Patents Issued in May 16, 2023
  • Patent number: 11647869
    Abstract: A bench assembly can be for use in a bathtub for showering. The bench assembly can comprise a frame that is configured to sit within a bathtub. A bench can be coupled to the frame. A pivotable platform assembly can comprise a platform support structure pivotably coupled to the frame and a platform coupled to the platform support structure. The pivotable platform assembly can be configured to bias against an upper rim of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: United States Government As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs
    Inventor: Randall Wesley
  • Patent number: 11647870
    Abstract: A shower system having individual shower brackets containing recesses and slots for receiving cylindrical rods and shelves. The shower system being directed to an improved apparatus for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Cris Pasto
  • Patent number: 11647871
    Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir, pump, motor, sensor, electronic processor, and nozzle. In certain embodiments, the sensor can be configured to generate a signal based on a distance between an object and the sensor. In certain embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor and to determine a dispensation volume of the liquid. The dispensation volume can vary as a function of the distance between the object and the sensor. The processor can be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the dispensation volume of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Guy Cohen, Jay Patel
  • Patent number: 11647872
    Abstract: An dispenser includes a housing, a container disposed in the housing for holding a liquid, a nozzle, and a pump. The pump is disposed between the container and the nozzle. The pump includes a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a pump chamber, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The pump inlet is in fluid communication with the container and the pump chamber, and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and the nozzle. The pump chamber is movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The first check valve is disposed between the container and the pump, and the first check valve has a first cracking pressure. The second check valve is disposed between the first check valve and the pump, and the second check valve has a second cracking pressure. The first cracking pressure of the first check valve is greater than the second cracking pressure of the second check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McNulty, Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Daniel M. Willis, Nick E. Ciavarella
  • Patent number: 11647873
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a towel maintenance device for storing and keeping a towel and for heating and drying the towel stored and kept therein. The towel maintenance device —provides a structure in which heated air flows in a first staying space formed in a heat transfer plate and heats the heat transfer plate, thereby allowing a textile product such as a towel and the like in contact with the heat transfer plate to be heated based on thermal conduction, and the heated air discharged through a communicating hole of the heat transfer plate is discharged while passing through the textile product such as a towel and the like or flows around the textile product such as a towel and the like, thereby allowing the product to be dried to be heated based on convection. The towel maintenance device according to the present disclosure enables entire objects to be dried to be rapidly heated and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Inhyung Yang, Jin Hyeon Jeon
  • Patent number: 11647874
    Abstract: A raised toilet seat has a front part (2) and two wings (3, 4) of which the ends are, before the raised seat is fitted, separated by a gap. The wings (3, 4) at their free ends bear, in the case of one of them (3), a channel section equipped with notches (9, 10), and, in the case of the other (4), an opening (12) to accept the channel section, and ridges (13, 14, 15, 16) to retain the notches (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: HERDEGEN
    Inventors: Enrique Aparicio, Vincent Herdegen
  • Patent number: 11647875
    Abstract: A portable toilet seat for child toilet training is provided. The portable seat is configurable between a deployed position for use atop a conventional toilet seat and a retracted position for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Ryan Bailey, Ji Hyun Chon
  • Patent number: 11647876
    Abstract: A toilet training device and seat cover has a perforated hole and may or may not have flap which can be folded and glued or taped to make funnel. Once in use, the user pushes out the hole with a flap still attached so as to bridge over rim of dirty toilet. The seat cover may or may not have side folds for more surface area to wrap over toilet seat. The toilet seat cover provides a user with hygiene protection that often is ignored. A plurality of toilet seat covers may be packaged in a toilet seat cover dispenser that may be sized to fit in a pocket or purse and that may accommodate multiple seats covers in a folded and rolled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Michael B. Carmona
  • Patent number: 11647877
    Abstract: In one example, a lifting assembly for a toilet includes at least a track arm and a track. The track arm is configured to guide a toilet seat assembly from a first position to a second position. The track is coupled to a base enclosure of the toilet and providing a track path for the track arm, and the track path has a radius of curvature to limit the range of motion of the toilet seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Chanseol Chung
