Patents Issued in December 11, 2018
  • Patent number: 10149589
    Abstract: A robotic cleaning device having a main body and a propulsion system to move the robotic cleaning device, an obstacle detecting device, a controller to control the propulsion system to move the robotic cleaning device, and an angle-measuring device to measure tilt angles of the robotic cleaning device. The controller controls the angle-measuring device to measure a first tilt angle of the robotic cleaning device before the obstacle is traversed, and to measure a second tilt angle of the robotic cleaning device while the robotic cleaning device traverses the obstacle. The controller compares the second tilt angle with the first tilt angle, and controls the operation of the robotic cleaning device based on a difference between the second tilt angle and the first tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Magnus Lindhé, Petter Forsberg
  • Patent number: 10149590
    Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a plurality of motors each of which transmits a driving force, a pad assembly which is connected to one of the plurality of motors to receive a rotational force from the motor, to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and thus to clean a floor surface, and a wire which is connected to the pad assembly and another one of the plurality of motors so that the pad assembly is tilted by the driving force of the motor, wherein the robot cleaner moves in a particular direction by a non-uniform frictional force between a bottom surface of the pad assembly and the floor surface. The robot cleaner uses wires to tilt the pad assembly and, thus, it is possible to miniaturize the robot cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Youl Jeong, Sung Jin Park, Heum Yong Park, Dong Hun Lee, Min Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 10149591
    Abstract: A cleaning mitt includes a base layer, a cleaning cloth layer, and a cover layer. The base layer has first and second portions interconnected by a connector. The first and second portions are folded and sealed to define a shell having an open proximal end and an interior pocket. The shell defines a palm section, a fingers section extending distally from the palm section, and first and second thumb sections extending from opposed sides of the palm section. The connector is disposed within the interior pocket. The cleaning cloth layer has a cleaning solution disposed thereon and/or therein, is secured to an outer surface of the shell, and extends about a portion of the palm section and fingers section of the shell. The cover layer is removably disposed about the cleaning cloth layer and secured to the outer surface of the shell about a portion of the cleaning cloth layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph P. Hagen
  • Patent number: 10149592
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide a device for cleaning a drinking glass having interior and exterior surfaces where the device includes a body having a top and bottom. The device preferably includes an elongate member which contains a first portion that contacts the interior surfaces of the glass while a second portion contacts the exterior surfaces of the glass. The elongate member preferably has a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the elongate member is similar to a pipe cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth Amicon
  • Patent number: 10149593
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The base conduit central axis is offset from the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 10149594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a method for controlling same, and the dishwasher may comprise a wash tub having an opening on at least one side thereof; a spray nozzle, provided in the interior of the wash tub, for spraying wash water; a reflecting module capable of moving in the interior of the wash tub, and reflecting the wash water sprayed by the spray nozzle; and a moving module, to which the reflecting module is detachably attached, for moving same in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Ho Jung, Mi Ra Kim, Sung Jin Kim, Hyoung Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 10149595
    Abstract: A utensil rack for a dishwasher has a set of wave profiles. One subset of wave profiles has wave crests spaced from each other a first distance and a second set of wave profiles has wave crests spaced from each other a second distance less than the first distances. The utensil rack can be in the form of tray. A stemware section has one subset of wave profiles and a cutlery section has a second subset of wave profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Sujit S. Naik, Hrushikesh C. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 10149596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutlery tray module (1) for a dishwasher, said cutlery tray module (1) comprising a bottom surface (2), adapted for substantially horizontal reception of cutlery items. The bottom surface (2) comprising a plurality of cutlery holding elements (3), adapted to hold said cutlery items, and at least one elongated indentation (4), having a longitudinal extension in a direction D. At least a number of said cutlery holding elements (3) are arranged such that said cutlery holding elements (3) are adapted to hold said cutlery items essentially transversely, with respect to said direction D, and across said elongated indentation (4). The present invention further relates to a dishwasher comprising at least one cutlery tray module (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Rickard Hederstierna, Daniel Mesa, Pontus Kåberg
  • Patent number: 10149597
