Patents Issued in February 5, 2019
  • Patent number: 10194850
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and a kit are capable of improving accuracy of CGS devices using dynamic outputs of continuous glucose sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventors: Boris P. Kovatchev, Christopher R. King
  • Patent number: 10194851
    Abstract: A blood sampling transfer device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. The blood sampling transfer device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion. After separation, the blood sampling transfer device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The blood sampling transfer 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 blood sampling transfer device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the blood sampling transfer device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Fletcher, Bradley M. Wilkinson, C. Mark Newby
  • Patent number: 10194852
    Abstract: A catheter and associated method for taking a plurality of samples from within a length of a blood vessel. The catheter includes an elongate central body arranged to be inserted into and positioned along a central region of a blood vessel. A plurality of collection areas are defined along the elongate central body for collecting samples at the central region of the blood vessel. A plurality of mixers are provided radially outwardly of the elongate central body and arranged to create a flow of blood from a boundary layer at a wall of the blood vessel to the elongate central body. This enables the collection areas to collect samples from the boundary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: PLAQUETEC LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen Blatcher, Richard Harley Grenville Owen, Joseph Peter Corrigan, Thomas Neudeck, Andrew Peter Scudamore, Yannick Pierre Louis Hourmand
  • Patent number: 10194853
    Abstract: A system for verifying a sample volume includes a sample reservoir and a volumetric verification device. The sample reservoir defines an inner volume and is configured to receive a volume of bodily fluid. The inner volume of the sample reservoir contains an additive. The volumetric verification device includes a first indicator and a second indicator. The volumetric verification device is configured to selectively engage the sample reservoir to (1) place the first indicator in a first position along a length of the sample reservoir such that the first indicator is substantially aligned with a surface and/or meniscus of the additive and (2) place the second indicator in a second position along the length of the sample reservoir such that the second indicator is substantially aligned with a predetermined fill volume when bodily fluid is transferred to the inner volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Bullington, Shan E. Gaw, Jay M. Miazga, Shannon E. Eubanks
  • Patent number: 10194854
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a time-varying fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent agent from within a diffuse reflecting medium with time-varying optical properties is disclosed that includes providing at least two measurements obtained from a patient before and after administration of the fluorescent agent that includes an Flrmeas signal detected adjacent to the medium by a filtered light detector during illumination of the medium by excitatory-wavelength light, and at least one DR signal selected from: a DRexmeas DRem, and DRem,filtered signal. The method further includes identifying a post-equilibration portion of the measurement data set and transforming each Flrmeas signal within the post-equilibration portion of the measurement data set to an IFagent signal representing a detected fluorescence intensity emitted solely by the fluorescent agent from within the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MediBeacon Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Keating, Kimberly Shultz, Kate Bechtel, Edward Solomon
  • Patent number: 10194855
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for measurement of flow rate of cerebrospinal fluid in a conduit are provided. The apparatus comprises a heating element mounted on the conduit, the heating element arranged for heating the CSF flowing through the conduit for generating bubbles. The apparatus further comprises two optical sensing devices mounted sequentially on the conduit and downstream from the heating element. The first optical sensing device and the second optical sensing device are separated by a predetermined device interval. Both the first and the second optical sensing devices comprise an optical emitter and an optical detector. The apparatus further comprises a processing device coupled to the optical sensing devices, wherein the signals from the optical sensing devices are transmitted to the processing device for detection of bubbles, resulting in the detection of the flow velocity. The bubble size can be optimized by applying ultrasonic waves or thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
    Inventors: Gaurav Ravi Sharma, Tarkeshwar Chandrakant Patil, Siddhartha Prakash Duttagupta, Shreyas Shyamsunder, Javed Yunus Sheikh
  • Patent number: 10194856
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a circuit and a method for the electrical data read-out of a large-area sensor flexible circuit. This circuit incorporates sensing elements of two types, and is therefore used for the measurement of two physical metrics associated with the etiology of pressure ulcers, one of which might be pressure. The flexible circuit is large enough to cover the area(s) of the human body. The flexible circuit comprises electrically of the following components: (a) a passive or active matrix array, and (b) its scanning/read-out circuitry. The matrix array (a) comprises further of (i) two electrodes for the sensing of pressure in each sensing element (sensel) of the array, and (ii) two electrodes for the sensing of another metric (temperature, moisture, pH, etc.) in each sensel. One electrode is shared (common) between the first (i) and the second (ii) sensor in the sensel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Themistokles Afentakis, Anne Sledd, Shivani Joshi
