons below a predetermined intensity level, which causes the photon counting detector array to pause detecting the sub-set of the x-ray photons. The imaging system further includes a counter (136) that counts, for each of a plurality of counting periods, the x-ray photons of the sub-set detected by the photon counting detector array in the corresponding counting period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ewald Roessl, Heiner Daerr, Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 10080534
    Abstract: A medical image diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a first collector, a second collector, and an image generator. The first collector collects data from a first region of a subject through a first detector. The second collector collects data from a second region of the subject that is different from the first region through a second detector. The image generator generates a first diagnostic image from the data collected by the first collector and generates a second diagnostic image from the data collected by the second collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamagata, Kazuya Okamoto, Takuzo Takayama
  • Patent number: 10080535
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image plate readout device, the readout device comprising receiver elements for the reception of an image plate and/or a transfer element intended for an image plate. In connection with the readout device is provided, for detecting an object, at least one sensing element, which is in turn set in data communication with the readout device in such a way that, upon detecting an object, the sensing element delivers a signal to the readout device. In response to being triggered by a signal delivered by the sensing element, the readout device executes some function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Mika Kyllonen, Jari Taskinen
  • Patent number: 10080536
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for supplying a medium to an object of interest, such as a patient to be scanned for image acquisition. The device comprises an arc-shaped member and a support for said arc-shaped member, wherein the arc-shaped member is configured to support a radiation source on one end and a detector on another end to scan the object of interest, and the support comprises a gantry with a rotatable support arm supporting the arc-shaped member. The device further comprises at least one medium supply unit mounted on the gantry. The supply unit is connectable to a cable that is guided in the vicinity or in the region of the axis of rotation of the support arm so that the object of interest can be supplied with a perfusion or any other medium, while enabling the mobile imaging device to rotate around the patient to acquire x-ray images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Vincent Margot
  • Patent number: 10080537
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a first arm, a second arm, a holding structure, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The first arm rotates by a first rotating shaft and slides along a first arc-like slide axis relatively to the first rotating shaft. The second arm rotates by a second rotating shaft and slides along a second arc-like slide axis relatively to the second rotating shaft. The holding structure is connected with a first arm side and configured to hold the second arm. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are installed on the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Noda
  • Patent number: 10080538
    Abstract: A method is for provisioning quantitative CT image data acquired from a scanning field via a dual-source CT device the dual-source CT device including a first radiation source-detector system with a first capture region and a second radiation source-detector system with a second capture region. The method includes dividing the scanning field into a first subregion, representing at least a part of the intersection of the first region and the second capture region, and a second subregion, disjoint from the second region; acquiring first CT scan data from the first subregion and second CT scan data from the second subregion; reconstructing first quantitative CT image data from the first CT scan data and second quantitative CT image data from the second CT scan data; combining the first quantitative CT image data and the second quantitative CT image data to quantitative CT image data; and provisioning the quantitative CT image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Hofmann, Nora Hünemohr, Rainer Raupach, André Ritter
  • Patent number: 10080539
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first image and a second image from an X-ray imaging device and determining a template window in the first image and a plurality of search windows in the second image. The method further includes generating a template vector corresponding to the template window and a plurality of search vectors corresponding to the plurality of search windows. The method also includes calculating a plurality of similarity scores based on the template vector and the plurality of search vectors. Additionally, the method includes determining a matching window from the plurality of search windows based on the plurality of similarity scores. Finally, the method includes generating a final image using the first image and the second image based on the template window and the matching window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sohan Rashmi Ranjan
  • Patent number: 10080540
    Abstract: A method includes receiving Emission Tomography (ET) data of a subject from an ET/Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. The method further includes generating a first motion signal corresponding to a first bed position of the ET/CT scanner from the received ET data and determining whether the first motion signal indicates a periodic motion. The method also includes calculating a first time period from the first motion signal in response to determining that the first motion signal indicates the periodic motion and sending a first acquire notification to the ET/CT scanner to acquire Cinematographic (CINE) Computed Tomography (CT) data from the first bed position based on the first time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Kris Filip Johan Jules Thielemans