    Abstract: The present invention describes a cutlery basket for a dishwasher that facilitates the use of a cutlery basket in particular allowing easier loading and unloading of cutlery into and out of the cutlery basket by providing a large opening on an outer upright wall of the cutlery basket. Preferred embodiments of the cutlery basket comprise movable lids that can be flipped parallel inside of the cutlery basket or flipped outside to provide extra space for storing cutlery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Peter Alwin
  • Patent number: 10149598
    Abstract: A debris collection device for sanitary collection of debris onto an adhesive strip includes a housing that defines an internal space. A pair of rollers is rotationally coupled to and extends perpendicularly from a side of the housing. The rollers are positioned singly proximate to a first end and a second end of the housing. A drive is coupled to the housing and is positioned in the internal space. The drive is operationally coupled to the rollers such that the rollers rotate coincidentally. Each opposing end of a strip is couplable to a respective roller. An adhesive is coupled to a face of the strip. A handle is coupled to and extends from the second end of the housing. A respective roller is configured to position and roll upon a surface to adhesively collect debris onto the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Fred Doane
  • Patent number: 10149599
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes: a light source unit configured to emit partially coherent light having a coherence length that is equal to or more than inverse of a scattering coefficient of a light scattering body and shorter than half of inverse of a reduced scattering coefficient of the light scattering body; an illumination unit configured to irradiate an illumination area on a surface of the light scattering body, with the partially coherent light emitted from the light source unit; a detection unit configured to detect, in a detection area including the illumination area, a signal of scattered and returned light from the light scattering body; and an interference component extracting unit configured to extract an interference component by excluding a noninterference component from the signal of the scattered and returned light detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryosuke Ito
  • Patent number: 10149600
    Abstract: A medical signal processing device receives an image signal in accordance with a result of examining inside of a subject and processes the image signal that includes a plurality of pixel data groups of respective pixels arrayed at a constant interval among pixels sequentially arrayed in a predetermined direction in an image made of pixels arrayed in a matrix. The pixel data groups are data of respective pixels that are different from each other, and the pixel data groups are input in the medical signal processing device in parallel. The medical signal processing device includes a distribution processing unit configured to generate a plurality of distributed image signals by combining, among the pixel data groups, pixel data groups of respective pixels that are separate from each other, and the distributed image signals are transmitted to an external medical control device through a plurality of respective signal transmission paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Taihei Michihata
  • Patent number: 10149601
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the aft balloon; a pair of hollow push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve, the pair of hollow push tubes being connected to one another at their distal ends with a raised push tube bridge, the raised push tube bridge being configured to nest an endoscope therein; and a fore balloon secured to the distal ends of the pair of hollow push tubes, the interior of the fore balloon being in fluid communication with the interiors of the pair of hollow push tubes, wherein the fore balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein (i) when the fore balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and (ii) when the fore balloon is in its inflated condition, the ax
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: Lumendi Ltd., Cornell University
    Inventors: John Frederick Cornhill, Jeffrey Milsom, Sameer Sharma, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Christopher Dillon, Gabriel Greeley, Rahul Sathe, Matthew DeNardo, Ashley Whitney, Jeremy Van Hill, Anthony Assal, Stephen Evans, Timothy Robinson, Alan Fortunate, Audrey Bell, Richard Yazbeck, Brian David Chouinard, Phal kun Chan, William Rebh
  • Patent number: 10149602
    Abstract: An endobronchial tube which contains an integrated camera and light source and a cleaning nozzle arrangement disposed within dedicated peripheral lumen within the tube's wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AMBU A/S
    Inventors: Elias Daher, Yonat Granot
  • Patent number: 10149603
    Abstract: Since a lower-surface side opening of an elevator housing slit is closed by a partition wall portion of a cap in normal operation, and a rotating shaft receiving portion of an elevator has a rotating shaft housing groove opened on the side opposite to the lower surface when the elevator is attached to a distal end portion body, the elevator is not removed structurally at an angle of the elevator when the treatment tool is operated to be stood, and a rotating shaft and the rotating shaft receiving portion do not have to be attached excessively tightly. Therefore, a work load in disassembling and assembling of a distal end portion can be set appropriately, and workability in disassembling and assembling is improved. Moreover, as a result, the distal end portion can be cleaned rapidly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Iwasaka, Teruyuki Emura, Sunao Hachisuka