  • Patent number: 10194857
    Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying breathing disorders of subjects are based on the respiratory response to a change in a pressure level of a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The change presents a breathing challenge to a subject. The challenge may be limited to the inspiratory breathing phase. The inspiratory pressure level may be lower than the expiratory pressure level during challenges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Edward Colbaugh, Lauren Elizabeth Hueser, Surya Subrahmanya Sreeram Vissapragada Venkata Satya
  • Patent number: 10194858
    Abstract: A method for characterizing a brain electrical signal comprising forming a temporo-spectral decomposition of the signal to form a plurality of time resolved frequency signal values, associating each instance of the signal value with a predetermined function approximating a neurological signal to form a table of coefficients collectively representative of the brain electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK
    Inventors: César Marquez Chin, Kathryn Atwell, Milos R. Popovic
  • Patent number: 10194859
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, apparatus, methods, products, and other implementations, including a method that includes obtaining biometric data of a user, and generating instruction data, presentable on a user interface, based on data relating to one or more activities to be completed by the user and based on the biometric data of the user. In some embodiments, obtaining the biometric data may include measuring one or more of, for example, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, temperature, speech-related attributes, breath, and/or eye behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Barcoding Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 10194860
    Abstract: A virtual image display system adapted for venipuncture applications is provided. The virtual image display system includes at least one infrared light source, at least one image sensing module, and at least one virtual image display module. The at least one infrared light source is configured to emit at least one infrared light to a tissue having a vein. The at least one image sensing module is configured to receive the infrared light from the tissue so as to sense an image of the vein. The at least one virtual image display module is disposed in front of at least one eye of a user. The at least one virtual image display module includes an image display unit configured to show an image of the vein to the at least one eye of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chy-Lin Wang, Kuo-Tung Tiao, Tian-Yuan Chen, Lung-Pin Chung, Chun-Chuan Lin, Jyh-Chern Chen, Chi-Shen Chang, Ching-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 10194861
    Abstract: A wired circuit board includes an insulating layer and a conductive pattern embedded in the insulating layer. The conductive pattern has an exposed surface exposed from one surface in a thickness direction of the insulating layer and the insulating layer has the number of times of folding endurance measured in conformity with JIS P8115 (2001) of 10 times or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Okumura, Eiji Toyoda, Shotaro Masuda
  • Patent number: 10194862
    Abstract: A wearable device comprising a display dial configured to display various health parameters, a wristband assisting the device to wear on wrist, an eject-able tray comprising a micro-chip, a first spring coupled to the eject-able tray, at least one latch provided with a second spring to hold the eject-able tray within the device by compressing the first spring, and a health monitoring unit provided with multiple sensors to determine various health parameters, wherein compression of the second spring results in the latch to release the eject-able tray which in turn relaxes the compressed first spring to eject the micro-chip outside the device for collecting blood samples. The microchip comprises at least one micro-needle and an enzyme test strip for collecting and analyzing the blood samples. The health monitoring unit comprises at least three conductive sense pads which are collectively operable to provide electrocardiograph (ECG) information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Sensesemi Technologies Private Limited
    Inventors: Veena S Chakravarthi, Praveen Dodagoudar, Vishweshwara Mundkur
  • Patent number: 10194863
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing an integrated transmitter unit and sensor insertion mechanism is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventor: Gary Ashley Stafford
  • Patent number: 10194864
    Abstract: The present invention describes improved systems and methods for attaching external medical devices to the body of a patient using a multilayer attachment apparatus. Medical devices that require attachment to the body, including monitoring devices, drug-infusing devices and the like, can utilize embodiments of the attachment apparatus and method described herein. Embodiments of the invention include new adhesive and hook and loop attachment mechanisms and methods for using embodiments of the multilayer attachment apparatus to attach medical device and/or medical device components to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarnath Chattaraj, Kiem Dang, Poonam S. Gulati, James Shallenberger
  • Patent number: 10194865
    Abstract: A system for detecting bioelectrical signals of a user comprising: a set of sensors configured to detect bioelectrical signals from the user, each sensor in the set of sensors configured to provide non-polarizable contact at the body of the user; an electronics subsystem comprising a power module configured to distribute power to the system and a signal processing module configured to receive signals from the set of sensors; a set of sensor interfaces coupling the set of sensors to the electronics subsystem and configured to facilitate noise isolation within the system; and a housing coupled to the electronics subsystem, wherein the housing facilitates coupling of the system to a head region of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Emotiv, Inc.