  • Patent number: 11647878
    Abstract: A controller for a vacuum cleaner includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions that program the processor to operate a motor at a first power level, receive a temperature of a drive component associated with the motor from a temperature sensor, and compare the temperature of the drive component associated with the motor to a first threshold temperature. The processor operates the motor at a second power level lower than the first power level for a period of time when the temperature of the drive component associated with the motor is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, and continues operating the motor at the first power level when the temperature of the drive component associated with the motor is less than the first temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Fogarty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11647879
    Abstract: A multifunctional emergency starting power for motor vehicles is provided, including a bracket (10), an accumulator (20) mounted on the bracket (10), a first interface (50) for charging the accumulator (20), and a second interface (30) for outputting an emergency starting voltage to a motor vehicle. The bracket (10) is also installed with a vacuum cleaner (70) and a controller (60) for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner and the charging of the accumulator. The accumulator is respectively connected to the vacuum cleaner and the controller and supplies an electrical energy thereto. The emergency starting power and the vacuuming function are integrated, and the battery of the emergency starting power is configured for powering the vacuum cleaner and the controller of the emergency starting power is configured for controlling the power charging and the vacuum cleaner work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHIC ELECTRICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Xinhua Liu
  • Patent number: 11647880
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner to suction dust generated by a machine tool, wherein the vacuum cleaner is actuatable by an electric device in the shape of the machine tool or an energy storage module for the electric power supply of the machine tool, which has a drive motor to drive a tool holder on which a tool provided to process a workpiece is arranged or is arrangeable, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a vacuum housing with a dirt collection chamber to receive dirt separated from a suction flow and a suction unit to generate the suction flow, wherein a suction inlet is present on the vacuum housing to connect a suction hose to establish a current connection for the suction flow with the machine tool, wherein the vacuum cleaner has an external communication apparatus for a wireless control connection to a wireless communication interface of the electric device and to receive at least one control command to control, the vacuum cleaner via the control connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Festool GmbH
    Inventor: Moritz Caspar
  • Patent number: 11647881
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a combing unit including a series of spaced protrusions or teeth extending into a cleaning roller for preventing build up and removing debris (such as hair, string, and the like). The protrusions extend along a substantial portion of the cleaning roller and extend partially into the cleaning roller to intercept the debris as it passes around the roller. The protrusions have angled leading edges that are not aligned with a rotation center of the cleaning roller and are directed into or against a direction of rotation of the cleaning roller. The combing unit and protrusions have a shape and configuration designed to facilitate debris removal from the cleaning roller with minimal impact on the operation of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head of an upright vacuum cleaner or sweeper or a robotic vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Jason B. Thorne, Yao Ming, Daniel R. Der Marderosian, Daniel Meyer, Patrick Cleary, Gordon Howes, David Wu, Nancy Gao Wenxiu
  • Patent number: 11647882
    Abstract: A cleaner is provided. The cleaner includes a transfer device, and a dust collecting apparatus connectable to the transfer device and configured to filter out rubbish transferred from the transfer device. The dust collecting apparatus includes a housing in which a first dust chamber is formed, and including a guide recessed inwardly from an outer surface, a handle configured to be movable on the outside of the housing and provided to cover at least a portion of the guide, a first rubbish removal member configured to be movable inside the housing based on the movement of the handle, and configured to discharge rubbish collected in the first dust chamber, and a link configured to connect the handle to the first rubbish removal member, and having a movement guided by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dongjin Cho, Hyeonwoo Tak, Jiwook Chung, Jiho Seo, Wonkyu Lim
  • Patent number: 11647883
    Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit that guides dust and air; a main body that includes a dust separation unit for separating dust from air guided through the suction unit; a main body terminal mounted on the main body; a handle unit that is slide-coupled to the main body; and a handle terminal mounted on the handle unit and is connected to the main body terminal when the handle unit is slide-coupled to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Philjae Hwang, Eunji Sung, Taekgi Lee, Mantae Hwang, Jungbae Hwang
  • Patent number: 11647884
    Abstract: A cleaner includes a main body, a handle, a first switch member, and a second switch member. The main body generates a suction force to suck in dust with air by a motor. The handle is to be held by a user. The first switch member is disposed movably on the handle and switches between supplying and not supplying power to the motor by being moved. The second switch member is disposed movably on the handle and, by being moved, moves the first switch member so as to switch between supplying and not supplying power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Iwakami
  • Patent number: 11647885
    Abstract: A method, performed by a robot vacuum cleaner, of planning a cleaning route includes: dividing an indoor space into at least one cleanable region based on an indoor space map generated using at least one sensor included in the robot vacuum cleaner; dividing the at least one cleanable region into a plurality of partial regions based on a cleaning mode of the robot vacuum cleaner; and planning a first cleaning route to control a number of direction changes of the robot vacuum cleaner with respect to each of the plurality of partial regions based on the cleaning mode being a first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seungbeom Han, Junggap Kuk, Musik Kwon, Jinwon Kim
  • Patent number: 11647886
    Abstract: A check valve assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer fluid from a sump, through a volute having a pump discharge passageway extending from the volute, includes a seat assembly and a flapper assembly. The seat assembly has a body with a first distal end and a second distal end, and a fluid passage extending through the body. The body defines a valve seat having a sealing surface about the fluid passage. The flapper assembly is operably coupled to the seat assembly. The flapper assembly has a moveable portion configured to selectively move between a closed position where the moveable portion seals against the sealing surface and an opened position where the moveable portion raises to allow liquid through the fluid passage. The check valve assembly is configured to be located within the pump discharge passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Jerel Jaske, Antony M. Rappette, John Alan Miller, Todd Michael Jozwiak
  • Patent number: 11647887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal for a dishwasher adapted to be interposed between a peripheral edge of an opening of a tub for cookware and a door for closing said opening. The seal comprises a metal part adapted to be connected to the peripheral edge of the opening, a first part, made of polymeric material, integrally connected to the metal part and a second part, made of polymeric material, associated with the first part and adapted to be contacted by the door when the door is arranged in a position for closing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: INDUSTRIE ILPEA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Sandro Mazzaro, Paolo Cittadini
  • Patent number: 11647888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for observer movement during robotic surgery. An exemplary system includes an image capture device configured to capture images of a surgical site, a stereoscopic display device, a sensor configured to detect positions of an observer, and a computing device including a processor and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to receive the images of the surgical site from the image capture device, receive data from the sensor indicating a position of the observer, process the received images of the surgical site based on the movement of the observer, and cause the stereoscopic display device to display the processed images of the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dwight Meglan, Albert Dvornik
  • Patent number: 11647889
    Abstract: Systems for obtaining an image of a target are provided including at least one multi-wavelength illumination module configured to illuminate a target using two or more different wavelengths, each penetrating the target at different depths; a multi-wavelength camera configured to detect the two or more different wavelengths illuminating the target on corresponding different channels and acquire corresponding images of the target based on the detected two or more different wavelengths illuminating the target; a control module configured synchronize illumination of the target by the at least one multi-wavelength illumination module and detection of the two or more different wavelengths by the camera; an analysis module configured to receive the acquired images of the target and analyze the acquired images to provide analysis results; and an image visualization module modify the acquired images based on the analysis results to provide a final improved image in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: East Carolina University
    Inventors: Cheng Chen, Jiahong Jin, Thomas Bruce Ferguson, Kenneth Michael Jacobs, Taylor Forbes, Bryent Tucker, Xin Hua Hu
  • Patent number: 11647890