  • Patent number: 10149604
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, the endoscope being configured to allow a treatment tool to protrude from the insertion portion. The endoscope further includes: a treatment tool elevator base configured to be elevated by rotation around a rotation shaft with respect to a direction in which the insertion portion extends; an operating portion configured to input operation of changing an angle of elevating the treatment tool with respect to the treatment tool elevator base; a wire configured to be connected to the operating portion; a first member including a first engagement portion; and a second member including a second engagement portion and a wire connection portion to be connected to the wire, the second member being configured to: be supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotation shaft; and transmit the operation to the treatment tool elevator base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Hiraoka, Hiroshi Kodama
  • Patent number: 10149605
    Abstract: An endoscope with a control handle, the endoscope comprising: a housing having a main housing part and a cover part; an insertion portion extending from the housing; a bending portion extending from the insertion portion; control wires operable to control bending of the bending portion; a control mechanism connected to the control wires, the control mechanism including an axle located within the housing and defining a pivot axis, a lever member connected to the axle, and a user control member external of the housing and connected to the lever member, the user control member displaceable about the pivot axis to rotate the lever member and control movement of the control wires; and a fastening device adapted to retain a tube disposed over the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AMBU A/S
    Inventors: Lasse Kjeld Gjoeske Petersen, Louise Wagner Petersen
  • Patent number: 10149606
    Abstract: An optical unit 1 includes a voice coil motor 10 which can relatively move a movable part 3 with respect to a fixed part 2 in the axis C direction by using a coil 11 arranged on the fixed part 2 and a magnet 12 arranged on the movable part 3, wherein the movable part 3 includes a movable-side sliding surface which can slide over an inner periphery of the fixed part 2, and a distance L1 from a position closest to an object side to a position closest to an image side of the movable-side sliding surface in the axis C direction of the movable part 3 is greater than a distance from an emission surface of the object-side fixed lens group Gf held by the fixed part 2 to an incident surface of the image-side fixed lens group Gb held by the fixed part 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takehiko Iguchi
  • Patent number: 10149607
    Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh-of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Howard M. Choset, Alon Wolf, Marco A. Zenati
  • Patent number: 10149608
    Abstract: A bending portion for endoscope includes: a distal end side bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces are continuously and pivotably coupled; a proximal end side bending tube coupled to a proximal end side of the distal end side bending tube and including a bending element with a bending moment for obtaining a predetermined bending angle greater than a bending moment of the distal end side bending tube; and an operation wire actively bending the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube by pulling and relaxing, wherein pulling and relaxing of the operation wire actively bend the distal end side bending tube and the proximal end side bending tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiwamu Fujitani
  • Patent number: 10149609
    Abstract: A signal processing device processes a signal sent from an imaging device detachably attached to the signal processing device and includes: a signal processing unit configured to rewrite processing contents in accordance with a configuration; configuration memories having different capabilities and configured to store pieces of configuration data corresponding to contents of image processes that are performed in accordance with imaging sensors held by the imaging devices; a configuration controller configured to perform control to subject the signal processing unit to reconfiguration using the configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor of the imaging device attached to the signal processing device among the configuration data; a priority setting unit configured to set priority for each configuration data based on a predetermined condition; and a rewrite controller configured to rewrite the configuration data in the configuration memories based on the priority set by the priority setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shiraishi, Takashi Saito
  • Patent number: 10149610
    Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the detection and classification of inflammation in the eye are presented. The inflammatory markers in image data can be graded by comparing identified and extracted characteristics from the images with characteristics derived from a set of images of eyes from a general population of subjects. The image data can be divided into sub-regions for analysis to better isolate the true inflammatory markers from the impacts of cataracts or other opacities. In another embodiment, the location of an imaging beam can be controlled to minimize the impact of lens opacities from the collected data used to analyze the inflammation state of an eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC, INC.