    Inventors: Tan Le, Geoffrey Mackellar
  • Patent number: 10194866
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a method of reducing artifacts includes obtaining OCT/OCTA data from an OCT/OCTA imager; preprocessing OCTA/OCT volume data; extracting features from the preprocessed OCTA/OCT volume data; classifying the OCTA/OCT volume data to provide a probability determination data; determining a percentage data from the probability data determination; and reducing artifacts in response to the percentage data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: OPTOVUE, INC.
    Inventors: Yi-Sing Hsiao, Ben K. Jang, Utkarsh Sharma, Qienyuan Zhou, Tony H. Ko, Jay Wei
  • Patent number: 10194867
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detection of high-frequency heart sounds for diagnosing heart diseases. One embodiment utilizes an accelerometer-based detector that presents a light load to the chest, is sensitive to the desired high frequency range, and provides a quantitative measurement of the quality of the acquired signal. Two piezoelectric sensors are positioned so that they respond to the same mechanical energy and will produce identical electrical signals in the absence of noise. Through signal processing means the two signals can provide an estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio of the acquired signal. The two signals can also be combined to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: John Leonard Semmlow
  • Patent number: 10194868
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Erwin Satrya Budiman
  • Patent number: 10194869
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a biosignal that include generating a control signal for processing the biosignal based on an obtained replication signal or a sensed motion of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Pal Kim
  • Patent number: 10194870
    Abstract: A method for monitoring autoregulation includes receiving a blood pressure signal and a regional oxygen saturation signal from a patient. The method also includes determining one or more pairs of linear correlation lines between the blood pressure signal and the regional oxygen saturation signal based on one or more bins. Each of the one or more bins includes one or more regional oxygen saturation values derived from the regional oxygen saturation signal. The method also includes determining a value indicative of the patient's autoregulation status based on a first pair of linear correlation lines selected from the one or more pairs of linear correlation lines and providing a signal indicative of the patient's autoregulation status to an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dean Montgomery, Paul S. Addison
  • Patent number: 10194871
    Abstract: A biosensor control module is integrated in a vehicle and includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality of PPG circuits. The PPG circuits have different locations, including a control button of the vehicle, key fob or steering wheel. The biosensor control module receives first spectral data including PPG waveforms from a first PPG circuit at a first location. The biosensor control module also receives second spectral data including PPG waveforms from a second PPG circuit at a second location. The biosensor control module combines the PPG waveforms from the first spectral data and the second spectral data to obtain health information of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SANMINA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Steven Newberry
  • Patent number: 10194872
    Abstract: A blood pressure monitor, particularly of the type having an inflatable cuff communicating with a pressure sensor and suitable for home use, may be calibrated by applying a sealed canister containing gas at a known pressure to a port so as to apply the known pressure to the pressure sensor, and comparing a pressure signal from the pressure sensor with the known pressure so as to determine a calibration error of the sensor and/or adjust the calibration of the sensor, e.g. by electronically adjusting the sensor. Several canisters may be used to calibrate the sensor across a range of pressures, each canister having a different known pressure. Each canister is preferably ruptured when attached to the port and is not re-usable, and may comprise an identifier such as an electronically readable identifier which is stored in a memory in association with the value of the known pressure within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Yury Grotov
  • Patent number: 10194873
    Abstract: A personalized patient alarm management profile configured to be used when monitoring one or more medical parameters, the personalized patient alarm management profile determined based on at least two profile determinants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ORIDION MEDICAL 1987 LTD.