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state image pickup element, electronic equipment, and a semiconductor apparatus that make it possible to reduce a surface reflection in an area in which a slit is formed and improve flare characteristics. A solid-state image pickup element includes a pixel area in which a plurality of pixels is two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix, a chip mounting area in which a chip is flip-chip mounted, and a dam area that is arranged around the chip mounting area and in which one or more slits that block an outflow of a resin are formed. In the dam area, the same OCL as that in the pixel area is formed. The present technology can be applied to a solid-state image pickup element etc. in which a chip is flip-chip mounted, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichiro Fujimagari, Tomohiro Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 11647891
    Abstract: For determining a precise orientation and positioning of an endoscope in an electromagnetic field, an endoscope device has a proximal insertion head and has a shaft extending distally therefrom having a center axis. The shaft extends with at least one elongated lumen through the device. A sensor rod has at least two sensor coils arranged with finite spacing in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction. The at least two sensor coils are oriented in relation to one another at a finite angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: JOIMAX GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ries, Martin Germann
  • Patent number: 11647892
    Abstract: A distal end portion of an endoscope includes: a flexible printed circuit board on which a light-receiving unit mounting section, a first extending section, a light-emitting unit mounting section, and a second extending section are formed continuously; a stand on which the light-receiving unit mounting section is disposed in contact with the stand; a protruding portion including an inner wall surface, a protruding end surface, and an outer wall surface, in which the first extending section is disposed in contact with the inner wall surface, the light-emitting unit mounting section is disposed in contact with the protruding end surface, and the second extending section is disposed in contact with the outer wall surface; and a distal end cover that covers the stand and the protruding portion, with the second extending section being sandwiched between the distal end cover and the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsumi Oyama
  • Patent number: 11647893
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion observation portion including a distal end portion to be inserted into a target object; an objective lens portion disposed on the distal end portion of the insertion observation portion and includes a lens; a holding member that holds the objective lens portion; a sheath that covers the objective lens portion and the holding member; and a sealing material that is disposed on an outer circumference of the objective lens portion and that shields light. A part of the sealing material is disposed on an inner side of a recessed portion of the lens and forms a diaphragm portion that widens a depth of field of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., FiberTech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yusuke Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11647894
    Abstract: One of two connector receiving parts of a processor for endoscope has a shutter mechanism configured to open a shutter by an external force, the shutter having a gap through which a connector-side connection end section passes, and being configured to partition a recessed space of the connector receiving part with respect to an outside. In addition, the processor for endoscope includes a lock mechanism configured to make the shutter into the locked state during a period when another connection end section on the connector side and a processor-side connection end section are connected, and release the locked state of the shutter when the connection between the other connection end section on the connector side and the processor-side connection end section is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao Hijikata, Yuya Masukawa, Toru Mukumoto, Motoharu Endo
  • Patent number: 11647895
    Abstract: A protective cover set for a medical probe that includes a joint that seals both a moisture resistant probe cover and a surrounding wrapper that provides a barrier against microbial intrusion into the space between the outer wrapper and the probe cover. The sealed joint fixes the probe cover in place in relation to the outer wrapper. In some examples, the sealed joint secures a prefabricated probe cover with a three-dimensional non-planar shape in relation to the outer wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Sheathing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Polayes, Jennifer Downing, Sengdara Srisavaththay, Richard James Stevens
  • Patent number: 11647896
    Abstract: A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube used on an insertion section of an endoscope. The tubular connector including: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced on the inner surface to project radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams have one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube. The plurality of cams can alternatively be formed directly on an interior surface of the spiral tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Ailinger, David Gately, Matthew S. Carlone
  • Patent number: 11647897