  • Patent number: 10080541
    Abstract: An image obtainment unit obtains plural radiographic-images generated by arranging plural storable-phosphor-sheets in such a manner that at least portions of the sheets are overlapped with each other in an irradiation direction of radiation, by arranging a marker at a position to be detected by the plural sheets, and by detecting the radiation that has passed through a subject and the marker by each of the plural sheets. A first-information obtainment unit obtains first-information representing a distance between detection surfaces of the plural sheets. A second-information obtainment unit obtains second-information representing a magnification ratio of a second marker image of the marker included in a radiographic- image obtained by a second sheet with respect to a marker image of the marker included in a radiographic-image obtained by a first sheet of the plural sheets. A distance calculation unit calculates, based on the first and the second information, a radiation-source-to-image-surface distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10080542
    Abstract: Provided is an information providing method for aligning an X-ray tube and a detector of a mobile X-ray apparatus, the information providing method including: obtaining first angle information which relates to the X-ray tube by using a first angle measurement sensor which is connected to the X-ray tube; obtaining second angle information which relates to the detector by using a second angle measurement sensor which is connected to the detector; and outputting rotation information for guiding a rotation direction and a rotation angle of the X-ray tube or a rotation direction and a rotation angle of the detector such that an angle between a first plane which is set with respect to the X-ray tube and a second plane which is set with respect to the detector is within a predetermined angle range, based on the first angle information and the second angle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-seong Kwak, Sang-kyun Kang, Myeong-je Kim
  • Patent number: 10080543
    Abstract: An integrated modular system for managing plurality of medical devices in an interventional procedure room and usable in conjunction with a patient positioner having an articulating tabletop is disclosed. The integrated modular system comprises a wheeled base; an upwardly extended support structure mounted on the wheeled base; two or more device integration modules removably mounted on the upwardly extended support structure; one or more coupling devices arranged in a linearly guided fashion with the upwardly extended support structure; wherein the one or more coupling devices couples the articulating tabletop of a patient positioner and the upwardly extended support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Satish Kumar Coimbatore Renukanandhan, Mahendra Patil, Narasimha Murthy Vinay, Samarth Bhat
  • Patent number: 10080544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system in which the scan head either includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When used with second stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Teratech Corporation
    Inventors: Alice Chiang, William Wong, Steven Broadstone
  • Patent number: 10080545
    Abstract: An acoustic driver system for use in applying an oscillating stress to a subject undergoing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) examination includes a flexible passive driver located in the bore of the magnet and in contact with the subject. A remotely located active driver is acoustically coupled to the passive driver and produces acoustic energy in response to an applied current. The passive driver produces shear waves in response to the acoustic energy and are directed into the body of the subject undergoing the MRE examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Richard L. Ehman, Phillip J. Rossman, Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 10080546
    Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonic probe that may diagnose all regions of an object to be diagnosed without being limited by a rotation angle by allowing a rotation axis of a driving unit to be directly connected to an ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-woo Park, Gil-ju Jin
  • Patent number: 10080547
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device to which an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements is connectable. The ultrasound diagnostic device includes ultrasound signal processing circuitry operating as: a delay-and-sum processor; a determiner; and a velocity value calculator. The determiner determines whether adjustment of a velocity value for a partial area in a subject is necessary, based on acoustic line signal intensities for a specific measurement point in the partial area and other measurement points in the partial area. The specific measurement point is selected from among measurement points in the partial area based on acoustic line signals for the measurement points in the partial area. The velocity value calculator, when the determiner determines that velocity value adjustment is necessary, calculates an adjusted velocity value for the partial area by using the acoustic line signal for the specific measurement point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yasuhito Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10080548