    Inventors: Joshua Lewis Colman, Michal Ronen
  • Patent number: 10194874
    Abstract: A method of using computed tomography for determining a volumetric representation of a sample, involving a first reconstruction for reconstructing first reconstructed volume data of the sample from first x-ray projection data of the sample taken by an x-ray system, a second reconstruction for reconstructing second reconstructed volume data of the sample from second x-ray projection data of the sample taken by an x-ray system, characterized by calculating first individual confidence measures for single voxels of the first reconstructed volume data, calculating second individual confidence measures for single voxels of the second reconstructed volume data, and calculating, in a subsequent step, at least one resulting set of individual values for each voxel based on the first individual confidence measures and the second individual confidence measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Eberhard Neuser, Alexander Suppes, Nils Rothe, Michael Hoetter, Anja Frost
  • Patent number: 10194875
    Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, an x-ray image receptor, and a patient shield is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Thomas Farbizio, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 10194876
    Abstract: A gamma camera includes a detector array of a plurality of detector pixels. Each detector pixel is configured to generate a signal indicative of gamma or x-ray radiation incident on that detector pixel. Each collimator of a collimator array is configured to collimate the radiation onto a detector pixel. An actuator is configured to move the collimator array along an axis in one or a plurality of incremental movements, each incremental movement smaller than a lateral dimension of a detector pixel along that axis. A processor is configured to obtain the signals generated by each detector pixel of the plurality of detector pixels and to generate image data with sub-pixel resolution from the sampled signals and a position of the collimator when each signal was generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Vitaly Gutkovich
  • Patent number: 10194877
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating X-ray pulses during X-ray imaging. A high voltage of an X-ray tube is automatically switched off. The tube voltage decays and upon reaching a predefined threshold value of the tube voltage or a predefined waiting time after switching off the high voltage, a grating voltage of a grating arranged between an emitter and an anode of the X-ray tube is automatically switched on. No electrons reach the anode from the emitter, and the tube current drops to the value zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Thomas Ferger, Markus Schild, Kai-Uwe Taubenreuther, Mathias Kraus
  • Patent number: 10194878
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, which is configured to acquire radiation exposure image data and non-radiation exposure image data, including: a setting unit configured to set at least one of an order or a frequency of generating offset correction data in association with imaging modes; a correction data generation unit configured to generate the offset correction data associated with each of the imaging modes from the non-radiation exposure image data in the set order or at the set frequency; and an image processing unit configured to correct, with use of the offset correction data, image data that is acquired by imaging a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mina Hoshino
  • Patent number: 10194879
    Abstract: To reduce variability in a result of correction by beam-hardening correction in a radiation tomographic image: There is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: a first-index obtaining component configured to obtain, for each individual subregion in a beam-hardening correction-processed image representing a body region including a bone part and a soft part, a first index indicating how much beam hardening due to the bone part affects the subregion based on pixel values at a plurality of positions surrounding the subregion and a distance from the subregion; a determining component configured to determine an amount of correction on a pixel value for the subregion using the first index for the subregion; and a pixel-value correcting component configured to correct the pixel value of the subregion according to the amount of correction on the subregion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Akira Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 10194880
    Abstract: Disclosed are a body motion display device and a body motion display method which efficiently performs operation for confirming the presence or absence of body motion included in a radiographic image. An index value calculation unit calculates an index value representing body motion based on the ratio between contrast of a high-frequency component and contrast of a low-frequency component in a radiographic image at an analysis point set by an analysis point setting unit. A display control unit selectively displays, on a display unit, at least one of a plurality of kinds of body motion information based on index values at a plurality of analysis points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10194881
    Abstract: A radiographic image which is captured by irradiating a subject with radiation is acquired. A body thickness information acquisition unit acquires body thickness information of a subject. The radiographic image may be analyzed to acquire the body thickness information. A noise removal unit removes quantum noise included in the radiographic image on the basis of the body thickness information, using a filtering process using, for example, a smoothing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masanori Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 10194882
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the X-ray imaging apparatus. A path on which an X-ray source avoids an obstacle is automatically set on a movement path of the X-ray source, or a user sets the path manually by using simple manipulation so that an efficient X-ray imaging system can be provided. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source movably disposed; a manipulation unit through which control instructions relating to a movement region of the X-ray source are input; and a processor that controls at least one movement of the X-ray source so that the X-ray source is moved within the movement region based on the inputted control instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-seong Kwak, Jin Ho Park, Seung Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10194883