    Abstract: Provided are a handle for an endoscope comprising an endoscope housing and a lens tube and wherein on the endoscope housing at least one operating element for changing a setting of the endoscope is provided, wherein the handle comprises a receiving section for receiving and retaining the endoscope and a grip section connected with the receiving section for retaining the endoscope, in which the handle further comprises at least one manipulator for operating the operating element when the handle is disposed on the endoscope, wherein the manipulator is movable relative to the receiving section and relative to the grip section, an endoscope with such a handle and a method for disposing such a handle on an endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: ATMOS MedizinTechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Maik Greiser
  • Patent number: 11647898
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an endoscope including a first operation portion that is coupled to a first insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; a medical device including a second operation portion that is coupled to a second insertion portion to be inserted into the subject through the first insertion portion, the second operation portion including at least one locking member; and a belt-like body having flexibility and including at least three end portions in which at least one end portion includes a locked portion to be locked to the locking portion, the belt-like body being configured to be wound around the endoscope to hold and fix the second operation portion of the medical device in a state where the at least three end portions are connected to the second operation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiongwei Wang, Tsukasa Ota, Takuto Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 11647899
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices that that include the following: a flexible elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be directed toward an opening of a body lumen; a first lumen extending from the distal end of the tube proximally along the tube and having a fluid connection for a fluid source at its proximal end; a second lumen extending from the distal end of the tube proximally along the tube, the second lumen configured to accept a guidewire extending along the second lumen; and a wire filament extending along the elongate tube, a distal end of the filament connected to the distal end of the elongate tube, a proximal portion of the wire extending at least partially along the elongate tube, and a distal portion of the wire extending external to the elongate tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Robert B. DeVries, Peter L. Dayton, Ryan Hartman, Douglas Melanson, Barry Weitzner, Evan Wilder, Chris Davis
  • Patent number: 11647900
    Abstract: According to some aspects, a medical imaging system is provided. The medical imaging system includes an illumination device and a medical imaging device. The illumination device includes a first light source configured to emit first light having a wavelength range. The illumination device further includes a second light source configured to emit second light having at least one predetermined wavelength band. The at least one predetermined wavelength band is within the wavelength range. The illumination device further includes a dichroic mirror configured to attenuate a portion of the wavelength range corresponding to the at least one predetermined wavelength band and to multiplex the second light with the first light such that the portion of the wavelength range of the first light is attenuated. The light multiplexed by the dichroic mirror is emitted from the illumination device along an optical axis and irradiates an observation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Goh Matsunobu, Takashi Yamaguchi, Akio Furukawa
  • Patent number: 11647901
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup apparatus, and the image pickup apparatus includes an imager includes an external electrode, a stacked device, a top electrode on a top surface, and a bottom electrode on a bottom surface, a three-dimensional wiring board having a first zone to which the external electrode is bonded, a second zone to which the top electrode or the bottom electrode is bonded, a third zone to which the top electrode or the bottom electrode is bonded, and a fifth zone arranged on a side surface of the stacked device, wherein the top surface, the bottom surface, and at least two side surfaces of the stacked device are covered with the wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11647902
    Abstract: An otoscope and method for visualizing compliance of the tympanic membrane in response to a pressure stimulus. The otoscope includes a handle, a housing, a laser assembly configured to selectively project a grid array of dots on a tympanic membrane of a patient, a camera configured to selectively capture activity of the tympanic membrane, a pressure transducer configured to selectively apply a stimulus to the tympanic membrane, a display pivotably coupled to the handle, and a controller. The display is configured to display the tympanic membrane in true color and a two-dimensional interpolated surface plot representing activity of the tympanic membrane in response to the stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Nicholas Steven Witham, Tarek Sami Marrouche, Allie Kachel, Bryan R. McRae
  • Patent number: 11647903