    Abstract: Ultrasonic imaging method includes sequentially emitting by each transducer group of respective regions, into which transducers are divided, focused ultrasonic pulses to a focal point of an object; sequentially acquiring, by each transducer group, ultrasonic echo signals from the focal point based on the emitted ultrasonic pulses; calculating a normal vector of a surface of the object using emission directions of the focused ultrasonic pulses and intensities of the ultrasonic echo signals in correspondence to the focused ultrasonic pulses emitted by three of the transducer groups; calculating an attenuation rate of the ultrasonic echo signals using the normal vector and the emission directions of the focused ultrasonic pulses emitted by the three of the transducer groups, and correcting the ultrasonic echo signals based on the attenuation rate; beamforming the ultrasonic echo signals, an attenuation of which has been corrected, into ultrasonic image signals to be output as an ultrasonic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Ihn Kho, Sun Kwon Kim, Sung Chan Park, Hee Sae Lee
  • Patent number: 10080549
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a nerve block procedure, the apparatus being composed of an echogenic needle or an echogenic soft tissue tunneling device and an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a medication. The apparatus may further include a sheath such that at least one of the needle or tunneling device and sheath is echogenic. The present invention also encompasses a system for performing a nerve block procedure, the system includes introducing an echogenic needle in the general area of a nerve bundle, positioning the echogenic needle adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, introducing an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a fluid through the echogenic needle, withdrawing the echogenic needle, positioning the echogenic catheter adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, and delivering fluid to the nerve bundle through the echogenic catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dillard Massengale, Steve S. Khalaj, Siddharth Desai, Dominic J. Cooke
  • Patent number: 10080550
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ultrasonic apparatus for imaging an ultrasonic signal and a control method for the same. The ultrasonic apparatus may include a transducer configured to irradiate a plurality of ultrasonic waves which have different traveling directions onto an object and to collect a plurality of echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the object; and a controller configured to acquire a plurality of sound velocities of the plurality of ultrasonic waves in the object and to compound the acquired plurality of sound velocities in order to determine a composite sound velocity in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baehyung Kim, Youngil Kim, Jong Keun Song, Seungheun Lee, Taeho Jeon, Kyungil Cho
  • Patent number: 10080551
    Abstract: A stool collection container includes: a stool collection container main body having a structure in which a stick holder for holding a stool collection stick is detachably mounted on one end side while the stool collection part and the stool collection stick are housed inside; and a collection needle penetrating through a wall surface of the another end side of the stool collection container main body so that a tip thereof is inserted into the stool collection container main body, the collection needle being provided so as to be detachable from the stool collection container main body. When the stick holder is mounted on one end side of the stool collection container main body, the tip of the collection needle is inserted into the opening of the stool collection part housed inside the stool collection container main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masamitsu Shikata, Naoko Takaoka
  • Patent number: 10080552
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Nicholas, Russell Pribanic
  • Patent number: 10080553
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes instrument parts which can be releasably connected to one another. One part includes a hollow-cone-shaped receiving space and another part includes a cone-shaped coupling section which can be inserted into the receiving space to connect the parts. The coupling section includes a locking receiver for a locking element of the receiving space and which can be brought into and out of engagement with the locking receiver. A securing element moves between a position holding the locking element in a locking position, and a position releasing the locking element. An actuation element projects into the receiving space of the first instrument part, engages into the locking receiver in the locking position of the locking element and is movable in the direction of its middle axis. The middle axis of the actuation element is aligned in the proximal direction obliquely to a middle axis of the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Knodel, Eberhard Körner, Markus Lienhart
  • Patent number: 10080554
    Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hamel, Michael D. Baycura, Michael G. Hilldoerfer, Vasudev Nambakam, Salmaan Hameed, William H. L. Chang
  • Patent number: 10080555
    Abstract: Methods and products for protecting tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that involve making an incision in the tissue and retracting the tissue to make a larger opening, wherein the methods and products use a water-absorbing stress-distributing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adolfo M. Llinas, Stephen E. Krampe, Matthew T. Scholz, Patrick J. Parks
  • Patent number: 10080556