    Abstract: Disclosed are a radiographic imaging device and a radiographic imaging method which appropriately set an irradiation condition of radiation according to the presence or absence of an implant in a breast. An implant information acquisition unit 80 acquires implant information representing whether or not an implant is included in a breast M as a subject. An irradiation condition setting unit 82 sets, based on the implant information, a first irradiation condition C1 for irradiating the breast M with radiation when an implant is present and a second irradiation condition C2 for irradiating the breast M with radiation when an implant is absent. A radiation source drive control unit 70 drives an X-ray source 50 under the irradiation condition set by the irradiation condition setting unit 82 to irradiate the breast M with radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Junya Morita
  • Patent number: 10194884
    Abstract: A method for reducing image artifacts caused, for example, by beam hardening includes acquiring at least two projections of a transirradiated object are acquired from different perspectives by an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector defining a projection plane. A correction model that is linear in parameters and is valid for the at least two projections is determined. At least two epipolar lines corresponding to a common epipolar plane are identified in the projection planes of the at least two projections. The parameters of the correction model are determined by optimization, taking account of data terms that are independent of the parameters. The data terms quantify a consistency condition of the at least two projections that applies to the epipolar lines. Artifact-reduced image data is determined based on the determined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Nicole Maaß, Andreas Maier, Tobias Würfl
  • Patent number: 10194885
    Abstract: A system that automatically detects a myocardial barotrauma (i.e., tissue pop) event so that proper post-procedure care can be given includes an electronic control unit (ECU), a computer-readable memory coupled with the ECU, and detection logic stored in the memory configured to be executed by the ECU. The detection logic is configured to receive a signal generated by an electro-acoustic transducer related to acoustic activity within the patient, monitor the signal for a pre-determined indication of a barotrauma event, and output a notification when the pre-determined indication is detected. The transducer can be integrated with an extra-body patch that includes one or more electrodes for use with a medical device navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC.
    Inventors: Israel A. Byrd, Jeffrey M. Fish, Lynn E. Clark, Saurav Paul
  • Patent number: 10194886
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic wave intraocular pressure detecting device and a method thereof, which uses a driver to generate a vibration wave on the skin or bones. The energy of the vibration wave is transmitted to the orbital bones via the skin and the skeletons. A standing wave of the basin effect is generated on the eyeball inside the orbital bones. The standing wave vibrates the eyeball or the cornea to generate an acoustic wave signal with a resonance frequency. The eyeball or the cornea emits the acoustic wave outwardly. A receiver receives the acoustic wave and converts the acoustic wave into an intraocular pressure (IOP) value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Wen-Pin Shih, Po-Jen Shih, Jia-Yush Yen, I-Jong Wang
  • Patent number: 10194887
    Abstract: A display device for ultrasound energy includes a focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device, a processing device and a display. The processing device generates a first electrical signal and transmits it to the focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device to control the focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device to emit at least one first ultrasound signal to a target position of an organism. The target position reflects the first ultrasound signal to form at least one second ultrasound signal. After generating the first electrical signal, the processing device drives the focused ultrasound emitting and receiving device to start to receive the second ultrasound signal only during a preset period after the estimation period. The processing device uses the display to display an image of the target position according to the second ultrasound signal, and brightness of the image is directly proportional to energy intensity of the first ultrasound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: CHANG CHUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hao-Li Liu, Jing-Jing Xia
  • Patent number: 10194888
    Abstract: An entire volume is scanned. A sub-volume is separately scanned with different settings for beamforming parameters, allowing greater image quality for the sub-volume while providing context from the volume. The anatomy of interest is periodically detected, and the sub-volume shifted in position to cover the anatomy of interest, allowing for relatively continuous volume imaging with enhanced quality imaging of the sub-volume. Interleaving by volume and sub-volume slices may allow for optimization of relative frame rate and image quality. Different combinations between volume and sub-volume data for anatomy detection and display may provide for desired imaging while allowing the regular detection of the anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Henderson, Tommaso Mansi, Anand Tatpati, Ingmar Voigt, Bimba Rao
  • Patent number: 10194889
    Abstract: Methods for determining a mechanical parameter for a sample having a target region include generating a tissue displacement in the target region; transmitting tracking pulses in the target region; receiving corresponding echo signals for the tracking pulses in the target region at a plurality of positions; analyzing the echo signals at one or more multi-resolution pairs of the positions and/or acquisition times; and determining at least one mechanical parameter of the target region based on the echo signals at the one or more multi-resolution pairs of positions and/or acquisition times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Peter J. Hollender, Nicholas B. Bottenus
  • Patent number: 10194890