    Abstract: In some embodiments, techniques for using machine learning to enable visible light pupilometry are provided. In some embodiments, a smartphone may be used to create a visible light video recording of a pupillary light reflex (PLR). A machine learning model may be used to detect a size of a pupil in the video recording over time, and the size over time may be presented to a clinician. In some embodiments, a system that includes a smartphone and a box that holds the smartphone in a predetermined relationship to a subject's face is provided. In some embodiments, a sequential convolutional neural network architecture is used. In some embodiments, a fully convolutional neural network architecture is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Lynn B. McGrath, Anthony Law, Randall Bly, Shwetak N. Patel, Alex T. Mariakakis, Jacob Baudin
  • Patent number: 11647904
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring collection of subject condition data is provided. The method includes receiving a value of a parameter of subject condition data and a value of a sample time, for each of a plurality of sample times. The method also includes storing the subject condition data in a data structure including a first field for holding data indicating a current sample time and a second field for holding data indicating the value of the parameter. The method also includes determining a time gap defined by a duration between the current sample time and a most recent sample time and determining whether the time gap exceeds a time gap threshold and causing an apparatus to perform remedial action. A method for presenting the subject condition data on a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: Fu-Ming Hu, Lynn G. Stansbury, Colin F. Mackenzie, Thomas M. Scalea, Deborah M. Stein, Shiming Yang
  • Patent number: 11647905
    Abstract: A system for optical coherence tomography includes a source of optical radiation, an optical fiber, and a graded index fiber attached to a distal end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and the graded index fiber are together configured to provide a common path for optical radiation reflected from a reference interface at a distal end of the graded index fiber and from a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Avinger, Inc.
    Inventor: Manish Kankaria
  • Patent number: 11647906
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a dermoscope and a method for forming an image of a part of a skin having one or more at least partly transparent structures, such as at least partly transparent hair. The dermoscope has a light source, a light shaping unit, and an image forming lens. The light source is arranged to provide light to the light shaping unit. The light shaping unit is arranged to direct at least part of the light via an immersion fluid to the part of the skin having the one or more at least partly transparent structures to be imaged at incident angles in the immersion fluid larger than 70 degrees relative to the optical axis of the dermoscope. The image forming lens is arranged to receive at least light refracted from the one or more at least partly transparent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Michal Pawel Kasprzak
  • Patent number: 11647907
    Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: William H. Nau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11647908
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and monitoring intracavitary tissue temperature. The system may include a catheter shaft with a circuit board disposed therein, the circuit board having an array of sensors disposed thereon. The catheter shaft may have an opening and an expandable structure surrounding the opening to provide a field of view of the intracavitary tissue for the array of sensors through the opening. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that a clinician may review information indicative of temperature of the intracavitary tissue, and be alerted if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Precision EP GmbH
    Inventors: John McCarthy, Martin Matthes, Tim Lenihan, Wenzel F. Hurtak
  • Patent number: 11647909
    Abstract: A 3D scanner system for detecting and/or visualizing cariogenic regions in teeth based on fluorescence emitted from said teeth, the 3D scanner system including data processing means configured for mapping a representation of fluorescence emitted from the teeth onto the corresponding portion of a digital 3D representation of the teeth to provide a combined digital 3D representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventors: Mike Van Der Poel, Karl-Josef Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 11647910
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for continuous noninvasive measurement of vital signs such as blood pressure (cNIBP) based on pulse arrival time (PAT). The invention uses a body-worn monitor that recursively determines an estimated PEP for use in correcting PAT measurements by detecting low frequency vibrations created during a cardiac cycle, and a state estimator algorithm to identify signals indicative of aortic valve opening in those measured vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Devin McCombie, Guanqun Zhang, Isaac Henry
  • Patent number: 11647911
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a plurality of sensors wearable on different parts of a human body and a controller configured to acquire an output value of each of the sensors. The sensor each outputs an output value to calculate the same type of biological information by optical measurement, the controller selects either the sensor on the basis of each output value of the sensors, and determines a measured value of the biological information on the basis of an output values of the sensors selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Kashiwase