    Inventors: Harihar Narasimha-Iyer, Mary K. Durbin
  • Patent number: 10149611
    Abstract: A process for simulating correction of human eyeball for better visual acuity includes a processor and coupled memory. The memory stores program for processor to obtain geometric data and a wave-front aberration of human eyeballs and simulate an eyeball model. The eyeball model and an ophthalmic lens model are combined to form a correction system for visual acuity. According to the convex/concave lens imaging rule, and using an object placed in front of the eyeball, a determination is made of an optically uncorrected first image formed at a retina of the eyeball, and a visually-corrected second image formed at the retina of the eyeball. The first object image and the second object image can be output for comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Kai Li
  • Patent number: 10149612
    Abstract: A scanning laser ophthalmoscope for scanning the retina of an eye is provided comprising a light source emitting a beam of light, scan relay elements, wherein the light source and the scan relay elements provide a two-dimensional scan of the light beam which is transferred from an apparent point source at a pupillary point of the eye to the retina of the eye, and a static aberration correction element which has a shape defined to provide correction of aberrations of at least some of the scan relay elements and a location within the ophthalmoscope chosen to provide correction of aberrations of at least some of the scan relay elements, which location maintains transfer of the beam of light from the apparent point source at the pupillary point of the eye to the retina of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OPTOS PLC
    Inventors: Gonzalo Muyo, Derek Swan
  • Patent number: 10149613
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for wavefront interactive refraction display and more particularly to systems and methods for capturing and displaying eye wavefront interactive refraction data based on the desired refractive state of the patient's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AMO Wavefront Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Neal, Stephen W. Farrer, Larry B. Voss, Thomas D. Raymond, Daniel R. Hamrick, John G. Dixson, Phillip Riera, Ron R. Rammage, Richard J. Copland
  • Patent number: 10149614
    Abstract: A method of screening a pupil of a subject to determine whether the pupil reflex resembles a canonical pupil reflex is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of stimulating the pupil with a stimulus source, such as a pupilometer and determining whether one of various pupillary response conditions is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Neuroptics, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Privitera, Kamran Siminou
  • Patent number: 10149615
    Abstract: A fundus imaging apparatus includes a scanning optical system, a control circuit, and an image forming unit. The scanning optical system scans a fundus of a subject's eye with light from a light source, and receives return light from the fundus by a light receiver. The control circuit controls the scanning optical system such that a scanning locus is formed by the light in the fundus. The image forming unit forms an image of the fundus based on a light receiving signal from the light receiver and a position of the scanning locus. The control circuit is capable of performing an alignment mode, in which the control circuit controls the scanning optical system to project an alignment indicator for aligning the scanning optical system with the subject's eye on the fundus based on the light from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Jun Sakai, Makoto Fujino, Keisuke Arima, Ryoichi Yahagi
  • Patent number: 10149616
    Abstract: A device for obtaining physiological information of a medical patient and wirelessly transmitting the obtained physiological information to a wireless receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Eric Karl Kinast, Bilal Muhsin, Chad A. Dejong
  • Patent number: 10149617
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of an animal using multiple sensors is described. The wearable device may include one or more sensors whose resultant signal levels may be analyzed in the wearable device or uploaded to a data management server for additional analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: i4C Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: John Couse
  • Patent number: 10149618
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods for localization and visualization of implanted electrodes and penetrating probes in the brain in 3D space with consideration of functional brain anatomy. Particularly, this invention relates to precise and sophisticated methods of localizing and visualizing implanted electrodes to the cortical surface and/or topological volumes of a patient's brain using 3D modeling, and more particularly to methods of accurately mapping implanted electrodes to the cortical topology and/or associated topological volumes of a patient's brain, such as, for example, by utilizing recursive grid partitioning on a manipulable virtual replicate of a patient's brain. This invention further relates to methods of surgical intervention utilizing accurate cortical surface modeling and/or topological volume modeling of a patient's brain for targeted placement of electrodes and/or utilization thereof for surgical intervention in the placement of catheters or other probes into it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Nitin Tandon, Christopher R. Conner, Thomas A. Pieters, Cihan Mehmet Kadipasaoglu