    Abstract: A device for performing a biopsy on a brain is disclosed. The device includes a mount adapted for attachment to a burr hole on the skull of a patient. The mount has a body with a threaded surface and a cup-shaped surface forming a socket. The surface at the bottom of the socket defines a surgical aperture. A first arm extends away from the body, and has one fiducial marker. A second arm extends away from the body and has two spaced-apart fiducial markers. An instrument guide has a tubular body with a ball joint at one end with and an instrument insertion opening at an opposite end, configured to receive an instrument therethrough. The ball joint inserts into the socket, allowing the instrument guide to be positioned to a desired angle. A locking cup is attached to the body to secure the instrument in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: G. Rees Cosgrove, Hannah Varner
  • Patent number: 10194891
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive surgical instrument having an articulation immobilizing structure. The present invention is a minimally invasive surgical instrument and includes a shaft, an end effector connected towards one end of the shaft, a wire for controlling the articulated movement of the end effector, and an immobilizing structure adapted to immobilize the state of articulated movement of the end effector. The immobilizing structure includes a resilient member covering the wire, and the resilient member holds the wire when an internal space therein contracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Chang Wook Jeong, Hyung Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 10194892
    Abstract: A medical instrument is provides that includes a handle, a shaft, and a tool insert. The tool insert is attachable to the shaft by a threaded connection which engages a slot connection and to the handle and by a retaining member for actuation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Melanson, Sabine Zahler
  • Patent number: 10194893
    Abstract: A medical device may include a stabilizer configured to be coupled to a port of an insertion device. The medical device may further include a shaft configured for telescopic translation within the stabilizer and a grip coupled to the shaft. Further, the medical device may include an actuator coupled to the grip. The actuator may be axially moveable relative to the grip so as to selectively actuate a distal assembly of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: BostonScientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Kirkemo
  • Patent number: 10194894
    Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes an applicator. A specimen retrieval pouch is operably disposed within the applicator and deployable therefrom. The specimen retrieval pouch defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes a closed bottom portion and an open upper portion. The closed bottom portion includes a plurality of spikes configured to grasp a specimen positioned within the confines closed bottom portion. The upper closed portion includes one or more axial folds that are movable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration when a predetermined force is applied to a portion of the specimen retrieval pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Gene A. Stellon
  • Patent number: 10194895
    Abstract: A method of forming an access opening through a psoas muscle to a patient's spine includes laterally inserting a stimulating dilator into the psoas muscle. The stimulating dilator has a stimulation channel formed in an outer surface thereof. An electrical pulse is transmitted into the stimulating dilator to locate a position of a nerve in the patient's psoas muscle. The stimulating dilator is laterally inserted through the psoas muscle and toward the patient's spine in a way that avoids the nerve. A stimulating probe is inserted into the stimulation channel along the outer surface of the stimulating dilator while transmitting an electrical pulse into the stimulating probe to verify the position of the nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synhes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Fatone, Brandon Randall
  • Patent number: 10194896
    Abstract: A retractor system is provided having a plurality of blade portions that collectively present a low profile tapered configuration for insertion through tissue along a natural tissue plane. Once inserted through tissue the blade portions may be independently moved apart to form an access path to a surgical site, such as by first moving the blade portions apart along the natural tissue plane followed by moving the blade portions apart transverse to the natural tissue plane. The blade portions may be attached to retractor frame members, and rack and pinion frame components may be used to control movement of the blade portions relative to one another. Pins may be used to secure the blade portions to bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Gordon D. Donald
  • Patent number: 10194897
    Abstract: A device and method for reducing the volume of a tissue region, the device including a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and a tethering device, where the first and second fixation elements are slidably secured onto said tether, and the first and second fixation elements are radially self-expanding fixation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph Cedro, Jr., Daniel J. Smith
  • Patent number: 10194898
    Abstract: Suture anchors are disclosed having suture locking features able to lock multiple suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel, with a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: VentureMD Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Kwan-Ho Chan, James Murphy, T. Wade Fallin, Patrick Michel White
  • Patent number: 10194899
    Abstract: Surgical methods for stabilizing a joint are disclosed. The methods aid in surgical repairs by allowing for quick and reproducible repairs to be made. A bone tunnel is formed anteriorly/posteriorly in clavicle, and a bone tunnel is formed superiorly in acromion. At least one cannulated insert is provided into one or both of bone tunnels to protect the bone from abrasions caused by a flexible construct. A flexible construct is passed through the acromion tunnel and the clavicle tunnel. An attachment device may then be positioned on at least one side of the clavicle and/or acromion tunnel, and the flexible construct is attached to the attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Benavitz, Allen E. Holowecky, Augustus D. Mazzocca, Eugene M. Wolf, James J. Guerra