  • Patent number: 11647912
    Abstract: A blood pressure measuring device includes a holder configured to be mounted on a wrist of a living body and come into contact with a portion of the wrist at least between a dorsal side and a palmar side; a sensing cuff provided on a side of the holder nearer to the living body and arranged in a region of the wrist where arteries exist; and a cuff provided on a side of the holder nearer to the living body and arranged on the dorsal side of the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD., OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehiro Hamaguchi, Takeshi Kubo, Yoshihiko Sano, Takanori Nishioka, Kentaro Mori, Yu Higashimura
  • Patent number: 11647913
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus including a memory and a processor is provided. The image processing apparatus is configured to perform selecting one of data compression processing modes in response to a user input, and executing, according to the selected data compression processing mode, data compression processing on an input captured image based on an inter-frame prediction. The image processing apparatus is further configured perform generating a compressed image from the executed data compression processing. A group of pictures with respect to the generated compressed image is different according to the data compression processing modes. When receiving a request for acquiring vital information from a person captured in the input captured image, one of the data compression processing modes is selected so that the generated compressed image is configured by I pictures only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masao Hamada, Tadanori Tezuka, Tsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11647914
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to noninvasive methods, devices, and systems for measuring various blood constituents or analytes, such as glucose. In an embodiment, a light source comprises LEDs and super-luminescent LEDs. The light source emits light at at least wavelengths of about 1610 nm, about 1640 nm, and about 1665 nm. In an embodiment, the detector comprises a plurality of photodetectors arranged in a special geometry comprising one of a substantially linear substantially equal spaced geometry, a substantially linear substantially non-equal spaced geometry, and a substantially grid geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Jeroen Poeze, Marcelo Lamego, Sean Merritt, Cristiano Dalvi, Hung Vo, Johannes Bruinsma, Ferdyan Lesmana, Massi Joe E. Kiani, Greg Olsen
  • Patent number: 11647915
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for medical imaging that incorporate prior knowledge. Some aspects relate to incorporating prior knowledge using a non-local means filter. Some aspects relate to incorporating prior knowledge for improved perfusion imaging, such as those incorporating arterial spin labeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Samuel Fielden, Li Zhao, Max Wintermark, Craig H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11647916
    Abstract: In order to stably detect biological information such as the heartbeat, respiration, and pulse waves of a living organism, a biological information detection system that detects biological information comprises: a transmission antenna arranged on one side of the living organism and irradiating radio waves of prescribed polarized waves on to the living organism; a reception antenna arranged on the other side of the living organism and receiving transmitted waves being polarized waves orthogonal to the radio waves of prescribed polarized waves in a step in which same are transmitted through the living organism; and a detection unit that detects biological information on the basis of the transmitted waves received by the reception antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Takahiko Kishi
  • Patent number: 11647917
    Abstract: A subject support (14) is configured to dock with a medical imaging device (50) with a fixed spatial relationship between the docked subject support and the medical imaging device. A patient positioning device includes a range camera (10) that acquires a two-dimensional (2D) range image of a human imaging subject (12) disposed on a subject support (14). The range image has pixel values corresponding to distances from the range camera. An electronic processor (16) is programmed to perform a positioning method to determine a reference point on or in the human subject in a frame of reference (FS) of the subject support from the 2D range image. This reference point is translated to a frame of reference (FD) of the imaging device based on a priori known spatial relationship of the medical imaging device and the docked subject support. Using 3D models, the loading process may be simulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Sivaramakrishnan Krishnaiyer Raman, Girish Bogadi Eswara Prasad, Kumar Raja Gattamaneni, Girish Kumar Chegu, Prashanth Honnemaradahalli Shivamurthy
  • Patent number: 11647918
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining an examination duration tolerable by a patient in and/or on a diagnostic examination device, the patient to be examined is observed at least in a preliminary stage of the examination concerned, during which measurement parameters are ascertained. From the measurement parameters, an algorithm determines a statement about the dwell capability of the patient in the examination device. The algorithm can be an artificial neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: David Grodzki, Hans Weber