  • Patent number: 10149619
    Abstract: A measurement probe is configured to be detachably connected to a biological optical measurement apparatus that performs an optical measurement on body tissue. The measurement probe includes an illumination fiber configured to irradiate the body tissue with illumination light, and a plurality of detection fibers configured to detect return light of at least one of the illumination light reflected from the body tissue and the illumination light scattered from the body tissue. On a plane which is away from distal ends of the illumination fiber and the plurality of detection fibers and through which the illumination light and the return light can pass, a detection area of the return light in each of the plurality of detection fibers is included in all of an illumination area of the illumination fiber or inside of the illumination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryosuke Ito, Koji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10149620
    Abstract: Novel methods and systems to map the structure of blood vessels and monitor the flow of blood through these vascular networks using thermal imaging techniques. To obtain high contrast thermal images of the vascular structure in tissue, there must be a temperature difference between the blood/blood vessels and surrounding tissue. If the blood and blood vessels are warmer than the surrounding tissue, the vessels will appear brighter in thermal infrared images. A temperature contrast between blood vessels and the surrounding tissue can be achieved through selective heating of the blood. Hemoglobin has major absorption peaks near 420 and 530 nm, while absorption due to water (the dominant component of soft tissue) is significantly lower at these wavelengths. Irradiation of blood and tissue at these wavelengths produces selective heating of the blood compared to the surrounding soft tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
    Inventors: Jason Case, Susan Trammell
  • Patent number: 10149621
    Abstract: A system and method for assessing treatment effects on obstructive sleep apnea are provided. The apparatus includes a bio-signal measurement unit, a combined index calculation unit, and a treatment response assessment unit. The bio-signal measurement unit measures each of the electrocardiogram and respiratory rhythm of a patient. The combined index calculation unit calculates a combined cardiac and respiratory index by combining the heart rate variability and respiratory rhythm signals measured by the bio-signal measurement unit. The treatment response assessment unit assesses a response of the patient to the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY BUNDANG HOSPITAL
    Inventors: In-Young Yoon, Kyooseob Ha, Jae Seung Chang
  • Patent number: 10149622
    Abstract: In a system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information, pairs of cardiac signals obtained from a patient are accessed. The pairs have a first cardiac signal that is common among the pairs and second cardiac signals that are different among the pairs. The first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signals are processed to identify points of change in the first cardiac signal at which a derivative of the first cardiac signal diverges with respect to derivatives of the second cardiac signals. An activation onset time is assigned at a point in the first cardiac signal based on correspondence of the points of change to define a cardiac activation indicating a beat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Topera, Inc., The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veteran's Affairs
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs
  • Patent number: 10149623
    Abstract: A light emitter and a light receiver are provided at a side surface of a lever. When a user grips the lever with his hand, the light emitter and the light receiver are positioned close to bases of the middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger, as a measurement portion of a palm. A blood-flow blockage reducing component protrudes to contact a portion between the index finger and the middle finger, and a thumb, as a contact portion of the palm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Shimuta
  • Patent number: 10149624
    Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a method for measuring the intracranial pressure, ICP, in a subject, the method comprising detecting whether spontaneous retinal venous pulsations, SRVPs, are occurring in an eye of the subject as the orientation of the head of the subject changes; identifying the orientation of the head of the subject at which SRVPs start to occur or stop occurring; and using the identified orientation of the head of the subject at which SRVPs start to occur or stop occurring to determine the ICP in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Kuenen, Ihor Kirenko, Koray Karakaya, Ronald Aarts