    Abstract: A retractor has a rigid piercing tube and an expansion body. The expansion body has an introduction tube which is received within the piercing tube, a movable wire which is received within the introduction tube, and stationary wires which are arranged around the movable wire. The proximal end of each of the stationary wires is affixed to the distal end of the introduction tube. The distal end of each of the stationary wires is joined to the distal end of the movable wire. The respective proximal ends of the piercing tube, the introduction tube, and the movable wire are respectively joined to first, second, and third grip sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignees: TOKUSEN KOGYO CO., LTD., OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Nakajima, Hiroyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10080557
    Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as a capsular retractor, and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony A. Laviano, John P. Gualdoni, Carl H. Wierks
  • Patent number: 10080558
    Abstract: A device, providing enlargement and preventing collapse, of the pupil of the eye, during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The device, configured as a continuous or discontinuous ring, comprises plurality of notches at corners and flanges at sides. The ring is formed from a strand of resiliently flexible material and is disposed entirely within a single plane. The notches engage the pupillary margin at different parts, pushing them apart, resulting in sustained enlargement of the pupil. In addition, the device causes bending of the pupillary margin and iris at the notches and above and below the flanges, resulting in a secure engagement. The enlarged pupil created by the ring, allows a wide view of the structures deeper to the pupillary plane, previously obscured due to a small pupil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: MED INVENT DEVICES PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Suven Bhattacharjee
  • Patent number: 10080559
    Abstract: A method facilitates the treatment of the spine of a patient by providing simultaneous access through at least a first opening and a second opening formed in the patient. For example, the method can include the acts of positioning the patient on a surgical table, providing the first opening into a posterior portion of the patient, providing the second opening into a lateral portion of the patient, inserting a first device through the first opening into the patient to contact the spine in a first direction that is transverse to the coronal plane of the patient, and inserting a second device through the second opening into the patient to contact the spine in a second direction that is transverse to the sagittal plane of the patient, where the first and second openings are accessible simultaneously, and, when the first and second devises are inserted into the patient, the position of the patient is stationary with respect to a portion of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, Thomas A. Carls, Richard A. Hynes, Matthew M. Morrison
  • Patent number: 10080560
    Abstract: Retractor systems and methods for retracting body tissue during surgery. The retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc
    Inventors: Adam Friedrich, Jason Cianfrani, Matthew Bechtel
  • Patent number: 10080561
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member including a groove. A second member includes an aperture and teeth configured to slidably engage the groove. A third member is positioned in the aperture and includes a passageway defining a first longitudinal axis and a flange. A fourth member is positioned in the passageway and includes a lip that engages the flange. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to a second longitudinal axis defined by the fourth member. A fifth member is rotatably disposed in the passageway and includes a first end surface that engages a second end surface of the fourth member defined by the lip. In a first configuration, the fourth member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. In a second configuration, the fourth member extends at an acute angle relative to the first longitudinal axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Holding Company Sárl
    Inventor: Craig Lauchner
  • Patent number: 10080562
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for surgical suturing are provided. In general, a loading element can be configured to facilitate loading of a plate into a surgical instrument configured to facilitate passage of a suture through tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured to advance the suture through a tissue of a patient, to capture a free end or looped end of the suture after the suture's advancement through the tissue, and to pull the captured suture out of the patient's body with a portion of the suture remaining passed through the tissue within the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Otrando, Kevin Zylka, Jonathan Bellas, James T. Spivey, Peter Colby
  • Patent number: 10080563
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices, loading unit detection assemblies, surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and for interconnecting the powered surgical device or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cutting, stapling and/or sealing tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Nicholas, John Beardsley, Russell Pribanic, Michael Zemlok
  • Patent number: 10080564
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an elongate body portion having proximal and distal ends, an end effector including a first movably coupled to a second jaw that is positioned at the distal end of the elongate body portion, and an introducer member. The introducer member has proximal and distal portions, and is configured and dimensioned for releasable connection with the end effector. The introducer member is at least partially formed from a flexible material, and is configured and dimensioned to separate target tissue from collateral tissue prior to positioning of the target tissue between the first and second jaws of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John W. Beardsley, Stanislaw Kostrzewski, Frank C. Maffei, Lee Ann Olson, Sachin Shah, William R. Mayfield