  • Patent number: 10149625
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis based on vector analysis. In accordance with one aspect, a set of vectors is generated from a patient signal data waveform. The vectors may be directed from a common center to points of interest on the patient signal data waveform. The framework may further extract one or more vector parameters from the set of vectors, and determine one or more vector ratios based on the vector parameters to monitor changes in the patient signal data waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 10149626
    Abstract: A method and system for cardiac mapping comprises acquiring patient's cardiac signals into a computer based system. The computer based system may be a cardiac mapping system, cardiac recording/monitoring system, or any other computer based system. The method and system comprises algorithms/programs capable of analyzing the intracardiac signals for determining at least one of locating the “zone of slow conduction”, checking post-pacing interval (PPI), or checking line of block. This disclosure is useful in cardiac ablation procedures for treating cardiac arrhythmias especially atial flutters and isthmus dependent atrial flutters. The above computer based algorithms can also be activated by voice activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Birinder R. Boveja
  • Patent number: 10149627
    Abstract: Methods and/or device facilitating and selecting among multiple modes of filtering a cardiac electrical signal, in which one filtering mode includes additional high pass filtering of low frequency signals, relative to the other filtering mode. The selection filtering modes may include comparing sensed signal amplitude to one or more thresholds, using the multiple modes of filtering. In another example, an additional high pass filter is enabled, over and above a default or baseline filtering mode, and the detected cardiac signal is monitored for indications of possible undersensing, and/or for drops in amplitude toward a threshold, and the additional high pass filter may be disabled upon finding of possible undersensing or drop in signal amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Venugopal Allavatam, Stephen J. Hahn, Keith L. Herrmann, Mitchell D. Lanz, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Benjamin Speakman
  • Patent number: 10149628
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes an input voltage selector configured to select an input voltage from a plurality of input voltages; an input element connected to the input voltage selector; and an input current controller configured to control an inflow of an input current in conjunction with an operation of the input voltage selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., The Industry & Academic Cooperation In Chungnam National University (IAC)
    Inventors: JongPal Kim, TakHyung Lee, Hyoung Ho Ko
  • Patent number: 10149629
    Abstract: A measuring system for probe, especially one for measuring dielectric properties and used in devices for measuring properties of dielectric constant changes in human or animal tissues, characterized in that it comprises a microwave resonance circuit (3) made on dielectric substrate and shaped in the form of a three-stage resonator composed of three segments of striplines with different impedances of each of the segments and arranged with respect to each other is such a way that successive segments are perpendicular to each other, and further comprises rows of grommets (2) with metallized surfaces connecting front surfaces on both sides of the substrate and constituting the earth of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: PIT-RADWAR SPOLKA AKCYJNA
    Inventors: Zenon Szczepaniak, Mariusz Łuszczyk
  • Patent number: 10149630
    Abstract: Presented herein are methods of using ferrofluid droplets as mechanical actuators that work across length scales of nanometers to millimeters. These novel actuators and methods of using them can be used to determine mechanical properties of soft materials. The actuators allow calculation of a soft material's viscosity, elastic modulus, and other mechanical properties. The methods and devices of the invention may be employed in biological materials, including live cells and tissues, and may be used to profile the mechanical properties of such living materials or to manipulate biological processes therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Otger Campás, Friedhelm Serwane
  • Patent number: 10149631
    Abstract: A system and method for damage detection and for evaluating the real operation conditions for structural platforms using structural health monitoring is integrated to a system and method that permits for the platform to provide a flexible geometric control considering a self-adapting morphing which is capable of providing better operating structural platform performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Embraer S.A.
    Inventors: Paulo Anchieta Da Silva, Tomaz Lazanha, Ricardo Pinheiro Rulli, Fernando Dotta
  • Patent number: 10149632
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a receiving unit and a determining unit. The receiving unit collectively receives settings of an imaging region on an image of a subject with respect to at least part of imaging protocols in a series of imaging protocols performed in an examination. The determining unit determines the propriety of the setting with respect to each imaging protocol included in the part of the imaging protocols before imaging is started using the part of the imaging protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kensuke Shinoda
  • Patent number: 10149633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the presence of, or the susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The method may include obtaining measurements of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, and deriving one or more values representing the CSF flow in the patient. These values may be used to determine if the patient has abnormal CSF flow, as such abnormal CSF flow may be indicative of presence of, or susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The present invention also discloses that magnetic resonance images may be obtained on patients in various positions, including the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond V. Damadian, Ki-Cheung Chu
  • Patent number: 10149634
    Abstract: A mobile device case for functional connection and physical attachment to a mobile device, the mobile device case comprises an application adapted to run in the mobile device and a cradle configured for removable attachment with the mobile device, the cradle comprising a controller capable of functional connection with the application, where the cradle is adapted to protect the mobile device while attached to the mobile device and the cradle is adapted to functionally pair with the application to create at least a portion of a mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Voll, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lee Bietz, Jesus Acosta-Cazaubon
  • Patent number: 10149635
    Abstract: Reliable, real-time heart and respiratory rates are key vital signs used in evaluating the physiological status in many clinical and non-clinical settings. Measuring these vital signs generally requires superficial attachment of physically or logistically obtrusive sensors to subjects that may result in skin irritation or adversely influence subject performance. Given the broad acceptance of ingestible electronics, the approach disclosed here enables vital sign monitoring internally from the gastrointestinal tract. The large animal (porcine) experiments and a robust processing disclosed herein demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. Implementing vital sign monitoring as a stand-alone technology or in conjunction with other ingestible devices has the capacity to significantly aid telemedicine, optimize performance monitoring of athletes, military service members, and first-responders, as well as provide a facile method for rapid clinical evaluation and triage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Albert Joseph Swiston, Robert S. Langer, Tadd Bernard Hughes, Kerry Johnson, Carlo Giovanni Traverso
  • Patent number: 10149636
    Abstract: A relay device (201) is described for relaying radio frequency signals received from an antenna implanted within a patient's body to another device located outside the patient's body, the relay device comprising a first slot antenna for detecting radio frequency signals sent from the antenna implanted within the patient's body and a second slot antenna for transmitting radio frequency signals to the other device located outside the patient's body, whereby the first and second slot antennas comprise elongated slots (209, 211) on opposite sides of a cavity (203). The signals to be transmitted by the second slot antenna are to be used to relay information conveyed by the signals detected by the first slot antenna. The relay device also comprises switching means (215, 217) for switching the first and second slot antennas between active and inactive configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Sema Dumanli Oktar
  • Patent number: 10149637
    Abstract: A method for selecting size of an orthotic for a foot is described, where the method comprises collecting certain measurements for a foot, such as a length l1 corresponding to a distance from a proximal point of the heel to a base of a metatarsal head and, optionally, a width w corresponding to a distance from the medial edge of the foot at approximately the base of the first metatarsal head to the lateral edge of the foot at approximately the base of the fifth metatarsal head, and, optionally, a height h corresponding to the height of the lateral foot arch relative to ground. The height h is measured, in some cases, with the foot in an adjusted or restored condition. The measurements are used to recommend or to select a size of an orthotic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Sue Ann Latterman
  • Patent number: 10149638
    Abstract: A motion analysis system includes: at least one orientation sensor configured to detect three-dimensional torso motion over time, the at least one orientation sensor including: a multiaxial accelerometer configured to detect acceleration in at least three orthogonal directions, and a gyroscope; and a controller configured to receive data from the at least one orientation sensor, the controller programmed to process the data to: determine at least one of a state and a transition of the torso; identify normal parameters for the determined at least one of the state and transition; and determine whether motion of the torso is outside the normal parameters. The controller is configured to identify, in real-time, the occurrence of a fall in progress of an individual from at least one of a standing state, a standing-to-seated transition, and a seated-to-standing transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Active Protective Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Buckman